Pollen identification of three notorious illicit drug plants and its potential applications in forensic practice.

Opium poppy, coca and cannabis are raw materials for three notorious illicit drugs. For a long time, drug lords have been growing and smuggling these drugs in a variety of ways and channels and are continually finding new ways of trafficking their wares, which has led to the increasing difficulty of global drug enforcement. In the present paper, we propose an innovative pollen identification system for these important drug plants, which provides a tool for screening and detection of the drugs to aid in drug enforcement. By utilizing the characteristics of these fine particles, their abundant production, and high resistance to decay, we believe this tool could be applied in the following scenarios: detecting and dynamically monitoring drug cultivation activities; determining whether a suspect has been to fields of drug plants and determining whether the site has ever been planted with a drug plant and/or was involved in drug production. In the future, combined with microscope automatic image acquisition technology and intelligent image recognition technology, this pollen identification system is expected to be used to screen three notorious illicit drug plants, thus enhancing the efficiency of drug related crime investigations.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG triggers intestinal epithelium injury in zebrafish revealing host dependent beneficial effects.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), the well-characterized human-derived probiotic strain, possesses excellent properties in the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis, immunoregulation and defense against gastrointestinal pathogens in mammals. Here, we demonstrate that the SpaC pilin of LGG causes intestinal epithelium injury by inducing cell pyroptosis and gut microbial dysbiosis in zebrafish. Dietary SpaC activates Caspase-3-GSDMEa pathways in the intestinal epithelium, promotes intestinal pyroptosis and increases lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-producing gut microbes in zebrafish. The increased LPS subsequently activates Gaspy2-GSDMEb pyroptosis pathway. Further analysis reveals the Caspase-3-GSDMEa pyroptosis is initiated by the species-specific recognition of SpaC by TLR4ba, which accounts for the species-specificity of the SpaC-inducing intestinal pyroptosis in zebrafish. The observed pyroptosis-driven gut injury and microbial dysbiosis by LGG in zebrafish suggest that host-specific beneficial/harmful mechanisms are critical safety issues when applying probiotics derived from other host species and need more attention.

Analysis of the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for disorders of consciousness: A retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the efficacy and associated factors affecting the prognosis in patients with disturbance of consciousness after hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment. METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out on patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC) receiving HBO treatment from January to January 2022 in the Second Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, China. RESULTS: HBO therapy improved the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and Chinese Nanjing Persistent Vegetative State Scale (CNPVSS), as well as the clinical efficacy in patients with DOC. The comparison of GCS and CNPVSS scores in patients with DOC before and after HBO treatment was all statistically significant, with 325 patients (67.1%) showing effective results and 159 patients (32.9%) having unchanged outcomes. Univariate analysis indicated that there were statistically significant differences in age, HBO intervention time, HBO treatment times, pre-treatment GCS score, and etiology and underlying diseases between the good and poor prognoses groups. Multivariate regression analysis showed that HBO intervention time ≤7 days, HBO treatment ＞ times, high GCS score before HBO treatment, and brain trauma were independent influencing factors in achieving a good prognosis for patients with DOC. Low pre-treatment GCS scores were an independent risk factor for a poor prognosis in patients with brain trauma while being male, late HBO intervention time, fewer HBO treatment times, and low pre-treatment GCS scores were independent risk factors for a poor prognosis in patients with DOC after a stroke. Being ≥50 years of age, late HBO intervention time, and low pre-treatment GCS scores were independent risk factors for a poor prognosis in patients with DOC after hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy. CONCLUSION: HBO therapy can improve the GCS, CNPVSS scores and clinical efficacy in patients with DOC, and the timing of HBO intervention ≤7 days, times of HBO treatment, high pre-treatment GCS score, and brain trauma were the independent influencing factors of good prognosis in patients with DOC.

