Supramolecular nanofiber network hydrogel dressing for promoting wound healing with low swelling and mechanical stability properties.

Skin wounds are a major health problem of global concern. Prompt and proper care after skin injury is crucial for rapid healing and minimizing scar. Hydrogels are widely used wound dressings in clinical practice due to their ability to create a moist environment for wound healing. However, most hydrogels exhibit high swelling ratio and tend to compress and irritate the wound upon contact with wound exudate, which is counterproductive to the wound healing process. Supramolecular hydrogels formed by self-assembly of natural drug molecules have attracted increasing interest in wound healing due to their intrinsic pharmacological activity and excellent biocompatibility. In this study, a supramolecular nanofiber network hydrogel based on glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) was developed to promote wound healing. The hydrogel network consists of a self-assembled nanofibrous network generated by GA and a cross-linked network formed by gellan gum (GG). The resulting hydrogels have unique low swelling properties as well as good mechanical stability. What's more, the GG/GA hydrogels can absorb water and return to its original state after lyophilization, which facilitates storage. Both in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated high biocompatibility and significant pro-angiogenic effects of GG/GA hydrogel. The wound healing ratio of the rat model treated with GG/GA hydrogel reached 95.49 ± 1.1 % at 14 days. These findings indicate that GG/GA supramolecular hydrogels possess significant potential in promoting wound healing and offer a novel approach for creating low-swelling, easy storage, inherently physiologically active, and highly biocompatibility wound dressings.

Mechanism of Mongolian mind-body interactive therapy in regulating essential hypertension through HTR2B: A metabolome- and transcriptome-based study.

Essential hypertension is a psychosomatic disease associated with emotions and behaviors. Although Mongolian mind-body interactive therapy can help patients with essential hypertension reduce their systolic blood pressure (SBP), the mechanism is unclear. We assigned patients who underwent Mongolian mind-body interactive therapy to groups that were treated with (DT) or without (NDT) antihypertensive drugs (Clinical registration no: ChiCTR2000034918). We screened differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using targeted metabolic and transcriptomic analyses of blood samples before and after intervention. Sequenced data were analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and validated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Small interfering (Si)-RNA interference on key DEGs in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was experimentally verified. Omics analysis identified 187 DEGS, including human 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptor 2B (5-HTR2B), human endothelin receptor type B (EDNRB), and the metabolite N-acetylserotonin. The qPCR and transcriptome sequencing results were consistent. Post-intervention ELISA assays revealed significantly elevated 5-HT in the NDT group after intervention (P < 0.05). Interactions between 5-HTR2B and N-acetylserotonin differed between the groups. The cellular findings showed significantly reduced G protein-coupled receptor 82 (GPR82) and phospholipid phosphatase-related protein type 4 (PLPPR4), and significantly increased S100A2 protein expression in the Si-HTR2B group, compared with the controls (P < 0.05). The biochemical results uncovered significantly decreased nitric oxide (NO) and significantly increased malondialdehyde and NO synthetase concentrations compared with the models (P < 0.05). Mongolian mind-body interactive therapy might affect SBP in patients with essential hypertension by combining 5-HT with 5-HTR2B to mediate NO relaxation.

Effect of lipid type on betulin-stabilized water-in-oil Pickering emulsion: emulsion properties, in vitro digestion, and betulin bioaccessibility.

BACKGROUND: The Pickering emulsion delivery technique is widely acknowledged for its efficacy in serving as a carrier that can encapsulate functional components effectively. Previous studies have shown significant differences in the stability of Pickering emulsions composed of different oil phases and in the bioaccessibility of the encapsulated functional ingredients. This study therefore investigated the effects of different carrier oils in the betulin self-stabilized water-in-oil (W/O) Pickering emulsion on the stability of the emulsion and bioaccessibility of betulin. RESULTS: The results showed that the oil type was one of the main factors affecting the stability of the emulsion. Palm oil and coconut oil provided better storage stability and centrifugal stability due to the high saturated fatty acid content. The bioavailability of betulin correlated significantly with the composition and characteristics of fatty acids in carrier oils. Carrier oils rich in low-saturation long-chain fatty acids tended to release more free fatty acids (FFAs), thus forming larger and more mixed micelles with stronger swelling and dissolution ability, resulting in a relatively high bioaccessibility of betulin. In contrast, the bioaccessibility of betulin in the emulsion prepared by coconut oil (with high saturated fatty acid content) was relatively low (1.17%). CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that selecting an appropriate carrier oil is important for the design of self-stabilized W/O Pickering emulsions to improve the bioaccessibility of betulin and other lipophilic bioactivities effectively. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Gamma-glutamyl transferase to aspartate aminotransferase ratio (GSR) predicts prognoses in patients with colorectal cancer with liver metastasis after microwave ablation.

