A cup of coffee for a brain long life

Coffee is one of the world's favorite and most popular beverages,the third most popular beverage after water and tea.For many people,it is an indispensable habit before going to work and a socialization tool for the rest of the day.In general,the average consum ption varies from 2 to6 cups per day.What are the health implications?Given this consum ption,the benefits are actually greater than the risks.This is the conclusion of a careful study published in the New England Journal of Medicine(van Dam et al.,2020).

Potential of molecular chaperones for treating Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is the most prevalent form of dementia,i.e.,progressive memory loss and profound cognitive dysfunction,resulting in a considerable societal burden.At the neuropathological level,the brains of AD patients exhibit amyloid-β(Aβ)plaques,neurofibrillary tangles,and neuroinflammation(Sala Frigerio and De Strooper,2016).

Veratrilla baillonii Franch alleviate the symptoms of diabetes in type 2 diabetic rats induced by high-fat diet and streptozotocin

Our previous research studies have shown that Veratrilla baillonii Franch,a food supplement used by ethnic minorities in Southwest China,has multiple pharmacological activities,such as detoxification,antiinflammatory,antioxidant,and anti-insulin resistance.However,the detailed signal pathways for its salutary effect on damages in multiple organs due to type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)remains unclear.The current study is to evaluate the therapeutic effects of V.baillonii on T2DM rats and to explore the underlying mechanisms.The T2DM rat model was successfully established by a high-sugar and high-fat diet(HFD)combination with intraperitoneal injection of a small dose of streptozotocin(STZ,35 mg/kg).Biochemical analysis and histopatholgical examinations were conducted to evaluate the anti-diabetic potential of water extracts of V.baillonii(WVBF).The results showed that the WVBF treatment can improve hyperglycemia and insulin resistance,ameliorate the liver,kidney and pancreas injuries via decreasing inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α,and oxidative damages.Further investigation suggested that WVBF modulates the signal transductions of the IRS1/PI3K/AKT/GLUT4 and AMPK pathways.These findings demonstrate potentials of WVBF in the treatment of T2DM and possible mechanisms for its hepatoprotective activities.

Cisplatin-induced activation of TGF-βsignaling contributes to drug resistance

Growing evidence suggests an association between epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT),a hallmark of tumor malignancy,and chemoresistance to a number of anti-cancer drugs.However,the mechanism of EMT induction in the process of acquiring anti-cancer drug resistance remains unclear.To address this issue,we obtained a number of cisplatin-resistant clones from LoVo cells and found that almost all of them lost cell-cell contacts.In these clones,the epithelial marker E-cadherin was downregulated,whereas the mesenchymal marker N-cadherin was upregulated.Moreover,the expression of EMT-related transcription factors,including Slug,was elevated.On the other hand,the upregulation of other mesenchymal marker Vimentin was weak,suggesting that the mesenchymal-like phenotypic changes occurred in these cisplatin-resistant clones.These mesenchymal-like features of cisplatin-resistant clones were partially reversed to parental epithelial-like features by treatment with transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)receptor kinase inhibitors,indicating that TGF-βsignaling is involved in cisplatin-induced the mesenchymallike phenotypic changes.Moreover,cisplatin was observed to enhance the secretion of TGF-βinto the culture media without influencing TGF-βgene transcription.These results suggest that cisplatin may induce the mesenchymal-like phenotypic changes by enhancing TGF-βsecretion,ultimately resulting in drug resistance.

Bioremediation of Textile Azo Dyes Amido Black 10B, Reactive Black 5, Reactive Blue 160 by Lentinus squarrosulus AF5 and Assessment of Toxicity of the Degraded Metabolites

Bioremediation is an eco-compatible and economical approach to counter textile dye menace. The isolated Lentinus squarrosulus AF5 was assessed for decolourization of textile azo dyes, and had shown ~93%, 88% and 70% decolorization of Reactive blue 160 (RB160), Reactive black 5 (RB5) and Amido black 10B (AB10B) respectively. Further analysis using UV-vis, HPLC, and FTIR, 1H NMR had shown the degradation of the dyes. Toxicity analysis of the metabolites was performed using seed germination and plant growth on two agriculturally important plants Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) and wheat (Triticum aestivum) as well as cytotoxicity analysis using the human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT). The dye mix appeared inhibitory for seed germination (20% - 40%), whereas metabolites were non-inhibitory for germination. Treatment of HaCaT cells with of dye mix and metabolites led into 45% and ~100% of cell viability of HaCaT cells respectively. Therefore, metabolites following degradation of the dye mix were observed to be non-toxic.

