SUMMARY: To explore morphological evidence for neuronal circuits between adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) neurons in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and orexin neurons. The utilized adeno-associated virus (AAV) encoding humanized Renilla green fluorescent protein (hrGFP) as a tracer to visualize the expression of the A2AR neurons in the NAc and their axon distributions in orexin neurons. The Cre-dependent AAV was injected into the NAc in adenosine A2AR-Cre mice. Immunohistochemistry was then used to visualize hrGFP and their projections in orexin neurons. The data revealed that NAc A2AR neurons, mainly expressed in γ-aminobutyric acidergic (GABAergic) projection neurons, projected to the hypothalamus, with apparent contacts of hrGFP containing boutons onto orexin-immunoreactive (IR) soma and dendrites. We also observed strong staining of orexin-IR varicose terminals in the NAc, with apparent contacts of orexin-IR terminals onto A2AR neurons. Furthermore, in the NAc, orexin-IR varicosities contained vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGluT2) and synaptophysin (Syp). These data provide morphological evidence for exploring the function between NAc A2AR neurons and orexin neuron in the hypothalamus, particularly in regulating sleep processes.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este trabajo fue explorar la evidencia morfológica de los circuitos neuronales entre las neuronas del receptor de adenosina A2A (A2AR) en el núcleo accumbens (NAc) y las neuronas de orexina. El virus adenoasociado (AAV) que codifica la proteína fluorescente verde Renilla humanizada (hrGFP) se utilizó como trazador para visualizar la expresión de las neuronas A2AR en la NAc y sus distribuciones de axones en las neuronas de orexina. El AAV dependiente de Cre se inyectó en la NAc en ratones adenosina A2AR-Cre. Luego se utilizó inmunohistoquímica para visualizar hrGFP y sus proyecciones en las neuronas de orexina. Los datos revelaron que las neuronas NAc A2AR, expresadas principalmente en neuronas de proyección acidérgicas γ-aminobutíricas (GABAérgicas), se proyectaban hacia el hipotálamo, con contactos aparentes de botones que contenían hrGFP en el soma y las dendritas inmunorreactivas con orexina (IR). También observamos una fuerte tinción de las terminales varicosas de orexina-IR en la NAc, con contactos aparentes de las terminales de orexina-IR en las neuronas A2AR. Además, en la NAc, las varicosidades de orexina-IR contenían transportador vesicular de glutamato 2 (VGluT2) y sinaptofisina (Syp). Estos datos proporcionan evidencia morfológica para explorar la función entre las neuronas NAc A2AR y la neurona orexina en el hipotálamo, particularmente en la regulación de los procesos del sueño.

ABSTRACT Introduction: This study aimed to compare the early postoperative outcomes of right anterior thoracotomy minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (RAT-MIAVR) surgery with those of median full sternotomy aortic valve replacement (MFS-AVR) approach with the goal of identifying potential benefits or drawbacks of each technique. Methods: This retrospective, observational, cohort study included 476 patients who underwent RAT-MIAVR or MFS-AVR in our hospital from January 2015 to January 2023. Of these, 107 patients (22.5%) underwent RAT-MIAVR, and 369 patients (77.5%) underwent MFS-AVR. Propensity score matching was used to minimize selection bias, resulting in 95 patients per group for analysis. Results: After propensity matching, two groups were comparable in preoperative characteristics. RAT-MIAVR group showed longer cardiopulmonary bypass time (130.24 ± 31.15 vs. 117.75 ± 36.29 minutes, P=0.012), aortic cross-clamping time (76.44 ± 18.00 vs. 68.49 ± 19.64 minutes, P=0.004), and longer operative time than MFS-AVR group (358.47 ± 67.11 minutes vs. 322.42 ± 63.84 minutes, P=0.000). RAT-MIAVR was associated with decreased hospitalization time after surgery, lower postoperative blood loss and drainage fluid, a reduced incidence of mediastinitis, increased left ventricular ejection fraction, and lower pacemaker use compared to MFS-AVR. However, there was no significant difference in the incidence of major complications and in-hospital mortality between the two groups. Conclusion: RAT-MIAVR is a feasible and safe alternative procedure to MFS-AVR, with comparable in-hospital mortality and early follow-up. This minimally invasive approach may be a suitable option for patients requiring isolated aortic valve replacement. Introduction RATMIAVR RAT MIAVR (RAT-MIAVR MFSAVR MFS AVR (MFS-AVR technique Methods retrospective observational 47 201 2023 these 10 22.5% 225 22 5 (22.5% RATMIAVR, MIAVR, 36 77.5% 775 77 (77.5% MFSAVR. AVR. bias 9 analysis Results characteristics 130.24 13024 130 24 (130.2 3115 31 15 31.1 vs 11775 117 75 117.7 3629 29 36.2 P=0.012, P0012 P P=0.012 , 0 012 P=0.012) crossclamping cross clamping 76.44 7644 76 44 (76.4 1800 18 00 18.0 6849 68 49 68.4 1964 19 64 19.6 P=0.004, P0004 P=0.004 004 P=0.004) 358.47 35847 358 (358.4 6711 67 11 67.1 32242 322 42 322.4 6384 63 84 63.8 P=0.000. P0000 P=0.000 . 000 P=0.000) fluid mediastinitis fraction However inhospital Conclusion MFSAVR, AVR, followup. followup follow up. up follow-up 4 20 202 1 22.5 2 (22.5 3 77.5 7 (77.5 130.2 1302 13 (130. 311 31. 1177 117. 362 36. P001 P=0.01 01 76.4 764 (76. 180 18. 684 6 68. 196 19. P000 P=0.00 358.4 3584 35 (358. 671 67. 3224 32 322. 638 8 63. 22. (22. 77. (77. 130. (130 P00 P=0.0 76. (76 358. (358 (22 (77 (13 P0 P=0. (7 (35 (2 (1 P=0 ( (3 P=

