Objective　To detect clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) in Listeria monocytogenes, and analyze the structure and homology of CRISPR loci. Methods Totally 34 strains of Listeria monocytogenes isolated in our laboratory were identified, PCR amplified and sequenced. The repeat sequence structure and spacer sequence homology in CRISPR loci were analyzed by bioinformatics software. Results A total of 7 CRISPR loci were detected in 34 strains. The mutation rate of the first 2 and last 2 bases of the Repeat sequence of CRISPR loci was higher, while the mutation rate of the middle part was lower. Seven CRISPR sites form eight CRISPR structural types, among which the Repeat sequences of CRISPR1 and CRISPR2 are relatively conserved, while the Repeat sequences of CRISPR1 and CRISPR5 can form dumbbell shaped secondary structures. The number of Spacer sequences contained in each CRISPR site ranges from 2 to 15, with an average of 2.43. The 136 Spacer sequences detected were not only homologous to Listeria plasmids and bacteriophages, but also homologous to uncultured virus sequences, staphylococcal bacteriophages, and Listeria innocua. The same CRISPR genotype did not show large-scale clustering, but some strains in the same year were in the same evolutionary cluster with close genetic relationships. Conclusion The CRISPR structure of Listeria monocytogenes in this study exhibits high specificity, and its homology with bacteriophages provides a theoretical basis for the application of bacteriophages in the control and prevention of Listeria monocytogenes.

The neurophysiological mechanisms by which exercise improves cognitive function have not been fully elucidated. A comprehensive and systematic review of current domestic and international neurophysiological evidence on exercise improving cognitive function was conducted from multiple perspectives. At the molecular level, exercise promotes nerve cell regeneration and synaptogenesis and maintains cellular development and homeostasis through the modulation of a variety of neurotrophic factors, receptor activity, neuropeptides, and monoamine neurotransmitters, and by decreasing the levels of inflammatory factors and other modulators of neuroplasticity. At the cellular level, exercise enhances neural activation and control and improves brain structure through nerve regeneration, synaptogenesis, improved glial cell function and angiogenesis. At the structural level of the brain, exercise promotes cognitive function by affecting white and gray matter volumes, neural activation and brain region connectivity, as well as increasing cerebral blood flow. This review elucidates how exercise improves the internal environment at the molecular level, promotes cell regeneration and functional differentiation, and enhances the brain structure and neural efficiency. It provides a comprehensive, multi-dimensional explanation of the neurophysiological mechanisms through which exercise promotes cognitive function.
Animals ; Humans ; Brain/physiology* ; Cognition/physiology* ; Exercise/physiology* ; Nerve Regeneration/physiology* ; Neuronal Plasticity/physiology*

Process analytical technology(PAT) is a key means for digital transformation and upgrading of the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) manufacturing process, serving as an important guarantee for consistent and controllable TCM product quality. Near-infrared(NIR) spectroscopy has become the core technology for measuring the TCM manufacturing process. By incorporating NIR spectroscopy into PAT and starting from the construction of a smart platform for the TCM manufacturing process, this paper systematically described the development history and innovative application of the combination of NIR spectroscopy with chemometrics in measuring the TCM manufacturing process by the research team over the past two decades. Additionally, it explored the application of a validation method based on accuracy profile(AP) in the practice of NIR spectroscopy. Furthermore, the software development progress driven by NIR spectroscopy supported by modeling technology was analyzed, and the prospect of integrating NIR spectroscopy in smart factory control platforms was exemplified with the construction practices of related platforms. By integrating with the smart platform, NIR spectroscopy could improve production efficiency and guarantee product quality. Finally, the prospect of the smart platform application in measuring the TCM manufacturing process was projected. It is believed that the software development for NIR spectroscopy and the smart manufacturing platform will provide strong technical support for TCM digitalization and industrialization.
Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared/methods* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/analysis* ; Software ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Quality Control