[Clinical Significance of Serum ADA Combined with GLB, CREA, ß2-MG and HGB in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of serum adenosine deaminase (ADA) combined with globulin (GLB), creatinine (CREA), ß2-microglobulin (ß2-MG) and hemoglobin (HGB) in the initial screening of multiple myeloma (MM), in order to reduce missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis of MM. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 62 newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients who were admitted to the Department of Hematology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College from April 2018 to December 2021, and 33 patients with benign hematologic diseases and 30 healthy subjects were selected as the control group. The expression of ADA in pan-cancer was analyzed using TCGA and GTEx databases. The general data and laboratory indicators of the subjects were collected, and the differences of ADA activity and other laboratory indicators in each group were compared. The relationship between serum ADA activity and clinical data of NDMM patients was analyzed. The changes of ADA activity before and after chemotherapy in NDMM patients and the differences of ADA activity in NDMM patients with different DS and ISS stages were compared. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors of NDMM. The receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of ADA and other laboratory indicators in MM. Bioinformatics method was used to analyze the co-expression networks and enrichment pathways of ADA. RESULTS: ADA level was significantly upregulated in tissues of 14 types of cancer in TCGA database, and ADA was highly expressed in 11 types of cancer in TCGA combined with GTEx databases. The serum levels of ADA, GLB, uric acid (UA), cystatin C (CysC) and ß2-MG in the NDMM group were significantly higher than those in benign hematologic disease group and healthy control group ( P < 0.05), while the levels of ALB and the value of albumin to globulin ratio (A∶G) in the NDMM group were significantly lower than those in the other two groups ( P < 0.001). There were significant differences in DS stage (P =0.036), ISS stage (P =0.019) and the levels of CREA (P =0.036), UA (P =0.034), ß2-MG (P =0.019) in NDMM patients with different ADA activity levels. After primary chemotherapy, ADA activity and ß2-MG concentration were decreased in NDMM patients ( P < 0.01). The comparison results of patients in different stages showed that ADA activity of patients in DS stage I+II was significantly lower than that of patients in DS stage III (P <0.05), and ADA activity of patiens in ISS stage I+II was significantly lower than that of patients in ISS stage III ( P < 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that increased GLB, increased ADA activity, increased CREA, increased ß2-MG and decreased HGB were independent risk factors for NDMM. The area under the curve (AUC) of ADA in the diagnosis of MM was 0.847, and the AUC of ADA combined with GLB, CREA, ß2-MG and HGB in the diagnosis of MM was 0.940. The results of co-expression network and enrichment pathway analysis showed that ADA bounded to 20 proteins and it was significantly associated with the metabolic pathways of purine, pyrimidine, nicotinate and nicotinamide. CONCLUSION: The detection of ADA activity in serum is of positive significance for the auxiliary diagnosis, therapeutic evaluation and monitoring the progress of NDMM patients. ADA combined with GLB, CREA, ß2-MG and HGB can improve the detection rate of MM, and reduce missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis to a certain extent.

[The Application Study of Voriconazole and Its Metabolites Concentration Monitoring in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Patients].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the application value of simultaneous monitoring of voriconazole (VRCZ) and voriconazole N-oxide (VNO) in efficacy and safety of VRCZ in the prevention and treatment of fungal infections in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) patients before engraftment (i.e., days +1 to +30 after transplantation). METHODS: The influencing factors of VRCZ, VNO concentration and MR (CVNO/CVRCZ) and the difference of VRCZ in the prevention and treatment of fungal infection and liver and kidney injury were analyzed. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to analyze the differences (the corresponding to the maximum of the Youden index on the curve was set as the cut-off value) to confirm the critical value. RESULTS: The factors affecting VRCZ concentration (CVRCZ), VNO concentration (CVNO) and MR were patient weight, VRCZ daily dose, and transplantation type (all P < 0.05). CVRCZ and CVNO in the effective group were higher than those in the ineffective group (P < 0.001), the opposite of MR (P < 0.001); the liver and renal injury group had lower MR than the normal group (P < 0.05). ROC showed that CVRCZ, C VNO and MR had important value in predicting VRCZ in the prevention and treatment of invasive fungal infections in allo-HSCT patients before engraftment, and their cutoff of concentrations were 0.95 µg/ml, 1.35 µg/ml and 1.645, respectively (AUC: 0.9677, 0.7634, 0.9564). CVRCZ and MR can assist in indicating liver ï¼»cutoff values: 0.65 µg/ml, 1.96 (AUC: 0.5971, 0.6663)ï¼½ and renal injury ï¼»cutoff values: 0.95 µg/ml, 1.705 (AUC: 0.6039, 0.6164)ï¼½. CONCLUSION: The great value of simultaneous monitoring of VRCZ, VNO and MR can predict in the efficacy and safety of VRCZ in allo-HSCT patients before engraftment. The prediction accuracy of CVRCZ was higher than that of MR, followed by that of CVNO. Increased CVRCZ and decreased MR increase the risk of liver and kidney injury.

Analysis of factors associated with the development of delayed encephalopathy following acute carbon monoxide poisoning.

