Carbon peaking prediction scenarios based on different neural network models: A case study of Guizhou Province.

Global warming, caused by greenhouse gas emissions, is a major challenge for all human societies. To ensure that ambitious carbon neutrality and sustainable economic development goals are met, regional human activities and their impacts on carbon emissions must be studied. Guizhou Province is a typical karst area in China that predominantly uses fossil fuels. In this study, a backpropagation (BP) neural network and extreme learning machine (ELM) model, which is advantageous due to its nonlinear processing, were used to predict carbon emissions from 2020 to 2040 in Guizhou Province. The carbon emissions were calculated using conversion and inventory compilation methods with energy consumption data and the results showed an "S" growth trend. Twelve influencing factors were selected, however, five with larger correlations were screened out using a grey correlation analysis method. A prediction model for carbon emissions from Guizhou Province was established. The prediction performance of a whale optimization algorithm (WOA)-ELM model was found to be higher than the BP neural network and ELM models. Baseline, high-speed, and low-carbon scenarios were analyzed and the size and time of peak carbon emissions in Liaoning Province from 2020 to 2040 were predicted using the WOA-ELM model.

The A subunit of vacuolar H+-ATPase gene (CmVHA-A) plays opposite roles in plant growth and drought tolerance of chrysanthemum under different growing conditions.

As the most prominent proton pumps in plants, vacuolar H+-ATPases (VHAs) comprise multiple subunits that are important for physiological processes and stress tolerance in plants. However, few studies on the roles of subunit genes of VHAs in chrysanthemum have been reported to date. In this study, the gene of A subunit of V-ATPase in chrysanthemum (CmVHA-A) was cloned and identified. CmVHA-A was conserved with VHA-A proteins from other plants. Expression analysis showed that CmVHA-A was highly expressed in most tissues of chrysanthemum except for the flower bud, and was readily induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG) treatment. Functional analysis demonstrated that CmVHA-A exerted a negative influence on the growth and development of shoot and root of chrysanthemum under normal conditions. RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis revealed the possible explanations for phenotypic differences between transgenic and wild-type (WT) plants. Under drought conditions, CmVHA-A positively affected the drought tolerance of chrysanthemum by enhancing antioxidase activity and alleviating photosynthetic disruption. Overall, CmVHA-A plays opposite roles in plant growth and drought tolerance of chrysanthemums under different growing conditions.

The BTB/TAZ domain-containing protein CmBT1-mediated CmANR1 ubiquitination negatively regulates root development in chrysanthemum.

Roots are fundamental for plants to adapt to variable environmental conditions. The development of a robust root system is orchestrated by numerous genetic determinants and, among them, the MADS-box gene ANR1 has garnered substantial attention. Prior research has demonstrated that, in chrysanthemum, CmANR1 positively regulates root system development. Nevertheless, the upstream regulators involved in the CmANR1-mediated regulation of root development remain unidentified. In this study, we successfully identified bric-a-brac, tramtrack and broad (BTB) and transcription adapter putative zinc finger (TAZ) domain protein CmBT1 as the interacting partner of CmANR1 through a yeast-two-hybrid (Y2H) screening library. Furthermore, we validated this physical interaction through bimolecular fluorescence complementation and pull-down assays. Functional assays revealed that CmBT1 exerted a negative influence on root development in chrysanthemum. In both in vitro and in vivo assays, it was evident that CmBT1 mediated the ubiquitination of CmANR1 through the ubiquitin/26S proteasome pathway. This ubiquitination subsequently led to the degradation of the CmANR1 protein and a reduction in the transcription of CmANR1-targeted gene CmPIN2, which was crucial for root development in chrysanthemum. Genetic analysis suggested that CmBT1 modulated root development, at least in part, by regulating the level of CmANR1 protein. Collectively, these findings shed new light on the regulatory role of CmBT1 in degrading CmANR1 through ubiquitination, thereby repressing the expression of its targeted gene and inhibiting root development in chrysanthemum.

No Control, No Consumption: Association of Low Perceived Control and Intention to Accept Genetically Modified Food.

