Screening, characterization, and optimization of the fermentation conditions of a novel cellulase-producing microorganism from soil of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Cellulases play an important role in the bioconversion of lignocellulose. Microorganisms found in extreme environments are a potentially rich source of cellulases with unique properties. Due to the uniqueness of the environment, the abundant microbial resources in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) are worth being explored. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize an acidic, mesophilic cellulase-producing microorganism from QTP. Moreover, the fermentation conditions for cellulase production were optimized for future application of cellulase in the development of lignocellulose biomass. A novel cellulase-producing strain, Penicillium oxalicum XC10, was isolated from the soil of QTP. The cellulase produced by XC10 was a mesophilic cellulase that exhibited good acid resistance and some cold-adaptation properties, with maximum activity at pH 4.0 and 40°C. Cellulase activity was significantly enhanced by Na+ (p < 0.05) and inhibited by Mg2+, Ca2+, Cu2+, and Fe3+ (p < 0.05). After optimization, maximum cellulase activity (8.56 U/mL) was increased nearly 10-fold. Optimal fermentation conditions included an inoculum size of 3% (v/v) in a mixture of corn straw (40 g/L), peptone (5 g/L), and Mg2+ (4 g/L), at pH 4.0, 33°C, and shaking at 200 rpm. The specific properties of the P. oxalicum XC10 cellulase suggest the enzyme may serve as an excellent candidate for the bioconversion and utilization of lignocellulose biomass generated as agricultural and food-processing wastes.

Characterization and Assessment of Native Lactic Acid Bacteria from Broiler Intestines for Potential Probiotic Properties.

Probiotics are the most promising alternative to antibiotics for improving animal production and controlling pathogenic infections, while strains derived from natural hosts are considered highly desirable due to their good adaptation to the gastrointestinal tract. The aim of this study was to screen Lactobacillus with broad-spectrum antibacterial activity from broilers fed an antibiotic-free diet and evaluate their potential as poultry probiotics. A total of 44 lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains were isolated from the intestines of healthy broilers, among which 3 strains exhibited outstanding antimicrobial activity and were subsequently identified through 16S rRNA sequencing as Enterococcus faecium L8, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum L10, and Limosilactobacillus reuteri H11. These three isolates demonstrated potent bacteriostatic activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella cholerae, with inhibition zones ranging from 15.67 ± 1.53 to 21.33 ± 0.58 mm. The selected LAB strains exhibited high tolerance to acid and bile salts, with L. reuteri H11 displaying the highest survival rate (ranging from 34.68% to 110.28%) after exposure to 0.3% (w/v) bile salts for 6 h or a low pH environment (pH 2, 2.5, and 3) for 3 h. Notably, L. reuteri H11 outperformed other strains in terms of hydrophobicity (84.31%), auto-aggregation (53.12%), and co-aggregation with E. coli ATCC 25922 (36.81%) and S. aureus ATCC 6538 (40.20%). In addition, the three LAB isolates were either fully or moderately susceptible to the tested antibiotics, except for strain L8, which resisted gentamycin and vancomycin. Consequently, these three LAB strains, especially L. reuteri H11, isolated from the intestines of broiler chickens, represent promising probiotic candidates that can be employed as feed additives to enhance production performance and control poultry pathogens.

Establishment and comparison of different procedures for modeling intrauterine adhesion in rats: A preliminary study.

