Examining the impact of early enteral nutritional support on postoperative recovery in patients undergoing surgical treatment for gastrointestinal neoplasms.

BACKGROUND: Patients with gastrointestinal tumors often suffer from poor nutritional status during treatment. Surgery is the main treatment for these patients, but the long postoperative recovery period is often accompanied by digestive and absorption dysfunction, leading to further deterioration of the nutritional status. Early enteral nutrition support is hypothesized to be helpful in improving this situation, but the exact effects have yet to be studied in depth. AIM: To observe the effect of early enteral nutritional support on postoperative recovery in patients with surgically treated gastrointestinal tract tumors, with the expectation that by improving the nutritional status of patients, the recovery process would be accelerated and the incidence of complications would be reduced, thus improving the quality of life. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 121 patients with gastrointestinal tract tumors treated in our hospital from January 2020 to January 2023 was performed. Fifty-three of these patients received complete parenteral nutrition support as the control group for this study. The other 68 patients received early enteral nutritional support as the observation group of this study. The clinical indicators comparing the two groups included time to fever, time to recovery of postoperative bowel function, time to postoperative exhaustion, and length of hospital stay. The changes in immune function and nutritional indexes in the two groups were compared. Furthermore, we utilized the SF-36 scale to compare the changes in the quality of life between the two groups of patients. Finally, the occurrence of postoperative complications between the two patient groups was also compared. RESULTS: The postoperative fever time, postoperative bowel function recovery time, postoperative exhaustion time, and hospitalization time were all higher in the control group than in the observation group (P < 0.05). The levels of CD3+, CD4+, immunoglobulin (Ig) A, IgM, and IgG in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group at 1 d and 7 d postoperatively, while CD8+ was lower than in the control group (P < 0.05). Total protein, albumin, prealbumin, and transferrin levels were significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group at 7 d postoperatively (P < 0.05). The SF-36 scores of patients in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.0001). The overall incidence of adverse reactions after the intervention was significantly lower in the control group than in the observation group (P = 0.021). CONCLUSION: We found that patients with gastrointestinal tumors are nutritionally vulnerable, and early enteral nutrition support programs can improve the nutritional status of patients and speed up postoperative recovery. This program can not only improve the immune function of the patient and protect the intestinal function, but it can also help to improve the quality of life of the patient. However, this program will increase the incidence of complications in patients. Caution should be taken when adopting early enteral nutrition support measures for patients with gastric cancer. The patient's condition and physical condition should be comprehensively evaluated and closely monitored to prevent possible complications.

Lower Intakes of Key Nutrients Are Associated with More School and Workplace Absenteeism in US Children and Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study of NHANES 2003-2008.

The influence of individual macro- and micronutrients on absenteeism in the United States is largely unknown. The objective of this study was to determine whether nutritional status or nutrient intake were associated with absenteeism from school and work due to illness or injury. Data from NHANES 2003-2008 were used to assess nutrient intake from food and food plus supplements, nutritional biomarker levels, and school and work absenteeism per year in children and adults. Negative binomial regression models were used to predict mean days of missed work per year and to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of absenteeism by nutrient biomarker status. Of 7429 children, 77% reported missing school days (mean 4.0 days). Of 8252 adults, 51% reported missing work days (mean 4.9 days). Children and adults who reported more absent days had a significantly lower intake of protein and several essential micronutrients from the diet. When nutrients from supplements were included, this negative association was retained for protein, selenium, choline, and DHA in children and for protein, selenium, vitamin K, choline, potassium, fiber, octadecatrienoic acid, and lycopene in adults. Future studies are needed to ascertain whether dietary interventions, such as access to healthier food options and/or dietary supplements, can reduce absenteeism.

Efficacy and safety of combined Chinese and Western medicine in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a prospective, multicenter cohort study.

