Observation on Therapeutic Effect of Lotus Needle Cupping Therapy for Removing Blood Stasis in Zhuang Medicine on PHN and Its Influ-ence on Inflammatory Mediators

[Objectives]To observe the clinical effect of the lotus needle cupping therapy for removing blood stasis in Zhuang medicine in treating PHNand its influence on inflammatory factors.[Methods]96 patients with PHN were randomly divided into three groups:lotus nee-dle cupping therapy group,TCM surrounding acupuncture group and gabapentin group.Venous blood and acupoint blood were collected at 0,21 and 42 d of treatment,and the expression levels of 5-HT,SP and CGRPinflammatory mediators were detected before and after treatment.The changes of VAS scores before,during and after treatment and the clinical efficacy were observed.[Results]The total effective rate of the lotus needle cupping group was 87.50%,which was better than that of the TCM acupuncture group(81.25%)and the gabapentin group(62.50%);after treatment,the VAS scores and the expression of inflammatory mediators in the three groups of patients were lower than those before treatment,and the decrease was more significant in the treatment group(P<0.05).[Conclusions]The lotus needle cupping therapy for removing blood stasis in Zhuang medicine is effective in treating PHN,and its mechanism is to reduce the release of inflammatory media-tors,reduce hyperalgesia,relieve pain and improve the quality of life of patients.

Crystal plane induced in-situ electrochemical activation of manganese-based cathode enable long-term aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Rapid capacity decay and sluggish reaction kinetics are major barriers hindering the applications of manganese-based cathode materials for aqueous zinc-ion batteries.Herein,the effects of crystal plane on the in-situ transformation behavior and electrochemical performance of manganese-based cathode is discussed.A comprehensive discussion manifests that the exposed(100)crystal plane is beneficial to the phase transformation from tunnel-structured MnO_(2) to layer-structured ZnMn_(3)O_(7)·3H_(2)O,which plays a critical role for the high reactivity,high capacity,fast diffusion kinetics and long cycling stability.Additionally,a two-stage zinc storage mechanism can be demonstrated,involving continuous activation reaction and phase transition reaction.As expected,it exhibits a high capacity of 275 mAh g^(-1)at 100 mA g^(-1),a superior durability over 1000 cycles and good rate capability.This study may open new windows toward developing advanced cathodes for ZIBs,and facilitate the applications of ZIBs in large-scale energy storage system.

Constraints on water activity at the Zhurong landing site in Utopia Planitia,Mars

Mineralogical evidence of water–rock interactions is a strong indicator of the presence of liquid water on ancient Mars.Previous observations have found widely distributed hydrated minerals in the southern highlands,whereas such discoveries have been rare in the younger northern lowlands.China’s first Mars exploration mission successfully landed a rover(Zhurong)in southern Utopia Planitia,providing an opportunity to analyze the exposed rocks in the northern lowlands.Using data from the short-wave infrared(SWIR)spectrometer and the laser-induced breakdown spectrometer(LIBS)onboard the Zhurong rover,we found evidence for the widespread presence of hydrated minerals(probably sulfates or silica)around the landing site.The basaltic-like elemental compositions of the targeted samples further indicated that hydrated minerals are likely minor components.The results from Zhurong suggest that active aqueous activities occurred during the overall cold and dry Amazonian era on Mars.However,further evaluations are needed on the duration and scale of these activities.

