Molecular mechanism and research progress of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer(PCa)is one of the most common malignant tumors in the male genitourinary system,ranking second in incidence worldwide.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),as an important component of complementary and alternative medicine,shows unique advantages in cancer treatment.Chinese herbal medicine is usually composed of multiple ingredients and involves multiple signaling pathways,which showed function of inducing apoptosis of cancer cells,arresting the cell cycle,inhibiting invasion and metastasis,reducing drug resistance,and regulating immune function.Physical therapy is also an important treatment of TCM.Currently,Physical therapy such as acupuncture or Tai Chi and Qigong are gaining increased recognition in the management of PCa,particularly in addressing issues like urinary incontinence and bone metastasis-related pain.This article reviews the TCM treatment and therapy of PCa,in order to provide new research avenues and treatment options for the treatment of PCa with TCM and improve the quality of life of patients.

探讨Chinese way术式在关节镜下治疗巨大肩袖损伤的应用价值

目的探讨Chinese way术式在关节镜下治疗巨大肩袖损伤的应用价值,为临床治疗提供参考。方法选取2022年3月至2024年3月于扬州市江都中医院接受治疗的70例巨大肩袖损伤患者的临床资料,进行回顾性分析。根据治疗方式不同分为双排锚钉缝线桥组和Chinese way组,每组35例。双排锚钉缝线桥组患者采用关节镜下双排锚钉缝线桥固定术治疗,Chinese way组患者采用关节镜下Chinese way术式治疗。比较两组患者肩关节活动度、并发症发生情况、Fugl-Meyer评定量表(FMA-UE)评分。结果术后3个月,两组患者前屈、后伸、内旋、外旋的肩关节活动度均增加,且Chinese way组均大于双排锚钉缝线桥组(均P<0.05)。Chinese way组患者并发症总发生率低于双排锚钉缝线桥组(均P<0.05)。术后3个月,两组患者运动功能、感觉功能、平衡功能、关节活动度、疼痛的各项FMA-UE评分均升高,且Chinese way组均高于双排锚钉缝线桥组(均P<0.05)。结论Chinese way术式在关节镜下治疗巨大肩袖损伤的效果较好,可有效提升患者肩关节活动度和上肢运动功能,且安全性较高,值得临床应用。

Traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of Helicobacter pylorirelated gastritis:The mechanisms of signalling pathway regulations

Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis(HPAG)is a common condition of the gastrointestinal tract.However,extensive and long-term antibiotic use has resulted in numerous adverse effects,including increased resistance,gastrointestinal dysfunction,and increased recurrence rates.When these concerns develop,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)may have advantages.TCM is based on the concept of completeness and aims to eliminate pathogens and strengthen the body.It has the potential to prevent this condition while also boosting the rate of Helicobacter pylori eradication.This review elaborates on the mechanism of TCM treatment for HPAG based on cellular signalling pathways,which reflects the flexibility of TCM in treating diseases and the advantages of multi-level,multipathway,and multi-target treatments for HPAG.

Lycium barbarum polysaccharide inhibits retinal neovascularization and inflammation in vitro and in vivo

