Multi-node wearable optical sensor based on microfiber Bragg gratings.

Flexibly wearable sensors are widely applied in health monitoring and personalized therapy. Multiple-node sensing is essential for mastering the health condition holistically. In this work, we report a multi-node wearable optical sensor (MNWOS) based on the cascade of microfiber Bragg gratings (µFBG), which features the reflective operation mode and ultra-compact size, facilitating the functional integration in a flexible substrate pad. The MNWOS can realize multipoint monitoring on physical variables, such as temperature and pressure, in both static and dynamic modes. Furthermore, the eccentric package configuration endows the MNWOS with the discernibility of bending direction in addition to the bending angle sensing. The multi-parameter sensing is realized by solving the sensing matrix that represents different sensitivity regarding the bending and temperature between FBGs. The MNWOS offers great prospect for the development of human-machine interfaces and medical and health detection.

Chinese patent medicine as a complementary and alternative therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus: A scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: This scoping review aims to document Chinese Patent Medicines (CPMs) for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, explore whether CPMs can improve patients' health outcomes, and set priorities in addressing research gaps in this area. METHODS: Following the framework of PRISMA-SCr, we proposed the research questions based on PICOS principle, and searched the CPMs for T2DM from three drug lists, followed by a systematic search of the literature in eight databases from their inception to June 22, 2023. Then, we developed the eligibility criteria and systematically reviewed the relevant studies, retained the studies about CPMs for T2DM, extracted the related data, and identified the differences across studies in structured charts. RESULTS: A total of 25 types of CPMs were extracted from the three drug lists. Radix astragali appeared most frequently (19 times) among the herbal medicinal ingredients of CPMs. A total of 449 articles were included in the full-paper analysis ultimately, all of which were about 20 types of CPMs, and there were no related reports on the remaining five CPMs. Except about a quarter (25.39 %, 114/449) using CPMs alone, the remaining studies all involved the combination with oral hypoglycemics for T2DM. Biguanides are the most common drugs used in combination with CPMs (50.14 %, 168/335). Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) is the most frequently reported outcomes in efficacy evaluation (82.41 %, 370/449). CONCLUSION: There are a total of 25 types of CPMs currently available for T2DM patients. However, the volume of related evidence on these CPMs varies. It is necessary to standardize the combined use of CPMs and conventional medicine and select appropriate outcomes in future studies.

Cell membrane-based biomimetic technology for cancer phototherapy: Mechanisms, recent advances and perspectives.

Despite significant advances in medical technology and antitumour treatments, the diagnosis and treatment of tumours have undergone remarkable transformations. Noninvasive phototherapy methods, such as photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT), have gained significant interest in antitumour medicine. However, traditional photosensitisers or photothermal agents face challenges like immune system recognition, rapid clearance from the bloodstream, limited tumour accumulation, and phototoxicity concerns. Researchers combine photosensitisers or photothermal agents with natural cell membranes to overcome these obstacles to create a nano biomimetic therapeutic platform. When used to coat nanoparticles, red blood cells, platelets, cancer cells, macrophages, lymphocytes, and bacterial outer membranes could provide prolonged circulation, tumour targeting, immune stimulation, or antigenicity. This article covers the principles of cellular membrane biomimetic nanotechnology and phototherapy, along with recent advancements in applying nano biomimetic technology to PDT, PTT, PCT, and combined diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, the challenges and issues of using nano biomimetic nanoparticles in phototherapy are discussed. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Currently, there has been significant progress in the field of cell membrane biomimetic technology. Researchers are exploring its potential application in tumor diagnosis and treatment through phototherapy. Scholars have conducted extensive research on combining cell membrane technology and phototherapy in anticancer diagnosis and treatment. This review aims to highlight the mechanisms of phototherapy and the latest advancements in single phototherapy (PTT, PDT) and combination phototherapy (PCT, PRT, and PIT), as well as diagnostic approaches. The review provides an overview of various cell membrane technologies, including RBC membranes, platelet membranes, macrophage cell membranes, tumour cell membranes, bacterial membranes, hybrid membranes, and their potential for anticancer applications under phototherapy. Lastly, the review discusses the challenges and future directions in this field.

