Eggshell membrane powder reinforces adhesive polysaccharide hydrogels for wound repair.

Multifunctional polysaccharide hydrogels with strong tissue adhesion, and antimicrobial and hemostatic properties are attractive wound healing materials. In this study, a chitosan-based hydrogel (HCS) was designed, and its properties were enhanced by incorporating oxidized eggshell membrane (OEM). Hydrogel characterization and testing results showed that the hydrogel had excellent antimicrobial properties, cytocompatibility, satisfactory adhesion properties on common substrates, and wet-state adhesion capacity. A rat liver injury model confirmed the significant hemostatic effect of the hydrogel. Finally, the ability of the hydrogel to promote wound healing was verified using rat skin wound repair experiments. Our findings indicate that HCS/OEM hydrogels with added eggshell membrane fibers have better self-healing properties, mechanical strength, adhesion, hemostatic properties, and biocompatibility than HCS hydrogels, in addition to having superior repair performance in wound repair experiments. Overall, the multifunctional polysaccharide hydrogels fabricated in this study are ideal for wound repair.

Enhancing the Solubility, Stability, and Bioavailability of Retinol Acetate through Mechanochemistry.

This study utilizes mechanochemistry to prepare retinol acetate (RA) solid dispersion (RA-sodium starch octenyl succinate (SSOS)), resulting in improved solubility, stability, and bioavailability compared with raw RA and commercial RA microcapsules. RA, poloxamer 188, SSOS, and milling beads (8 mm) were mixed in a ratio of 2:1:8:220 (w/w) and ball-milled at 100 rpm for 3 h. RA-SSOS exhibited a solubility of 1020.35 µL/mL and a 98.09% retention rate after aging at 30 °C. Rats fed with RA-SSOS showed an ∼30% increase in organ RA content. Characterization analysis attributed the solubility and stabilization of RA-SSOS to hydrogen bonding between RA and SSOS, along with an amorphous state. RA-SSOS offers significant advantages for the pharmaceutical and food industries, leveraging mechanochemistry to enhance solid dispersions for hydrophobic compounds and optimize drug delivery.

NLRP4E regulates actin cap formation through SRC and CDC42 during oocyte meiosis.

BACKGROUND: Members of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, leucine rich repeat and pyrin domain containing (NLRP) family regulate various physiological and pathological processes. However, none have been shown to regulate actin cap formation or spindle translocation during the asymmetric division of oocyte meiosis I. NLRP4E has been reported as a candidate protein in female fertility, but its function is unknown. METHODS: Immunofluorescence, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and western blotting were employed to examine the localization and expression levels of NLRP4E and related proteins in mouse oocytes. small interfering RNA (siRNA) and antibody transfection were used to knock down NLRP4E and other proteins. Immunoprecipitation (IP)-mass spectrometry was used to identify the potential proteins interacting with NLRP4E. Coimmunoprecipitation (Co-IP) was used to verify the protein interactions. Wild type (WT) or mutant NLRP4E messenger RNA (mRNA) was injected into oocytes for rescue experiments. In vitro phosphorylation was employed to examine the activation of steroid receptor coactivator (SRC) by NLRP4E. RESULTS: NLRP4E was more predominant within oocytes compared with other NLRP4 members. NLRP4E knockdown significantly inhibited actin cap formation and spindle translocation toward the cap region, resulting in the failure of polar body extrusion at the end of meiosis I. Mechanistically, GRIN1, and GANO1 activated NLRP4E by phosphorylation at Ser429 and Thr430; p-NLRP4E is translocated and is accumulated in the actin cap region during spindle translocation. Next, we found that p-NLRP4E directly phosphorylated SRC at Tyr418, while p-SRC negatively regulated p-CDC42-S71, an inactive form of CDC42 that promotes actin cap formation and spindle translocation in the GTP-bound form. CONCLUSIONS: NLRP4E activated by GRIN1 and GANO1 regulates actin cap formation and spindle translocation toward the cap region through upregulation of p-SRC-Tyr418 and downregulation of p-CDC42-S71 during meiosis I.

A pilot-scale anoxic-anaerobic-anoxic-oxic combined with moving bed biofilm reactor system for advanced treatment of rural wastewater.