AIM:To explore the effect and mechanism of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide(LBP)inhibiting retinal neovascularization.METHODS:In vitro tests were performed on human retinal microvascular endothelial cells(HRECs)from three groups,including control group(normal oxygen),hypoxic group(hypoxia at 37℃,1%O_(2),5%CO_(2),and 94%N2),and LBP group(hypoxic group with LBP 100μg/mL).In vivo experiments,C57 mice were divided into three groups:control group(normal rearing group),the oxygen-induced ischemic retinopathy(OIR)group,and the OIR with 50 mg/kg LBP group.Retinal neovascularization was observed by fluorescein angiography and quantified.Retinal thickness was evaluated by Hematoxylin and eosin(HE)stain.The expression of epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR),phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K),mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR),phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin(p-mTOR),protein kinase B(AKT),phosphorylated protein kinase B(p-AKT),interleukin-1β(IL-1β),inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS),and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in each group were analyzed by Western blot.IL-1βlevel in retina was analyzed using immunohistochemical staining.RESULTS:The increased area of neovascular clusters in OIR mice was significantly decreased by LBP.Retinal thickness of OIR mice was significantly thinner compared with normal oxygenated mice and was increased in LBP group.Compared with those in the hypoxic groups,Western blotting of HRECs and retinal tissues revealed that the expression of EGFR,PI3K,p-mTOR,p-AKT,IL-1β,iNOS,and TNF-αdecreased in the LBP group but was still greater than that in control group.Moreover,IL-1βwas reduced in retinal sections treated with LBP.In the scratch test,the cell migration of the hypoxic group was significantly greater than that of the control group,while LBP treatment attenuated this increase in migration.CONCLUSION:LBP reduces retinal neovascularization and inflammation in vivo and inhibits the migration of HRECs in vitro by regulating the EGFR/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

Literature study on traditional Chinese medicine syndromes after renal transplantation

BACKGROUND Kidney transplantation is the most effective means to treat patients with renal failure,but its postoperative problems such as rejection reactions,immunosuppressant poisoning,chronic transplant kidney nephropathy,etc.still have not been effectively solved.This study searched for literature on traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndromes after kidney transplantation in China,conducted statistical analysis of the results,and sought to identify the underlying patterns.AIM To understand the TCM syndromes after renal transplantation and associated rules and provide a theoretical basis for further clinical research.METHODS The literature pertaining to TCM syndromes in renal transplantation,published in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Wanfang database,and WIP database from 1970 to 2021,was meticulously searched and comprehensively and statistically analyzed.RESULTS Following the established inclusion and exclusion criteria,13 studies were selected for analysis.Post-renal transplantation,no significant discrepancy was noted among the groups based on the location of TCM viscera.However,when categorized according to TCM pathogenic factors,the groups with spleen and kidney yang deficiency,as well as liver and kidney yin deficiency,exhibited a statistically significant difference in the frequency.CONCLUSION Currently,the research on TCM syndromes pertaining to renal transplantation is in its nascent phase.It is imperative to conduct a multicentric,large-scale survey of TCM syndromes subsequent to renal transplantation in the ensuing years.

Advances in Research of Preparation and Application of Pure Functional Yaoqu by Adding Traditional Chinese Medicine

This paper introduces the origin and research status of traditional Yaoqu(Chinese medicinal koji)in China,and advances in the research of preparation and development of pure functional Yaoqu.The study results showed that the quality of the products was significantly improved when pure Yaoqu was used as saccharifying agent in the brewing of sake,soy sauce and other products.Based on the high saccharification performance and special functional components,Yaoqu can be applied to the development of fermented food.

Cohort study on the treatment of BRAF V600E mutant metastatic colorectal cancer with integrated Chinese and western medicine

BACKGROUND Patients with BRAF V600E mutant metastatic colorectal cancer(mCRC)have a low incidence rate,poor biological activity,suboptimal response to conventional treatments,and a poor prognosis.In the previous cohort study on mCRC conducted by our team,it was observed that integrated Chinese and Western medicine treatment could significantly prolong the overall survival(OS)of patients with colorectal cancer.Therefore,we further explored the survival benefits in the population with BRAF V600E mutant mCRC.AIM To evaluate the efficacy of integrated Chinese and Western medicine in the treatment of BRAF V600E mutant metastatic colorectal cancer.METHODS A cohort study was conducted on patients with BRAF V600E mutant metastatic colorectal cancer admitted to Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from January 2016 to December 2022.The patients were divided into two cohorts.RESULTS A total of 34 cases were included,with 23 in Chinese-Western medicine cohort(cohort A)and 11 in Western medicine cohort(cohort B).The median overall survival was 19.9 months in cohort A and 14.2 months in cohort B,with a statistically significant difference(P=0.038,hazard ratio=0.46).The 1-3-year survival rates were 95.65%(22/23),39.13%(9/23),and 26.09%(6/23)in cohort A,and 63.64%(7/11),18.18%(2/11),and 9.09%(1/11)in cohort B,respectively.Subgroup analysis showed statistically significant differences in median OS between the two cohorts in the right colon,liver metastasis,chemotherapy,and first-line treatment subgroups(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Integrated Chinese and Western medicine can prolong the survival and reduce the risk of death in patients with BRAF V600E mutant metastatic colorectal cancer,with more pronounced benefits observed in patients with right colon involvement,liver metastasis,combined chemotherapy,and first-line treatment.

