Gelsemium elegans (G. elegans) is an extremely poisonous plant that is widely distributed in southern China and southeastern Asia. G. elegans poisoning events occur frequently in southern China, and are therefore an urgent public health problem requiring multidisciplinary action. However, the toxic components and toxicological mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we describe a systematic investigation on the toxic components of G. elegans, resulting in the isolation and identification of 120 alkaloids. Based on acute toxicity screening, the structure-toxicity relationship of Gelsemium alkaloids was proposed for the first time. Moreover, gelsedine- and humantenine-type alkaloids were detected in the clinical blood sample, and were confirmed to be causative in the poisoning. The most toxic compound, gelsenicine (1), had selective inhibitory effects toward ventral respiratory group (VRG) neurons in the medulla, which is the main brain region controlling respiration in the central nervous system. Gelsenicine (1) strongly inhibited the firing of action potentials in VRG neurons through its ability to stimulate GABA_A receptors, the main receptors involved in inhibitory neurotransmission. Application of GABA_A receptor antagonists successively reversed action potential firing in gelsenicine (1)-treated VRG neurons. Importantly, the GABA_A receptor antagonists securinine and flumazenil significantly increased the survival of poisoned animals. Our findings provide insight into the components and mechanisms of G. elegans toxicity, and should assist the development of effective emergency treatments for G. elegans poisoning.

Objective To observe the effects of Chaihu Longgu Muli Decoction on oxidative stress in hippocampus and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal(HPA)axis hormone levels of rats with generalized anxiety disorder(GAD);To explore its mechanism of alleviating anxiety in GAD rats.Methods A total of 72 Wistar rats were randomly divided into blank group(12 rats)and modeling group(60 rats).Chronic restraint stress was used to establish the GAD model.The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into model group,diazepam group(1 mg/kg)and TCM low-,medium-and high-dosage groups(Chaihu Longgu Muli Decoction 6,12,24 g/kg).The administration groups were given corresponding drugs by gavage for 14 consecutive days.Open field experiment and elevated cross maze experiment were used to observe indexes in rat behavior,HE staining was used to observe the morphology of hippocampal tissue,ELISA was used to detect the contents of serum corticotropin releasing hormone(CRH),adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH)and corticosterone(CORT),biochemical kits were used to detect the contents of malondialdehyde(MDA),catalase(CAT)and superoxide dismutase(SOD)in hippocampal tissue,RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expressions of MEK,ERK,Bax and Bcl-2 in hippocampal tissue,Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of MEK,p-MEK,ERK,p-ERK,Bax and Bcl-2 in hippocampal tissue.Results Compared with the blank group,the rats in the model group had a significantly slower growth rate of body msss,loose stool,dark hair,significant hair removal and extreme agitation;the activity time and distance in the central area were significantly reduced(P<0.01),the percentage of time,frequency and distance of entering the open arm were significantly reduced(P<0.01);with structural degeneration of hippocampal neurons,changes in cell morphology,disordered arrangement and edema of surrounding tissues;the contents of serum CRH,ACTH and CORT significantly increased(P<0.01);the MDA content in hippocampal tissue significantly increased(P<0.01),CAT and SOD contents significantly decreased(P<0.01),p-MEK and p-ERK protein expressions significantly decreased(P<0.01),Bax mRNA and protein expressions significantly increased(P<0.01),Bcl-2 mRNA and protein expressions significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the body mass growth rate of diazepam group and each dosage of TCM group increased,and the symptoms of loose stool,hair removal,anxiety and huddling were improved;the activity time and distance in the central area of rats in the diazepam group and TCM medium-and high-dosage groups significantly increased(P<0.01),and the percentage of time,frequency and distance of entering the open arm significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01);the contents of serum CRH,ACTH and CORT significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01);the MDA content in the hippocampal tissue in diazepam group and TCM high-dosage group significantly decreased(P<0.01),while the CAT and SOD contents significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),the protein expressions of p-MEK and p-ERK in hippocampal tissue in diazepam group and TCM medium-and high-dosage group significantly decreased(P<0.01),Bax mRNA and protein expressions were significantly decreased(P<0.01),and Bcl-2 mRNA and protein expressions significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).There was no statistical significance in the expressions of MEK,ERK mRNA and protein among the groups(P>0.05).Conclusion Chaihu Longgu Muli Decoction can alleviate anxiety in GAD rats by inhibiting HPA axis hormone release and MEK/ERK signaling pathway activation,improving neuroendocrine levels,and reducing hippocampal oxidative stress response.

