Bifidobacterium mitigates autoimmune hepatitis by regulating IL-33-induced Treg/Th17 imbalance via the TLR2/4 signaling pathway.

The present work aims to evaluate the efficacy of Live Combined Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Enterococcus Capsules (LCBLECs), a probiotic drug containing Bifidobacterium, in the treatment of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). In this study, a mouse model of experimental autoimmune hepatitis (EAH) was established to investigate the effects of LCBLECs on AIH. The results showed that LCBLECs improved dysbiosis of gut microbiota, reduced liver injury, restored liver function, and maintained Treg/Th17 balance in EAH mice. In addition, LCBLECs restored Treg/Th17 balance in EAH mice by downregulating IL-33 production. Besides, LCBLECs also suppress IL-33 upregulation in EAH mice by inhibiting the TLR2/4 signaling pathway. Furthermore, LCBLECs also mitigated dysbiosis of gut microbiota and enhanced the efficacy of conventional treatment for AIH patients. To sum up, our findings revealed that LCBLECs exerted therapeutic effects on EAH mice by improving Treg/Th17 imbalance in an IL-33-dependent manner via the TLR2/4 signaling pathway and relieved the clinical symptoms of AIH patients, indicating Bifidobacterium supplementation with LCBLECs might be a potential adjuvant therapy for AIH treatment.

Retailing Strategies for Power Retailers with a Generator Background Considering Energy Conservation Services under the Internet of Things.

Facing the electricity market environment, in which the traditional power grid is transformed into a smart grid, power retailers with a generator background are designing new business models of cold-heat-electricity multi-energy supply based on the Internet of Things data collection, interconnection, computing and other technical supports. On the other hand, through internet of things real-time monitoring technology, the necessity of setting up energy security for power retailers is explored to enhance the control's ability to deal with the risks of electricity sales. Firstly, based on internet of things data analysis, retail strategies such as cooling-heat-electricity multi-energy packages, desulphurization and carbon emissions and energy conservation are designed. Then, a revenue cost measurement model based on the generator background of the power retailers is established. A source of data for the expansion of power retailers and the proliferation of load users is provided through the real-time monitoring of new business models that consider the operation of energy conservation on the supply and use side. Finally, an analysis based on the detection of operation under the scenarios constructed in the example of coal price market fluctuations and proliferation stagnation of user-side packages is conducted. It is verified that the power retailers with a generator background can effectively weaken the adverse impact of upward fluctuations in the coal price market in the peak season of energy consumption on the cost of power retailers by setting energy conservation. At the same time, the diffusion of a new business model in the user side is improved, and the revenue source of power retailers is further expanded. Therefore, taking energy conservation as an important innovation technique of retail strategy can enhance the market competitiveness and risk control ability of power retailers.

Lactobacillus improves the effects of prednisone on autoimmune hepatitis via gut microbiota-mediated follicular helper T cells.

BACKGROUND: Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic, immune-mediated liver dysfunction. The gut microbiota and T follicular helper (Tfh) cells play critical roles in the immunopathogenesis and progression of AIH. We aimed to investigate the effect of gut microbiota combined with prednisone therapy on Tfh cell response in AIH. METHODS: Samples from AIH patients and mouse model of experimental autoimmune hepatitis (EAH) were analyzed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, western blotting, flow cytometry, and hematoxylin-eosin staining to determine the role of gut microbiota on AIH. RESULTS: Lactobacillus significantly increased the levels of Bacteroides fragilis, Clostridium, Clostridium leptum, Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacillus and significantly enhanced the suppressive effects of prednisone on the levels of AIH clinical indexes in AIH patients. Lactobacillus exerts the same prptective effects as prednisone in EAH mice and enhanced the effects of prednisone. Lactobacillus also reinforced the inhibitory effects of prednisone on the levels of serum IL-21 and the proportions of Tfh cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Mechanistically, prednisone and Lactobacillus regulated Tfh cell response in EAH mice in an MyD88/NF-κB pathway-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: Our results suggested a therapeutic potential of Lactobacillus in the prednisone-combined treatment of AIH. Video Abstract.

