Treatment of lumbar disc herniation with robot combined with unilateral biportal endoscopic technology: A case report.

BACKGROUND: This reported procedure combines the orthopedic surgical robot with the unilateral biportal endoscopy-lumbar interbody fusion (UBE-LIF), utilizing the UBE's wide viewing field and operating space to perform minimally invasive decompressive fusion of the lesioned segment, and the orthopedic surgical robot's intelligence and precision to perform percutaneous pedicle screw placement. The advancement of this procedure lies in the superposition of advantages and offsetting disadvantages of the two new technologies, and the maximum effect of treatment is achieved with maximum minimization of invasiveness and precision under the monitoring of imaging instruments to maximize the benefit of patients, and this review reports a case of multiple-segment lumbar decompression and fusion surgery for lumbar disc herniation via robot-assisted UBE for reference. CASE SUMMARY: A 44-year-old patient presented to our hospital. Combining various clinical data, we diagnosed the patient with lumbar disc herniation with radiculopathy, lumbar spondylolisthesis, and lumbar spinal stenosis. We developed a surgical plan of "UBE decompression + UBE-LIF + orthopedic surgery robot-assisted percutaneous pedicle screw implantation for internal fixation". The results were satisfactory. CONCLUSION: We present an extremely rare case of multiple-segment lumbar decompression and fusion surgery for lumbar disc herniation via robot-assisted UBE and achieved good results. Therefore, the technique is worthy of clinical promotion.

Research progress on the role of lncRNA, circular RNA, and microRNA networks in regulating ferroptosis in osteosarcoma.

Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) do not participate in protein-coding. Ferroptosis is a newly discovered form of cell death mediated by reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation. Recent studies have shown that ncRNAs such as microRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, circular RNAs, and ferroptosis are involved in the occurrence and development of osteosarcoma (OS). Studies have confirmed that ncRNAs participate in the development of OS by regulating the ferroptosis. However, systematic summary on this topic are still lacking. This review summarises the potential role of ncRNAs in the diagnosis, treatment, drug resistance, and prognosis of OS and the basis for diagnosing, preventing, and treating clinical OS and developing effective drugs. This review summarises the latest research progress on ncRNAs that regulate ferroptosis in OS, attempts to clarify the molecular mechanisms by which ncRNAs regulate ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of OS, and elaborates on the involvement of ferroptosis in OS from the perspective of ncRNAs.

Rupture of a giant jejunal mesenteric cystic lymphangioma misdiagnosed as ovarian torsion: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Cystic lymphangioma is a rare benign tumor that affects the lymphatic system. Mesenteric lymphangiomas in the small bowel are extremely uncommon. CASE SUMMARY: We present a 21-year-old female patient who complained of abdominal pain. The diagnosis of ovarian torsion was suspected after abdominopelvic unenhanced computed tomography and ultrasound revealed a large cyst in contact with the bladder, ovary, and uterus. The patient underwent emergency laparotomy performed by gynecologists, but it was discovered that the cystic tumor originated from the jejunum. Gastrointestinal surgeons were then called in to perform a cystectomy. Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of cystic lymphangioma of the mesentery. The patient had an uneventful postoperative recovery. CONCLUSION: Mesenteric lymphangiomas can cause abdominal pain, and imaging techniques can help determine their characteristics, location, and size. Complete surgical excision and pathological examination are considered the standard treatment and diagnostic method.

No evidence of genetic causality between diabetes and osteonecrosis: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine whether diabetes mellitus is causally associated with osteonecrosis. METHOD: Using publicly accessible genome-wide association study statistics, a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis was carried out. In order to determine whether diabetes has a causal effect on osteonecrosis and whether osteonecrosis has a causal effect on diabetes, we extracted six date on diabetes in Europeans from IEU OpenGWAS and GWAS Catalogue and osteonecrosis in Europeans from FinnGen. We then evaluated the data using inverse variance weighting, MR-Egger regression, weighted median, weighted mode, and simple mode. The results' stability and dependability were then evaluated using sensitivity analysis and heterogeneity analysis. Finally, meta-analysis is used to further confirm if there is a relationship between diabetes and osteonecrosis. RESULTS: When diabetes was used as an exposure factor, MR-Egger regression showed that directional fold product was unlikely to bias the results. Cochran's Q test showed only minor heterogeneity in a few data sets. Multidirectional tests Egger-intercept, MR-PRESSO and funnel plots for most data did not show multidirectional and asymmetry at the gene level. Most of the IVW results showed no causal relationship between diabetes mellitus and osteonecrosis. The results of meta-analysis of IVW methods further confirmed the absence of a causal relationship. Inverse MR analysis also showed no causal relationship between osteonecrosis and diabetes. CONCLUSION: Results of bidirectional MR analysis show no evidence of causal relationship between diabetes and osteonecrosis.

