Study on the Dispersion Characteristics of Coal Complex Resistivity under the Effect of Liquid Nitrogen Cyclic Freeze-Thaw and Evaluation of Permeability Enhancement.

The effect of liquid nitrogen freeze-thaw fracturing on coal seams can be potentially evaluated by the complex resistivity method. The real part (Reρ) and the imaginary part (Imρ) of the complex resistivity and permeability of coal were determined under different cycle times and in different bedding directions. The reason for permeability enhancement was discussed, and the dispersion mechanism of complex resistivity during cyclic freeze-thaw fracturing was analyzed. The results indicated that (1) the complex resistivity parameters have a good response to the cycle times; Reρ, |Imρ|, and the dispersion degree (α) are positively correlated with cycle time; the fully polarized frequency (f p) of Reρ, the characteristic frequency (f c) of Imρ, and variation are negatively correlated with cycle time. (2) The difference in complex resistivity parameters between the vertical bedding direction and the parallel bedding direction is significant, and the difference in electrical properties of the bedding structure continuously decreases with the increase in cycle time. (3) Under the effect of liquid nitrogen cyclic freeze-thaw, a complex network of fractures in coal is formed, the anisotropic characteristics of coal are weakened, and effective conductive channels are damaged. The peak frost heave force decreases exponentially with the increase in cycle time, and the difference in bedding electrical properties gradually disappears. (4) Comparing the inversion degree of measured data with three conductive models, ρ0 and τ are selected as the optimum parameters for evaluating the effect of liquid nitrogen cyclic freeze-thaw. A logarithmic permeability evaluation model is constructed based on ρ0 and τ. This work provides a new perspective based on electrical detection for evaluating the permeability enhancement of coal during liquid nitrogen cyclic freeze-thaw.

The LCG1-OsBP5/OsEBP89-Wx module regulates the grain chalkiness and taste quality in rice.

It is well known that the overall quality of japonica/geng rice is superior to that of indica/xian rice varieties. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the quality disparities between these two subspecies of rice are still largely unknown. In this study, we have pinpointed a gene homologous to SLR1, termed LCG1, exhibiting significant expression during early caryopsis development and playing a specific role in regulating rice chalkiness and taste by affecting the accumulation of grain storage components, starch granule structure and chain length distribution of amylopectin. LCG1 physically interacts with OsBP5 and indirectly influences the expression of the amylose synthesis gene Waxy (Wx) by hindering the transcriptional activity of the OsBP5/OsEBP89 complex. Notably, sequence variations in the promoter region of LCG1 result in enhanced transcription in japonica rice accessions. This leads to elevated LCG1 expression in CSSL-LCG1Nip, thereby enhancing rice quality. Our research elucidates the molecular mechanism underlying the impact of the LCG1-OsBP5/OsEBP89-Wx regulatory pathway on rice chalkiness and taste quality, offering new genetic resources for improving the indica rice quality.

Efficient metal free organic radical scintillators.

The development of high-performance metal-free organic X-ray scintillators (OXSTs), characterized by a synergistic combination of robust X-ray absorption, efficient exciton utilization, and short luminescence lifetimes, poses a considerable challenge. Here we present an effective strategy for achieving augmented X-ray scintillation through the utilization of halogenated open-shell organic radical scintillators. Our experimental results demonstrate that the synthesized scintillators exhibit strong X-ray absorption derived from halogen atoms, display efficacious X-ray stability, and theoretically achieve 100% exciton utilization efficiency with a short lifetime (∼18 ns) due to spin-allowed doublet transitions. The superior X-ray scintillation performance exhibited by these organic radicals is not only exploitable in X-ray radiography for contrast imaging of various objects but also applicable in a medical high-resolution micro-computer-tomography system for the clear visualization of fibrous veins within a bamboo stick. Our study substantiates the promise of organic radicals as prospective candidates for OXSTs, offering valuable insights and a roadmap for the development of advanced organic radical scintillators geared towards achieving high-quality X-ray radiography.

Head-to-head comparison of contrast-enhanced CT, dual-layer spectral-detector CT, and Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MR in detecting neuroendocrine tumor liver metastases.

