Diminished representation of vitamin-B12-producing bacteria in constipated elders with frailty.

Constipation and frailty are associated with intestinal dysbiosis. This study aims to identify intestinal microbial signatures that can differentiate between constipated elders accompanied by frailty and those without frailty. We collected stool samples from 61 participants and conducted 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Constipated patients with frailty (Constipation_F) exhibited reduced gut microbial diversities compared to constipated patients without frailty (Constipation_NF) and healthy individuals (C). From differential genera, random forest models identified 14, 8, and 5 biomarkers for distinguishing Constipation_F from Constipation_NF, Constipation_F from C, and Constipation_NF from C, respectively. Functional analysis revealed that pathways (P381-PWY and PWY-5507) related to vitamin B12 synthesis were reduced in Constipation_F, which aligns with the decreased abundances of vitamin-B12-producing Actinomyces and Akkermansia in this group. Our study unveils substantial differences in gut microbiota between constipated elders with frailty and those without, underscoring the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of genera involved in vitamin B12 synthesis.

Optimal candidates and surrogate endpoints for HAIC versus Sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) has been a long-standing intervention for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite positive clinical outcomes, its inclusion in guidelines remains limited due to a lack of evidence-based support. This study aims to identify optimal target populations for HAIC and validate associations between intermediate endpoints with overall survival (OS). METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. The primary search strategy was based on medical subject headings terms (MeSH) using "Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy", "HAIC", "Sorafenib", "Nexavar", "hepatocellular carcinoma", "HCC", "Liver cancer", combined with free text words. Data extraction, quality assessment, and analysis were performed according to pre-registered protocol. RESULTS: A total of 26 studies, 6456 HCC patients were included for analysis (HAIC, n=2648; Sorafenib, n=3808). Pooled outcomes revealed that Sorafenib demonstrated better OS only in patients who were refractory to trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) (HR=1.32,95%CI [1.01-1.73]), in other subgroups or overall HCC population HAIC consistently outperformed Sorafenib in patients' survival. Radiologically, higher response rates in the HAIC group does not necessarily translate into survival improvement, but the hazard ratios (HRs) of 1y-OS (R2=0.41, P=0.0044) and 1y-progression free survival (1y-PFS) (R2=0.77, P=0.0002) strongly correlated with the patients OS. Meanwhile, larger tumour size (HR=1.86,95%CI [1.12-3.1, 95%), heavier tumour burden (HR=2.32, 95%CI [1.33-4.02), existence of MVI or EHS (HR=1.65,95%CI[1.36-2]; HR=1.60,95%CI[1.19-2.14]), and AFP >400 ng/mL (HR=1.52, 95%CI [1.20-1.92]) were identified as independent risk factors for OS, while HAIC treatment (HR=0.54, 95%CI[0.35-0.82]) and lower BCLC stage (HR=0.44, 95%CI[0.28-0.69]) were potential protective factors for HCC patients. CONCLUSION: HAIC monotherapy appears noninferior to Sorafenib in HCC treatment, with potential benefits in specific subgroups. The robust correlation between 1y-OS/1y-PFS and OS, alongside identified risk and protective factors from the present study, offers valuable insights for designing future large prospective studies in this field.

BACE1 inhibitors from the fruits of Alpinia oxyphylla have efficacy to treat T2DM-related cognitive disorder.

The fruits of Alpinia oxyphylla (Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus, AOF) are one of the "Four Famous South Medicines" in China. In this study, beta-site amyloid protein precursor cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) was applied to explore the active components in AOF responsible for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)-related cognitive disorder. As a result, 24 compounds including three unreported ones (1, 3, 4) were isolated from AOF. Compound 1 is an unusual carbon­carbon linked diarylheptanoid dimer, and compound 4 is the first case of 3,4-seco-eudesmane sesquiterpenoid with a 5/6-bicyclic skeleton. Four diarylheptanoids (3, 5-7), one flavonoid (9) and two sesquiterpenoids (14 and 20) showed BACE1 inhibitory activity, of which the most active 6 was revealed to be a non-competitive and anti-competitive mixed inhibitor. Docking simulation suggested that OH-4' of 6 played important roles in maintaining activity by forming hydrogen bonds with Ser36 and Ile126 residues. Compounds 3, 5, 9 and 20 displayed neuroprotective effects against amyloid ß (Aß)-induced damage in BV2 cells. Mechanism study revealed that compounds 5 and 20 downregulated the expression of BACE1 and upregulated the expression of Lamp2 to exert effects. Thus, the characteristic diarylheptanoids and sesquiterpenoids in AOF had the efficacy to alleviate T2DM-related cognitive disorder by inhibiting BACE1 activity and reversing Aß-induced neuronal damage.