Based on compensatory control theory, the aim of this study was to examine the effects of perceived control on people's acceptance of genetically modified (GM) foods by using both correlational and experimental methods. Compensatory control theory proposes that the lower an individual's perceived control, the higher their need for structure, order, and certainty. Therefore, based on beliefs about GM foods that make some people less certain that those foods are as safe as traditional foods, we hypothesized that individuals with lower levels of perceived control are more inclined to reject GM foods. The analysis of questionnaire responses in Study 1 revealed that individuals' sense of control negatively predicted their risk perception of GM foods, while the need for structure played a mediating role. In Study 2, using a between-subject design, we manipulated participants' perceived control (higher vs. lower) and subsequently measured their risk perception and purchasing preferences for GM foods. The results in Study 2 show that under lower control conditions, individuals recognize higher risks related to GM foods, which, in turn, decreases their willingness to purchase GM foods. These results not only suggest that perceived control is a potential influential personal factor of the acceptance of GM foods but also extend the scope of the application of compensatory control theory.

Toxicity evaluation of traditional and organic yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil.) extracts.

Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil.) is an important source of biologically active compounds with pharmacological potential. The aim of this study was to examine the toxicity of different extracts obtained from either traditional or organic cultivated yerba mate in vitro and in vivo. Aqueous, ethanolic and methanolic extracts were obtained from commercial samples of yerba mate and total phenolic content was determined employing Folin-Ciocalteau reagent. The aqueous extracts presented higher content of total phenols, compared to ethanolic and methanolic extracts, and also demonstrated lower cytotoxicity, which is the basis for testing were carried out only using aqueous extracts. The main phenolic acids found in traditional aqueous (TA) extract were chlorogenic, gallic and protocatechuic acids. Gallic and hydroxybenzoic acids were detected in aqueous cultivated organic (OA) extract. Pretreatment with OA extract (100 µg/ml, 1 hr) was cytoprotective against rotenone-induced toxicity (1 µM). For in vivo toxicity assay, zebrafish embryos were exposed to OA or TA extracts (10-160 µg/ml) at 4 hr post fertilization. TA extract decreased embryos survival in a concentration-dependent manner, reduced the hatching rate at 40 µg/ml, increased edema frequency at 80 µg/ml and altered body curvature at 120 µg/ml. Further, TA extract produced locomotor disorders at concentrations equal to or greater than 10 µg/ml. In contrast, OA extract exhibited no apparent toxic effect on organogenesis and behavior up to 100 µg/ml. In summary, the OA cultivated extract showed the lowest cytotoxicity in vitro, enhanced reduction in rotenone-induced toxicity, and produced less toxicity in zebrafish embryos compared to the TA extract.

Suo Quan Wan Protects Mouse From Early Diabetic Bladder Dysfunction by Mediating Motor Protein Myosin Va and Transporter Protein SLC17A9.

Objective: To investigate the effects of Suo Quan Wan (SQW), a traditional Chinese herbal formula, on the overactive bladder (OAB) of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mouse models, particularly on its function of mediating the gene and protein expression levels of myosin Va and SLC17A9. Materials and Methods: After 4 weeks high-fat diet (HFD) feeding, C57BL/6J mice were injected with streptozotocin (100 mg/kg) for four times. After 3 weeks, the diabetic mice were treated with SQW for another 3 weeks. Voided stain on paper assay, fasting blood glucose (FBG) test, and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were conducted. Urodynamic test, tension test [α,ß-methylene ATP, electrical-field stimulation (EFS), KCl, and carbachol] and histomorphometry were also performed. Western blot analysis and qPCR assays were used to quantify the expression levels of myosin Va and SLC17A9. Results: The diabetic mice exhibited decreased weight but increased water intake, urine production, FBG, and OGTT. No significant changes were observed after 3 weeks SQW treatment. Urodynamic test indicated that the non-voiding contraction (NVC) frequency, maximum bladder capacity (MBC), residual volume (RV), and bladder compliance (BC) were remarkably increased in the diabetic mice, whereas the voided efficiency (VE) was decreased as a feature of overactivity. Compared with the model mice, SQW treatment significantly improved urodynamic urination with decreased NVC, MBC, RV, and BC, and increased VE. Histomorphometry results showed that the bladder wall of the diabetic mice thickened, and SQW effectively attenuated the pathological alterations. The contract responses of bladder strips to all stimulators were higher in the DSM strips of diabetic mice, whereas SQW treatment markedly decreased the contraction response for all stimuli. Moreover, the protein and gene expression levels of myosin Va and SLC17A9 were up-regulated in the bladders of diabetic mice, but SQW treatment restored such alterations. Conclusion: T2DM mice exhibited the early phase of diabetic bladder dysfunction (DBD) characterized by OAB and bladder dysfunction. SQW can improve the bladder storage and micturition of DBD mice by mediating the protein and gene expression levels of myosin Va and SLC17A9 in the bladder, instead of improving the blood glucose level.