Rational of topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) with 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) for treatment of endocervical canal low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion with high-risk human papillomavirus infection.

BACKGROUND: The detection and continuous monitoring of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) within the endocervical canal pose considerable challenges, and the effectiveness of ablation treatment is also constrained. In this context, the potential efficacy of 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (5-ALA PDT) in targeting these concealed lesions merits exploration. The present study undertakes a comprehensive analysis of the clinical effectiveness and safety aspects associated with the utilization of 5-ALA PDT. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of 13 patients who were diagnosed with LSIL within the endocervical canal, concomitant with high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) infection. These patients were subjected to treatment with 5-ALA PDT and subsequently monitored over a period of 3-6 months following the intervention. RESULTS: The study cohort comprised 13 patients, among whom 4 presented with isolated lesions within the endocervical canal, 5 exhibited LSIL involving both the endocervical canal and the cervix vaginal portion, 3 displayed LSIL within the endocervical canal in conjunction with vaginal involvement, and 1 patient demonstrated lesions across all three of these anatomical sites. All identified lesions underwent therapeutic intervention via 5-ALA PDT. Before treatment initiation, 9 patients returned positive results in the liquid-based cytologic test (LBC), 4 displayed concurrent multiple hrHPV infections, and 5 manifested infections specifically with HPV 16/18. Subsequent to the application of 5-ALA PDT, regression was observed in the LBC results of all patients, with only 3 individuals retaining a singular type of hrHPV infection. Adverse reactions following treatment encompassed mild aberrant vaginal secretions and mild to moderately pronounced distending abdominal discomfort, all of which were remitted within a span of 7 days. CONCLUSIONS: Within the context of LSIL within the endocervical canal in association with hrHPV infection, the findings affirm the efficacy and safety of 5-ALA PDT as a viable therapeutic modality.

Enhanced electron transport and self-similarity in quasiperiodic borophene nanoribbons with line defects.

Recent experiments have revealed multiple borophene phases of distinct lattice structures, suggesting that the unit cells of ν1/6 and ν1/5 boron sheets, namely α and ß chains, serve as building blocks to assemble into novel borophene phases. Motivated by these experiments, we present a theoretical study of electron transport along two-terminal quasiperiodic borophene nanoribbons (BNRs), with the arrangement of the α and ß chains following the generalized Fibonacci sequence. Our results indicate that the energy spectrum of these quasiperiodic BNRs is multifractal and characterized by numerous transmission peaks. In contrast to the Fibonacci model that all the electronic states should be critical, both delocalized and critical states appear in the quasiperiodic BNRs, where the averaged resistance saturates at the inverse of one conductance quantum for the delocalized states in the large length limit and contrarily exhibits a power-law dependence on the nanoribbon length for the critical states. Besides, the self-similarity is observed from the transmission spectrum, where the conductance curves overlap at different energy regions of two quasiperiodic BNRs of different Fibonacci indices and the resistance curves are analogous to each other at different energy scales of a single quasiperiodic BNR. These results complement previous studies on quasiperiodic systems where the multifractal energy spectrum and the self-similarity are observed by generating quasiperiodic potential energies, suggesting that borophene may provide an intriguing platform for understanding the structure-property relationships and exploring the physical properties of quasiperiodic systems.

