Effects of returning paddy field to wetland on composition and stability of soil aggregates in the Yellow River Delta.

The composition and stability of soil aggregates are important indicators for measuring soil quality, which would be affected by land use changes. Taking wetlands with different returning years (2 and 15 years) in the Yellow River Delta as the research object, paddy fields and natural wetlands as control, we analyzed the changes in soil physicochemical properties and soil aggregate composition. The results showed that soil water content, total organic carbon, dissolved organic carbon and total phosphorus of the returning soil (0-40 cm) showed an overall increasing trend with returning period, while soil pH and bulk density was in adverse. There was no significant change in clay content, electrical conductivity, and total nitrogen content. The contents of macro-aggregates and micro-aggregates showed overall increasing and decreasing trend with returning period, respectively. The stability of aggregates in the topsoil (0-10 cm) increased with returning years. Geometric mean diameter and mean weight diameter increased by 8.9% and 40.4% in the 15th year of returning, respectively, while the mass proportion of >2.5 mm fraction decreased by 10.5%. There was no effect of returning on aggregates in subsoil (10-40 cm). Our results indicated that returning paddy field to wetland in the Yellow River Delta would play a positive role in improving soil structure and aggregate stability.

Adsorption of phosphate over a novel magnesium-loaded sludge-based biochar.

The production of sludge-based biochar to recover phosphorus (P) from wastewater and reuse the recovered phosphorus as agricultural fertilizer is a preferred process. This article mainly studied the removal of phosphate (PO4-P) from aqueous solution by synthesizing sludge-based biochar (MgSBC-0.1) from anaerobic fermentation sludge treated with magnesium (Mg)-loading-modification, and compared it with unmodified sludge-based biochar (SBC). The physicochemical properties, adsorption efficiency, and adsorption mechanism of MgSBC-0.1 were studied. The results showed that the surface area of MgSBC-0.1 synthesized increased by 5.57 times. The material surface contained MgO, Mg(OH)2, and CaO nanoparticles. MgSBC-0.1 can effectively remove phosphate in the initial solution pH range of 3.00-7.00, with a fitted maximum phosphorus adsorption capacity of 379.52 mg·g-1. The adsorption conforms to the pseudo second-order kinetics model and Langmuir isotherm adsorption curve. The characterization of the adsorbed composite material revealed the contribution of phosphorus crystal deposition and electrostatic attraction to phosphorus absorption.

Cancer SLC6A6-mediated taurine uptake transactivates immune checkpoint genes and induces exhaustion in CD8+ T cells.

Taurine is used to bolster immunity, but its effects on antitumor immunity are unclear. Here, we report that cancer-related taurine consumption causes T cell exhaustion and tumor progression. The taurine transporter SLC6A6 is correlated with aggressiveness and poor outcomes in multiple cancers. SLC6A6-mediated taurine uptake promotes the malignant behaviors of tumor cells but also increases the survival and effector function of CD8+ T cells. Tumor cells outcompete CD8+ T cells for taurine by overexpressing SLC6A6, which induces T cell death and malfunction, thereby fueling tumor progression. Mechanistically, taurine deficiency in CD8+ T cells increases ER stress, promoting ATF4 transcription in a PERK-JAK1-STAT3 signaling-dependent manner. Increased ATF4 transactivates multiple immune checkpoint genes and induces T cell exhaustion. In gastric cancer, we identify a chemotherapy-induced SP1-SLC6A6 regulatory axis. Our findings suggest that tumoral-SLC6A6-mediated taurine deficiency promotes immune evasion and that taurine supplementation reinvigorates exhausted CD8+ T cells and increases the efficacy of cancer therapies.

Four lathyrane diterpenoids from the seeds of Euphorbia lathyris.

Four new diterpenoids, including three secolathyrane diterpenoids (1-3) and one lathyrane diterpenoid (4), together with seven known diterpenoids, were obtained in the shelled seeds of Euphorbia lathyris. In particular, 1-3 possess a rare split ring structure, and currently only one compound with the same skeleton has been identified in E. lathyris. Compound 4 furnishes an unprecedented oxygen bridge structure. The structures were identified using various spectral techniques, including NMR, HR-ESI-MS, single-crystal X-ray diffraction and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD). The biosynthetic pathway of 1-4 was inferred. Furthermore, the cytotoxic activities of all compounds (1-11) were measured on three human tumor cells. New compounds 2 and 3 showed moderate cytotoxic activities against U937 cells with IC50 values of 22.18 and 25.41 µM, respectively.