Effect of patchouli alcohol on Helicobacter pylori-induced neutrophil recruitment and activation.

Neutrophil infiltration typically occurs in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-induced acute gastritis; however, this immune response fails to eradicate H. pylori in vivo. Moreover, reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are generated by neutrophils, cause severe damage to gastric mucosa. Patchouli alcohol (PA) has been reported to have effective anti-oxidative and anti-H. pylori activities, and we investigated its effects on H. pylori-induced neutrophil recruitment and activation in this research. In neutrophil recruitment experiment, H. pylori was injected into rat air pouch to explore the effects of PA (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg) on acute inflammatory response. The results revealed that PA significantly reduced the weight of exudate and the number of neutrophils in the air pouch. Meanwhile, remarkable decrements in TNF-α and IL-8 levels in exudates were observed. In neutrophil activation experiment, rat neutrophils were isolated and activated by using 50 µg/mL H. pylori water-soluble surface protein with or without the treatment of PA (5, 10 or 20 µmol/L). Results indicated that PA not only significantly inhibited the production of ROS, but also reduced the gene and protein expressions of p22/p47-phoxes, and the binding of p22/p47-phoxes. Furthermore, the influence of PA on the neutrophil activation genes of H. pylori (h-nap and sabA) was investigated, and the results showed that expressions of h-nap and sabA were remarkably decreased after PA treatment. In conclusion, PA reduced the recruitment and activation of neutrophils induced by H. pylori, as shown by its inhibition of pro-inflammatory factor generation, p22/p47-phoxes function and H. pylori neutrophil activation-related gene expression.

Unraveling the Novel Protective Effect of Patchouli Alcohol Against Helicobacter pylori-Induced Gastritis: Insights Into the Molecular Mechanism in vitro and in vivo.

Patchouli alcohol (PA), a natural tricyclic sesquiterpene extracted from Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth. (Labiatae), has been found to exhibit anti-Helicobacter pylori and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of PA against H. pylori-induced gastritis in vitro and in vivo, and determined the underlying mechanism. In the in vivo experiment, a C57BL/6 mouse model of gastritis was established using H. pylori SS1, and treatments with standard triple therapy or 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg PA were performed for 2 weeks. Results indicated that PA effectively attenuated oxidative stress by decreasing contents of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malonyldialdehyde (MDA), and increasing levels of non-protein sulfhydryl (NP-SH), catalase and glutathione (GSH)/glutathione disulphide (GSSG). Additionally, treatment with PA significantly attenuated the secretions of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß), keratinocyte chemoattractant and interleukin 6 (IL-6). PA (20 mg/kg) significantly protected the gastric mucosa from H. pylori-induced damage. In the in vitro experiment, GES-1 cells were cocultured with H. pylori NCTC11637 at MOI = 100:1 and treated with different doses of PA (5, 10, and 20 µg/ml). Results indicated that PA not only significantly increased the cell viability and decreased cellular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage, but also markedly elevated the mitochondrial membrane potential and remarkably attenuated GES-1 cellular apoptosis, thereby protecting gastric epithelial cells against injuries caused by H. pylori. PA also inhibited the secretions of pro-inflammatory factors, such as monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IL-6. Furthermore, after PA treatment, the combination of NACHT, LRR, and PYD domains-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) and cysteine-aspartic proteases 1 (CASPASE-1), the expression levels of NLRP3 inflammasome-related proteins, such as thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), pro-CASPASE-1, cle-CASPASE-1, and NLRP3 and genes (NLRP3 and CASPASE1) were significantly decreased as compared to the model group. In conclusion, treatment with PA for 2 weeks exhibited highly efficient protective effect against H. pylori-induced gastritis and related damages. The underlying mechanism might involve antioxidant activity, inhibition of pro-inflammatory factor and regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome function. PA exerted anti-H. pylori and anti-gastritis effects and thus had the potential to be a promising candidate for treatment of H. pylori-related diseases.