BACKGROUND: Microwave ablation (MWA) is widely used to eliminate colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). However, the risk of tumor recurrence is difficult to predict due to lack of reliable clinical and biological markers. Elevation of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) provides signals for liver inflammation and cancer progression. The present study evaluated the association between pre-ablation GGT to AST ratio index (GSR) and hepatic recurrence in patients with CRLM after MWA. METHODS: A retrospectively analyzed 192 CRLM patients who underwent MWA from January 2013 to December 2017. Pre-ablation GSR was classified into high (≤ 2.34) or low (> 2.34) using the upper quartile value. The prognostic value of GSR and other risk factors for liver progression-free survival (LPFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: High GSR was significantly associated with males (P = 0.041), the presence of cholelithiasis (P = 0.012), but not pre-ablation chemotherapy (P = 0.355), which caused significantly increased levels of GGT (P = 0.015) and AST (P = 0.008). GSR showed a significant association with LPFS and CSS through univariate analysis (P = 0.002 and 0.006) and multivariate analysis (P = 0.043 and 0.037). The subgroup analysis demonstrated no interaction between GSR and all variables except for distribution in the sub-analysis of LPFS. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the pre-ablation GSR can be considered as a promising prognostic indicator for poor prognosis of patients with CRLM underwent MWA. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.

Wild rodents in three provinces of China exhibit a wide range of Enterocytozoon bieneusi diversity.

Introduction: Enterocytozoon bieneusi is one of the most important zoonotic pathogens, responsible for nearly 90% of human infections. Its host spectrum is broad in China, encompassing humans, non-human primates, domestic animals, wildlife, and wastewater. Wild rodents have the potential to act as carriers of E. bieneusi, facilitating the parasite's transmission to humans and domestic animals. Methods: The present study involved the collection of 344 wild rodents, representing nine species, from three provinces in China. The prevalence and genotypes of E. bieneusi were determined through amplification of the ITS gene. Evolutionary analysis was conducted using Mega 5.0 with the neighbor-joining method (Kimura 2-parameter model, 1,000 replicates). Results: Among the sampled wild rodents, 41 (11.92%) were tested positive for E. bieneusi. Rattus flavipectus exhibited the highest prevalence (11/39), while Bandicota indica and Rattus rattus sladeni showed no infections (0/39 and 0/5, respectively), highlighting significant differences. Environmental factors strongly influenced E. bieneusi infection; rodents residing in lake beaches (10.27%, 15/146) and fields (19.95%, 18/95) were more susceptible compared to those in mountainous areas (7.77%, 8/103). The study identified four known genotypes (D, Type IV, SDD5, PigEBITS7) and five novel genotypes (HNRV-1 to HNRV-3, GXRL-1, GXRL-2) in the investigated wild rodents, with Genotype D exhibiting the highest prevalence. Discussion: Remarkably, this study reports the presence of E. bieneusi, R. flavipectus, M. fortis, A. agrarius, R. losea, and N. lotipes for the first time. These findings underscore the common occurrence of E. bieneusi infection in wild rodents in China, highlighting its diverse nature and significant potential for zoonotic transmission. Hence, it is imperative to conduct a comprehensive epidemiological investigation of rodent infection with E. bieneusi, particularly focusing on wild rodents that are closely associated with humans. Additionally, developing appropriate measures and monitoring strategies to minimize the risk of infection is essential.

