The chemical constituents in dried roots of Atractylodes macrocephala were investigated in this study. Through utilizing normal-phase silica gel and ODS column chromatography, TLC, and semi-preparative HPLC, 4 new sesquiterpenoids were purified from the ethyl acetate extract of A. macrocephala. By various spectroscopic techniques, such as 1D and 2D NMR, HR-ESI-MS, IR, UV, and CD, their structures were identified as atractylmacron A (1), 9β-hydroxyasterolide (2), atractylenolide H (3), atractylenolide J (4). Compound 1 possesses a rare 6/7 bicyclic skeleton.

The AP2/ERF transcription factor family is a class of transcription factors widely present in plants, playing a crucial role in regulating flowering, flower development, flower opening, and flower senescence. Based on transcriptome data from flower, leaf, and stem samples of two Lonicera macranthoides varieties, 117 L. macranthoides AP2/ERF family members were identified, including 14 AP2 subfamily members, 61 ERF subfamily members, 40 DREB subfamily members, and 2 RAV subfamily members. Bioinformatics and differential gene expression analyses were performed using NCBI, ExPASy, SOMPA, and other platforms, and the expression patterns of L. macranthoides AP2/ERF transcription factors were validated via qRT-PCR. The results indicated that the 117 LmAP2/ERF members exhibited both similarities and variations in protein physicochemical properties, AP2 domains, family evolution, and protein functions. Differential gene expression analysis revealed that AP2/ERF transcription factors were primarily differentially expressed in the flowers of the two L. macranthoides varieties, with the differentially expressed genes mainly belonging to the ERF and DREB subfamilies. Further analysis identified three AP2 subfamily genes and two ERF subfamily genes as potential regulators of flower development, two ERF subfamily genes involved in flower opening, and two ERF subfamily genes along with one DREB subfamily gene involved in flower senescence. Based on family evolution and expression analyses, it is speculated that AP2/ERF transcription factors can regulate flower development, opening, and senescence in L. macranthoides, with ERF subfamily genes potentially serving as key regulators of flowering duration. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for further research into the specific functions of the AP2/ERF transcription factor family in L. macranthoides and offer important theoretical insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying floral phenotypic differences among its varieties.
Plant Proteins/chemistry* ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Transcription Factors/chemistry* ; Lonicera/classification* ; Flowers/metabolism* ; Phylogeny ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Multigene Family

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the immediate effect of Kuanxiong Aerosol (KXA) on perioperative coronary microcirculation in patients with unstable angina (UA) suffering from elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: From February 2021 to July 2023, UA inpatients who underwent PCI alone in the left anterior descending (LAD) branch were included. Random numbers were generated to divide patients into the trial group and the control group at a ratio of 1:1. The index of coronary microcirculation resistance (IMR) was measured before PCI, and the trial group was given two sprays of KXA, while the control group was not given. IMR was measured again after PCI, cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and creatine kinase isoenzyme-MB (CK-MB) were detected before and 24 h after surgery, and major cardiovascular adverse events (MACEs) were recorded for 30 days. The data statistics and analysis personnel were blinded. RESULTS: Totally 859 patients were screened, and 62 of them were involved into this study. Finally, 1 patient in the trial group failed to complete the post-PCI IMR and was excluded, 30 patients were included for data analysis, while 31 patients in the control group were enrolled in data analysis. There was no significant difference in baseline data (age, gender, risk factors, previous history, biochemical index, and drug therapy, etc.) between the two groups. In addition, differences in IMR, cTnI and CK-MB were not statistically significant between the two groups before surgery. After PCI, the IMR level of the trial group was significantly lower than that of the control group (19.56 ± 14.37 vs. 27.15 ± 15.03, P=0.048). Besides, the incidence of perioperative myocardial injury (PMI) was lower in the trial group, but the difference was not statistically significant (6.67% vs. 16.13%, P=0.425). No MACEs were reported in either group. CONCLUSIONS KXA has the potential of improving coronary microvascular dysfunction. This study provides reference for the application of KXA in UA patients undergoing elective PCI. (Registration No. ChiCTR2300069831).
Humans ; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention ; Male ; Microcirculation/drug effects* ; Female ; Angina, Unstable/physiopathology* ; Pilot Projects ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Aerosols ; Troponin I/blood* ; Coronary Circulation/drug effects* ; Elective Surgical Procedures