In this study, we analyzed the factors influencing the development of delayed encephalopathy in patients with acute carbon monoxide poisoning (ACOP) (DEACMP) following conventional treatment such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Between January 2012 and January 2022, we retrospectively analyzed 775 patients with ACOP, who were admitted to the Second Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and received HBOT in the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University. These patients were divided into the non-DEACMP and DEACMP groups based on their follow-up; we then compared the general data, clinical characteristics, admission examination, and treatment between the two groups to identify risk factors for the development of DEACMP. The DEACMP group comprised of 168 cases, while the non-DEACMP group consisted of 607 cases. Univariate analysis showed that there were 20 possible prognostic factors in the non-DEACMP and DEACMP groups. The results of multivariable regression analyses suggested that the occurrence of DEACMP was significantly correlated with advanced age, the combination of multiple medical histories, the duration of CO exposure, the duration of coma, poisoning degree, the Interval between ACOP and the first HBOT, the total number of HBOTs, and the combination with rehabilitation treatment. DEACMP patients who are older, have more comorbidities, prolonged CO exposure, prolonged coma, severe intoxication, long intervals between ACOP and the first HBOT, fewer HBOT treatments, and who are not treated with a combination of rehabilitative therapies have a poor prognosis.

Myricitrin inhibited ferritinophagy-mediated ferroptosis in cisplatin-induced human renal tubular epithelial cell injury.

Cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) increases the patient mortality dramatically and results in an unfavorable prognosis. A strong correlation between AKI and ferroptosis, which is a notable type of programmed cell death, was found in recent studies. Myricitrin is a natural flavonoid compound with diverse pharmacological properties. To investigate the protective effect of myricitrin against cisplatin induced human tubular epithelium (HK-2) cell injury and the underlying anti-ferroptic mechanism by this study. Firstly, a pharmacology network analysis was proposed to explore the myricitrin's effect. HK-2 cells were employed for in vitro experiments. Ferroptosis was detected by cell viability, quantification of iron, malondialdehyde, glutathione, lipid peroxidation fluorescence, and glutathione peroxidase (GPX4) expression. Ferritinophagy was detected by related protein expression (NCOA4, FTH, LC3II/I, and SQSTM1). In our study, GO enrichment presented that myricitrin might be effective in eliminating ferroptosis. The phenomenon of ferroptosis regulated by ferritinophagy was observed in cisplatin-activated HK-2 cells. Meanwhile, pretreatment with myricitrin significantly rescued HK-2 cells from cell death, reduced iron overload and lipid peroxidation biomarkers, and improved GPX4 expression. In addition, myricitrin downregulated the expression of LC3II/LC3I and NCOA4 and elevated the expression of FTH and SQTM. Furthermore, myricitrin inhibited ROS production and preserved mitochondrial function with a lower percentage of green JC-1 monomers. However, the protection could be reserved by the inducer of ferritinophagy rapamycin. Mechanically, the Hub genes analysis reveals that AKT and NF-κB are indispensable mediators in the anti-ferroptic process. In conclusion, myricitrin ameliorates cisplatin induced HK-2 cells damage by attenuating ferritinophagy mediated ferroptosis.

Serum ASGR2 level: an efficacy biomarker for balloon pulmonary angioplasty in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.

Background: This study aimed to employ plasma proteomics to investigate the molecular changes, pathway alterations, and potential novel biochemical markers associated with balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Methods: Pre- and post-BPA plasma samples from five CTEPH patients in the PRACTICE study were analyzed to identify differentially expressed proteins. Proteomic and bioinformatics analyses were conducted, and the identified proteins were further validated using ELISA assays in a separate cohort of the same study. Correlation and multivariate regression analyses were performed to investigate the associations between these differentially expressed proteins and clinical parameters. Results: Significantly higher serum levels of asialoglycoprotein receptor 2 (ASGR2) were detected in 5 CTEPH patients compared to those in healthy individuals but decreased significantly after successful BPA procedures. The decrease in serum levels of ASGR2 after the completion of BPA procedures was further validated in a separate cohort of 48 patients with CTEPH [0.70 (0.51, 1.11) ng/mL vs. 0.38 (0.27, 0.59) ng/mL, P < 0.001]. Significant associations were found between the pre-BPA ASGR2 level and clinical parameters, including neutrophil percentage (R = 0.285, P < 0.05), platelet (PLT) count (R = 0.386, P < 0.05), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) before BPA (R = -0.285, P < 0.05). Significant associations were detected between post-BPA serum ASGR2 levels and lymphocyte percentage (LYM%) (R = 0.306, P < 0.05), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (R = -0.294, P < 0.05), and pulmonary vascular resistance after BPA (R = -0.35, P < 0.05). Multivariate stepwise regression analysis revealed that pre-BPA ASGR2 levels were associated with HDL-C and PLT count (both P < 0.001), while post-BPA ASGR2 levels were associated with LYM% (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Serum levels of ASGR2 may be a biomarker for the effectiveness of BPA treatment in CTEPH patients. The pre-BPA serum level of ASGR2 in CTEPH patients was associated with HDL-C and the PLT count. The post-BPA serum level of ASGR2 was correlated with the LYM%, which may reflect aspects of immune and inflammatory status.