Insights into the anorexic mechanism of Khat:an integrated in vivo,ex vivo,and in silico investigations

Background:Chewing Khat(Catha edulis)releases cathine and cathinone,which may reduce appetite via an unknown mechanism.This study investigated the peripheral and central effects of fresh leaves and buds of Catha edulis water extract(CEWE)on appetite biomarkers,gene expression,and body weight,using in vivo,ex vivo,and in silico models.Methods:Rats of both sexes were orally administered CEWE at different doses and durations in three different experiments.Liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy(LC-MS)-MS was used to detect cathinone and cathine in the murine blood.The effect of Khat on serotonin receptors was studied in isolated rat fundus samples.Docking of the two Khat ligands was performed on G(The 5-hydroxytryptamine-type 2C receptor(5-HT2C)in an agonist-bound active conformation)and H(5-HT2C in an antagonist-bound inactive conformation)proteins to determine which ligands are most likely to act as agonists or antagonists.Results:Significant differences(P<0.05)in body weight were observed between the CEWE-treated groups and the controls over eight weeks.However,the plasma leptin and ghrelin levels did not change significantly(P>0.05).The expression of the ghrelin and leptin genes was also unaffected,but the expression of the 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)gene decreased(P<0.05)with CEWE treatment.CEWE antagonizes 5-HT receptors in isolated rat fundus samples.Docking findings indicated that the khat ligands bound to 5-HT2C receptors.Cathine and cathinone levels in rat plasma were measured.Conclusion:Khat extract may suppress appetite by antagonizing the 5-HT receptors.Further research is required to understand its mechanism and potential applications.

Physico-Chemical and Nutritional Properties of a Food Broth Based on Nere (Parkia biglobosa)

Purpose: Diet and eating habits are major risk factors for the health and the development of disease, such as, for example, metabolic disorder leading to cardiovascular pathology and cancer, decreased immunity exposing to infections. This study of the physico-chemical and nutritional properties of a soumara-based food broth was carried out with the aim of promoting the consumption of organic broth made from nere seeds (soumara). That is to alleviate certain metabolic diseases, which is a matter of food safety, and also to limit the risk for the health about the consumption of some cooking stocks on the market. Methods: Several natural ingredients such as nere seeds (soumara), ginger, black pepper, parsley and garlic were used to create a nere-based stock. All these ingredients were freeze-dried and the powder obtained was used to make the broth, regarding their physical and chemical properties. Results: The broth had a good protein content of 17.41 ± 0.367 g/100g, a lipid content of 16.80 ± 0.08 g/100g and a fiber content of 8.66 ± 0.04 g/100g. In terms of nutritional values, the broth showed good levels of calcium 184.21 ± 0.09 mg/100g, potassium 50.04 ± 1.45 mg/100g and iron and zinc. In terms of antioxidant activity, the broth also showed good antioxidant activity. Conclusion: Regarding the properties of our food broth, whose composition is based on natural ingredients, could be recommended for consumption and, its properties, could play an important role in preventing and combating certain metabolic diseases.

Costs of Schizophrenia at Psychiatric Hospital of Bingerville (Ivory Coast)

Schizophrenia is classified as a priority mental disorder by the World Health Organization (WHO) and accounts for around 35% of diagnoses at the Bingerville Psychiatric Hospital (HPB). The aims of the study were to identify the cost drivers for hospitalization and to calculate the costs of managing schizophrenia in hospital, with a view to planning household expenditure on care. This pilot cross-sectional study involved 31 patients with schizophrenia who had been hospitalized in the various third-category wards at the HPB between 1st January 2019 and 31st May 2020. Sampling was accidental. The methods used to estimate costs were based on the actual costs of drugs, hospitalization and additional examinations which prices were known, and on patients’ estimations for certain expenses such as food and transport. Results: The sex ratio was 3.42, the mean age was 29.52 years. The mean length of stay was 46.19 days, and the most frequent clinical forms were paranoid schizophrenia (41.9%) and schizoaffective disorder (29%). The combination of haloperidol and chlorpromazine was the most common medications for initial treatment (67.8%) and maintenance treatment (41.9%). The average cost of hospitalization at HPB for schizophrenia was XOF 164,412 (€249.90). The average direct medical cost was XOF 105,412 (€160.226) and the average direct non-medical cost was XOF 59,000 (€89.68). The average daily cost of antipsychotic treatment was XOF 795/day (€1.2084). The high cost of drugs as a proportion of hospitalization costs suggested the need of a reflection on the simplification of prescribing practices, assistance in psychiatric emergencies and the development of other alternatives to psychiatric hospitalization in Côte d’Ivoire.