Abstract Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), an important oilseed crop, has garnered considerable interest. The nuclear and chloroplast genomes of sesame have been extensively applied to sesame genetics and genomics research. The mitochondrial (mt) genome of sesame, however, has not been sequenced and annotated. In order to solve this issue, we reconstructed the first mt genome of sesame using third-generation sequencing data. The sesame mt genome was 724,998 bp in size and had 22 circular chromosomes. A total of 66 genes were annotated, including 37 protein-coding genes, 26 transfer RNAs, and three ribosomal RNAs. We investigated the codon usage patterns, simple sequence repeats, long tandem repeats, and dispersed repeats of the sesame mt genome. Furthermore, we investigated the DNA transfer from chloroplast to mitochondrion and compared the sesame mt genome to two other Lamiales mt genomes. Given the economic importance of this crop, our presented sesame mt genome is a valuable genomic resource and will allow for more comprehensive studies on sesame and related species. Sesamum L., L L. , L.) crop interest research (mt however annotated issue thirdgeneration third generation data 724998 724 998 724,99 2 chromosomes 6 3 proteincoding protein coding RNAs patterns Furthermore species 72499 72 99 724,9 7249 7 9 724,

RESUMEN Introducción Al ser un deporte físico de alta intensidad, el atletismo puede provocar fácilmente graves lesiones físicas e incluso problemas psicológicos si no se diagnostican a tiempo tras la fatiga deportiva. Objetivo Estudiar la relación entre la fatiga deportiva y la intervención nutricional en el atletismo. Métodos Se investigó a 100 practicantes de atletismo de una provincia. Mediante un estudio bibliográfico, un cuestionario y otras pruebas de datos, se analizó la fatiga deportiva y el estado nutricional de los atletas para averiguar la relación necesaria entre la fatiga deportiva y la intervención nutricional. Resultados El juicio del entrenador sobre la fatiga deportiva durante el entrenamiento de los atletas se caracteriza por la falta de precisión técnica, lo que conduce a la disminución de la capacidad de recuperación física de los atletas y agrava la fatiga deportiva en cierta medida. Como ejercicio físico de alta intensidad, el atletismo necesita un diagnóstico de la fatiga deportiva no sólo a tiempo, sino también una intervención nutricional eficaz. Conclusión La investigación muestra que, tras un ejercicio de alta intensidad, el diagnóstico de la fatiga deportiva de los atletas de atletismo es de gran importancia para juzgar la función física de los atletas, y la intervención nutricional científica desempeña un papel importante en la función física excesiva de los atletas, mejorando su capacidad deportiva y aliviando la fatiga deportiva. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento. intensidad 10 provincia bibliográfico datos técnica medida eficaz II tratamiento 1