Identification of countercurrent tubule-vessel arrangements in the early development of mouse kidney based on immunohistochemistry and computer-assisted 3D visualization.

Nephron loop-vessel countercurrent arrangement in the medulla provides the structural basis for the formation of concentrated urine. To date, the morphogenesis of it and relevant water and solutes transportation has not been fully elucidated. In this study, with immunohistochemistry for aquaporins (AQP) and Na-K-2Cl co-transporter (NKCC2), as well as 3D visualization, we noticed in embryonic day 14.5 kidneys that the countercurrent arrangement of two pairs of loop-vessel was established as soon as the loop and vessel both extended into the medulla. One pair happened between descending limb and ascending vasa recta, the other occurred between thick ascending limb and descending vasa recta. Meanwhile, the immunohistochemical results showed that the limb and vessel expressing AQP-1 such as descending thick and thin limb and descending vasa recta was always accompanied with AQP-1 negative ascending vasa recta or capillaries and thick ascending limb, respectively. Moreover, the thick ascending limb expressing NKCC2 closely contacted with descending vasa recta without expressing NKCC2. As kidney developed, an increasing number of loop-vessels in countercurrent arrangement extended into the interstitium of the medulla. In addition, we observed that the AQP-2 positive ureteric bud and their branches were separated from those pairs of tubule-vessels by a relatively large and thin-walled veins or capillaries. Thus, the present study reveals that the loop-vessel countercurrent arrangement is formed at the early stage of nephrogenesis, which facilitates the efficient transportation of water and electrolytes to maintain the medullary osmolality and to form a concentrated urine.

Experimental Investigation on Electrical Conductivity Variation of Carnosine and Zinc Chloride Aqueous Solutions under Microwave Irradiation.

The mechanism of biological effects of environmental electromagnetic radiation is still not completely clear. The chelation of biological small molecule peptides with metal ions plays a very important role in human metabolism. In this paper, a special experimental system was designed to measure the conductivity of carnosine and zinc chloride mixed aqueous solutions under different concentration ratios, microwave powers, and temperatures. The experimental results show that, first, different concentration ratios can alter the conductivity change rate of the mixed aqueous solution. The conductivity of the solution always increases under microwave irradiation at a concentration ratio of 1:1. However, the conductivity is reduced by -0.04% with a 1:5 concentration ratio and 6 W microwave power at 10 °C. Second, temperature can alter the conductivity change rate of the aqueous mixture. The higher the temperature, the smaller the conductivity change rate. Third, different microwave powers can alter the conductivity change rate of the mixed aqueous solution. In general, the conductivity change rate increases with an increase in microwave power. Experimentally observed reduction of the conductivity change rate in carnosine and zinc chloride aqueous solution under low microwave power and low temperature indicates that microwaves do affect the chelation of carnosine with zinc chloride. This work provides a new perspective for the mechanism of explanation of microwave biological effects.

Unveiling the potential of triphenylphosphine salts in tuning organic room temperature phosphorescence.

Triphenylphosphine (TPP) salt derivatives, with their rich chemistry of core-substitution, have emerged as promising candidates for ultralong room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials owing to their distinct molecular structures, high quantum efficiency and exceptional phosphorescence properties. This feature article highlights the vast potential of TPP salt derivatives in tunable RTP properties by exploring some factors such as the alkyl chains, halogen anions, through-space charge transfer states, etc., and recent advancements in multi-level information encryption, high-level anticounterfeiting tags and X-ray imaging applications. We anticipate that this article will assist in directing future analyses based on the mechanisms underlying the RTP behavior of TPP derivatives and offer guidance for the rational design of high-performance RTP materials.

