Combination of Lactiplantibacillus Plantarum ELF051 and Astragalus Polysaccharides Improves Intestinal Barrier Function and Gut Microbiota Profiles in Mice with Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the improvement of the intestinal barrier and gut microbiota in mice with antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) using Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ELF051 combined with Astragalus polysaccharides. The amoxicillin, clindamycin, and streptomycin triple-mixed antibiotic-induced AAD models were administered with L. plantarum ELF051 or Astragalus polysaccharides or L. plantarum ELF051 + Astragalus polysaccharides for 14 days. Our findings revealed that the combination of L. plantarum ELF051 and Astragalus polysaccharides elevated the number of goblet cells and enhanced the proportion of mucous within the colon tissue. Furthermore, the expression of sIgA and IgG were upregulated, while the levels of IL-17A, IL-4, DAO, D-LA, LPS, and TGF-ß1 were downregulated. L. plantarum ELF051 combined with Astragalus polysaccharides elevated the expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins, facilitating intestinal mucosal repair via Smad signaling nodes. Furthermore, their combination effectively increased the relative abundance of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and Allobaculum, and decreased the relative abundance of Bacteroides and Blautia. Spearman rank correlation analysis demonstrated that LAB were closely related to permeability factors, immune factors, and indicators of intestinal barrier function. In summary, the effect of combining L. plantarum ELF051 and Astragalus polysaccharides on AAD mice was achieved by enhancing intestinal barrier function and regulating the composition of the gut microbiota.

Analysis of Brain Protein Stability Changes in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease.

The stability of proteins from rates of oxidation (SPROX), thermal proteome profiling (TPP), and limited proteolysis (LiP) techniques were used to profile the stability of ∼2500 proteins in hippocampus tissue cell lysates from 2- and 8-months-old wild-type (C57BL/6J; n = 7) and transgenic (5XFAD; n = 7) mice with five Alzheimer's disease (AD)-linked mutations. Approximately 200-500 protein hits with AD-related stability changes were detected by each technique at each age point. The hit overlap from technique to technique was low, and all of the techniques generated protein hits that were more numerous and largely different from those identified in protein expression level analyses, which were also performed here. The hit proteins identified by each technique were enriched in a number of the same pathways and biological processes, many with known connections to AD. The protein stability hits included 25 high-value conformation biomarkers with AD-related stability changes detected using at least 2 techniques at both age points. Also discovered were subunit- and age-specific AD-related stability changes in the proteasome, which had reduced function at both age points. The different folding stability profiles of the proteasome at the two age points are consistent with a different mechanism for proteasome dysfunction at the early and late stages of AD.

Enhanced Harmonic Partitioned Scheduling of Periodic Real-Time Tasks Based on Slack Analysis.

The adoption of multiprocessor platforms is growing commonplace in Internet of Things (IoT) applications to handle large volumes of sensor data while maintaining real-time performance at a reasonable cost and with low power consumption. Partitioned scheduling is a competitive approach to ensure the temporal constraints of real-time sensor data processing tasks on multiprocessor platforms. However, the problem of partitioning real-time sensor data processing tasks to individual processors is strongly NP-hard, making it crucial to develop efficient partitioning heuristics to achieve high real-time performance. This paper presents an enhanced harmonic partitioned multiprocessor scheduling method for periodic real-time sensor data processing tasks to improve system utilization over the state of the art. Specifically, we introduce a general harmonic index to effectively quantify the harmonicity of a periodic real-time task set. This index is derived by analyzing the variance between the worst-case slack time and the best-case slack time for the lowest-priority task in the task set. Leveraging this harmonic index, we propose two efficient partitioned scheduling methods to optimize the system utilization via strategically allocating the workload among processors by leveraging the task harmonic relationship. Experiments with randomly synthesized task sets demonstrate that our methods significantly surpass existing approaches in terms of schedulability.

Variations in water use strategies of Tamarix ramosissima at coppice dunes along a precipitation gradient in desert regions of northwest China.

Introduction: The precipitation pattern has changed significantly in arid desert areas, yet it is not clear how the water use strategies of Tamarix ramosissima Ledeb. on coppice dunes along a natural precipitation gradient are affected. Methods: In this study, the hydrogen and oxygen isotope compositions of xylem water, soil water, precipitation, and groundwater were measured by stable isotope techniques in Huocheng, Mosuowan, and Tazhong. Additionally, the water use strategies of natural precipitation gradient were investigated in conjunction with the MixSIAR model. Results: The results indicated that the water sources of T. ramosissima exhibited significant variation from semi-arid to hyper-arid areas. In semi-arid areas, T. ramosissima mainly absorbed shallow, shallow-middle, and middle soil water; however, T. ramosissima shifted its primary water sources to middle and deep soil water in arid areas. In hyper-arid areas, it mainly utilized deep soil water and groundwater. In contrast, the water source contribution rate of T. ramosissima exhibited relative uniformity across each layer in an arid area. Notably, in hyper-arid areas, the proportion of groundwater by T. ramosissima was significantly high, reaching 60.2%. This is due to the relatively shallow groundwater supplementing the deep soil water content in the area. In conclusion, the proportion of shallow soil water decreased by 14.7% for T. ramosissima from semi-arid to hyper-arid areas, illustrating the occurrence of a gradual shift in potential water sources utilized by T. ramosissima from shallow to deep soil water and groundwater. Discussion: Therefore, T. ramosissima on coppice dunes shows flexible water use strategies in relation to precipitation and groundwater, reflecting its strong environmental adaptability. The findings hold significant implications for the conservation of water resources and vegetation restoration in arid areas.