Analysis of Genetic Alterations in TP53 Gene in Breast Cancer - A Secondary Publication

Tumor protein p53 (TP53) mediates DNA repair and cell proliferation in growing cells. The TP53 gene is a tumor suppressor that regulates the expression of target genes in response to multiple cellular stress factors. Key target genes are involved in crucial cellular events such as DNA repair, cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, metabolism, and senescence. TP53 genetic variants and the activity of the wild-type p53 protein (WT-p53) have been linked to a wide range of tumorigenesis. Various genetic and epigenetic alterations, including germline and somatic mutations, loss of heterozygosity, and DNA methylation, can alter TP53 activity, potentially resulting in cancer initiation and progression. This study was designed to screen three reported mutations in the DNA-binding domain of the p53 protein in breast cancer, to evaluate the relative susceptibility and risk associated with breast cancer in the local population. Genomic DNA was isolated from 30 breast tumor tissues along with controls. Tetra and Tri ARMS PCR were performed to detect mutations in the TP53 coding region. For SNPs c.637C>T and c.733C>T, all analyzed cases were homozygous for the wild-type allele ‘C,’ while for SNP c.745A>G, all cases were homozygous for the wild-type allele ‘A.’ These results indicate no relevance of these three SNPs to cancer progression in our study cohort. Additionally, the findings from whole exon sequencing will help to predict more precise outcomes and assess the importance of TP53 gene mutations in breast cancer patients.

Antibody Pattern: Correlation of Age and Gender in ANA and Anti-ds-DNA Prevalence

The study was designed to find the prevalence of ANA antibodies and anti-dsDNA antibodies in samples tested at AFIP Rawalpindi and their correlation with age and gender and to find positive and negative predictive values of ANA antibodies.For this purpose,twelve thousand nine hundred sixty-seven(12,967)patients were analyzed for ANA with four hundred sixty-eight(468)healthy samples tested as control and four thousand seven hundred three(4,703)patients tested for ds-DNA antibodies.Retrospective data of all samples tested by indirect immunofluorescence(IF)for ANA antibodies and dsDNA antibodies was collected.To address positive and negative predictive values another control group(autoimmunity not suspected)of serum samples was taken from the healthy population.For the first group,age,gender,ANA antibodies and ds-DNA antibodies results(both tests performed by IIF)data was collected from a computer record cell;for the second control group,ANA antibodies were performed by IIF.12,967 and 4,703 samples(Group 1)were tested for ANA antibodies and dsDNA antibodies,respectively,during this period.1,119(9%)and 99(2%)were found positive for ANA antibodies and ds DNA antibodies.Among these positive samples,850(76%)and 73(74%)were females respectively.Gender predisposition towards autoimmunity(ANA)was found significant with a P value of(P=0.001).Relation of age was also found significant with anti-ANA antibodies with a P value of(P=0.001).This study shows a negative correlation between age(P=0.025)and gender(P=0.001)with anti-dsDNA which is also significant.High prevalence was found below the mean age of 38 years(SD±16.635)for ANA antibodies and the mean age of 35 years(SD±15.066)for ds-DNA antibodies.The age of ANA antibodies and dsDNA antibodies positive patients ranged from 1 year old to 98 years old and 2 years old to 95 years old respectively.In the second(autoimmunity-free)control group,a total of 468 samples were tested for ANA antibodies and 9(2%)were found positive.Positive predictive value(PPV)was 8.6%and negative predictive value(NPV)was 98%.ANA is a sensitive test for autoimmunity and it is significantly related to female gender and increasing age.The low prevalence of ANA antibodies among clinically suspected cases suggests that rationalization of test prescriptions is needed.Anti-ds-DNA is also a sensitive test for diagnosis of SLE and it is significantly related to female gender and increasing age.