4-Octyl itaconate attenuates renal tubular injury in db/db mice by activating Nrf2 and promoting PGC-1α-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of itaconate's potential effect in diabetic kidney disease.Methods: Renal immune responsive gene 1 (IRG1) levels were measured in db/db mice and streptozotocin (STZ) + high-fat diet (HFD)-induced diabetic mice. Irg1 knockout mice were generated. db/db mice were treated with 4-octyl itaconate (4-OI, 50 mg/kg), a derivative of itaconate, for 4 weeks. Renal function and morphological changes were investigated. Ultrastructural alterations were determined by transmission electron microscopy.Results: Renal IRG1 levels were reduced in two diabetic models. STZ+HFD-treated Irg1 knockout mice exhibited aggravated renal tubular injury and worsened renal function. Treatment with 4-OI lowered urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio and blood urea nitrogen levels, and restored renal histological changes in db/db mice. It improved mitochondrial damage, increased expressions of peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) in the renal cortex of db/db mice. These were confirmed in vitro; 4-OI improved high glucose-induced abnormal mitochondrial morphology and TFAM expression in HK-2 cells, effects that were inhibited by PGC-1α silencing. Moreover, 4-OI reduced the number of apoptotic cells in the renal cortex of db/db mice. Further study showed that 4-OI increased renal Nrf2 expression and decreased oxidative stress levels in db/db mice. In HK-2 cells, 4-OI decreased high glucose-induced mitochondrial ROS production, which was reversed by Nrf2 silencing. Nrf2 depletion also inhibited 4-OI-mediated regulation of PGC-1α, TFAM, and mitochondrial apoptotic protein expressions.Conclusions: 4-OI attenuates renal tubular injury in db/db mice by activating Nrf2 and promoting PGC-1α-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis.

Existence of Blastocystis infection in bar-headed goose (Anser indicus).

Blastocystis is a common intestinal protist in humans and animals. Currently, Blastocystis infection in bar-headed geese is unknown. To understand the prevalence and distribution of Blastocystis subtypes in bar-headed geese, fecal samples were collected from 358 bar-headed geese in three regions. The total infection rate of Blastocystis in bar-headed in China was 5.9% (21/358), with 5.0% (6/120) in Aba (Ngawa) Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefect, Sichuan province, 11.8% (14/119) in Maqu county, Gansu province, and 0.8% (1/119) in Caohai, Wei ning county, Guizhou province. The differences in prevalence rates by region were statistically significant. Sequences analyses showed that one known subtype (ST7, n = 16) and one potentially novel ST (n = 5) in bar-headed geese were detected in this study. This is the first report on the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis in bar-headed geese, which will improve our understanding of the epidemiology and public health implications of Blastocystis infection in wild migratory birds.

Complications of ultrasound-guided thermal ablation of thyroid nodules and associated risk factors: an experience from 9667 cases.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety of ultrasound-guided thermal ablation (UGTA) for thyroid nodules (TNs) by analysing complications and related risks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective, single-centre study reviewed patients who underwent UGTA (microwave or radiofrequency ablation) between January 2018 and March 2023. The incidence of complications was recorded and assessed during and immediately after ablation,1-3 h later, and at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors for hoarseness and haemorrhagic complications. RESULTS: We reviewed 9667 cases in this study. Overall, 4494 (46.49%) cases underwent microwave ablation, while 5173 (53.51%) cases underwent radiofrequency ablation. The overall complication rate was 4.43%. The incidence of major complications was 1.94% (haemorrhage, 1.32%; hoarseness, 0.54%; and symptomatic aseptic necrosis, 0.08%). The incidence of minor complications was 2.45%. A large nodule volume, radiofrequency ablation, hyper-enhancing nodules, benign nodules, higher preoperative blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, and higher ablation power were independent risk factors for haemorrhage. Dorsal nodules and a higher ablation power were independent risk factors for hoarseness. All complications were resolved. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that UGTA is a safe treatment for TNs. Several risk factors for haemorrhage and hoarseness should be considered before performing UGTA. Different ablation modalities should be considered for patients with different conditions. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Thermal ablation may be a safe treatment for eligible patients with TNs. KEY POINTS: We analysed the complications and risk factors associated with UGTA in 9667 cases. The complication rate was 4.43%; 1.94% were major complications. Risk factors of haemorrhage and hoarseness should be considered. UGTA was a safe method for the treatment of TNs.

Mediating effect of menopausal symptoms between the lifestyle and depressive symptoms.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore relationship between lifestyle and depressive symptoms and evaluated the mediating effect of menopausal symptoms. METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of a survey in Hunan Province, China. We selected 3190 women aged 40 to 55 into final analyses. Menopausal and depressive symptoms were assessed by the Kupperman Menopausal Index and the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire, respectively. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect demographic and lifestyle information. RESULTS: The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 19.5%. After adjusting for demographic variables, passive smoking, drinking, and intensity of physical activity were positively associated with depressive symptoms. Frequency of exercise was a protective factor for depressive symptoms (AOR = 0.783, 95%CI: 0.446-0.991). Excess or restricted sleep duration was associated with higher probability of having depressive symptoms (AOR = 1.746, 95% CI: 1.324-2.304). Menopausal symptoms partially mediated the relationship between lifestyle and depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION: Findings highlighted the importance of menopausal symptoms in the relationship between the lifestyle and depressive symptoms, and provided a possibility that active lifestyle might improve depression symptoms among women at perimenopause through changes in sex hormones.