The establishment of a stable animal model for intrauterine adhesion (IUA) can significantly enhance research on the pathogenesis and pathological changes of this disease, as well as on the development of innovative therapeutic approaches. In this study, three different modeling methods, including phenol mucilage combined mechanical scraping, ethanol combined mechanical scraping and ethanol modeling alone were designed. The morphological characteristics of the models were evaluated. The underlying mechanisms and fertility capacity of the ethanol modeling group were analyzed and compared to those of the sham surgery group. All three methods resulted in severe intrauterine adhesions, with ethanol being identified as a reliable modeling agent and was subsequently subjected to further evaluation. Immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR results indicated that the ethanol modeling group exhibited an increase in the degree of fibrosis and inflammation, as well as a significant reduction in endometrial thickness, gland number, vascularization, and endometrial receptivity, ultimately resulting in the loss of fertility capacity. The aforementioned findings indicate that the intrauterine perfusion of 95 % ethanol is efficacious in inducing the development of intrauterine adhesions in rats. Given its cost-effectiveness, efficacy, and stability in IUA formation, the use of 95 % ethanol intrauterine perfusion may serve as a novel platform for evaluating innovative anti-adhesion materials and bioengineered therapies.

Zhuifeng Tougu capsules in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (cold dampness obstruction syndrome): a randomized, double blind, multicenter clinical study.

BACKGROUND: In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, cold dampness obstruction is one of the common syndromes of osteoarthritis. Therefore, in clinical practice, the main treatment methods are to dispel wind, remove dampness, and dissipate cold, used to treat knee osteoarthritis (KOA). This report describes a mulitercenter clinical study to assess Zhuifeng Tougu Capsule's efficacy and safety in the treatment of patients who are cold dampness obstruction syndrome in KOA, and to provide evidence-based medical for the rational use of Zhuifeng Tougu Capsules in clinical practice. METHODS: This randomized, parallel group controlled, double-blind, double dummy trial will include a total of 215 KOA patients who meet the study criteria. 215 patients underwent 1:1 randomisation, with 107 cases assigned the experimental group (Zhuifeng Tougu Capsules + Glucosamine Sulfate Capsules Simulator) and 108 assigned the control group (Glucosamine Sulfate Capsules + Zhuifeng Tougu Capsules Simulator). After enrolment, patients received 12 weeks of treatment. The main efficacy measure is the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain score. Visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score, Self-condition assessment VAS score, WOMAC KOA score, TCM syndrome score and TCM syndrome efficacy, ESR level, CRP level, suprapatellar bursa effusion depth, use of rescue drugs, and safety indicators are secondary efficacy indicators. RESULTS: Compared with before treatment, WOMAC pain score, VAS pain score, Self-condition assessment VAS score, WOMAC KOA score, and TCM syndrome score decreased significantly in both groups (P < 0.01). Also, the experimental group showed significant differences in the above indicators compared to control (P < 0.01). However, after treatment, no significant differences were showed in the ESR level, CRP level, and suprapatellar bursa effusion depth between the two groups (P > 0.05). No any serious adverse effects showed in the experimental group and control group. CONCLUSIONS: Zhuifeng Tougu Capsules can effectively improve knee joint function and significantly alleviate the pain of KOA. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trial registration was completed with the China Clinical Trial Registration Center for this research protocol (No. ChiCTR2000028750) on January 2, 2020.

A Self-Assembly Pro-Coagulant Powder Capable of Rapid Gelling Transformation and Wet Adhesion for the Efficient Control of Non-Compressible Hemorrhage.

Rapid and effective control of non-compressible massive hemorrhage poses a great challenge in first-aid and clinical settings. Herein, a biopolymer-based powder is developed for the control of non-compressible hemorrhage. The powder is designed to facilitate rapid hemostasis by its excellent hydrophilicity, great specific surface area, and adaptability to the shape of wound, enabling it to rapidly absorb fluid from the wound. Specifically, the powder can undergo sequential cross-linking based on "click" chemistry and Schiff base reaction upon contact with the blood, leading to rapid self-gelling. It also exhibits robust tissue adhesion through covalent/non-covalent interactions with the tissues (adhesive strength: 89.57 ± 6.62 KPa, which is 3.75 times that of fibrin glue). Collectively, this material leverages the fortes of powder and hydrogel. Experiments with animal models for severe bleeding have shown that it can reduce the blood loss by 48.9%. Studies on the hemostatic mechanism also revealed that, apart from its physical sealing effect, the powder can enhance blood cell adhesion, capture fibrinogen, and synergistically induce the formation of fibrin networks. Taken together, this hemostatic powder has the advantages for convenient preparation, sprayable use, and reliable hemostatic effect, conferring it with a great potential for the control of non-compressible hemorrhage.