Rural domestic poses a significant challenge to treatment technologies due to significant fluctuations in both water quality, particularly in terms of carbon concentration, and quantity. Conventional biological technology, such as anaerobic-anoxic-oxic (A2O) systems, is inefficient. In this work, a continuous pilot-scale anoxic-anaerobic-anoxic-oxic (A3O) reactor with a moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) system was constructed and optimized to improve the treatment efficiency of rural domestic wastewater. The sludge return ratio, volume ratio of the oxic-to-anoxic zone (Voxi/Vano), step-feeding and hydraulic retention time (HRT) at low temperature were considered the main parameters for optimization. Microbial analysis was performed on both the mixed liquor and carrier of the A3O-MBBR system under initial and post-optimized conditions. The results indicated that the A3O-MBBR improved the treatment efficiency of rural domestic wastewater, especially for total phosphorus (TP), which increased by 20 % compared with that of the A2O-MBR. In addition, the removal efficiencies of nitrogen and phosphorus were further optimized, and the average concentrations of total nitrogen (TN) and TP in the effluent reached 2.46 and 0.364 mg/L, respectively, at a sludge reflux ratio of 100 or 150 %, Voxi/Vano =200 %, step-feeding of 0.5Q/0.5Q (anaerobic/anoxic) and HRT of 15 h at low temperature in the A3O-MBBR, which met standard A of GB18918-2002, China (TN < 15 mg/L, TP < 0.5 mg/L). The average rate of attaining the standard increased by 58.63 % (post optimization). The microbial analysis showed an increase in species diversity and richness after the parameters were optimized. Moreover, compared to the microbial community structure before optimization, the post-optimization exhibited a more stable microbial structure with a significant enrichment of functional bacteria. Defluviimonas, Novosphingobium and Bifidobacterium, considered as the dominant nitrification or denitrifying bacteria, were enriched in the suspended sludge of the MBBR reactor, which the relative abundance increased by 3.11 %, 3.84 %, and 3.24 %, respectively. Further analysis of the microbial community in the carrier revealed that the abundance of Nitrospira and the denitrifying bacteria carried by the carrier were much greater than those in the suspended sludge. Consequently, the microorganism cooperation between suspended sludge and biofilm might be responsible for the improved performance of the optimized A3O-MBBR.

The Mass-Balancing between Positive and Negative Electrodes for Optimizing Energy Density of Supercapacitors.

Supercapacitors (SCs) are some of the most promising energy storage devices, but their low energy density is one main weakness. Over the decades, superior electrode materials and suitable electrolytes have been widely developed to enhance the energy storage ability of SCs. Particularly, constructing asymmetric supercapacitors (ASCs) can extend their electrochemical stable voltage windows (ESVWs) and thus achieve high energy density. However, only full utilization of the electrochemical stable potential windows (ESPWs) of both positive and negative electrodes can endow the ASC devices with a maximum ESVW by using a suitable mass-ratio between two electrodes (the mass-balancing). Nevertheless, insufficient attention is directed to mass-balancing, and even numerous misunderstandings and misuses have appeared. Therefore, in this Perspective, we focus on the mass-balancing: summarize theoretic basis of the mass-balancing, derive relevant relation equations, analyze and discuss the change trends of the specific capacitance and energy density of ASCs with mass-ratios, and finally recommend some guidelines for the normative implementation of the mass-balancing. Especially, the issues related to pseudocapacitive materials, hybrid devices, and different open circuit potentials (OCPs) of the positive and negative electrodes in the mass-balancing are included and emphasized. These analyses and guidelines can be conducive to understanding and performing mass-balancing for developing high-performance SCs.

Sphingolipids in prostate cancer prognosis: integrating single-cell and bulk sequencing.

BACKGROUND: Stratifying patient risk and exploring the tumor microenvironment are critical endeavors in prostate cancer research, essential for advancing our understanding and management of this disease. METHODS: Single-cell sequencing data for prostate cancer were sourced from the pradcellatlas website, while bulk transcriptome data were obtained from the TCGA database. Dimensionality reduction cluster analysis was employed to investigate heterogeneity in single-cell sequencing data. Gene set enrichment analysis, utilizing GO and KEGG pathways, was conducted to explore functional aspects. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) identified key gene modules. Prognostic models were developed using Cox regression and LASSO regression techniques, implemented in R software. Validation of key gene expression levels was performed via PCR assays. RESULTS: Through integrative analysis of single-cell and bulk transcriptome data, key genes implicated in prostate cancer pathogenesis were identified. A prognostic model focused on sphingolipid metabolism (SRSR) was constructed, comprising five genes: "FUS," "MARK3," "CHTOP," "ILF3," and "ARIH2." This model effectively stratified patients into high-risk and low-risk groups, with the high-risk cohort exhibiting significantly poorer prognoses. Furthermore, distinct differences in the immune microenvironment were observed between these groups. Validation of key gene expression, exemplified by ILF3, was confirmed through PCR analysis. CONCLUSION: This study contributes to our understanding of the role of sphingolipid metabolism in prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. The identified prognostic model holds promise for improving risk stratification and patient outcomes in clinical settings.