Purpose: To conduct a real-world evaluation of the efficacy and safety of combined Chinese and Western medicine in treating knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods: A multicenter, prospective cohort study design was employed, enrolling 450 KOA patients (Kellgren-Lawrence score of 3 or less). The patients were divided into a Western medicine treatment group (WM group) and a combined Western and traditional Chinese medicine treatment group (WM-CM group). A 6-week treatment plan was administered, and follow-up visits occurred at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 6 weeks after initiating treatment. The primary outcome indicator was the total Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) score after 6 weeks of treatment. Secondary outcome indicators included WOMAC subscales for pain, stiffness, and joint function, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, physical component summary (PCS), mental component summary (MCS), and clinical effectiveness. The incidence of drug-related adverse events was used as a safety evaluation indicator. Results: A total of 419 patients were included in the final analysis: 98 in the WM group and 321 in the WM-CM group. The baseline characteristics of the two groups were comparable, except for the incidence of stiffness symptoms and stiffness scores. After 6 weeks of treatment, the WM-CM group exhibited superior results to the WM group in improving the total WOMAC score (24.71 ± 1.38 vs. 16.36 ± 0.62, p < 0.001). The WM-CM group also outperformed the WM group in WOMAC pain and joint function scores, VAS score, PCS score, MCS score, and clinical effectiveness (p < 0.05), which was consistent with the findings of the main evaluation index. Subgroup analysis indicated that the combined Chinese and Western medicine treatment showed more pronounced benefits in patients under 65 years of age and in those with a Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) classification of 0-I. Throughout the study, no adverse effects were observed in either group. Conclusion: The combination of Chinese and Western medicine demonstrated superiority over Western medicine alone in relieving knee pain symptoms, improving knee function, and enhancing the quality of life for KOA patients with a K-L score of 3 or less. Moreover, the treatment exhibited a good safety profile. Clinical Trial Registration: (https://www.chictr.org.cn/), identifier (ChiCTR1900027175).

[Research advance on structure and function of amides in Zanthoxylum plants].

Zanthoxylum belongs to the Rutaceae family, and there are 81 Zanthoxylum species and 36 varieties in China. Most of the Zanthoxylum plants are used as culinary spice. In recent years, scholars in China and abroad have carried out in-depth research on Zanthoxylum plants, and found that the peculiar numbing sensation of Zanthoxylum plants originates from amides. It is also determined that amides are an important material basis for exerting pharmacological effects, especially in anti-inflammatory analgesia, anesthesia and other aspects. In this paper, 123 amides in 26 Zanthoxylum plants and their pharmacological activity that have been reported were summarized, which provided scientific reference for the clinical application of Zanthoxylum plants and the research and development of new drugs, and also facilitated the sustainable development and utilization of Zanthoxylum plant resources.

Alkylamides from Zanthoxylum armatum DC. and their neuroprotective activity.

Zanthoxylum armatum DC. is an important medicinal plant, and its pericarps are commonly used as a natural spice in Asian countries. In this study, fifteen alkylamides were isolated and elucidated from the pericarps of Z. armatum, including five undescribed alkylamides (1-5) and ten known compounds (6-15). The molecular structures of all compounds were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic analysis and mass spectrometry, among which the absolute configuration of compound 15 was determined by the Mo2(OAc)4-induced circular dichroism method. Moreover, all compounds were screened for their neuroprotective activity against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells for the evaluation of their neuroprotective activity. Especially, compounds 2-4 expressed potential neuroprotective activity, and further research showed that the cell viability was significantly enhanced in a concentration dependent manner when the cells were treated for 6 h. Moreover, compounds 2-4 could decrease reactive oxygen species accumulation. This paper enriched structure types of alkylamides in Zanthoxylum armatum.

Art therapy as an adjuvant treatment for schizophrenia: A protocol for an updated systematic review and subgroup meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials following the PRISMA guidelines.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of art therapy as an adjuvant treatment for schizophrenia remains inconclusive, and variation in the effects of art therapy on schizophrenia by the type of schizophrenia, severity of schizophrenia, type of art therapy, follow-up duration, or different populations has never been systematically assessed. The objective of this study is to systematically evaluate the effects of art therapy on schizophrenia and to determine whether there are some potential influencing factors affecting the effects of art therapy. METHODS: Seven online databases will be searched from their inception until June 30, 2022. All the relevant randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing art therapy plus standardized treatment versus standardized treatment alone for schizophrenia will be selected and assessed for inclusion. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool will be used to evaluate the methodological quality of the included RCTs. Review Manager 5.4 will be used to analyze all the data obtained. Mental health symptoms are defined as the primary outcome, and the secondary outcomes include the Global Assessment of Functioning score, quality of life, functional remission, and the level of self-esteem. Subgroup analyses will be performed based on the type of schizophrenia, severity of schizophrenia, type of art therapy, follow-up duration, or different populations. RESULTS: The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. CONCLUSIONS: This updated systematic review and subgroup meta-analysis will evaluate the effects of art therapy as adjunctive treatment to standardized treatment in patients with schizophrenia and determine whether there are some potential confounding variables affecting the effects of art therapy on the outcomes of schizophrenia patients, thus strengthening the evidence base for the clinical application of this combination therapy for schizophrenia.