PURPOSE: To explore the optimal of kiloelectron voltage (keV) of virtual monoenergetic imaging (VMI) of dual-layer spectral-detector CT (DLCT) in detecting neuroendocrine tumor liver metastases (NETLM) and to investigate diagnostic performance of polyenergetic images (PEI), DLCT, and Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MR. METHODS: Seventy-two patients with suspected NETLM who underwent DLCT and Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MR were retrospectively enrolled. Tumor signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were compared between PEI and VMI at 40-140 keV. Two radiologists read the CT examinations with and without VMI separately in consensus. Two other radiologists read the Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MR in consensus. The diagnostic performance was evaluated. Reference standard was histopathology, follow-up, and interpretation of all available imaging. RESULTS: The highest SNR and CNR were observed at VMI40keV, significantly higher than PEI in the arterial and venous phases (all P<0.01). A total of 477 lesions were identified (396 metastases, 81 benign lesions). Per-lesion AUC was 0.86, 0.91, and 0.97 (PEI, DLCT, and Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MR, respectively). Sensitivity of PEI, DLCT, and Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI were 0.76, 0.86, and 0.95, respectively. DLCT significantly improved sensitivity compared to PEI. MR had significantly higher sensitivity than DLCT and PEI. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that the difference in diagnostic performance was concentrated on lesions < 10 mm. CONCLUSION: The image quality of VMI40keV is higher than that of PEI. DLCT with VMI40keV provides better diagnostic sensitivity for NETLM detection than PEI. Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MR yielded the best diagnostic performance for NETLM detection.

The impact of JC viruria on renal transplant recovery and prognosis.

Postoperative JC viruria is common in kidney transplant recipients, however there remains a dearth of research on perioperative JCV infection in this population. The clinical significance of JCV monitoring in kidney transplant recipients remains unclear. Based on JCV urine monitoring during the perioperative phase, renal transplant recipients who underwent perioperative and postoperative monitoring at our center were categorized into two groups: the perioperative JC virus infection group and the control group consisting of recipients without detectable JCV DNA in plasma or urine during the two-year follow-up period. A comparative analysis of baseline data was initially performed, followed by a 1:1 propensity score matching of 80 cases from each group. Within the first month after transplantation, the JC viruria group exhibited a significant decrease in the incidence of delayed graft function compared to the control group (P = 0.031).Over the two-year postoperative period, the JC viruria group displayed a significantly lower rate of acute rejection (P = 0.027). Notably, the JC viruria group demonstrated higher estimated glomerular filtration rate levels compared to the control group, particularly within the first year post-transplantation. Moreover, recipient and transplant kidney survival rates did not significantly differ between the two groups (P = 0.642). Perioperative JC viruria in kidney transplant recipients may persist beyond the initial two postoperative years. The presence of JCV is associated with lower rates of DGF and acute rejection, indicating a favorable post-transplant recovery. These findings provide novel insights into the importance of postoperative JCV monitoring.

Pre-IVM with C-type natriuretic peptide promotes mitochondrial biogenesis of bovine oocytes via activation of CREB.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) treatment prior to in vitro maturation (IVM) on mitochondria biogenesis in bovine oocyte matured in vitro and explore the related causes. The results showed that treatment with CNP before IVM significantly improved mitochondrial content, elevated the expression of genes related to mitochondria biogenesis, and increased the protein levels of phosphorylation of cAMP-response element binding protein (p-CREB) in bovine oocytes following IVM. However, further studies revealed that treatment with CNP before IVM could not increased the protein levels of p-CREB in bovine oocytes when natriuretic peptide receptor 2 activities was inhibited using the relative specific inhibitor Gö6976. In addition, treatment with CNP before IVM could not improved mitochondrial content or elevated the expression of genes related to mitochondria biogenesis in bovine oocytes when CREB activities was abolished using the specific inhibitor 666-15. In summary, these results provide evidence that treatment of bovine oocytes with CNP before IVM promotes mitochondrial biogenesis in vitro, possibly by activating CREB.

LL-37 and bisphosphonate co-delivery 3D-scaffold with antimicrobial and antiresorptive activities for bone regeneration.

