Investigating the regulatory effect of Shen Qi Bu Qi powder on the gastrointestinal flora and serum metabolites in calves.

Object: To investigate the effects of Shen Qi Bu Qi Powder (SQBQP) on the average daily gain, blood indexes, gastrointestinal microflora, and serum metabolites of calves. Methods: A total of 105 calves were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 35 per group): the control group (C, fed with a basal diet for 21 days) and two treatment groups (SQBQP-L and SQBQP-H, fed with the basal diet supplemented with 15 and 30 g/kg of SQBQP), respectively for 21 days. The active components of SQBQP were identified using LC-MS/MS. Serum digestive enzymes and antioxidant indices were determined by ELISA kits and biochemical kits, respectively. Serum differential metabolites were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), while flora in rumen fluid and fecal were analyzed by 16S rDNA sequencing. Further correlation analysis of gastrointestinal flora and serum metabolites of SQBQP-H and C groups were performed with Spearman's correlation. Results: The principal active components of SQBQP mainly includes polysaccharides, flavonoids, and organic acids. Compared to the control group (C), calves in the SQBQP-H (high dose) and SQBQP-L (low dose) groups showed a significant increase in serum amylase (AMS) levels (P<0.001), while lipase content significantly decreased (P<0.05). Additionally, the average daily gain, T-AOC, and cellulase content of calves in the SQBQP-H group significantly increased (P<0.05). Proteobacteria and Succinivibrio in the rumen flora of the SQBQP-H group was significantly lower than that of the C group (P<0.05). The relative abundance of Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Candidatus_Saccharibacteria, Deinococcus_Thermus, Cyanobacteria, and Succinivibrio in the SQBQP-H group was significantly increased (P<0.05), while the relative abundance of Tenericutes and Oscillibacter was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Serum metabolomics analysis revealed 20 differential metabolites, mainly enriched in amino acid biosynthesis, ß-alanine metabolism, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis metabolic pathways (P<0.05). Correlation analysis results showed that Butyrivibrio in rumen flora and Oscillibacter_valericigenes in intestinal flora were significantly positively correlated with average daily gain, serum biochemical indexes, and differential metabolite (-)-Epigallocatechin (R>0.58, P<0.05). Conclusion: SQBQP can promote calves weight gain and enhance health by modulating gastrointestinal flora and metabolic processes in the body.

Response on root regrowth potential to soil moisture in Sedum species during winter in Særheim, Norway.

Purpose: The impact of winter moisture on root metabolism and root integrity has potential consequences for the geographical distribution of drought-adapted succulent species and for their long-term performance on green roofs. The interacting effects of soil characteristics and precipitation frequency on root mortality under winter conditions and the potential to grow new roots in spring were evaluated for six Sedum species under controlled conditions. Methods: To test for the impact of soil moisture during winter on root regrowth potential in six Sedum species, we used a combination of two substrates with differing water-holding capacity and four contrasting watering regimes. Specially, for the fine and coarse substrates, total pore volume was 42 and 46 %, respectively, and maximum water-holding capacity (i.e. field capacity) was 0.50 and 0.33 kg water per L, respectively. The four watering treatments involved overhead watering to runoff (approx. 10 mm): once every second week, once a week, three times per week and three times per week with 1 cm standing water in trays from January to March 2019. Results: It was found that winter soil moisture had no major impact on root mortality or root regrowth potential in spring. Root mortality was not affected by watering frequency and regrowth potential showed no directional response to increased watering frequency, although species-specific responses were involved. Root diameter did not differ between the substrates, but there were some differences between the species. Sedum rupestre had on average the thickest roots (0.17 mm), followed by S. acre, S. anglicum and S. sexangulare (0.15-0.16 mm), while S. album and S. hispanicum had the thinnest roots (0.12-0.13 mm). Moreover, effects of watering frequency on root mortality and regrowth potential were not influenced by soil water-holding capacity across species. We concluded that winter soil moisture had no negative effects on root performance within the range of treatments tested here. Conclusions: Root response to transient waterlogging or moist but unsaturated soil may not be an important mechanism for determining the survival and distribution of temperate Sedum species during winter.