Complement system is overactivated in patients with IgA nephropathy after COVID-19.

IgA nephropathy (IgAN), which has been confirmed as a complement mediated autoimmune disease, is also one form of glomerulonephritis associated with COVID-19. Here, we aim to investigate the clinical and immunological characteristics of patients with IgAN after COVID-19. The level of plasma level of C5a (p < 0.001), soluble C5b-9 (p = 0.018), FHR5 (p < 0.001) were all significantly higher in Group CoV (33 patients with renal biopsy-proven IgAN experienced COVID-19) compared with Group non-CoV (44 patients with IgAN without COVID-19), respectively. Compared with Group non-CoV, the intensity of glomerular C4d (p = 0.017) and MAC deposition (p < 0.001) and Gd-IgA1 deposition (p = 0.005) were much stronger in Group CoV. Our finding revealed that for IgAN after COVID-19, mucosal immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection may result in the overactivation of systemic and renal local complement system, and increased glomerular deposition of Gd-IgA1, which may lead to renal dysfunction and promote renal progression in IgAN patients.

Acetylation proteomics and metabolomics analyses reveal the involvement of starch synthase undergoing acetylation modification during UV-B stress resistance in Rhododendron Chrysanthum Pall.

BACKGROUND: Rhododendron chrysanthum Pall. (R. chrysanthum) is a plant that lives in high mountain with strong UV-B radiation, so R. chrysanthum possess resistance to UV-B radiation. The process of stress resistance in plants is closely related to metabolism. Lysine acetylation is an important post-translational modification, and this modification process is involved in a variety of biological processes, and affected the expression of enzymes in metabolic processes. However, little is known about acetylation proteomics during UV-B stress resistance in R. chrysanthum. RESULTS: In this study, R. chrysanthum OJIP curves indicated that UV-B stress damaged the receptor side of the PSII reaction center, with a decrease in photosynthesis, a decrease in sucrose content and an increase in starch content. A total of 807 differentially expressed proteins, 685 differentially acetylated proteins and 945 acetylation sites were identified by quantitative proteomic and acetylation modification histological analysis. According to COG and subcellular location analyses, DEPs with post-translational modification of proteins and carbohydrate metabolism had important roles in resistance to UV-B stress and DEPs were concentrated in chloroplasts. KEGG analyses showed that DEPs were enriched in starch and sucrose metabolic pathways. Analysis of acetylation modification histology showed that the enzymes in the starch and sucrose metabolic pathways underwent acetylation modification and the modification levels were up-regulated. Further analysis showed that only GBSS and SSGBSS changed to DEPs after undergoing acetylation modification. Metabolomics analyses showed that the metabolite content of starch and sucrose metabolism in R. chrysanthum under UV-B stress. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased photosynthesis in R. chrysanthum under UV-B stress, which in turn affects starch and sucrose metabolism. In starch synthesis, GBSS undergoes acetylation modification and the level is upregulated, promotes starch synthesis, making R. chrysanthum resistant to UV-B stress.

Association between short-term glucose fluctuations and cognition in patients with acute ischemic stroke complicated by type 2 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVES: Glucose fluctuations are more harmful than persistent hyperglycemia for chronic complications of diabetes. However, the relationship between cognition and glucose fluctuations in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) complicated by type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the association between short-term glucose fluctuations and cognition in patients with AIS complicated by T2DM. DESIGN: A cohort study with a 2-year follow-up. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: We included 554 patients with mild AIS (mean age: 62 years; 170 females and 384 males). MEASUREMENTS: Glucose variability (GV) was evaluated using glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), stress hyperglycemia (SHR), standard deviation of blood glucose (SDBG), mean postprandial blood glucose (MPBG), mean amplitude of glycemic excursion (MAGE), and time in range (TIR). We evaluated the relationship between GV, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and cognition during the acute phase using linear regression analysis. We evaluated the relationship between GV, FBG and the occurrence of post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) using a logistic regression model. Mediation analyses were fitted to explore whether the relationships of HbA1c with cognition were mediated by cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). RESULTS: A clear pattern of age-related GV was observed. Higher SHR in middle-aged participants; higher HbA1c, and lower TIR in older participants; and higher MAGE, MPBG, and SDBG across a broad age range (50-80 years) were associated with cognitive impairment in the acute phase of AIS. Higher SHR and SDBG together with lower TIR in middle-aged participants, higher HbA1c in older participants, and higher FBG, MPBG, and MAGE across a broad age range (50-80 years) were associated with the occurrence of PSCI. The association between HbA1c and cognition was partially mediated (proportion: 7-16%) by CSVD. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term glucose fluctuations are associated with cognition and a higher risk of PSCI in patients with AIS complicated by T2DM. CSVD might play an important role in the relationship between short-term glucose fluctuations and cognition.