Harnessing multi-omics approaches to elucidate the role of Chinese herbal compounds in chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal damage

In this editorial,we discuss the findings reported by Wang et al in the latest issue of the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology.Various research methodologies,including microbiome analysis,assert that the Tzu-Chi Cancer-Antagonizing and Life-Protecting II Decoction of Chinese herbal compounds mitigates inflammatory responses by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway.This action helps maintain the dynamic equilibrium of the intestinal microecology and lessens chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal damage.The efficacy of these compounds is intimately linked to the composition of intestinal microbes.These compounds regulate intestinal microecology by virtue of their specific compatibility and effectiveness,thereby enhancing the overall therapeutic outcomes of cancer chemotherapy.Nonetheless,the exact mechanisms underlying these effects warrant further investigation.Multi-omics technologies offer a systematic approach to elucidate the mechanisms and effectiveness of Chinese herbal compounds in vivo.This manuscript reviews the application of multi-omics technologies to Chinese herbal compounds and explores their potential role in modulating the gastrointestinal microenvironment following cancer chemotherapy,thus providing a theoretical foundation for their continued use in adjunct cancer treatment.

Low-concentration atropine(0.01%)on quantitative contrast sensitivity function in Chinese children with myopia

AIM:To investigate the effect of 0.01%low-concentration atropine(LA)on quantitative contrast sensitivity function(qCSF)in children with myopia.METHODS:This paired case-control study included 90 eyes of 58 children who were sex-,age-,and refractionmatched and equally divided into two groups:the 0.01%LA group had undergone 6mo use of daily 0.01%atropine and control group was naïve to LA.Routine ophthalmic examinations and qCSF test without refractive correction were performed.Two groups were compared in monocular and binocular qCSF parameters,including the area under logCSF,CSF acuity,and contrast sensitivity(CS)at 1.0-18.0 cycle per degree(cpd).RESULTS:In the monocular comparison,the CSF acuity of the LA group was significantly higher than that of the control group(7.58±5.51 vs 6.37±4.22 cpd,P<0.05).The subgroup analysis showed that in the 6-9y group,CSF acuity was significantly higher in the LA group than the control group(8.76±6.19 vs 6.54±4.25 cpd,P<0.05),and in the Female group,low refraction sphere group,and high refraction cylinder group,the CS at high spatial frequencies(12.0 and 18.0 cpd)were significantly higher in the LA group than in the control group(all P<0.05).In the binocular test,CSF acuity and CS at 12.0 cpd were significantly higher in the LA group than in the control group(10.95±7.00 vs 8.65±5.12 cpd;0.17±0.33 vs 0.06±0.16,respectively;both P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Use of LA may result in improved CS in children with early onset myopia.

Mitigating ethyl carbamate production in Chinese rice wine:Role of raspberry extract

This study investigated the use of raspberry extract(RBE) for mitigating ethyl carbamate(EC) accumulation in Chinese rice wine(Huangjiu), a traditional fermented beverage. It focused on the addition of RBE to the fermentation mash and its effects on EC levels. The results showed a significant reduction in EC production that could be attributed to RBE's role in altering urea and citrulline catabolism and inhibiting arginine metabolism, thus preventing EC precursors from reacting with ethanol. Additionally, RBE enhanced the rice wine's flavor profile, as shown by volatile component and amino acid analysis. This study also explored RBE's impact on the metabolism of arginine by Saccharomyces cerevisiae in a simulated fermentation environment, and found increased arginine, reduced urea and citrulline levels, altered enzyme activities, and gene expression changes in the arginine metabolism and transport pathways. In conclusion, the results clearly demonstrated RBE's efficacy in reducing the EC content in Chinese rice wine, offering valuable insights for EC reduction strategies.