RESUMO Introdução Por ser um esporte físico de alta intensidade, o atletismo pode facilmente causar lesões físicas graves e até mesmo problemas psicológicos se não forem diagnosticáveis a tempo após a fadiga esportiva. Objetivo Estudar a relação entre a fadiga esportiva e a intervenção nutricional no atletismo. Métodos Foram investigados 100 praticantes de atletismo em uma província. Através de pesquisa bibliográfica, levantamento de questionários e outros testes de dados, a fadiga esportiva e o estado nutricional dos esportistas de atletismo foram analisados para descobrir a relação necessária entre a fadiga esportiva e a intervenção nutricional. Resultados O julgamento do treinador sobre a fadiga esportiva durante o treinamento dos atletas é caracterizado pela falta de precisão técnica, levando ao declínio da capacidade de recuperação física dos atletas e agravando a fadiga esportiva em certa proporção. Como um exercício físico de alta intensidade, o atletismo necessita de diagnóstico da fadiga esportiva não apenas no tempo, mas também de uma intervenção nutricional eficaz. Conclusão A pesquisa mostra que após o exercício de alta intensidade, o diagnóstico da fadiga esportiva dos praticantes de atletismo é de grande importância para julgar a função física dos atletas, e a intervenção nutricional científica desempenha um papel importante na função física excessiva dos atletas, melhorando sua capacidade esportiva e aliviando a fadiga esportiva. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento. intensidade 10 província bibliográfica dados técnica proporção eficaz II tratamento 1

ABSTRACT Introduction As a high-intensity physical sport, athletics can easily cause serious physical injuries and even psychological problems if not diagnosed after sports fatigue. Objective Study the relationship between sports fatigue and nutritional intervention in track and field. Methods One hundred track and field athletes in a province were investigated. Through literature survey, questionnaire survey, and other data testing, track and field athletes’ sports fatigue and nutritional status were analyzed to determine the necessary relationship between sports fatigue and nutritional intervention. Results The coach’s judgment of sports fatigue during athletes’ training is characterized by a lack of technical accuracy, leading to the decline of athletes’ physical recovery ability and aggravating sports fatigue to a certain extent. As a high-intensity physical exercise, athletics must diagnose sports fatigue in time and provide effective nutritional intervention. Conclusion The research shows that after high-intensity exercise, the diagnosis of sports fatigue in track and field athletes is of great importance in judging the athletes’ physical function, and scientific nutritional intervention plays an important role in athletes’ excessive physical function, improving their sports ability and relieving sports fatigue. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes. highintensity high intensity sport investigated survey testing coachs coach s accuracy extent exercise function II outcomes

Abstract Perianal fistula is a common complication of Crohn disease, and it is a great burden on the life and psychology of patients, but its treatment is still a difficult problem to face. In recent years, progress in the treatment of Crohn disease has progressed rapidly due to the advent of biological agents, but there has been a lack of research on perianal fistula in Crohn disease, and the direction of research has been scattered; therefore, the author reviews the traditional treatment of perianal fistula in Crohn disease in the context of the available literature and discusses emerging and potential therapeutic approaches. patients face years agents scattered therefore approaches

RESUMEN Introducción: La calidad de la fuerza puede dividirse en fuerza total, fuerza rápida, fuerza a la resistencia y fuerza de reacción, entre las cuales la fuerza rápida es un tema suficientemente discutido en las investigaciones de la industria del deporte durante los últimos años. Objetivo: Estudiar las repercusiones del entrenamiento excéntrico de los miembros inferiores en la capacidad de salto de los deportistas de fútbol. Métodos: Se utilizó un dispositivo de entrenamiento centrífugo multifuncional como herramienta de entrenamiento, y se analizó el efecto del entrenamiento excéntrico sobre la fuerza rápida en jugadores de fútbol. Resultados: La fuerza media de los futbolistas del grupo experimental aumentó en unos 524N, y la tasa de finalización aumentó en un 76%. Tanto la fuerza media como la tasa de finalización mejoraron significativamente. En comparación con el grupo de control, el grupo experimental obtuvo un mayor beneficio del índice de potencia explosiva y del índice cinético. También hubo una mejora significativa en los cuatro índices de capacidad de salto, los tres índices de sensibilidad (excepto la frecuencia de paso de 15s) y el entrenamiento excéntrico en el grupo experimental (P < 0,01) Conclusión: El entrenamiento excéntrico de las extremidades inferiores propuesto tuvo un efecto beneficioso en la capacidad de salto de los atletas. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento. Introducción total reacción años Objetivo fútbol Métodos Resultados 524N N 76 76% significativamente control cinético excepto 15s s P 0,01 001 0 01 Conclusión atletas II tratamiento 7 0,0 00 0,