Objective To investigate the role of the pituitary tumor-transforming gene 3(PTTG3P)/microRNA-146a-3p(miR-146a-3p)/pituitary tumor-transforming gene 1(PTTG1)pathway in the castration-resistant transformation of prostate cancer(PCa).Methods Real-time quantitative PCR(qPCR)was used to detect the differences in PTTG3P mRNA expression between androgen-dependent PCa cells LNCaP and cas-tration-resistant PCa(CRPC)cells PC3 and DU145,as well as between primary PCa tissues and CRPC tis-sues.PTTG3P overexpression vectors and PTTG1 interference vectors(shPTTG1)were constructed and transfected into LNCaP cells.The cells were divided into the LNCaP group(control),LNCaP/PTTG3P group(transfected with PTTG3P overexpression vector),and LNCaP/PTTG3P/shPTTG group(transfected with PTTG3P overexpression vector and shPTTG).Under castrated conditions,qPCR was used to detect the ex-pression levels of PTTG3P mRNA and miR-146a-3p in each group of LNCaP cells.Cell viability assays in vitro were conducted to assess the growth status of each group of LNCaP cells,colony formation assays were performed to evaluate the tumorigenic ability of each group of LNCaP cells,and Western blotting was used to detect PTTG1 protein expression levels in each group of LNCaP cells.To investigate the role of miR-146a-3p in the PTTG3P/PTTG1 pathway,LNCaP cells were transfected with a miR-146a-3p mimic to establish a miR-146a-3p mimic cell line,and then transfected with the PTTG3P overexpression plasmid to create a miR-146a-3p mimic+PTTG3P cell line.A luciferase reporter assay was conducted to verify the relationship between miR-146a-3p and PTTG1.Results Compared with androgen-dependent PCa cells LNCaP and treatment-naive PCa tissues,PTTG3P mRNA expression was higher in CRPC cells PC3,DU145,and tissues(P<0.05).Un-der castration conditions,the cell viability and colony formation ability of the LNCaP/PTTG3P group were higher than those of the LNCaP group(P<0.05);cell viability and colony formation ability in the LNCaP/PTTG3P/shPTTG group were lower than those in the LNCaP/PTTG3P group(P<0.05);miR-146a-3p ex-pression was lower in CRPC than in treatment-naive PCa tissues(P<0.05).Overexpression of miR-146a-3p inhibited PTTG1 expression in LNCaP cells,and overexpression of PTTG3P reversed this effect(P<0.05).Conclusion Overexpression of PTTG3P promotes the progression of PCa to CRPC through the miR-146a-3p/PTTG1 pathway.The mechanism may involve PTTG3P competitively binding to miR-146a-3p,thereby upreg-ulating PTTG1 expression.