Morphological Tracing and Functional Identification of Monosynaptic Connections in the Brain: A Comprehensive Guide.

Behavioral studies play a crucial role in unraveling the mechanisms underlying brain function. Recent advances in optogenetics, neuronal typing and labeling, and circuit tracing have facilitated the dissection of the neural circuitry involved in various important behaviors. The identification of monosynaptic connections, both upstream and downstream of specific neurons, serves as the foundation for understanding complex neural circuits and studying behavioral mechanisms. However, the practical implementation and mechanistic understanding of monosynaptic connection tracing techniques and functional identification remain challenging, particularly for inexperienced researchers. Improper application of these methods and misinterpretation of results can impede experimental progress and lead to erroneous conclusions. In this paper, we present a comprehensive description of the principles, specific operational details, and key steps involved in tracing anterograde and retrograde monosynaptic connections. We outline the process of functionally identifying monosynaptic connections through the integration of optogenetics and electrophysiological techniques, providing practical guidance for researchers.

Regulatory roles of the second messenger c-di-GMP in beneficial plant-bacteria interactions.

The rhizosphere system of plants hosts a diverse consortium of bacteria that confer beneficial effects on plant, such as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), biocontrol agents with disease-suppression activities, and symbiotic nitrogen fixing bacteria with the formation of root nodule. Efficient colonization in planta is of fundamental importance for promoting of these beneficial activities. However, the process of root colonization is complex, consisting of multiple stages, including chemotaxis, adhesion, aggregation, and biofilm formation. The secondary messenger, c-di-GMP (cyclic bis-(3'-5') dimeric guanosine monophosphate), plays a key regulatory role in a variety of physiological processes. This paper reviews recent progress on the actions of c-di-GMP in plant beneficial bacteria, with a specific focus on its role in chemotaxis, biofilm formation, and nodulation.

A new strategy for accelerating recovery of anaerobic granular sludge after low-temperature shock: In situ regulation of quorum sensing microorganisms embedded in polyvinyl alcohol sodium alginate.

Low-temperature could inhibit the performance of anaerobic granular sludge (AnGS). Quorum sensing (QS), as a communication mode between microorganisms, can effectively regulate AnGS. In this study, a kind of embedded particles (PVA/SA@Serratia) based on signal molecule secreting bacteria was prepared by microbial immobilization technology based on polyvinyl alcohol and sodium alginate to accelerate the recovery of AnGS system after low temperature. Low-temperature shock experiment verified the positive effect of PVA/SA@Serratia on restoring the COD removal rate and methanogenesis capacity of AnGS. Further analysis by metagenomics analysis showed that PVA/SA@Serratia stimulated higher QS activity and promoted the secretion of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) in AnGS. The rapid construction of EPS protective layer effectively accelerated the establishment of a robust microbial community structure. PVA/SA@Serratia also enhanced multiple methanogenic pathways, including direct interspecies electron transfer. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that PVA/SA@Serratia could effectively strengthen AnGS after low-temperature shock.

Combining brief recall and ketamine treatment prevents stress-primed methamphetamine memory reinstatement via heightening mPFC GABA activity.

This study aimed to assess whether brief recall of methamphetamine (MA) memory, when combined with ketamine (KE) treatment, may prevent stress-primed MA memory reinstatement. Combining 3-min recall and KE facilitated MA memory extinction and resistance to subsequent stress-primed reinstatement. Such combination also produced glutamate metabotropic receptor 5 (mGluR5) upregulation in animals' medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) γ-amino-butyric acid (GABA) neuron. Accordingly, chemogenetic methods were employed to bi-directionally modulate mPFC GABA activity. Following brief recall and KE-produced MA memory extinction, intra-mPFC mDlx-Gi-coupled-human-muscarinic-receptor 4 (hM4Di)-infused mice receiving compound 21 (C21) treatment showed eminent stress-primed reinstatement, while their GABA mGluR5 expression seemed to be unaltered. Intra-mPFC mDlx-Gq-coupled-human-muscarinic-receptor 3 (hM3Dq)-infused mice undergoing C21 treatment displayed MA memory extinction and resistance to stress-provoked reinstatement. These results suggest that combining a brief recall and KE treatment and exciting mPFC GABA neuron may facilitate MA memory extinction and resistance to stress-primed recall. mPFC GABA neuronal activity plays a role in mediating brief recall/KE-produced effects on curbing the stress-provoked MA seeking.

