Chromium(VI) Adsorption and Reduction in Soils under Anoxic Conditions: The Relative Roles of Iron (oxyhr)oxides, Iron(II), Organic Matters, and Microbes.

Chromium (Cr) transformation in soils mediated by iron (Fe) (oxyhr)oxides, Fe(II), organic matter (OM), and microbes is largely unexplored. Here, their coupling processes and mechanisms were investigated during anoxic incubation experiments of four Cr(VI) spiked soil samples with distinct physicochemical properties from the tropical and subtropical regions of China. It demonstrates that easily oxidizable organic carbon (EOC, 55-84%) and microbes (16-48%) drive Cr(VI) reduction in soils enriched with goethite and/or hematite, among which in dryland soils microbial sulfate reduction may also be involved. In contrast, EOC (38 ± 1%), microbes (33 ± 1%), and exchangeable and poorly crystalline Fe (oxyhr)oxide-associated Fe(II) (29 ± 3%) contribute to Cr(VI) reduction in paddy soils enriched with ferrihydrite. Additionally, exogenous Fe(II) and microbes significantly enhance Cr(VI) reduction in ferrihydrite- and goethite-rich soils, and Fe(II) greatly promotes but microbes slightly inhibit Cr passivation. Both Fe(II) and microbes, especially the latter, promote OM mineralization and result in the most substantial OM loss in ferrihydrite-rich paddy soils. During the incubation, part of the ferrihydrite converts to goethite but microbes may hinder the transformation. These results provide deep insights into the geochemical fates of redox-sensitive heavy metals mediated by the complicated effects of Fe, OM, and microbes in natural and engineered environments.

Curcumin activates the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway to alleviate hippocampal neurogenesis abnormalities caused by intermittent hypoxia: A study based on network pharmacology and experimental verification.

The purpose of this work was to investigate how curcumin (Cur) might enhance cognitive function and to gain a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind Cur's impacts on neurogenesis deficits brought on by intermittent hypoxia (IH). Using network pharmacology, we explored possible targets for Cur's obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) therapy. We established an IH model using C57BL/6 mice and c17.2 cells, and we assessed the influence of Cur on treatment outcomes as well as the effect of IH on cognitive function. Hippocampal damage and neurogenesis, as well as expression of core targets, were then examined. Network pharmacology analysis revealed that Cur has the potential for multi-target, multi-pathway therapy, with CTNNB1 and MYC as core target genes. The Morris water maze test showed that Cur (100 mg/kg, intragastrically) significantly improved cognitive dysfunction induced by IH. The hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Nissl staining indicated that Cur could alleviate damage to the hippocampus caused by IH. Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and western blotting results showed that Cur might promote neurogenesis and upregulate the expression of ß-catenin and c-myc. In vitro, Cur (0.5 µM) has a protective effect on IH-induced neural stem cells (NSCs) injury and apoptosis and can restore the Wnt/ß-catenin. Cur significantly increased the neurogenesis via the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway, providing the scientific groundwork for the development of new treatment strategies for neurological damage linked to OSA.

Mitochondrial dysfunction gene expression, DNA methylation, and inflammatory cytokines interaction activate Alzheimer's disease: a multi-omics Mendelian randomization study.

BACKGROUND: Mitochondrial dysfunction (MD) is increasingly recognized as a key pathophysiological contributor in Alzheimer disease (AD). As differential MD genes expression may serve as either a causative factor or a consequence in AD, and expression of these genes could be influenced by epigenetic modifications or interact with inflammatory cytokines, hence, the precise role of MD in AD remains uncertain. METHODS: Meta-analysis of brain transcriptome datasets was conducted to pinpoint differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with MD in AD. We utilized three-step SMR to analyze the AD genome-wide association study summaries with expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) and DNA methylation QTLs from the blood and brain tissues, respectively. Through SMR and colocalization analysis, we further explored the interactions between brain eQTLs and inflammatory cytokines. RESULTS: Five datasets were meta-analyzed to prioritize 825 DEGs in AD from 1339 MD-related genes. Among these, seven genes from blood samples such as NDUFS8 and SPG7 and thirty-two genes from brain tissue including CLU and MAPT were identified as candidate AD-causal MD genes and regulated by methylation level. Furthermore, we revealed 13 MD gene expression-inflammatory pathway pairs involving LDLR, ACE and PTPMT1 along with interleukin-17C, interleukin-18 and hepatocyte growth factor. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlighted that the AD-causal MD genes could be regulated by epigenetic changes and interact with inflammatory cytokines, providing evidence for AD prevention and intervention.