This study introduces a novel 3D scaffold for bone regeneration, composed of silk fibroin, chitosan, nano-hydroxyapatite, LL-37 antimicrobial peptide, and pamidronate. The scaffold addresses a critical need in bone tissue engineering by simultaneously combating bone infections and promoting bone growth. LL-37 was incorporated for its broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, while pamidronate was included to inhibit bone resorption. The scaffold's porous structure, essential for cell infiltration and nutrient diffusion, was achieved through a freeze-drying process. In vitro assessments using SEM and FTIR confirmed the scaffold's morphology and chemical integrity. Antimicrobial efficacy was tested against pathogens of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). In vivo studies in a murine model of infectious bone defect revealed the scaffold's effectiveness in reducing inflammation and bacterial load, and promoting bone regeneration. RNA sequencing of treated specimens provided insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying these observations, revealing significant gene expression changes related to bone healing and immune response modulation. The results indicate that the scaffold effectively inhibits bacterial growth and supports bone cell functions, making it a promising candidate for treating infectious bone defects. Future studies should focus on optimizing the release of therapeutic agents and evaluating the scaffold's clinical potential.

Rapid and ultra-sensitive trace water determination in organic solvents utilizing nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD)-based fluorescent sensing system.

The presence of minute quantities of water in organic solvents can affect the progress of many reactions and cause unnecessary losses and even safety accidents in the chemical industry, especially in the productions process of organic fine chemicals. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out high-performance strategies for trace water detections in commonly used organic solvents. In this work, a fluorescent sensing system based on competitive binding of protons has been developed, demonstrating remarkable responses by UV-vis absorption and fluorescence two-modes toward a trace amount of water in organic solvents including 1,4-dioxane (Diox), tetrahydrofuran (THF), acetonitrile (MeCN), acetone (ACE), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and mixed organic solvents (THF: MeCN=1: 1). The key component of the sensing system is a newly designed fluorophore NBD-PMA, which can be deprotonated to form a dynamic non-luminescent adduct, namely NBD-PMA-F, by an organic fluoride salt tetrabutylammonium fluoride (TBAF). NBD-PMA-F can be reprotonated via using trace water, exhibiting fluorescence turn on of the system. The as-prepared sensing system shows superior sensitivity, low detection limits (v/v, 0.0007 %), quick response speed (≤1.2 s) and good reversibility. Moreover, naked-eye visual rapid detection has also been successfully realized at ambient temperature, which demonstrated their practical applications value for trace water determinations.

Application of metagenomic next-generation sequencing for rapid molecular identification in spinal infection diagnosis.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) for detecting pathogens in spinal infections and to identify the differences in the diagnostic performance between mNGS and targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS). Methods: A total of 76 consecutive patients with suspected spinal infections who underwent mNGS, culture, and histopathological examinations were retrospectively studied. The final diagnosis of the patient was determined by combining the clinical treatment results, pathological examinations, imaging changes and laboratory indicators. The sensitivity and specificity of mNGS and culture were determined. Results: The difference between the two detection rates was statistically significant (p < 0.001), with mNGS exhibiting a significantly higher detection rate (77.6% versus 18.4%). The average diagnosis time of mNGS was significantly shorter than that of bacterial culture (p < 0.001, 1.65 versus 3.07 days). The sensitivity and accuracy of mNGS were significantly higher than that of the culture group (p < 0.001, 82.3% versus 17.5%; 75% versus 27.6%), whereas the specificity of mNGS (42.9%) was lower than that of the culture group (p > 0.05, 42.9% versus 76.9%). The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive predictive value (PPV) of pus were higher than those of tissue samples for mNGS, whereas for culture, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and PPV of tissue samples were higher than those of pus. tNGS demonstrated higher sensitivity and accuracy in diagnosing tuberculosis (TB) than mNGS (80% versus 50%; 87.5% versus 68.8%). Conclusion: mNGS for spinal infection demonstrated better diagnostic value in developing an antibiotic regimen earlier, and it is recommended to prioritize pus samples for testing through mNGS. Moreover, tNGS outperformed other methods for diagnosing spinal TB and identifying antibiotic-resistance genes in drug-resistant TB.

Metabolomics analyses reveal the liver-protective mechanism of Wang's metabolic formula on metabolic-associated fatty liver disease.