RESUMO Introdução: A qualidade da força pode ser dividida em força total, força rápida, força à resistência e força de reação, entre as quais a força rápida é um tema bastante discutido nas pesquisas da indústria esportiva pelos últimos anos. Objetivo: Estudar os impactos do treinamento excêntrico dos membros inferiores sobre a capacidade de salto nos atletas de futebol. Métodos: Foi utilizado um dispositivo de treinamento centrífugo multifuncional como instrumento de treino, analisou-se o efeito do treinamento excêntrico sobre a força rápida em jogadores de futebol. Resultados: A força média dos jogadores de futebol do grupo experimental aumentou em cerca de 524N, e a taxa de conclusão aumentou em cerca de 76%. Tanto a força média quanto a taxa de finalização foram significativamente aprimoradas. Em comparação com o grupo controle, o grupo experimental teve um benefício maior do índice de potência explosiva e índice cinético. Também houve melhora significativa nos quatro índices de habilidade de salto, nos três índices de sensibilidade (exceto a frequência de passos de 15s), e no treinamento excêntrico do grupo experimental (P < 0,01). Conclusão: O treinamento excêntrico proposto para membros inferiores resultou em um efeito benéfico sobre a capacidade de salto dos atletas. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento. Introdução total reação anos Objetivo Métodos treino analisouse analisou se Resultados 524N N 76 76% aprimoradas controle cinético exceto 15s, 15s s , 15s) P 0,01. 001 0,01 . 0 01 0,01) Conclusão II tratamento 7 00 0,0 0,

ABSTRACT Introduction: Strength quality can be divided into total strength, rapid strength, endurance strength, and reaction strength, among which rapid strength has been a much-discussed theme in sports industry research. Objective: Study the impacts of eccentric lower limb training on jumping ability in soccer athletes. Methods: A multifunctional centrifugal training device was used as a training tool, and the effect of eccentric training on rapid strength in soccer players was analyzed. Results: The average force of soccer players in the experimental group increased by about 524N, and the completion rate increased by about 76%. Both average strength and completion rate were significantly improved. Compared to the control group, the experimental group benefited more from the explosive power and kinetic indexes. There was also a significant improvement in the four indices of jumping ability, the three indices of sensitivity (except 15s step frequency), and eccentric training in the experimental group (P < 0.01). Conclusion: The proposed lower limb eccentric training resulted in a beneficial effect on the jumping ability of athletes. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes. Introduction muchdiscussed much discussed research Objective athletes Methods tool analyzed Results 524N N 76 76% improved indexes except s frequency, frequency , frequency) P 0.01. 001 0.01 . 0 01 0.01) Conclusion II outcomes 7 00 0.0 0.

Abstract Hibiscus Sabdariffa L. has important nutritional and medicinal value. Currently, a safe process extraction of reducing sugar from Hibiscus Sabdariffa L. calyx by biological complex enzyme system is seldom investigated. In this experiment, the pectinase and cellulase complex enzyme system was used to optimize the enzymatic hydrolysis of Hibiscus Sabdariffa L. and Box behnken was used to design the experiment. The results showed that there was significant difference in enzymolysis effect of Hibiscus Sabdariffa L under different conditions (p < 0.05). When the enzymolysis temperature was 45 °C, pH 4.5, and the mass volume ratio of material to liquid was 5g:100ml, the optimum conditions were obtained by response surface methodology: the addition amount of pectinase and cellulase complex enzyme was 0.011 g/kg, the ratio of mixed enzyme was 1.36:1, the enzymolysis time was 2.09 h, and the reducing sugar content of Hibiscus Sabdariffa L extract was 3.56 mg/ml. The experimental results of reducing sugar content of Hibiscus Sabdariffa L (3.54 ± 0.1mg / ml) were in good agreement with the predicted value of the equation fitted by response surface. The mixed enzyme system of pectinase and cellulase has the advantages of environmental protection and energy saving, which can provide guidance for industrial production.