The mediating effect of social connectedness between internet gaming disorder and somatic symptoms in adolescents: a large sample cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have indicated that social connectedness can serve as a protective buffer against negative outcomes associated with online victimization. However, the role of social connectedness between Internet gaming disorder and somatic symptoms is still unclear. This study aims to examine the mediating effect of social connectedness on the association between Internet gaming disorder and somatic symptoms. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was utilized, using questionnaires for data collection and multi-stage stratified cluster sampling. The general demographic questionnaire, Nine-Item Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form, Social Connectedness Scale-Revised and Patient Health Questionnaire Physical Symptoms were used to collect data. We adopted Pearson's correlation analysis and the PROCESS Macro Model in regression analysis to explore the relationships among Internet gaming disorder, social connectedness and somatic symptoms. RESULTS: Internet gaming disorder was positively correlated with somatic symptoms (r = 0.20, P < 0.001), while network (r=-0.08, P < 0.001) and real-life social connectedness (r=-0.31, P < 0.001) negatively affected somatic symptoms. The network social connectedness and the real-life social connectedness played a chain mediating role in the development of Internet gaming disorder to somatic symptoms [95%CI: 0.073, 0.088], explaining 45.25% of the total effect value. The difference of real-life social connectedness and network social connectedness played a partial mediating role between Internet gaming disorder and somatic symptoms [95% CI:0.050, 0.062], accounting for 31.28% of the total effect value. CONCLUSIONS: Real-life social connectedness, network social connectedness, and their disparity all mediated the relationship between Internet gaming disorder and somatic symptoms. Real-life social connectedness acted as a protective factor, while network social connectedness served as a risk factor. Encouraging offline activities and guiding teenagers to use the internet responsibly may help prevent and reduce physical symptoms linked to Internet gaming disorder.

Abnormal resting-state functional connectivity of hippocampal subregions in type 2 diabetes mellitus-associated cognitive decline.

Objective: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) over time predisposes to inflammatory responses and abnormalities in functional brain networks that damage learning, memory, or executive function. The hippocampus is a key region often reporting connectivity abnormalities in memory disorders. Here, we investigated peripheral inflammatory responses and resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) changes characterized of hippocampal subregions in type 2 diabetes-associated cognitive decline (T2DACD). Methods: The study included 16 patients with T2DM, 16 patients with T2DACD and 25 healthy controls (HCs). Subjects were assessed for cognitive performance, tested for the expression of inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α in peripheral serum, underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scans, and analyzed for RSFC using the hippocampal subregions as seeds. We also calculated the correlation between cognitive performance and RSFC of hippocampal subregion, and analyzed the significantly altered RSFC values of T2DACD for Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results: T2DACD patients showed a decline in their ability to complete cognitive assessment scales and experimental paradigms, and T2DM did not show abnormal cognitive performance. IL-6 expression was increased in peripheral serum in both T2DACD and T2DM. Compared with HCs, T2DACD showed abnormalities RSFC of the left anterior hippocampus with left precentral gyrus and left angular gyrus. T2DM showed abnormalities RSFC of the left middle hippocampus with right medial frontal gyrus, right anterior and middle hippocampus with left precuneus, left anterior hippocampus with right precuneus and right posterior middle temporal gyrus. Compared with T2DM, T2DACD showed abnormalities RSFC of the left posterior hippocampus and right middle hippocampus with left precuneus. In addition, RSFC in the left posterior hippocampus with left precuneus of T2DACD was positively correlated with Flanker conflict response time (r=0.766, P=0.001). In the ROC analysis, the significantly altered RSFC values of T2DACD achieved significant performance. Conclusions: T2DACD showed a significant decrease in attentional inhibition and working memory, peripheral pro-inflammatory response increased, and abnormalities RSFC of the hippocampal subregions with default mode network and sensory-motor network. T2DM did not show a significant cognitive decline, but peripheral pro-inflammatory response increased and abnormalities RSFC of the hippocampus subregions occurred in the brain. In addition, the left precuneus may be a key brain region in the conversion of T2DM to T2DACD. The results of this study may provide a basis for the preliminary diagnosis of T2DACD.

