Weifeng Zhu

Goji berries (Lycium barbarum) are widely consumed as functional foods and medicinal–food products, and their quality and authenticity are closely associated with geographical origin. Rapid and reliable origin identification is therefore essential for quality control, authenticity assessment, and traceability. In this study, a hyperspectral imaging (HSI)-based deep learning framework was developed for the non-destructive geographical origin identification of goji berries by integrating spectral and spatial information. Spectral features were extracted using a one-dimensional convolutional neural network equipped with a spectral–channel attention module (SCAM), which adaptively enhances informative wavelengths and discriminative spectral representations. Spatial features were learned via HSI, using DenseNet to characterize complementary morphological and textural information. A cross-attention fusion module was further introduced to establish bidirectional interactions between spectral and spatial features, enabling adaptive integration of complementary information and reducing feature redundancy. The proposed framework achieved a classification accuracy of 98.24%, outperforming conventional machine learning methods and representative deep learning models. These results demonstrate that cross-attention-based spectral–spatial fusion can effectively exploit the complementary characteristics of HSI data, providing a rapid, non-destructive, and reliable strategy for goji berry authentication and geographical traceability, with potential applications in the quality control of functional foods and other agricultural products.

Background: Cellular senescence is a critical driver of chronic inflammation, tissue remodeling, and progressive fibrosis during the aging process. Codonopsis tangshen Oliv. is a widely used medicinal and edible homologous plant in traditional Chinese medicine; however, its pharmacological effects on natural aging and age-related pulmonary fibrosis, as well as the underlying mechanisms, are still not fully elucidated. Methods: C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into five groups: young control (YCtrl), natural-age control (OCtrl), high-dose CT (H-O-CT, 20.8 g/kg), low-dose CT (L-O-CT, 10.4 g/kg), and positive drug YPF (O-YPF, 20.8 g/kg), with n = 10 per group. A bleomycin-induced cellular senescence model in A549 cells was established in vitro to provide complementary evidence. Additionally, the composition of gut microbiota and the expression of intestinal barrier markers were analyzed to explore potential gut–lung axis involvement. Results: The results demonstrated that C. tangshen extract significantly decreased the histological and molecular markers of pulmonary senescence, ameliorated multiple lung function parameters, and attenuated age-related pulmonary fibrosis in aged mice. Transcriptomic analysis and protein validation further revealed that these protective effects were associated with modulation of the FBXW7/TPP1 and HSF1/HSP70 signaling pathways. Moreover, the extract reshaped the gut microbiota composition and enhanced the expression of intestinal MUC2 and tight-junction proteins, which supports possible involvement of the gut–lung axis. Conclusions: These results highlight the potential of Codonopsis tangshen Oliv. as a promising preclinical treatment for the intervention and management of aging and age-related fibrotic lung injury.

Introduction: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally through sequence-specific targeting of messenger RNAs. Reliable mapping of miRNA-mRNA interactions remains challenging because available methods differ widely and systematic cross-method comparisons are lacking. Method: Using mouse miR-214-3p as a model, we systematically compared three approaches: bioinformatic prediction (TargetScan, miRDB, miRWalk), Argonaute-dependent experimental detection (qCLASH on mouse lung tissue), and artificial intelligence-driven structural modeling (AlphaFold3). Gene lists were harmonized to Ensembl release 116 (GRCm39) Gene IDs; overlaps were evaluated against a transcriptome background using Fisher’s exact tests with Benjamini–Hochberg correction, and the three-tool consensus was assessed by 1,000,000 Monte Carlo simulations. Results: Only 95 target genes were commonly predicted by all three bioinformatic tools, and at most 6 of the 15 Ensembl-mappable qCLASH genes were captured by any prediction algorithm. Nevertheless, all observed overlaps were significantly enriched relative to random expectation (O/E ratios 24.52–80.6; adjusted q < 0.05), and the 95-gene consensus fell far outside the simulated null distribution (P ∼ MC∼ < 10 ⁻⁶ ). AlphaFold3 produced high-confidence models (ipTM ≥0.6) for 80.95% of qCLASH-derived interactions, but a substantial fraction of bioinformatically predicted sites failed to form structurally plausible complexes. Discussion: Bioinformatic prediction, qCLASH, and AlphaFold3 thus capture distinct and complementary layers of miRNA targeting (sequence-defined potential, context-dependent occupancy, and spatial feasibility) rather than converging on a single landscape. High AlphaFold3 confidence scores, for instance, did not guarantee biologically functional conformations; even models meeting the thresholds often displayed non-canonical architectures incompatible with silencing. In our mouse lung miR-214-3p model system, our findings support an integrative approach: method selection should align with the specific research question, and multi-layer integration is key to constructing reliable miRNA-target maps in a given biological context.