OBJECTIVE: To explore the functional roles and underlying mechanisms of neferine in the context of angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced hypertension and vascular dysfunction. METHODS: Male mice were infused with Ang II to induce hypertension and randomly divided into treatment groups receiving neferine or a control vehicle based on baseline blood pressure using a random number table method. The hypertensive mouse model was constructed by infusing Ang II via a micro-osmotic pump (500 ng/kg per minute), and neferine (0.1, 1, or 10 mg/kg), valsartan (10 mg/kg), or double distilled water was administered intragastrically once daily for 6 weeks. A non-invasive blood pressure system, ultrasound, and hematoxylin and eosin staining were performed to assess blood pressure and vascular changes. RNA sequencing and network pharmacology were employed to identify differentially expressed transcripts (DETs) and pathways. Vascular ring tension assay was used to test vascular function. A7R5 cells were incubated with neferine for 24 h and then treated with Ang II to record the real-time Ca²⁺ concentration by confocal microscope. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot were used to evaluate vasorelaxation, calcium, and the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 pathway. RESULTS: Neferine treatment effectively mitigated the elevation in blood pressure, pulse wave velocity, aortic thickening in the abdominal aorta of Ang II-infused mice (P<0.05). RNA sequencing and network pharmacology analysis identified 355 DETs that were significantly reversed by neferine treatment, along with 25 potential target genes, which were further enriched in multiple pathways and biological processes, such as ERK1 and ERK2 cascade regulation, calcium pathway, and vascular smooth muscle contraction. Further investigation revealed that neferine treatment enhanced vasorelaxation and reduced Ca²⁺-dependent contraction of abdominal aortic rings, independent of endothelium function (P<0.05). The underlying mechanisms were mediated, at least in part, via suppression of receptor-operated channels, store-operated channels, or voltage-operated calcium channels. Neferine pre-treatment demonstrated a reduction in intracellular Ca²⁺ release in Ang II stimulated A7R5 cells. IHC staining and Western blot confirmed that neferine treatment effectively attenuated the upregulation of p-ERK1/2 both in vivo and in vitro, which was similar with treatment of ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Neferine remarkably alleviates Ang II-induced elevation of blood pressure, vascular dysfunction, and pathological changes in the abdominal aorta. This beneficial effect is mediated by the modulation of multiple pathways, including calcium and ERK1/2 pathways.
Animals ; Angiotensin II ; Male ; Benzylisoquinolines/therapeutic use* ; Network Pharmacology ; Blood Pressure/drug effects* ; Sequence Analysis, RNA ; Mice ; Hypertension/chemically induced* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Calcium/metabolism*

ObjectiveTo study the mechanism of astragaloside Ⅳ （AS Ⅳ） on db/db mice with type 2 diabetes mellitus （T2DM） and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease （NAFLD） based on network pharmacology and experimental validation. MethodA total of 24 db/db mice were randomly divided into four groups： model group， metformin group， and low-dose and high-dose AS Ⅳ groups. Six C57 mice were used as the blank group. The low-dose and high-dose AS Ⅳ groups were given AS Ⅳ of 0.015 and 0.030 g·kg^-1 by gavage， and the metformin group was given 0.067 g·kg^-1 by gavage. The blank and model groups were given equal volumes of distilled water by gavage. After intragastric administration， fasting blood glucose （FBG） was detected， and an oral glucose tolerance test was performed. Serum lipid level and liver histopathology were detected. The target and enrichment pathway of AS Ⅳ for treating T2DM and NAFLD were predicted by network pharmacology， and the main enrichment pathway was verified by molecular biology techniques. The protein expressions of AMPK， p-AMPK， sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 （SREBP-1）， and fatty acid synthetase （FAS） in liver tissue were detected by Western blot. ResultCompared with the blank group， the levels of body mass， liver weight coefficient， fasting blood glucose， serum total cholesterol， triglyceride， and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in mice treated with AS Ⅳ were decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The pathology of liver tissue showed significant improvement in lipid accumulation， and imaging results showed that the degree of fatty liver was reduced after AS Ⅳ therapy. Network pharmacological prediction results showed that vascular endothelial growth factor α （VEGFA）， galactoagglutinin 3 （LGALS3）， serine/threonine kinase B2 （Akt2）， RHO-associated coiled-coil protein kinase 1 （ROCK1）， serine/threonine kinase B1 （Akt1）， signaling and transcriptional activator protein （STAT3）， and messtimal epidermal transformation factor （MET） were key targets in "drug-disease" network. The results from the Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes （KEGG） enrichment showed that the AMP-dependent protein kinase （AMPK） signaling pathway was strongly associated with T2DM and NAFLD. Western blot results showed that compared with the blank group， the expression levels of p-AMPK/AMPK in the model group were significantly down-regulated， while those of SREBP-1 and FAS proteins were significantly up-regulated （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the expression levels of p-AMPK/AMPK in the metformin group and high-dose AS Ⅳ group were significantly up-regulated， while those of SREBP-1 and FAS proteins were significantly down-regulated （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionAS Ⅳ regulates the expression of lipid proteins by activating the AMPK signaling pathway， thereby improving lipid metabolism.