A supramolecular fluorescence sensor array for the differentiation of multiple anions and prediction of iodine in artificial urine using machine learning.

The simultaneous discrimination and detection of multiple anions in an aqueous solution has been a major challenge due to their structural similarity and low charge radii. In this study, we have constructed a supramolecular fluorescence sensor array based on three host-guest complexes to distinguish five anions (F-, Cl-, Br-, I-, and ClO-) in an aqueous solution using anionic-induced fluorescence quenching combined with linear discriminant analysis. Due to the different affinities of the three host-guest complexes for each anion the anion quenching efficiency for each host-guest complex was likewise different, and the five anions were well recognized. The fluorescence sensor array not only distinguished anions at different concentrations (0.5, 10, and 50 µM) with 100% accuracy but also showed good linearity within a certain concentration range. The limit of detection (LOD) was < 0.5 µM. Our interference study showed that the developed sensor array had good anti-interference ability. The practicability of the developed sensor array was also verified by the identification and differentiation of toothpaste brands with different fluoride content and the prediction of the iodine concentration in urine combined with machine learning.

Pulmonary vascular resistance predicts the mortality in patients with bronchiectasis-associated pulmonary hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: Pulmonary hypertension is a severe complication of bronchiectasis, characterized by elevated pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and subsequent right heart failure. The association between PVR and mortality in bronchiectasis-associated pulmonary hypertension has not been investigated previously. METHODS: In the present study, a retrospective analysis was conducted on 139 consecutive patients diagnosed with bronchiectasis-associated pulmonary hypertension based on right heart catheterization, enrolled between January 2010 and June 2023. Baseline clinical characteristics and hemodynamic assessment were analyzed. The survival time for each patient was calculated in months from the date of diagnosis until the date of death or, if the patient was still alive, until their last visit. RESULTS: Patients with bronchiectasis-associated pulmonary hypertension exhibited estimated survival rates of 89.5, 70, and 52.9 at 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year intervals respectively, with a median survival time of 67 months. Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that increased age [(adjusted hazard ratio per year 1.042, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.008-1.076, P = 0.015] and elevated PVR (adjusted HR per 1 Wood Units 1.115, 95% CI 1.015-1.224, P = 0.023) were associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality. In contrast, higher BMI was associated with a decreased risk of all-cause death (adjusted hazard ratio per 1 kg/m2 0.915, 95% CI 0.856-0.979, P = 0.009). Receiver-operating characteristic analyses identified a cutoff value for PVR at 4 Wood Units as predictive for all-cause death within 3 years [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.624; specificity= 87.5%; sensitivity= 35.8%; P < 0.05]. Patients with a PVR greater than 4 Wood Units had a significantly higher risk of all-cause death compared with those with 4 Wood Units or less (adjusted hazard ratio 2.392; 95% CI 1.316-4.349; P = 0.019). Notably, there were no significant differences in age, sex, BMI, WHO functional class, 6-min walk distance, and NT-proBNP levels at baseline between patients categorized as having 4 Wood Units or less or greater than 4 Wood Units for PVR. CONCLUSION: Based on these data, PVR could serve as a discriminative marker for distinguishing between nonsevere pulmonary hypertension (PVR ≤ 4 Wood Units) and severe pulmonary hypertension (PVR > 4 Wood Units). The utilization of a PVR cutoff value of 4.0 Wood Units provides enhanced prognostic capabilities for predicting mortality.

Study on the photosynthetic growth characters in Cimicifuga dahurica (Turcz.) Maxim under different supplemental light environments.