[The effects of different herbal compound and extracts from different extraction methods on hypoxia tolerance in mice].

Objective: To investigate the effects of different prescription compositions of traditional Chinese medicine and its different extraction methods of compound formula extracts on hypoxia tolerance in mice, in order to preferably select their prescription compositions and preparation extraction methods. Methods: Male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into 6 groups: blank control group, compound danshen group, compound Rhodiola Rosea alcohol-water extract group (Rhodiola rosea, Astragali Radix, Polygonati Rhizoma, Lycii Fructus), compound Rhodiola Rosea water extract group, compound Astragalus alcohol-water extract group (Astragali Radix, Polygonati Rhizoma, Lycii Fructus) and compound Astragalus water extract group, 30 mice in each group. Each group was administered continuously by gavage for 10 d. The blank group was gavaged with sterilized injection water. The mice in the other groups were treated with 0.15 g/kg of compound danshen, 3 g/kg of compound Rhodiola Rosea alcohol-water extract or water extract, and 1.7 g/kg of compound Astragalus alcohol-water extract or water extract, respectively. Each group was subjected to normobaric hypoxia tolerance test, sodium nitrite toxicity survival test and acute cerebral ischemia-hypoxia test 1 h after the last gavage, and the mice brain tissues were used to determine the activity of antioxidant enzymes and metabolites related to oxidative stress. Results: Compared with the blank control group, in normobaric hypoxia tolerance test, the survival time of mice in the compound danshen group and the compound Astragalus alcohol-water extract group and water extraction group was prolonged significantly (P＜0.01), and the number of open-mouth gasping after cerebral ischemia and hypoxia was increased significantly (P＜0.05). There was no statistical difference in survival time after sodium nitrite injection in each group. Compared with the blank control group, the activities of T-AOC, SOD, GSH and CAT were increased significantly (P＜0.05, P＜0.01) and the content of MDA was decreased significantly (P＜0.01) in the compound Astragalus water extract group. Compared with the compound danshen group, the activities of SOD, CAT and GSH were increased significantly (P＜0.01, P＜0.05) and the content of MDA was decreased significantly (P＜0.05). Conclusion: Compound Astragalus water extraction has the best effect of hypoxia tolerance, compound Rhodiola Rosea can eliminate Rhodiola rosea and consists of Astragali Radix, Polygonati Rhizoma, Lycii Fructus and its extraction method is water extraction.

Metabolic reprogramming and alteration of the redox state in hyper-productive MDCK cells for influenza a virus production.

Influenza is a global public health issue leading to widespread morbidity and mortality with devastating economic loss annually. Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cell line has been a major cell line for influenza vaccine applications. Though many details of the host metabolic responses upon influenza A virus (IAV) infection have been documented, little is known about the metabolic reprogramming features of a hyper-productive host for IAV vaccine production. In this study, a MDCK cell clone H1 was shown to have a particular high productivity of 30 × 103 virions/cell. The glucose and amino acid metabolism of H1 were evaluated, indicating that the high producer had a particular metabolic reprogramming phenotype compared to its parental cell line (P): elevated glucose uptake, superior tricarboxylic acid cycle flux, moderate amino acid consumption, and better regulation of reactive oxygen species. Combined with the stronger mitochondrial function and mild antiviral and inflammatory responses characterized previously, our results indicated that the high producer had a sufficient intracellular energy supply, and balanced substrate distribution for IAV and host protein synthesis as well as the intracellular redox status. Understanding of these metabolic alterations paves the way for the rational cell line development and reasonable process optimization for high-yield influenza vaccine production.

Towards a global One Health index: a potential assessment tool for One Health performance.