[Research progress on natural guaiane-type sesquiterpenoids and their biological activities].

Guaiane-type sesquiterpenoids are a class of terpenoids with [5,7] ring-fused system as the basic skeletal structure composed of three isoprene units, which are substituted by 4,10-dimethyl-7-isopropyl. According to the difference in functional groups and degree of polymerization, they can be divided into simple guaiane-type sesquiterpenoids, sesquiterpene lactones, sesquiterpene dimers, and sesquiterpene trimers. Natural guaiane-type sesquiterpenoids are widely distributed in plants, fungi, and marine organisms, especially in families such as Compositae, Zingiberaceae, Thymelaeaceae, Lamiaceae, and Alismataceae. Guaiane-type sesquiterpenoids have good antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and neuroprotective effects. In this paper, the novel guaiane-type sesquiterpenoids isolated and identified in recent 10 years(2013-2022) and their biological activities were reviewed in order to provide refe-rences for the research and development of guaiane-type sesquiterpenoids.

Integrated Network Pharmacology and Experimental Approach to Investigate the Protective Effect of Jin Gu Lian Capsule on Rheumatoid Arthritis by Inhibiting Inflammation via IL-17/NF-κB Pathway.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the main pharmacological action and underlying mechanisms of Jin Gu Lian Capsule (JGL) against rheumatoid arthritis (RA) based on network pharmacology and experimental verification. Methods: Network pharmacology approaches were performed to explore the core active compounds of JGL, key therapeutic targets, and signaling pathways. Molecular docking was used to predict the binding affinity of compounds with targets. In vivo experiments were undertaken to validate the findings from network analysis. Results: A total of 52 targets were identified as candidate JGL targets for RA. Sixteen ingredients were identified as the core active compounds, including, quercetin, myricetin, salidroside, etc. Interleukin-1 beta (IL1B), transcription factor AP-1 (JUN), growth-regulated alpha protein (CXCL1), C-X-C motif chemokine (CXCL)3, CXCL2, signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), prostaglandin G/H synthase 2 (PTGS2), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)1, inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase subunit beta (IKBKB) and transcription factor p65 (RELA) were obtained as the key therapeutic targets. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis showed that the efficacy of JGL was functionally involved in regulating immune-mediated inflammation, in which IL-17/NF-κB signaling was recommended as one of the main pathways. Molecular docking suggested that the core active compounds bound strongly to their respective targets. Experimentally, JGL treatment mitigated inflammation, showed analgesic activity, and ameliorated collagen-induced arthritis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed that JGL effectively reduced the serum levels of cytokines, chemokines, and MMPs. Immunohistochemistry staining showed that JGL markedly reduced the expression of the targets in IL-17/NF-κB pathway including IL-17A, IL-17RA, NF-κB p65, C-X-C motif ligand 2, MMP1 and MMP13. Conclusion: This investigation provided evidence that JGL may alleviate RA symptoms by partially inhibiting the immune-mediated inflammation via IL-17/NF-κB pathway.

Enhancement and contextual modulation of visuospatial processing by thalamocollicular projections from ventral lateral geniculate nucleus.

In the mammalian visual system, the ventral lateral geniculate nucleus (vLGN) of the thalamus receives salient visual input from the retina and sends prominent GABAergic axons to the superior colliculus (SC). However, whether and how vLGN contributes to fundamental visual information processing remains largely unclear. Here, we report in mice that vLGN facilitates visually-guided approaching behavior mediated by the lateral SC and enhances the sensitivity of visual object detection. This can be attributed to the extremely broad spatial integration of vLGN neurons, as reflected in their much lower preferred spatial frequencies and broader spatial receptive fields than SC neurons. Through GABAergic thalamocollicular projections, vLGN specifically exerts prominent surround suppression of visuospatial processing in SC, leading to a fine tuning of SC preferences to higher spatial frequencies and smaller objects in a context-dependent manner. Thus, as an essential component of the central visual processing pathway, vLGN serves to refine and contextually modulate visuospatial processing in SC-mediated visuomotor behaviors via visually-driven long-range feedforward inhibition.

