Locomotion, a fundamental motor function encompassing various forms such as swimming, walking, running, and flying, is essential for animal survival and adaptation. The mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR), located at the midbrain-hindbrain junction, is a conserved brain area critical for controlling locomotion. This review highlights recent advances in understanding the MLR’s structure and function across species, from lampreys to mammals and birds, with a particular focus on insights gained from optogenetic studies in mammals. The goal is to uncover universal strategies for MLR-mediated locomotor control. Electrical stimulation of the MLR in species such as lampreys, salamanders, cats, and mice initiates locomotion and modulates speed and patterns. For example, in lampreys, MLR stimulation induces swimming, with increased intensity or frequency enhancing propulsive force. Similarly, in salamanders, graded stimulation transitions locomotor outputs from walking to swimming. Histochemical studies reveal that effective MLR stimulation sites colocalize with cholinergic neurons, suggesting a conserved neurochemical basis for locomotion control. In mammals, the MLR comprises two key nuclei: the cuneiform nucleus (CnF) and the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN). Both nuclei contain glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons, with the PPN additionally housing cholinergic neurons. Optogenetic studies in mice by selectively activating glutamatergic neurons have demonstrated that the CnF and PPN play distinct roles in motor control: the CnF drives rapid escape behaviors, while the PPN regulates slower, exploratory movements. This functional specialization within the MLR allows animals to adapt their locomotion patterns and speed in response to environmental demands and behavioral objectives. Similar to findings in lampreys, the CnF and PPN in mice transmit motor commands to spinal effector circuits by modulating the activity of brainstem reticular formation neurons. However, they achieve this through distinct reticulospinal pathways, enabling the generation of specific behaviors. Further insights from monosynaptic rabies viral tracing reveal that the CnF and PPN integrate inputs from diverse brain regions to produce context-appropriate behaviors. For instance, glutamatergic neurons in the PPN receive signals from other midbrain structures, the basal ganglia, and medullary nuclei, whereas glutamatergic neurons in the CnF rarely receive inputs from the basal ganglia but instead are strongly influenced by the periaqueductal grey and inferior colliculus within the midbrain. These differential connectivity patterns underscore the specialized roles of the CnF and PPN in motor control, highlighting their unique contributions to coordinating locomotion. Birds exhibit exceptional flight capabilities, yet the avian MLR remains poorly understood. Comparative studies suggest that the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPTg) in birds is homologous to the mammalian PPN, which contains cholinergic neurons, while the intercollicular nucleus (ICo) or nucleus isthmi pars magnocellularis (ImC) may correspond to the CnF. These findings provide important clues for identifying the avian MLR and elucidating its role in flight control. However, functional validation through targeted experiments is urgently needed to confirm these hypotheses. Optogenetics and other advanced techniques in mice have greatly advanced MLR research, enabling precise manipulation of specific neuronal populations. Future studies should extend these methods to other species, particularly birds, to explore unique locomotor adaptations. Comparative analyses of MLR structure and function across species will deepen our understanding of the conserved and evolved features of motor control, revealing fundamental principles of locomotion regulation throughout evolution. By integrating findings from diverse species, we can uncover how the MLR has been adapted to meet the locomotor demands of different environments, from aquatic to aerial habitats.

Aim To investigate the therapeutic effect of the MW-9 on ulcerative colitis(UC)and reveal the underlying mechanism, so as to provide a scientific guidance for the MW-9 treatment of UC. Methods The model of lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells was established. The effect of MW-9 on RAW264.7 cells viability was detected by MTT assay. The levels of nitric oxide(NO)in RAW264.7 macrophages were measured by Griess assay. Cell supernatants and serum levels of inflammatory cytokines containing IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β were determined by ELISA kits. Dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced UC model in mice was established and body weight of mice in each group was measured. The histopathological damage degree of colonic tissue was assessed by HE staining. The protein expression of p-p38, p-ERK1/2 and p-JNK was detected by Western blot. Results MW-9 intervention significantly inhibited NO release in RAW264.7 macrophages with IC50 of 20.47 mg·L-1 and decreased the overproduction of inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α(P<0.05). MW-9 had no cytotoxicity at the concentrations below 6 mg·L-1. After MW-9 treatment, mouse body weight was gradually reduced, and the serum IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α levels were significantly down-regulated. Compared with the model group, MW-9 significantly decreased the expression of p-p38 and p-ERK1/2 protein. Conclusions MW-9 has significant anti-inflammatory activities both in vitro and in vivo, and its underlying mechanism for the treatment of UC may be associated with the inhibition of MAPK signaling pathway.