Objective To explore the mechanism by which the sanguis draconis flavones(SDF)regulates the reactive oxygen species(ROS)/thioredoxin-interacting protein(TXNIP)pathway to mediate cell pyroptosis and improve cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury(CIRI)in rats.Methods The experimental rats were randomly divided into the control group(Ctrl),the CIRI group,the low-dose SDF group(SDF-L),the high-dose SDF group(SDF-H),and the SDF-H+ROS/TXNIP pathway activator,trimethylamine oxide(TMAO)group(SDF-H+TMAO).Among them,except for the control group,the remaining rats all needed to establish the CIRI rat model by the modified suture method.Zea Longa scoring was performed on rats from each group.ELISA was used to detect the levels of serum inflammatory factors interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-18 and oxidative stress-related factors superoxide dismutase(SOD),malondialdehyde(MDA),glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px).Flow cytometry was used to measure the ROS levels.Cerebral edema was detected.Cerebral infarction was detected by 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride(TTC)staining.HE staining was used to detect the pathological changes of brain tissue.Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of pyrolytic effector protein dermolin D(GSDMD).Western blotting was used to detect the expression of proteins related to the ROS/TXNIP pathway.Results Compared with the control group,a large area of cerebral infarctions were observed in the brain tissue of the CIRI group,accompanied by mild hemorrhage and obvious infiltration of inflammatory cells.Neuronal cells underwent degeneration and necrosis,with sparse and disordered arrangement.The phenomena of nuclear condensation and nucleolus lysis were obvious.The Zea Longa score,cerebral infarction volume,brain tissue water content,levels of IL-1β,IL-18,ROS,MDA,and the expressions of GSDMD,TXNIP,nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3),apoptosis-related punctate protein(ASC),and Caspase-1 increased,while the activities of SOD and GSH-Px decreased(P＜0.05).Compared with the CIRI group,the pathological damage of brain tissues in the SDF-L group and the SDF-H group was significantly improved.The Zea Longa score,cerebral infarction volume,brain tissue water content,levels of IL-1β,IL-18,ROS,MDA,and the expressions of GSDMD,TXNIP,NLRP3,ASC,and Caspase-1 decreased.The activities of SOD and GSH-Px increased(P＜0.05);TMAO treatment partially reversed the improvement effect of SDF on CIRI in rats.Conclusion SDF ameliorates cerebral CIRI in rats by inhibiting ROS/TXNIP pathway-mediated pyroptosis.

Objective Understanding the population structure of mosquitoes in the drainage system of Minhang District,Shanghai,and exploring the physical prevention and control technology of mosquito traps with a Vazor mosquito repellent film in the drainage system.Methods A 500 mL water spoon was used to assist in visual inspection to investigate the breeding status of mosquito larvae in the drainage system.A carbon dioxide mosquito trap method was used to monitor adult mosquitoes around the ground drainage system,and the artificial hour method was used to monitor adult mosquitoes around the underground drainage system.Mosquito-repellent film was applied at a rate of 1 mL/m2 to the drainage system where mosquito larvae or pupae are found,and the breeding situation was observed and recorded.Results The positivity rate of mosquitoes breeding in the ground drainage system was 50%.The mosquito larvae in the drainage channels were primarily Aedes albopictus,whereas Ae.albopictus were primarily noted in the sewage wells.The proportions of Ae.albopictus and Culex pipiens pallens in the rainwater wells were similar,and the dominant mosquito species around the surface drainage system was Ae.Albopictus.The positive rate of mosquito breeding in the underground drainage system was 47%,with the dominant mosquito species being Cx.pipiens pallens(58.39%)followed by Ae.albopictus(41.6%).The dominant adult mosquito species around the drainage system were Cx.pipiens pallens(83%)followed by Ae.albopictus(11%).In terms of the effectiveness of mosquito-repellent water film,the mosquito breeding rates of the ground and underground drainage systems using mosquito-repellent water film decreased to 2.78%and 5%after 1 week of use,respectively,and then rebounded after the 3rd week.After a supplementary dose during the 5th week,the breeding rates returned to normal.No statistically significant differences were observed in the effect compared with the standard control group using 1%bisulfite granules;however,a statistically significant difference was noted compared with the blank control group without special treatment.Conclusions In the drainage system of Minhang District,Shanghai,mosquito breeding is severe,and variations exist in the dominant mosquito species in different environmental drainage facilities.The simultaneous use of mosquito-repellent films can effectively control mosquito breeding in drainage systems.