Improved localization and segmentation of spinal bone metastases in MRI with nnUNet radiomics.

Objective: Variability exists in the subjective delineation of tumor areas in MRI scans of patients with spinal bone metastases. This research aims to investigate the efficacy of the nnUNet radiomics model for automatic segmentation and identification of spinal bone metastases. Methods: A cohort of 118 patients diagnosed with spinal bone metastases at our institution between January 2020 and December 2023 was enrolled. They were randomly divided into a training set (n = 78) and a test set (n = 40). The nnUNet radiomics segmentation model was developed, employing manual delineations of tumor areas by physicians as the reference standard. Both methods were utilized to compute tumor area measurements, and the segmentation performance and consistency of the nnUNet model were assessed. Results: The nnUNet model demonstrated effective localization and segmentation of metastases, including smaller lesions. The Dice coefficients for the training and test sets were 0.926 and 0.824, respectively. Within the test set, the Dice coefficients for lumbar and thoracic vertebrae were 0.838 and 0.785, respectively. Strong linear correlation was observed between the nnUNet model segmentation and physician-delineated tumor areas in 40 patients (R 2 = 0.998, P < 0.001). Conclusions: The nnUNet model exhibits efficacy in automatically localizing and segmenting spinal bone metastases in MRI scans.

Effect of Rosemary on Growth Performance, Meat Quality, Fatty Acid Content, Intestinal Flora, and Antioxidant Capacity of Broilers.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) is a natural spice plant with an aromatic flavor and antioxidant properties that can help enhance the flavor and texture of food, as well as be used as an antioxidant source in pet feed. This study explored the effect of rosemary on the growth performance and antioxidant capacity of broiler chickens. In total, 144 healthy 1-day-old Arbor Acres broilers were randomly divided into four groups: The control group was fed a basic diet, while the positive control group was fed a basic diet supplemented with 30 mg/kg kitasamycin, and the treatment groups were fed a basic diet supplemental with 0.5% rosemary, or 2% rosemary. The average daily feed intake of broilers fed with 0.5% and 2% rosemary in 1-42 days was higher than that in the basal diet group (p < 0.05). The pH was lower in the rosemary groups than in the 30 mg/kg kitasamycin group as measured in the thigh muscle tissue (p < 0.05), and the monounsaturated fatty acid C17:1 heptadecanoic acid content of the 2% rosemary group was higher than that of the other groups (p < 0.05). With 0.5% rosemary supplementation, the activities of the serum and liver antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT) activity and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) increased (p < 0.05); malondialdehyde content decreased (p < 0.05). The serum activities of CAT, total superoxide dismutase, and T-AOC increased with 2% rosemary supplementation (p < 0.05). The relative expression of liver antioxidant genes, the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2, glutathione catalase 1, and superoxide dismutase 1 increased (p < 0.05) with 0.5% rosemary supplementation. The addition of rosemary resulted in higher intestinal lactobacilli counts and lower E. coli counts. In summary, adding 0.5% or 2% rosemary to the diet improved the growth performance of Arbor Acres broilers and increased the number of intestinal probiotics, and supplementing with 0.5% rosemary yielded better results than adding 2% rosemary. This study provides valuable insights into the broader application of plant-derived antioxidants in promoting sustainable and health-focused animal farming practices.

Dynamic Asymmetric Diamination of Allylic Alcohols through Borrowing Hydrogen Catalysis: Diastereo-divergent Synthesis of Tetrahydrobenzodiazepines.