Extracellular vesicles in cancer therapy: Roles, potential application, and challenges.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as a novel cell-free strategy for the treatment of many diseases including cancer as they play important roles in cancer development and progression. Considering their natural capacity to facilitate cell-to-cell communication as well as their high physiochemical stability and biocompatibility, EVs serve as superior delivery systems for a wide range of therapeutic agents, including medicines, nanomaterials, nucleic acids, and proteins. Therefore, EVs-based cancer therapy is of greater interest to researchers. Mounting studies indicate that EVs can be improved in efficiency, specificity, and safety for cancer therapy. However, their heterogeneity of physicochemical properties and functions is not fully understood, hindering the achievement of bioactive EVs with high yield and purity. Herein, we paid more attention to the EVs applications and their significance in cancer therapy.

Pharmacokinetic, Pharmacodynamic, and Safety Profiles of Proline Henagliflozin in Chinese Subjects with Varying Degrees of Liver Dysfunction.

Proline henagliflozin, a novel selective inhibitor of sodium glucose cotransporter 2, is a treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus. We designed a parallel-group, open-label, and multicenter study to evaluate the pharmacokinetic (PK), pharmacodynamic (PD), and safety profiles of henagliflozin in Chinese subjects with varying degrees of liver dysfunction. Thirty-two subjects were enrolled and divided into four groups based on liver function (normal liver function, mild, moderate, or severe liver dysfunction). The area under the plasma concentration from time zero to infinity of henagliflozin in subjects with mild liver dysfunction, moderate liver dysfunction, and severe liver dysfunction compared with normal liver function was increased by 137%, 197%, and 204%, respectively. The maximum plasma concentration was also increased by 123%, 129%, and 139%, respectively. PK parameters of three metabolites varied to different degrees in the liver dysfunction groups than in the normal liver function group. The mean accumulative excretion amounts and fraction of dose excreted in urine expressed as a percentage were all increased with the decrease of liver function. The PD parameters were significantly higher in liver dysfunction groups than those in the normal liver function group. However, the urine creatinine (UCr) was not significantly different among the groups. No notable adverse events or adverse drug reactions were observed. Due to the higher exposures in subjects with liver dysfunction, the benefit: risk ratio should be individually assessed because the long-term safety profile and efficacy have not been specifically studied in this population.

Na+-Mg2+ ion effects on conformation and translocation dynamics of single-stranded RNA: Cooperation and competition.

The nanopore-based translocation of a single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) in mixed salt solution has garnered increasing interest for its biological and technological significance. However, it is challenging to comprehensively understand the effects of the mixed ion species on the translocation dynamics due to their cooperation and competition, which can be directly reflected by the ion screening and neutralizing effects, respectively. In this study, Langevin dynamics simulation is employed to investigate the properties of ssRNA conformation and translocation in mixed Na+-Mg2+ ion environments. Simulation results reveal that the ion screening effect dominates the change in the ssRNA conformational size, the ion neutralizing effect controls the capture rate of the ssRNA by the nanopore, and both of them take charge of the different changes in translocation time of the ssRNA under various mixed ion environments. Under high Na+ ion concentration, as Mg2+ concentration increases, the ion neutralizing effect strengthens, weakening the driving force inside the nanopore, leading to longer translocation time. Conversely, at low Na+ concentration, an increase in Mg2+ concentration enhances the ion screening effect, aiding in faster translocation. Furthermore, these simulation results will be explained by quantitative analysis, advancing a deeper understanding of the complicated effects of the mixed Na+-Mg2+ ions.

Utility Scores for Risk-Reducing Mastectomy and Risk-Reducing Salpingo-Oophorectomy: Mapping to EQ-5D.