High-intensity interval training vs. yoga in improving binge eating and physical fitness in inactive young females.

Yoga is effective in binge eating disorder (BED) treatment, but it does not seem effective enough to improve low physical fitness. In contrast, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is effective in improving physical fitness but has never been studied in the context of BED. In the study, 47 young inactive females with mild to moderate BED were recruited and randomly assigned to a HIIT group (HIIT), a Yoga group (YG), or a control group (CG; age, 19.47 ± 0.74, 19.69 ± 0.874, and 19.44 ± 0.63 years; BMI, 21.07 ± 1.66, 21.95 ± 2.67, and 20.68 ± 2.61 kg/m2, respectively). The intervention groups participated in 8-week specific exercises, while the CG maintained their usual daily activity. Before and after the training, participants were evaluated for BED using the binge eating scale (BES) and for physical fitness. The obtained data were compared within groups and between groups, and a correlation analysis between BES and physical fitness parameters was performed. After the training, the YG presented significant improvements in BES (- 20.25%, p = 0.006, ηp2 = 0.408), fat mass (FM, - 3.13%, p = 0.033, ηp2 = 0.269), and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max, 11.51%, p = 0.000, ηp2 = 0.601), whereas the HIIT showed significant improvements in body weight (BW, - 1.78%, p = 0.006, ηp2 = 0.433), FM (- 3.94%, p = 0.033, ηp2 = 0.285), and BMI (- 1.80%, p = 0.006, ηp2 = 0.428), but not in BES. Comparisons between groups revealed that both HIIT and YG had significantly higher VO2max levels than CG (HIIT 12.82%, p = 0.006, ηp2 = 0.088; YG: 11.90%, p = 0.009, ηp2 = 0.088) with no difference between HIIT and YG. Additionally, YG presented significantly lower BES than both HIIT (15.45%, p = 0.02, ηp2 = 0.03) and CG (11.91%, p = 0.022, ηp2 = 0.03). In conclusion, Yoga is an effective treatment for BED, but HIIT is not, despite its high efficacy in improving physical fitness.

Botanical Bioflavonoid Composition from Scutellaria baicalensis- and Acacia catechu-Protected Mice against D-Galactose-Induced Immunosenescence, and Cyclophosphamide Induced Immune Suppression.

Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation create a perpetual cycle in the elderly, where impaired immune function amplifies susceptibility to oxidative damage, and oxidative stress further weakens the immune response. This cycle is particularly detrimental to the respiratory system of the elderly, which is an easy target for constant exogenous harmful attacks during cold/flu season or under heavy air pollution. Herbal medicines that protect respiratory function are seen as safer alternatives to conventional therapies; however, there is limited availability of scientifically validated, safe, and effective natural supplements for these conditions. In this study, we evaluated a standardized bioflavonoid composition, UP446, that contains bioactives from the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis and the heartwoods of Acacia catechu as a natural and nutritional supplement for its antioxidative and immunoregulatory effects in oxidative stress-accelerated aging and chemically induced immune suppression mouse models. Immunosenescence was induced through the repeated subcutaneous inoculation of D-galactose (D-Gal) at a dose of 500 mg/kg/day in CD-1 mice. UP446 was administered orally at doses of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg starting in the fifth week of immunosenescence induction. This study lasted a total of ten weeks. All mice received a quadrivalent influenza vaccine 2 weeks before termination. Whole blood, serum, spleen homogenate, and thymus tissues were processed for analysis. Cyclophosphamide (Cy)-induced immunosuppression was triggered by three consecutive injections of cyclophosphamide at 80 mg/kg/day, followed by the oral administration of UP446 for 18 days at doses of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg. Blood was collected from each animal at necropsy, and serum was isolated for IgA and IgG ELISA analysis. UP446 was found to improve immune response, as evidenced by the stimulation of innate (NK cells) and adaptive immune responses (T cells and cytotoxic T cells), an increase in antioxidant capacity (glutathione peroxidase), the preservation of vital immune organs (the thymus), and a reduction in NFκB. UP446 also increased serum levels of IgA and IgG. The findings presented in this report demonstrate the antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and immune-regulatory activities of UP446, suggesting its potential use in respiratory conditions involving immune stress due to aging, oxidative stress, and/or pathogenic challenges.

A Psychometric Evaluation of the Revised Version of the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale in Chinese Adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Adolescent-specific ADHD self-report screening measures can greatly increase the likelihood of correct diagnosis and timely treatment of ADHD in adolescents. This study provides preliminary evidence for evaluating the reliability and validity of the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale-Revised (ASRS-R) in a school-based sample of Chinese adolescents. METHODS: The ASRS-R and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) were administered to 867 adolescents aged 12 to 16 years (Mage = 13.08 years). Construct validity was assessed using correlation analysis of the ASRS-R with the SDQ. Moreover, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), internal consistency, retest reliability, and measurement invariance of the scales were examined by gender. RESULTS: CFA showed a two-dimensional factor structure of the ASRS-R, and the model fitted the data well (χ2/df = 4.370, RMSEA = 0.062, TLI = 0.932, CFI = 0.940, GFI = 0.927, AGFI = 0.907, and SRMR = 0.038). The ASRS-R scale was invariant across gender and had satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = .934) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = .874). The construct validity, as calculated using the SDQ, was also acceptable. CONCLUSION: The ASRS-R can be a psychometrically reliable self-report instrument and provide preliminary support as a simple tool for identifying ADHD symptoms in Chinese adolescents. The findings provide evidence for extending the application of the ASRS, previously limited to adults, to the adolescent populations.

Dose escalation in radical radio(chemo)therapy for cervical and upper thoracic esophageal cancer with 3DCRT/IMRT (ChC&UES): a multicenter retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Cervical and upper thoracic esophageal cancer (ESCA) presents treatment challenges due to limited clinical evidence. This multi-center study (ChC&UES) explores radical radio(chemo)therapy efficacy and safety, especially focusing on radiation dose. METHOD: We retrospectively analyzed clinical data from 1,422 cases across 8 medical centers. According to the radiation dose for primary gross tumor, patients were divided into standard dose radiotherapy (SD, 50-55 Gy) or high dose (HD, > 55 Gy) radiotherapy. HD was further subdivided into conventional- high-dose group (HD-conventional, 55-63 Gy) and ultra-high-dose group (HD-ultra, ≥ 63 Gy). Primary outcome was Overall Survival (OS). RESULTS: The median OS was 33.0 months (95% CI: 29.401-36.521) in the whole cohort. Compared with SD, HD shown significant improved survival in cervical ESCA in Kaplan-Meier (P = 0.029) and cox multivariate regression analysis (P = 0.024) while shown comparable survival in upper thoracic ESCA (P = 0.735). No significant difference existed between HD-conventional and HD-ultra in cervical (P = 0.976) and upper thoracic (P = 0.610) ESCA. Incidences of radiation esophagitis and pneumonia from HD were comparable to SD (P = 0.097, 0.240), while myosuppression risk was higher(P = 0.039). The Bonferroni method revealed that, for both cervical and upper thoracic ESCA, HD-ultra enhance the objective response rate (ORR) compared to SD (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: HD radiotherapy benefits cervical but not upper thoracic ESCA, while increasing bone marrow suppression risk. Further dose escalating (≥ 63 Gy) doesn't improve survival but enhances ORR.