Nervonic acid protects against oligodendrocytes injury following chronic cerebral hypoperfusion in mice.

Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) has been acknowledged as a potential contributor to cognitive dysfunction and brain injury, causing progressive demyelination of white matter, oligodendrocytes apoptosis and microglia activation. Nervonic acid (NA), a naturally occurring fatty acid with various pharmacological effects, has been found to alleviate neurodegeneration. Nonetheless, evidence is still lacking on whether NA can protect against neurological dysfunction resulting from CCH. To induce CCH in mice, we employed the right unilateral common carotid artery occlusion (rUCCAO) method, followed by oral administration of NA daily for 28 days after the onset of hypoperfusion. We found that NA ameliorated cognitive function, as evidenced by improved performance of NA-treated mice in both novel object recognition test and Morris water maze test. Moreover, NA mitigated demyelination and loss of oligodendrocytes in the corpus callosum and hippocampus of rUCCAO-treated mice, and prevented oligodendrocyte apoptosis. Furthermore, NA protected primary cultured murine oligodendrocytes against oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)-induced cell death in a concentration-dependent manner. These findings indicated that NA promotes oligodendrocyte maturation both in vivo and in vitro. Our findings suggest that NA offers protective effects against cerebral hypoperfusion, highlighting its potential as a promising treatment for CCH and related neurological disorders.

Isospongian Diterpenoids from the Leaves of Amomum tsao-ko Promote GLP-1 Secretion via Ca2+/CaMKII and PKA Pathways and Inhibit DPP-4 Enzyme.

Three uncommon isospongian diterpenoids including a new one, 3-epi-kravanhin A (2), were isolated from the leaves of Amomum tsao-ko. Compounds 2 and 3 dose-dependently promoted GLP-1 secretion on STC-1 cells with promotion ratios of 109.7% and 186.1% (60 µM). Mechanism study demonstrated that the GLP-1 stimulative effects of 2 and 3 were closely related with Ca2+/CaMKII and PKA pathways, but irrelevant to GPBAR1 and GPR119 receptors. Moreover, compound 1 showed moderate DPP-4 inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 311.0 µM. Molecular docking verified the binding affinity of 1 with DPP-4 by hydrogen bonds between the γ-lactone carbonyl (C-15) and Arg61 residue. Bioinformatics study indicated that compound 1 exerted antidiabetic effects by improving inflammation, oxidative stress and insulin resistance. This study first disclosed the presence of isospongian diterpenoids in A. tsao-ko, which showed antidiabetic potency by promoting GLP-1 secretion and inhibiting DPP-4 activity.

SGK1 promotes the lipid accumulation via regulating the transcriptional activity of FOXO1 in bovine.

OBJECTIVES: Serum/glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 1 (SGK1) gene encodes a serine/threonine protein kinase that plays an essential role in cellular stress response and regulation of multiple metabolic processes. However, its role in bovine adipogenesis remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to clarify the role of SGK1 in bovine lipid accumulation and improvement of meat quality. METHODS: Preadipocytes were induced to differentiation to detect the temporal expression pattern of SGK1. Heart, liver, lung, spleen, kidney, muscle and fat tissues were collected to detect its tissue expression profile. Recombinant adenovirus and the lentivirus were packaged for overexpression and knockdown. Oil Red O staining, quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot analysis, Yeast two-hybrid assay, luciferase assay and RNA-seq were performed to study the regulatory mechanism of SGK1. RESULTS: SGK1 showed significantly higher expression in adipose and significantly induced expression in differentiated adipocytes. Furthermore, overexpression of SGK1 greatly promoted adipogenesis and inhibited proliferation, which could be shown by the remarkable increasement of lipid droplet, and the expression levels of adipogenic marker genes and cell cycle-related genes. Inversely, its knockdown inhibited adipogenesis and facilitated proliferation. Mechanistically, SGK1 regulates the phosphorylation and expression of two critical proteins of FoxO family, FOXO1/FOXO3. Importantly, SGK1 attenuates the transcriptional repression role of FOXO1 for PPARγ via phosphorylating the site S256, then promoting the bovine fat deposition. CONCLUSIONS: SGK1 is a required epigenetic regulatory factor for bovine preadipocyte proliferation and differentiation, which contributes to a better understanding of fat deposition and meat quality improvement in cattle.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of gouty arthritis in the general population aged > 30.