Naturally derived metabolites are valuable resources for drug research and development, and play an important role in the treatment of diseases. As the "second genome" of the body, gut microbiota is rich in metabolic enzymes, which interacts with external substances such as drugs, thus affecting the progression of diseases. This article summarizes the interaction between gut microbiota-producing enzymes and natural medicines, and focuses on the impact of this interaction on disease progression, hoping to provide new ideas for the development and pharmacological mechanism of natural medicines.

Objective To study the effect of berberine on the damage of renal tubular epithelial cells(RETC)in diabetic in vitro.Methods RTEC were divided into control group,model group(high glucose),low dose experimental group(2 mg·L-1 berberine and high glucose),medium dose experimental group(4 mg·L-1 berberine and high glucose),high dose experimental group(8 mg·L-1 berberine and high glucose),BBM-H+miR-NC(transfected with mimics control group,8 mg·L-1 berberine and high glucose),BBM-H+miR-135b group(transfected with miR-135b mimics,8 mg·L-1 berberine and high glucose).Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT)method was used to detect cell proliferation activity,flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis rate,Western blot was used to detect the expression of B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2)and Bel-associated X(Bax)proteins in cells,and reactive oxygen species(ROS)level were detected by chemical fluorescence method,thiobarbituric acid method was used to detect malondialdehyde(MDA)level,and xanthine oxidation method was used to detect superoxide dismutase(SOD)level,the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-8(IL-8)and interleukin-1β(IL-1 β)were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Results The proliferative activity(OD value)of RTEC in control group,model group and low,medium,high dose experimental groups were 0.66±0.04,0.36±0.02,0.43±0.03,0.54±0.03,0.63±0.05;the apoptosis rates were(3.62±0.31)％,(29.41±2.33)％,(20.10±1.65)％,(15.02±1.25)％,(9.58±1.43)％;MDA were(1.04±0.12),(5.24±0.29),(3.45±0.22),(2.16±0.13),(1.60±0.11)nmol·mL-1;SOD were(240.22±12.06),(130.56±10.84),(169.62±12.50),(201.97±12.78),(236.74±14.52)U·mL-1;TNF-α were(31.25±2.51),(51.84±4.20),(44.52±2.61),(38.25±1.50),(32.10±1.78)mg·L-1;IL-8 were(10.59±1.14),(19.95±1.74),(16.10±1.03),(13.52±1.25),(11.17±0.92)mg·L-1;IL-1β were(23.01±1.45),(56.92±2.51),(43.20±1.96),(32.05±1.23),(26.37±2.48)mg·L-1.There were statistically significant differences between model group and control group(all P＜0.05).Compared with the model group,the above indexes in low,medium and high dose experimental group were statistically significant(all P＜0.05).The above indexes of BBM-H+miR-NC group were statistically significant compared with those of BBM-H+miR-135b group(all P＜0.05).Conclusion Berberine can reduce diabetic renal tubular epithelial cell damage by down-regulating miR-135b.