[Comparative study of total knee arthroplasty assisted by robot and remote sensing navigation system].

OBJECTIVE: To compare clinical efficacy of robot-assisted (RA) and remote sensing navigation alignment (RSNA) system-assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: From March 2023 to June 2023, 60 patients who underwent the first unilateral TKA due to severe knee osteoarthritis (KOA) were admitted and divided into RSNA group and RA group according to different treatment methods, with 30 patients in each group. There were 5 males and 25 females in RSNA group, aged from 56 to 81 years old with an average of(66.33±7.16) years old;body mass index(BMI) ranged from 19.87 to 38.54 kg·m-2 with an average of (28.40±6.18) kg·m-2;the courses of disease ranged from 5 to 36 months with an average of (18.20±8.98) months; RSNA system was used to assist the positioning of osteotomy. There were 7 males and 23 females in RA group, aged from 55 to 82 years old with an average of (67.83±8.61) years old;BMI ranged from 19.67 to 37.25 kg·m-2 with an average of (28.01±4.89) kg·m-2; the courses of disease ranged from 3 to 33 months with an average of (17.93±9.20) months;RA was performed. Operation time, incision length, latent blood loss at 2 weeks after operation and incidence of lower extremity thrombosis were compared between two groups. Hip-knee ankle angle (HKAA), HKAA deviation, lateral distal femoral angle ( LDFA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) and posterior tibial slope (PTS) were compared between two groups;Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Knee Society score (KSS) were used to evaluate functional recovery before operation, 3 and 6 months after operation. RESULTS: The operation was performed successfully in both groups, and there were no serious complications such as vascular and nerve injury during operation. The wound healed well at stageⅠafter operation, and the follow-up time was 6 months. The operation time, latent blood loss at 2 weeks after operation and incision length in RSNA group were (94.35±5.75) min, (130.54±17.53) ml and (14.73±2.14) cm, respectively;while (102.57±6.88) min, (146.33±19.47) ml and (16.78±2.32) cm in RA group, respectively. RSNA group was better than RA group (P<0.05). No deep vein thrombosis occurred in both groups at 2 weeks after operation, 5 patients occurred intermuscular vein thrombosisin in RSNA group and 8 patients in RA group, the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). In RSNA group, HKAA, LDFA and MPTA were (173.00±5.54) °, (86.96±3.45) °, (82.79±3.35) ° before operation, and (178.34±1.85) °, (89.92±0.42) °, (89.84±0.73) ° at 1 week after operation, respectively. In RA group, HKAA, LDFA and MPTA were (173.31±6.48) °, (87.15±3.40) ° and (82.99±3.05) ° before operation, and (178.52±1.79) °, (90.03±0.39) ° and (90.15±0.47) ° at 1 week after operation, respectively. HKAA, LDFA and MPTA were significantly improved in both groups at 1 week after operation (P<0.05). There were no significant difference in HKAA, LDFA, MPTA and PTS between two groups before operation and 1 week after operation (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in deviation distribution of HKAA at 1 week after operation (χ2=2.611, P=0.456). There were no significant difference in WOMAC and KSS between two groups before operation, 3 and 6 months after operation (P>0.05), and postoperative WOMAC and KSS at 3 and 6 months between two groups were improved compared with those before operation (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Both RA and RSNA system assisted TKA could obtain accurate osteotomy, RA has higher surgical accuracy, RSNA system assisted operation has less trauma, and operation is simpler.

[Application of remote sensing navigation system in total knee arthroplasty].