We present herein an unprecedented, catalytic enantioconvergent diamination of racemic allylic alcohols with the construction of two C-N bonds and 1,3-nonadjacent stereocenters. This iridium/chiral phosphoric acid cooperative catalytic system operates through an atom-economical borrowing hydrogen amination/aza-Michael cascade, and converts readily available phenylenediamines and racemic allylic alcohols to 1,5-tetrahydrobenzodiazepines in high enantioselectivity. An intriguing solvent-dependent switch of diastereoselectivity was also observed. Mechanistic studies suggested a dynamic kinetic resolution process involving racemization through a reversible Michael addition, making the last step of asymmetric imine reduction the enantiodetermining step of this cascade process.

Robust fatigue markers obtained from muscle synergy analysis.

This study aimed to utilize the nonnegative matrix factorization (NNMF) algorithm for muscle synergy analysis, extracting synergy structures and muscle weightings and mining biomarkers reflecting changes in muscle fatigue from these synergy structures. A leg press exercise to induce fatigue was performed by 11 participants. Surface electromyography (sEMG) data from seven muscles, electrocardiography (ECG) data, Borg CR-10 scale scores, and the z-axis acceleration of the weight block were simultaneously collected. Three indices were derived from the synergy structures: activation phase difference, coactivation area, and coactivation time. The indicators were further validated for single-leg landing. Differences in heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) were observed across different fatigue levels, with varying degrees of disparity. The median frequency (MDF) exhibited a consistent decline in the primary working muscle groups. Significant differences were noted in activation phase difference, coactivation area, and coactivation time before and after fatigue onset. Moreover, a significant correlation was found between the activation phase difference and the coactivation area with fatigue intensity. The further application of single-leg landing demonstrated the effectiveness of the coactivation area. These indices can serve as biomarkers reflecting simultaneous alterations in the central nervous system and muscle activity post-exertion.

Ginsenosides ameliorates high altitude-induced hypoxia injury in lung and kidney tissues by regulating PHD2/HIF-1α/EPO signaling pathway.

Background: The primary constituent of ginseng, known as ginsenosides (GS), has been scientifically demonstrated to possess anti-fatigue, anti-hypoxia, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. However, the effect and mechanisms of GS on tissue injury induced by high-altitude hypoxia still remain unclear. Aim of the study: This study aims to investigate the protective effect of GS on a high-altitude hypoxia model and explore its mechanism. Materials and methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were placed in a high-altitude simulation chamber for 48 h (equivalent to an altitude of 6,000 m) to establish a high-altitude hypoxia model. We assessed the anti-hypoxic efficacy of GS through blood gas analysis, complete blood count, and hemorheology analysis. We used H&E and hypoxia probe assays to evaluate the protective effect of GS on organ ischemia-induced injury. Further, we used ELISA and qPCR analysis to detect the levels of inflammatory factors and oxidative stress markers. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining were performed to determinate protein expression of hypoxia inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α), erythropoietin (EPO), and prolyl hydroxylase 2 (PHD2). Results: In the survival experiment of anoxic mice, 100 mg/kg of GS had the best anti-anoxic effect. GS slowed down the weight loss rate of rats in hypoxic environment. In the fluorescence detection of hypoxia, GS reduced the fluorescence signal value of lung and kidney tissue and alleviated the hypoxia state of tissue. Meanwhile GS improved blood biochemical and hematological parameters. We also observed that GS treatment significantly decreased oxidative stress damage in lung and kidney tissues. Further, the levels of inflammatory factors, IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α were reduced by GS. Finally, GS regulated the PHD2/HIF-1α/EPO signaling pathway to improve blood viscosity and tissue hyperemia damage. Conclusion: GS could alleviate high-altitude induced lung and kidney damage by reducing the level of inflammation and oxidative stress, improving blood circulation through the PHD2/HIF-1α/EPO pathway.

Application of radioactive iodine-125 microparticles in hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein embolus.