Application of endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy combined with antegrade stenting in patients with malignant biliary obstruction after failed ERCP.

BACKGROUND: This study was aimed at comparing the safety and effectiveness of endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) and EUS-HGS combined with antegrade stenting (EUS-HGAS) in patients with malignant biliary obstruction (MBO) after failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). METHODS: Patients diagnosed with MBO and receiving EUS-HGS or EUS-HGAS from September 2015 to October 2020 were enrolled in this study. Clinical success, complications, reintervention rate, post-operative hospital stay, time to stent dysfunction, and patient death were compared. RESULTS: A total of 45 patients (21 in the EUS-HGAS group and 24 in the EUS-HGS group) were enrolled in this study. In the EUS-HGAS group, 21 patients all achieved clinical success (100%); in the EUS-HGS group, 24 patients also achieved technical success (100%) (P > 0.05). The differences between pre- and post-operative TB and ALT and AST levels were greater in the single-step EUS-HGAS group (P < 0.05). The incidence of complications was 2 of 21 (9.5%) in the EUS-HGAS group and 5 of 24 (20.8%) in the EUS-HGS group (P > 0.05). The reintervention rate was 0 in the EUS-HGAS group and 1 (4.2%) in the EUS-HGS group (P > 0.05). Time to stent dysfunction or patient death was longer in the EUS-HGAS group (P < 0.05). The post-operative hospital stay was longer and the total cost was higher in the EUS-HGAS group. CONCLUSION: EUS-HGAS was superior to EUS-HGS in terms of biliary drainage effectiveness and time to stent dysfunction or patient death in patients with MBO after failed ERCP. Furthermore, two-step EUS-HGAS may be safer in some patients.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Drainage in the Management of Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula After Partial Pancreatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is the most frequent and harmful complication following pancreatic surgery. Traditional management includes conservative treatment, percutaneous drainage (PD), and reoperation. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of EUS (Endoscopic ultrasound)-guided drainage by using nasocystic tubes combined with single or 2 stents for POPF. METHODS: Patients who had POPF after surgery and then underwent EUS-guided drainage, from October 2016 to October 2019, were enrolled in this study. Technical success was defined as successful transgastric puncture of the peripancreatic fluid collection (PFC) and deployment of the nasocystic tube and stents. Clinical success was defined as symptomatic improvement and the resolution of the fluid collection on follow-up CT scan. RESULTS: A total of 15 patients received EUS-guided drainage. In 13 patients, a nasocystic tube was placed in the PFC combined with a double-pigtail plastic stent. In the remaining 2 patients, a nasocystic tube and 2 stents each were inserted in place. Technical success was achieved in 15 of 15 patients (100%). Clinical success was achieved in 14 of 15 patients (93.3%). In one case, the stent was blocked on the 10th day after the procedure. The median time between surgery and EUS-guided drainage was 10 (5-32) days. The median time of hospital stay after EUS-guided drainage was 16 (11-48) days. Operation-unrelated death occurred in 1 patient (7%) during follow-up. CONCLUSION: EUS-guided drainage with a nasocystic tube and double-pigtail stents appears to be safe and technically feasible, and could be an alternative treatment for patients with POPF.

Mitomycin C Inhibits Esophageal Fibrosis by Regulating Cell Apoptosis and Autophagy via lncRNA-ATB and miR-200b.

Benign esophageal strictures (BESs) frequently results from esophageal fibrosis. The transformation of fibroblasts into fibrocyte is an important cause of fibrosis. The treatment of fibrosis is challenging. Some previous studies have indicated the antifibrotic effect of mitomycin C (MMC). However, the mechanism of action of MMC and its optimal dose for treatment remains unclear. In the present study, the role of MMC in fighting fibrosis and its mechanism was investigated. Human esophageal fibroblast cells (HEFs)were treated without or with MMC, at 2, 5, 10 µg/ml, combining with mimic lncRNA-ATB, miR-200b inhibitor, rapamycin (RAPA), and 3-Methyladenine (3-MA). The cell viability, and cell apoptosis were evaluated. In addition, expression of apoptosis related proteins (caspase8 and caspase3), autophagy related proteins (LC3II and ATG5) and fibrosis related proteins (α-SMA collagen-1 and TGF-ß) were also evaluated. Furthermore, autophagosome was observed by transmission electron microscope. Results showed that the expression of lncRNA-ATB was down-regulated and miR-200b was up-regulated after treated with MMC. And MMC induced cell apoptosis and inhibited cell autophagy. On the other hand, RAPA, mimic lncRNA-ATB and miR-200b inhibitor reduced fibrogenic effect of MMC on HEFs. Collectively, this study suggests that MMC inhibited esophageal fibrosis by regulating cell apoptosis and autophagy via downregulating lncRNA-ATB and upregulating miR-200b.