Adhesive cryogel particles for bridging confined and irregular tissue defects.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of damaged tissues requires both surface hemostasis and tissue bridging. Tissues with damage resulting from physical trauma or surgical treatments may have arbitrary surface topographies, making tissue bridging challenging. METHODS: This study proposes a tissue adhesive in the form of adhesive cryogel particles (ACPs) made from chitosan, acrylic acid, 1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS). The adhesion performance was examined by the 180-degree peel test to a collection of tissues including porcine heart, intestine, liver, muscle, and stomach. Cytotoxicity of ACPs was evaluated by cell proliferation of human normal liver cells (LO2) and human intestinal epithelial cells (Caco-2). The degree of inflammation and biodegradability were examined in dorsal subcutaneous rat models. The ability of ACPs to bridge irregular tissue defects was assessed using porcine heart, liver, and kidney as the ex vivo models. Furthermore, a model of repairing liver rupture in rats and an intestinal anastomosis in rabbits were established to verify the effectiveness, biocompatibility, and applicability in clinical surgery. RESULTS: ACPs are applicable to confined and irregular tissue defects, such as deep herringbone grooves in the parenchyma organs and annular sections in the cavernous organs. ACPs formed tough adhesion between tissues [(670.9 ± 50.1) J/m2 for the heart, (607.6 ± 30.0) J/m2 for the intestine, (473.7 ± 37.0) J/m2 for the liver, (186.1 ± 13.3) J/m2 for muscle, and (579.3 ± 32.3) J/m2 for the stomach]. ACPs showed considerable cytocompatibility in vitro study, with a high level of cell viability for 3 d [(98.8 ± 1.2) % for LO2 and (98.3 ± 1.6) % for Caco-2]. It has comparable inflammation repair in a ruptured rat liver (P = 0.58 compared with suture closure), the same with intestinal anastomosis in rabbits (P = 0.40 compared with suture anastomosis). Additionally, ACPs-based intestinal anastomosis (less than 30 s) was remarkably faster than the conventional suturing process (more than 10 min). When ACPs degrade after surgery, the tissues heal across the adhesion interface. CONCLUSIONS: ACPs are promising as the adhesive for clinical operations and battlefield rescue, with the capability to bridge irregular tissue defects rapidly.

[Ginsenoside Rg3 Regulates Cisplatin Resistance in Gastric Cancer by Wnt/ß-catenin Signaling Pathway].

Objective To investigate the inhibitory effect of ginsenoside Rg3 combined with cisplatin (DDP) on DDP-resistant cell line SGC-7901/DDP and their molecular mechanism.Methods SGC-7901/DDP cells were divided into four groups including a control group,a ginsenoside Rg3 (40 µg/ml) treatment group,a DDP (1.40 µg/ml) treatment group,and a drug combination treatment group.The proliferation ability of SGC-7901/DDP cells was detected by MTT,EdU,and colony formation assays.The apoptosis ability of SGC-7901/DDP cell was detected by flow cytometry and Hoechst 33342 staining.The protein levels of apoptosis-related markers were detected by Western blotting.The migration ability of SGC-7901/DDP cells was detected by wound healing and Transwell assays.The expression levels of proteins in epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) and Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway were determined by Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining.Results Compared with the ginsenoside Rg3 or the DDP treatment groups,the drug combination treatment group inhibited the proliferation (t=8.062,P=0.001;t=7.090,P=0.002),colony formation (t=8.062,P=0.001;t=6.144,P=0.004),and migration (t=7.424,P=0.002;t=4.317,P=0.013),and promoted the apoptosis (t=5.530,P=0.031;t=6.036,P=0.026) of SGC-7901/DDP cells.Compared with the ginsenoside Rg3 and the DDP treatment groups,the drug combination treatment group down-regulated the expression levels of EMT-associated proteins including vimentin (t=24.450,P<0.001;t=14.750,P<0.001),Snail (t=29.640,P<0.001;t=70.700,P<0.001),Slug (t=89.230,P<0.001;t=87.360,P<0.001),matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 (t=84.540,P<0.001;t=67.120,P<0.001),and MMP9 (t=19.010,P<0.001;t=10.890,P<0.001),as well as those of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway related proteins including Wnt (t=35.480,P<0.001;t=14.670,P<0.001),ß-catenin (t=155.800,P<0.001;t=118.100,P<0.001),C-myc (t=20.870,P<0.001;t=3.334,P=0.029),and cyclin D1 (t=5.007,P=0.008;t=8.347,P=0.001).Meanwhile,it up-regulated the expression of epithelial cells including E-cadherin (t=36.450,P<0.001;t=33.810,P<0.001) and ZO-1 (t=37.060,P<0.001;t=37.030,P<0.001).Conclusion Ginsenoside Rg3 enhanced the sensitivity of SGC-7901/DDP cells to DDP by inhibiting the activity of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

A prominent gene activation role for C-terminal binding protein in mediating PcG/trxG proteins through Hox gene regulation.