Objective To investigate the effects of Huayu Xiaopi Decoction on the proliferation and migration of AGS cells;To explore its mechanism in treating precancerous lesions of gastric cancer.Methods AGS cells were divided into blank group,inhibitor group and Huayu Xiaopi Decoction high-,medium-and low-dosage groups.The blank group was cultured with 15%control serum,the inhibitor group was cultured with 10 μmol/L HIF-1α inhibitor,and the Huayu Xiaopi Decoction high-,medium-and low-dosage groups were cultured with 12%,6%and 3%drug containing serum,respectively.CCK-8 method was used to detect cell survival rate,cell migration ability was detected by scratch test,immunofluorescence was used to detect the expressions of proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA),matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-2 and MMP-9 in AGS cells,the expressions of HIF-1α,COX-2,VEGF,VEGFR2,MMP-2,MMP-9 mRNA and HIF-1α,COX-2,VEGF,VEGFR2 proteins in AGS cells were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot.Results Compared with the blank group,the cell survival rate and migration rate were significantly decreased in the inhibitor group and each dosage of Huayu Xiaopi Decoction groups(P<0.05),the expressions of PCNA,MMP-2 and MMP-9 significantly decreased in the inhibitor group and Huayu Xiaopi Decoction high-and medium-dosage groups(P<0.05),the mRNA expressions of HIF-1α,COX-2,VEGF,VEGFR2,MMP-2,MMP-9 and the protein expression of HIF-1α,COX-2,VEGF,VEGFR2 were significantly decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion Huayu Xiaopi Decoction can inhibit the proliferation and migration of AGS cells,and its mechanism is related to the regulation of the expression of key molecules in HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway.

Objective To investigate the effects of Huayu Xiaopi Decoction on the proliferation and migration of AGS cells;To explore its mechanism in treating precancerous lesions of gastric cancer.Methods AGS cells were divided into blank group,inhibitor group and Huayu Xiaopi Decoction high-,medium-and low-dosage groups.The blank group was cultured with 15%control serum,the inhibitor group was cultured with 10 μmol/L HIF-1α inhibitor,and the Huayu Xiaopi Decoction high-,medium-and low-dosage groups were cultured with 12%,6%and 3%drug containing serum,respectively.CCK-8 method was used to detect cell survival rate,cell migration ability was detected by scratch test,immunofluorescence was used to detect the expressions of proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA),matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-2 and MMP-9 in AGS cells,the expressions of HIF-1α,COX-2,VEGF,VEGFR2,MMP-2,MMP-9 mRNA and HIF-1α,COX-2,VEGF,VEGFR2 proteins in AGS cells were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot.Results Compared with the blank group,the cell survival rate and migration rate were significantly decreased in the inhibitor group and each dosage of Huayu Xiaopi Decoction groups(P<0.05),the expressions of PCNA,MMP-2 and MMP-9 significantly decreased in the inhibitor group and Huayu Xiaopi Decoction high-and medium-dosage groups(P<0.05),the mRNA expressions of HIF-1α,COX-2,VEGF,VEGFR2,MMP-2,MMP-9 and the protein expression of HIF-1α,COX-2,VEGF,VEGFR2 were significantly decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion Huayu Xiaopi Decoction can inhibit the proliferation and migration of AGS cells,and its mechanism is related to the regulation of the expression of key molecules in HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway.