Abstract Objective To explore the molecular mechanism of neuropathologic damage induced by radiofrequency ablation at different temperatures. Methods This is basic research, and 36 SD rats were used to construct the neuropathological injury model. The rats were subjected to radiofrequency stimulation at different temperatures and were divided into 6 groups according to the temperature injury: 42°, 47°, 52°, 57°, 62°, and 67°C groups. Conduction time, conduction distance, and nerve conduction velocity were recorded after temperature injury. HE-staining was used to observe the histopathological morphology of the sciatic nerve. The expression of SCN9A, SCN3B, and NFASC protein in sciatic nerve tissue were detected by western blot. Results With the increase in temperature, nerve conduction velocity gradually decreased, and neurons were damaged when the temperature was 67°C. HE-staining showed that the degrees of degeneration of neurons in rats at 47°, 52°, 57°, 62°, and 67°C were gradually increased. The expression of SCN9A, SCN3B protein in 57°, 62°, 67°C groups were much higher than that of NC, 42°, 47°, 52°C groups. However, the expression of NFASC protein in 57°, 62°, 67°C groups was much lower than that of the NC, 42°, 47°, 52°C groups. Conclusion There was a positive correlation between temperature caused by the radiofrequency stimulation to neuropathological damage. The mechanism is closely related to the expression of SCN9A, SCN3B, and NFASC protein in nerve tissue caused by heat transfer injury.

RESUMO Contexto: devido a vários fatores incertos e inesperados da vida, como doenças, desastres naturais, acidentes de trânsito e defeitos congênitos, o número e a proporção de amputações de membros inferiores ainda estão aumentando por muitos motivos, portanto, a pesquisa sobre próteses de membros inferiores é particularmente importante. Objetivo: Este trabalho teve como objetivo estudar a relação entre o exercício em altitude e a função cardiopulmonar. Métodos: Um modelo de alterações anormais da função cardiopulmonar foi estabelecido e, em seguida, 40 praticantes de exercícios de platô foram selecionados, todos chegaram ao Tibete em março de 2017. A relação entre o volume de circulação pulmonar e a pressão interna no tórax foi observada e comparada. A relação entre o reflexo sensorial cardiopulmonar e a respiração do exercício (altitude) e a frequência cardíaca foi analisada. A comparação da função cardiopulmonar de indivíduos de diferentes gêneros foi implementada. Além disso, a influência de diferentes altitudes na função cardiopulmonar dos indivíduos e as mudanças na função cardiopulmonar dos indivíduos antes da partida e durante a primeira, segunda e terceira semanas após a partida foram observadas e comparadas. Resultados: I. À medida que a pressão na cavidade torácica aumentou, o volume de sangue da circulação pulmonar dos indivíduos diminuiu gradualmente, e a diminuição foi mais óbvia no estágio de pressão torácica −50 a 0. II. À medida que o coeficiente do reflexo cardiorrespiratório aumentou, a respiração dos indivíduos e a aceleração compensatória da frequência cardíaca apareceram. III. O rastreamento e o monitoramento dos indicadores cardiopulmonares dos indivíduos revelaram que, com o aumento da altitude, a pressão arterial média, a frequência respiratória e a frequência cardíaca dos indivíduos mostraram uma tendência ascendente, enquanto o valor de saturação de oxigênio no sangue mostrou uma tendência descendente. 4. Por mais alta que fosse a altitude, a pressão arterial média, a frequência respiratória e a frequência cardíaca monitoradas dos indivíduos em exercício foram significativamente superiores aos valores do indicador em repouso, enquanto o valor da saturação de oxigênio no sangue apresentou tendência oposta. V. A pressão arterial média, respiração e frequência cardíaca dos indivíduos na primeira semana foram maiores do que em outros períodos de tempo, mas a saturação de oxigênio no sangue foi relativamente menor. Na segunda e terceira semanas, as mudanças na função cardiopulmonar foram relativamente suaves (todos P <0,05). VI. As mudanças no índice de função cardiopulmonar de sujeitos de diferentes gêneros foram pequenas (p> 0,05). Conclusão: Por meio da modelagem, os resultados do ambiente de planalto sobre a função cardiopulmonar do corpo ficaram mais claros, e os dados dessas pesquisas forneceram referenciais teóricos para o treinamento do campo esportivo na área de planalto. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos- investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Due to various uncertain and unexpected factors in life such as diseases, natural disasters, traffic accidents, and congenital disabilities, the number and proportion of lower limb amputations are still rising for many reasons, so the research on lower limb prostheses is particularly important. Objective: This work aimed to study the relationship between altitude exercise and cardiopulmonary function. Methods: A model of abnormal changes in cardiopulmonary function was established, and then 40 plateau exercisers were selected, all of whom arrived in Tibet in March 2017. The relationship between pulmonary circulation volume and internal pressure in the chest was observed and compared. The relationship between cardiopulmonary sensory reflex and exercise (high altitude) breathing and heart rate was analyzed. A comparison of the cardiopulmonary function of subjects of different genders was implemented. Moreover, the influence of different altitudes on the subjects’ cardiopulmonary function and the subjects’ cardiopulmonary function changes before departure and during the first, second, and third week after departure were observed and compared. Results: I. As the pressure in the thoracic cavity increased, the subjects’ pulmonary circulation blood volume gradually decreased, and the decrease was most obvious in the stage of thoracic pressure −50 to 0. II. As the cardiorespiratory reflex coefficient increased, the subjects’ breathing and heart rate compensatory acceleration appeared. III. Tracking and monitoring of the subjects’ cardiopulmonary indicators revealed that with the increase in altitude, the subjects’ average arterial pressure, respiratory frequency, and heart rate all showed an upward trend, while the blood oxygen saturation value showed a downward trend. IV. No matter how high the altitude was, the average arterial pressure, respiratory rate, and heart rate monitored of the subjects under exercise were significantly superior to the indicator values under resting state. In contrast, the blood oxygen saturation value showed the opposite trend. V. The subjects’ average arterial pressure, respiration, and heart rate in the first week were higher than other periods, but the blood oxygen saturation was relatively lower. In the second and third weeks, the changes in cardiopulmonary function were relatively smooth (all P<0.05). VI. The changes in the index of the cardiopulmonary function of subjects of different genders were small (p>0.05). Conclusion: Through modeling, the results of the plateau environment on the cardiopulmonary function of the body were made clearer, and these research data provided theoretical references for the training of the sports field in the plateau area. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

