Five saponins were isolated from the kernels of Momordica cochinchinensis, by macroporous resin, silica gel, ODS column chromatography, and semi preparative HPLC. Based on MS and NMR analysis, combining with alkaline hydrolysis and acid hydrolysis, their structures were identified as: gypsogenin-3-O-{β-D-galactopyranosyl (1→2)-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1→3)]-β-D-glucuropyranonosyl}-28-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl (1→3)-[β-D-xylopyranosyl (1→4)]-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1→2)-β-D-fucopyranoside (1), quillaic acid-3-O-{β-D-galactopyranosyl (1→2)-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1→3)]-β-D-glucuropyranonosyl}-28-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl (1→3)-[β-D-xylopyranosyl (1→4)]-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1→2)-β-D-fucopyranoside (2), gypsogenin-3-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl (1→2)-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1→3)]-β-D-glucuropyranonoside sodium (3), quillaic acid-3-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl (1→2)-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1→3)]-β-D-glucuropyranonoside sodium (4), 18α-quillaic acid-3-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl (1→2)-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1→3)]-β-D-glucuropyranonoside (5). Compounds 1-5 were new compounds, and named as mubezhisides A, B, C, D, E, respectively. They all could obviously inhibited the growth of Candida albicans, C. parapsilosis, and C. tropicalis.

ObjectiveTo understand the infection characteristics of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) in hospitalized patients in a tertiary sentinel hospital in Shanghai, so as to provide an evidence for the development of targeted prevention and control measures. MethodsData of MDROs strains and corresponding medical records of some hospitalized patients in a hospital in Shanghai from 2021 to 2023 were collected, together with an analysis of the basic information, clinical treatment, underlying diseases and sources of sample collection. ResultsA total of 134 strains of MDROs isolated from hospitalized patients in this hospital were collected from 2021 to 2023 , including 63 strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), 57 strains of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB), and 14 strains of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP). Of the 134 strains, 30 strains were found in 2021, 47 strains in 2022 and 57 strains in 2023. The male-to-female ratio of patients was 2.05∶1, with the highest percentage (70.90%) in the age group of 60‒<90 years. The primary diagnosis was mainly respiratory disease, with lung and respiratory tract as the cheif infection sites. There was no statistically significant difference in the distribution of strains between different genders and infection sites (P>0.05). However, the differences in the distribution of strains between different ages and primary diagnosis were statistically significant (P<0.05). Patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), had urinary tract intubation, were not artery or vein intubated, were not on a ventilator, were not using immunosuppresants or hormones, and were not applying radiotherapy or chemotherapy were in the majority. There was no statistically significant difference in the distribution of strains for whether received radiotherapy or chemotherapy or not (P>0.05), while the differences in the distribution of strains with ICU admission history, urinary tract intubation, artery or vein intubation, ventilator use, and immunosuppresants or hormones use or not were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The type of specimen was mainly sputum, the hospitalized ward was mainly comprehensive ICU, the sampling time was mainly in the first quarter throughout the year, the number of underlying diseases was mainly between 1 to 2 kinds, the application of antibiotics ≥4 kinds, and those who didn’t receive any surgery recently accounted for the most. There were statistically significant differences in the distribution of strains between different specimen types, wards occupied and history of ICU stay (P<0.05), but no statistically significant difference in the distribution of strains between different sampling times, number of underlying diseases and types of antibiotics applied (P>0.05). ConclusionThe situation of prevention and control on MDROs in this hospital is still serious. Focus should be placed on high-risk factors’ and infection monitoring and preventive measures should be strengthened to reduce the incidence rate of MDROs infection.