Promotion of uterine reconstruction by a tissue-engineered uterus with biomimetic structure and extracellular matrix microenvironment.

The recurrence rate for severe intrauterine adhesions is as high as 60%, and there is still lack of effective prevention and treatment. Inspired by the nature of uterus, we have developed a bilayer scaffold (ECM-SPS) with biomimetic heterogeneous features and extracellular matrix (ECM) microenvironment of the uterus. As proved by subtotal uterine reconstruction experiments, the mechanical and antiadhesion properties of the bilayer scaffold could meet the requirement for uterine repair. With the modification with tissue-specific cell-derived ECM, the ECM-SPS had the ECM microenvironment signatures of both the endometrium and myometrium and exhibited the property of inducing stem cell-directed differentiation. Furthermore, the ECM-SPS has recruited more endogenous stem cells to promote endometrial regeneration at the initial stage of repair, which was accompanied by more smooth muscle regeneration and a higher pregnancy rate. The reconstructed uterus could also sustain normal pregnancy and live birth. The ECM-SPS may thereby provide a potential treatment for women with severe intrauterine adhesions.

ZC3H7B-BCOR Fusion High-grade Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma With Morphologic Features of Low-grade Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma. A Case Report and Review of Literature.

High-grade endometrial stromal sarcomas with ZC3H7B-BCOR fusion are rare. They are predominantly located in the endomyometrium, with morphologic features characterized as haphazardly arranged fascicles of spindle cells with mild to moderate atypia, abundant myxoid matrix, high mitotic index, and tongue-like/pushing patterns of myometrial invasion. Furthermore, conventional or variant low-grade endometrial stromal sarcomas are often not present. Clinically, they present at a higher stage and are associated with worse prognosis compared with low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma. Given the limited number of reported cases, we describe the case of a ZC3H7B-BCOR fusion high-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma initially diagnosed on the hysterectomy specimen as low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma based on an endometrial stromal tumor showing tongue-like myometrial and lymphovascular invasion, minimal cytologic atypia, low-mitotic activity (0-1/10 high-power field), round/spindle cell component and immunohistochemical stain results (positive for CD10, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and focally positive for cyclin D1). At the time of pathologic diagnosis, she was Stage Ia and managed conservatively. Subsequent molecular analysis revealed a ZC3H7B (exon 10)- BCOR (BCL-6 corepressor) (exon 7) gene fusion. On follow-up, she showed no evidence of disease at 37 months from the time of diagnosis. This case report expands the morphologic spectrum of ZC3H7B-BCOR fusion high-grade ESS, which includes an intramural location, morphologic and immunophenotypic features similar to LG-ESS, as well as the presence of round and spindle cell components. This case also underscores the value of molecular analysis in the proper classification of ESS.

Multifunctional two-component in-situ hydrogel for esophageal submucosal dissection for mucosa uplift, postoperative wound closure and rapid healing.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for gastrointestinal tumors and premalignant lesions needs submucosal fluid cushion (SFC) for mucosal uplift before dissection, and wound care including wound closure and rapid healing postoperatively. Current SFC materials as well as materials and/or methods for post-ESD wound care have single treatment effect and hold corresponding drawbacks, such as easy dispersion, short duration, weak hemostasis and insufficient repair function. Thus, designing materials that can serve as both SFC materials and wound care is highly desired, and remains a challenge. Herein, we report a two-component in-situ hydrogel prepared from maleimide-based oxidized sodium alginate and sulfhydryl carboxymethyl-chitosan, which gelated mainly based on "click" chemistry and Schiff base reaction. The hydrogels showed short gelation time, outstanding tissue adhesion, favorable hemostatic properties, and good biocompatibility. A rat subcutaneous ultrasound model confirmed the ability of suitable mucosal uplift height and durable maintenance time of AM solution. The in vivo/in vitro rabbit liver hemorrhage model demonstrated the effects of hydrogel in rapid hemostasis and prevention of delayed bleeding. The canine esophageal ESD model corroborated that the in-situ hydrogel provided good mucosal uplift and wound closure effects, and significantly accelerated wound healing with accelerating re-epithelization and ECM remodeling post-ESD. The two-component in-situ hydrogels exhibited great potential in gastrointestinal tract ESD.