Preparation and Characterization of an Oyster Peptide-Zinc Complex and Its Antiproliferative Activity on HepG2 Cells.

It is evident that zinc supplementation is essential for maintaining good health and preventing disease. In this study, a novel oyster peptide-zinc complex with an average molecular weight of 500 Da was prepared from oyster meat and purified using ultrafiltration, ultrasound, a programmed cooling procedure, chelating, and dialysis. The optimal chelating process parameters obtained through a response surface methodology optimization design are a peptide/zinc ratio of 15, pH of 6.53, reaction time of 80 min, and peptide concentration of 0.06 g/mL. Then, the structure of a peptide-zinc complex (named COP2-Zn) was investigated using the UV and infrared spectrums. The results showed that the maximum absorption peak was redshifted from 224.5 nm to 228.3 nm and the main difference of the absorption peaks was 1396.4 cm-1. The cytotoxicity and antiproliferative effects of COP2-Zn were evaluated. The results showed that COP2-Zn had a better antiproliferative effect than the unchelated peptide against HepG2 cells. A DNA flow cytometric analysis showed that COP2-Zn induced S-phase arrest in HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, the flow cytometer indicated that COP2-Zn significantly induced HepG2 cell apoptosis.

Mechanism of rhubarb in the treatment of hyperlipidemia: A recent review.

Hyperlipidemia is a metabolic disorder, which is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis, stroke, and coronary heart disease. Although lipid-lowering treatments have been extensively studied, safer treatments with fewer adverse effects are needed. Rhubarb is a traditional Chinese medicine that has lipid-lowering, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Disturbance in lipid metabolism is the basis of tissue damage caused by hyperlipidemia and plays a key role in the development of hyperlipidemia; however, the molecular mechanisms by which rhubarb regulates lipid metabolism to lower lipid levels are yet to be elucidated. We conducted this study to summarize the phytochemical constituents of Rheum officinale and provide a comprehensive review of the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of lipid metabolism during hyperlipidemia treatment. It was found that rhubarb extracts, including emodin, rhubarb acid, and rhubarb phenol, regulate total cholesterol, triglyceride, TNF-α, and IL-1ß levels through signaling pathways such as C/EBP α, 3T3-L1, PPAR α, and AMPK, thereby improving the hyperlipidemic state. This suggests that rhubarb is a natural drug with lipid-lowering potential, and an in-depth exploration of its lipid-lowering mechanism can provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of hyperlipidemia.

Bone mineral density is associated with composite dietary antioxidant index among US adults: results from NHANES.

This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between composite dietary antioxidant index (CDAI) and individual dietary antioxidant intakes, including vitamins A, C, and E, zinc, selenium, and carotenoids, and bone mineral density (BMD) in the US population aged 20 years older. We found a positive correlation between CDAI and femoral BMD. Moreover, higher intakes of vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, zinc, and carotenoids were associated with higher femoral BMD. INTRODUCTION: While individual dietary antioxidants have shown beneficial effects on bone metabolism, the diverse and potentially interacting nature of dietary components may limit the accuracy of evaluating their impact on bone health. Thus, this study aims to investigate the association between CDAI and BMD. Additionally, we explore the relationship between the intake of individual components of the CDAI and BMD. METHODS: The CDAI is a novel index evaluating total dietary antioxidant intake, considering vitamins A, C, and E, zinc, selenium, and carotenoids. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from participants aged ≥ 20 in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2005-2010, 2013-2014, and 2017-2018). We utilized multivariate linear regression models to examine the relationship between CDAI, individual dietary antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and E, zinc, selenium, carotenoids, and femoral BMD. RESULTS: The final analysis included 10,584 participants with a mean age of 50.73 ± 16.65 years. After multivariate adjustment, the second to fourth quartiles of CDAI (- 2.00-0.04, 0.04-2.54, and 2.54-70.78) exhibited higher femoral BMD compared to the first quartile of CADI (- 7.34 to - 2.00). Multiple regression analysis revealed that higher intakes of vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, zinc, and carotenoids were associated with higher femoral BMD. CONCLUSIONS: CDAI serves as a comprehensive tool for evaluating the overall antioxidant capacity of antioxidants in diets. Additionally, our study shows a positive correlation between CDAI and BMD, which indicates that the combined intake of dietary antioxidants may help reduce the risk of osteoporosis in adults.