[Mechanism of lysosome-mediated eradication activity of macrophages on specific anti-Helicobacter pylori of patchouli alcohol].

The aim of this paper is to investigate the effect of patchouli alcohol in enhancing Helicobater pylori's action in eradicating macrophages and its mechanism. H. pylori was co-cultured with macrophages at a ratio of MOI=100 in different concentrations of patchouli alcohol. The effect of patchouli alcohol in eradicating macrophages was detected by agar dilution method. The effect of patchouli alcohol on NO and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels in macrophages were measured by H. pylori by biochemical methods. Patchouli alcohol effect on H. pylori-induced pro-inflammatory gene expression and protein secretion in macrophages were detected by RT-qPCR and ELISA method. The eradication of H. pylori has significantly enhanced, and the destabilization of lysosomes has been reversed. Meanwhile, patchouli alcohol has an effect in inhibiting pro-inflammation and oxidation. The mechanism of patchouli alcohol in eradicating H. pylori and resisting oxidative stress may be associated to the blocking of bacteria escape lysosome combination procedures.

[Developing traditional Chinese medicine injection is the need for curing sickness to save patients].

Safety issues of traditional Chinese medicine injections has been heated debate. There are two diametrically opposed views: it should be used reasonable and developed healthily or be forbidden to use. Some people have many misunderstandings and prejudices about the safety of traditional Chinese medicine injections. Compared with western medicine,traditional Chinese medicine has its own particularity. Traditional Chinese medicine has complex components. Its research and clinical application is different from western medicine. Adverse reactions of traditional Chinese medicine injections are related to many factors,such as a large number of irrational use,blind use of traditional Chinese medicine injections and western medicine injections,counterfeit and substandard drugs,incorrect methods of intravenous infusion,toxicity of supplementary materials,drug ingredients. Developing traditional Chinese medicine injection is the need for curing sickness to save patients. The purposeful, targeted, organized and planned systematic research of traditional Chinese medicine injections should be strengthened,especially the safety of traditional Chinese medicine. Strengthen supervision and control of rational drug use.Strengthen the examination and approval,supervision and management of all aspects to ensure the safety of patients.

[Mechanism of anti-Helicobacter pylori urease activity of patchouli alcohol].

To investigate the effect of patchouli alcohol on inhibiting Helicobater pylori urease activity, and its effect on expression levels of related genes, and lay the foundation for further research on the effect of patchouli alcohol on H. pylori colonization and infection. H. pyloriwas cultured and identified by gram staining, rapid urease test (RUT) and PCR method. Then agar dilution method was used to detect the bacterial survival after 1 h intervention by different concentrations of patchouli alcoholin the acidic (pH 5.3) and neutral (pH 7.0) conditions; berthelot method was used to detect urease activity and RT-qPCR method was used to detect the expression changes of ureA, ureB, ureE, ureH, ureI, and nixA related urease genes. The results showed that the survival rate of H. pyloriwas not significantly changed but the urease activity was obviously decreased after intervention by different concentrations of patchouli alcohol; meanwhile, the expression levels of ureA, ureB, ureE, ureH, ureI, and nixA were decreased to different degrees. Therefore, patchouli alcohol could inhibit H. pylori urease activity in both acidic and neutral conditions, and the mechanism may be related to down-regulation of urease gene expression.

Neuroprotective effect of α-mangostin on mitochondrial dysfunction and α-synuclein aggregation in rotenone-induced model of Parkinson's disease in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells.

The study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of α-mangostin and explore its mechanism in an in vitro model of Parkinson's disease (PD) induced by rotenone. SH-SY5Y cells were treated with rotenone and α-mangostin for 24 h. α-Mangostin significantly and concentration-dependently inhibited rotenone-induced cytotoxicity. The rotenone-induced aggregation of α-synuclein and loss of TH were alleviated by α-mangostin. α-Mangostin treatment also reversed the rotenone-induced overproduction of reactive oxygen species, activation of caspases (-8 and -3) and mitochondrial dysfunction, reflected by decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential and cellular ATP levels. These findings suggest that α-mangostin has neuroprotective effects against PD-related neuronal injury.