BACKGROUND: A knowledge of gouty arthritis could help in the primary prevention of the disease development and lead to an early diagnosis if it occurs. This study investigated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward gouty arthritis in the general population > 30 years old. METHODS: This web-based cross-sectional study was conducted among the general population > 30 years old between January and March 2023 in Chengdu, Sichuan. The questionnaire was designed by the investigators based on the available guidelines (Cronbach's α = 0.846). A score above 70% indicated good knowledge, a positive attitude, and proactive practice. Multivariable and structural equation modeling (SEM) analyses were performed to analyze the factors influencing KAP. RESULTS: A total of 537 questionnaires were included. The knowledge, attitudes, and practices scores were 13.12 ± 6.41, 25.28 ± 3.97, and 45.25 ± 5.77, respectively. Female (OR = 0.47, 95%CI: 0.31-0.71, P < 0.001), suburban living (OR = 0.18, 95%CI: 0.04-0.78, P = 0.022), heads of institution/organization and professional and technical staff (OR = 2.04, 95%CI: 1.23-3.39, P = 0.006), and an income of < 2,000 yuan (OR = 0.35, 95%CI: 0.14-0.85, P = 0.021) were independently associated with knowledge. Female (OR = 2.17, 95%CI: 1.43-3.30, P < 0.001), age (OR = 1.03, 95%CI: 1.01-1.05, P = 0.001), college and above education (OR = 2.26, 95%CI: 1.16-4.41, P = 0.017), an income of 5,000-10,000 yuan (OR = 2.05, 95%CI: 1.27-3.31, P = 0.003), and an income of > 10,000 yuan (OR = 2.07, 95%CI: 1.12-3.81, P = 0.020) were independently associated with attitudes. Attitude (OR = 1.31, 95%CI: 1.23-1.40, P < 0.001), female (OR = 1.62, 95%CI: 1.01-2.58, P = 0.044), and age (OR = 1.02, 95%CI: 1.00-1.04, P = 0.016) were independently associated with practices. The structural equation modeling analysis showed that knowledge directly influenced attitude (ß=-0.10, P < 0.001) and indirectly influenced practice (ß=-0.07, P < 0.001), and attitude directly influenced practice (ß = 0.68, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The general population over 30 years old had inadequate knowledge, unfavorable attitudes, and less proactive practices toward gouty arthritis. Targeted interventions should focus on enhancing knowledge about gout and promoting positive attitudes toward its management.

Construction of the 4-Azafluorenone Core in a Single Operation and Synthesis of Onychine.

This study describes the synthesis of the 4-azafluorenone core in a single operation using readily available starting materials. Condensation of an amidrazone with ninhydrin intercepts an intermediate 1,2,4-triazine derivative, which engages norbornadiene in a merged [4 + 2]/bis-retro[4 + 2] sequence to deliver the azafluorenone core. The tricyclic core established in this manner was elaborated to onychine, the simplest natural product in the 4-azafluorenone alkaloid family.