Identifying factors influencing local governments' adoption of comprehensive smoke-free policies: an event history analysis based on panel data from 36 key cities in China (2013-2021).

Introduction: The issue of tobacco control remains a significant concern for public health worldwide. In recent years, remarkable progress has been made toward adopting smoke-free measures in indoor public places. Although China has yet to introduce a national regulation, specifically for smoke-free public places, more than a dozen cities have successively approved and implemented comprehensive smoke-free regulations. Different cities in China have diverse attitudes and behaviors toward smoke-free policies; however, the reasons for these policy differences and the influencing factors have not received sufficient attention and research. Methods: On the basis of the multiple streams framework, this study selects 36 key Chinese cities as research samples and uses a directed dyad-year event history analysis method to analyze the factors influencing the implementation of comprehensive smoke-free policies in cities. Results: Results show that the adoption of such policies is positively influenced by scientific evidence, focal events, media coverage, institutional foundations, economic comparisons, and the influence of health departments and of tobacco control groups. By contrast, policy adoption is negatively affected by the differences in administrative levels, central policy signals, and the influence of the tobacco industry. Discussion: This study contributes to understanding the internal logic behind local governments' adoption of comprehensive smoke-free policies, offering insights for further advocacy at the city and national levels in China and providing experiences that can promote the global tobacco control movement.

A Potential Role for MAGI-1 in the Bi-Directional Relationship Between Major Depressive Disorder and Cardiovascular Disease.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is characterized by persistent symptoms such as fatigue, loss of interest in activities, feelings of sadness and worthlessness. MDD often coexist with cardiovascular disease (CVD), yet the precise link between these conditions remains unclear. This review explores factors underlying the development of MDD and CVD, including genetic, epigenetic, platelet activation, inflammation, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation, endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption. RECENT FINDINGS: Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the membrane-associated guanylate kinase WW and PDZ domain-containing protein 1 (MAGI-1) are associated with neuroticism and psychiatric disorders including MDD. SNPs in MAGI-1 are also linked to chronic inflammatory disorders such as spontaneous glomerulosclerosis, celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease. Increased MAGI-1 expression has been observed in colonic epithelial samples from Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis patients. MAGI-1 also plays a role in regulating EC activation and atherogenesis in mice and is essential for Influenza A virus (IAV) infection, endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced EC apoptosis, and thrombin-induced EC permeability. Despite being understudied in human disease; evidence suggests that MAGI-1 may play a role in linking CVD and MDD. Therefore, further investigation of MAG-1 could be warranted to elucidate its potential involvement in these conditions.

Benzothiadiazole-Based Ordered Mesoporous Polymer as a Versatile, Metal-Free Heterogeneous Photocatalyst.

Visible-light active heterogeneous organophotocatalysts have recently gained considerable interest in organic synthetic community. Ordered mesoporous polymers (OMPs) are highly promising as heterogeneous alternative to traditional precious metal/organic dyes-based photocatalysts. Herein, we report the preparation of a benzothiadiazole functionalized OMPs (BT-MPs) through a "bottom-up" strategy. High ordered periodic porosity, large surface area, excellent stability and rational energy-band structures guarantee the high catalytic activity of BT-MPs. As a result, at least six conversions, e. g., the [3+2] cycloaddition of phenols with olefins, the selective oxidation of sulfides, the C-3 thiocyanation of indole and the aminothiocyanation of ß-keto ester, could be promoted smoothly by BT-MPs. In addition, BT-MPs was readily recovered with well maintaining its photocatalytic activity and could be reused for at least eight times. This study highlights the potential of exploiting photoactive OMPs as recyclable, robust and metal-free heterogeneous photocatalysts.

Conversion of notoginsenoside R1 to 3ß,12ß-dihydroxydammar-(E)-20(22),24-diene-6-O-ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→2)-ß-D-glucopyranoside by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum S165 enhanced protective effects of LPS-induced intestinal epithelial barrier injury in Caco-2 cells.