A Modified Small Intestinal Submucosa Patch with Multifunction to Promote Scarless Repair and Reinvigoration of Urethra.

To reconstruct and restore the functions of the male urethra is a challenging task for urologists. The acellular matrix graft currently used in the clinics is mono-functional and may cause a series of complications including stricture, fibrosis, and stone formation. As a result, such graft materials cannot meet the increasing demand for multifunctionality in the field of urethral tissue engineering. In this context, a multifunctional urethral patch is designed for the repair of urethral defects by mixing protocatechualdehyde (PCA) with small intestinal submucosa (SIS) under an alkalin condition to allow cross linking. As shown, the PCA/SIS patch possesses excellent biocompatibility, antioxidant activity, and anti-inflammatory property. More importantly, this patch can remarkably promote the adhesion, proliferation, and directional extension of rabbit bladder epithelial mucous cells (R-EMCs) as well as rabbit bladder smooth muscle cells (R-SMCs), and upregulate the expression of cytokeratin in the EMCs and contractile protein in the SMCs in vitro. In vivo experiments also confirm that the PCA/SIS patch can significantly enhance scarless repair of urethral defects in rabbits by facilitating smooth muscle regeneration, reducing excessive collagen deposition, and accelerating re-epithelialization and neovascularization. Taken together, the newly developed multifunctional PCA/SIS patch provides a promising candidate for urethral regeneration.

Application of metabolomics in urolithiasis: the discovery and usage of succinate.

Urinary stone is conceptualized as a chronic metabolic disorder punctuated by symptomatic stone events. It has been shown that the occurrence of calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) during stone formation is regulated by crystal growth modifiers. Although crystallization inhibitors have been recognized as a therapeutic modality for decades, limited progress has been made in the discovery of effective modifiers to intervene with stone disease. In this study, we have used metabolomics technologies, a powerful approach to identify biomarkers by screening the urine components of the dynamic progression in a bladder stone model. By in-depth mining and analysis of metabolomics data, we have screened five differential metabolites. Through density functional theory studies and bulk crystallization, we found that three of them (salicyluric, gentisic acid and succinate) could effectively inhibit nucleation in vitro. We thereby assessed the impact of the inhibitors with an EG-induced rat model for kidney stones. Notably, succinate, a key player in the tricarboxylic acid cycle, could decrease kidney calcium deposition and injury in the model. Transcriptomic analysis further showed that the protective effect of succinate was mainly through anti-inflammation, inhibition of cell adhesion and osteogenic differentiation. These findings indicated that succinate may provide a new therapeutic option for urinary stones.

Application of antibody-conjugated small intestine submucosa to capture urine-derived stem cells for bladder repair in a rabbit model.

The need for bladder reconstruction and side effects of cystoplasty have spawned the demand for the development of alternative material substitutes. Biomaterials such as submucosa of small intestine (SIS) have been widely used as patches for bladder repair, but the outcomes are not fully satisfactory. To capture stem cells in situ has been considered as a promising strategy to speed up the process of re-cellularization and functionalization. In this study, we have developed an anti-CD29 antibody-conjugated SIS scaffold (AC-SIS) which is capable of specifically capturing urine-derived stem cells (USCs) in situ for tissue repair and regeneration. The scaffold has exhibited effective capture capacity and sound biocompatibility. In vivo experiment proved that the AC-SIS scaffold could promote rapid endothelium healing and smooth muscle regeneration. The endogenous stem cell capturing scaffolds has thereby provided a new revenue for developing effective and safer bladder patches.

