ObjectiveTo characterize the quality differences among different germplasm and introduced varieties of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium roots（BSR）， and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms， providing a basis for high-quality production and quality control. MethodsWild BSR from Yulin（YLW） served as the quality reference， we conducted comparative analysis among YLW， locally domesticated wild germplasm in Yulin（YLC3）， Daqing germplasm introduced and cultivated in Yulin（YLDQC3）， and locally cultivated germplasm in Daqing（DQC3）. A combination of traditional pharmacognostic methods and modern multi-omics analyses was employed， including macroscopic traits（appearance， odor）， microscopic features（proportions of cork， phloem， xylem）， cell wall component contents（hemicellulose， cellulose， lignin）， carbohydrate contents（starch， water-soluble polysaccharides）， marker compound contents（ethanol-soluble extracts， total saponins， liposoluble extracts， and saikosaponins A， B₂， C， D）， metabolomics， and transcriptomics， in order to systematically characterize quality differences and investigate molecular mechanisms among these samples. ResultsMacroscopically， Yulin-produced BSR（YLW， YLC3， YLDQC3） exhibited significantly greater weight， length， and upper and middle diameters than Daqing-produced BSR（DQC3）. Odor-wise， YLW and YLC3 had a a fragrance taste， YLDQC3 had a rancid oil odor， and DQC3 had a sweet and fragrant taste. Microscopically， Yulin germplasm（YLW， YLC3） and Daqing germplasm（YLDQC3， DQC3） shared similar structural features， respectively. However， Yulin germplasm showed significantly higher proportions of cork and phloem， as well as stronger xylem vessel staining intensity compared to Daqing germplasm. Regarding various component contents， Yulin germplasm contained significantly higher levels of ethanol-soluble extracts， total saponins， and saikosaponins A， B₂， C， D， while Daqing germplasm had significantly higher levels of hemicellulose， starch， and liposoluble extracts. After introduction to Yulin， the Daqing germplasm（YLDQC3） showed increased starch， water-soluble polysaccharides and liposoluble extracts contents， decreased cell wall component content， but no significant difference in other component contents. Metabolomics revealed that saponins and terpenes accumulated significantly in Yulin germplasm， while alcohols and aldehydes accumulated predominantly in Daqing germplasm. Transcriptomics indicated similar gene expression patterns within the same germplasm but specificity between different germplasms. Integrative metabolomic-transcriptomic analysis identified 145 potential key genes associated with the saikosaponin biosynthesis pathway， including one acetyl-coenzyme A（CoA） acetyltransferase gene（ACAT）， one 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A synthase gene（HMGS）， two hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA（HMG-CoA） reductase genes（HMG）， one phosphomevalonate kinase gene（PMK）， one 1-deoxy-D-xylose-5-phosphate synthase gene（CLA）， one hydroxymethylbuten-1-aldol synthase gene（HDR）， two farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase genes（FPPS）， one squalene synthase gene（SQS）， one β-amyrin synthase gene（BAS）， 102 cytochrome P450（CYP450） gene family members， and 32 uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase（UGT） gene family members. ConclusionAmong the three cultivated types， YLC3 most closely resembles YLW in appearance， microscopic features， contents of major bioactive constituents， metabolomic and transcriptomic profiles. Yulin germplasm exhibits superior saponin synthesis capability compared to Daqing germplasm， and Yulin region is more suitable for the growth of B. scorzonerifolium. Based on these findings， it is recommended that artificial cultivation in northern Shaanxi and similar regions utilize the local Yulin germplasm source cultivated for at least three years.

BACKGROUND: Bile acids (BAs) facilitate the progression of gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM). Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) dysregulation was observed along with the initiation of gastric cancer. However, how lncRNAs function in GIM remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the role and mechanism of lncRNA PVT1 in GIM, and provide a potential therapeutic target for GIM treatment. METHODS: We employed RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to screen dysregulated lncRNAs in gastric epithelial cells after BA treatment. Bioinformatics analysis was conducted to reveal the regulatory mechanism. PVT1 expression was detected in 21 paired biopsies obtained under endoscopy. Overexpressed and knockdown cell models were established to explore gene functions in GIM. Molecular interactions were validated by dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and chromatin immunoprecipitation (Ch-IP). The levels of relative molecular expression were detected in GIM tissues. RESULTS: We confirmed that lncRNA PVT1 was upregulated in BA-induced GIM model. PVT1 promoted the expression of intestinal markers such as CDX2 , KLF4 , and HNF4α . Bioinformatics analysis revealed that miR-34b-5p was a putative target of PVT1 . miR-34b-5p mimics increased CDX2 , KLF4 , and HNF4α levels. Restoration of miR-34b-5p decreased the pro-metaplastic effect of PVT1 . The interactions between PVT1 , miR-34b-5p, and the downstream target HNF4α were validated. Moreover, HNF4α could transcriptionally activated PVT1 , sustaining the GIM phenotype. Finally, the activation of the PVT1 /miR-34b-5p/ HNF4α loop was detected in GIM tissues. CONCLUSIONS BAs facilitate GIM partially via a PVT1/miR-34b-5p/HNF4α positive feedback loop. PVT1 may become a novel target for blocking the continuous development of GIM and preventing the initiation of gastric cancer in patients with bile reflux.
Humans ; RNA, Long Noncoding/metabolism* ; MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4/genetics* ; Bile Acids and Salts ; Kruppel-Like Factor 4 ; Metaplasia/metabolism*