BACKGROUND: Radioactive iodine-125 (125I) microparticle therapy is a new type of internal radiation therapy that has shown unique advantages in the treatment of malignant tumors, especially hepatocellular carcinoma. Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma frequently experience portal vein embolism, which exacerbates the difficulty and complexity of treatment. 125I particles, used in local radiotherapy, can directly act on tumor tissue and reduce damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Through retrospective analysis, this study discussed the efficacy and safety of radioactive 125I particles in portal vein embolization patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in order to provide more powerful evidence supporting clinical treatment. AIM: To investigate the effect of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization combined with portal vein 125I particle implantation in the treatment of primary liver cancer patients with portal vein tumor thrombus and its influence on liver function. METHODS: The clinical data of 96 patients with primary liver cancer combined with portal vein tumor thrombus admitted to our hospital between January 2020 and December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Fifty-two patients received treatment with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and implantation of 125I particles in the portal vein (combination group), while 44 patients received treatment with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization alone (control group). The therapeutic effects on tumor lesions, primary liver cancer, and portal vein tumor embolisms were compared between the two groups. Changes in relevant laboratory indexes before and after treatment were evaluated. The t test was used to compare the measurement data between the two groups, and the χ 2 test was used to compare the counting data between groups. RESULTS: The tumor lesion response rate in the combination group (59.62% vs 38.64%) and the response rate of patients with primary liver cancer complicated with portal vein tumor thrombus (80.77% vs 59.09%) were significantly greater than those in the control group (χ 2 = 4.196, 5.421; P = 0.041, 0.020). At 8 wk after surgery, the serum alpha-fetoprotein, portal vein main diameter, and platelet of the combined group were significantly lower than those of the control group, and the serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and total bilirubin were significantly greater than those of the control group (t = 3.891, 3.291, 2.330, 3.729, 3.582, 4.126; P < 0.05). The serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and total bilirubin levels of the two groups were significantly greater than those of the same group 8 wk after surgery (P < 0.05), and the peripheral blood platelet, alpha-fetoprotein, and main portal vein diameter were significantly less than those of the same group before surgery (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In patients with primary liver cancer and a thrombus in the portal vein, transcatheter arterial chemoembolization plus portal vein 125I implantation is more effective than transcatheter arterial chemoembolization alone. However, during treatment it is crucial to pay attention to liver function injury caused by transcatheter arterial chemoembolization.

Enhanced breast cancer therapy using multifunctional lipid-coated nanoparticles combining curcumin chemotherapy and nitric oxide gas delivery.

The limitations associated with conventional cancer treatment modalities, particularly for breast cancer, underscore the imperative for developing safer and more productive drug delivery systems. A promising strategy that has emerged is the combination of chemotherapy with gas therapy. We synthesized curcumin-loaded amorphous calcium carbonate nanoparticles (Cur-CaCO3) via a gas diffusion reaction in the present study. Subsequently, a "one-step" ethanol injection method was employed to fabricate lipid-coated calcium carbonate nanoparticles (Cur-CaCO3@LA-Lip) loaded with L-arginine, aimed at harnessing the synergistic effects of chemotherapy and nitric oxide to enhance antitumor efficacy. Transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed that Cur-CaCO3@LA-Lip nanoparticles were subspherical with a distinct lipid layer encapsulating the periphery. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry results confirmed the successful synthesis of Cur-CaCO3@LA-Lip. The nanoparticles exhibited significant drug loading capacities of 8.89% for curcumin and 3.1% for L-arginine. In vitro and in vivo assessments demonstrated that Cur-CaCO3@LA-Lip nanoparticles facilitated sustained release of curcumin and exhibited high cellular uptake, substantial tumor accumulation, and excellent biocompatibility. Additionally, the nanoparticles showed robust cytotoxicity and potent antitumor efficacy, suggesting their potential as a formidable candidate for breast cancer therapy.

Vascularized Omentum Lymphatic Transplantation as a Treatment for Chronic Inguinal Ulceration and Lymphedema.