New labdane diterpenoids from Alpinia galanga: A new type of GLP-1 secretagogues targeting the PKA-CREB and PI3K-Akt signaling axes.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretagogues are fascinating pharmacotherapies to overcome the defects of GLP-1 analogs and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors in treating diabetes and obesity. To discover new GLP-1 secretagogues from natural sources, alpigalangols A-Q (1-17), 17 new labdane diterpenoids including four unusual nor-labdane and N-containing ones, were isolated from the fruits of Alpinia galanga. Most of the isolates showed GLP-1 promotive effects in NCl-H716 cells, of which compounds 3, 4, 12, and 14-17 were revealed with high promoting rates of 246.0%-413.8% at 50 µM. A mechanistic study manifested that the most effective compound 12 upregulated the mRNA expression of Gcg and Pcsk1, and the protein phosphorylation of PKA, CREB, and GSK3ß, but was inactive on GPBAR and GPR119 receptors. Network pharmacology analysis indicated that the PI3K-Akt pathway was involved in the GLP-1 stimulation of 12, which was highly associated with AKT1, CASP3, PPARG, and ICAM1 proteins. This study suggests that A. galanga is rich in diverse labdane diterpenoids with GLP-1 promoting effects, representing a new type of antidiabetic candidates from natural sources.

Toward better understanding and management of chemobrain: the potential utilities of the MemTrax memory test.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of chemotherapy on cognitive function in breast cancer patients, and to investigate the relationship of MemTrax test of memory and related functions to the FACT-Cog functional self-assessment for the evaluation and management of chemobrain. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, clinical information of pathologically confirmed female breast cancer patients who decided to receive chemotherapy were collected in a questionnaire which was developed for this study and provided as a supplementary file. The FACT-Cog self-assessment and MemTrax test were administered before and after the chemotherapy treatments. Patients with chemobrain were identified using published criteria based on FACT-Cog scores, and MemTrax scores from chemobrain patients were analyzed. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients participated in this study, of which 41 participants completed 4 or more cycles of chemotherapy and were included in the final analyses here. Using the reported high end of minimal clinical differences (10.6 points) of FACT-Cog before and after chemotherapy, 18 patients suffered from chemobrain in this study. In these 18 chemobrain patients, no cognitive impairments were detected by MemTrax, which paradoxically demonstrated an improvement in the normal cognitive range. CONCLUSION: The cognitive impairment induced by chemotherapy in breast cancer patients is detectable by the FACT-Cog in a Chinese cohort but is not detected by the MemTrax memory test. The fact that the more objective MemTrax could not detect the impairment could alleviate patients' concerns which in turn would be beneficial for patients' mental health.

The Role of Grifola frondosa Polysaccharide in Preventing Skeletal Muscle Atrophy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a burgeoning public health challenge worldwide. Individuals with T2DM are at increased risk for skeletal muscle atrophy, a serious complication that significantly compromises quality of life and for which effective prevention measures are currently inadequate. Emerging evidence indicates that systemic and local inflammation stemming from the compromised intestinal barrier is one of the crucial mechanisms contributing to skeletal muscle atrophy in T2DM patients. Notably, natural plant polysaccharides were found to be capable of enhancing intestinal barrier function and mitigating secondary inflammation in some diseases. Herein, we hypothesized that Grifola frondosa polysaccharide (GFP), one of the major plant polysaccharides, could prevent skeletal muscle atrophy in T2DM via regulating intestinal barrier function and inhibiting systemic and local inflammation. Using a well-established T2DM rat model, we demonstrated that GFP was able to not only prevent hyperglycemia and insulin resistance but also repair intestinal mucosal barrier damage and subsequent inflammation, thereby alleviating the skeletal muscle atrophy in the T2DM rat model. Additionally, the binding free energy analysis and molecular docking of monosaccharides constituting GFP were further expanded for related targets to uncover more potential mechanisms. These results provide a novel preventative and therapeutic strategy for T2DM patients.

Regulatory role of exosome-derived miRNAs and other contents in adipogenesis.