Evaluating the Potential of Nitrofurantoin and Fosfomycin for E.coli UTIs: A Susceptibility Study

This study was designed to find the susceptibility of Nitrofurantoin and Fosfomycin among urinary isolates of Escherichia.coli.Four hundred(400)urine samples were collected for susceptibility of nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin among urinary isolates of E.coli.All indoor and outdoor patients'urinary samples yielded growth of E.coli.Mid-stream urine specimens were inoculated on blood agar and CLED agar and incubated at 35±2°C.Growth was observed,and Escherichia coli was identified by Gram staining,Catalase,Motility test and API 20E(Bio murex)as per standard procedure.Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of isolates for nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin was carried out by the modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method according to CLSI guidelines ATCC 25922.E.coli was used as a quality control strain.A total of 400 samples were tested susceptibility of nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin among urinary isolates of E.coli during this period.A total of 400 samples yielded the growth of E.coli,out of which 178(44.5%)were male and 222(55.5%)were female samples.Among males,18(10%)were tolerant to nitrofurantoin,and 2(1.1%)were tolerant to fosfomycin.Among females,9(4.09%)were susceptible to nitrofurantoin while 6(2.72%)were susceptible to fosfomycin.Among age groups below 45 years old,6(4.76%)were tolerant to nitrofurantoin,and 2(1.58%)were sensitive to fosfomycin.Between 46-66 years old,4(2.81%)were sensitive to nitrofurantoin,and 3(2.11%)were sensitive to fosfomycin.Between 67-90 years old,17(12.87%)were sensitive to nitrofurantoin,and 4(3.03%)were tolerant to fosfomycin.Fosfomycin and nitrofurantoin showed good susceptibility in urinary isolates of E.coli and can be used empirically in our setup.

Protective effect of resveratrol against cadmium-induced toxicity on ovine oocyte in vitro maturation and fertilization

Background:Heavy metal cadmium(Cd)is a widespread environmental contaminant with a potential toxicity that might negatively affect female reproduction and fertility.It has been reported that Cd exposure impaired the quality of oocytes and led to a defective maturation and fertilization,through oxidative stress induction.Resveratrol(Res)is a natural polyphenol with strong antioxidant properties that exhibited protective role in preventing oocyte redox homeostasis disruption and quality decline.Here,we explored whether the addition of Res to in vitro maturation(IVM)medium might act as a protection against Cd-induced toxicity on ovine oocyte maturation and fertilization.Firstly,we evaluated the effect of supplementing IVM medium with two different Res concentrations(1and 2μmol/L)on nuclear maturation and fertilization of oocytes matured under CdCl2(2μmol/L)exposure.Therefore,the concentration of 1μmol/L Res was selected to analyse the effects of this compound on intracellular ROS levels,mitochondrial(mt)distribution and activity,chromatin configuration,cytoskeleton morphology,cortical granules(CGs)distribution and mRNA expression of genes associated with cellular response to oxidative stress(i.e.SIRT1,SOD 1,GPX1,GSR,CAT)in Cd-exposed in vitro matured oocytes.Results:We found that 1μmol/L Res restored the reduced oocyte meiotic competence induced by Cd exposure as well as,Res sustained oocyte ability to be normally fertilized and decreased polyspermic fertilization at both tested concentrations.Moreover,we demonstrated that 1μmol/L Res mitigated Cd-induced alterations of oocyte cytoplasmic maturation by reducing reactive oxygen species(ROS)accumulation,preventing mt dysfunction,maintaining the correct meiotic spindle and cortical F-actin assembly and the normal cortical granule distribution as well as up-regulating SIRT1,SOD1 and GPX1 genes.Conclusions:Taken together,our findings highlighted the beneficial influence exerted by Res in preventing Cdinduced disturbance of nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation and subsequent fertilization in ovine oocytes.Res treatment may help to establish defence strategies counteracting Cd-induced toxicity on the female gamete.

Neuroprotective effects of exogenous brain-derived neurotrophic factor on amyloid-beta 1-40-induced retinal degeneration

Amyloid-beta(Aβ)-related alterations,similar to those found in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease,have been observed in the retina of patients with glaucoma.Decreased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)are believed to be associated with the neurotoxic effects of Aβpeptide.To investigate the mechanism underlying the neuroprotective effects of BDNF on Aβ_(1-40)-induced retinal injury in Sprague-Dawley rats,we treated rats by intravitreal administration of phosphate-buffered saline(control),Aβ_(1-40)(5 nM),or Aβ_(1-40)(5 nM)combined with BDNF(1μg/mL).We found that intravitreal administration of Aβ_(1-40)induced retinal ganglion cell apoptosis.Fluoro-Gold staining showed a significantly lower number of retinal ganglion cells in the Aβ_(1-40)group than in the control and BDNF groups.In the Aβ_(1-40)group,low number of RGCs was associated with increased caspase-3 expression and reduced TrkB and ERK1/2 expression.BDNF abolished Aβ_(1-40)-induced increase in the expression of caspase-3 at the gene and protein levels in the retina and upregulated TrkB and ERK1/2 expression.These findings suggest that treatment with BDNF prevents RGC apoptosis induced by Aβ_(1-40)by activating the BDNF-TrkB signaling pathway in rats.