CCL19-producing fibroblasts promote tertiary lymphoid structure formation enhancing anti-tumor IgG response in colorectal cancer liver metastasis.

Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) are associated with enhanced immunity in tumors. However, their formation and functions in colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM) remain unclear. Here, we reveal that intra- and peri-tumor mature TLSs (TLS+) are associated with improved clinical outcomes than TLS- tumors. Using single-cell-RNA-sequencing and spatial-enhanced-resolution-omics-sequencing (Stereo-seq), we reveal that TLS+ tumors are enriched with IgG+ plasma cells (PCs), while TLS- tumors are characterized with IgA+ PCs. By generating TLS-associated PC-derived monoclonal antibodies in vitro, we show that TLS-PCs secrete tumor-targeting antibodies. As the proof-of-concept, we demonstrate the anti-tumor activities of TLS-PC-mAb6 antibody in humanized mouse model of colorectal cancer. We identify a fibroblast lineage secreting CCL19 that facilitates lymphocyte trafficking to TLSs. CCL19 treatment promotes TLS neogenesis and prevents tumor growth in mice. Our data uncover the central role of CCL19+ fibroblasts in TLS formation, which in turn generates therapeutic antibodies to restrict CRLM.

Enhanced bioaccessibility of interfacial delivered oleanolic acid through self-constructed Pickering emulsion: Effects of oil types.

Pentacyclic triterpenes have attracted much attention because of their many bioactivities, but their bioaccessibility is low. Oleanolic acid (OA) was used in this study as a typical edible pentacyclic triterpene. In this work, we proposed an OA interfacial delivery model based on W/O Pickering emulsion, and investigated the effects of different oil types on the emulsion properties and OA bioaccessibility of the OA W/O Pickering emulsion interfacial delivery system (EIDS). Medium chain triglyceride (MCT), long chain triglycerides (LCT) and MCT/LCT (1:1, w/w) were selected as carrier oils for the preparation of emulsions, respectively. The results showed that the emulsions formed from LCT had smaller particle sizes, which increased the deformation resistance of the emulsions and exhibited good stability during the simulated in vitro digestion. The extent of free fatty acid (FFA) release during oil digestion was MCT (103.32 ± 3.74 %) > M/L (97.89 ± 2.89 %) > LCT (71.41 ± 6.64 %). Of interest, the bioaccessibility of OA was influenced by the carrier oil: LCT (59.34 ± 2.55 %) > M/L (47.35 ± 6.25 %) > MCT (13.11 ± 1.40 %) ＞ PBS (7.11 ± 1.74 %), and such a difference was mainly attributed to the greater solubilisation of OA in mixed micelles consisting of long-chain fatty acids. In summary, the size of hydrophobic domains in the mixed micelles produced a greater effect than the effect of FFA release on OA bioaccessibility. This study provides a theoretical basis for the interfacial delivery of OA and the enhancement of OA bioaccessibility based on W/O Pickering emulsions with different oil types.

SiO 2 Induces Iron Overload and Ferroptosis in Cardiomyocytes in a Silicosis Mouse Model.

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the role and mechanism of ferroptosis in SiO 2-induced cardiac injury using a mouse model. Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice were intratracheally instilled with SiO 2 to create a silicosis model. Ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) and deferoxamine (DFO) were used to suppress ferroptosis. Serum biomarkers, oxidative stress markers, histopathology, iron content, and the expression of ferroptosis-related proteins were assessed. Results: SiO 2 altered serum cardiac injury biomarkers, oxidative stress, iron accumulation, and ferroptosis markers in myocardial tissue. Fer-1 and DFO reduced lipid peroxidation and iron overload, and alleviated SiO 2-induced mitochondrial damage and myocardial injury. SiO 2 inhibited Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its downstream antioxidant genes, while Fer-1 more potently reactivated Nrf2 compared to DFO. Conclusion: Iron overload-induced ferroptosis contributes to SiO 2-induced cardiac injury. Targeting ferroptosis by reducing iron accumulation or inhibiting lipid peroxidation protects against SiO 2 cardiotoxicity, potentially via modulation of the Nrf2 pathway.

Tandem "One-Shot" Measurement of Residual Chemical Shift Anisotropy and Residual Dipolar Coupling using Biphasic Supramolecular Peptide Liquid Crystals.