Exploration the significance of Tfh and related molecules on C57BL/6 mice model of experimental autoimmune hepatitis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed at establishing the autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) model of C57BL/6 mice, and examining the expression and significance of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells, effector B cells and other indicators in this experimental autoimmune hepatitis (EAH) model. METHODS: C57BL/6 mice in experimental group were administered by intraperitoneal injection after fully emulsified on 1st day and 7th day with 0.5 mL of 0.5-2.0 g/L S-100 and an equal volume of Buddha Complete Adjuvant (CFA). The levels of serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and interleukin-21 (IL-21) were tested by the corresponding kit. Tfr, Tfh and B cell subsets were quantified by flow cytometry. Histological pathology was completed by pathological section experiments. RESULTS: In comparison with that in the healthy controls (HC), significantly increased numbers of serum ALT and AST, Tfr, IL-21 was observed. The hepatic lobules and hepatocyte cords were severely disorganized. CONCLUSION: The results of liver pathological changes and serum index changes were similar to the chronic and progressive pathogenesis and pathology of AIH patients, providing a detailed pathological basis for the basic research and clinical experiments of AIH.

Naphthacemycins from a Streptomyces sp. as Protein-Tyrosine Phosphatase Inhibitors.

Nine new naphthacemycins (1-9), along with one known naphthacemycin (10) were isolated from the culture of Streptomyces sp. N12W1565. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis, including UV, NMR, and HRESIMS. All the compounds showed significant activity, with IC50 values less than 10 µM against protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B). The anti-PTP1B structure-activity relationship of naphthacemycins (1-10) is discussed. These findings provide a promising starting point for the development of naphthacemycins as potential anti-PTP1B agents.

A rare case report of ovarian juvenile granulosa cell tumor with massive ascites as the first sign, and review of literature: Case report and review of literature.

RATIONALE: Massive ascites as the first sign of ovarian juvenile granulosa cell tumor (JGCT) in an adolescent is an extremely rare, and its clinical features and treatment methods have not been well described. PATIENT CONCERNS: The clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment methods in a 19-year-old girl who presented with massive abdominal distention and ascites was retrospectively reviewed. Abdominopelvic ultrasonography showed a large amount of ascites. The nature of ascites was exudate. All tumor markers were normal, but ascites and serum tumor CA125 levels were significantly increased. Abdominal CT showed left attachment area teratoma and right attachment area capsule solid change. DIAGNOSES: Histological and immunohistochemical results were compatible with JGCT. Based on the FIGO classification, the patient with only malignant ascites was categorized into stage IC. INTERVENTIONS: The patient underwent mass resection with salpingoophorectomy. Following the operation, she received 6 courses of adjuvant chemotherapy with Nedaplatin and Paclitaxel liposome. OUTCOMES: The patient was followed up postoperatively for 6 months to date without recurrence. LESSONS: We should be highly vigilant the JGCT with massive ascites as the first clinical manifestation.

Nocardiopsis rhizosphaerae sp. nov., isolated from rhizosphere soil of Halocnermum strobilaceum (Pall.) Bieb.