Membrane proteins are integral components of cellular membranes, accounting for approximately 30% of the mammalian proteome and serving as targets for 60% of FDA-approved drugs. They are critical to both physiological functions and disease mechanisms. Their functional protein-protein interactions form the basis for many physiological processes, such as signal transduction, material transport, and cell communication. Membrane protein interactions are characterized by membrane environment dependence, spatial asymmetry, weak interaction strength, high dynamics, and a variety of interaction sites. Therefore, in situ analysis is essential for revealing the structural basis and kinetics of these proteins. This paper introduces currently available in situ analytical techniques for studying membrane protein interactions and evaluates the characteristics of each. These techniques are divided into two categories: label-based techniques (e.g., co-immunoprecipitation, proximity ligation assay, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, resonance energy transfer, and proximity labeling) and label-free techniques (e.g., cryo-electron tomography, in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, nuclear magnetic resonance, and structure prediction tools). Each technique is critically assessed in terms of its historical development, strengths, and limitations. Based on the authors’ relevant research, the paper further discusses the key issues and trends in the application of these techniques, providing valuable references for the field of membrane protein research. Label-based techniques rely on molecular tags or antibodies to detect proximity or interactions, offering high specificity and adaptability for dynamic studies. For instance, proximity ligation assay combines the specificity of antibodies with the sensitivity of PCR amplification, while proximity labeling enables spatial mapping of interactomes. Conversely, label-free techniques, such as cryo-electron tomography, provide near-native structural insights, and Raman spectroscopy directly probes molecular interactions without perturbing the membrane environment. Despite advancements, these methods face several universal challenges: (1) indirect detection, relying on proximity or tagged proxies rather than direct interaction measurement; (2) limited capacity for continuous dynamic monitoring in live cells; and (3) potential artificial influences introduced by labeling or sample preparation, which may alter native conformations. Emerging trends emphasize the multimodal integration of complementary techniques to overcome individual limitations. For example, combining in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry with proximity labeling enhances both spatial resolution and interaction coverage, enabling high-throughput subcellular interactome mapping. Similarly, coupling fluorescence resonance energy transfer with nuclear magnetic resonance and artificial intelligence (AI) simulations integrates dynamic structural data, atomic-level details, and predictive modeling for holistic insights. Advances in AI, exemplified by AlphaFold’s ability to predict interaction interfaces, further augment experimental data, accelerating structure-function analyses. Future developments in cryo-electron microscopy, super-resolution imaging, and machine learning are poised to refine spatiotemporal resolution and scalability. In conclusion, in situ analysis of membrane protein interactions remains indispensable for deciphering their roles in health and disease. While current technologies have significantly advanced our understanding, persistent gaps highlight the need for innovative, integrative approaches. By synergizing experimental and computational tools, researchers can achieve multiscale, real-time, and perturbation-free analyses, ultimately unraveling the dynamic complexity of membrane protein networks and driving therapeutic discovery.

ObjectiveTo explore the epidemic levels and epidemiological characteristics of influenza-like illness (ILI) in Hongkou District of Shanghai, to track the trends in virus mutations, so as to offer a scientific foundation for precisely predicting influenza epidemic trends, providing early alerts, and implementing prompt prevention and control measures. MethodsData on ILI and etiological surveillance from Hongkou District between 2015 and 2024 were collected and statistically analyzed. ResultsThe consultation percentage of ILI (ILI%) in Hongkou District from 2015 to 2024 was 0.58%, and the differences were statistically significant between different years (χ²=19 280.500, P<0.001), with winter and summer being the prevalence peaks. The highest proportion of ILI cases was observed in the 25‒<60 years age group, and the proportion of cases aged ≥60 years showed an increasing trend. The positive rate for influenza viruses was 17.60%, with seasonal influenzaA (H3N2) subtype (49.78%) and influenza A(H1N1) (30.03%) being the predominant strains,and the positive rate was different by years. There was a correlation between ILI% and the positive rate of influenza viruses (r=0.260, P<0.001). The median intensity of influenza activity in 2023‒2024 was 23.09, which was significantly higher than that in 2015‒2019 (H=37.052, P<0.001) and that in 2020‒2022 (H=40.436, P<0.001). ConclusionFrom 2015 to 2022, the ILI% in Hongkou District, Shanghai remained at a relatively low level, but it significantly increased in 2023‒2024, with peaks observed in winter and summer. The predominant influenza virus strains varied and alternated by years. The 2023‒2024 period witnessed an intensified influenza activity. It is necessary to continuously monitor the impact of other respiratory pathogens on influenza epidemic, so as to provide a scientific basis for early warning and prevention and control of influenza.

To promote the development of extracellular vesicles of herbal medicine especially the establishment of standardization, led by the National Expert Committee on Research and Application of Chinese Herbal Vesicles, research experts in the field of herbal medicine and extracellular vesicles were invited nationwide with the support of the Expert Committee on Research and Application of Chinese Herbal Vesicles, Professional Committee on Extracellular Vesicle Research and Application, Chinese Society of Research Hospitals and the Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Chinese Herbal Vesicles. Based on the collation of relevant literature, we have adopted the Delphi method, the consensus meeting method combined with the nominal group method to form a discussion draft of "Consensus statement on research and application of Chinese herbal medicine derived extracellular vesicles-like particles (2023)". The first draft was discussed in online and offline meetings on October 12, 14, November 2, 2022 and April and May 2023 on the current status of research, nomenclature, isolation methods, quality standards and research applications of extracellular vesicles of Chinese herbal medicines, and 13 consensus opinions were finally formed. At the Third Academic Conference on Research and Application of Chinese Herbal Vesicles, held on May 26, 2023, Kewei Zhao, convenor of the consensus, presented and read the consensus to the experts of the Expert Committee on Research and Application of Chinese Herbal Vesicles. The consensus highlights the characteristics and advantages of Chinese medicine, inherits the essence, and keeps the righteousness and innovation, aiming to provide a reference for colleagues engaged in research and application of Chinese herbal vesicles at home and abroad, decode the mystery behind Chinese herbal vesicles together, establish a safe, effective and controllable accurate Chinese herbal vesicle prevention and treatment system, and build a bridge for Chinese medicine to the world.