BACKGROUND: Risk-reducing mastectomy (RRM) and risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) are the most effective breast and ovarian cancer preventive interventions. EQ-5D is the recommended tool to assess the quality of life and determine health-related utility scores (HRUSs), yet there are no published EQ-5D HRUSs after these procedures. These are essential for clinicians counselling patients and for health-economic evaluations. METHODS: We used aggregate data from our published systematic review and converted SF-36/SF-12 summary scores to EQ-5D HRUSs using a published mapping algorithm. Study control arm or age-matched country-specific reference values provided comparison. Random-effects meta-analysis provided adjusted disutilities and utility scores. Subgroup analyses included long-term vs. short-term follow-up. RESULTS: Four studies (209 patients) reported RRM outcomes using SF-36, and five studies (742 patients) reported RRSO outcomes using SF-12/SF-36. RRM is associated with a long-term (>2 years) disutility of -0.08 (95% CI -0.11, -0.04) (I2 31.4%) and a utility of 0.92 (95% CI 0.88, 0.95) (I2 31.4%). RRSO is associated with a long-term (>1 year) disutility of -0.03 (95% CI -0.05, 0.00) (I2 17.2%) and a utility of 0.97 (95% CI 0.94, 0.99) (I2 34.0%). CONCLUSIONS: We present the first HRUSs sourced from patients following RRM and RRSO. There is a need for high-quality prospective studies to characterise quality of life at different timepoints.

Impact of transcranial electrical stimulation on serum neurotrophic factors and language function in patients with speech disorders.

BACKGROUND: Speech disorders have a substantial impact on communication abilities and quality of life. Traditional treatments such as speech and psychological therapies frequently demonstrate limited effectiveness and patient compliance. Transcranial electrical stimulation (TES) has emerged as a promising non-invasive treatment to improve neurological functions. However, its effectiveness in enhancing language functions and serum neurofactor levels in individuals with speech disorders requires further investigation. AIM: To investigate the impact of TES in conjunction with standard therapies on serum neurotrophic factor levels and language function in patients with speech disorders. METHODS: In a controlled study spanning from March 2019 to November 2021, 81 patients with speech disorders were divided into a control group (n = 40) receiving standard speech stimulation and psychological intervention, and an observation group (n = 41) receiving additional TES. The study assessed serum levels of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and nerve growth factor (NGF), as well as evaluations of motor function, language function, and development quotient scores. RESULTS: After 3 wk of intervention, the observation group exhibited significantly higher serum levels of CNTF, GDNF, BDNF, and NGF compared to the control group. Moreover, improvements were noted in motor function, cognitive function, language skills, physical abilities, and overall development quotient scores. It is worth mentioning that the observation group also displayed superior performance in language-specific tasks such as writing, reading comprehension, retelling, and fluency. CONCLUSION: This retrospective study concluded that TES combined with traditional speech and psychotherapy can effectively increase the levels of neurokines in the blood and enhance language function in patients with speech disorders. These results provide a promising avenue for integrating TES into standard treatment methods for speech disorders.

Ancient bayberry increased stress resistance by enriching tissue-specific microbiome and metabolites.

The ancient bayberry demonstrates superior resistance to both biotic and abiotic stresses compared to cultivated bayberry, yet the underlying mechanisms remain largely unexplored. This study investigates whether long-term bayberry cultivation enhances stress resistance through modulation of tissue-specific microbes and metabolites. Employing microbiome amplicon sequencing alongside untargeted mass spectrometry analysis, we scrutinize the role of endosphere and rhizosphere microbial communities and metabolites in shaping the differential resistance observed between ancient and cultivated bayberry trees. Our findings highlight the presence of core microbiome and metabolites across various bayberry tissues, suggesting that the heightened resistance of ancient bayberry may stem from alterations in rhizosphere and endosphere microbial communities and secondary metabolites. Specifically, enrichment of Bacillus in roots and stems, Pseudomonas in leaves, and Mortierella in rhizosphere soil of ancient bayberry was noted. Furthermore, correlation analysis underscores the significance of enriched microbial species in enhancing ancient bayberry's resistance to stresses, with elevated levels of resistance-associated metabolites such as beta-myrcene, benzothiazole, L-glutamic acid, and gamma-aminobutyric acid identified through GC-MS metabolomics analysis. The beneficial role of these resistance-associated metabolites was further elucidated through assessment of their promotive and allelopathic effects, as well as their phytostatic and antioxidant functions in lettuce plants. Ultimately, our study delves into the intrinsic reasons behind the greater resistance of ancient bayberry to biotic and abiotic stresses by evaluating the impact of long-term planting on the microbial community and metabolites in the bayberry endosphere and rhizosphere, shedding light on the complex dynamics of host-microbial interactions.