Intramuscular fat (IMF) content significantly impacts meat quality. influenced by complex interactions between skeletal muscle cells and adipocytes. Adipogenesis plays a pivotal role in IMF formation. Exosomes, extracellular membranous nanovesicles, facilitate intercellular communication by transporting proteins, nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), and other biomolecules into target cells, thereby modulating cellular behaviors. Recent studies have linked exosome-derived microRNAs (miRNAs) and other cargo to adipogenic processes. Various cell types, including skeletal muscle cells, interact with adipocytes via exosome secretion and uptake. Exosomes entering adipocytes regulate adipogenesis by modulating key signaling pathways, thereby influencing the extent and distribution of IMF deposition. This review comprehensively explores the origin, formation, and mechanisms of exosome action, along with current research and their applications in adipogenesis. Emphasis is placed on exosome-mediated regulation of miRNAs, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), proteins, lipids, and other biomolecules during adipogenesis. Leveraging exosomal contents for genetic breeding and treating obesity-related disorders is discussed. Insights gathered contribute to advancing understanding and potential therapeutic applications of exosome-regulated adipogenesis mechanisms.

miR-10167-3p targets TCF7L1 to inhibit bovine adipocyte differentiation and promote bovine adipocyte proliferation.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are widely involved in various lipogenic processes, including adipocyte proliferation and differentiation, lipid droplet formation, and adipocyte-specific gene activation. The present study aimed to investigate the gene expression profiles of bovine preadipocytes under high miR-10167-3p expression using the RNA-seq technique and to verify the functions of its downstream target genes on the proliferation and differentiation of bovine preadipocytes. First, RNA-seq identified 573 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), of which 243 were downregulated and 330 were upregulated. Then, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed that 15.19% of the DEGs were enriched in pathways related to lipid metabolism. Meanwhile, dual-luciferase reporter gene assay verified the target-binding relationship between miR-10167-3p and TCF7L1. The function of TCF7L1 was assessed using several experiments in adipocytes with high TCF7L1 expression and RNA interference. The mRNA and protein expression of proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis marker genes were detected using qPCR and western blot, respectively; lipid droplet synthesis was detected using oil red O, Nile red, and bodipy staining; adipocyte proliferation was detected by EdU; and apoptosis was detected using flow cytometry. The results revealed that TCF7L1 overexpression inhibited bovine preadipocyte differentiation and apoptosis and promoted their proliferation, with opposite results obtained with its RNA interference. These results may provide a reference for the subsequent investigation of the molecular mechanism of bovine fat deposition.

Detection of polyreactive immunoglobulin G facilitates diagnosis in children with autoimmune hepatitis.

OBJECTIVE: The detection of autoantibodies is essential to diagnose autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Particularly in children, specificity of autoantibodies decreases due to lower titers being diagnostic and being present not only in AIH but also in other liver diseases. Recently, quantification of polyreactive IgG (pIgG) for detection of adult AIH showed the highest overall accuracy compared to antinuclear antibodies (ANA), anti-smooth muscle antibodies (anti-SMA), anti-liver kidney microsomal antibodies (anti-LKM) and anti-soluble liver antigen/liver pancreas antibodies (anti-SLA/LP). We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of pIgG for pediatric AIH. DESIGN: pIgG, quantified using HIP1R/BSA coated ELISA, and immunofluorescence on rodent tissue sections were performed centrally. The diagnostic fidelity to diagnose AIH was compared to conventional autoantibodies of AIH in training and validation cohorts from a retrospective, European multi-center cohort from nine centers from eight European countries composed of existing biorepositories from expert centers (n = 285). RESULTS: IgG from pediatric AIH patients exhibited increased polyreactivity to multiple protein and non-protein substrates compared to non-AIH liver diseases and healthy children. pIgG had an AUC of 0.900 to distinguish AIH from non-AIH liver diseases. pIgG had a 31-73% higher specificity than ANA and anti-SMA and comparable sensitivity that was 6-20 times higher than of anti-SLA/LP, anti-LC1 and anti-LKM. pIgG had a 21-34% higher accuracy than conventional autoantibodies, was positive in 43-75% of children with AIH and normal IgG and independent from treatment response. CONCLUSION: Detecting pIgG improves the diagnostic evaluation of pediatric AIH compared to conventional autoantibodies, primarily owing to higher accuracy and specificity.

Microbiological profile of diabetic foot infections in China and worldwide: a 20-year systematic review.