Associations between Rejective Parenting Style and Academic Anxiety among Chinese High School Students:The Chain Mediation Effect of Self-Concept and Positive Coping Style

Background:The phenomenon of academic anxiety has been demonstrated to exert a considerable influence on students’academic engagement,leading to the emergence of a phenomenon known as“learned helplessness”and undermining the selfconfidence and motivation of high school students.Using acceptance-rejection theory,this study elucidated how a rejective parenting style affects Chinese high school students’academic anxiety and explored the urban-rural heterogeneity of this relationship.Methods:Data were analyzed using a stratified whole-cluster random sampling method.There are a total of 30,000 high school students in the three regions of northern and central China(from Shanxi,Hebei and Henan).A sample of 2286 high school students aged 14–19 years was ultimately selected from 2760 respondents for this investigation,which was conducted at the beginning of the 2023 school year.Pearson correlation,ordinary least squares(OLS)regression analysis,path analysis,and Fisher’s permutation test(FPT)were used to examine the effects of rejective parenting style on high school students’academic anxiety.Results:Results indicated a significant positive predictive effect between rejective parenting style and academic anxiety among high school students(β=0.815,t=116.211,p<0.001).Students’self-concept was significantly positively related to positive coping style(β=0.424,t=21.208,p<0.001)and chain-mediated this relationship.Therefore,this parenting style may indirectly mitigate academic anxiety through these mediators.The study also found that the effect of rejective parenting style on academic anxiety varied by students’residential background and was more pronounced in urban areas(0.226)than in rural areas(0.130).Conclusion:The research underscores the imperative for Chinese families to reexamine their utilization of rejection parenting and to prioritize the cultivation of students’intrinsic attributes.These findings offer a theoretical framework and practical evidence for policymakers and educators to develop efficacious and targeted interventions.In particular,greater attention should be directed towards the discrepancies in the manifestation of emotional and academic anxiety between urban and rural students,and prompt guidance should be furnished.

Genome-wide identification and analysis of the DREB genes and their expression profiles under abiotic stresses in Chinese jujube(Ziziphus jujuba Mill.)

CBF/DREB proteins play a critical role in abiotic stress-mediated gene expression and represent attractive regulons for plant breeding programs.However,no study has been conducted for CBF/DREB protein-related genes in jujube(Ziziphus jujuba Mill.).In this study,twenty-five ZjDREB genes were identified and annotated from the jujube(Z.jujuba‘Dongzao’)genome.Detailed analysis,including gene classification,annotation,phylogenetic evaluation,conserved motif determination and expression profiling were performed on all genes.Phylogenetic analysis showed that ZjDREB proteins were divided into five subgroups(A1–A5),but lacking a subgroup A6 corresponding to AtDREBs.The ZjDREB genes were distributed in nine of twelve chromosomes in the genome.Additionally,the expression patterns of the DREB genes under different abiotic stresses were investigated using q RT-PCR.Nineteen ZjDREB genes were down-regulated under low temperature,in contrast six ZjDREB genes(01,03,05,11,23 and 24)were up-regulated.Under drought,salinity and high temperature conditions,expression of ZjDREB03,09,10,14,15,17 and 20 genes were induced and showed similar expression patterns,suggesting that various stress conditions share common elements in the signaling pathway.The results suggest that the family of DREB genes play an important role in abiotic stresses in jujube,and provide a foundation for further functional studies of this important class of transcriptional regulators.