An alkalitolerant actinomycete strain, designated EGI 80674T, was isolated from a rhizosphere soil of Halocnermumstrobilaceum (Pall.) Bieb in Xinjiang, north-west China and subjected to a taxonomic characterization using a polyphasic approach. Strain EGI 80674T formed white aerial hyphae with long spore chains. Whole-cell hydrolysates of the isolate contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid with no diagnostic sugars. The major fatty acids identified were iso-C16 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0 and 10-methyl-C18 : 0TBSA. The predominant menaquinones detected were MK-10(H8) and MK-10(H6). The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain EGI 80674T was 70.9 mol%. Strain EGI 80674T showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (97.24 %) to Nocardiopsis nikkonensis NBRC 102170T. The DNA-DNA relatedness value of strain EGI 80674T and N. nikkonensis NBRC 102170T was 18.4±1.3 %. Phenotypical, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic characteristics and DNA-DNA hybridization data suggest that strain EGI 80674T represents a novel species of the genus Nocardiopsis, for which the name Nocardiopsis rhizosphaerae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is EGI 80674T (=CGMCC 4.7228T=KCTC 39673T).

Lipingzhangella halophila gen. nov., sp. nov., a new member of the family Nocardiopsaceae.

An alkaliphilic and halophilic actinomycete strain, designated EGI 80537T, was isolated from a saline-alkali soil sample of Xinjiang, north-west China and subjected to a taxonomic characterization using a polyphasic approach. Strain EGI 80537T formed reticulate long aerial hyphae. Whole-cell hydrolysates of the isolate contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the cell-wall diamino acid and mannose as the diagnostic sugar. The major fatty acids identified were iso-C16 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0 and 10-methyl-C18 : 0 (TBSA). The predominant menaquinones detected were MK-10(H8) and MK-10(H6). The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain EGI 80537T was 67.6 mol%. Strain EGI 80537T showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Allosalinactinospora lopnorensis CA15-2T (96.7 %). Phylogenetic analysis showed that strain EGI 80537T clustered with the members of the family Nocardiopsaceae. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic characteristics, strain EGI 80537T represents a novel species of a new genus in the family Nocardiopsaceae, for which the name Lipingzhangella halophila gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the type species is EGI 80537T(=CGMCC 4.7224T= DSM 102030T).

Phytoactinopolyspora alkaliphila sp. nov., an alkaliphilic actinomycete isolated from a saline-alkaline soil.

An alkaliphilic, filamentous actinomycete, designated EGI 80629T, was isolated from a soil sample of Xinjiang, north-west China. Strain EGI 80629T grew at pH 6.0-11.0 (optimum pH 9.0-10.0) and in the presence of 0-13.0 % NaCl (optimum 3.0-5.0 %). The isolate formed fragmented substrate mycelia, and aerial hyphae with short spore chains with rod-like spores. Whole-cell hydrolysates of the isolate contained ll-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid, and mannose and rhamnose as diagnostic sugars. The major fatty acids identified were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H4), while the polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, two phosphatidylinositol mannosides, five unknown phospholipids, three unknown phosphoglycolipids, one unknown glycolipid, four unknown polar lipids and one unknown aminophospholipid. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 67.3 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain EGI 80629T clustered with the genus Phytoactinopolyspora. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain EGI 80629T and Phytoactinopolyspora endophytica EGI 60009T was 96.8 %. Based on morphological, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic characteristics, strain EGI 80629T represents a novel species of the genus Phytoactinopolyspora, for which the name Phytoactinopolyspora alkaliphila sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is EGI 80629T ( = CGMCC 4.7225T = KCTC 39701T).

Tomitella cavernea sp. nov., an actinomycete isolated from soil.

A Gram-staining-positive, aerobic, non-spore-forming, irregular rod-shaped actinobacterium, designated YIM C00895(T), was isolated from a soil sample collected from Jiuxiang Scenic Region, Yunnan province, south-west China. The strain was able to grow at 10-28 °C, pH 6.0-10.0 and 0-11% NaCl (w/v). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA (95.3%) gene sequences revealed the highest similarity to Tomitella biformata AHU1821(T). The whole-cell hydrolysates of strain YIM C00895(T) contained meso-diaminopimelic acid, arabinose and galactose, indicating chemotype IV. The muramic acids in the peptidoglycan were glycolated. The polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannosides and an unidentified glycolipid. MK-9(H2) was the predominant menaquinone. The major fatty acids were C14 : 0, C16 : 0, C16 : 1 and C18 : 1ω9c and tuberculostearic acid (10-methyl C18 : 0) was present in relatively small amounts (4.5%). TLC analysis of its cellular mycolic acids showed a similar profile to Tomitella biformata DSM 45403(T). The DNA G+C content of the strain was 67.5 mol%. The results of physiological and biochemical tests allowed strain YIM C00895(T) to be differentiated phenotypically from Tomitella biformata DSM 45403(T). On the basis of evidence from this polyphasic study, the novel species Tomitella cavernea sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Tomitella cavernea is YIM C00895(T) ( = DSM 45788(T)  = JCM 18542(T)).