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This study aimed to perform a meta-analysis to determine the efficacy and safety of emricasan. Nine databases were searched for clinical trials investigating the efficacy of emricasan treatment in patients with liver cirrhosis or fibrosis. A manual search was conducted to identify the missing trials. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool. Efficacy of emricasan treatment was defined as a positive change in apoptosis-related parameters from baseline to the last follow-up visit. Overall, emricasan treatment is more effective in patients with liver cirrhosis or fibrosis than placebo (standardized mean difference [SMD] [95% confidence intervals (CI)]=0.28 [0.14; 0.41]). No significant change in model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score between the emricasan and placebo groups was noted (SMD [95% CI]=0.18 [-0.01; 0.36]; p=0.058). A 50 mg dose of emricasan had the highest efficacy rate compared to placebo (SMD [95% CI]=0.28 [0.06; 0.50]; p=0.012), followed by the 5 mg dosing regimen (SMD [95% CI]=0.28 [0.06; 0.50]; p=0.012). Treatment with emricasan resulted in significant reductions in ALT (mean difference (MD) [95% CI]=-5.89 [-10.59; -1.20]; p=0.014) and caspase3/7 levels (MD [95%CI]=-1215.93 [-1238.53; -1193.33]; p<0.001), respectively. No significant increase in the rate of overall adverse events was noted (OR [95% CI]=1.52 [0.97; 2.37]; p=0.069). Treatment with emricasan is more effective in improving liver function and apoptosis parameters compared to placebo, with a well-tolerated safety profile. However, due to the poor quality of the analyzed studies, the small number of trials and patients, and the short follow-up periods, more robust trials are still warranted.

Abstract Papaver setigerum is an annual herb that is closely related to the opium poppy, P. somniferum. Genetic resources for P. setigerum are scarce. In the present study, we assembled the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of P. setigerum based on genome skimming data, and we conducted comparative cp genome analyses to study the evolutionary pattern in Papaveraceae. The cp genome of P. setigerum is 152,862 bp in length with a typical quadripartite structure. Comparative analyses revealed no gene rearrangement in the Papaveraceae family, although differences were evident in genome size, gene losses, as well as inverted repeats (IR) region expansion and contraction. The rps15 gene has been lost from the genomes of Meconopsis racemosa, Coreanomecon hylomeconoides, P. orientale, P. somniferum, and P. setigerum, and the ycf15 gene is found only in C. hylomeconoides. Moreover, 13 cpDNA markers, including psbA-trnH, rps16-trnQ, trnS-trnG, trnC-petN, trnE-trnT, trnL-trnF, trnF-ndhJ, petA-psbJ, ndhF-rpl32, rpl32-trnL, ccsA-ndhD, ndhE-ndhG, and rps15-ycf1, were identified with relatively high levels of variation within Papaver, which will be useful for species identification in this genus. Among those markers, psbA-trnH is the best one to distinguish P. somniferum and P. setigerum.