Cimicifuga dahurica (C. dahurica) is an important medicinal plant in the northern region of China. The best supplemental light environment helps plant growth, development, and metabolism. In this study, we used two-year-old seedlings as experimental materials. The white light as the control (CK). The different ratios of red (R) and blue (B) combined light were supplemented (T1, 2R: 1B, 255.37 µmol m-2·s-1; T2, 3R: 1B, 279.69 µmol m-2·s-1; T3, 7R: 1B, 211.16 µmol m-2·s-1). The growth characteristics, photosynthetic pigment content, photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, and primary metabolite content were studied in seedlings. The results showed that: 1) The fresh weight from shoot, root, and total fresh weight were significantly (P < 0.05) increased under T2 and T3 treatment. 2) The contents of chlorophyll a (Chl a), chlorophyll b (Chl b), and total chlorophyll (Chl) were significantly (P < 0.05) increased under T2 treatment, and carotenoid (car) content was reduced. 3) The photochemical quenching (qP), the actual photosynthetic efficiency of PSII (Y(II)), and the photosynthetic electron transfer rate (ETR) from leaves were significantly (P < 0.05) increased under T1 treatment. The Net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), and transpiration rate (Tr) were significantly (P < 0.05) increased under T2 and T3 treatments. 4) A total of 52 primary metabolites were detected in C. dahurica leaves. Compared with CK, 14, 15, and 18 differential metabolites were screened under T1, T2, and T3 treatments. In addition, D-xylose, D-glucose, glycerol, glycolic acid, and succinic acid were significantly (P < 0.05) accumulated under the T2 treatment, which could regulate the TCA cycle metabolism pathway. The correlation analysis suggested that plant growth was promoted by regulating the change of D-mannose content in galactinol metabolism and amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism. In summary, the growth of C. dahurica was improved under T2 treatment.

Feature-Based Molecular Network-Assisted Cannabinoid and Flavonoid Profiling of Cannabis sativa Leaves and Their Antioxidant Properties.

Cannabis sativa (C. sativa) leaves are rich in cannabinoids and flavonoids, which play important antioxidant roles. Since the environmental factors may influence the accumulation of antioxidants in herbal medicines, which affects their activity, this study aimed to investigate the correlation between the chemical composition of C. sativa leaves and their geographical origin and antioxidant activity. Firstly, a high-resolution mass spectrometry method assisted by semi-quantitative feature-based molecular networking (SQFBMN) was established for the characterization and quantitative analysis of C. sativa leaves from various regions. Subsequently, antioxidant activity analysis was conducted on 73 batches of C. sativa leaves, and a partial least squares regression (PLS) model was employed to assess the correlation between the content of cannabinoids and flavonoids in the leaves and their antioxidant activity. A total of 16 cannabinoids and 57 flavonoids were annotated from C. sativa, showing a significant regular geographical distribution. The content of flavonoid-C glycosides in Sichuan leaves is relatively high, and their antioxidant activity is also correspondingly high. However, the leaves in Shaanxi and Xinjiang were primarily composed of flavonoid-O glycosides, and exhibited slightly lower antioxidant activity. A significant positive correlation (p < 0.001) was found between the total flavonoids and cannabinoids and the antioxidant activity of the leaves, and two flavonoids and one cannabinoid were identified as significant contributors.

Research Progress of Baihe Gujin Decoction in the Treatment of Lung Cancer.

Baihe Gujin decoction is one of the most commonly used decoction in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of lung cancer. It can nourish yin and moisten the lung as well as prevent phlegm from forming and stop coughing. On the one hand, Baihe Gujin decoction is characterized with extensive application, proven efficacy, a long history, and high safety. On the other hand, Baihe Gujin decoction can induce apoptosis of tumor cells, improve immune function and inhibit inflammation. The main anti-tumor components of this include kaempferol, quercetin, isorhamnetin, glycyrrhizin and ß-sitosterol. Clinically, Baihe Gujin decoction can improve the adverse reactions caused by radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy for lung cancer, enhance the quality of life of patients, and prolong their survival time. At present, there are a large number of clinical and basic researches on the treatment of lung cancer with Baihe Gujin decoction. In this paper, we mainly discussed the treatment of lung cancer with Baihe Gujin decoction through analyzing basic and clinical researches at home and abroad in the past 20 years. Through the discussion, we aimed to probe deeper into Baihe Gujin decoction for the treatment of lung cancer, thereby providing a broader idea for clinical diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.

Commensal Bacillus pumilus SE5-Derived Peptidoglycan and Lipoteichoic Acid Showed Synergistic Effects in Improving Growth, Immunity, and Intestinal Health of Grouper (Epinephelus coioides).