Objective To observe the effects of Chaihu Longgu Muli Decoction on oxidative stress in hippocampus and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal(HPA)axis hormone levels of rats with generalized anxiety disorder(GAD);To explore its mechanism of alleviating anxiety in GAD rats.Methods A total of 72 Wistar rats were randomly divided into blank group(12 rats)and modeling group(60 rats).Chronic restraint stress was used to establish the GAD model.The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into model group,diazepam group(1 mg/kg)and TCM low-,medium-and high-dosage groups(Chaihu Longgu Muli Decoction 6,12,24 g/kg).The administration groups were given corresponding drugs by gavage for 14 consecutive days.Open field experiment and elevated cross maze experiment were used to observe indexes in rat behavior,HE staining was used to observe the morphology of hippocampal tissue,ELISA was used to detect the contents of serum corticotropin releasing hormone(CRH),adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH)and corticosterone(CORT),biochemical kits were used to detect the contents of malondialdehyde(MDA),catalase(CAT)and superoxide dismutase(SOD)in hippocampal tissue,RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expressions of MEK,ERK,Bax and Bcl-2 in hippocampal tissue,Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of MEK,p-MEK,ERK,p-ERK,Bax and Bcl-2 in hippocampal tissue.Results Compared with the blank group,the rats in the model group had a significantly slower growth rate of body msss,loose stool,dark hair,significant hair removal and extreme agitation;the activity time and distance in the central area were significantly reduced(P<0.01),the percentage of time,frequency and distance of entering the open arm were significantly reduced(P<0.01);with structural degeneration of hippocampal neurons,changes in cell morphology,disordered arrangement and edema of surrounding tissues;the contents of serum CRH,ACTH and CORT significantly increased(P<0.01);the MDA content in hippocampal tissue significantly increased(P<0.01),CAT and SOD contents significantly decreased(P<0.01),p-MEK and p-ERK protein expressions significantly decreased(P<0.01),Bax mRNA and protein expressions significantly increased(P<0.01),Bcl-2 mRNA and protein expressions significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the body mass growth rate of diazepam group and each dosage of TCM group increased,and the symptoms of loose stool,hair removal,anxiety and huddling were improved;the activity time and distance in the central area of rats in the diazepam group and TCM medium-and high-dosage groups significantly increased(P<0.01),and the percentage of time,frequency and distance of entering the open arm significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01);the contents of serum CRH,ACTH and CORT significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01);the MDA content in the hippocampal tissue in diazepam group and TCM high-dosage group significantly decreased(P<0.01),while the CAT and SOD contents significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),the protein expressions of p-MEK and p-ERK in hippocampal tissue in diazepam group and TCM medium-and high-dosage group significantly decreased(P<0.01),Bax mRNA and protein expressions were significantly decreased(P<0.01),and Bcl-2 mRNA and protein expressions significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).There was no statistical significance in the expressions of MEK,ERK mRNA and protein among the groups(P>0.05).Conclusion Chaihu Longgu Muli Decoction can alleviate anxiety in GAD rats by inhibiting HPA axis hormone release and MEK/ERK signaling pathway activation,improving neuroendocrine levels,and reducing hippocampal oxidative stress response.

Objective To predict the target and molecular mechanism of Huayu Xiaopi decoction in the intervention of Precancerous lesions of gastric cancer(PLGC)based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology,and to conduct experimental verification.Methods A total of 60 SPF SD male rats were randomly selected as blank control,and the other rats were replicated in PLGC model.After successful modeling,the rats were randomly divided into model group,folic acid group(2 mg·kg-1·d-1),Huayu Xiaopi decoction high,medium and low dose groups(24.8,12.4,6.2 g·kg-1·d-1),which were continuously administered for 90 days.The body mass and food intake of rats at 3 h were recorded,and the gastric histopathology was observed by HE staining.Network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques were used to predict the potential targets of Huayu Xiaopi decoction in PLGC intervention,and the core targets were verified by Western blot technique.Results Compared with the blank group,the body mass and 3 h food intake of rats in the model group were significantly decreased(P<0.05),the gastric mucosa of rats was significantly thinner,the glands were significantly reduced and disordered,and the intestinal metaplasia goblet cells and a large number of inflammatory cells were visible in some areas.Compared with the model group,the body mass and 3 h food intake of rats in each administration group were improved to varying degrees.Huayu Xiaopi Decoction improved significantly in medium and high doses(P<0.05),the gastric mucosa was repaired in different degrees,the glandular arrangement tended to be orderly,and the inflammatory cells in the interstitial were gradually reduced.The results of network pharmacology and molecular docking showed that TP53,JUN and MAPK3/1(ERK1/2)were the core targets of Huayu Xiaopi decoction in the intervention of PLGC.Molecular biological detection results showed that compared with blank group,the protein phosphorylation levels of TP53,c-Jun and ERK1/2 in gastric tissue of model group were significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with model group,the protein phosphorylation levels of TP53,c-Jun and ERK1/2 in gastric tissue of rats in all administration groups were decreased to different degrees,and significantly decreased in Huayu Xiaopi decoction high-dose and medium-dose groups(P<0.05).Conclusion Huayu Xiaopi Decoction can significantly improve the survival condition of PLGC rats and promote gastric mucosal repair,the specific mechanism of which may be related to the decrease of ERK1/2,c-Jun and TP53 protein phosphorylation levels in gastric tissue of PLGC rats,and then regulate the downstream signaling molecular response.