BACKGROUND: A One Health approach has been increasingly mainstreamed by the international community, as it provides for holistic thinking in recognizing the close links and inter-dependence of the health of humans, animals and the environment. However, the dearth of real-world evidence has hampered application of a One Health approach in shaping policies and practice. This study proposes the development of a potential evaluation tool for One Health performance, in order to contribute to the scientific measurement of One Health approach and the identification of gaps where One Health capacity building is most urgently needed. METHODS: We describe five steps towards a global One Health index (GOHI), including (i) framework formulation; (ii) indicator selection; (iii) database building; (iv) weight determination; and (v) GOHI scores calculation. A cell-like framework for GOHI is proposed, which comprises an external drivers index (EDI), an intrinsic drivers index (IDI) and a core drivers index (CDI). We construct the indicator scheme for GOHI based on this framework after multiple rounds of panel discussions with our expert advisory committee. A fuzzy analytical hierarchy process is adopted to determine the weights for each of the indicators. RESULTS: The weighted indicator scheme of GOHI comprises three first-level indicators, 13 second-level indicators, and 57 third-level indicators. According to the pilot analysis based on the data from more than 200 countries/territories the GOHI scores overall are far from ideal (the highest score of 65.0 out of a maximum score of 100), and we found considerable variations among different countries/territories (31.8-65.0). The results from the pilot analysis are consistent with the results from a literature review, which suggests that a GOHI as a potential tool for the assessment of One Health performance might be feasible. CONCLUSIONS: GOHI-subject to rigorous validation-would represent the world's first evaluation tool that constructs the conceptual framework from a holistic perspective of One Health. Future application of GOHI might promote a common understanding of a strong One Health approach and provide reference for promoting effective measures to strengthen One Health capacity building. With further adaptations under various scenarios, GOHI, along with its technical protocols and databases, will be updated regularly to address current technical limitations, and capture new knowledge.

From concept to action: a united, holistic and One Health approach to respond to the climate change crisis.

It is unequivocal that human influence has warmed the planet, which is seriously affecting the planetary health including human health. Adapting climate change should not only be a slogan, but requires a united, holistic action and a paradigm shift from crisis response to an ambitious and integrated approach immediately. Recognizing the urgent needs to tackle the risk connection between climate change and One Health, the four key messages and recommendations that with the intent to guide further research and to promote international cooperation to achieve a more climate-resilient world are provided.

Predicting the prognosis of patients with cardiogenic acute stroke based on the nomogram model / 国际外科学杂志

Objective:A nomogram model was constructed to predict poor prognosis and death risk of mechanical thrombectomy in patients with cardiogenic acute stroke.Methods:Selected 276 patients with cardiogenic acute stroke who were treated by Jiangyin Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2016 to June 2020 who underwent mechanical thrombectomy as the research objects, and recorded their general information and laboratory test results. On the 90th day, the subjects were divided into a good prognosis group ( n=122) and a poor prognosis group ( n=154) according to whether the prognosis was poor or not; according to whether they died, the subjects were divided into the survival group ( n=208) and the death group ( n=68). The differences in patient related data were compared, Logistic regression analysis was used to screen for risk factors for poor prognosis and death, the line chart prediction model was established, and the ability of the column chart model to predict poor prognosis and death was evaluated by using the subject work characteristic (ROC) curve. The independent factors selected by multivariate regression analysis were used as predictors to construct a nomogram model to predict the prognosis of mechanical thrombectomy surgery in patients with cardiogenic acute stroke. The degree of calibration and validity of the nomogram model established in this study Make an evaluation. The measurement data that obey the normal distribution were represented by the Mean ± standard deviation ( ± s), and the two independent sample t test was used for the comparison between groups; The comparison of enumeration data between groups adopted chi-square test. Results:Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed age ( OR=1.165; 95% CI: 1.046-1.284; P=0.001), diabetes ( OR=1.123; 95% CI: 1.021-1.225; P<0.001), hemorrhage transformation ( OR= 2.394; 95% CI: 1.857-2.931; P=0.001), recanalization ( OR=0.418; 95% CI: 0.410-0.552; P=0.001), NIHSS score ( OR=1.502; 95% CI: 1.373-1.631); P=0.001), neutrophil count (NEUT) ( OR=1.024; 95% CI: 1.009-1.139; P=0.001), NEUT/lymphocyte count (NLR) ( OR=1.235; 95% CI: 1.112-1.358; P=0.001), D-dimer ( OR=1.939; 95% CI: 1.328-2.551; P=0.001) was an independent risk factor for poor prognosis in patients with cardiogenic acute stroke; age ( OR=1.153; 95% CI: 1.080-1.226; P<0.001), hemorrhage transformation ( OR=6.330; 95% CI: 4.904-7.754; P=0.001), recanalization ( OR=0.418; 95% CI: 0.323-0.514; P=0.001), NIHSS score ( OR=2.051; 95% CI: 1.784-2.338; P=0.001), NEUT ( OR=1.399; 95% CI: 1.275-1.523; P=0.001), NLR ( OR=1.528; 95% CI: 1.414-1.642; P=0.001), D-dimer ( OR=2.391; 95% CI: 1.948-2.834; P=0.001) was an independent predictor of death in patients with cardiogenic acute stroke. The established nomogram model predicted poor prognosis and the area under the ROC curve of death were 0.814 (95% CI: 0.800-0.828) and 0.842 (95% CI: 0.828-0.857). Conclusions:Age, hemorrhage transformation, recanalization, NIHSS score, NEUT, NLR, and D-dimer are all important for the prognosis of patients with cardiogenic acute stroke by mechanical thrombectomy. Diabetes only has a suggestive effect on poor prognosis. The nomogram model established based on these factors can effectively help clinicians evaluate the prognosis of patients, formulate reasonable treatment plans for them, and improve the prognosis.