Six compounds were isolated from the roots of Ephedra sinica Stapf using various chromatographic techniques such as silica gel column chromatography, thin layer chromatography and semi-preparative HPLC. Their chemical structures were identified by analysis of physicochemical properties and spectral data, and determined as (Z)-docosanylferulate (1), (E)-docosanylferulate (2), bis (2-ethylheptyl) phythalate (3), 2,2′-oxybis (1,4-di-tert-butylbenzene) (4), diisobutyl phthalate (5), bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (6). Among them, compound 1 is a new compound, compounds 2-4 were first isolated from Ephedra. A corticosterone-induced PC-12 cell injury model was used for compound activity screening. The results showed that compounds 1 and 5 significantly improved corticosterone-induced PC-12 cell injury and significantly increased 5-HT₇ receptor protein expression in the cells, indicating potential antidepressant activity.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether monotropein has an anticancer effect and explore its potential mechanisms against colorectal cancer (CRC) through network pharmacology and molecular docking combined with experimental verification. METHODS: Network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to predict potential targets of monotropein against CRC. Cell counting kit assay, plate monoclonal assay and microscopic observation were used to investigate the antiproliferative effects of monotropein on CRC cells HCT116, HT29 and LoVo. Flow cytometry and scratch assay were used to analyze apoptosis and cell cycle, as well as cell migration, respectively in HCT116, HT29, and LoVo cells. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of proteins related to apoptosis, cell cycle, and cell migration, and the expression of proteins key to the Akt pathway. RESULTS: The Gene Ontology and Reactome enrichment analyses indicated that the anticancer potential of monotropein against CRC might be involved in multiple cancer-related signaling pathways. Among these pathways, RAC-beta serine/threonine-protein kinase (Akt1, Akt2), cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (CDK6), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), cell division control protein 42 homolog (CDC42) were shown as the potential anticancer targets of monotropein against CRC. Molecular docking suggested that monotropein may interact with the 6 targets (Akt1, Akt2, CDK6, MMP9, EGFR, CDC42). Subsequently, cell activity of HCT116, HT29 and LoVo cell lines were significantly suppressed by monotropein (P<0.05). Furthermore, our research revealed that monotropein induced cell apoptosis by inhibiting Bcl-2 and increasing Bax, induced G₁-S cycle arrest in colorectal cancer by decreasing the expressions of CyclinD1, CDK4 and CDK6, inhibited cell migration by suppressing the expressions of CDC42 and MMP9 (P<0.05), and might play an anticancer role through Akt signaling pathway. CONCLUSION Monotropein exerts its antitumor effects primarily by arresting the cell cycle, causing cell apoptosis, and inhibiting cell migration. This indicates a high potential for developing novel medication for treating CRC.
Humans ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism* ; Cell Proliferation ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; Cell Cycle ; ErbB Receptors ; Apoptosis ; Colorectal Neoplasms/pathology* ; Cell Line, Tumor