Two-dimensional Si(x)Ge(1-x) films with variable composition made via multilayer colloidal template-guided ionic liquid electrodeposition.

The binary alloy system Si(x)Ge(1-x) provides a continuous series of materials with gradually varying properties. In this paper, we report on a fundamental basis a method to make large-area macroporous Si(x)Ge(1-x) films with variable Ge content by electrodeposition in an ionic liquid, with SiCl(4) and GeCl(4) as precursors. The chemical composition of the products can be modified by changing the molar ratio of the precursors. Periodical macroporous Si(x)Ge(1-x) was made by a multilayer polystyrene (PS) template assembled as face-centered cubic lattice. Two-dimensional (2-D) Si(x)Ge(1-x) bowl-like and fishing-net structures can be obtained by applying different deposition temperatures. The results highlight the potential applications, including photonic bandgap and battery materials, as well as ultra-thin gratings, due to the effect of modification of light and improved tunability of composition, although Si(x)Ge(1-x) made by our method is sensitive to oxidation by air.

Controllable synthesis of Cu2O petalody octahedral microcrystals and multi-patterned evolution.

The fabrication of cuprous oxide (Cu(2)O) with various morphologies has attracted extensive interest due to its applications in solar energy conversion, electrode materials, sensors, and catalysts. Herein, we report a facile controllable route for Cu(2)O microcrystals with various architectures via a hydrothermal method without using templates or surfactants. Six types of Cu(2)O microcrystals including petalody octahedral, concave truncated octahedron, truncated octahedron, octahedron, sphere-like, and sphere are obtained accompanying with Cu precipitation or urchin-like CuO particles due to the modifying of pH values. The petalody octahedral pattern of Cu(2)O is for the first time found here under the condition of pH 7-8. Additionally, possible growth mechanism for multi-patterned Cu(2)O and compositional evolution is discussed via preferential growths induced by selective absorption of acrylic acid and decomposition of lactic acid in the present reaction system. These experimental results prove a versatile and facile strategy for Cu(2)O microcrystals with special and complex architectures, which may highlights their potential applications due to the improved surface activity, catalytic, or photoelectric performance.

Three novel members of angucycline group from Streptomyces sp. N05WA963.

Three novel members of angucycline family named N05WA963A (1), B (2) and D (4), together with a new anthracycline named N05WA963C (3) were isolated from the culture broth of Streptomyces sp. N05WA963. The structures were elucidated on the basis of comprehensive spectral data analysis. All four compounds have shown antiproliferative effects on a panel of cancer cell lines such as SW620, K-562, MDA-MB-231, YES-4, T-98 and U251SP.

Improved methods of isolation and purification of myxobacteria and development of fruiting body formation of two strains.

By using baiting techniques and different purification methods, a high number of myxobacterial strains have been isolated as pure cultures from soil of different regions of China. Because myxobacterial cells do not disperse easily in liquid media, a medium containing an enzymatic hydrolysate of casein (CEH) medium have been used for purification and purity tests combined in a single step. The key method, in which isolates are reintroduced to sterile rabbit dung to induce fruiting bodies formation, facilitates purification of myxobacteria. Sterile rabbit dung pellets are used to mimic the natural growth substance of these organisms which has the advantage that characteristic fruiting bodies emerge, which is a key characteristics in the taxonomy of myxobacteria. In this study, the optimum program of isolation and purification of some myxobacteria strains has been established which will facilitate screening programs. Moreover, the development of fruiting body formation of strain BD20 (Chondromyces) and strain BD54 (Cystobacter) have been recorded in this study.