[Study on mechanism of salidroside against liver fibrosis by regulating CXCL16].

In order to investigate the effect of salidroside on inhibiting liver fibrosis and its relationship with CXC chemokine ligand 16(CXCL16) in vivo and in vitro, totally 45 C57 BL/6 J male mice were randomly divided into normal group, model group and salidroside group, with 15 mice in each group. The mice in model group and salidroside group were injected intraperitoneally with 15% carbontetrachloride(CCl_4) olive oil solution to establish liver fibrosis model, and the mice in normal group were injected intraperitoneally with the same dose of olive oil. Salidroside group was given with 100 mg·kg~(-1 )salidroside by gavage, while the normal group and model group received the same amount of double distilled water by gavage. All mice were sacrificed after 5 weeks of intragastric administration. The pathological changes of mouse liver were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, and the degree of liver fibrosis was observed by sirius red staining. The protein expressions of collagen Ⅰ(ColⅠ), α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA), fibronectin(FN), CXCL16, phosphorylated Akt(p-Akt), Akt in liver tissues were detected by Western blot. Hepatic stellate cell line JS 1 was cultured in vitro and divided into control group, model group(100 µg·L~(-1) CXCL16) and salidroside group(100 µg·L~(-1) CXCL16+1×10~(-5) mol·L~(-1) salidroside). Cell migration was detected by cell scratch, the mRNA expressions of ColⅠ and α-SMA were detected by RT-PCR, and the protein expressions of p-Akt and Akt were detected by Western blot. As compared with the normal group, the protein expressions of ColⅠ, α-SMA, FN, CXCL16, and p-Akt in the model group were significantly increased, and salidroside could reduce the expression of these indicators(P<0.05 or P<0.01). In vitro, CXCL16 could promote the migration of JS 1, increase the mRNA expressions of ColⅠ and α-SMA in JS 1, and enhance Akt phosphorylation in JS 1(P<0.05 or P<0.01). As compared with the model group, salidroside could inhibit the migration of JS 1 induced by CXCL16(P<0.05), and reduce the high expression of ColⅠ and α-SMA mRNA and the phosphorylation of Akt in JS 1 induced by CXCL16(P<0.05). In conclusion, salidroside might attenuate CCl_4-induced liver fibrosis in mice by inhibiting the migration, activation and Akt phosphorylation of hepatic stellate cells induced by CXCL16.

YY1-mediated long non-coding RNA Kcnq1ot1 promotes the tumor progression by regulating PTEN via DNMT1 in triple negative breast cancer.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive cancer, and rapidly progresses following relapse in advanced stage. This cancer is usually associated with worse overall survival, so the carcinogenesis of TNBC needs to be further explored to find more effective therapies. In this study, we intended to identify the roles of YY1-mediated long non-coding RNA Kcnq1ot1 in TNBC. First, the paired samples of tumor tissues and adjacent tissues were collected to determine YY1, lncRNA Kcnq1ot1, and PTEN expression using RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis followed by analysis of the relationship between them and patient survival. The results revealed that YY1 and lncRNA Kcnq1ot1 were upregulated in TNBC tissues, and high expression of YY1 and lncRNA Kcnq1ot1 was associated with poor patient survival. Then, ChIP and MSP assays were employed to explore interactions between YY1, lncRNA Kcnq1ot1, and PTEN gene. We obtained that YY1 upregulated lncRNA Kcnq1ot1, which mediated PTEN methylation via DNMT1, thus decreasing PTEN expression. Afterward, TNBC cells were examined for their viability using functional assays with the results displaying that overexpression of YY1 facilitated TNBC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Mechanistically, upregulated YY1 repressed tumor growth by inhibiting PTEN via upregulation of lncRNA Kcnq1ot1. Mouse models were also constructed, and the above effects of YY1, lncRNA Kcnq1ot1, and PTEN on TNBC were also established in vivo. Taken together, this study demonstrates that the silencing of YY1 exerted tumor-suppressive effects on TNBC by modulating lncRNA Kcnq1ot1/DNMT1/PTEN pathway, in support of further investigation into anti-tumor therapy for TNBC.