Gas Phase Hydrogenated and Deuterated Fullerene Cations

H/D accretion,especially onto ionized fullerenes,is expected to be very efficient in space.In this work,we study hydrogenated and deuterated fullerene cations and their photodissociation behavior in the gas phase.The experimental results show that hydrogenated fullerene cations(i.e.,[C_(60)H_(n)]^(+)and[C_(70)H_(n)]^(+),n up to 30)and deuterated fullerene cations(i.e.,[C_(60)D_(n)]^(+)and[C_(70)D_(n)]^(+),n up to 21)are formed efficiently through the ion-atom collision reaction pathway.Upon irradiation,the hydrogenated and deuterated fullerene cations dissociate into fullerene cations and H/H_(2)or D/D_(2)species.The structures of the newly formed hydrogenated and deuterated fullerene cations(C_(58)and C_(60))and the bonding energies for these reaction pathways are investigated by means of quantum chemical calculations.The competition between hydrogenation and dehydrogenation is confirmed,and the hydrogenation-to-dehydrogenation ratio in the accretion processes in the gas phase is determined.We infer that the proportion of accreted hydrogen and deuterium atoms on the surface of fullerenes is similar to that of hydrogen and deuterium atoms in the interstellar environment where these fullerenes are located,especially when the interstellar environments are similar to our experimental conditions,i.e.,the hot environment.

A Preliminary Study on Effects of Zhuang Medicine Clerodendrum japonicum(Thunb.)Sweet on Acute Tonsillitis

[Objectives]To study the effect of Zhuang medicine Clerodendrum japonicum(Thunb.)Sweet on acute tonsillitis.[Methods]The antibacterial,antipyretic,anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the extract of Zhuang medicine C.japonicum(Thunb.)Sweet were observed.[Results]Zhuang medicine C.japonicum(Thunb.)Sweet showed a good inhibitory effect onα-hemolytic streptococcus,β-hemolytic streptococcs,Staphylococcus citreus,Staphylococcus epidermidis,Staphylococcus aureus,Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Proteus and Escherichia coli;it showed a good inhibitory effect on the infection of Staphylococcus aureus andβ-hemolytic streptococcs in vivo;it could significantly reduce the elevated body temperature of rabbits injected with the triple vaccine and significantly increase the pain threshold of thermally stimulated mice.[Conclusions]Zhuang Medicine C.japonicum(Thunb.)Sweet has positive significance in the treatment of acute tonsillitis instead of antibiotics.

Molecular mapping and candidate gene analysis of the semi-dominant gene Vestigial glume1 in maize

The glume is an organ of the maize spikelet and plays important roles in anther and kernel development.Vestigial glume1(Vg1)is a classic mutant associated with ligule and glume development.Here we report the phenotypic characterization,fine mapping,and candidate gene analysis of the Vg1 mutant.Vg1 is a semi-dominant and pleiotropic gene,and also affects plant height,ear height,and tassel length.Vg1 ligule degeneration begins at the first leaf,and the Vg1 tassel and ear can be distinguished from those of wild-type plants when their lengths reach respectively 55 mm and 51 mm.Using a BC3 mapping population of 11,445 plants,we delimited the Vg1 functional site to an interval of 7.4 kb,flanked by the markers InDelLM and CRM6.A putative cyclopropane fatty-acid synthase gene(ZmCPA-FAS1)was hypothesized to underlie the mutant phenotype.We detected a Helitron insertion in the sixth intron of ZmCPAFAS1.Its presence caused abnormal alternative splicing of ZmCPA-FAS1 that conferred new characteristics on the Vg1 mutant.These findings are a basis for further discovery of the molecularmechanism underlying glume development and a potential guide formaize breeding of small-glume varieties,especially sweet corn breeding.

Process Optimization and Content Determination of Total Flavonoids of Zhuang Medicine Clerodendrum japonicum(Thumb.)Sweet

[Objectives]To optimize the extraction process of total flavonoids of Zhuang medicine Clerodendrum japonicum(Thumb.)Sweet and establish a method for its extraction and content determination.[Methods]The total flavonoids of C.japonicum were extracted by reflux extraction method.Through a single factor experiment,the effects of extraction method,extraction solvent concentration,extraction volume and extraction time on the total flavonoids content of medicinal materials were investigated to select the optimal extraction process of the total flavonoids of C.japonicum.[Results]The optimal extraction process of the total flavonoids of C.japonicum was 75%ethanol,1∶20 solid-to-liquid ratio,and 50 min reflux extraction time.[Conclusions]This method can effectively determine the content of total flavonoids in C.japonicum and provide a certain scientific basis for the study of the quality standard of this Zhuang medicine.This method has high reproducibility.It is stable and feasible in extraction of total flavonoids from Zhuang medicine C.japonicum.