Background: As a novel drug delivery vehicle, transfersomes (TFSs) have great deformability, good biocompatibility, and biodegradability, which can significantly improve drug delivery efficiency. However, their application is limited by their poor stability and vulnerability to leaks. Methods: This paper prepared and assessed the stability of transfersomes co-loaded with Pueraria total flavonoids (PTFs) and tanshinone (TAN), known as PTF/TAN-TFSs, in order to overcome this constraint. Results: The findings showed that the co-loaded system (PTF/TAN-TFSs) had better structural stability than the single-loaded systems (PTF-TFSs and TAN-TFSs), with drug leakage rates decreased by roughly 5% and 7%, respectively, and a more uniform size distribution with a particle size of 44.52 ± 0.47 nm and a PDI of 0.22, while the single-loaded systems had PDI values larger than 0.3. The co-loaded system showed a better sustained-release profile than the suspension with a 15.28% decrease in the maximum cumulative release of the poorly soluble component Tan IIA. Additionally, the co-loaded system demonstrated enhanced solubilization capability, making the poorly soluble component TAN more soluble by 89.52 times compared to the free medication and by 1.97 times compared to the single-loaded system. Furthermore, the co-loaded system significantly improved the intestinal absorption of Tan IIA, increasing the Papp and Ka values in the ileum segment by 2.02-fold and 1.80-fold, respectively. Conclusions: The stability of the system was successfully improved by co-loading many components with varying hydrophobicities. This method provides a fresh way to enhance transferosome stability, broadening their application in the field of drug delivery.

Background: This study deeply explores the influence of different dextrose equivalents (DE) values on room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) properties of maltodextrin (MD) and its luminescence mechanism. The potential applications of MD tablets in non-destructive detection for afterglow visualizing are also explored. Methods: MD tablets with different DE values were prepared to investigate their RTP properties and afterglow effects. MD tablets were validated for afterglow signals and phosphorescence lifetimes under varying environmental conditions. Additionally, the unique afterglow effect of MD was used to detect the uniformity of tablets. Theoretical calculations of MD monomers and dimers were performed using time-dependent density functional theory. Results: The results demonstrated that MD with different DE values exhibited RTP properties, with phosphorescence lifetimes from 186.91 to 618.85 ms. The afterglow signals and phosphorescence lifetimes of MD tablets were influenced by multiple environmental conditions, i.e., relative humidity, temperature, oxygen, ultraviolet light, etc. Based on the afterglow effect of the MD, it is possible to non-destructively detect the uniform tablet. MD is an RTP material regulated by its DE value. Its phosphorescence mechanism is governed by a clustering-triggered emission mechanism, which is dominated by the rich hydrogen bond network. The material’s stimuli-responsive properties and pronounced afterglow effect make it a potential application for non-destructive detection. Conclusions: This study not only investigates the stimulus-responsive behavior of MD but also discovers a common, safe, and edible stimulus-responsive RTP material. These findings provide a new method for non-destructive detection of drugs and reducing the potential pharmacological risks during production, storage, and transportation.

Background: Total glycosides of peony (TGP) have therapeutic potential for immune-related and inflammatory skin diseases, but their skin absorption is not satisfactory. This study aims to investigate how Evodia rutaecarpa volatile oil (VO-ER) enhances the permeability of TGP. Methods: Safety assessment was conducted through cell delivery and skin erythema tests. The chemical composition of VO-ER was identified via GC-MS. The study was conducted using modified Franz diffusion cells, microdialysis, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), attenuated total reflection–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations (MD), laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF), and the western blotting method. Results: The study found that VO-ER promotes the permeation of total glycosides of peony in a concentration-dependent manner by disrupting the intercellular lipid tissue structure, downregulating the expression of claudin-1, claudin-7, and occludin, and improving local microcirculation, thereby promoting the absorption of TGP. Conclusions: VO-ER enhances the transdermal absorption of TGP through multiple mechanisms, such as disrupting the skin lipid barrier, downregulating tight junction proteins, and improving local skin microcirculation. This study provides a theoretical basis for VO-ER as a safe and effective new transdermal penetration enhancer, offering support for the development of topical preparations containing Evodia rutaecarpa and Paeonia lactiflora.