Curcumin protects against hypertension aggravated retinal ischemia/reperfusion in a rat stroke model.

The pathogenesis of visual dysfunction in stroke remains unclear. The objective of this study was to explore retinal damage in stroke spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and evaluate the role of curcumin in the retinal injury after stroke. Mature male SHR were used as the animal model for hypertension and age-matched male Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats as the normotensive controls. The rat model of stroke was made by bilateral vertebral artery electrocoagulation combined with transient bilateral common carotid artery ligation. The animals were randomly divided into sham group, ischemia/reperfusion group, solvent control group, and curcumin treatment group. Each group was subdivided into 2 h, 6 h, 24 h, 72 h, and 7 day after reperfusion. Blood pressure was measured in SHR and WKY rats. Eye fundus was examined in living animals, and then, tissue specimens were collected for histologic examination, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated 2'-deoxyuridine 5'-triphosphate nick end labeling, and immunohistochemistry. Retinopathy, induced by I/R, was more serious in rats with hypertension than that in normotensive rats (retinal thickness index, p = 0.004). The number of apoptosis in retinal capillary cells and neurons reduced significantly in the curcumin-treated groups. Curcumin treatment inhibited phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) expression in SHR after retinal I/R injury. Thus, hypertension aggravated retinal I/R injury after stroke. Curcumin, a specific inhibitor of JNK, can prevent the development of hypertensive retinopathy after I/R injury by inhibiting apoptosis in retinal capillary cells and neurons.

Determination of plasma and leukocyte vitamin C concentrations in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with Ester-C(®).

BACKGROUND: Rapid uptake of vitamin C into blood and retention in tissues are important indicators of the efficacy of vitamin C supplementation and its immune-supporting role. The objective of this study was to evaluate the bioavailability of vitamin C in plasma (reflective of recent intake) and leukocytes (reflective of tissue stores and influences on immune function) from a novel vitamin C formulation, Ester-C(®). METHODS: The study was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. Thirty-six subjects, 18-60 years of age, were randomized to receive placebo (PL, 0 mg vitamin C), ascorbic acid (AA, 1000 mg vitamin C), and Ester-C(®) (EC, 1000 mg vitamin C). Plasma and leukocyte vitamin C were measured baseline and at 2, 4, 8 and 24 h postdose. RESULTS: The concentration and percent change from baseline in plasma were significantly higher with EC at all time points when compared to PL. No significant differences between EC and AA were observed in plasma concentration. Maximum plasma concentration was higher for EC compared to AA (P = 0.039) and PL (P < 0.001). Plasma area under the curve (AUC0-24h) was higher for EC (P < 0.001) compared to PL. The concentration change from baseline in leukocyte vitamin C was increased with EC at 24 h post-dose (P = 0.036) while no significant within-group changes were observed in AA or PL at any time point. The percent change in leukocyte vitamin C concentration was higher for EC at 8 and 24 h compared to AA (P = 0.028 and P = 0.034, respectively) and PL (P = 0.042 and P = 0.036, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: A single dose of EC resulted in favorable percent change in leukocyte vitamin C concentration compared to AA and PL, indicating EC is retained longer within leukocytes. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01852903.

[Effects of Yiqi Bushen Experimental Recipe on mRNA Expressions of foxp3, STAT5, and NF-KB in Decidua Tissue of Natural Abortion Model Mice].