Renal cell carcinoma is one of the significant diseases endangering human health. Recent findings have shown that the human microbiome plays an important role in the occurrence and development of renal cell carcinoma, influencing its regression and treatment outcome. At present, microecological research on renal cell carcinoma are still in their initial stages, and their regulatory roles and specific mechanisms still need to be further explored. This article reviews the relationship between the human microbiome and renal cell carcinoma occurrence and development, as well as its role in diagnosis and therapies.

ObjectiveTo explore the intervention mechanism of Xiangsha Liujunzi Tang in rats with functional dyspepsia （FD） based on the Ras homolog gene family member A （RhoA）/Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 2 （ROCK2）/Myosin phosphatase target Subunit 1 （MYPT1） pathway. MethodSixty male SD suckling rats in SPF grades were randomly divided into blank group （n=10） and model group （n=50）. The comprehensive modeling method （gavage administration of iodoacetamide+exhaustion of swimming+disturbance of hunger and satiety） was used to replicate the rat model of FD. After successful replication of the model， the rats in the model group were randomly divided into model group， mosapride group， and high， middle， and low-dose Xiangsha Liujunzi Tang groups， with 10 rats in each group. Rats in the blank group and model group were given 10 mL kg^-1·d^-1 normal saline， those in the mosapride group were given 1.35 mg·kg^-1·d^-1 mosapride， and those in the high， middle， and low-dose Xiangsha Liujunzi Tang groups were given 12， 6， and 3 g·kg^-1·d^-1 Xiangsha Liujunzi Tang， respectively. The intervention lasted 14 days. The general living conditions of rats were observed before and after modeling and administration， and the 3-hour food intake and body mass of rats were measured. After intervention， the intestinal propulsion rate of rats was measured， and the pathological changes in the gastric tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. The content of choline acetyl transferase （ChAT） and vasoactive intestinal peptide （VIP） in the medulla oblongata and gastric tissue homogenate was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）， the distribution of adenosine triphosphate （ATP） enzyme in gastric antrum smooth muscle was observed by frozen section staining， and the protein expression levels of RhoA， ROCK2， and phosphorylated-myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 （p-MYPT1） in the gastric tissue were detected by Western blot. ResultCompared with the blank group， the model group had withered hair， lazy movement， slow action， poor general living condition， lower 3-hour food intake， body mass， and lower intestinal propulsion rate （P<0.05）， whereas no obvious abnormality in gastric histopathology. In the model group， the content of ChAT in the medulla oblongata and gastric tissue decreased， the content of VIP in gastric tissue increased， the distribution of ATP enzyme in gastric antrum smooth muscle decreased significantly， and the protein expression levels of RhoA， ROCK2， and p-MYPT1 in the gastric tissue decreased significantly （P<0.05）. As compared with the model group， the general living condition of rats in each intervention group was significantly improved， and the 3-hour food intake， body mass， and intestinal propulsion rate were significantly increased （P<0.05）. There was no significant difference in gastric pathology in the intervention groups. The content of ChAT in the medulla oblongata and gastric tissue increased significantly， the content of VIP in the gastric tissue decreased， the distribution of ATP enzyme in gastric antrum smooth muscle increased significantly， and the protein expression levels of RhoA， ROCK2， and p-MYPT1 in the gastric tissue increased significantly （P<0.05）. The intervention effect of Xiangsha Liujunzi Tang group on the above indexes was dose-dependent. ConclusionXiangsha Liujunzi Tang can effectively improve the general living condition and gastric motility of rats with FD， and its specific mechanism may be related to the activation of the RhoA/ROCK2/MYPT1 pathway in the gastric tissue to regulate smooth muscle relaxation and contraction and promote gastric motility.