Effects of IBA on the rooting of branch cuttings of Chinese jujube (Zizyphus jujuba Mill.) and changes to nutrients and endogenous hormones

‘Zhongqiusucui’ jujube secondary shoots were treated with 3-indolebutyric acid(IBA) at three concentrations, 500, 1000 and 1500 mg/L. Results show that IBA could significantly enhance rooting and root characteristics of cuttings and were best with IBA at 1500 mg/L. In the rooting process, the formation of adventitious roots was related to the consumption and accumulation of nutrients(soluble sugars and proteins) and the changes in endogenous hormones in phloem, leaf tips and leaf bases. The rooting of cuttings had a positive correlation with the consumption of soluble sugars during the period of callus formation and with the accumulation of soluble sugars during adventitious root formation and growth. Rooting was positively related to the breakdown of soluble proteins in the phloem when the callus formed, and had a positive correlation with its accumulation during adventitious root formation and growth. Leaf tips and leaf bases showed a reverse trend in changes of soluble protein. However, together with the phloem, leaf tips and leaf bases regulated and controlled the formation and development of adventitious roots. The main activities of soluble proteins exist in the leaf tips as this was the main source of soluble proteins. The relation between rooting and IAA(indole-3-acetic acid) content in phloem was positive and thus a high concentration of IAA could benefit the induction and formation of adventitious roots. However, rooting was negatively related with ABA(abscisic acid) and GA(gibberellic acid) and a high concentration of both could inhibit the induction and formation of adventitious roots. Rooting had a positive correlation with phloem IAA/ABA ratios, and higher ratios could improve rooting. Low concentrations of ZR(zeatin riboside) triggered the induction of adventitious roots, while higher concentrations promoted root growth.Endogenous hormones in leaf tips and bases had an impact on rooting. The activities of endogenous hormones mainly existed in leaf tips because they play a major role in the production and consumption of IAA and its ABA content increased during rooting. The ZR in leaf tips influenced the rooting of cuttings, especially in the callus formation and rooting stage. Leaf tips were the main source of GA.

Effect of lactic acid fermentation and in vitro digestion on the bioactive compounds in Chinese wolfberry(Lycium barbarum)pulp

Two commercial probiotics,Lactobacillus helveticus 76(Lh)and Bifidobacterium lactis 80(Bla),were employed to investigate the effect of lactic acid fermentation and in vitro digestion on bioactive compounds in Chinese wolfberry pulp.The changes of antioxidant capacity of pulp were also studied.Our results demonstrated that Chinese wolfberry pulp was a suitable carrier for both probiotics.Lactic acid fermentation increased total phenolic,total flavonoids and betaine,and improved bioaccessibility of flavonoids and carotenoids in vitro digestion.Fermentation had no remarkable influence on the content and basic structure of polysaccharides,but reduced their particle size.In addition,fermentation improved the antioxidant activities of Chinese wolfberry pulp before and after in vitro digestion mainly due to the metabolism of polyphenols.This study thus would provide valuable information about the development of Chinese wolfberry as a functional drink fermented with probiotics.

Lycium barbarum glycopeptide(wolfberry extract)slows N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-induced degradation of photoreceptors

Photoreceptor cell degeneration leads to blindness, for which there is currently no effective treatment. Our previous studies have shown that Lycium barbarum(L. barbarum) polysaccharide(LBP) protects degenerated photoreceptors in rd1, a transgenic mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa. L. barbarum glycopeptide(Lb GP) is an immunoreactive glycoprotein extracted from LBP. In this study, we investigated the potential protective effect of Lb GP on a chemically induced photoreceptor-degenerative mouse model. Wild-type mice received the following: oral administration of Lb GP as a protective pre-treatment on days 1–7;intraperitoneal administration of 40 mg/kg N-methylN-nitrosourea to induce photoreceptor injury on day 7;and continuation of orally administered Lb GP on days 8–14. Treatment with Lb GP increased photoreceptor survival and improved the structure of photoreceptors, retinal photoresponse, and visual behaviors of mice with photoreceptor degeneration. Lb GP was also found to partially inhibit the activation of microglia in N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-injured retinas and significantly decreased the expression of two pro-inflammatory cytokines. In conclusion, Lb GP effectively slowed the rate of photoreceptor degeneration in N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-injured mice, possibly through an anti-inflammatory mechanism, and has potential as a candidate drug for the clinical treatment of photoreceptor degeneration.