Nomogram for predicting overall survival after curative gastrectomy using inflammatory, nutritional and pathological factors / Nomograma para predecir la supervivencia global después de una gastrectomía curativa utilizando factores inflamatorios, nutricionales y patológicos

Purpose: To establish a nomogram for predicting the overall survival (OS) in patients with gastric cancer (GC) based on inflammatory, nutritional and pathological factors. Methods: GC patients underwent curative gastrectomy from January 2012 to June 2017 in our hospital were included, and were classified into training set and validation set with a ratio of 7:3. Then variables associated with OS were analyzed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Nomograms predicting OS were built using variables from multivariable Cox models. Finally, Kaplan–Meier curve and Log-rank test were also conducted to analyze the 1-yr, 3-yr and 5-yr OS to validate the efficiency of risk stratification of the nomogram. Results: A total of 366 GC patients were included. After univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis, age (HR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.01–2.30, P = 0.044), CA50 (HR = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.12–3.21, P = 0.017), PNI (HR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.13–2.39, P = 0.009), SII (HR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.03–2.08, P = 0.036), T stage (HR = 2.26, 95% CI = 1.01–5.05, P = 0.048; HR = 7.24, 95% CI = 3.64–14.40, P < 0.001) were independent influencing factors on the survival time of GC patients. Five factors including CEA, prognostic nutritional index (PNI), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), ln (tumor size), T stage, and N stage were identified and entered the nomogram, which showed good discrimination and calibration in both sets. On internal validation, 1-yr, 3-yr and 5-yr nomogram demonstrated a good discrimination with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.77, 0.84 and 0.86, respectively. The AUC for 1-yr, 3-yr and 5-yr nomogram in validation set was 0.77, 0.79 and 0.81, respectively. The OS in low risk group of training cohort and validation cohort was significantly higher than that of intermediate risk group and high risk group, respectively...(AU)

Application of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in diabetic foot ulcers: A meta-analysis.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been used in patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) for many years, but its clinical efficacy is still controversial. Therefore, this study explored the efficacy of HBOT applied to DFU by means of meta-analysis. PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, CNKI and Wanfang databases were searched, from database inception to October 2023, and published randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of HBOT in DFU were collected. Two investigators independently screened the collected literature, extracted relevant data and assessed the quality of the literature. Review Manager 5.4 software was applied for data analysis. Twenty-nine RCTs with 1764 patients were included. According to the combined results, when compared with conventional treatment, HBOT significantly increased the complete healing rate of DFUs (46.76% vs. 24.46%, odds ratio [OR]: 2.83, 95% CI: 2.29-3.51, p < 0.00001) and decreased the amputation rate (26.03% vs. 45.00%, OR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.18-0.95, p = 0.04), but the incidence of adverse events was significantly higher in patients (17.37% vs. 8.27%, OR: 2.49, 95% CI: 1.35-4.57, p = 0.003), whereas there was no significant difference in the mortality (6.96% vs. 12.71%, OR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.21-1.28, p = 0.16). Our results suggest that HBOT is effective in increasing the complete healing rate and decreasing the amputation rate in patients with DFUs, but increases the incidence of adverse events, while it has no significant effect on mortality.

Efficacy of acupuncture for anxiety and depression in functional dyspepsia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of acupuncture for treating depression and anxiety in patients diagnosed with functional dyspepsia (FD). METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang Data, Sinomed, and VIP Database were searched until April 30, 2023 for Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) comparing acupuncture to placebo or drugs for symptom alleviation. Two independent reviewers conducted the study search, data extraction, and bias risk assessment using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Mean difference (MD), risk ratio (RR), and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were also performed. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system was employed to evaluate the evidence level. RESULTS: A total of 16 RCTs involving 1315 participants were included. Acupuncture demonstrated marked superiority over placebo (MD = -7.07, 95%CI: -11.03 to -3.10, very low quality evidence) in mitigating Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) scores and was found to be more effective in reducing Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) scores than either placebo (MD = -4.63, 95%CI: -6.28 to -2.98, low quality evidence) or first-line drugs (MD = -2.71, 95%CI: -5.19 to -0.23, very low quality evidence). In terms of attenuating Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) scores, acupuncture consistently outperformed both placebo (HAMA: MD = -2.58, 95%CI: -4.33 to -0.83, very low quality evidence; HAMD: MD = -1.89, 95%CI: -3.11 to -0.67, low quality evidence) and first-line drugs (HAMA: MD = -5.76, 95%CI: -10.18 to -1.35, very low quality evidence; HAMD: MD = -5.59, 95%CI: -7.59 to -3.59, very low quality evidence). However, no significant difference was observed between acupuncture and placebo in terms of improvement in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores. CONCLUSIONS: Based on current clinical evidence, acupuncture might have a positive effect on depression and anxiety in patients with FD. Further large-sample, multi-center, high-quality RCTs validation are required, as the conclusion is limited by the quantity and quality of the included studies.