Abstract In this work, the vapor-liquid equilibrium experimental data for the systems of isopropyl chloroacetate + isopropanol, isopropyl chloroacetate + cyclohexane and isopropyl chloroacetate + benzene were measured by a modified Rose-type recirculating still under the pressure of 101.3 kPa. The thermodynamic consistency of the measured data was verified by the Herington and van Ness methods, respectively. The experimental data were correlated by the NRTL, Wilson, and UNIQUAC activity coefficient models, and the corresponding interaction parameters of the three models were obtained. The root-mean-square deviations between the experimental data and calculated results for the temperature and the mole fraction of the vapor phase were less than 0.58 K and 0.0066, respectively. In addition, the excess Gibbs energy was calculated for the three systems.

Abstract A selective and sensitive liquid chromatography tandem with mass spectrometry was developed and validated for accurate determination of monotropein in rat plasma and tissues. All biological samples were prepared by simple protein precipitation method using catalpol as an internal standard. The analyte and internal standard were separated on a C18 analytical column with 2 min of run time, at flow rate of 0.5 ml/min. The detection was performed on a triple-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer equipped with negative-ion electrospray ionization by selected-reaction monitoring of the transitions at m/z 389→147 for monotropein and m/z 361→169 for the internal standard. The calibration curves for plasma and tissue samples were linear over the concentration range of 4–2000 ng/ml, with a lower limit of quantification of 4 ng/ml. The method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution study of monotropein in rats.

Abstract The leaves of Syringa oblata Lindl., Oleaceae, had been extensively used as a folk medicine to treat various infections, heal inflammations, icteric hepatitis and acute mastitis. The study was designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of S. oblata leaves ethanol extract against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in primary hepatocytes and mice with the indicator of glutathione S-transferase alpha 1. The hepatoprotective effects of S. oblata leaves ethanol extract were evaluated on the basis of liver histopathology and biochemical parameters as well as hepatic oxidative stress markers. The results showed that CCl4 negatively modulated biochemical parameters and liver antioxidant activities. However, the use of S. oblata leaves ethanol extract restored altered-serum biochemical parameters and liver antioxidant activities in a dose-dependent manner. Importantly, the trends in S-transferase alpha 1 were similar to alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase level, and S-transferase alpha 1 was suggested to be a marker for the evaluation of hepatoprotective activity of S. oblata leaves ethanol extract. Histopathological examination showed that CCl4 causes significant hepatic injury relative to control group. The above findings suggested that S. oblata leaves ethanol extract has hepatoprotective effects against CCl4-induced hepatic injury and S-transferase alpha 1 may be an indicator to evaluate the protective effects of S. oblata leaves ethanol extract.

ABSTRACT The enzyme 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR; EC1.1.1.34) catalyzes the first committed step of isoprenoids biosynthesis in Mevalonate (MVA) pathway. Here we report for the first time the cloning and characterization of a full-length cDNA encoding HMGR from Fritillaria cirrhosa (FcHMGR), a bulbous medicinal plant. The full-length cDNA of FcHMGR was 2072 base pair (bp), containing a 1680-bp open reading frame. Bioinformatical analyses revealed that FcHMGR had HMG CoA-binding domains and two NADPH binding domains, which are required for HMGR activity. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis revealed that FcHMGR expressed high in mature bulbs. A truncated version of FcHMGR protein lacking the N-terminal 249-bp GC rich area was expressed in Escherichia coli. The crude cell lysate containing the recombinant protein showed a better HMGR activity than the control and the relative enzyme activity was calculated to be 1.62 U/mg. The cloning, characterization and functional analysis of FcHMGR gene allowed us to further understand the role of FcHMGR involved in steroidal alkaloid biosynthetic pathway in F. cirrhosa at the molecular level.