OBJECTIVE: To explore clinical accuracy of remote sensing navigation alignment (RSNA) system in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and its influence on postoperative clinical efficacy. METHODS: From May 2021 to May 2022, 60 knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients with Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grade Ⅲ to Ⅳ treated by unilateral primary TKA were selected and divided into RSNA group and traditional operation group according to treatment methods, and 30 patients in each group. There were 6 males and 24 females in RSNA group, aged from 55 to 86 years old with an average of (68.06±8.23) years old;body mass index (BMI) ranged from 22.15 to 34.58 kg·m-2 with an average of (28.20±3.01) kg·m-2;the courses of disease ranged from 2 to 60 months with an average of (18.80±14.80) months;13 patients with grade Ⅲ and 17 patients with grade Ⅳ according to K-L grading. In traditional operation group, there were 8 males and 22 females, aged from 57 to 85 years old with an average of (67.26±6.32) years old;BMI ranged from 23.94 to 34.55 kg·m-2 with an average of (27.49±2.32) kg·m-2;the courses of disease ranged from 3 to 60 months with an average of (21.30±16.44) months;14 patients with grade Ⅲ and 16 patients with grade Ⅳ according to K-L grading. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) osteoarthritis index and Knee Society score(KSS) were used to evaluate functional recovery of patients. Hip-knee-ankle angle (HKAA), distal femoral valgus angle (FVA) and distal fermoral flexion angle (DFFA) were measured before operation. HKAA and HKAA deviation angle were measured at 1 week after operation, and defective rate of lower limb force line, femur prosthesis valgus angle (FPVA) and femoral prosthesis flexion angle (FPFA), respectively, were calculated. RESULTS: There were no serious complications such as vascular and nerve injury during operation, and wound healed at stage Ⅰ. Both groups were followed up for 6 months. There were no significant difference in WOMAC index, KSS, HKAA, FVA and DFFA between two groups before operation (P>0.05). The force line defect rate, HKAA, HKAA deviation angle, FPVA deviation angle and FPFA of RSNA group were 6.7%, (178.74±1.56) °, (1.25±1.56) °, (1.84±0.16) ° and (4.85±2.46) °, respectively;while in traditional operation group were 20%, (176.73±3.46) °, (3.27±3.46) °, (2.44±0.26) °, (6.60±1.86) °;the difference between two groups were statistically significant (P<0.05). There were no significant difference in WOMAC index and KSS between two groups at 3 and 6 months after operation (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: RSNA system could reduce defective rate of lower limb force line, FPVA deviation angle and FPFA after TKA, which is more accurate and easy to operate than traditional intramedullary localization surgery while ensuring postoperative efficacy.

Application of Indoor Positioning Systems in Nursing Homes: Enhancing Resident Safety and Staff Efficiency.

Providing a safe and secure living environment for residents that is supported by a dedicated healthcare team is one of the core values of nursing homes. Nursing homes must protect residents from the risk of going missing, track quarantined residents and visitors to control the spread of infection, and maintain proactive nursing rounds. However, recruiting and retaining qualified caregivers and medical staff has long been a challenge. Therefore, using advanced technology to ensure the safety and security of residents is highly desirable. In this work, we first demonstrate the applicability of indoor tracking applications in a nursing home, such as resident and asset tracking, nursing assistant management, visitor tracking, infection control, and vital-sign monitoring. To monitor the locations of residents and staff, Bluetooth tags were used, providing real-time data for location tracking. We then conduct a series of quantitative analyses to illustrate how indoor tracking data can support the management of nursing homes, including characterizing residents' activities in daily living and assessing the performance and workload of nursing assistants. Finally, we use qualitative research to evaluate the acceptability of an indoor positioning system in the nursing home. The results show that the implemented indoor positioning applications can improve the quality of healthcare and working efficiency, thereby providing a safer and more secure living environment for residents.