Effectiveness of Chinese Herbal Medicine in Patients with COVID-19 During the Omicron Wave in Hong Kong: A Retrospective Case-Controlled Study.

SARS-CoV-2 Omicron led to the most serious outbreak of COVID-19 in Hong Kong in 2022. Under the pressure of a high volume of patients and limited medical resources, Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has been extensively used. This is a case-control study of the infected patients that aims to evaluate the effectiveness of CHM using data extracted from the Hong Kong Baptist University Telemedicine Chinese Medicine Centre database. Patients with COVID-19 confirmed by either a rapid antigen test or a polymerase chain reaction who had completed two consultations and taken CHM within 10 days of the first positive test were included in the study (CHM group, [Formula: see text]). The matched control cases were those who did not take CHM within 10 days of the first positive test and were based on age ([Formula: see text] 3 years), vaccine doses ([Formula: see text] 3 doses, or 3 doses), and gender (no-CHM group, [Formula: see text]). The outcomes included the negative conversion time (NCT, primary outcome), total score of individual symptoms, number of the reported symptoms, and individual symptom disappearance rates. The NCT of the CHM group (median days: 7.0, interquartile range: 6.0-8.0) was significantly shorter than that of the no-CHM group (8.0, 7.0-10.5; [Formula: see text]). CHM treatment significantly reduced the total score of individual symptoms ([Formula: see text]) and the number of the reported symptoms ([Formula: see text]) as compared with that of the no-CHM group. Additionally, the symptom disappearance rates of symptoms such as chills, cough, sputum, dry throat, itching throat, headache, chest tightness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue were significantly higher in the CHM group than in the no-CHM group. In conclusion, CHM intervention can significantly reduce NCT and COVID-19 symptoms. Chinese medicine can be accurately prescribed based on a telemedical consultation.

Identification of Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitors from Celery Seeds Using Affinity Ultrafiltration-Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry.

Celery seeds have been used as an effective dietary supplement to manage hyperuricemia and diminish gout recurrence. Xanthine oxidase (XOD), the critical enzyme responsible for uric acid production, represents the most promising target for anti-hyperuricemia in clinical practice. In this study, we aimed to establish a method based on affinity ultrafiltration-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UF-LC-MS) to directly and rapidly identify the bioactive compounds contributing to the XOD-inhibitory effects of celery seed crude extracts. Chemical profiling of celery seed extracts was performed using UPLC-TOF/MS. The structure was elucidated by matching the multistage fragment ion data to the database and publications of high-resolution natural product mass spectrometry. Thirty-two compounds, including fourteen flavonoids and six phenylpeptides, were identified from celery seed extracts. UF-LC-MS showed that luteolin-7-O-apinosyl glucoside, luteolin-7-O-glucoside, luteolin-7-O-malonyl apinoside, luteolin-7-O-6'-malonyl glucoside, luteolin, apigenin, and chrysoeriol were potential binding compounds of XOD. A further enzyme activity assay demonstrated that celery seed extract (IC50 = 1.98 mg/mL), luteolin-7-O-apinosyl glucoside (IC50 = 3140.51 µmol/L), luteolin-7-O-glucoside (IC50 = 975.83 µmol/L), luteolin-7-O-6'-malonyl glucoside (IC50 = 2018.37 µmol/L), luteolin (IC50 = 69.23 µmol/L), apigenin (IC50 = 92.56 µmol/L), and chrysoeriol (IC50 = 40.52 µmol/L) could dose-dependently inhibit XOD activities. This study highlighted UF-LC-MS as a useful platform for screening novel XOD inhibitors and revealed the chemical basis of celery seed as an anti-gout dietary supplement.