Both solitary and tandem applications of residual chemical shift anisotropy (RCSA) and residual dipolar coupling (RDC) show great potential for the structural and configurational determination of organic molecules. A critical component of both RDC and RCSA methodologies is the alignment medium, whose availability is limited, especially for RCSA measurement. Moreover, reported RDC and RCSA acquisitions mainly rely on two experiments conducted under two different conditions, which are relatively time-consuming and easily cause experimental errors. Herein, a biphasic supramolecular lyotropic liquid crystalline (LLC) system was developed through the self-assembly of C21H43-CONH-V4K3-CONH2, which could act as an alignment medium for not only RDC but also RCSA extraction in DMSO-d6. Notably, the RCSA extraction was easily achieved via one-shot measurement from a single one-dimensional 13C NMR experiment, with no need for special instruments, devices, and correction. Relying on the biphasic LLC medium, meanwhile, RDC data were simply extracted from a single F1-coupled HSQC experiment, different from the standard protocol that requires two spectral acquisitions corresponding to the isotropic and anisotropic conditions. Collectively, the biphasic LLC medium is applicable for tandem RCSA and RDC measurements in one single sample, advancing the stereochemical elucidation of molecules of interest.

Botrytis cinerea combines four molecular strategies to tolerate membrane-permeating plant compounds and to increase virulence.

Saponins are plant secondary metabolites comprising glycosylated triterpenoids, steroids or steroidal alkaloids with a broad spectrum of toxicity to microbial pathogens and pest organisms that contribute to basal plant defense to biotic attack. Secretion of glycosyl hydrolases that enzymatically convert saponins into less toxic products was thus far the only mechanism reported to enable fungal pathogens to colonize their saponin-containing host plant(s). We studied the mechanisms that the fungus Botrytis cinerea utilizes to be tolerant to well-characterized, structurally related saponins from tomato and Digitalis purpurea. By gene expression studies, comparative genomics, enzyme assays and testing a large panel of fungal (knockout and complemented) mutants, we unraveled four distinct cellular mechanisms that participate in the mitigation of the toxic activity of these saponins and in virulence on saponin-producing host plants. The enzymatic deglycosylation that we identified is novel and unique to this fungus-saponin combination. The other three tolerance mechanisms operate in the fungal membrane and are mediated by protein families that are widely distributed in the fungal kingdom. We present a spatial and temporal model on how these mechanisms jointly confer tolerance to saponins and discuss the repercussions of these findings for other plant pathogenic fungi, as well as human pathogens.

A functional hydrogel of dopamine-modified gelatin with photothermal properties for enhancing infected wound healing.

Infected skin wound has gradually become a prevalent injury that affects overall health. Currently, biomaterials with good adhesion, efficient antibacterial properties, and angiogenesis are considered as a suitable way to effectively heal infected wound. Herein, a multifunctional hydrogel comprising gelatin, dopamine (DA), and ferric ions (Fe3+) was developed for infected wound healing. The modified gelatin-dopamine (Gel-DA) enhanced adhesive capability. Subsequently introducing ferric ions (Fe3+) to form Gel-DA-Fe3+ hydrogels by Fe3+ and catechol coordination bonds. The designed hydrogels demonstrated multifaceted functionality, encompassing photothermal antibacterial, angiogenesis, and so on. The introduction of DA enhanced the adhesion of Gel-DA-Fe3+ to the skin surface and might serve as a physical barrier to seal wound. Meanwhile, DA and Fe3+ jointly endowed good photothermal effects to composite hydrogels, which could eliminate over 95 % of bacteria. In vitro results revealed that Gel-DA-Fe3+ hydrogels had good biocompatibility and promoted HUVECs migration and tube formation. Furthermore, in vivo studies confirmed that Gel-DA-Fe3+ hydrogels markedly expedited the wound healing of rats through eradicating bacteria, accelerating the deposition of collagen, and promoting angiogenesis. What's more, Gel-DA-Fe3+ hydrogels under near-infrared laser had a more pronounced ability for wound healing. Therefore, Gel-DA-Fe3+ hydrogels had great potential for application in bacteria-infected wound healing.

New lignans from Phyllanthodendron dunnianum.