Knee osteoarthritis:A review of animal models and intervention of traditional Chinese medicine

Background:Knee osteoarthritis(KOA)characterized by degeneration of knee cartilage and subsequent bone hyperplasia is a prevalent joint condition primarily affecting aging adults.The pathophysiology of KOA remains poorly understood,as it involves complex mechanisms that result in the same outcome.Consequently,researchers are interested in studying KOA and require appropriate animal models for basic research.Chinese herbal compounds,which consist of multiple herbs with diverse pharmacological properties,possess characteristics such as multicomponent,multipathway,and multitarget effects.The potential benefits in the treatment of KOA continue to attract attention.Purpose:This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the advantages,limitations,and specific considerations in selecting different species and methods for KOA animal models.This will help researchers make informed decisions when choosing an animal model.Methods:Online academic databases(e.g.,PubMed,Google Scholar,Web of Science,and CNKI)were searched using the search terms“knee osteoarthritis,”“animal models,”“traditional Chinese medicine,”and their combinations,primarily including KOA studies published from 2010 to 2023.Results:Based on literature retrieval,this review provides a comprehensive overview of the methods of establishing KOA animal models;introduces the current status of advantages and disadvantages of various animal models,including mice,rats,rabbits,dogs,and sheep/goats;and presents the current status of methods used to establish KOA animal models.Conclusion:This study provides a review of the animal models used in recent KOA research,discusses the common modeling methods,and emphasizes the role of traditional Chinese medicine compounds in the treatment of KOA.

Five commonly used traditional Chinese medicine formulas in the treatment of ulcerative colitis:A network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Currently,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)formulas are commonly being used as adjunctive therapy for ulcerative colitis in China.Network meta-analysis,a quantitative and comprehensive analytical method,can systematically compare the effects of different adjunctive treatment options for ulcerative colitis,providing scientific evidence for clinical decision-making.AIM To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of commonly used TCM for the treatment of ulcerative colitis(UC)in clinical practice through a network metaanalysis.METHODS Clinical randomized controlled trials of these TCM formulas used for the adjuvant treatment of UC were searched from the establishment of the databases to July 1,2022.Studies that met the inclusion criteria were screened and evaluated for literature quality and risk of bias according to the Cochrane 5.1 standard.The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using ReviewManager(RevMan)5.4,and a funnel plot was constructed to test for publication bias.ADDIS 1.16 statistical software was used to perform statistical analysis of the treatment measures and derive the network relationship and ranking diagrams of the various intervention measures.RESULTS A total of 64 randomized controlled trials involving 5456 patients with UC were included in this study.The adjuvant treatment of UC using five TCM formulations was able to improve the clinical outcome of the patients.Adjuvant treatment with Baitouweng decoction(BTWT)showed a significant effect[mean difference=36.22,95%confidence interval(CI):7.63 to 65.76].For the reduction of tumor necrosis factor in patients with UC,adjunctive therapy with BTWT(mean difference=−9.55,95%CI:−17.89 to−1.41),Shenlingbaizhu powder[SLBZS;odds ratio(OR)=0.19,95%CI:0.08 to 0.39],and Shaoyao decoction(OR=−23.02,95%CI:−33.64 to−13.14)was effective.Shaoyao decoction was more effective than BTWT(OR=0.12,95%CI:0.03 to 0.39),SLBZS(OR=0.19,95%CI:0.08 to 0.39),and Xi Lei powder(OR=0.34,95%CI:0.13 to 0.81)in reducing tumor necrosis factor and the recurrence rate of UC.CONCLUSION TCM combined with mesalazine is more effective than mesalazine alone in the treatment of UC.