Pharmacological effects and mechanism of Kaihoujian Throat Spray (children's type) in the treatment of pediatric acute pharyngitis and tonsillitis.

Context: Kaihoujian Throat Spray children's type (KHJSC) is a Chinese medicine prescription for treating pediatric acute pharyngitis and tonsillitis (APT). However, its relevant mechanisms remain unclear. Objective: To investigate the pharmacological effects of KHJSC on APT in vitro and in vivo, and explore the possible mechanism and target proteins. Materials and methods: The antiviral and antibacterial effects in vitro were evaluated by IC50 and MICs. Thirty-six Japanese white rabbits were averagely divided into control group, model group, amoxicillin group and 3 dose groups of KHJSC (720, 540 and 360 µL/kg/d). The model rabbits were injected with ß-hemolytic Streptococcus solution into the tonsils for 2 consecutive days. KHJSC treatment started on the third day. The whole blood, serum, tonsil tissues and pharyngeal mucosa tissues were collected for routine blood tests, proteomic, ELISA and other tests on the sixth day. Results: The IC50 of KHJSC on HCoV-229E, influenza PR8 and Ad3 were 1.99, 1.99 and 4.49 mg/mL, respectively; MICs of MDR-PA, MRSA and ß-hemolytic Streptococcus were 350, 350, and 175 mg/mL. KHJSC markedly decreased the number of white blood cells, lymphocytes, neutrophils, and the level of IL-1ß, IL-5, IL-6, IL-18, TNF-α and MCP-1; increased the content of IL-2 and IFN-γ. Proteomic analysis and ELISA revealed that PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, NF-κB signaling pathway and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway were the potential mechanisms of KHJSC against APT. Discussion and conclusion: These results provided the reference and scientific basis for the application of KHJSC in clinic and further mechanisms study.