Integrated Network Pharmacology and Mice Model to Investigate Qing Zao Fang for Treating Sjögren's Syndrome.

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease, and its conventional treatment has exhibited limited therapeutic efficacy. Qing Zao Fang (QZF), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, is used in the treatment of Sjögren's syndrome, but its chemical composition is complex, and its pharmacological mechanism is not clear. Therefore, this study aims to explore the potential mechanism of QZF in the treatment of Sjögren's syndrome based on network pharmacology and SS mouse model. The main active components and predicted targets of QZF were analyzed by network pharmacology. The SS mouse model was constructed and divided into 6 groups: control, SS, SS + hydroxychloroquine (HCQ)-treated, SS + low-dose QZF-treated, SS + medium-dose QZF-treated, and SS + high-dose QZF-treated group. Immunohistochemical, ELISA, and qRT-PCR assays were performed to detect the expressions of targets associated with SS. TUNEL staining was used to detect apoptosis. Cumulatively, 230 active compounds and 1883 targets of QZF were identified. There were 227 common targets for QZF and SS. The effective active ingredients were stigmasterol, neocryptotanshinone II, neotanshinone C, miltionone I, and beta-pinene. It mainly acts on biological processes such as inflammatory response, chemokine metabolic process, and immune response as well as pathways such as FoxO signaling pathway, Yersinia infection, HIF-1 signaling pathway, and TNF signaling pathway. In SS mice, levels of AKT1, HIF-1α, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-17A were increased, while decreased after QZF treatment. In contrast, IL-10 levels were decreased in SS mice and increased in QZF-treated mice. In addition, QZF reduced apoptosis in the submandibular gland tissue compared to SS mice. It can be concluded that the QZF in treatment of SS is the result of the combined action of multiple components, multiple targets, and multiple pathways. This study improves the understanding of the link between QZF and SS on molecular mechanisms.

Promotion of right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction using a novel cardiac patch incorporated with hypoxia-pretreated urine-derived stem cells.

Approximately 25% of patients with congenital heart disease require implantation of patches to repair. However, most of the currently available patches are made of inert materials with unmatched electrical conductivity and mechanical properties, which may lead to an increased risk for arrhythmia and heart failure. In this study, we have developed a novel Polyurethane/Small intestinal submucosa patch (PSP) with mechanical and electrical properties similar to those of the native myocardial tissue, and assessed its feasibility for the reconstruction of right ventricular outflow tract. A right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction model was constructed in 40 rabbits. Compared with commercially available bovine pericardium patch, the PSP patch has shown better histocompatibility and biodegradability, in addition with significantly improved cardiac function. To tackle the significant fibrosis and relatively poor vascularization during tissue remodeling, we have further developed a bioactive patch by incorporating the PSP composites with urine-derived stem cells (USCs) which were pretreated with hypoxia. The results showed that the hypoxia-pretreated bioactive patch could significantly inhibit fibrosis and promote vascularization and muscularization, resulting in better right heart function. Our findings suggested that the PSP patch combined with hypoxia-pretreated USCs may provide a better strategy for the treatment of congenital heart disease.

Qing Zao Fang (QZF) Alleviates the Inflammatory Microenvironment of the Submandibular Gland in Sjögren's Syndrome Based on the PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α/VEGF Signaling Pathway.