Bone repair remains an important target in tissue engineering, making the development of bioactive scaffolds for effective bone defect repair a critical objective. In this study, β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) scaffolds incorporated with processed pyritum decoction (PPD) were fabricated using three-dimensional (3D) printing-assisted freeze-casting. The produced composite scaffolds were evaluated for their mechanical strength, physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, in vitro pro-angiogenic activity, and in vivo efficacy in repairing rabbit femoral defects. They not only demonstrated excellent physicochemical properties, enhanced mechanical strength, and good biosafety but also significantly promoted the proliferation, migration, and aggregation of pro-angiogenic human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). In vivo studies revealed that all scaffold groups facilitated osteogenesis at the bone defect site, with the β-TCP scaffolds loaded with PPD markedly enhancing the expression of neurogenic locus Notch homolog protein 1 (Notch1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), and osteopontin (OPN). Overall, the scaffolds developed in this study exhibited strong angiogenic and osteogenic capabilities both in vitro and in vivo. The incorporation of PPD notably promoted the angiogenic-osteogenic coupling, thereby accelerating bone repair, which suggests that PPD is a promising material for bone repair and that the PPD/β-TCP scaffolds hold great potential as a bone graft alternative.
Calcium Phosphates/chemistry* ; Animals ; Bone Regeneration ; Rabbits ; Tissue Scaffolds ; Printing, Three-Dimensional ; Humans ; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells ; Neovascularization, Physiologic ; Osteogenesis ; Tissue Engineering/methods* ; Biomimetic Materials ; Cell Proliferation ; Angiogenesis

Objective To investigate the relationship between kinase insert domain receptor(KDR)rs2305948 polymorphism and clopidogrel resistance(CR)in patients with acute coronary syndrome after receiving percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI).Methods A total of 468 patients with acute coronary syndrome,who were admitted to the Zhangjiakou Municipal First Hospital of China from September 2022 to September 2023,were selected as the subjects of study.All patients received PCI treatment and took medication of clopidogrel after the treatment.The occurrence of CR was recorded.The factors influencing the occurrence of CR were analyzed.The clinical significance of KDR rs2305948 polymorphism in predicting CR in patients with acute coronary syndrome after receiving PCI was evaluated.Results Of 468 patients with acute coronary syndrome,116(24.79％)developed CR.Logistic multivariate regression analysis indicated that low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C,95％CI=1.420-8.390,OR=3.452),type 2 vascular endothelial growth factor receptor(VEGFR-2,95％CI=1.374-8.118,OR=3.340),KDR rs2305948 T/T genotype(95％CI=1.677-9.905,OR=4.076),and T allele(95％CI=1.390-8.207,OR=3.377)were the independent factors influencing the occurrence of CR inpatients with acute coronary syndrome after receiving PCI(all P＜0.05).Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis showed that the sensitivity,specificity,and area under ROC curve(AUC)of the T/T genotype of KDR rs2305948 in predicting CR in patients with acute coronary syndrome after receiving PCI were 75.86％,70.45％,and 0.773(95％CI=0.666-0.880)respectively.Conclusion In patients with acute coronary syndrome after receiving PCI,the risk of developing CR is higher.The KDR rs2305948 polymorphism is correlated with CR in patients with acute coronary syndrome after receiving PCI,and it has a certain predictive value for CR.

OBJECTIVE To provide a detailed report and interpretation of the method and results for determining the weights of the technical indicators from the “multi-dimensional and multi-criteria comprehensive evaluation index system （first edition）” stated in Guideline for Multi-dimensional and Multi-criteria Comprehensive Evaluation of Chinese Patent Medicine. METHODS Normalization calculations were performed on the comprehensive weight values calculated by the analytic hierarchy process and expert weighting method to obtain the objective weights of the indicators. RESULTS The weight results of the six primary dimensions in the current comprehensive evaluation indicator system of Chinese patent medicine showed effectiveness dimension＞ safety dimension＞standard dimension＞application dimension＞scientific dimension＞economic dimension， with weight values of 0.281 0， 0.268 5， 0.195 8， 0.107 3， 0.096 1 and 0.051 3 respectively， consistent with the results of most researches currently. CONCLUSIONS The process of weight determination in this indicator system is scientifically reasonable， with clear methods and clear interpretations， and is worthy of further optimization and widespread application.