Wang's metabolic formula (WMF) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula developed under the guidance of Professor Kungen Wang. WMF has been clinically utilized for several years. However, the therapeutic mechanism of WMF in treating metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) remains unclear. In this study, we performed phytochemical analysis on WMF using LC-MS. To study the role of WMF in MAFLD, we orally administered WMF (20.6 g/kg) to male MAFLD mice induced by a high-cholesterol high-fat diet (HCHFD). Then pathological, biochemical, and metabolomic analyses were performed. The main components of WMF are chlorogenic acid, geniposide, albiflorin, paeoniflorin, and calycosin-7-O-glucoside. MAFLD mice treated with WMF exhibited significant improvements in obesity, abnormal lipid metabolism, inflammation, and liver pathology. WMF decreased aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and triglyceride (TG) levels in the serum of MAFLD mice while increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels. WMF lowered liver TG levels and inflammatory factors (IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB). Metabolomic analysis of the liver annotated 78 differentially regulated metabolites enriched in four pathways: glycerophospholipid metabolism, retinol metabolism, PPAR signaling pathway, and choline metabolism. Western blot experiments showed that WMF increased the expression of PPAR-α, PPAR-ß, and RXR in the liver while decreasing the expression of RAR. The study demonstrates that WMF has a solid preventive and therapeutic effect on MAFLD. The anti-inflammatory and regulation of abnormal liver metabolism activities of WMF involve retinol metabolism and the PPAR signaling pathway.

The effect of modified Qiyuan paste on mice with low immunity and sleep deprivation by regulating GABA nerve and immune system.

BACKGROUND: Low immunity and sleep disorders are prevalent suboptimal health conditions in contemporary populations, which render them susceptible to the infiltration of pathogenic factors. LJC, which has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine for nourishing the Yin and blood and calming the mind, is obtained by modifying Qiyuan paste. Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo has been shown to improve the immune function in sleep-deprived mice. In this study, based on the traditional Chinese medicine theory, LJC was prepared by adding D. officinale Kimura et Migo to Qiyuan paste decoction. METHODS: Indicators of Yin deficiency syndrome, such as back temperature and grip strength, were measured in each group of mice; furthermore, behavioral tests and pentobarbital sodium-induced sleep tests were performed. An automatic biochemical analyzer, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit, and other methods were used to determine routine blood parameters, serum immunoglobulin (IgG, IgA, and IgM), cont (C3, C4), acid phosphatase (ACP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in the spleen, serum hemolysin, and delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) levels. In addition, serum levels of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate (Glu) were detected using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Hematoxylin-eosin staining and Nissl staining were used to assess the histological alterations in the hypothalamus tissue. Western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expressions of the GABA pathway proteins GABRA1, GAD, GAT1, and GABAT1 and those of CD4+ and CD8+ proteins in the thymus and spleen tissues. RESULTS: The findings indicated that LJC prolonged the sleep duration, improved the pathological changes in the hippocampus, effectively upregulated the GABA content in the serum of mice, downregulated the Glu content and Glu/GABA ratio, enhanced the expressions of GABRA1, GAT1, and GAD, and decreased the expression of GABAT1 to assuage sleep disorders. Importantly, LJC alleviated the damage to the thymus and spleen tissues in the model mice and enhanced the activities of ACP and LDH in the spleen of the immunocompromised mice. Moreover, serum hemolysin levels and serum IgG, IgA, and IgM levels increased after LJC administration, which manifested as increased CD4+ content, decreased CD8+ content, and enhanced DTH response. In addition, LJC significantly increased the levels of complement C3 and C4, increased the number of white blood cells and lymphocytes, and decreased the percentage of neutrophils in the blood. CONCLUSIONS: LJC can lead to improvements in immunocompromised mice models with insufficient sleep. The underlying mechanism may involve regulation of the GABA/Glu content and the expression levels of GABA metabolism pathway-related proteins in the brain of mice, enhancing their specific and nonspecific immune functions.

Cyclic negative pressure promotes chondrocyte growth: Association of IGF-2 with EGR-1.

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is one of the most common degenerative joint diseases in the elderly worldwide. The primary lesion in patients with KOA is the degeneration of articular cartilage. This study aimed to observe the biological effects of cyclic negative pressure on C28/I2 chondrocytes and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. We designed a bi-directional intelligent micro-pressure control device for cyclic negative pressure intervention on C28/I2 chondrocytes. Chondrocyte vitality and proliferation were assessed using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays. The extracellular matrix was analyzed using real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blot, while the molecular mechanism of the chondrocyte response to cyclic negative pressure was explored through mRNA sequencing. Experimental data demonstrated that cyclic negative pressure promoted chondrocyte proliferation and upregulated the expression of chondrocyte-specific protein, namely the collagen type II alpha 1 chain (COL2A1) protein, and the transcription factor SRY-box transcription factor 9 (SOX9). Additionally, RNA sequencing analysis revealed that the gene levels of insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2) and early growth response 1 (EGR-1) were significantly elevated in the cyclic negative pressure group. This study demonstrates that cyclic negative pressure stimulates the proliferation of C28/I2 chondrocytes by promoting the expression of EGR-1 and IGF-2. This new discovery may provide novel insights into cartilage health and KOA prevention.