Objective To observe the efficacy and safety of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides in the continuation treatment of mild and moderate depression.Methods An open,single-arm,multi-center design was adopted in our study.Adult patients with mild and moderate depression who had received acute treatment of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides were enrolled and continue to receive Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides capsules for 24 weeks,the dose remained unchanged during continuation treatment.The remission rate,recurrence rate,recurrence time,and the change from baseline to endpoint of Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD),Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA),Clinical Global Impression-Severity(CGI-S)and Arizona Sexual Experience Scale(ASEX)were evaluated.The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was reported.Results The scores of HAMD-17 at baseline and after treatment were 6.60±1.87 and 5.85±4.18,scores of HAMA were 6.36±3.02 and 4.93±3.09,scores of CGI-S were 1.49±0.56 and 1.29±0.81,scores of ASEX were 15.92±4.72 and 15.57±5.26,with significant difference(P＜0.05).After continuation treatment,the remission rate was 54.59％(202 cases/370 cases),and the recurrence rate was 6.49％(24 cases/370 cases),the recurrence time was(64.67±42.47)days.The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was 15.35％(64 cases/417 cases).Conclusion Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides capsules can be effectively used for the continuation treatment of mild and moderate depression,and are well tolerated and safe.

Objective Evaluation of the clinical efficacy of f trochanteric flip osteotomy combined with Kocher-Langen-beck approach for high acetabular posterior wall fracture.Methods Between January 2020 and December 2022,20 patients with high acetabular posterior wall fractures were retrospectively analyzed,including 12 males and 8 females,aged 18 to 75 years old.They were divided into two groups according to the different surgical methods.Ten patients were treated with greater trochanteric osteotomy combined with Kocher-Langenbeck approach as the observation group,including 5 males and 5 fe-males,aged from 18 to 75 years old.Ten patients were treated with Kocher-Langenbeck approach alone as the control group,including 7 males and 3 females,aged from 18 to 71 years old.Matta reduction criteria were used to evaluate the reduction quality of the two groups,and Harris score was used to compare the hip function of the two groups at the latest follow-up.The operation time,blood loss and postoperative complications of the two groups were analyzed.Results All patients were followed up for 10 to 24 months.According to the Matta fracture reduction quality evaluation criteria,the observation group achieved anatomical reduction in 6 cases,satisfactory reduction in 3 cases,and unsatisfactory reduction in 1 case,while the control group only achieved anatomical reduction in 3 cases,satisfactory reduction in 3 cases,and unsatisfactory reduction in 4 cases.At the final follow-up,the Harris hip score ranged from 71.4 to 96.6 in the observation group and 65.3 to 94.5 in the control group.According to the results of Harris score.The hip joint function of the observation group was excellent in 6 cases,good in 3 cases,and fair in 1 case.The hip joint function of the control group was excellent in 2 cases,good in 3 cases,fair in 3 cases,and poor in 2 cases.In the observation group,the intraoperative blood loss ranged from 300 to 700 ml,and the operation dura-tion ranged from 120 to 180 min;in the control group,the intraoperative blood loss ranged from 300 to 650 ml,and the opera-tion duration ranged from 100 to 180 min.Complications in the observation group included 1 case of traumatic arthritis and 1 case of heterotopic ossification,while complications in the control group included 3 cases of traumatic arthritis,3 cases of het-erotopic ossification and 1 case of hip abduction weakness.Conclusions Trochanteric flip osteotomy combined with the Kocher-Langenbeck approach significantly improved anatomical fracture reduction rates,enhanced excellent and good hip joint function outcomes,and reduced surgical complication incidence compared to the Kocher-Langenbeck approach alone.Clinical application of this combined approach is promising,although larger studies are needed for further validation.

As artificial intelligence technology rapidly advances, its deployment within the medical sector presents substantial ethical challenges. Consequently, it becomes crucial to create a standardized, transparent, and secure framework for processing medical data. This includes setting the ethical boundaries for medical artificial intelligence and safeguarding both patient rights and data integrity. This consensus governs every facet of medical data handling through artificial intelligence, encompassing data gathering, processing, storage, transmission, utilization, and sharing. Its purpose is to ensure the management of medical data adheres to ethical standards and legal requirements, while safeguarding patient privacy and data security. Concurrently, the principles of compliance with the law, patient privacy respect, patient interest protection, and safety and reliability are underscored. Key issues such as informed consent, data usage, intellectual property protection, conflict of interest, and benefit sharing are examined in depth. The enactment of this expert consensus is intended to foster the profound integration and sustainable advancement of artificial intelligence within the medical domain, while simultaneously ensuring that artificial intelligence adheres strictly to the relevant ethical norms and legal frameworks during the processing of medical data.
Artificial Intelligence/legislation & jurisprudence* ; Humans ; Consensus ; Computer Security/standards* ; Confidentiality/ethics* ; Informed Consent/ethics*

The sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) is a metric used to assess DNA fragmentation within sperm. During in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET), high sperm DFI can lead to a low fertilization rate, poor embryo development, early miscarriage, etc. A kinase anchoring protein (AKAP) is a scaffold protein that can bind protein kinase A (PKA) to subcellular sites of specific substrates and protects the biophosphorylation reaction. Sperm protein antigen 17 (SPA17) can also bind to AKAP. This study intends to explore the reason for the decreased fertilization rate observed in high sperm DFI (H-DFI) patients during IVF-ET. In addition, the study investigates the expression of AKAP, protein kinase A regulatory subunit (PKARII), and SPA17 between H-DFI and low sperm DFI (L-DFI) patients. SPA17 at the transcriptional level is abnormal, the translational level increases in H-DFI patients, and the expression of AKAP4/PKARII protein decreases. H2O2 has been used to simulate oxidative stress damage to spermatozoa during the formation of sperm DFI. It indicates that H2O2 increases the expression of sperm SPA17 protein and suppresses AKAP4/PKARII protein expression. These processes inhibit sperm capacitation and reduce acrosomal reactions. Embryo culture data and IVF outcomes have been documented. The H-DFI group has a lower fertilization rate. Therefore, the results indicate that the possible causes for the decreased fertilization rate in the H-DFI patients have included loss of sperm AKAP4/PKARII proteins, blocked sperm capacitation, and reduced occurrence of acrosome reaction.

This study compared the effects of Curcuma longa before and after processing with vinegar on the rat model of dysmenorrhea with the syndrome of liver depression and Qi stagnation to reveal the mechanism of vinegar processing in improving the role of C. longa in soothing liver and relieving pain. The rat model of dysmenorrhea with the syndrome of liver depression and Qi stagnation was established according to the Preparation of the Animal Model of Dysmenorrhea(Draft) and the chronic unpredictable stress me-thod. The changes in the body weight, organ indexes, writhing latency, writhing score, and serum levels of six liver function indicators, sex hormones, pain factors, and blood rheological indicators were measured to evaluate the efficacy of C. longa processed with vinegar or not in treating dysmenorrhea in the rats with syndrome of liver depression and qi stagnation. Compared with the model group, the C. longa group(processed with vinegar or not) showed slow weight loss, increase in writhing latency, and decrease in writhing response(P<0.05). The inhibition rates on writhing in raw C. longa, vinegar-processed C. longa, and positive groups were 33.780%, 64.611%, and 62.466%, respectively. The significantly higher inhibition rate of the vinegar processing group indicated that vinegar-processed C. longa demonstrated more significant therapeutic effect. The vinegar-processed C. longa group showed lower levels of alanine aminotransferase(ALT), alkaline phosphatase(ALP), aspartate aminotransferase(AST), direct bilirubin(DBIL), and total bilirubin(TBIL) and higher level of albumin(ALB)(P<0.05), which indicated that vinegar processing enhanced the therapeutic effect of C. longa on liver injury. The serum levels of estradiol(E_2) and oxytocin(OT) were lower in the vinegar-processed C. longa group(P<0.05), indicating that the vinegar-processed C. longa could regulate the sex hormone levels, reduce the activity of uterine smooth muscle and contraction of uterus, and alleviate the symptoms of dysmenorrhea in rats. Moreover, the vinegar-processed C. longa group showed lower interleukin-6(IL-6) and arginine vasopressin(AVP) levels and higher beta-endorphin(β-EP) level(P<0.05), which indicated that vinegar-processed C. longa regulated the levels of pain factors to exert the pain-relieving effect. Drug intervention decreased the whole blood viscosity low-cut, medium-cut and high-cut values, plasma viscosity, whole blood reduction viscosity low-cut and high-cut values, erythrocyte cumulative pressure, and equation K value of erythrocyte sedimentation rate(P<0.05), and the vinegar-processed C. longa group outperformed other groups. This result indicated that vinegar processing enhanced the function of C. longa in improving the local blood rheology. C. longa processed with vinegar can enter the liver to relieve the da-mage to the heart, liver, kidney, and uterus, repair the liver function, and recover the sex hormone levels and immune function by regulating the levels of sex hormones and pain factors and improving the blood rheology. It activates the pain-relieving mechanism to relieve the pain, protect the liver, and fight inflammation, which is consistent with the theory that vinegar processing facilitates C. longa entering the liver to sooth liver and relieve pain.