ThERF1 from Tamarix hispida confers decreased tolerance to oxidative and drought stresses and is regulated by a WRKY protein

The ethylene-responsive factor family is one of the largest families of plant-specific transcription factors that are involved in plant development and stress responses. Previously, we demonstrated that the gene Th ERF1,encoding a novel ethylene-responsive factor from Tamarix hispida, negatively modulates abiotic stress tolerance. In the present study, Arabidopsis plants overexpressing Th ERF1 had decreased oxidative tolerance and increased transpirational water loss rate compared with wild-type plants, leading to sensitivity to abiotic stress. Real-time RT-PCR showed that the upstream regulator of Th ERF1,Th WRKY2, is involved in responses to different abiotic stresses. Furthermore, both Th WRKY2 and Th ERF1 shared similar expression patterns in the stems and leaves of T.hispida when exposed to salinity, drought and abscisic acid. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays further confirmed that Th WRKY2 can directly bind to the promoter of Th ERF1 and regulate its expression. This study revealed the regulatory mechanism of Th ERF1 expression in response to abiotic stresses in T. hispida.

Study on the Chemical Constituents of Clerodendrum japonicum,a Zhuang Medicine

[Objectives]To make a preliminary study on the chemical constituents of Clerodendrum japonicum,a Zhuang medicine,so as to provide theoretical support and scientific basis for exploring its medicinal value and comprehensive development and utilization.[Methods]The compounds were separated by macroporous adsorption resin,silica gel,Sephadex LH-20,ODS chromatographic column and preparative high performance liquid chromatography,and their structures were identified by NMR and MS data.[Results]8 compounds were isolated and identified from Clerodendrum japonicum extract with 80%ethanol solution:(1)fumaric acid,(2)trans-p-hydroxycinnamic acid,(3)cis-p-hydroxycinnamic acid,(4)ethyl caffeate,(5)acteoside,(6)kaempferol,(7)apigenin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside,(8)caffeic acid.[Conclusions]8 compounds were isolated and purified from the ethanol extract of Clerodendrum japonicum.

Research Progress in the Application of Network Pharmacology in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Compound Prescriptions

Network pharmacology is a new discipline based on the theory of systems biology,mainly for network analysis of biological systems.It selects specific signal nodes for multi-target drug molecular design.This article summarizes the application of network pharmacology in traditional Chinese medicine and compound prescriptions in recent years from the research progress of network pharmacology,the current research status of single herbs,and the research and application of compound prescriptions.

Return to the Moon:New perspectives on lunar exploration

Lunar exploration is deemed crucial for uncovering the origins of the Earth-Moon system and is the first step for advancing humanity’s exploration of deep space.Over the past decade,the Chinese Lunar Exploration Program(CLEP),also known as the Chang’e(CE)Project,has achieved remarkable milestones.It has successfully developed and demonstrated the engineering capability required to reach and return from the lunar surface.Notably,the CE Project has made historic firsts with the landing and on-site exploration of the far side of the Moon,along with the collection of the youngest volcanic samples from the Procellarum KREEP Terrane.These achievements have significantly enhanced our understanding of lunar evolution.Building on this success,China has proposed an ambitious crewed lunar exploration strategy,aiming to return to the Moon for scientific exploration and utilization.This plan encompasses two primary phases:the first crewed lunar landing and exploration,followed by a thousand-kilometer scale scientific expedition to construct a geological cross-section across the lunar surface.Recognizing the limitations of current lunar exploration efforts and China’s engineering and technical capabilities,this paper explores the benefits of crewed lunar exploration while leveraging synergies with robotic exploration.The study refines fundamental lunar scientific questions that could lead to significant breakthroughs,considering the respective engineering and technological requirements.This research lays a crucial foundation for defining the objectives of future lunar exploration,emphasizing the importance of crewed missions and offering insights into potential advancements in lunar science.