Synergistic effects of carbon cycle metabolism and photosynthesis in Chinese cabbage under salt stress

Chinese cabbage(Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis) has a long cultivation history and is one of the vegetable crops with the largest cultivation area in China. However, salt stress severely damages photosynthesis and hormone metabolism, nutritional balances, and results in ion toxicity in plants. To better understand the mechanisms of salt-induced growth inhibition in Chinese cabbage, RNA-seq and physiological index determination were conducted to explore the impacts of salt stress on carbon cycle metabolism and photosynthesis in Chinese cabbage. Here, we found that the number of thylakoids and grana lamellae and the content of starch granules and chlorophyll in the leaves of Chinese cabbage under salt stress showed a time-dependent response, first increasing and then decreasing. Chinese cabbage increased the transcript levels of genes related to the photosynthetic apparatus and carbon metabolism under salt stress, probably in an attempt to alleviate damage to the photosynthetic system and enhance CO_(2) fixation and energy metabolism. The transcription of genes related to starch and sucrose synthesis and degradation were also enhanced;this might have been an attempt to maintain intracellular osmotic pressure by increasing soluble sugar concentrations. Soluble sugars could also be used as potential reactive oxygen species(ROS) scavengers, in concert with peroxidase(POD)enzymes, to eliminate ROS that accumulate during metabolic processes. Our study characterizes the synergistic response network of carbon metabolism and photosynthesis under salt stress.

Systems Theory-Driven Framework for AI Integration into the Holistic Material Basis Research of Traditional Chinese Medicine

This paper introduces a systems theory-driven framework to integration artificial intelligence(AI)into traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)research,enhancing the understanding of TCM’s holistic material basis while adhering to evidence-based principles.Utilizing the System Function Decoding Model(SFDM),the research progresses through define,quantify,infer,and validate phases to systematically explore TCM’s material basis.It employs a dual analytical approach that combines top-down,systems theory-guided perspectives with bottom-up,elements-structure-function methodologies,provides comprehensive insights into TCM’s holistic material basis.Moreover,the research examines AI’s role in quantitative assessment and predictive analysis of TCM’s material components,proposing two specific AIdriven technical applications.This interdisciplinary effort underscores AI’s potential to enhance our understanding of TCM’s holistic material basis and establishes a foundation for future research at the intersection of traditional wisdom and modern technology.

A chromosome-level genome assembly for Chinese plum‘Wushancuili'reveals the molecular basis of its fruit color and susceptibility to rain-cracking

Chinese plum(Prunus salicina Lindl.)originates from China and makes a large contribution to the global production of plums.The P.salicina‘Wushancuili'has a green coloration and high fruit quality and is economically important in eliminating poverty and protecting ecology in the Yangtze River Three Gorges Reservoir.However,rain-induced cracking(rain-cracking,literally skin cracking caused by rain)is a limitation to‘Wushancuili'fruit production and causes severe losses.This study reported a high-quality‘Wushancuili'genome assembly consisting of a 302.17-Mb sequence with eight pseudo-chromosomes and a contig N50 of 23.59 Mb through the combination of Illumina sequencing,Pacific Biosciences HiFiⅢsequencing,and high-throughput chromosome conformation capture technology.A total of 25109 protein-coding genes are predicted and 54.17%of the genome is composed of repetitive sequences.‘Wushancuili'underwent a remarkable orthoselection during evolution.Gene identification revealed that loss-of-function in four core MYB10 genes results in the anthocyanin deficiency and absence of red color,revealing the green coloration due to the residual high chlorophyll in fruit skin.Besides,the occurrence of cracking is assumed to be closely associated with cell wall modification and frequently rain-induced pathogen enrichment through transcriptomic analysis.The loss of MYB10 genes might render fruit more susceptible to pathogen-mediated cracking by weakening the epidermal strength and reactive oxygen species(ROS)scavenging.Our findings provided fundamental knowledge regarding fruit coloration and rain-cracking and will facilitate genetic improvement and cultivation management in Chinese plums.