Genome-Wide Identification and Analysis of the Aux/IAA Gene Family in Panax ginseng: Evidence for the Role of PgIAA02 in Lateral Root Development.

Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer (Ginseng) is one of the most used traditional Chinese herbal medicines, with its roots being used as the main common medicinal parts; its therapeutic potential has garnered significant attention. AUXIN/INDOLE-3-ACETIC ACID (Aux/IAA) is a family of early auxin-responsive genes capable of regulating root development in plants through the auxin signaling pathway. In the present study, 84 Aux/IAA genes were identified from the ginseng genome and their complexity and diversity were determined through their protein domains, phylogenetic relationships, gene structures, and cis-acting element predictions. Phylogenetic analyses classified PgIAA into six subgroups, with members in the same group showing greater sequence similarity. Analyses of interspecific collinearity suggest that segmental duplications likely drove the evolution of PgIAA genes, followed by purifying selection. An analysis of cis-regulatory elements suggested that PgIAA family genes may be involved in the regulation of plant hormones. RNA-seq data show that the expression pattern of Aux/IAA genes in Ginseng is tissue-specific, and PgIAA02 and PgIAA36 are specifically highly expressed in lateral, fibrous, and arm roots, suggesting their potential function in root development. The PgIAA02 overexpression lines exhibited an inhibition of lateral root growth in Ginseng. In addition, yeast two-hybrid and subcellular localization experiments showed that PgIAA02 interacted with PgARF22/PgARF36 (ARF: auxin response factor) in the nucleus and participated in the biological process of root development. The above results lay the foundation for an in-depth study of Aux/IAA and provide preliminary information for further research on the role of the Aux/IAA gene family in the root development of Ginseng.

Vine tea total flavonoids activate the AMPK/mTOR pathway to amelioration hepatic steatosis in mice fed a high-fat diet.

Vine tea (Ampelopsis grossedentata), a traditional Chinese tea, is rich in flavonoids with various biological activities. Our study found that Vine tea total flavonoids (TFs) treatment reduced the body mass and blood lipid levels and improved the hepatic tissue morphology in mice fed the high-fat diet (HFD). In vivo, TF treatment activated the hepatic adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, initiated autophagy, and regulated the expression levels of proteins for lipid metabolism in those HFD-fed mice. In vitro, TF treatment dramatically reduced the lipid droplets and triacylglycerol content in HepG2 and L02 cells treated with oleic acid (OA). These were associated with the activation of the AMPK/mTOR pathway and autophagy initiation in OA-treated hepatocytes. This phenotype was abolished in the presence of 3-methyladenine, an autophagy inhibitor. Our results indicated that the TF activation of AMPK/mTOR leads to the stimulation of autophagy and a decrease in the buildup of intracellular lipids in hepatocytes, showing the potential of TF as a therapeutic agent for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Vine tea, a tea drink, has been consumed by Chinese folk for over a thousand years. The result of this study will provide evidence that vine tea total flavonoids have potential use as a functional material for the prevention and amelioration of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Effects of acupuncture and moxibustion on ulcerative colitis: An overview of systematic reviews.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a gastrointestinal disease with an unknown etiology that severely affects patients' quality of life. Acupuncture and moxibustion therapies are effective in the treatment of UC, but existing systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses (MAs) on this subject have variable methodological and outcome quality. Therefore, this study aimed to summarize and evaluate the evidence of existing SRs and MAs to provide more reliable evidence for clinical practice. Data were extracted from seven databases through systematic search and evaluated in terms of the methodological quality, reporting quality, risk of bias, and quality of evidence using the AMSTAR-2, PRISMA, ROBIS, and GRADE systems, respectively. Ten studies were finally included, and all of them showed many problems with the overall design and quality of outcomes. Because of the lack of high-quality evidence to support the findings from the existing studies, we should take this conclusion with caution and strictly implement the registration, design, and implementation of trials based on evidence to provide high-quality results in future studies.