The evolutionarily conserved C-terminal binding protein (CtBP) has been well characterized as a transcriptional co-repressor. Herein, we report a previously unreported function for CtBP, showing that lowering CtBP dosage genetically suppresses Polycomb group (PcG) loss-of-function phenotypes while enhancing that of trithorax group (trxG) in Drosophila, suggesting that the role of CtBP in gene activation is more pronounced in fly development than previously thought. In fly cells, we show that CtBP is required for the derepression of the most direct PcG target genes, which are highly enriched by homeobox transcription factors, including Hox genes. Using ChIP and co-IP assays, we demonstrate that CtBP is directly required for the molecular switch between H3K27me3 and H3K27ac in the derepressed Hox loci. In addition, CtBP physically interacts with many proteins, such as UTX, CBP, Fs(1)h and RNA Pol II, that have activation roles, potentially assisting in their recruitment to promoters and Polycomb response elements that control Hox gene expression. Therefore, we reveal a prominent activation function for CtBP that confers a major role for the epigenetic program of fly segmentation and development.

Pathological analysis and surgical modalities selection of cT1N0M0 solitary papillary thyroid carcinoma in the isthmus.

BACKGROUND: prognosis, identify clinicopathological characteristics, and determine optimal modalities for cT1N0M0 solitary papillary thyroid carcinoma in the isthmus (PTCI). METHODS: The clinical data of 124 patients with cT1N0M0 solitary PTCI from 3 medical centers were analyzed retrospectively. Of these, 32 participants had undergone total thyroidectomy plus unilateral central neck dissection, 36 had received total thyroidectomy plus bilateral central neck dissection, 24 had less-than-total thyroidectomy plus unilateral central neck dissection, and 32 had less-than-total thyroidectomy plus bilateral central neck dissection. We compared the effects of different surgical modalities and clinicopathological characteristics on the prognosis of cT1N0M0 solitary PTCI. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in postoperative recurrence-free survival between participants who received different extents of central region lymph node dissection and thyroidectomies (P>0.05). Temporary hypocalcemia occurred in participants who underwent total thyroidectomy plus bilateral central neck dissection [chi-square (χ2) =7.87, P=0.005]. Tumors with primary lesions ≥0.55 cm were prone to have central lymph node metastasis [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.51 to 0.71, P=0.047]. Multiple logistic analysis suggested that age over 55 years [odds ratio (OR) =11.90, 95% CI: 1.36 to 104.03, P=0.025], tumor size greater than 0.55 cm (OR =4.16, 95% CI: 1.28 to 13.52, P=0.018), and absence of nodular goiter (OR =2.57, 95% CI: 1.05 to 6.32, P=0.04) were risk factors for central lymph node metastasis of patients with cT1N0M0 solitary PTCI. CONCLUSIONS: Less-than-total thyroidectomy is recommended for patients with cT1N0M0 solitary PTCI. Central lymph node dissection is recommended for patients who are prone to have central occult lymph node metastases with tumor size ≥55 cm, older than 55 years, and without nodular goiter.

Prevalence, risk factors and clinical correlates of suicidal ideation in adolescent patients with depression in a large sample of Chinese.

BACKGROUND: Suicidal ideation (SI) has a high risk in adolescents and is now a significant concern due to its problematic outcome. However, few systemic studies of suicidal ideation have been conducted in adolescent patients. Therefore, the current study was aimed to assess the prevalence and its clinical correlate of suicidal ideation among adolescent patients with depression. METHODS: A total of 1635 adolescent patients (748 males/ 887 females) with depression were recruited in this study. The clinical and demographic data were collected by a self-administered questionnaire. Suicidal ideation was assessed by interview. Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) was used to evaluate depressive symptoms, Adolescent Self-Rating Life Events Check List (ASLEC) was used to assess the stressful life events. RESULTS: The study showed that the prevalence of suicidal ideation in adolescent depression patients was 38.2% (625/1635). Compared to the non-SI patients, SI patients had greater scores on CDI and ASLEC, had inadequate sleeping time, and were more likely to be females. Further logistic regression analysis indicated that suicidal ideation in adolescent patients with depression was significantly associated with females, inadequate sleeping time, the severity of depression, and higher learning pressure. LIMITATIONS: No causal relationship could be drawn due to the cross-sectional design. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest a high prevalence of suicidal ideation in adolescents with depression. Moreover, the severity of depression, sex, sleep time, and learning pressure are all related to suicidal ideation. Early recognition and treatment of suicidal ideation can effectively prevent the occurrence of suicide among adolescent patients.