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) which could lead to a disorder of our immune system is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by invading exocrine glands such as salivary glands and lacrimal glands and other exocrine glands. Its common symptom is dry mouth and dry eyes, often accompanied by a large number of lymphocyte infiltrations and can involve other organs to cause complex clinical manifestations. In this study, we aimed at investigating the effect of QZF in SS, identifying the molecular mechanism in modulating autoimmune response, and determining the important roles of these factors' function as a modulator in the pathogenesis of SS. The NOD mice were utilized to establish the rats' model of Sjögren's syndrome. After 10 weeks' hydroxychloroquine and QZF in different dose interference, submandibular gland tissue was collected. The therapeutic effect of QZF on SS rats was identified, and the results suggest the comparable potential to hydroxychloroquine. In submandibular gland tissue, interleukin- (IL-) 17 was significantly lower in high-dose QZF than that in SS rats and the focal lymphocytes were highly attenuated. Moreover, we found that PI3K/Akt signals were activated and the downstream HIF-1α/VEGF signals were enhanced in SS rats whose protein expression could be inhibited by QZF treatment. In addition, QZF could modulate autophagy in submandibular gland tissue and then inhibit the inflammation response and therefore facilitate the tissue repair.

Improvement of sludge characteristics and mitigation of membrane fouling in the treatment of pesticide wastewater by electrochemical anaerobic membrane bioreactor.

Electrochemical anaerobic membrane bioreactor attracted attention due to stable treatment quality with low footprint, and draw solute has significant effect on the sludge characteristics and membrane fouling performance. In this pilot-scale study, an electrochemical anaerobic membrane bioreactor (E-AnMBR) was proposed for treating pesticide wastewater at different hydraulic retention times (HRTs), demonstrating that E-AnMBR was superior on improvement of sludge characteristics and mitigation of membrane fouling, compared with the conventional anaerobic membrane bioreactor (C-AnMBR). E-AnMBR reduced sludge yield by 41.2 ± 6.7% and the SVI was significantly decreased by 32.5±13.8%. The accumulation of VFA in E-AnMBR was slighter than that of C-AnMBR, and the minimum average VFA was 255±6 mg/L. The methane yield of E-AnMBR (0.22-0.29 L CH4/g CODremoved) was 1.2-1.4 times than that of C-AnMBR. The EPS contents in suspended and attached sludge of E-AnMBR were significantly reduced by 41.8 ± 3.3% and 77.4 ± 14.5% than that of C-AnMBR, respectively. These results suggested that E-AnMBR has lower sludge disposal pressure, higher stability and methane recovery potential. Not only that, E-AnMBR successfully reduced membrane resistance, delaying the fouling rate by 31.0-38.5%. Finally, the linear relationship between EPS characteristics and membrane pollution was determined.

Periductal Stromal Tumor of the Breast: One Institution's Review of 6 Tumors Over a 22 Year Period With Immunohistochemical Analysis.

Introduction. Periductal stromal tumor (PST) of the breast is a rare fibroepithelial neoplasm with controversial pathogenesis. Methods. A retrospective search of our Pathology database from 2000 to 2021 identified 6 PST, all evaluated according to the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) criteria. Immunohistochemistry for CD10, CD34, KIT, GATA3, p63, SOX10, ER, PR, HER2, smooth muscle actin (SMA), beta-catenin, and myogenin was performed as well. Results. All 6 patients were female and age ranged from 29 to 55 years (mean 40 years). Tumor size ranged from 2.9 to 5.9 cm (mean 3.0 cm). Data showed absence of leaf-like architecture (0/6), at least moderate hypercellularity (6/6), lack of a circumscribed border (5/6), coalescing nodules with intermixed adipose tissue (4/6), at least moderate stromal atypia (4/6), and an elevated mitotic activity ≥3mitotic figures/10 HPF (6/6). The stromal cells were positive for CD10 (4/4), CD34 (4/4), KIT (3/4), and SMA (3/4), and negative for GATA3 (0/6), p63 (0/6), SOX10 (0/6), ER (0/4), PR (0/4), HER2 (0/4), nuclear beta-catenin (0/5), and myogenin (0/4). No patient had a PST recurrence or metastasis (average follow-up of 91 months). Conclusion. We confirm that PST shares morphologic and immunophenotypic similarities with phyllodes tumor (PT). However, PST can be reliably differentiated from PT using the AFIP criteria. Additionally, PST's immunoprofile of positive KIT and CD34 stromal expression alongside the negative GATA3, p63, and SOX10 reactivity can aid the pathologist in excluding metaplastic carcinoma. All 6 of our PST behaved as benign neoplasms akin to benign PT.