Heat-moisture treatment can modulate all-purpose wheat flour for short dough biscuit making: Evidences and mechanism.

In view of the merits of all-purpose wheat flour (APWF) to soft wheat flour (SWF) in cost and protein supply, the feasibility of heat-moisture treatment (HMT, 19% moisture for 1 h at 60, 80 and 100 °C, respectively) to modify APWF as a substitute SWF in making short dough biscuits was explored. For underlying mechanisms, on the one hand, HMT reduced the hydration capacity of damaged starch particles by coating them with denatured proteins. On the other hand, HMT at 80 °C and 100 °C significantly denatured gluten proteins to form protein aggregates, highly weakening the gluten network in dough. These two aspects jointly conferred APWF dough with higher deformability and therefore significantly improved the qualities of biscuits. Moreover, the qualities of biscuits from APWF upon HMT-100 °C were largely comparable to that from SWF, even higher values were concluded in spread ratio, volume, specific volume and consumer acceptance.

Current and further outlook on the protective potential of Antrodia camphorata against neurological disorders.

Prevalent neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and stroke are increasingly becoming a global burden as society ages. It is well-known that degeneration and loss of neurons are the fundamental underlying processes, but there are still no effective therapies for these neurological diseases. In recent years, plenty of studies have focused on the pharmacology and feasibility of natural products as new strategies for the development of drugs that target neurological disorders. Antrodia camphorata has become one of the most promising candidates, and the crude extracts and some active metabolites of it have been reported to play various pharmacological activities to alleviate neurological symptoms at cellular and molecular levels. This review highlights the current evidence of Antrodia camphorata against neurological disorders, including safety evaluation, metabolism, blood-brain barrier penetration, neuroprotective activities, and the potential on regulating the gut-microbiome-brain axis. Furthermore, potential strategies to resolve problematic issues identified in previous studies are also discussed. We aim to provide an overview for the ongoing development and utilization of Antrodia camphorata in cerebral neuropathology.

Exploring the efficacy and mechanism of Bailing capsule to improve polycystic ovary syndrome in mice based on intestinal-derived LPS-TLR4 pathway.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder associated with reproductive dysfunction and metabolic abnormalities, particularly characterized by insulin resistance and chronic low-grade inflammation. Multiple clinical studies have clearly demonstrated the significant efficacy and safety of the combination of Bailing capsules (BL) in the treatment of PCOS, but its pharmacological effects and mechanisms still require further study. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the effect of BL on improving PCOS in mice and explore the mechanism. METHODS: In this study, Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) injection was administered alone and in combination with a high-fat and high-sugar diet to induce PCOS-like mouse. They were randomly divided into five groups: normal group (N), PCOS group (P), Bailing capsule low-dose group (BL-L), Bailing capsule high-dose group (BL-H) and Metformin + Daine-35 group (M + D). Firstly, the effects of BL on ovarian lesions, serum hormone levels, HOMA-IR, intestinal barrier function, inflammation levels, along with the expression of IRS1, PI3K, AKT, TLR4, Myd88, NF-κB p65, TNF-α, IL-6, and Occludin of the ovary, liver and colon were investigated. Finally, the composition of the gut microbiome of fecal was tested. RESULTS: The administration of BL significantly reduced body weight, improved hormone levels, improved IR, and attenuated pathological damage to ovarian tissues, up-regulated the expression of IRS1, PI3K, and AKT in liver. It also decreased serum LPS, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels, while downregulating the expression of Myd88, TLR4, and NF-κB p65. Additionally, BL improved intestinal barrier damage and upregulated the expression of Occludin. Interestingly, the abundance of norank_f__Muribaculacea and Lactobacillus was down-regulated, while the abundance of Akkermansia was significantly up-regulated. CONCLUSION: The results of the study showed that BL exerts a treatment PCOS effect, which may be related to the modulation of the gut microbiota, the improvement of insulin resistance and the intestinal-derived LPS-TLR4 inflammatory pathway. Our research will provide a theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of PCOS.