[Effect of "Tiaoshen Tongluo" acupuncture on nerve function injury, muscle tension and neurotransmitters through Nrf2/ROS pathway in spastic rats after stroke].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of "Tiaoshen Tongluo" acupuncture (TTA) at "Dingzhongxian" (MS5) and right "Dingpangxian" (MS8) on neurological injury, muscle tension and neurotransmitters through nuclear transcription factor E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2)/reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling pathway in spastic rats after stroke, so as to explore its mechanisms underlying relief of post-stroke spasm (PSS). METHODS: A total of 90 male SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups, i.e. sham operation, PSS model, medication, non-acupoint acupuncture, TTA, TTA+ML385 groups, with 15 rats in each group. The PSS model was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion. After modeling, rats of the medication group were treated by gavage of baclofen (0.4 mg/kg), once daily for 7 days. For rats of the non-acupoint acupuncture group, the spot about 10 mm above the iliac crest and below the armpit of the affected side was needled, and for those of the TTA group and TTA+ML385 group, EA stimulation (1 mA, 2 Hz/15 Hz) was applied to MS5 and right MS8 for 10 min, once daily for 7 consecutive days. Intraperitoneal injection of ML385 ［ a specific nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) inhibitor, 30 mg/kg］ was given to rats of the TTA+ML385 group before TTA was performed. The rats' neurological deficit score (0-4 points) was evaluated by referring to Zea Longa's methods and the muscular spasm degree of the quadriceps femoris of the left hindlimb (0-4 points) assessed by using Ashworth scale (MAS). The muscular tension of the left quadriceps femoris was measured by using a tension sensor, and Hoffman (H)-reflex response and M and H waves of electromyogram of the muscle between the metatarsals of the left foot were measured using an electrophysiological recorder. The cerebral infarction volume was measured after 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. The contents of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glycine (Gly), glutamic acid (Glu) and aspartic acid (Asp) of the right cortical infarct area were detected by using high performance capillary electrophoresis, and the contents of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) were detected by fluorescence spectrophoto-metry, as well as the level of ROS in the right cerebral cortical infarction tissues was detected by dihydroethidium staining. The expression levels of Nrf2 and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) proteins in the infarcted cerebral area were detected using Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with the sham operation group, the neurological deficit score, MAS score, percentage of cerebral infarction volume, Hmax/Mmax ratio, contents of Glu and Asp and ROS level were significantly increased (P<0.001), whereas the muscle tone, stimulation threshold for inducing H-reflex, GABA, Gly, 5-HT, DA and NE contents, cerebral Nrf2 and HO-1 protein expression levels were apparently decreased (P<0.001) in the model group. In comparison with the model group, the neurological deficit score, MAS score, percentage of cerebral infarction volume, Hmax/Mmax ratio, contents of Glu, Asp and ROS levels were decreased (P<0.001), and the muscle tone, stimulation threshold for inducing H-reflex, GABA, Gly, 5-HT, DA and NE contents, Nrf2 and HO-1 protein expressions were increased (P<0.001, P<0.01) in both the medication and TTA groups. No significant differences were found between the non-acupoint group and model group, and between the medication and TTA groups in all the indexes mentioned above (P>0.05). After administration of ML385, the effects of TTA in reducing neurological deficit score, MAS score, Hmax/Mmax, percentage of cerebral infarct volume, Glu, Asp, ROS, and up-regulating H-reflex threshold, GABA, Gly, 5-HT, DA, NE, Nrf2 and HO-1 levels were eliminated (P<0.001，P<0.05,P<0.01). CONCLUSION: TTA can improve neurological behavior and muscle spasm in rats with PSS, which may be associated with its functions in regulating the levels of neurotransmitters in the cortical infarcted area by activating the Nrf2/ROS signaling pathway.

Authentication of Platycladus Orientalis Leaves and Its Five Adulterants by Combination of Morphology and Microscopic Characteristics, TLC, and HPLC Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Platycladus orientalis leaves (POL), as the source of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Platycladi Cacumen, has frequently been found to be misused with five adulterants including Chamaecyparis obtusa leaves (COL), Cupressus funebris leaves (CFL), Juniperus virginiana leaves (JVL), Sabina chinensis leaves (SCL), and Juniperus formosana leaves (JFL). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to distinguish POL (fresh leaves) from its five adulterants (fresh leaves). METHODS: The micromorphological features in terms of transection and microscopic characteristics of POL and adulterants were captured and compared using the an microscope. Both HPLC and TLC methods for the simultaneous determination of six bioactive flavonoids (myricitrin, isoquercitrin, quercitrin, amentoflavone, afzelin, and hinokiflavone) have been developed. RESULTS: There were significant differences in microscopic features of transverse section and powders. The TLC results suggested that the spots of myricitrin in POL were more obvious than those in the five adulterants. The contents of myricitrin and quercitrin, or the total content of flavonoids in POL, determined by HPLC, were significantly higher than those in the adulterants. CONCLUSION: POL was successfully distinguished from its five adulterants by the comparison of morphology, microscopic characteristics, and chemical profiles. HIGHLIGHTS: This research provides a comprehensive morphology, microscopic identification, TLC, and HPLC analysis for authenticating POL and its five adulterants.

Oral Application of Mother's Own Milk for Reducing Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Infants: An Updated Meta-Analysis of RCTs.