Predicting autism spectrum disorder using maternal risk factors: A multi-center machine learning study.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a complex environmental etiology involving maternal risk factors, which have been combined with machine learning to predict ASD. However, limited studies have considered the factors throughout preconception, perinatal, and postnatal periods, and even fewer have been conducted in multi-center. In this study, five predictive models were developed using 57 maternal risk factors from a cohort across ten cities (ASD:1232, typically developing[TD]: 1090). The extreme gradient boosting model performed best, achieving an accuracy of 66.2 % on the external cohort from three cities (ASD:266, TD:353). The most important risk factors were identified as unstable emotions and lack of multivitamin supplementation using Shapley values. ASD risk scores were calculated based on predicted probabilities from the optimal model and divided into low, medium, and high-risk groups. The logistic analysis indicated that the high-risk group had a significantly increased risk of ASD compared to the low-risk group. Our study demonstrated the potential of machine learning models in predicting the risk for ASD based on maternal factors. The developed model provided insights into the maternal emotion and nutrition factors associated with ASD and highlighted the potential clinical applicability of the developed model in identifying high-risk populations.

Nutrient Composition and Flavor Profile of Crucian Carp Soup Utilizing Fish Residues through Comminution and Pressure-Conduction Treatment.

In conventional fish soup processing, valuable aquatic resources like fish skins, bones, and scales are often squandered. This study was aimed at investigating if comminution combined with pressure-conduction treatment has the potential to enhance the reutilization of cooking residues. The different blending ratios of original soup (OS), made from the initial cooking of fish, and residue soup (RS), produced from processed leftover fish parts, were alternatively investigated to satisfy the new product development. Comminution combined with pressure-conduction treatment significantly increased the nutrient contents of calcium, soluble proteins and total solids in crucian carp soup (p < 0.05). With the increase in RS ratio, the decomposition of inosine monophosphate (IMP) and free amino acids was accelerated, but the accumulation of aromatic compounds was promoted simultaneously. In addition, the Maillard reaction may lead to a reduction in aldehydes, causing a diminution in the characteristic flavor of fish soup, while the formation of 1-octen-3-ol can enhance the earthiness of the fish soup. The electronic tongue test results and the sensory results showed that the blend ratio of OS and RS at 7:3 had a more significant umami and fish aroma (p < 0.05). Under this condition, the mixed soup has better nutritional values and flavor characteristics.

Reporting guidelines for traditional Chinese medicine could be improved: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to identify available reporting guidelines for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), delineate their fundamental characteristics, assess the scientific rigor of their development process, and evaluate their dissemination. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: A search was conducted in Medline (via PubMed), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), SinoMed, WANFANG DATA, and the EQUATOR Network to identify TCM reporting guidelines. A preprepared Excel database was used to extract information on the basic characteristics, development process, and dissemination information. The development process quality of TCM reporting guidelines was assessed by evaluating their compliance with the Guidance for Developers of Health Research Reporting Guidelines (GDHRRG). The extent of dissemination of these guidelines was analyzed by examining the number of citations received. RESULTS: A total of 26 reporting guidelines for TCM were obtained from 20 academic journals, with 61.5% of them published in English journals. Among the guidelines, 14 (53.8%) were registered in the EQUATOR Network. On average, the compliance rate of GDHRRG guidelines was reported to be 63.3% ranging from 22.2% to 94.4%. Three steps showed poor compliance, namely guideline endorsement (23.1%), translated guidelines (19.2%), and developing a publication strategy (19.2%). Furthermore, the compliance rate of GDHRRG guidelines published in English journals was higher than that in Chinese journals. In terms of the dissemination, 15.4% of the guidelines had been cited over 100 times, while 73.1% had been cited less than 50 times. CONCLUSION: The development of TCM reporting guidelines still has limitations in terms of regarding scientific rigor and follow-up dissemination. Therefore, it is important to ensure adherence to the scientific process in the development of TCM reporting guidelines and to strengthen their promotion, dissemination, and implementation.

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SC06 alleviated intestinal damage induced by inflammatory via modulating intestinal microbiota and intestinal stem cell proliferation and differentiation.