Allicin improves cardiac function by protecting against apoptosis in rat model of myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of allicin on cardiac function and underlying mechanism in rat model of myocardial infarction (MI). METHODS: Ninety-four Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 6 groups (n=14-16 per group): sham control group [underwent thoracotomy without left anterior descending (LAD) occlusion and only received an injection of the same amount of citrate buffer], MI control group (subjected to LAD occlusion and only received an injection of same amount of citrate buffer), positive control group (subjected to LAD occlusion and received an injection of diltiazem hydrochloride at the dose of 1.5 mg/kg), and MI + allicin groups (subjected to LAD occlusion and received an injection of allicin at the doses of 1.2, 1.8, and 3.6 mg/kg). All of the drugs were administered intraperitoneally daily for 21 days. The infarct area was measured by myocardial staining. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the pathological changes. Cardiac function parameters were assessed by echocardiography. The myocardial apoptotic index was estimated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling staining. The expression of Bax and Bcl-2 were detected by quantificational real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. RESULTS: Treatment with allicin could attenuate the myocardial infarct area (P<0.05) and relieve the changes of the myocardium. The left ventricular anterior wall diastolic and systolic thicknesses were increased in the allicin-treated groups (P<0.05), while there was no signifificant difference in the left ventricular posterior wall diastolic and systolic thickness (P>0.05). The left ventricular internal diameter in systole, ejection fraction, fractional shortening, and stroke volume were dramatically elevated in allicin-treated rats (P<0.05). Allicin dose-dependently reduced creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase levels (P<0.05). The myocardial apoptotic index was also markedly lowered, and Bax expression was signifificantly decreased, whereas Bcl-2 expression exhibited an opposite trend in allicin-treated rats (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Allicin appears to exert a cardioprotective effect that may be linked to blocking Bcl-2/Bax signaling pathway-denpendent apoptosis, further improving cardiac function.

Developing traditional Chinese medicine injection is the need for curing sickness to save patients / 中国中药杂志

Safety issues of traditional Chinese medicine injections has been heated debate. There are two diametrically opposed views: it should be used reasonable and developed healthily or be forbidden to use. Some people have many misunderstandings and prejudices about the safety of traditional Chinese medicine injections. Compared with western medicine,traditional Chinese medicine has its own particularity. Traditional Chinese medicine has complex components. Its research and clinical application is different from western medicine. Adverse reactions of traditional Chinese medicine injections are related to many factors,such as a large number of irrational use,blind use of traditional Chinese medicine injections and western medicine injections,counterfeit and substandard drugs,incorrect methods of intravenous infusion,toxicity of supplementary materials,drug ingredients. Developing traditional Chinese medicine injection is the need for curing sickness to save patients. The purposeful, targeted, organized and planned systematic research of traditional Chinese medicine injections should be strengthened,especially the safety of traditional Chinese medicine. Strengthen supervision and control of rational drug use.Strengthen the examination and approval,supervision and management of all aspects to ensure the safety of patients.

Allicin improves cardiac function by protecting against apoptosis in rat model of myocardial infarction / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effects of allicin on cardiac function and underlying mechanism in rat model of myocardial infarction (MI).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Ninety-four Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 6 groups (n=14-16 per group): sham control group [underwent thoracotomy without left anterior descending (LAD) occlusion and only received an injection of the same amount of citrate buffer], MI control group (subjected to LAD occlusion and only received an injection of same amount of citrate buffer), positive control group (subjected to LAD occlusion and received an injection of diltiazem hydrochloride at the dose of 1.5 mg/kg), and MI + allicin groups (subjected to LAD occlusion and received an injection of allicin at the doses of 1.2, 1.8, and 3.6 mg/kg). All of the drugs were administered intraperitoneally daily for 21 days. The infarct area was measured by myocardial staining. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the pathological changes. Cardiac function parameters were assessed by echocardiography. The myocardial apoptotic index was estimated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling staining. The expression of Bax and Bcl-2 were detected by quantificational real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Treatment with allicin could attenuate the myocardial infarct area (P<0.05) and relieve the changes of the myocardium. The left ventricular anterior wall diastolic and systolic thicknesses were increased in the allicin-treated groups (P<0.05), while there was no signifificant difference in the left ventricular posterior wall diastolic and systolic thickness (P>0.05). The left ventricular internal diameter in systole, ejection fraction, fractional shortening, and stroke volume were dramatically elevated in allicin-treated rats (P<0.05). Allicin dose-dependently reduced creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase levels (P<0.05). The myocardial apoptotic index was also markedly lowered, and Bax expression was signifificantly decreased, whereas Bcl-2 expression exhibited an opposite trend in allicin-treated rats (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Allicin appears to exert a cardioprotective effect that may be linked to blocking Bcl-2/Bax signaling pathway-denpendent apoptosis, further improving cardiac function.</p>