Objective: To investigate the origin of infection and risk factors of a case with SARS-CoV-2 infection associated with overseas countries in the Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, Zhejiang Province, so as to provide the evidence for improving the COVID-19 control measures at ports. Methods: Ningbo Center for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) and Beilun CDC conducted case finding and epidemiological surveys immediately after being informed. The general information, history of vaccination and the travel during the latest 14 days were collected from the positive case, and all close contacts were tracked. Saliva samples were collected for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid testing and whole-genome sequencing, and the sequencing results were aligned with the GISAID's EpiCoV database. The origin of infection and transmission route of the positive case was investigated. Results: A case was identified positive for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid during company M's routine screening in the Ningbo-Zhoushan Port on August 10, 2021, and was confirmed positive for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid by Beilun CDC and Ningbo CDC on August 11. Whole-genome sequencing showed SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 ( Delta ) variant, which shared the highest homology with the virus sequence uploaded by Russia on June, 2021 ( Russia/MOW-RII-MH27356S/2021 ). The case was a bundling worker for overseas container ships, and reported communicated with foreign boatmen and contacted materials without protected interventions on the SINOKOR AKITA Container Ship between August 4 and 5, 2021. This ship anchored at Vladivostok, Russia from July 27 to 29, anchored at Ningbo Harbor on August 4, and departed on August 5. Then, 11 boatmen from this ship were tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid on August 8. One asymptomatic case was reported in this epidemic; 254 close contacts and 617 secondary close contacts were identified, and all were tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid. No new cases with SARS-CoV-2 infections were detected until August 25, 2021, and the emergency response was therefore terminated. Conclusions The infection was a sporadic COVID-19 epidemic associated with overseas countries, which was caused by Delta variant infection through contacts with foreign boatmen or materials by a bundling worker in Ningbo-Zhoushan Port; fortunately, no epidemic spread occurred. Intensified closed-loop management and increased frequency of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid test among high-risk populations, and improving the precision and rapid emergency treatment of COVID-19 epidemics are required for the containment of COVID-19 at ports.

Objective To investigate the role of BMP-2/Smad signaling pathway in the osteogenic differentiation of human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) caused by hyperphosphatemia -induced calcium phosphate (CaP) crystals.Methods High-phosphate medium was incubated at 37℃ for 3 days.CaP crystals and supernatant were isolated by ultracentrifugation.Scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were performed for analysis of physicochemical characteristics of CaP crystals.HASMCs were cultured in vitro,and divided into high-phosphate,control,crystals and supernatant groups.Calcification was visualized by Alizarin red staining.Calcium loads in cells were quantified by o-cresolphthalein complexone method.Protein expression of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2),Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2),osteopontin (OPN),phospho-Smad1/5/9 (p-Smad1/5/9) were quantified by Western blotting.After knockdowns of BMP-2 and Smad1 with small hairpin RNA (shRNA) interfering respectively in HASMCs,protein expressions were measured by Western blotting.Results High-phosphate medium induced the formation of CaP crystals.Compared with the cells in control group,CaP crystals significantly induced HASMCs calcification,increased calcium loads and up-regulated the levels of BMP-2,RUNX2 and OPN proteins (all P ＜ 0.05).After the addition of CaP crystals into HASMCs,the level of p-Smad 1/5/9 protein peaked at 30 min (P ＜ 0.05).After BMP-2 was knocked down in HASMCs,the expression of p-Smad1 caused by CaP crystals was blocked completely,and the expressions of RUNX2 and OPN caused by CaP crystals were reduced significantly (all P ＜ 0.05).After Smad1 was knocked down in HASMCs,the expressions of RUNX2 and OPN caused by CaP crystals were decreased significantly (all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Hyperphosphatemia-induced CaP crystals promoted osteogenic differentiation of HASMCs through the BMP-2/Smad signaling pathway.