The retrieval and evaluation of evidence is the basis for the development of clinical practice guidelines for Chinese patent medicine. As traditional Chinese medicine has a different development trajectory and utilization characteristics from modern medicine， there is certain differences in terms of evidence composition， retrieval and integration.This paper discussed multi-source body of evidence on Chinese patent medicine based on modern evidence-based medicine and ancient medical literature， and summarized the retrieval strategy as well as the possible problems and solving methods. For different types of evidence on Chinese patent medicine， the corresponding evaluation tools have been recommended， and the order to integrate the evidence based on the quality of the evidence from high to low is suggested. Finally， a multi-source based evidence retrieval-evaluation-integration scheme for Chinese patent medicine has been formed， which will provide a methodological reference for practitioners in the development of clinical practice guidelines for Chinese patent medicine.

Objective To investigate the potential value of exosomes derived from rat ectoderm mesenchymal stem cells(EMSCs-exo)for repairing secondary spinal cord injury.Methods EMSCs-exo were obtained using ultracentrifugation from EMSCs isolated from rat nasal mucosa,identified by transmission electron microscope,nanoparticle tracking analysis(NTA),and Western blotting,and quantified using the BCA method.Neonatal rat microglia purified by differential attachment were induced with 100 μg/L lipopolysaccharide(LPS)and treated with 37.5 or 75 mg/L EMSCs-exo.PC12 cells were exposed to 400 μmol/L H2O2 and treated with EMSCs-exo at 37.5 or 75 mg/L.The protein and mRNA expressions of Arg1 and iNOS in the treated cells were determined with Western blotting and qRT-PCR,and the concentrations of IL-6,IL-10,and IGF-1 in the supernatants were measured with ELISA.The viability and apoptosis of PC12 cells were detected using CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry.Results The isolated rat EMSCs showed high expressions of nestin,CD44,CD105,and vimentin.The obtained EMSCs-exo had a typical cup-shaped structure under transmission electron microscope with an average particle size of 142 nm and positivity for CD63,CD81,and TSG101 but not vimentin.In LPS-treated microglia,EMSCs-exo treatment at 75 mg/L significantly increased Arg1 protein level and lowered iNOS protein expression(P<0.05).EMSCs-exo treatment at 75 mg/L,as compared with the lower concentration at 37.5 mg/L,more strongly increased Arg1 mRNA expression and IGF-1 and IL-10 production and decreased iNOS mRNA expression and IL-6 production in LPS-induced microglia,and more effectively promoted cell survival and decreased apoptosis rate of H2O2-induced PC12 cells(P<0.05).Conclusion EMSCs-exo at 75 mg/L can effectively reduce the proportion of M1 microglia and alleviate neuronal apoptosis under oxidative stress to promote neuronal survival,suggesting its potential in controlling secondary spinal cord injury.

Objective To investigate the regulatory effects of plasma-derived exosomal microRNA-1306-5p(miR-1306-5p)on inflammation,apoptosis and oxidative stress in intestinal mucosal epithelial cells in sepsis,and to explore the potential mechanisms.Methods Sepsis plasma-derived exosomes and healthy plasma exo-somes were separated and divided into healthy plasma exosomes group and sepsis plasma-derived exosomes group.The exosomes were observed by electron microscopy,the physical parameters of the two groups of exo-somes were analyzed,and the expression of miR-1306-5p in the exosomes was detected.Intestinal mucosal epi-thelial cells were divided into control group,negative control group of miR-1306-5p mimic(mimic-NC group),miR-1306-5p mimic group(mimic group),mimic combined with overexpression of PLK1 empty vector group(mimic-PLK1-EV group),and mimic combined with overexpression of Polo-like kinase 1(PLK1)group(mimic+PLK1-OE group).Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR was used to detect the mRNA expressions of miR-1306-5p and PLK1 in each group,and protein imprinting was used to detect the expressions of miR-1306-5p target genes PLK1,caspase 3,B lymphoblastoma-2(Bcl-2)and Bcl2-associated X protein(Bax).Dual luciferase reporter gene assay was used to detect the binding effect of miR-1306-5p and PLK1,and flow cytom-etry was used to detect apoptosis.The expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-6 and IL-8 in the supernatant of cultured cells were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The expressions of reactive oxygen species(ROS),malondialdehyde(MDA),glutathione(GSH)and superoxide dismutase(SOD)were detected by kit method.Results The plasma derived exosomes of sepsis and healthy plasma were ellipsoid in shape,and there was no significant difference in physical parameters(P＞0.05).Compared with the healthy plasma exosomes group,the expression of miR-1306-5p was up-regulated in the plasma derived exosomes of sepsis group(P＜0.05).PLK1 was identified as the target gene of miR-1306-5p by double luciferase reporter method.Compared with mimic-NC group,the expressions of miR-1306-5p,TNF-α,IL-6,IL-8,IL-1β,caspase3,Bax,ROS and MDA were up-regulated,the apoptosis rate was increased,and the expressions of PKL1,Bcl-2,GSH and SOD were down-regulated in mimic group(all P＜0.05).Compared with mimic+PLK1-EV group,the expressions of TNF-α,IL-6,IL-8,IL-1β,caspase3,Bax,ROS,and MDA were significantly down-regulated,the apoptosis rate was decreased,and the expressions of PKL1,Bcl-2,GSH and SOD were up-regulated in mimic+PLK1-OE group(all P＜0.05).Conclusion Plasma derived exosome miR-1306-5p in sepsis promotes inflammation,apoptosis and oxidative stress damage of intestinal mucosal epi-thelial cells by targeting PKL1 inhibition.