Sex differences in association between cognitive impairment and clinical correlates in Chinese patients with first-episode drug-naïve schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND: Schizophrenia is a complex mental illness with significant sex differences. Cognitive impairment is common in patients with schizophrenia, even in remission. This study was designed to examine the sex differences in the relationship between cognitive impairment and clinical correlations with first-episode drug-naïve (FEDN) schizophrenia. METHODS: 93 FEDN patients (male/female = 45/48) and 160 controls (male/female = 74/86) were enrolled to compare the sex differences in cognitive functions measured by the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB). Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) were used to evaluate patients' clinical symptoms. We compared cognitive impairment with sociodemographic characteristics and measures of different genders, as well as group-by-sex interactions. RESULTS: Our results showed that male patients had significantly lower scores for symbol coding, digital sequence, and verbal learning than female patients, while the healthy controls showed similar sex differences. In female patients, multiple linear regression analysis confirmed that PANSS negative symptoms and general psychopathology scores, HAMD total score, and education level were independent contributors to MCCB total score. In male patients, only education was an independent contributor to MCCB total score. CONCLUSIONS: These findings revealed significant sex differences in cognitive impairments and clinical symptoms in FEDN, which will be worthy of a follow-up study of schizophrenia in the future.

Experimental study of the optimum puncture pattern of robot-assisted needle insertion into hyperelastic materials.

The robot-assisted insertion surgery plays a crucial role in biopsy and therapy. This study focuses on determining the optimum puncture pattern for robot-assisted insertion, aiming at the matching problem of needle insertion parameters, thereby to reduce the pain for patients and to improve the reachability to the lesion point. First, a 6-degrees of freedom (DOFs) Computed Tomography (CT)-guided surgical robotic system for minimally invasive percutaneous lung is developed and used to perform puncture experiments. The effects of four main insertion factors on the robotic puncture are verified by designing the orthogonal test, where the inserting object is the artificial skin-like specimen with high transparent property and a digital image processing method is used to analyze the needle tip deflection. Next, the various phases of puncture process are divided and analyzed in detail in view of the tissue deformation and puncture force. Then, short discussion on the comparison of puncture force with different effect factors for the same beveled needle is presented. The same pattern can be observed for all of the cases. Finally, based on the experimental data, the formulations of the puncture force and needle deflection which depends on Gauge size, insertion velocity, insertion angle, and insertion depth are developed using the multiple regression method, which can be used to get an optimum puncture pattern under the constrains of minimum peak force and minimum needle tip deflection. The developed models have the effectiveness and applicability on determining the optimum puncture pattern for one puncture event, and which can also provide insights useful for the setting of insertion parameters in clinical practice.

[Mechanism of astragaloside â £ alleviating PC12 cell injury by activating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway: based on network pharmacology and in vitro experiments].