深空探测之前沿科学问题探析

深空探测的驱动力源于人类探索未知的天性,是科学研究的前沿领域之一.自二十世纪六七十年代的月球探测高潮以来,人类的深空探测任务已经实现了对太阳系八大行星等主要天体的探测,获得了大量的科学发现,同时也发现了更多未解之谜.进入21世纪以后,人类深空探测迎来了又一次高潮,参与探测的国家和探测任务的数量都有了巨大提升,技术的发展也提高了探测的成功率.从太阳系形成到生命出现并演化到智慧生物,太阳系经历了复杂的演化过程,地球和其他行星环境经历了剧烈变化.要证实和重建这个过程还有大量科学问题有待回答,需要依赖更多精密计划的深空探测任务去寻找线索.太阳系的形成与演化、行星宜居性、地外生命探索等是当前深空探测的核心科学内容.前太阳系物质组成、太阳系的初始状态、行星系统的形成过程是太阳系形成与演化研究的关键科学问题,类地行星沿不同路径演化的原因是行星宜居性研究的重要方面.地外生命探测是深空探测的核心内容之一,生命的起源与演化、地外生命信号识别、地球极端环境类比等是主要的研究内容.针对已经计划和正在论证的深空探测任务,系统梳理其中的前沿科学问题及其研究现状和研究手段,能够为深空探测任务的科学规划提供参考,孕育更多的科学发现和前沿突破.

Application of Traditional Chinese Medicine injection in treatment of primary liver cancer:a review

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the application of Traditional Chinese Medicine Injections(TCMIs) for treatment of primary liver cancer(PLC).METHODS:A literature review was conducted using PubMed/Medline,Cochrane Library Controlled Clinical Trials Database,China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),China Scientific Journal Database(CSJD) and China Biology Medicine(CBM).Online websites including journal websites and databases of ongoing trials,as well as some Traditional Chinese Medicine journals that are not indexed in the electronic databases were also searched.RESULTS:The literature review showed that TCMIs as adjunctive medication for the treatment of PLC could regulate patient immunity,reduce bone marrow suppression,relieve clinical symptoms,and improve quality of life,as well as control disease progression and prolong survival time.CONCLUSION:Within the limitations of this review,we conclude that application of TCMIs as adjunctive medication may provide benefits for patients with PLC.Further large,high-quality trials are warranted.

Tuning Zn^(2+) coordination tunnel by hierarchical gel electrolyte for dendrite-free zinc anode

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries(ZIBs)are perceived as one of the most upcoming grid-scale storage systems.However,the issues of electrode dissolution,dendrite formation,and corrosion in traditional liquid electrolytes have plagued its progress.In this work,Zn dendrite growth and side reactions are effectively suppressed by a highly-confined tannic acid(TA)modified sodium alginate(SA)composite gel electrolyte(TA-SA).The ion-confinement effect is enhanced by divalent zinc ions coordinated with carboxyl groups and chelated with phenolic hydroxyl groups,thus guiding and regulating Zn deposition to achieve steady zinc plating/stripping behavior.As a consequence,the Zn/TA-SA/NH_(4)V_(4)O_(10) full cells deliver a high specific capacity of 238.6 mAh g^(-1) and maintain 94.51%over 900 cycles at 2 A g^(-1).Notably,after resting over 5 d,the capacity can be stabilized with a capacity retention of 97.25%after 200 cycles at 2 A g^(-1).This highlyconfined and hydrogen bond-strengthened gel electrolyte may provide an effective strategy for the future development of quasi-solid-state metal batteries.