Background: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and late-onset sepsis (LOS) are the major contributors to mortality and morbidity in preterm infants. This updated meta-analysis was aimed to assess the effects of mother's milk on the incidence of NEC, LOS, and other clinical outcomes in preterm infants. Methods: PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane library were searched for papers published up to October 2022. Results: A total of 13 RCTs with 1330 infants were included in the final analysis. Significant difference in NEC (stage 2 or 3) was found between the intervention group and the control group (RR = 0.508, 95% CI: 0.314-0.822, and P=0.008). The incidence of proven LOS (RR = 0.809, 95% CI: 0.610-1.071, and P=0.139) and death (RR = 0.800, 95% CI: 0.571-1.122, and P=0.196) was comparable between the two groups. Statistical differences in the incidence of proven or probable LOS (RR = 0.705, 95% CI: 0.577-0.862, and P=0.001) and length of hospitalization (WMD = -4.868, 95% CI: -6.608 to -3.128, and P < 0.001) between the intervention group and the control group were observed. Conclusions: The results of this updated meta-analysis showed that compared to the placebo, mother's milk provides better effects in reducing the incidences of NEC, proven or probable LOS, and the length of stay, whereas no significant benefit of mother's milk was observed in reducing the incidence of proven LOS and death.

A Gas/phototheranostic Nanocomposite Integrates NIR-II-Peak Absorbing Aza-BODIPY with Thermal-Sensitive Nitric Oxide Donor for Atraumatic Osteosarcoma Therapy.

Photothermal therapy (PTT) has received increasing interest in cancer therapeutics owing to its excellent efficacy and controllability. However, there are two major limitations in PTT applications, which are the tissue penetration depth of lasers within the absorption range of photothermal agents and the unavoidable tissue empyrosis induced by high-energy lasers. Herein, a gas/phototheranostic nanocomposite (NA1020-NO@PLX) is engineered that integrates the second near-infrared-peak (NIR-II-peak) absorbing aza-boron-dipyrromethenes (aza-BODIPY,NA1020) with the thermal-sensitive nitric oxide (NO) donor (S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine, SNAP). An enhanced intramolecular charge transfer mechanism is proposed to achieve the NIR-II-peak absorbance (λmax = 1020 nm) on NA1020, thereby obtaining its deep tissue penetration depth. The NA1020 exhibits a remarkable photothermal conversion, making it feasible for the deep-tissue orthotopic osteosarcoma therapy and providing favorable NIR-II emission to precisely pinpoint the tumor for a visible PTT process. The simultaneously investigated atraumatic therapeutic process with an enhanced cell apoptosis mechanism indicates the feasibility of the synergistic NO/low-temperature PTT for osteosarcoma. Herein, this gas/phototheranostic strategy optimizes the existing PTT to present a repeatable and atraumatic photothermal therapeutic process for deep-tissue tumors, validating its potential clinical applications.

Chemometric-guided chemical marker selection: A case study of the heat-clearing herb Scrophularia ningpoensis.

The selection of medicinal plants' chemical markers focuses on bioactivity as the primary goal, followed by the nature of secondary metabolites, their stability, and availability. However, herbal medicines are valued for their complex and holistic pharmacological effects. A correct chemical marker can be carefully selected by a systematic clarification of their chemical-biological relationships. In the current study, the multi-informative molecular networking (MIMN) approach was employed to construct the anti-inflammatory metabolomic pattern of a heat-clearing herb, Scrophularia ningpoensis Hemsl. (S. ningpoensis). The MIMN molecular families characterized by cinnamic acid glycosides showed a higher bioactivity score compared with the other two major chemical classes (iridoid glycosides and iridoid-cinnamic acid glycosides). The Global Natural Product Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) and Reaxys database were used to assist in the putative annotation of eighteen metabolites from the bioactive and non-bioactive molecular families. The anti-inflammatory validation step was based on the detection of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by activated human neutrophils. All compounds from the bioactive MIMN molecular families dose-dependently inhibited the total ROS generation promoted by fMLF (IC50: 0.04-0.42 µM), while the compounds from non-bioactive MIMN clusters did not show any significant anti-inflammatory effect. The ROS-dependent anti-inflammatory activity of these cinnamic acid glycosides was attributed to their oxygen radical scavenging ability. The most abundant cinnamic acid glycoside, angoroside C (IC50: 0.34 µM) was suggested to be selected as a chemical marker for S. ningpoensis. In this study, the MIMN platform was applied to assist in the chemical marker selection of S. ningpoensis. The correct selection of markers will aid in the compilation and revision of herbal monographs and pharmacopeias resulting in the precise analysis and classification of medicinal plants on a scientific basis.