AIMS: Microbial transformation to modify saponins and enhance their biological activities has received increasing attention in recent years. This study aimed to screen the strain that can biotransform notoginsenoside R1, identify the product and study its biological activity. METHODS AND RESULTS: A lactic acid bacteria strain S165 with glycosidase-producing activity was isolated from traditional Chinese fermented foods, which was identified and grouped according to API 50 CHL kit and 16S rDNA sequence analysis. Subsequently, notoginsenoside R1 underwent a 30-day fermentation period by the strain S165, and the resulting products were analyzed using High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC)-mass spectrometry (MS)/MS, and 13C-Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques. Employing a model of Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced damage to Caco-2 cells, the damage of Caco-2 cells was detected by Hoechst 33 258 staining, and the activity of notoginsenoside R1 biotransformation product was investigated by CCK-8 and western blotting assay. The strain S165 was identified as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and was used to biotransform notoginsenoside R1. Through a 30-day biotransformation, L. plantarum S165 predominantly converts notoginsenoside R1 into 3ß,12ß-dihydroxydammar-(E)-20(22),24-diene-6-O-ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→2)-ß-D-glucopyranoside, temporarily named notoginsenoside T6 (NGT6) according to HPLC, UPLC-MS/MS, and 13C-NMR analysis. Results from CCK-8 and Hoechst 33258 staining indicated that the ability notoginsenoside T6 to alleviate the intestinal injury induced by LPS in the Caco-2 cell was stronger than that of notoginsenoside R1. In addition, Western blotting result showed that notoginsenoside T6 could prevent intestinal injury by protecting tight junction proteins (Claudin-1, Occludin, and ZO-1). CONCLUSION: Notoginsenoside R1 was biotransformed into the notoginsenoside T6 by L. plantarum S165, and the biotransformed product showed an enhanced intestinal protective effect in vitro.

Assessment of site suitability for centralized photovoltaic power stations in Northwest China's six provinces.

Northwest China has abundant solar energy resources and extensive land, making it a pivotal site for solar energy development. However, restrictions on site selection and severe weather conditions have hindered the establishment and operation of photovoltaic (PV) power stations. Previous studies have not considered meteorological factors when evaluating site suitability, leading to research gaps in identifying suitable areas and establishing indicator systems. We aimed to address these gaps by considering seven factors constraining the construction of centralized PV power stations (CPPS) and developing an indicator system based on terrain, climate, soil, and economic factors. Furthermore, we conducted analyses to quantify the solar energy generation potential (SEGP), carbon emissions reduction benefits, and land utilization potential at different sites. The findings indicate that areas rated as very suitable and extremely suitable comprised the largest proportion (62.35%) of site suitability. The correlation between site suitability and electricity consumption was largely non-significant, highlighting the need for enhanced coordination. Additionally, we forecast the electricity consumption in Xinjiang, Gansu, Inner Mongolia, Qinghai, Ningxia, and Shaanxi for 2030 to be 56.62, 19.86, 54.54, 13.59, 15.96, and 33.34 ( × 1011 kWh), respectively, with corresponding carbon emissions reduction potentials of 20.2, 7.1, 19.4, 4.8, 5.7, and 11.9 ( × 109 kg). Consequently, PV carbon reduction and land utilization potential are substantial.

Notoginsenoside R1 Ameliorate High-Fat-Diet and Vitamin D3-Induced Atherosclerosis via Alleviating Inflammatory Response, Inhibiting Endothelial Dysfunction, and Regulating Gut Microbiota.

Aim: Natural medicines possess significant research and application value in the field of atherosclerosis (AS) treatment. The study was performed to investigate the impacts of a natural drug component, notoginsenoside R1, on the development of atherosclerosis (AS) and the potential mechanisms. Methods: Rats induced with AS by a high-fat-diet and vitamin D3 were treated with notoginsenoside R1 for six weeks. The ameliorative effect of NR1 on AS rats was assessed by detecting pathological changes in the abdominal aorta, biochemical indices in serum and protein expression in the abdominal aorta, as well as by analysing the gut microbiota. Results: The NR1 group exhibited a noticeable reduction in plaque pathology. Notoginsenoside R1 can significantly improve serum lipid profiles, encompassing TG, TC, LDL, ox-LDL, and HDL. Simultaneously, IL-6, IL-33, TNF-α, and IL-1ß levels are decreased by notoginsenoside R1 in lowering inflammatory elements. Notoginsenoside R1 can suppress the secretion of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1, as well as enhance the levels of plasma NO and eNOS. Furthermore, notoginsenoside R1 inhibits the NLRP3/Cleaved Caspase-1/IL-1ß inflammatory pathway and reduces the expression of the JNK2/P38 MAPK/VEGF endothelial damage pathway. Fecal analysis showed that notoginsenoside R1 remodeled the gut microbiota of AS rats by decreasing the count of pathogenic bacteria (such as Firmicutes and Proteobacteria) and increasing the quantity of probiotic bacteria (such as Bacteroidetes). Conclusion: Notoginsenoside R1, due to its unique anti-inflammatory properties, may potentially prevent the progression of atherosclerosis. This mechanism helps protect the vascular endothelium from damage, while also regulating the imbalance of intestinal microbiota, thereby maintaining the overall health of the body.