Removal of azimsulfuron and zoxamide using a tapered variable diameter biological fluidized bed combined with electrochemistry: Mass fraction division, energy metabolism activity and carbon emissions.

The performance of the combination system of tapered variable diameter biological fluidized bed (TVDBFB) with electrochemistry (EC) was evaluated for removing azimsulfuron and zoxamide under different temperatures and influent concentrations. Maximum removal efficiency of azimsulfuron and zoxamide could reach 94% and 98% under higher influent concentration (about 780 mg/L). As temperature decreased from 32 ℃ to 8 ℃, the mSe increased from 48% to 56%, and the mSo and mSxv decreased from 30% to 22% and 27% to 24%, respectively. As the influent COD equivalent concentration of azimsulfuron and zoxamide enhanced from 260 mg/L to 780 mg/L, the Kd increased from 0.06 d-1 to 0.23 d-1. Temperature and influent concentration were main influencing factors of DHA, ATP and ETS. Increasing aeration in TVDBFB and HRT in EC under shock conditions could improve azimsulfuron and zoxamide removal efficiency, however, it was also accompanied by higher carbon emissions.

Effects of traditional qigong exercise on ankylosing spondylitis: a protocol for systematic reviews and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a recurrent autoimmune disease that is associated with a high disability rate, which has a profound negative impact on daily life. It has been clinically reported that traditional qigong exercise has certain therapeutic advantages in treating AS; however, this postulation is not evidence-based. Therefore, this study will aim at systematically appraising the validity and safety of traditional qigong exercise in treating AS. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We searched the English (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library) and Chinese databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan fang, VIP and Chinese biomedical database) for relevant information. Additionally, the Baidu Academic and Google Academic databases were manually searched to mine relevant information. Randomised controlled clinical trials of traditional qigong exercise in treating AS were searched from the establishment of the database to September 2020. Quality articles were extracted and independently evaluated by two researchers before inclusion in this study. Meta-analysis of the included articles was performed using the RevMan V.5.3 software. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study will not involve primary data collection, and formal ethics approval will, therefore, not be required. We aim to publish this systematic review in a peer-reviewed journal. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020207057.

Accelerating ESD-induced gastric ulcer healing using a pH-responsive polyurethane/small intestinal submucosa hydrogel delivered by endoscopic catheter.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is the standard treatment for early-stage gastric cancer, but the large post-operative ulcers caused by ESD often lead to serious side effects. Post-ESD mucosal repair materials provide a new option for the treatment of post-ESD ulcers. In this study, we developed a polyurethane/small intestinal submucosa (PU/SIS) hydrogel and investigated its efficacy for accelerating ESD-induced ulcer healing in a canine model. PU/SIS hydrogel possessed great biocompatibility and distinctive pH-sensitive swelling properties and protected GES-1 cells from acid attack through forming a dense film in acidic conditions in vitro. Besides, PU/SIS gels present a strong bio-adhesion to gastric tissues under acidic conditions, thus ensuring the retention time of PU/SIS gels in vivo. In a canine model, PU/SIS hydrogel was easily delivered via endoscopy and adhered to the ulcer sites. PU/SIS hydrogel accelerated gastric ulcer healing at an early stage with more epithelium regeneration and slight inflammation. Our findings reveal PU/SIS hydrogel is a promising and attractive candidate for ESD-induced ulcer repair.