Objective To observe the effects of Yiqi Bushen Experimental Recipe (YBER, a rec- ipe for benefiting qi and Shen supplementing) on mRNA expression of foxp3 in splenic CD4 + CD25 Treg cells and mRNA expressions of foxp3, STAT5, and NF-κB in decidua tissue of natural abortion (NA) model mice. Methods Female CBA/J mice were caged and mated to male DBA/2 mice or male BALB/c mice in 2:1 for NA model. Pregnant CBA/J mice were randomly divided into 5 groups, i.e., the negative control group, the positive control group, high, middle, and low dose YBER groups, 10 in each group. Mice in the NS control group were administered with normal saline by gastrogavage from day 0 to their death, 10 mg/kg, once per day. Mice in the positive control group were administered with Cyclosporine A solution by gastrogavage on the 4th day of pregnancy. YBER (48, 24, 12 g/kg) was respectively administered to mice in the 3 dose YBER groups by gastrogavage from day 0 to their death, once per day. Preg- nant mice were sacrificed at day 9 and 14, and fresh spleens were taken out for extracting Treg cells. Dcidua tissues were collected and stored in -80 °C for frozen. Splenic CD4 + cells CD25 + were isolated and purified by magnetic bead. The purity of CD4 + cells CD25 + was identified by flow cytometry (FCM) before and after magnetic bead. mRNA expressions of foxp3, STAT5A, STAT5B, and NF-KB in decidua tissue were analyzed by RT-PCR. Results The purity of CD4 Treg CD25 could arrived at 88% plus. Its activity could be over 95% after trypan blue test. The average ratio of CD4 CD25+/CD4 was 13. 20% before purified isolation, while it was 91. 43% after purified isolation. Compared with the negative control group, foxp3 mRNA expression level in Treg cells was obviously elevated in the positive control group and the high dose YBER group (P <0. 05). foxp3 mRNA expression level in Treg cells was obviously ele- vated more in the high dose YBER group than in the middle dose YBER group and the low dose YBER group (P <0.05). Compared with the negative control group, mRNA expression levels of foxp3 and STAT5B in decidua tissue increased in the positive control group, high and middle dose YBER groups (P <0. 05). mRNA expression level of STAT5A increased in the positive control group and the high dose YBER group at day 9 and 14; as well as in the middle dose YBER group (P <0. 05, P <0. 01). NF-κB mR- NA expression level in decidua tissue was reduced in the positive control group and 3 dose YBER groups (P<0. 01). Conclusion YBER could up-regulate the expression of foxp3 mRNA in splenic CD4 + CD25 + Treg cells and mRNA expressions of foxp3 and STAT5 in decidua tissues of NA model mice, down-regulate NF-κB mRNA expression in maternal-fetal interface, and promote the maintenance of immune tolerance state.

Effects of Ligustrum robustum on gut microbes and obesity in rats.

AIM: To investigate the anti-obesity and antibacterial effects of Ligustrum robustum (L. robustum) in vivo and in vitro and its possible mechanisms. METHODS: The effects of L. robustum aqueous extract (LR) on various gut bacteria in vitro were evaluated. The effects of LR on high-fat diet-fed (HFD) rats in vivo were also assessed. Culture methods, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and terminal-restriction fragment length polymorphism were used to analyze the effects of LR on gut bacteria. Biochemical tests were also performed to detect the changes in obesity-related indicators after LR treatment. RESULTS: LR treatment lowered adipose weight and decreased Lee's index, blood glucose, total cholesterol, and lipid in the tested groups relative to control (P < 0.05). To determine the reasons for these changes, we assessed the potential bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects of LR on specific bacterial species in vitro. LR affected the richness, diversity, and evenness of gut bacteria, increased fecal Lactobacillus, and decreased Enterococci in HFD rats (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: L. robustum may be a safe and effective food for weight loss and obesity control, and the effects of L. robustum might be mediated by the regulation of gut bacteria.