Aim To investigate the mechanism of ligu aged 2 months of the same strain were used as the constilide (LIG) in delaying the senescence of auditory trol (Ctrl) group. Auditory brainstem response test was cortex and treating central presbycusis. Methods used to detect the auditory threshold of mice before and Forty C57BL/6J mice aged 13 months were randomly di after treatment. Levels of serum MDA and activity of vided into ligustilide low-dose(L-LIG) group, ligustil serum SOD were detected to display the level of oxidative ide medium-dose (M-LIG) group, ligustilide high-dose stress. The pathological changes of auditory cortex were (H-LIG) group and aging (Age) group, and 10 mice observed by HE staining. Ferroptosis was observed by

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:To analyze the association between visceral fat area (VFA) and fatty liver based on quantitative CT (QCT) in people receiving health examination with normal body mass index (BMI).Methods:A cross-sectional study. A total of 1 305 physical examiners who underwent chest CT and QCT examination in the Department of Health Management of Henan Provincial People′s Hospital from January to December 2021 were retrospectively selected as subjects. The physical components at the central level of the lumbar two cone were measured with QCT, including subcutaneous fat area (SFA), VFA and liver fat content (LFC). And the metabolic indexes, such as blood lipids and blood glucose, were collected. The t-test and χ2 test were used to analyze the correlation between the detection rate of fatty live and LFCr and age and gender. According to level of VFA (<100 cm 2, 100-150 cm 2 and≥150 cm 2), the subjects were divided into three groups, and one-way ANOVA and χ2 test were used in comparison between groups. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the correlation between VFA and metabolic indexes and LFC. Results:Of the 1 305 subjects, there were 634 males and 671 females. The detection rate of fatty liver in normal BMI population was 65.67%, and it was 72.71% and 59.02% respectively in men and women ( χ2=27.12, P<0.001), and the detection rate of fatty liver and LFC increased with age (both P<0.05). With the increase of VFA, the age, BMI, SFA, LFC, total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), fasting blood glucose (FBG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood uric acid and prevalence of fatty liver increased (all P<0.05), and the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) decreased ( P<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that after adjustment for age factors, regardless of male or female, LFC was independently positively related with VFA, BMI, and ALT (male β=0.206, 0.145, 0.174, female β=0.194, 0.150, 0.184; all P<0.05). FBG was positively correlated with male independently ( β=0.134; P<0.001). The indicators related to female independently were TC, TG, and blood uric acid ( β=-0.121, 0.145, 0.141, all P<0.05) Conclusion:In the population receiving health examination with normal BMI, the VFA measured by QCT technique is closely related to fatty liver.

Objective:To explore the relationship between the Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) and the HALP score with the prognosis of patients with middle-to-advanced prostate cancer. Methods:A total of 168 patients with middle-to-advanced prostate cancer admitted to three comprehensive tertiary hospitals were observed from 2013 to 2018. Patient medical records were reviewed,and overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were followed up. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to calculate the area under the curve (AUC) and the optimal cut-off value of PNI and HALP scores for predicting patients' prognosis. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to draw survival curves,and the Log-rank test and Cox regression were used to analyze the influencing factors of patient OS and PFS. Results:The follow-up period was 55 (38.5,63) months,with 87 deaths (51.79％) during this period. The median OS and PFS times were 50 months and 45 months,respectively. The 3-year OS and PFS survival rates were 72.02％ and 64.29％,respectively. The areas under the ROC curve for predicting patients' prognosis with PNI and HALP scores were 0.912 and 0.828,respectively,with optimal cut-off values of 46.3 and 31.64 (P<0.05). Multivariate Cox regression showed that PNI<46.3,HALP score<31.64,and age ≥ 60 years were risk factors for OS with HR (95％ CI) of 6.016 (3.273～11.056),2.537 (1.531～4.205),and 1.776 (1.221～2.967),respectively (P<0.05). AJCC stage Ⅳ,PNI<46.3,and HALP<31.64 were risk factors for PFS with HR (95％ CI) of 2.777 (1.381～5.419),5.940 (3.245～10.872),and 2.481 (1.498～4.109),respectively (P<0.05). Conclusion:PNI and HALP scores can predict the prognosis of patients with middle-to-advanced prostate cancer.