A new lignan phyllanins A (1) and a lignan phyllanins B (2) for which the absolute configuration was determined for the first time, along with four known lignans (3-6) were isolated from the branch and leaf extracts of Phyllanthodendron dunnianum. Their planar structures were mainly determined by a combination of 1D and 2D NMR, HRESIMS spectral analyses, and the absolute configurations of the compounds 1 and 2 were established by DFT GIAO 13C NMR and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. In addition, all these six lignans were firstly tested for the antibacterial activities against MRSA, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. Among these compounds, 2 and 5 showed potential antibacterial activities against MRSA and S. aureus with MIC values of 4 and 8 µg/mL, respectively.

[Research progress in preparations of Panax ginseng].

Panax ginseng, known as the "king of herbs", is a highly valued medicinal plant, and its medicinal parts include roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits, among which the roots are the most commonly used. The main active components of this medicinal plant include triterpenoid saponins, polysaccharides, peptides, and volatile oils. The chemical components and active metabolites endow this herb with a variety of pharmacological effects, and thus this herb is used to treat various diseases and play healthcare roles. Currently, a wide range of preparations of P. ginseng have been officially registered and marketed, including tablets, oral liquids, and injections, which demonstrate good clinical efficacy in regulating immunity, adjuvant treatment of tumors, alleviating fatigue, delaying the aging process, improving glucose and lipid metabolism, treating cardiovascular diseases, and relieving inflammation and pain. The production process and quality standards of these drugs are of great significance to ensure their efficacy. According to the theory that Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma can greatly replenish original Qi, tonify the spleen and lung, promote fluid production to quench thirst, tranquilize mind and enrich the intelligence, this paper systematically summarized the clinical application progress of P. ginseng and rela-ted preparations on the market and prospected the further development of preparations from P. ginseng, providing a reference for further exploring the medicinal value and healthcare function of this herb. The above contents, as an important basis for the in-depth development of P. ginseng and related drugs, increase the possibilities for the application of P. ginseng.

The prevalence and genotypes of Cryptosporidium spp. in bar-headed goose (Anser indicus) in China.

Cryptosporidium spp. is an important foodborne and waterborne pathogen in humans and animals, causing diarrhoea in humans and respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases in birds. However, reports of Cryptosporidium infection in bar-headed goose are limited. To determine the infection rate and species/genotypes of Cryptosporidium in bar-headed goose in China, a total of 358 fecal samples were collected from 3 regions. Nested PCR was used to amplify Cryptosporidium SSU rRNA regions from the fecal extracted-DNA samples. The total infection rate of Cryptosporidium in bar-headed in China was 3.9 % (14/358), with 4.2 % (5/120) in Aba (Ngawa) Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefect, Sichuan province, 7.6 % (9/119) in Maqu county, Gansu province, and 0.0 % (0/119) in Caohai, Wei ning county, Guizhou province. The differences in prevalence rate by region were statistically significant. All positive samples were identified as Cryptosporidium goose genotype I (n = 14). This is the first systematic investigation of the epidemiological status and dominant species/genotypes of Cryptosporidium in bar-headed goose in China, thereby enhancing our understanding of the epidemiology of Cryptosporidium infection in wild migratory birds.

Proanthocyanidins isolated from lotus seed skin mitigate glycolipid metabolism disorder through the p38/Nrf2/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Lotus seed skin extract is rich in flavonoids, making it a promising candidate for developing health products. In a previous study, we found that proanthocyanidins from lotus seed skin, particularly proanthocyanidin B1 (PB1), can indirectly activate the Nrf2 signaling pathway, exerting an antioxidant effect. In this study, we isolate proanthocyanidins from lotus seed skin (PLS) using ethanol extraction and RP-HPLC identification, and investigate its effects on glycolipid metabolism both in vivo and in vitro. Our results demonstrate that PLS reduces body weight in high-fat diet (HFD) mice by decreasing feed efficiency. PLS also normalizes serum glucose, insulin secretion, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and intraperitoneal glucose tolerance (IPGTT). Furthermore, PLS significantly improves blood lipid parameters and inhibits the expressions of six proinflammatory factors, including IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-3, IL-6, IFN-γ and TNF-α in HFD mice. Additionally, analysis of fresh liver tissues reveals that PLS and PB1 induce the expressions of antioxidant proteins such as HO-1 and NQO1 by activating the p38-Nrf2 signaling pathway and inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway. In conclusion, proanthocyanidins from lotus seed skin regulate glycolipid metabolism disorders by targeting the p38/Nrf2/NF-κB signaling pathway. Our study offers a new approach for the high-value comprehensive utilization of lotus seed skin by-products and precise dietary intervention for metabolic syndrome.