Alcohol inducing macrophage M2b polarization in colitis by modulating the TRPV1-MAPK/NF-κB pathways.

BACKGROUND: Macrophages exhibit different phenotypes in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and promote inflammation or tissue repair depending on their polarization state. Alcohol is a widely used solvent in pharmaceutical formulations, and its consumption is associated with an increased risk of colitis; however, its effects on macrophages in IBD remain poorly understood. PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of alcohol on macrophages in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis and understand the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: DSS-treated C57BL/6 mice were exposed to varying concentrations of alcohol, transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) antagonist, and 5-aminosalicylic acid. The distal colon was resected, fixed, stained, and histologically analyzed, through hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and immunofluorescence staining. Ratio [Ca2+]i measurements, western blotting, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, cytokine measurements, and RNA sequencing analyses were also performed. Peritoneal macrophages and RAW264.7 cells were used for in vitro experiments, and various assays were performed to evaluate cellular responses, gene expression, and signaling pathways. RESULTS: Alcohol exacerbated DSS-treated mice colitis and promoted the secretion of various inflammatory cytokines from colonic macrophages. Alcohol enhances the calcium ion influx induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in peritoneal macrophages, while the TRPV1 antagonist capsazepine (CPZ) inhibits LPS- and/or alcohol- induced calcium influx in macrophages. Alcohol and LPS activate the MAPK/P38, MAPK/ERK, and NF-κB signaling pathways and induce the macrophage M2b polarization, resulting in the increased expression level of inflammatory cytokines such as Tnf, Il1b, and Il10. Additionally, CPZ can inhibit the facilitatory effects of alcohol or LPS on the abovementioned pathways and inflammatory factors, reversing macrophage M2b polarization and promoting alcohol-induced colitis. The inhibition of nucleotide binding oligomerization domain containing 2 (NOD2) partially suppressed the alcohol and LPS effects on macrophages. CONCLUSION: Alcohol exacerbates experimental colitis and induces M2b polarization of macrophage via TRPV1-MAPK/NF-κB. Our study provides new insights into the potential therapeutic targets for IBD treatment by elucidating the role of TRPV1 in alcohol-exacerbated colitis, using CPZ as a potential therapeutic option. The identification of transient receptor potential ankyrin subtype 1 (TRPA1) as a therapeutic target expands the scope of future research.

Delayed postoperative neurological deficits from scoliosis correction: a case series and systematic review on clinical characteristics, treatment, prognosis, and recovery.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to investigate the clinical features, treatment modalities, and risk factors influencing neurological recovery in patients who underwent scoliosis correction with delayed postoperative neurological deficit (DPND). METHODS: Three patients with DPND were identified from 2 central databases for descriptive analysis. Furthermore, all DPND cases were retrieved from the PubMed and Embase databases. Neurological function recovery was categorized into complete and incomplete recovery groups based on the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale. RESULTS: Two patients were classified as type 3, and one was classified as type 2 based on the MRI spinal cord classification. Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) was consistently negative throughout the corrective procedure, and intraoperative wake-up tests were normal. The average time to DPND development was 11.8 h (range, 4-18 h), and all three patients achieved complete recovery of neurological function after undergoing revision surgery. A total of 14 articles involving 31 patients were included in the literature review. The mean time to onset of DPND was found to be 25.2 h, and 85.3% (29/34) of patients experienced DPND within the first 48 h postoperatively, with the most common initial symptoms being decreased muscle strength and sensation (26 patients, 83.9%). Regarding neurological function recovery, 14 patients were able to reach ASIA grade E, while 14 patients were not able to reach ASIA grade E. Univariate analysis revealed that preoperative diagnosis (p = 0.004), operative duration (p = 0.017), intraoperative osteotomy method (p = 0.033), level of neurological deficit (p = 0.037) and deficit source (p = 0.0358) were significantly associated with neurological outcomes. Furthermore, multivariate regression analysis indicated a strong correlation between preoperative diagnosis (p = 0.003, OR, 68.633; 95% CI 4.299-1095.657) and neurological prognosis. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that spinal cord ischemic injury was a significant factor for patients experiencing DPND and distraction after corrective surgery may be a predisposing factor for spinal cord ischemia. Additionally, it is important to consider the possibility of DPND when limb numbness and decreased muscle strength occur within 48 h after corrective scoliosis surgery. Moreover, emergency surgical intervention is highly recommended for DPND caused by mechanical compression factors with a promising prognosis for neurological function, emphasizing the importance of taking into account preoperative orthopedic diagnoses when evaluating the potential for neurological recovery.