Dietary curcumin alleviates intestinal damage induced by ochratoxin A in juvenile grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella): Necroptosis and inflammatory responses.

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is one of the most common pollutants in aquatic feed. As a first line of defense, intestinal barriers could be utilized against OTA in order to prevent disorders. Natural product supplementation is one of the most popular strategies to alleviate toxicity induced by mycotoxins, but there is a lack of knowledge about how it functions in the teleost intestine. In this study, 720 juvenile grass carp of about 11 g were selected and four treatment groups (control group, OTA group, curcumin [Cur] group, and OTA + Cur group) were set up to conduct a 60-day growth test. After the test, the growth performance and intestinal health related indexes of grass carp were investigated. The addition of dietary Cur could have the following main results: (1) inhibit absorption and promote efflux transporters mRNA expression, reducing the residuals of OTA, (2) decrease oxidative stress by reducing oxidative damage and enhancing the expression of antioxidant enzymes, (3) promote mitochondrial fusion proteins to inhibit the expression of mitotic proteins and mitochondrial autophagy proteins and enhance mitochondrial function, (4) reduce necroptosis-related gene expression through inhibiting the tumor necrotic factor receptor-interacting protein kinase/mixed lineage kinase domain-like pathway, (5) reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory factors by inhibiting the Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway to alleviate the intestinal inflammatory response. In summary, the results suggested that Cur could alleviate OTA-induced intestinal damage by enhancing antioxidant capacity and mitochondrial function as well as reducing necroptosis and inflammation in the grass carp intestine. This study provided a theoretical basis and production implications for dietary Cur that could improve growth performance and alleviate the intestinal damage induced by OTA in fish.

Prevalence and Antibiotic Resistance Patterns of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a Hospital Setting: A Retrospective Study from 2018 to 2022.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a highly infectious pathogen that poses a serious threat to human life and health. This study aimed to provide a scientific basis for the rational clinical use of antimicrobial drugs for treating MRSA infections and inform the development of preventive and control measures by analyzing the clinical distribution and resistance characteristics of MRSA in a hospital in Hebei China. To accomplish this, bacterial identification and drug sensitivity experiments were performed with 1858 Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) strains collected from a hospital from January 2018 to December 2022 using a phoenixTM-100 bacterial identification drug sensitivity analyzer. The experimental data were analyzed using WHONET 5.6 software, and the MRSA strains detected were analyzed for their clinical distribution and drug resistance. Of the 1858 S. aureus strains isolated, 429 were MRSA. Sputum samples had the highest MRSA detection rates (52.45%). Critical care medicine had the highest rate of MRSA (12.59%), followed by dermatology (9.79%). MRSA resistance to tetracycline increased by 13.9% over 5 years; resistance to quinupristin/dalfopristin also increased but remained low (1.9%). Resistance decreased to gentamicin, rifampicin, ciprofloxacin, and cotrimoxazole, though most significantly to erythromycin and clindamycin, exceeding 77% and 83%, respectively. No strains were resistant to vancomycin, teicoplanin, or linezolid, and drug resistance was most prevalent in patients ≥ 60 years old. This study will aid in improving the diagnosis and treatment of MRSA infections.

[Guidelines for traditional dietary care in autumn and winter].

The National Nutrition Plan(2017-2030) and the Healthy China Action Plan(2019-2030) propose to vigorously develop traditional dietary care services, fully leverage the role of traditional dietary care in modern nutrition, and guide citizens to develop dietary habits that are in line with the dietary characteristics of different regions in China. Traditional dietary care has a long history in China and is one of the brilliant treasures of Chinese cuisine and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) culture. It has played an important role in disease prevention, treatment, and health preservation and longevity. To promote the traditional culture of TCM, and guide and standardize the application and promotion of dietary care, it is necessary to develop a dietary care guideline with TCM characteristics. Based on the theories and practices of TCM, the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences(CACMS) has developed this guideline, which is tailored to local conditions and combined with modern nutrition, and targets people with different physical constitutions. According to the principles of dialectical diet, tailored to people, times, and local conditions, reinforcing healthy qi, correction, the combination of meat and vegetables, and the combination of four qi and five flavors, suitable ingredients are recommended(including TCM materials that are both food and medicinal materials). By promoting the popularization and development of traditional dietary care, this guideline contributes to integrating the strength of TCM into a unique nutritional and health model with Chinese characteristics.