ObjectiveThis study aimed to develop a novel method for encapsulating oocytes in sodium alginate hydrogel using microfluidics, then to vitrify these encapsulated oocytes in a single-step process with low concentrations of cryoprotectants. MethodsWe utilized a flow-focusing microfluidic chip to generate sodium alginate hydrogel microspheres. The influence of various parameters, including throat structure, cross-linking method, sodium alginate concentrations, and flow rate ratios on the stability diameter, and coefficient of variation of microspheres were examined. To further investigate the cold-resistance of these microspheres, we used cryomicroscopy to observe changes in volume and morphology of microspheres during cooling and warming processes. We used microfluidic chip to encapsulate oocytes in sodium alginate hydrogel microspheres, the empty rate of microspheres and loss rate of oocytes were determined. After releasing from microspheres and parthenogenetic activation with cytochalasin B and strontium chloride, the survival, cleavage and blastocyst rates were evaluated during in vitro maturation. Finally, oocytes encapsulated in sodium alginate microspheres were vitrified with low concentrations of cryoprotectants. We compared the survival and development capability of the oocytes with the Cryotop method. ResultsWhen the throat of the microfluidic chip measures 300 μm in length and 120 μm in width, microspheres can be uniformly formed at the throat of the chip. Sodium alginate generates microspheres with a wide size distribution when cross-linking outside the chip, while internal cross-linking within the chip results in more uniform microspheres. The stability of microsphere formation is significantly improved with the use of a three-channel internal cross-linking chip. At a flow rate of 2 μl/min and with 1% sodium alginate, the microfluidic chip can consistently and uniformly produce microspheres. Under flow rate ratios of 10, 15, and 20, the average microsphere diameters are 262.71 μm, 193.63 μm, and 156.63 μm, respectively. The sodium alginate hydrogel microspheres maintained their volume and structural integrity during the cooling and warming processes. Using a three-channel internal cross-linking microfluidic chip to encapsulate oocytes, at a flow rate ratio of 10, the empty rate is 32.28%, and the cell loss rate is 11.09%. After encapsulation and subsequent release, the oocyte survival rate (96.99%), cleavage rate (88.71%), and blastocyst formation rate (26.29%) showed no significant differences compared to the fresh group. After the microspheres were vitrified using a low concentration of cryoprotectant (10% DMSO+10% ehylene glycol (EG)+0.5 mol/L trehalose), the survival rate, cleavage rate, and blastocyst rate were 92.48%, 70.80%, and 20.42%, respectively. No significant difference was observed when compared to the Cryotop method using a higher concentration of cryoprotectant solution (15% DMSO+15% EG+0.5 mol/L trehalose). ConclusionWe designed and fabricated a microfluidic system with three-channel internal cross-linking chips used for oocyte vitrification preservation. The microfluidic system can generate oocytes-loaded sodium alginate hydrogel microspheres with uniform size, low empty rate, and good cold-resistance. The method successfully reduced the concentration of cryoprotectants in a single-step vitrification process, the developmental capability of oocytes during in vitro maturation were comparable with Cryotop method. Unlike the Cryotop method, the oocytes encapsulated in hydrogel does not come into contact with liquid nitrogen, eliminating the risk of cross-contamination. This study provides a novel approach to oocyte vitrification.

Objective To explore the expression level of miR-34a-5p in pancreatic cancer cell PANC-1 and its effect on epithelial mesenchymal transition(EMT),cell invasion,metastasis,and chemotherapy resistance.Methods Construct stable transfected PANC-1/miR-34a-5p cells or PANC-1/mock cells,and divide the cells into four groups:PANC-1 group,PANC-1/miR-34a-5p group,PANC-1/mock group and PANC-1/miR-34a-5p+gemcitabine group.All four groups of cells were cultured for 24 h.Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression of miR-34a-5p in PANC-1 cells before and after transfection;Western blotting was used to detect the expression of EMT-related proteins;wound healing experiment was used to detect cell migration ability;the Transwell method was used to detect cell invasion ability;cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)test was used to detect cell proliferation.Results The expression levels of miR-34a-5p in PANC-1 group,PANC-1/mock group,PANC-1/miR-34a-5p group and PANC-1/miR-34a-5p+gemcitabine group were 1.01±0.08,1.03±0.06,2.43±0.15 and 1.76±0.21;the levels of E-cadherin were 0.61±0.12,0.63±0.08,0.24±0.15 and 0.48±0.05;the levels of Vimentin were 0.56±0.34,0.58±0.29,1.08±0.19 and 0.82±0.11;the relative cell migration levels were(41.48±4.94),(42.97±6.45),(81.42±6.85)and(63.54±7.63)distance·μm-1;the number of invasive cells were 212.62±9.80,209.46±13.67,463.83±35.22 and 325.46±28.44;the survival rates were(13.28±5.24)％,(14.37±4.79)％,(46.15±11.83)％and(35.78±9.42)％.The above indicators in the PANC-1/miR-34a-5p group showed statistically significant differences compared to the PANC-1 and PANC-1/mock groups(all P＜0.05).Conclusion Overexpression of miR-34a-5p promotes EMT of pancreatic cancer cells,migration of pancreatic cancer cells,invasion of pancreatic cancer cells,and chemotherapy resistance of pancreatic cancer cells.

With the aging and changes in living conditions,the incidence rate and mortality of tumors have been rising rapidly,which has become a hot topic in the medical field.At present,the treatment methods or tumors are also improving day by day,mainly relying on surgical resection.However,the characteristics of fast tumor metastasis and spread,as well as complex growth locations,make the surgical resection method limited.More and more people choose drug targeted therapy for tumors in order to reduce surgical side effects,among which cyclic guanosine monophosphate synthase interferon gene stimulatory factor(cGAS-STING signaling pathway)plays an important role in the occurrence,proliferation,and survival of tumor cells.At present,there are many types of drugs used to treat tumors,but most of them have limited control over tumor spread.In order to study the role of traditional Chinese medicine in tumor treatment and leverage its multi-component,multi target,and multi pathway characteristics,this article comprehensively analyzes and summarizes the treatment of tumors using traditional Chinese medicine based on the cGAS-STING signaling pathway in recent years,in order to further study the mechanism of action of traditional Chinese medicine and its active ingredients in the cGAS-STING signaling pathway,it also provides ideas for clinical research on new drugs.