The aim of our research was to investigate the effects of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SC06 on growth performance, immune status, intestinal stem cells (ISC) proliferation and differentiation, and gut microbiota in weaned piglets. Twelve piglets (male, 21 days old, 6.11 ± 0.12 kg) were randomly allocated to CON and SC06 (1 × 108 cfu/kg to diet) groups. This experiment lasted three weeks. Our results showed that SC06 increased (P < 0.05) growth performance and reduced the diarrhea rate in weaned piglets. In addition, SC06 increased intestinal morphology and interleukin (IL)-10 levels, and decreased (P < 0.01) necrosis factor (TNF-α) levels in jejunum and serum. Moreover, weaning piglets fed SC06 had a better balance of colonic microbiota, with an increase in the abundance of Lactobacillus. Furthermore, SC06 enhanced ISCs proliferation and induced its differentiation to goblet cells via activating wnt/ß-catenin pathway in weaned piglets and intestinal organoid. Taken together, SC06 supplementation improved the growth performance and decreased inflammatory response of piglets by modulating intestinal microbiota, thereby accelerating ISC proliferation and differentiation and promoting epithelial barrier healing.

Fabrication and characterization of alginate-zein core-shell microcapsules for controlled release of buckwheat honey.

In this study, extrusion method was employed to fabricate alginate-zein core-shell microcapsules loaded with buckwheat honey by dropping alginate and buckwheat honey mixture solution into a 70.0 % zein ethanol solution(v/v) containing 5.0 % CaCl2 solution (wt%). The microcapsules were constructed by two parts: 1) the formation of hydrophilic beads through the crosslinking of alginate chains with Ca2+; 2) the introduction of alginate beads into the aqueous zein ethanol solution which decreased the ethanol concentration, prompting the precipitation of zein and the deposition of zein nanoparticles onto the surfaces of alginate beads. Comparing with the alginate beads, the prepared microcapsules not only possessed better water-holding capacity, but also achieved controlled release of buckwheat honey. Importantly, the microcapsules significantly retained the antioxidant activity of the buckwheat honey. Therefore, this innovative method for fabricating alginate-zein core-shell microcapsules can suggest a promising approach to broaden the application of buckwheat honey in the food field.

Gut microbiota-derived 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid from pumpkin polysaccharides supplementation alleviates colitis via MAPKs-PPARγ/NF-κB inhibition.

Polysaccharides from Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duchesne) (PPs) have many pharmacological activities, including anti-oxidant, immune, and intestinal microbiota regulation. These activities have provided some reminders of its potential therapeutic effect on ulcerative colitis (UC), but this has not yet been confirmed. This study preliminarily confirmed its significant anti-UC activity superior to Salicylazosulfapyridine. The average molecular weight of PPs was 3.10 × 105 Da, and PPs mainly comprised Mannose, Rhamnose, Galacturonic acid, Galactosamine, Glucose, and Xylose with molar ratios of 1.58:3.51:34.54:1.00:3.25:3.02. PPs (50, 100 mg/kg) could significantly resist dextran sodium sulfate induced UC on C57BL/6 mice by improving gut microbiota dysbiosis, such as the changes of relative abundance of Bacteroides, Culturomica, Mucispirillum, Escherichia-Shigella, Alistipes and Helicobacter. PPs also reverse the abnormal inflammatory reaction, including abnormal level changes of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1ß, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-18. Metabolomic profiling showed that PPs supplementation resulted in the participation of PPAR and MAPK pathways, as well as the increase of 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA) level. 5-HIAA also exhibited individual and synergistic anti-UC activities in vivo. Furthermore, combination of PPs and 5-HIAA could also elevate the levels of PPARγ in nuclear and inhibit MAPK/NF-ĸB pathway in the colon. This study revealed that PPs and endogenous metabolite 5-HIAA might be developed to treat UC.

Determination of potential dermal exposure rates of phosphorus flame retardants via the direct contact with a car seat using artificial skin.

Dermal exposure to phosphorus flame retardants (PFRs) has received much attention as a major alternative exposure route in recent years. However, the information regarding dermal exposure via direct contact with a product is limited. In addition, in the commonly used dermal permeability test, the target substance is dissolved in a solvent, which is unrealistic. In this study, a dermal permeability test of PFRs in three car seats was performed using artificial skin. The PFR concentrations in the car seats are 0.12 wt% tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), 0.030-0.25 wt% tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCPP), 0.15 wt% triphenyl phosphate (TPhP), 0.89 wt% cresyl diphenyl phosphate (CsDPhP), 0.074 wt% tricresyl phosphate (TCsP), and 0.46-4.7 wt% diethylene glycol bis [di (2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (DEG-BDCIPP). The mean skin permeation rates for a contact time of 24 h are 14 (TCEP), 5.4-160 (TCPP), 0.67 (CsDPhP), 0.38 (TPhP), and 3.3-58 ng cm-2 h-1 (DEG-BDCIPP). The concentrations of TCsP in receptor liquid were lower than the limit of quantification at the contact time of 24 h. The skin permeation rates were significantly affected by the type of car seat (e.g., fabric or non-fabric). The potential dermal TCPP exposure rate for an adult via direct contact with the car seat during the average daily contact time (1.3 h), which was the highest value assessed in this study, was estimated to be 16,000 ng kg-1 day-1, which is higher than that related to inhalation and dust ingestion reported as significant exposure route of PFRs in previous studies. These facts reveal that dermal exposure associated with direct contact with the product might be an important exposure pathway for PFRs.