Molluscicidal activities of green-synthesized Alstonia congensis silver nanoparticles

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of Alstonia congensis green-synthesized nanoparticles as a molluscicide against snail hosts of trematodes.Methods:The ethanolic leaf extract of Alstonia congensis was used to synthesize silver nanoparticles.The formulation was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,X-ray powder diffraction,and scanning electron microscope/energy-dispersed X-ray.The ovicidal and molluscicidal activities of the Alstonia congensis extract and its nanoparticles were tested against Physa acuta and Bulinus forskalii at different concentrations.Results:The green-synthesized nanoparticles inhibited embryonic development within the egg masses of the two snails in all the tested concentrations.Alstonia congensis extract did not show molluscicidal properties against adult Physa acuta but showed a very weak activity against Bulinus forskalii.Moreover,the synthesized nanoparticles showed significantly high molluscicidal activity against adult snails within 5-40 min of exposure in a concentration-dependent manner(P<0.05).Conclusions:The Alstonia congensis-based nanoparticles show molluscicidal activities against adults and embryos of Physa acuta and Bulinus forskalii,and can be further explored as a potent molluscicide for the control of intermediate host of trematode parasites.

Seed-Specific Expression of Apolipoprotein A-IMilano Dimer in Engineered Rice Lines

Apolipoprotein A-IMilano(ApoA-IM)has been shown to significantly reduce coronary atherosclerotic plaques.However,the preparation of cost-effective pharmaceutical formulations of ApoA-IM is limited by the high cost and difficulty of purifying the protein and producing the highly effective dimeric form.The aim of this study was to create an expression cassette that specifically drives the expression of dimeric ApoA-IM in the protein bodies of rice seeds.The ApoA-IM protein under control of the 13 kDa prolamin promoter is expressed exclusively in its dimeric form within the seeds,and immunocytochemical and immunogold analyses confirmed its expression in different caryopsis tissue such as seed coat,aleurone cell and endosperm,particularly in amyloplast and storage vacuoles.A plant-based ApoA-IM production system offered numerous advantages over current production systems,including the direct production of the most therapeutically effective dimeric ApoA-IM forms,long-term protein storage in seeds,and ease of protein production by simply growing plants.Therefore,seeds had the potential to serve as a costeffective source of therapeutic ApoA-IM.

Natural sources, biosynthesis, biological functions, and molecular mechanisms of shikimic acid and its derivatives

Shikimic acid is a hydroaromatic compound possessing critical biological properties,such as antibacterial and antiviral activity.This review mainly focused on shikimic acid and its derivatives.We first briefly introduced the sources of shikimic acid and its derivatives and discussed their biosynthesis.Several in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that shikimic acid and its derivatives exhibit diverse bioactivities,such as antioxidant,antiviral,anti-inflammatory,antibacterial,hypolipidemic,bone protective,skin protective,neuroprotective,and antidiabetic activities.We mainly focused on the related molecular mechanisms.Overall,the wide range of bioactivities of shikimic acid and its derivatives indicate that a more detailed exploration of their potential for the prevention and treatment of certain diseases is warranted.

Integrating microRNAs and mRNAs reveals the hormones synthesis and signal transduction of maize under different N rates

The effect of nitrogen(N)fertilizer on the development of maize kernels has yet to be fully explored.MicroRNA-mRNA analyses could help advance our understanding of how kernels respond to N.This study analyzed the morphological,physiological,and transcriptomic changes in maize kernels under different N rates(0,100,200,and 300 kg ha–1).The result showed that increasing N application significantly increased maize grains’fresh and dry weight until N reached 200 kg ha–1.Higher levels of indole-3-acetic acid,cytokinin,gibberellin,and a lower level of ethylene were associated with increased N applications.We obtained 31 differentially expressed genes(DEGs)in hormone synthesis and transduction,and 9 DEGs were regulated by 14 differentially expressed microRNAs(DEMIs)in 26 pairs.The candidate DEGs and DEMIs provide valuable insight for manipulating grain filling under different N rates.