Background: After tumor resection, lymphadenectomy, and radiotherapy, recurrent lymphatic fluid leakage and infection can occur in the inguinal region, contributing to severe localized tissue fibrosis. When wounds form in this region, they tend to heal slowly over extended periods, and no optimal approach for treating these complex wounds has yet been established. Methods: Groin wound debridement and dissection of the vessels in the wound recipient site were performed by the burn surgeon. A general surgeon performed the laparoscopic partial omentum excision. One portion of the omentum was used to fill the large inguinal space, whereas the other portion was laid flat on the wound sites in the groin and anterior perineum to facilitate the restoration of appropriate lymphatic fluid reflux. The vessels of the omentum were microsurgically anastomosed with the vessels in the recipient site. Thin split-thickness slices of skin were then taken from this donor site based on the size of the wound. Results: After the successful establishment of revascularization between the flap and recipient sites, lymphatic fluid leakage was not observed in this patient. No inguinal wounding or lymphatic exudate were evident in the patient during follow-up, and significant improvements in lymphedema of the lower extremities were evident. Conclusions: In this article, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of vascularized omentum lymphatic transplantation. Overall, this procedure represents a promising new approach for the treatment of refractory wounds caused by lymphatic fistulas.

Effect of Different Dietary Iron Contents on Liver Transcriptome Characteristics in Wujin Pigs.

Iron is an important trace element that affects the growth and development of animals and regulates oxygen transport, hematopoiesis, and hypoxia adaptations. Wujin pig has unique hypoxic adaptability and iron homeostasis; however, the specific regulatory mechanisms have rarely been reported. This study randomly divided 18 healthy Wujin piglets into three groups: the control group, supplemented with 100 mg/kg iron (as iron glycinate); the low-iron group, no iron supplementation; and the high-iron group, supplemented with 200 mg/kg iron (as iron glycinate). The pre-feeding period was 5 days, and the formal period was 30 days. Serum was collected from empty stomachs before slaughter and at slaughter to detect changes in the serum iron metabolism parameters. Gene expression in the liver was analyzed via transcriptome analysis to determine the effects of low- and high-iron diets on transcriptome levels. Correlation analysis was performed for apparent serum parameters, and transcriptome sequencing was performed using weighted gene co-expression network analysis to reveal the key pathways underlying hypoxia regulation and iron metabolism. The main results are as follows. (1) Except for the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) content (between the low- and high-iron groups), significant differences were not observed among the serum iron metabolic parameters. The serum HIF-1 content of the low-iron group was significantly higher than that of the high-iron group (p < 0.05). (2) Sequencing analysis of the liver transcriptome revealed 155 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the low-iron and control groups, 229 DEGs between the high-iron and control groups, and 279 DEGs between the low- and high-iron groups. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the HIF-1 and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß) signaling pathways were the key pathways for hypoxia regulation and iron metabolism. Four genes were selected for qPCR validation, and the results were consistent with the transcriptome sequencing data. In summary, the serum iron metabolism parameter results showed that under the influence of low- and high-iron diets, Wujin piglets maintain a steady state of physiological and biochemical indices via complex metabolic regulation of the body, which reflects their stress resistance and adaptability. The transcriptome results revealed the effects of low-iron and high-iron diets on the gene expression level in the liver and showed that the HIF-1 and TGF-ß signaling pathways were key for regulating hypoxia adaptability and iron metabolism homeostasis under low-iron and high-iron diets. Moreover, HIF-1α and HEPC were the key genes. The findings provide a theoretical foundation for exploring the regulatory pathways and characteristics of iron metabolism in Wujin pigs.

Focus on the disruption of networks and system dynamics.