Non-Volatile Component and Antioxidant Activity: A Comparative Analysis between Litsea cubeba Branches and Leaves.

Litsea cubeba, which is found widely distributed across the Asian region, functions as both an economic tree and a medicinal plant with a rich historical background. Previous investigations into its chemical composition and biological activity have predominantly centered on volatile components, leaving the study of non-volatile components relatively unexplored. In this study, we employed UPLC-HRMS technology to analyze the non-volatile components of L. cubeba branches and leaves, which successfully resulted in identifying 72 constituents. Comparative analysis between branches and leaves unveiled alkaloids, organic acids, and flavonoids as the major components. However, noteworthy differences in the distribution of these components between branches and leaves were observed, with only eight shared constituents, indicating substantial chemical variations in different parts of L. cubeba. Particularly, 24 compounds were identified for the first time from this plant. The assessment of antioxidant activity using four methods (ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, and CUPRAC) demonstrated remarkable antioxidant capabilities in both branches and leaves, with slightly higher efficacy observed in branches. This suggests that L. cubeba may act as a potential natural antioxidant with applications in health and therapeutic interventions. In conclusion, the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of L. cubeba provides a scientific foundation for its development and utilization in medicine and health products, offering promising avenues for the rational exploitation of L. cubeba resources in the future.

Inulin alleviates perinatal 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate (EHDPHP) exposure-induced intestinal toxicity by reshaping the gut microbiota and suppressing the enteric-origin LPS/TLR4/NF-κb pathway in dams and pups.

Organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs), such as 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate (EHDPHP), are ubiquitously used, leading to pervasive environmental contamination and human health risks. While associations between EHDPHP and health issues such as disruption of hormones, neurotoxic effects, and toxicity to reproduction have been recognized, exposure to EHDPHP during perinatal life and its implications for the intestinal health of dams and their pups have largely been unexplored. This study investigated the intestinal toxicity of EHDPHP and the potential for which inulin was effective. Dams were administered either an EHDPHP solution or a corn oil control from gestation day 7 (GD7) to postnatal day 21 (PND21), with inulin provided in their drinking water. Our results indicate that inulin supplementation mitigates damage to the intestinal epithelium caused by EHDPHP, restores mucus-secreting cells, suppresses intestinal hyperpermeability, and abates intestinal inflammation by curtailing lipopolysaccharide leakage through reshaping of the gut microbiota. A reduction in LPS levels concurrently inhibited the inflammation-associated TLR4/NF-κB pathway. In conclusion, inulin administration may ameliorate intestinal toxicity caused by EHDPHP in dams and pups by reshaping the gut microbiota and suppressing the LPS/TLR4/NF-κB pathway. These findings underscore the efficacy of inulin as a therapeutic agent for managing health risks linked to EHDPHP exposure.

Rosa roxburghii Tratt juice inhibits NF-κB and increases IL-2 to alleviates the Foxp3-mediated Tregs imbalance in the peripheral blood of arseniasis patients.

Arsenic can cause immune inflammation, which is the basis of arsenic-induced damage to multiple organs and systems. Forkhead box P3 (Foxp3)-labelled CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) play an essential role in maintaining immune homeostasis. Nuclear factor-κb (NF-κB) and Interleukin-2 (IL-2) are critical regulators of Foxp3. Rosa roxburghii Tratt (RRT) is an edible medicinal plant with anti-inflammation effects. In this study, a control group (n = 41) and an arseniasis group (n = 209) were recruited, and screened subjects from the arseniasis patients for RRTJ (n = 46) or placebo (n = 43) to explore the possible mechanism by which RRT alleviates immune inflammation. The results indicated that RRTJ can inhibits NF-κB and increases IL-2, and alleviates the Foxp3-mediated Tregs imbalance in the peripheral blood of arseniasis patients. In summary, these findings suggest a novel intervention or therapeutic target for immune inflammation in arseniasis patients and provide new evidence that RRTJ inhibits immune inflammation. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-023-01384-0.