Morphology and morphometry of two hybridizing buntings at their hybrid zone in northern Iran reveal intermediate and transgressive morphotypes

The closely related Black-headed Bunting(Emberiza melanocephala,a western Palearctic lineage)and Red-headed Bunting(Emberiza bruniceps,an eastern Palearctic lineage)hybridize and replace each other south of the Caspian Sea.The parental species have distinct phenotypes and therefore morphology is useful for assessing hybridization in the contact zone.In the years of 1940 and 1977,quite a few hybrids were collected and studied morphologically.Since then,the hybrid zone appears to have expanded westwards,but there has been a time gap in the collection of morphological data.Here we reanalyze bunting specimens morphologically and compare the historical data with recent data.Morphometric and phenotypic traits from three time periods(1940,1977 and recent)were studied to assess phenotypic variation of hybrids,pattern of hybridization,and transgressive traits in the hybrid zone.Our results show that most of the birds in the hybrid zone exhibit intermediate phenotypes(both colors and morphometric characters),ranging from the pure phenotype of either of the parental species.However,hybridization has also produced novel phenotypes not seen in any of the parents.Using a canonical discriminant function analysis,the morphometric characters separated each parental species and the hybrids quite well.Our results showed morphometric intermediacy of hybrids in accordance with phenotypes.We observe a time trend in which recent hybrids are more similar to Red-headed Buntings phenotypically compared to historical samples.This pattern is likely a signature of a westward expansion of the Red-headed Bunting into the breeding range of the Black-headed Bunting.

Network pharmacology analysis combined with experimental verification of the molecular mechanism of Xihuang pill in treating liver cancer

Background:Xihuang pill is a kind of traditional Chinese medicine,which has been widely used in the treatment of kinds of cancer.However,there is still a lack of systematic understanding of the molecular mechanism of Xihuang pill in the treatment of liver cancer.In this work,we aim to explore the molecular mechanism of Xihuang pill in treating liver cancer.Methods:The functional components in Xihuang pill were collected from Traditional Chinese Medicine Database and Analysis Platform.The target genes of these components were also collected using Traditional Chinese Medicine Database and Analysis Platform.The target genes of liver cancer were predicted using GeneCards database.The intersecting genes were then analyzed with Venn diagrams.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Database for Annotation,Visualization,and Integrated Discovery were used to analyze the pathway.Then,cell counting kit-8 was used to measure the half-maximal inhibitory concentration of Xihuang pills.The living dead cell staining method was used to observe the survival of cells.HepG2 cell apoptosis was tested by flow cytometry with fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide double staining method,and then the mitochondrial damage was also detected by flow cytometry.The expression of target genes was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.Results:A total of 130 compounds and 198 genes were identified as potential active ingredients and putative liver cancer‑related targets.We obtained 1,899 disease targets and 297 transcriptome targets from the database.Six drug-disease intersecting genes,CCNB1,BIRC5,TOP2A,ESR1,IGF2 and IGFBP3 were obtained.They are enrichment in apoptosis,PI3K-AKT signaling pathway,MAPK signaling pathway,pathways in cancer and p53 signaling pathway.Besides,it was found that the apoptosis rate of the HepG2 cells in Xihuang pill treated group was significantly higher than that of the control group.And the apoptosis rate gradually increased in a dose dependent manner of Xihuang pill treatment.Xihuang pill also induced the mitochondrial membrane potential damage.Compared with the control group,the expression level of CCNB1 and BIRC5 was induced,while the expression level of IGF2 was reduced after Xihuang pill treatment.Conclusion:Xihuang pill may act on six proteins(CCNB1,BIRC5,TOP2A,ESR1,IGF2 and IGFBP3)and cover multiple pathways to form a therapeutic network to treat liver cancer.

Comparative Analysis of Various Strains of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria on the Physiology of Garlic (Allium sativum)

Garlic is a most important medicinal herb belonging to the family Liliaceae. Both its leaves and bulb are edible. The current study was based on evaluating the growth promoting potential of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on garlic (Allium sativum L.) growth and biochemical contents. Garlic cloves were inoculated with 3 kinds of PGPRs, Pseudomonas putida (KX574857), Pseudomonas stutzeri (Kx574858) and Bacillus cereus (ATCC14579) at 108 cells/mL prior to sowing. Under natural conditions, plants were grown in the net house. The PGPR significantly enhanced % germination, leaf and root growth and their biomass also increased the diameter of bulb and fresh and dry weight. The flavonoids, phenolics, chlorophyll, protein and sugar content were also significantly increased due to PGPR inoculation. The Pseudomonas stutzeri was found most effective for producing longer leaves with moderate sugar, high flavonoids (129%) and phenolics (263%) in bulb over control (Tap). The Pseudomonas putida exhibited a maximum increase in bulb diameter and bulb biomass with maximum phenolics and flavonoid contents.