Introduction: Pathogens causing diabetic foot infections (DFIs) vary by region globally; however, knowledge of the causative organism is essential for effective empirical treatment. We aimed to determine the incidence and antibiotic susceptibility of DFI pathogens worldwide, focusing on Asia and China. Methods: Through a comprehensive literature search, we identified published studies on organisms isolated from DFI wounds from January 2000 to December 2020. Results: Based on our inclusion criteria, we analyzed 245 studies that cumulatively reported 38,744 patients and 41,427 isolated microorganisms. DFI pathogens varied according to time and region. Over time, the incidence of Gram-positive and Gram-negative aerobic bacteria have decreased and increased, respectively. America and Asia have the highest (62.74%) and lowest (44.82%) incidence of Gram-negative bacteria, respectively. Africa has the highest incidence (26.90%) of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Asia has the highest incidence (49.36%) of Gram-negative aerobic bacteria with species infection rates as follows: Escherichia coli, 10.77%; Enterobacter spp., 3.95%; and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 11.08%, with higher local rates in China and Southeast Asia. Linezolid, vancomycin, and teicoplanin were the most active agents against Gram-positive aerobes, while imipenem and cefoperazone-sulbactam were the most active agents against Gram-negative aerobes. Discussion: This systematic review showed that over 20 years, the pathogens causing DFIs varied considerably over time and region. This data may inform local clinical guidelines on empirical antibiotic therapy for DFI in China and globally. Regular large-scale epidemiological studies are necessary to identify trends in DFI pathogenic bacteria. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023447645.

Efficient and Accurate pH Determination with pH Test Strips Based on Machine Learning.

The determination of pH values is crucial in various fields, such as analytical chemistry, medical diagnostics, and biochemical research. pH test strips, renowned for their convenience and cost-effectiveness, are commonly utilized for pH qualitative estimation. Recently, quantitative methods for determining pH values using pH test strips have been developed. However, these methods can be prone to errors due to environmental factors, such as lighting conditions, which affect the imaging quality of the pH test strips. To address these challenges, we developed an innovative approach that combines machine learning techniques with pH test strips for the quantitative determination of pH values. Our method involves extracting artificial features from the pH test strip images and combining them across multiple dimensions for comprehensive analysis. To ensure optimal feature selection, we developed a feature selection strategy based on SHAP importance. This strategy helps in identifying the most relevant features that contribute to accurate pH prediction. Furthermore, we integrated multiple machine learning algorithms, employing a robust stacking fusion strategy to establish a highly reliable pH value prediction model. Our proposed method automates the determination of pH values through pH test strips, effectively overcoming the limitations associated with environmental lighting interference. Experimental results demonstrate that this method is convenient, effective, and highly reliable for the determination of pH values.

Exploring the preventive effects of Jie Geng Tang on pulmonary fibrosis induced in vitro and in vivo: a network pharmacology approach.

Pulmonary fibrosis is a debilitating lung disease marked by excessive fibrotic tissue accumulation, which significantly impairs respiratory function. Given the limitations of current therapies, there is an increasing interest in exploring traditional herbal formulations like Jie Geng Tang (JGT) for treatment. This study examines the potential of JGT and its bioactive component, quercetin, in reversing bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. We employed a BLM-induced MLE-12 cell damage model for in vitro studies and a bleomycin-induced fibrosis model in C57BL/6 mice for in vivo experiments. In vitro assessments showed that JGT significantly enhanced cell viability and reduced apoptosis in MLE-12 cells treated with BLM. These findings underscore JGT's potential for cytoprotection against fibrotic agents. In vivo, JGT was effective in modulating the expression of E-cadherin and vimentin, key markers of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway, indicating its role in mitigating EMT-associated fibrotic changes in lung tissue. Quercetin, identified through network pharmacology analysis as a potential key bioactive component of JGT, was highlighted for its role in the regulatory mechanisms underlying fibrosis progression, particularly through the modulation of the IL-17 pathway and Il6 expression. By targeting inflammatory pathways and key processes like EMT, JGT and quercetin offer a potent alternative to conventional therapies, meriting further clinical exploration to harness their full therapeutic potential in fibrotic diseases.