Barriers and facilitators to physical activity for young adult women: a systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative literature.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) has many benefits in preventing diseases and maintaining physical and mental health. Women, in particular, can benefit from regular PA. However, women's PA did not increase over the past decade globally, and the situations faced by women are often gender-specific. Healthy young adult women's PA does not receive as much attention as older women and adolescent girls, yet, they face the same situation of low level of PA. This review aims to explore and synthesise the self-identified barriers and facilitators to young adult women's participation in PA from qualitative research studies and offer suggestions for future studies and programs designed for this population. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, Medline, and SPORTDiscus for studies published between January 2000 to February 2022 to identify qualitative studies on the barriers and facilitators of young adult women's PA between ages 18 to 40. The search yielded 694 studies initially, of which 23 were included. The research quality of included studies was appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool. Data were extracted and thematically analysed based on the tenets of the social-ecological model (SEM). RESULTS: Identified barriers and facilitators were grouped into different levels of the SEM, with the most frequently cited factors being time, body image and societal beauty standards, family duty and social support, religious and cultural norms, organisation and community facilities and environment, safety issues and physical environment. Descriptive data were thematically analysed and synthesised in line with the five levels: body image, health and beauty; multiple roles, support, and PA; religious identity, cultural identity, and PA; safety issues and women's fears. CONCLUSIONS: This qualitative synthesis revealed in-depth information on barriers and facilitators influencing young adult women's PA. It highlighted that the factors young adult women face are diverse at different levels yet holistic and intertwined. Future studies on young adult women's PA should address the social-cultural influence and would benefit from applying multilevel strategies employing the SEM model. It is critical to create an open and inclusive environment and offer more opportunities for women. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42021290519.

Two-dimensional code enables visibly mapping herbal medicine chemome: an application in Ganoderma lucidum.

BACKGROUND: Chemical profile provides the pronounced evidence for herbal medicine (HM) authentication; however, the chemome is extremely sophisticated. Fortunately, two-dimensional (2D) code, as a quick response means, is conceptually able to store abundant information, exactly fulfilling the chemical information storage demands of HMs. METHODS: We here attempted to denote both MS[Formula: see text] and MS[Formula: see text] dataset of HM with a single 2D-code chart. Measurement of Ganoderma lucidum that is one of the most famous HMs with LC-MS/MS was employed to illustrate the "coding-decoding" workflow for the conversion amongst MS/MS dataset, 2D-code, and chemical profile, and to evaluate the applicability as well. After data acquisition, and m/z value of each deprotonated molecular signal was divided into integer and decimal portions, corresponding to x and y coordinates of 2D-plot, respectively. On the other side, m/z values of all its fragment ions were exactly assigned to serial x values sharing an identical y value being equal to the precursor ion. 2D-code was thereafter produced by plotting these defined dots at a 2D-chart. Regarding a given 2D-code map, the entire chart (x coordinate: 0-600; y coordinate: 0-600) was fragmented into two regions by the line of y=x. MS[Formula: see text] spectral signals always located below the line, whereas all fragment ions lay at the left zone. After extracting information from the edges of each square frame, m/z values of both precursor ion and fragment ions could be harvested and putatively deciphered to a compound through applying some empirical mass fragmentation rules. RESULTS: The entire code of Ganoderma lucidum fruit bodies therefore corresponded exactly to a compound set. The elution program, even the employment of direct infusion, couldn't significantly impact the code, and dramatical differences occurred between different species and amongst different parts of Ganoderma lucidum as well. Not only ganoderic acid cluster but also certain primary metabolites served as the diagnostic compounds towards species differentiation. CONCLUSION: 2D-code might be a meaningful, practical visual way for rapid HM recognition because it is convenient to achieve the conversion amongst MS/MS dataset, 2D-barcode plot, and the chemome.