Puerariae Lobatae Radix (PLR) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb included in China’s inaugural list of substances recognized as both food and medicine. PLR has a long history of use and a wide range of medicinal applications. Its use is associated with a broad range of health-promoting effects. Recent studies have shown that PLR contains abundant bioactive compounds including isoflavones and polysaccharides. These findings demonstrate significant potential for the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases (MDs). The potential mechanisms underlying these effects involve several targets and pathways, including activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) and AMPK signaling pathways; regulation of key factors, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors; and modulation of the gut microbiota composition. This systematic review examines the botanical characteristics and primary chemical constituents of PLR, with particular emphasis on recent research advances, mechanisms of action, and the clinical applications of its active components in MDs intervention. This review aims to provide theoretical guidance for further development, quality improvement, and application of PLR in the prevention and treatment of MDs.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are standard therapy for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), but long-term use causes dysbiosis, gastrointestinal side effects, and symptom relapse after discontinuation. Probiotics may offer adjunctive benefits by modulating the gut ecosystem. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a multi-strain probiotic (Lihuo) with rabeprazole in GERD and its impact on gut microbiota and metabolome. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in 120 GERD patients assigned to receive rabeprazole with either Lihuo ( n = 64) or placebo ( n = 56) for 8 weeks, followed by 4 weeks of probiotic or placebo alone. The primary outcome was change in the Reflux Disease Questionnaire (RDQ) score. Secondary outcomes included Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale, endoscopic healing, and multi-omics profiling (shotgun metagenomics, phageome, and untargeted/targeted metabolomics). Compared with the placebo group, the probiotic group exhibited a pronounced 36.51% reduction in RDQ scores after 12 weeks of intervention ( P = 0.017), alongside a higher numerical endoscopic healing rate (36.84% vs 12.50%; P = 0.365). Metagenomics revealed enrichment of Bifidobacterium animalis , Lactiplantibacillus plantarum , and Clostridium sp900540255, with reductions in Bacteroides uniformis and Clostridium Q fessum . Metabolomics showed increased γ-aminobutyric acid, succinate, citrulline, and short-chain fatty acids levels, with interesting microbe-metabolite correlations such as Bifidobacterium animalis -γ-aminobutyric acid and Bacteroides fragilis -succinate ( r ≥ 0.30, P < 0.01). Our findings support that adjunctive probiotic therapy sustains post-PPI symptom relief, associated with targeted modulation of gut microbiota and bioactive metabolites. IMPORTANCE: Long-term proton pump inhibitor use in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may disrupt gut microbiota and cause symptom relapse after discontinuation. We found that adjunctive probiotic therapy sustained reflux reduction post-proton pump inhibitor. Probiotic use enriched beneficial taxa ( Bifidobacterium and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ) and increased γ-aminobutyric acid, succinate, citrulline, and short-chain fatty acids. Strong correlations linked microbial shifts to metabolic and clinical improvements. This study demonstrates that adjunctive probiotic therapy enhances symptom control and supports microbial-metabolic homeostasis in GERD. CLINICAL TRIALS: This study is registered with the Chinese Clinial Trial Registry as ChiCTR2000038409 .

To investigate the hypoglycemic mechanism of modified Gegen Qinlian decoction (，MGQD) by examining its regulation of cholesterol transporter expression and DNA methylation, specifically the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SR-B1), in epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT) and inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT) of rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The control group (CON) consisted of ten Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats fed a standard chow diet, while 80 SD rats were fed a high-fat diet and administered streptozotocin intraperitoneally to induce diabetes. The diabetic rats were randomly assigned to four groups: T2DM, metformin (MET, 200 mg/kg), low-dose MGQD (MGQDL, 5 g/kg), and high-dose MGQD (MGQDH, 10 g/kg), and received treatment via gavage for 14 weeks. Western blot (WB), quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP) were used to analyze protein levels, mRNA expression, and DNA methylation of Ldlr (gene encoding LDLR) and Srb1(gene encoding SR-B1). MGQD and metformin treatment significantly reduced blood glucose levels, restored LDLR and SR-B1 protein levels in eWAT, and effectively regulated the mRNA expression and non-cytosine-p-guanine (non-CpG) methylation of Srb1 in eWAT. A significant negative correlation was observed between the methylation of Srb1 in eWAT and its mRNA expression. However, MGQD and metformin had no significant effect on the protein levels, mRNA expression, or DNA methylation of Ldlr and Srb1 in iWAT. MGQD did not significantly affect LDLR and SR-B1 expression or gene methylation in iWAT. However, its hypoglycemic effect may be linked to cholesterol regulation in eWAT. Potential mechanisms include increased LDLR protein levels, which may enhance cholesterol uptake, and increased Srb1 methylation, which may suppress its expression and consequently reduce cholesterol efflux.