The potential of astragalus polysaccharide for treating diabetes and its action mechanism.

Type 2 diabetes presents a significant global health burden and is frequently linked to serious clinical complications, including diabetic cardiomyopathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy. Astragalus polysaccharide (APS), extracted from Astragalus membranaceus, exhibits various biochemical and physiological effects. In recent years, a growing number of researchers have investigated the role of APS in glucose control and the treatment of diabetes and its complications in various diabetes models, positioning APS as a promising candidate for diabetes therapy. This review surveys the literature on APS from several databases over the past 20 years, detailing its mechanisms of action in preventing and treating diabetes mellitus. The findings indicate that APS can address diabetes by enhancing insulin resistance, modulating the immune system, protecting islet cells, and improving the intestinal microbiota. APS demonstrates positive pharmacological value and clinical potential in managing diabetic complications, including diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, cardiomyopathy, cognitive dysfunction, wound healing, and more. However, further research is necessary to explore APS's bioavailability, optimal dosage, and additional clinical evidence.

Whole-Genome Sequencing and Phenotypic Analysis of Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus Sequence Type 147 Isolated from China.

Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (S. zooepidemicus) is one of the important zoonotic and opportunistic pathogens. In recent years, there has been growing evidence that supports the potential role of S. zooepidemicus in severe diseases in horses and other animals, including humans. Furthermore, the clinical isolation and drug resistance rates of S. zooepidemicus have been increasing yearly, leading to interest in its in-depth genomic analysis. In order to deepen the understanding of the S. zooepidemicus characteristics and genomic features, we investigated the genomic islands, mobile genetic elements, virulence and resistance genes, and phenotype of S. zooepidemicus strain ZHZ 211 (ST147), isolated from an equine farm in China. We obtained a 2.18 Mb, high-quality chromosome and found eight genomic islands. According to a comparative genomic investigation with other reference strains, ZHZ 211 has more virulence factors, like an iron uptake system, adherence, exoenzymes, and antiphagocytosis. More interestingly, ZHZ 211 has acquired a mobile genetic element (MGE), prophage Ph01, which was found to be in the chromosome of this strain and included two hyaluronidase (hyl) genes, important virulence factors of the strain. Moreover, two transposons and two virulence (virD4) genes were found to be located in the same genome island of ZHZ 211. In vitro phenotypic results showed that ZHZ 211 grows faster and is resistant to clarithromycin, enrofloxacin, and sulfonamides. The higher biofilm-forming capabilities of ZHZ 211 may provide a competitive advantage for survival in its niche. The results expand our understanding of the genomic, pathogenicity, and resistance characterization of Streptococcus zooepidemicus and facilitate further exploration of its molecular pathogenic mechanism.

Molecular identification and related functional characterization of the FKBP52 gene in immunity of Locusta migratoria manilensis (Orthoptera: Oedipodidae).

Metarhizium anisopliae is an important class of entomopathogenic fungi used for the biocontrol of insects, but its virulence is affected by insect immunity. We identified a novel FK506 binding protein gene that was differentially expressed between control and Metarhizium-treated Locusta migratoria manilensis. We hypothesized that this protein played an important role in Metarhizium infection of L. migratoria and could provide new insights for developing highly efficient entomopathogenic fungi. We, therefore, cloned the specific gene and obtained its purified protein. The gene was then named FKBP52, and its dsRNA (dsFKBP52) was synthesized and used for gene interference. Bioassay results showed that the mortality of L. migratoria treated with dsFKBP52 + Metarhizium was significantly lower than that of other treatments. Furthermore, immune-related genes (MyD88, Dorsal, Cactus, and Defensin) in L. migratoria treated with dsFKBP52 + Metarhizium showed significant upregulation compared to that treated with Metarhizium only. However, the activities of peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and calcineurin (CaN) showed fluctuations. These results suggest that the FKBP52 gene may play a crucial role in the innate immunity of L. migratoria. The effect of its silencing indicated that this immunity-related protein might be a potential target for insect biocontrol.