Networks are designed to ensure proper functioning and sustained operability of the underlying systems. However, disruptions are generally unavoidable. Internal interactions and external environmental effects can lead to the removal of nodes or edges, resulting in unexpected collective behavior. For instance, a single failing node or removed edge may trigger a cascading failure in an electric power grid. This Focus Issue delves into recent advances in understanding the impacts of disruptions on networks and their system dynamics. The central theme is the disruption of networks and their dynamics from the perspectives of both data-driven analysis as well as modeling. Topics covered include disruptions in the dynamics of empirical systems such as nuclear reaction networks, infrastructure networks, social networks, epidemics, brain dynamics, and physiology. Emphasis is placed on various phenomena in collective behavior, including critical phase transitions, irregular collective dynamics, complex patterns of synchrony and asynchrony, chimera states, and anomalous oscillations. The tools used for these studies include control theory, diffusion processes, stochastic processes, and network theory. This collection offers an exciting addition to the evolving landscape of network disruption research.

Investigation of canopy interception characteristics in slope protection grasses: A laboratory experiment.

Canopy interception significantly affects hydrological processes such as infiltration, runoff and evapotranspiration. Research on grass canopy interception remains limited, and the experimental methods employed differ substantially. To thoroughly investigate the canopy interception characteristics of grass and clarify the methodological differences, five commonly utilized slope protection grass species in temperate regions were cultivated in a laboratory setting, and their canopy interception characteristics were experimentally investigated using the water-balance method (WBM), the water-wiping method (WWM) and the water-immersion method (WIM), respectively. The results showed that the WBM is more accurate for measuring canopy interception in grass, whereas both the WWM and the WIM underestimate grass canopy interception capacity. The canopy interception capacity measured by the WBM was 1.61-2.09 times higher than that of the WWM and 1.93-3.47 times higher than that of the WIM. Grey correlation analysis of the eight evaluated factors indicated that leaf area is the most influential factor affecting canopy interception in grass, followed by rainfall amount, dry mass, rainfall intensity, canopy projection area, leaf contact angle, fresh weight, and average height. There is a negative power function relationship between the interception ratio and the rainfall amount. With increasing rainfall intensity, the canopy interception capacity initially increases and then decreases, peaking at rainfall intensities of 15 to 20 mm/h. Leaf contact angle is a key quantifiable parameter that explains the differences in canopy interception among different grass species, and the canopy interception per unit leaf area decreases as the leaf contact angle increases. This study demonstrates that the WBM provides the most accurate measurements of grass canopy interception compared to the WWM and WIM, and highlights the leaf contact angle as a key factor in explaining interspecies differences. These findings could enhance the understanding of grass canopy interception and guide the selection of experimental methods.

Pleckstrin-2 Mediates the Activation of AKT in Prostate Cancer and Is Repressed by Androgen Receptor.

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-AKT and androgen receptor (AR) pathways are commonly activated in prostate cancers. Their reciprocal regulation makes advanced prostate cancers difficult to treat. The current study shows that pleckstrin-2 (PLEK2), a proto-oncoprotein involved in the activation and stabilization of AKT, connects these two pathways. Genetic evidence provided herein suggests that Plek2 deficiency largely reverted tumorigenesis in Pten prostate-specific knockout mice and that overexpression of PLEK2 promoted the proliferation and colony formation of prostate cancer cells in vitro. In addition, PLEK2 was negatively regulated by AR, AR transcriptionally repressed PLEK2 through binding to the PLEK2 promoter region, and overexpression of AR reduced PLEK2 expression, which inactivated AKT. Conversely, knockdown of AR in prostate cancer cells increased PLEK2 expression and activated the AKT pathway. This reciprocal inhibitory loop can be pharmacologically targeted using the PLEK2 inhibitor. PLEK2 inhibitor dose-dependently inhibited prostate cancer cell proliferation with the inactivation of AKT. Overall, the current study uncovered a crucial role of PLEK2 in prostate cancer proliferation and provided the rationale for targeting PLEK2 to treat prostate cancers.