Objective To investigate the potential value of exosomes derived from rat ectoderm mesenchymal stem cells(EMSCs-exo)for repairing secondary spinal cord injury.Methods EMSCs-exo were obtained using ultracentrifugation from EMSCs isolated from rat nasal mucosa,identified by transmission electron microscope,nanoparticle tracking analysis(NTA),and Western blotting,and quantified using the BCA method.Neonatal rat microglia purified by differential attachment were induced with 100 μg/L lipopolysaccharide(LPS)and treated with 37.5 or 75 mg/L EMSCs-exo.PC12 cells were exposed to 400 μmol/L H2O2 and treated with EMSCs-exo at 37.5 or 75 mg/L.The protein and mRNA expressions of Arg1 and iNOS in the treated cells were determined with Western blotting and qRT-PCR,and the concentrations of IL-6,IL-10,and IGF-1 in the supernatants were measured with ELISA.The viability and apoptosis of PC12 cells were detected using CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry.Results The isolated rat EMSCs showed high expressions of nestin,CD44,CD105,and vimentin.The obtained EMSCs-exo had a typical cup-shaped structure under transmission electron microscope with an average particle size of 142 nm and positivity for CD63,CD81,and TSG101 but not vimentin.In LPS-treated microglia,EMSCs-exo treatment at 75 mg/L significantly increased Arg1 protein level and lowered iNOS protein expression(P<0.05).EMSCs-exo treatment at 75 mg/L,as compared with the lower concentration at 37.5 mg/L,more strongly increased Arg1 mRNA expression and IGF-1 and IL-10 production and decreased iNOS mRNA expression and IL-6 production in LPS-induced microglia,and more effectively promoted cell survival and decreased apoptosis rate of H2O2-induced PC12 cells(P<0.05).Conclusion EMSCs-exo at 75 mg/L can effectively reduce the proportion of M1 microglia and alleviate neuronal apoptosis under oxidative stress to promote neuronal survival,suggesting its potential in controlling secondary spinal cord injury.

AIM:To observe the different effects of three intervention approaches on related biometric parameters in children diagnosed with latent myopia, and to investigate different control effects on children with latent myopia.METHODS:Prospective cohort concurrent controls trials. A total of 60 cases(120 eyes)of children who were initially diagnosed as latent myopia and untreated previously at ophthalmology clinic of the Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University from December 2021 to May 2022 were recruited. They were randomly divided into three groups, with 20 cases(40 eyes)in group A treated with 0.01% Atropine eye drops, 20 cases(40 eyes)in group B treated with vision training with a flip chart, and 20 cases(40 eyes)in group C treated with esculin and digitalis glycosides eye drops. They were followed-up for 12 mo, and the spherical equivalent(SE), axial length(AL), corneal curvature(CC), accommodative facility(AF), and macular retinal thickness of the three groups of children were compared at 6 and 12 mo post-intervention.RESULTS:Significant statistical differences were found in AL, SE and AF of the three groups of children at 6 and 12 mo(all P<0.05), and there were significant differences between 6 and 12 mo after the intervention(all P<0.05). SE and AF in the group B and C were higher than those in the group A(all P<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in CC before and after the intervention(all P>0.05). The retinal thickness of the temporal, nasal, inferior and macular fovea of the outer ring at 6 and 12 mo after intervention in the three groups was significantly different from that at the initial diagnosis(all P<0.05), and there was significant difference between 6 mo and 12 mo after intervention(all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the retinal thickness of the other macular areas among the three groups before and after intervention(all P>0.05).CONCLUSION:When it comes to preventing and controlling myopia, 0.01% Atropine is more effective than flip chart training and esculin and digitalis glycosides eye drops. Therefore, the administration of 0.01% atropine and the implementation of flip chart training can effectively slow down the advancement of latent myopia.