ThERF1 regulates its target genes via binding to a novel cis-acting element in response to salt stress

Ethylene responsive factors (ERFs) are plant-specific transcription factors that are involved in a variety of biological processes. We previously demonstrated that an ERF gene from Tamarix hispida, ThERF1, encodes a protein binding to GCC-box and DRE motifs and negatively modulates abiotic stress tolerance. In the present study, microarray analysis was performed to study the genes regulated by ThERF1 on a genomic scale. There were 154 and 307 genes (respectively representing 134 and 260 unique genes) significantly up- and downregulated by ThERF1 under salt stress conditions, respectively. A novel motif, named TTG, was identified to be recognized by ThERF1, which commonly presents in the promoters of ThERF1-targeted genes. The TTG motif is also bound by other ERFs of a different subfamily from T. hispida and Arabidopsis, indicating that it is commonly recognized by ERF proteins. The binding affinities of ERFs to the TTG motif are significantly induced by salt stress. The TTG motif is more enriched than the GCC-box and DRE motifs in the promoters of ThERF1-targeted genes. Taken together, these studies suggested that the TTG motif plays an important role in the gene expression regulated by ERFs in response to salt stress.

Simultaneous regulation of cations and anions in an electrolyte for high-capacity, high-stability aqueous zinc–vanadium batteries

Safe,inexpensive aqueous zinc-ion batteries(AZIBs)are regarded as promising energy storage devices.However,they still face issues,including dissolution and collapse of the cathode as well as H_(2)evolution and the growth of Zn dendrites on the Zn anode.Herein,we simultaneously regulate the cations and anions in the electrolyte for high-capacity,high-stability aqueous zinc–vanadium(Zn–V)batteries based on a bimetallic cation-doped Na_(0.33)K_(0.1)V_(2)O_(5)·nH_(2)O cathode.We demonstrate that Na^(+) cations suppress cathode dissolution and restrain Zn dendrite growth on the anode via an electrostatic shield effect.We also illustrate that ClO_(4)^(-) anions participate in energy storage at the cathode and are reduced to Cl^(-),generating a protective layer on the Zn anode surface and providing a stable interface to decrease Zn dendrites and H_(2)evolution during long-term cycling.When Na^(+) and ClO_(4)^(-) are introduced into an aqueous ZnSO_(4) electrolyte,a Zn/Zn symmetric cell shows durable and reversible Zn stripping/plating for 1500 h at a current density of 1 mA cm^(-2) and with an area capacity of 1 mAh cm^(-2).Zn/Na_(0.33)K_(0.1)V_(2)O_(5)·nH_(2)O full batteries exhibit a high capacity of 600 mAh g^(-1)at 0.1 A g^(-1) and long-term cycling performance for 5000 cycles,with a capacity of 200 mAh g^(-1) at 20 Ag^(-1).

CUL4B negatively regulates Toll-like receptor-triggered proinflammatory responses by repressing Pten transcription

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play critical roles in innate immunity and inflammation. The molecular mechanisms by which TLR signaling is fine-tuned remain to be completely elucidated. Cullin 4B (CUL4B), which assembles the CUL4B-RING E3 ligase complex (CRL4B), has been shown to regulate diverse developmental and physiological processes by catalyzing monoubiquitination for histone modification or polyubiquitination for proteasomal degradation. Here, we identified the role of CUL4B as an intrinsic negative regulator of the TLR-triggered inflammatory response. Deletion of CUL4B in macrophages increased the production of proinflammatory cytokines and decreased anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 production in response to pathogens that activate TLR3, TLR4, or TLR2. Myeloid cell-specific Cul4b knockout mice were more susceptible to septic shock when challenged with lipopolysaccharide, polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid or Salmonella typhimurium infection. We further demonstrated that enhanced TLR-induced inflammatory responses in the absence of CUL4B were mediated by increased GSK3β activity. Suppression of GSK3β activity efficiently blocked the TLR-triggered increase in proinflammatory cytokine production and attenuated TLR-triggered death in Cul4b mutant mice. Mechanistically, CUL4B was found to negatively regulate TLR-triggered signaling by epigenetically repressing the transcription of Pten, thus maintaining the anti-inflammatory PI3K-AKT-GSK3β pathway. The upregulation of PTEN caused by CUL4B deletion led to uncontrolled GSK3β activity and excessive inflammatory immune responses. Thus, our findings indicate that CUL4B functions to restrict TLR-triggered inflammatory responses through regulating the AKT-GSK3β pathway.