Ct-based diagnosis of sarcopenia as a prognostic factor for postoperative mortality after elective open-heart surgery in older patients: a cohort-based systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Cardiac open-heart surgery, which usually involves thoracotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass, is associated with a high incidence of postoperative mortality and adverse events. In recent years, sarcopenia, as a common condition in older patients, has been associated with an increased incidence of adverse prognosis. Methods: We conducted a search of databases including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane, with the search date up to January 1, 2024, to identify all studies related to elective cardiac open-heart surgery in older patients. We used the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach to assess the certainty of evidence. Results: A total of 12 cohort studies were included in this meta-analysis for analysis. This meta-analysis revealed that patients with sarcopenia had a higher risk of postoperative mortality. Furthermore, the total length of hospital stay and ICU stay were longer after surgery. Moreover, there was a higher number of patients requiring further healthcare after discharge. Regarding postoperative complications, sarcopenia patients had an increased risk of developing renal failure and stroke. Conclusion: Sarcopenia served as a tool to identify high-risk older patients undergoing elective cardiac open-heart surgery. By identifying this risk factor early on, healthcare professionals took targeted steps to improve perioperative function and made informed clinical decisions.Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023426026.

Pulsatilla decoction alleviates DSS-induced UC by activating FXR-ASBT pathways to ameliorate disordered bile acids homeostasis.

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Pulsatilla decoction (PD) is a classical prescription for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Previous studies have demonstrated that the therapeutic efficacy of PD is closely associated with the activation of Farnesoid X receptor (FXR). The activity of FXR is regulated by apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (ASBT), and the FXR-ASBT cascade reaction, centered around bile acid receptor FXR, plays a pivotal role in maintaining bile acid metabolic homeostasis to prevent the occurrence and progression of ulcerative colitis (UC). Aim of the study: To elucidate the underlying mechanism by which PD exerts its proteactive effects against Dextran Sulfate Sodium Salt (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis, focusing on the modulation of FXR and ASBT. Materials and methods: To establish a model of acute ulcerative colitis, BALB/C mice were administered 3.5% DSS in their drinking water for consecutive 7 days. The disease activity index (DAI) was employed to evaluate the clinical symptoms exhibited by each group of mice. Goblet cell expression in colon tissue was assessed using glycogen schiff periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and alcian blue staining techniques. Inflammatory cytokine expression in serum and colonic tissues was examined through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A PCR Array chip was utilized to screen 88 differential genes associated with the FXR-ASBT pathway in UC treatment with PD. Western blotting (WB) analysis was performed to detect protein expression levels of differentially expressed genes in mouse colon tissue. Results: The PD treatment effectively reduced the Disease Activity Index (DAI) score and mitigated colon histopathological damage, while also restoring weight and colon length. Furthermore, it significantly alleviated the severity of ulcerative colitis (UC), regulated inflammation, modulated goblet cell numbers, and restored bile acid balance. Additionally, a PCR Array analysis identified 21 differentially expressed genes involved in the FXR-ASBT pathway. Western blot results demonstrated significant restoration of FXR, GPBAR1, CYP7A1, and FGF15 protein expression levels following PD treatment; moreover, there was an observed tendency towards increased expression levels of ABCB11 and RXRα. Conclusion: The therapeutic efficacy of PD in UC mice is notable, potentially attributed to its modulation of bile acid homeostasis, enhancement of gut barrier function, and attenuation of intestinal inflammation.

Targeting mitochondria for ovarian aging: new insights into mechanisms and therapeutic potential.

Ovarian aging is a complex process characterized by a decline in oocyte quantity and quality, directly impacting fertility and overall well-being. Recent researches have identified mitochondria as pivotal players in the aging of ovaries, influencing various hallmarks and pathways governing this intricate process. In this review, we discuss the multifaceted role of mitochondria in determining ovarian fate, and outline the pivotal mechanisms through which mitochondria contribute to ovarian aging. Specifically, we emphasize the potential of targeting mitochondrial dysfunction through innovative therapeutic approaches, including antioxidants, metabolic improvement, biogenesis promotion, mitophagy enhancement, mitochondrial transfer, and traditional Chinese medicine. These strategies hold promise as effective means to mitigate age-related fertility decline and preserve ovarian health. Drawing insights from advanced researches in the field, this review provides a deeper understanding of the intricate interplay between mitochondrial function and ovarian aging, offering valuable perspectives for the development of novel therapeutic interventions aimed at preserving fertility and enhancing overall reproductive health.