Huperziacrassifolia (Lycopodiaceae), a new species from China based on morphological characters and molecular evidence.

A new species of the firmoss from China, Huperziacrassifolia sp. nov., is described and illustrated based on morphological characters and molecular evidence. The new species resembles species associated with the H.javanica complex, in particular H.javanica based on leaf shape and serrations, but can be easily distinguished by elliptic lanceolate and thick coriaceous leaves, well differentiated seasonal constriction zones, and reflexed leaf margins when get dried. Phylogenomic reconstruction using whole chloroplast genome sequences recovered H.crassifolia as sister to H.sutchueniana and only distantly related to morphological similar species H.javanica, H.nanlingensis, and H.serrata. The genome size 2C = 17.2 pg indicated the new species to be a tetraploid, whereas diploid H.javanica had a genome size of 8.7 pg. Morphological characters, distribution, and conservation status of the new species are also presented.

Sesquiterpenoids from the roots and rhizomes of Valeriana officinalis var. latifolia.

The genus Valeriana is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat nervous disorders, sleep disorders, epilepsy and skin diseases. A large number of sesquiterpenoids from this genus have been found to exhibit anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, anti-influenza virus and neuroprotective activities. In order to discover more sesquiterpenoids with structural diversity and bioactivity from Valeriana plants, fifteen sesquiterpenoids, including ten undescribed ones, valernaenes A-J (1, 5-7, 9-11 and 13-15), were isolated from the roots and rhizomes of Valeriana officinalis var. latifolia. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic techniques (1D, 2D NMR and HRESIMS) and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculation. Structurally, valernaenes C (6) and D (7) were two caryophyllane-type norsesquiterpenoids. In addition, valernaenes A (1) and F (10) exhibited anti-influenza virus activity with EC50 values of 38.76 ± 1.44 and 23.01 ± 4.89 µM, respectively. Furthermore, caryophyllenol A (2) showed promoting effect on nerve growth factor (NGF)-mediated neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells with differentiation rate of 12.26% at a concentration of 10 µM. This study not only enriched the structural diversity of sesquiterpenoids in the genus Valeriana, but also provided theoretical basis for the discovery of anti-influenza virus and neuroprotective agents from this genus.

Efficacy and Safety of Pioglitazone/Metformin Fixed-Dose Combination Versus Uptitrated Metformin in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes without Adequate Glycemic Control: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: We aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pioglitazone/metformin fixed-dose combination (FDC) versus uptitrated metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) without adequate glycemic control. METHODS: A total of 304 patients were recruited from 15 hospitals in China and randomly assigned (1:1) to the test group (pioglitazone/metformin FDC, 15/500 mg) or the control group (uptitrated metformin, 2000-2500 mg/day). The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≤ 6.5% and ≤ 7.0% at week 16. The secondary outcomes included the change from baseline in glucose, serum lipids, and liver function. Full analysis set (FAS) and per-protocol set (PPS) were used for analyses. RESULTS: In the test group, 103 (69.59%) patients reached HbA1c ≤ 7.0% (FAS, P = 0.009), with 68 (45.95%) patients achieved HbA1c ≤ 6.5 (FAS, P = 0.043). More reduction in HbA1c, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, and diastolic pressure was found. Bodyweight, body mass index, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased markedly. The changes of triglycerides, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein decreased noticeably. There were no significant differences in rates of adverse events between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Pioglitazone/metformin FDC was superior to uptitrated metformin among patients with T2DM without adequate glycemic control. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: This trial is registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1900028606).