Comparative effectiveness and tolerance of treatments for Helicobacter pylori: systematic review and network meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the most efficacious treatment for eradication of Helicobacter pylori with the lowest likelihood of some common adverse events among pre-recommended and newer treatment regimens. DESIGN: Systematic review and network meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase without language or date restrictions. STUDY SELECTION: Full text reports of randomised controlled trials that compared different eradication treatments for H pylori among adults. RESULTS: Of the 15,565 studies identified, 143 were eligible and included. Data on 14 kinds of treatments were available. Of 91 possible comparisons for the efficacy outcome, 34 were compared directly and the following treatments performed better: seven days of concomitant treatment (proton pump inhibitor and three kinds of antibiotics administered together), 10 or 14 days of concomitant treatment, 10 or 14 days of probiotic supplemented triple treatment (standard triple treatment which is probiotic supplemented), 10 or 14 days of levofloxacin based triple treatment (proton pump inhibitor, levofloxacin, and antibiotic administered together), 14 days of hybrid treatment (proton pump inhibitor and amoxicillin used for seven days, followed by a proton pump inhibitor, amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and 5-nitroimidazole for another seven days), and 10 or 14 days of sequential treatment (five or seven days of a proton pump inhibitor plus amoxicillin, followed by five or seven additional days of a proton pump inhibitor plus clarithromycin and 5-nitroimidazole or amoxicillin). In terms of tolerance, all treatments were considered tolerable, but seven days of probiotic supplemented triple treatment and seven days of levofloxacin based triple treatment ranked best in terms of the proportion of adverse events reported. CONCLUSION: Comparison of different eradication treatments for H pylori showed that concomitant treatments, 10 or 14 days of probiotic supplemented triple treatment, 10 or 14 days of levofloxacin based triple treatment, 14 days of hybrid treatment, and 10 or 14 days of sequential treatment might be better alternatives for the eradication of H pylori.

Microbial population responses to pH and salt shock during phenols degradation under high salt conditions revealed by RISA and AFDRA.

The responses of microbial community to pH and salt shock during phenols degradation under high salt conditions were revealed by two DNA fingerprint methods, i.e. ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis (RISA) and amplified functional DNA restriction analysis (AFDRA), together with 16S rDNA clone library analysis. It was shown that the phenols removal rate was improved with increasing NaCl concentration from 0 to 50 mg/L, and could remain at a high level even in the presence of 100 mg/L NaCl. The degradation efficiency remained stable under neutral conditions (pH 7.0-9.0), but decreased sharply under acidic (below pH 5.0) or more alkaline conditions (above pH 10.0). The community structure was dramatically changed during salt fluctuations, with Halomonas sp. and Marinobacter sp. as the predominant salt-tolerant species. Meanwhile, Marinobacter sp. and Alcaligenes faecalis sp. were the major species which might play the key role for stabilizing the treatment systems under different pH conditions. Moreover, the changes of phenol hydroxylase genes were analyzed by AFDRA, which showed that these functional genes were substantially different under any shock conditions.

Protective effects of Ligustrazine, Kakonein and Panax Notoginsenoside on the small intestine and immune organs of rats with severe acute pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is characterized by fatal pathogenic conditions and a high mortality. It is important to study SAP complicated with multiple organ injury. In this study we compared the protective effects of three traditional Chinese medicines (Ligustrazine, Kakonein and Panax Notoginsenoside) on the small intestine and immune organs (thymus, spleen and lymph nodes) of rats with SAP and explored their mechanism of action. METHODS: One hundred forty-four rats with SAP were randomly divided into model control, Ligustrazine-treated, Kakonein-treated, and Panax Notoginsenoside-treated groups (n=36 per group). Another 36 normal rats comprised the sham-operated group. According to the different time points after operation, the experimental rats in each group were subdivided into 3-, 6- and 12-hour subgroups (n=12). At various time points after operation, the mortality rate of rats and pathological changes in the small intestine and immune organs were recorded and the serum amylase levels were measured. RESULTS: Compared to the model control groups, the mortality rates in all treated groups declined and the pathological changes in the small intestine and immune tissues were relieved to different degrees. The serum amylase levels in the three treated groups were significantly lower than those in the model control group at 12 hours. The pathological severity scores for the small intestinal mucosa, thymus and spleen (at 3 and 12 hours) in the Ligustrazine-treated group, for the thymus (at 3 and 12 hours) and spleen (at 3 and 6 hours) in the Kakonein-treated group, and for the thymus (at 3 hours) and spleen (at 3 hours) in the Panax Notoginsenoside-treated group were significantly lower than those in the model control group. The pathological severity scores of the small intestinal mucosa (at 6 and 12 hours) and thymus (at 6 hours) in the Ligustrazine-treated group were significantly lower than those in the Kakonein- and Panax Notoginsenoside-treated groups. CONCLUSIONS: All the three traditional Chinese drugs significantly alleviated the pathological changes in the small intestine and immune organs of SAP rats. Ligustrazine was the most effective one among them.