Efficacy, safety, and serum cytokine modulation by olopatadine hydrochloride and desloratadine citrate disodium combination therapy in urticaria.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy, safety, and impact on serum cytokines of olopatadine hydrochloride (OLP) combined with desloratadine citrate disodium (DES) in treating urticaria. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 114 urticaria patients treated at the Affiliated Hospital of Xinyang Vocational and Technical College from March 2020 to March 2023. The control group (55 patients) received DES, while the research group (59 patients) received OLP+DES combination therapy. We compared efficacy, safety (including epigastric pain, dry mouth, lethargy, dizziness, and fatigue), changes in serum cytokines (interleukin [IL]-2, IL-4, and interferon [IFN]-γ), symptom resolution (wheal number, wheal size, and itching degree), and 3-month recurrence rates. A univariate analysis was also conducted to identify factors influencing urticaria recurrence. RESULTS: The research group exhibited a significantly higher overall efficacy rate, lower incidence of adverse events, and reduced recurrence rates at 3 months (all P<0.05) compared to the control group. Post-treatment, the research group showed significant increases in IL-2 and IFN-γ levels and reductions in IL-4 levels, wheal number, wheal size, and itching degree (all P<0.05). Factors such as history of drinking/smoking, IL-2 levels, and treatment method were associated with urticaria recurrence (all P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of OLP and DES is an effective and safe treatment option for urticaria, significantly improving serum cytokine profiles, alleviating symptoms, and reducing recurrence risk.

Interpretation of the effects of rumen acidosis on the gut microbiota and serum metabolites in calves based on 16S rDNA sequencing and non-target metabolomics.

Introduction: Rumen acidosis is one of the most common diseases in beef cattle. It severely affects the normal development of calves and poses a significant threat to the farming industry. However, the influence of rumen acidosis on the gut microbiota and serum metabolites of calves is currently unclear. Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the changes in the gut microbiota and serum metabolites in calves after rumen acidosis and analyse the correlation. Methods: Eight calves were selected as the rumen acidosis group, and eight health calves were selected as the healthy group. The faecal gut microbiota and serum metabolites of calves were detected respectively using 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing and non-target metabolomics. The correlation between gut microbiota and serum metabolites was analyzed by Spearman correlation analysis. Results: Differential analysis of the diversity and composition of gut microbiota between eight male healthy (Health) and eight male rumen acidosis (Disease) calves revealed that rumen acidosis increased the abundance of the gut microbiota in calves. At the phylum level, compared to the Healthy group, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria in the Disease group significantly decreased (P<0.05), while the relative abundance of Desulfobacterota significantly increased in the Disease group (P<0.05). At the genus level, compared to the Disease group, the relative abundance of Alloprevotella, Muribaculaceae, Succinivibrio, Prevotella, Agathobacter and Parabacteroides significantly increased in the Healthy group (P<0.05), while the relative abundance of Christensenellaceae_R-7 and Monoglobus significantly decreased in the Healthy group (P<0.05). Differential analysis results showed the Healthy group had 23 genera with higher abundance, while the Disease group had 47 genera with higher abundance. Serum metabolomics results revealed the differential metabolites associated with rumen acidosis, including nicotinamide, niacin, L-glutamic acid and carnosine, were mainly enriched in the nicotinate and nicotinamide pathway and the histidine pathway. Conclusion: The occurrence of rumen acidosis can induce changes in the gut microbiota of calves, with a significant increase of the Christensenellaceae_R-7 genus and a significant decrease of Prevotella and Succinivibrio genera. In addition, the occurrence of rumen acidosis can also induce changes in serum metabolites including niacin, niacinamide, L-glutamine, and carnosine, which may serve as the diagnostic biomarkers of rumen acidosis of calves.