Objective To compare the pharmacokinetic profiles of the two teriflunomide tablets in healthy Chinese subjects under fasting and fed conditions and to evaluate their bioequivalence and safety.Methods A randomized,open,single-dose,parallel trial design was used to enroll 31 and 32 healthy Chinese male subjects in the fasting and fed groups,who were randomized to a single oral dose of 14 mg of either reference or test preparation of teriflunomide tablets.The plasma concentrations of teriflunomide were determined using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method,and Phoenix WinNonlin 8.1 software was used to calculate pharmacokinetic parameters and perform bioequivalence analysis.Results Subjects received a single oral dose of the reference and test formulations of teriflunomide.The main pharmacokinetic parameters of teriflunomide in the fasting group were as follows:Cmax were(2.14±0.27)and(2.27±0.33)μg·mL-1,AUC0-72h were(105.70±11.20)and(107.72±11.77)μg·mL-1·h,tmax was 1.49 and 0.99 h;the main pharmacokinetic parameters of teriflunomide in the fed group were as follows:Cmaxwere(1.83±0.17)and(1.75±0.22)μg·mL-1,AUC0-72h were(102.66±9.18)and(101.57±13.01)μg·mL-1·h,tmax was 4.01 and 4.99 h.The 90％confidence intervals for the geometric means of Cmax and AUC0-72h for reference and test preparations in the fasting and fed groups were in the range of 80％to 125％.Conclusion The pharmacokinetic characteristics of the 2 formulations were similar under fasting and fed administration conditions,with good bioequivalence and safety;Postprandial administration may delay the time to peak of the drug.

Quercetin can mediate the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)signaling pathways to prevent osteoporosis(OP).This paper comprehensively discusses the interrelationship between MAPK and osteoporosis-related cells based on the latest domestic and international research.Additionally,it elucidates the research progress of quercetin in mediating the MAPK signaling pathway for OP prevention.The aim is to provide an effective foundation for the clinical prevention and treatment of OP and the in-depth development of quercetin.

Objective Recombinase-aided polymerase chain reaction(RAP)is a sensitive,single-tube,two-stage nucleic acid amplification method.This study aimed to develop an assay that can be used for the early diagnosis of three types of bacteremia caused by Staphylococcus aureus(SA),Pseudomonas aeruginosa(PA),and Acinetobacter baumannii(AB)in the bloodstream based on recombinant human mannan-binding lectin protein(M1 protein)-conjugated magnetic bead(M1 bead)enrichment of pathogens combined with RAP. Methods Recombinant plasmids were used to evaluate the assay sensitivity.Common blood influenza bacteria were used for the specific detection.Simulated and clinical plasma samples were enriched with M1 beads and then subjected to multiple recombinase-aided PCR(M-RAP)and quantitative PCR(qPCR)assays.Kappa analysis was used to evaluate the consistency between the two assays. Results The M-RAP method had sensitivity rates of 1,10,and 1 copies/μL for the detection of SA,PA,and AB plasmids,respectively,without cross-reaction to other bacterial species.The M-RAP assay obtained results for<10 CFU/mL pathogens in the blood within 4 h,with higher sensitivity than qPCR.M-RAP and qPCR for SA,PA,and AB yielded Kappa values of 0.839,0.815,and 0.856,respectively(P<0.05). Conclusion An M-RAP assay for SA,PA,and AB in blood samples utilizing M1 bead enrichment has been developed and can be potentially used for the early detection of bacteremia.

Objective:To analyze and predict the future trend of the premature mortality of major chronic and non-communicable diseases in Anhui Province, evaluate the implementation of the "Healthy China 2030" Plan, and explore its influencing factors.Methods:Using data from death-cause surveillance and statistical yearbooks in Anhui, the trend prediction and analysis on influencing factors were conducted by using methods such as time series accumulation and logarithmic linear Joinpoint regression, principal component regression.Results:In Anhui, 28.10% of the deaths were premature ones, of which 84.40% were attributed to chronic and non-communicable diseases. In premature deaths attributed to chronic and non-communicable diseases, the deaths caused by malignant tumor and cardiovascular disease accounted for 45.88% and 41.65% respectively. The prediction results showed that the premature mortality of major chronic and non-communicable diseases would decrease in Anhui in the future, and by 2030, the goal in the "Healthy China 2030" Plan would be reached only in rural area. To reduce premature death, it is necessary to pay attention to the prevention and control of malignant tumor and cardiovascular disease. Men in urban area are the key population. Factors that reflect urban infrastructure had a significant impact on premature mortality of major chronic non-communicable diseases, such as garden and green space area per capita. Factors such as concentration of PM 2.5 had a negative impact on premature mortality of chronic non-communicable diseases, while factors such as garden and green space area per capita had a positive impact. Conclusions:Disease burden caused by chronic and non-communicable diseases, such as malignant tumor, exits in Anhui. Men in urban area are key population in the prevention and control of chronic and non-communicable diseases in the future.