In this study, the molecular mechanism of astragaloside Ⅳ(AS-Ⅳ) in the treatment of Parkinson's disease(PD) was explored based on network pharmacology, and the potential value of AS-Ⅳ in alleviating neuronal injury in PD by activating the PI3 K/AKT signaling pathway was verified through molecular docking and in vitro experiments. Such databases as SwissTargetPrediction, BTMAN-TAM, and GeneCards were used to predict the targets of AS-Ⅳ for the treatment of PD. The Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins(STRING) was employed to analyze protein-protein interaction(PPI) and construct a PPI network, and the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery(DAVID) was used for Gene Ontology(GO) term enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. Based on the results of GO enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway analysis, the PI3 K/AKT signaling pathway was selected for further molecular docking and in vitro experiments in this study. The in vitro cell model of PD was established by MPP~+. The cell viability was measured by MTT assay and effect of AS-Ⅳ on the expression of the PI3 K/AKT signaling pathway-related genes and proteins by real-time polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) and Western blot. Network pharmacology revealed totally 122 targets of AS-Ⅳ for the treatment of PD, and GO enrichment analysis yielded 504 GO terms, most of which were biological processes and molecular functions. Totally 20 related signaling pathways were screened out by KEGG pathway analysis, including neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, PI3 K/AKT signaling pathway, GABAergic synapse, and calcium signaling pathway. Molecular docking demonstrated high affinity of AS-Ⅳ to serine/threonine-protein kinases(AKT1, AKT2), phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit gamma(PIK3 CG), and phosphoinositide-3-kinase, catalytic, alpha polypeptide(PIK3 CA) on the PI3 K/AKT signaling pathway. In vitro experiments showed that AS-Ⅳ could effectively inhibit the decrease of the viability of PC12 induced by MPP~+ and up-regulate the mRNA expression levels of AKT1 and PI3 K as well as the phosphorylation levels of AKT and PI3 K. As an active component of Astragali Radix, AS-Ⅳ acts on PD through multiple targets and pathways. Furthermore, it inhibits neuronal apoptosis and protects neurons by activating the PI3 K/AKT signaling pathway, thereby providing reliable theoretical and experimental supports for the treatment of PD with AS-Ⅳ.

Mechanism of astragaloside Ⅳ alleviating PC12 cell injury by activating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway: based on network pharmacology and in vitro experiments / 中国中药杂志

In this study, the molecular mechanism of astragaloside Ⅳ(AS-Ⅳ) in the treatment of Parkinson's disease(PD) was explored based on network pharmacology, and the potential value of AS-Ⅳ in alleviating neuronal injury in PD by activating the PI3 K/AKT signaling pathway was verified through molecular docking and in vitro experiments. Such databases as SwissTargetPrediction, BTMAN-TAM, and GeneCards were used to predict the targets of AS-Ⅳ for the treatment of PD. The Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins(STRING) was employed to analyze protein-protein interaction(PPI) and construct a PPI network, and the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery(DAVID) was used for Gene Ontology(GO) term enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. Based on the results of GO enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway analysis, the PI3 K/AKT signaling pathway was selected for further molecular docking and in vitro experiments in this study. The in vitro cell model of PD was established by MPP~+. The cell viability was measured by MTT assay and effect of AS-Ⅳ on the expression of the PI3 K/AKT signaling pathway-related genes and proteins by real-time polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) and Western blot. Network pharmacology revealed totally 122 targets of AS-Ⅳ for the treatment of PD, and GO enrichment analysis yielded 504 GO terms, most of which were biological processes and molecular functions. Totally 20 related signaling pathways were screened out by KEGG pathway analysis, including neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, PI3 K/AKT signaling pathway, GABAergic synapse, and calcium signaling pathway. Molecular docking demonstrated high affinity of AS-Ⅳ to serine/threonine-protein kinases(AKT1, AKT2), phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit gamma(PIK3 CG), and phosphoinositide-3-kinase, catalytic, alpha polypeptide(PIK3 CA) on the PI3 K/AKT signaling pathway. In vitro experiments showed that AS-Ⅳ could effectively inhibit the decrease of the viability of PC12 induced by MPP~+ and up-regulate the mRNA expression levels of AKT1 and PI3 K as well as the phosphorylation levels of AKT and PI3 K. As an active component of Astragali Radix, AS-Ⅳ acts on PD through multiple targets and pathways. Furthermore, it inhibits neuronal apoptosis and protects neurons by activating the PI3 K/AKT signaling pathway, thereby providing reliable theoretical and experimental supports for the treatment of PD with AS-Ⅳ.

[Research progress on chemical constituents, pharmacological action and quality control of Scutellaria barbata].

Scutellaria barbata is a recognized anti-cancer traditional Chinese medicine, with the effects of clearing heat and detoxi-fication, dispelling blood stasis and stopping bleeding, diuresis and detumescence. At present, terpenoids, flavonoids, polysaccharides and volatile oils have been isolated from S. barbata, which have many pharmacological effects, such as resisting tumor, virus, bacteria and oxidation, and immunomodulation. This paper reviews the studies on the chemical constituents, pharmacological action and quality control of S. barbata, in the expectation of providing ideas and references for the further development and studies of S. barbata.