[Relationship between law on the protection of wildlife and animal-derived drugs].

In most countries, the protection of wildlife resources is in a negative way, the state do not put emphasis on or even oppose artificial breeding, with the poor results. In our country, the state shall pursue a policy of strengthening the protection of wildlife resources, actively domesticating and breeding the species of wildlife, which has made great achievements. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) is one pillar of medical and health service in China, animal-derived drugs which are effective drugs for the treatment of certain critical cases have been used in clinic for 2 000 years. Prohibition or limited use of animal-derived drugs could affect the curative effect, hindering TCM from healthy development. The state shall encourage the protection and domestication, breeding of wildlife accords with our national conditions, which is not only beneficial to the protection of wildlife, but also favors the development of the cause of TCM.

Relationship between law on the protection of wildlife and animal-derived drugs / 中国中药杂志

In most countries, the protection of wildlife resources is in a negative way, the state do not put emphasis on or even oppose artificial breeding, with the poor results. In our country, the state shall pursue a policy of strengthening the protection of wildlife resources, actively domesticating and breeding the species of wildlife, which has made great achievements. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) is one pillar of medical and health service in China, animal-derived drugs which are effective drugs for the treatment of certain critical cases have been used in clinic for 2 000 years. Prohibition or limited use of animal-derived drugs could affect the curative effect, hindering TCM from healthy development. The state shall encourage the protection and domestication, breeding of wildlife accords with our national conditions, which is not only beneficial to the protection of wildlife, but also favors the development of the cause of TCM.

[Specificity of traditional Chinese medicine's clinical re-evaluation].

Clinical re-evaluation is to verify the drug's safety and effectiveness again,while the drug itself has not been improved. However, due to the complexity of traditional Chinese medicine, ingredients in bulk drugs, prescription, productive processes, quality standards and other aspects need to be enhanced. So improving the quality, safety and effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine by clinical re-evaluation is also very necessary. Therefore, except for achieving those basic requirements of medicine, it should also be improved on itself and pay full attention to the particularity, then traditional Chinese medicine's clinical re-evaluation will play its due role.

Puerarin protects against Staphylococcus aureus-induced injury of human alveolar epithelial A549 cells via downregulating alpha-hemolysin secretion.

Alpha-hemolysin, a secreted pore-forming toxin, plays an indispensable role in the pathogenicity of Staphylococcus aureus. In this study, the antimicrobial activity of puerarin against S. aureus was investigated; as a result, puerarin showed no influence on the growth of this organism. However, hemolysis and western blotting assays showed that puerarin concentration dependently inhibited the secretion of alpha-hemolysin at low concentrations. Real-time RT-PCR assay was further employed to evaluate the transcriptional level of hla, the gene encoding alpha-hemolysin, and RNAIII, an effector molecule of the agr system. The results indicated that the RNAIII expression and subsequent hla transcription were also inhibited by puerarin in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, puerarin significantly prevented human alveolar epithelial A549 cells from S. aureus-induced injury. Thereby, puerarin may be considered as a potential candidate for the development of antivirulence drugs in the treatment of S. aureus-mediated infections.

Specificity of traditional Chinese medicine's clinical re-evaluation / 中国中药杂志

Clinical re-evaluation is to verify the drug's safety and effectiveness again,while the drug itself has not been improved. However, due to the complexity of traditional Chinese medicine, ingredients in bulk drugs, prescription, productive processes, quality standards and other aspects need to be enhanced. So improving the quality, safety and effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine by clinical re-evaluation is also very necessary. Therefore, except for achieving those basic requirements of medicine, it should also be improved on itself and pay full attention to the particularity, then traditional Chinese medicine's clinical re-evaluation will play its due role.