Gastroparesis is a gastric disease characterized by delayed gastric emptying."Vomiting"is the main clinical manifestation of this disease,while"atrophy"indicates dysfunction of the stomach.Based on the theory of"atrophy,dyspnea and vomiting are ascribed to the upper part",originating from the Chapter of"Zhi Zhen Yao Da Lun"from the Suwen(Basic Questions)section this paper explored the pathogenesis and treatment idea of gastroparesis from the function of the lung.It is put forward that failure of lung qi in dispersion,so the lung qi cannot maintain the circulation of harmonizing qi and blood,leading to malnutrition of stomach and loss of stomach receiving food and drink function.Melancholy impairing lung,so lung cannot govern diffusion,leading to stomach governing the disfunction of dredging and descending.Impaired depurative descending of lung qi,so the large intestine and stomach are lost in the alternating operation of deficiency and excess,leading to stomach governing the disfunction of transportation and transformation.Therefore,the treatment approach is proposed to improve the stomach's function to receive food and drink,transport and transform and promote the recovery of gastric motility by replenishing and restoring lung qi,regulating emotions and catharsis and smoothing lung.Analyzing the effect of function of the lung on gastric motility is of great value for expanding the application of traditional Chinese medicine in gastrointestinal motility disorders,and digging new connotations of classic theories in modern clinical practice.

Objective:To explore the acupoint selection law of acupuncture and moxibustion in treating diabetic gastroparesis (DGP) using data mining technology.Methods:The clinical literature on acupuncture and moxibustion treatment for DGP was retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed, the Cochrane Library from the establishment of the databases to July 31, 2023. The acupoint prescriptions were extracted to Excel 2016 to establish a database, and the statistics of acupoint frequency, meridian, distribution site and specific acupoint use were collected. SPSS Modeler 18.0 was used to analyze the association rules among acupoints, and SPSS Statistics 25.0 was used for clustering analysis and factor analysis to summarize the acupoint selection law for acupuncture treatment of DGP.Results:Totally 153 articles were included, involving 59 acupoints, with a total frequency of 802 times. The 5 most frequently used acupoints were "Zusanli" (ST 36), "Zhongwan" (CV 12), "Neiguan" (PC 6), "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6), "Pishu" (BL 20). The commonly used meridians were stomach meridian, Conception Vessel and bladder meridian. The involved acupoints were mostly located in the chest-abdomen and lower limbs, and most of them were Wushu acupoints, Mu acupoints, and Xiahe acupoints. The core acupoints group was "Zusanli (ST 36)-Zhongwan (CV 12)-Neiguan (PC 6)-Pishu (BL 20)-Weishu (BL 21)-Sanyinjiao (SP 6)-Tianshu (ST 25)", 24 groups of association rules, 5 effective clusters and 6 factors were obtained.Conclusion:Acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of DGP focuses on both spleen and stomach, treating both symptoms and root causes, and uses methods of combining acupoints such as distant and near matching, combining Mu acupoints, and Xiahe acupoints, and combining of Wushu acupoints and Mu acupoints, to achieve the therapeutic effect of nourishing yin and tonifying qi, dispelling upper abdominal fullness and resolving turbidity, and harmonizing stomach and strengthening spleen.