Commensal-derived peptidoglycan (PG) or lipoteichoic acid (LTA) can improve the growth, immunity, and intestinal health of fish, but it is not clear whether the two components have synergistic effects. To clarify this, grouper (Epinephelus coioides) was fed basal diet (CG) or diets containing 1.0 × 108 CFU/g heat-inactivated SE5 (HIB), PG (21.30 mg/kg), LTA (6.70 mg/kg), mixture (PL1) of PG (10.65 mg/kg) and LTA (3.35 mg/kg), and mixture (PL2) of PG (21.30 mg/kg) and LTA (6.70 mg/kg). Improved growth performance and feed utilization were observed in groups PG, LTA, PL1, and PL2, and the optimum growth performance was recorded in group PL1. Furthermore, improved serum alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity and immunoglobulin M (IgM) and complement C3 (C3) contents were observed in all treatments, and the AKP activity in group PL1 was significantly superior to that of groups PG and LTA. Although PG and LTA alone or in combination exert comparable effects on intestinal microbiota and physical structure, obviously enhanced intestinal protease activity was observed in group PL1. The combined efficacy of PL1 could further potentiate the immune response by modulating the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 2 (NOD2) and upregulating the expression of antimicrobial peptides (epinecidin-1, hepcidin-1, and ß-defensin) as well as IgM. At the same time, group PL1 could further mitigate intestinal inflammation by downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and upregulating anti-inflammatory cytokines. In conclusion, probiotic B. pumilus SE5-derived PG and LTA mixture (10.65 mg/kg PG and 3.35 mg/kg LTA) exhibits better potential for improving the growth performance, intestinal health, and immune function compared to another mixture (21.30 mg/kg PG and 6.70 mg/kg LTA) and PG or LTA alone in grouper.

LTA and PGN from Bacillus siamensis can alleviate soybean meal-induced enteritis and microbiota dysbiosis in Lateolabrax maculatus.

An eight-week feeding trial was designed to assess which component of commensal Bacillus siamensis LF4 can mitigate SBM-induced enteritis and microbiota dysbiosis in spotted seabass (Lateolabrax maculatus) based on TLRs-MAPKs/NF-кB signaling pathways. Fish continuously fed low SBM (containing 16 % SBM) and high SBM (containing 40 % SBM) diets were used as positive (FM group) and negative (SBM group) control, respectively. After feeding high SBM diet for 28 days, fish were supplemented with B. siamensis LF4-derived whole cell wall (CW), cell wall protein (CWP), lipoteichoic acid (LTA) or peptidoglycan (PGN) until 56 days. The results showed that a high inclusion of SBM in the diet caused enteritis, characterized with significantly (P < 0.05) decreased muscular thickness, villus height, villus width, atrophied and loosely arranged microvillus. Moreover, high SBM inclusion induced an up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and a down-regulation of occludin, E-cadherin, anti-inflammatory cytokines, apoptosis related genes and antimicrobial peptides. However, dietary supplementation with CW, LTA, and PGN of B. siamensis LF4 could effectively alleviate enteritis caused by a high level of dietary SBM. Additionally, CWP and PGN administration increased beneficial Cetobacterium and decreased pathogenic Plesiomonas and Brevinema, while dietary LTA decreased Plesiomonas and Brevinema, suggesting that CWP, LTA and PGN positively modulated intestinal microbiota in spotted seabass. Furthermore, CW, LTA, and PGN application significantly stimulated TLR2, TLR5 and MyD88 expressions, and inhibited the downstream p38 and NF-κB signaling. Taken together, these results suggest that LTA and PGN from B. siamensis LF4 could alleviate soybean meal-induced enteritis and microbiota dysbiosis in L. maculatus, and p38 MAPK/NF-κB pathways might be involved in those processes.

Identification and functional characterization of laminin receptor in the mud crab, Scylla paramamosain, in response to MCDV-1 challenge.

Laminin receptor (LR), which mediating cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix, plays a crucial role in cell signaling and regulatory functions. In the present study, a laminin receptor gene (SpLR) was cloned and characterized from the mud crab (Scylla paramamosain). The full length of SpLR contained an open reading frame (ORF) of 960 bp encoding 319 amino acids, a 5' untranslated region (UTR) of 66 bp and a 3' UTR of 49 bp. The predicted protein comprised two Ribosomal-S2 domains and a 40S-SA-C domain. The mRNA of SpLR was highly expressed in the gill, followed by the hepatopancreas. The expression of SpLR was up-regulated after mud crab dicistrovirus-1(MCDV-1) infection. Knocking down SpLR in vivo by RNA interference significantly down-regulated the expression of the immune genes SpJAK, SpSTAT, SpToll1, SpALF1 and SpALF5. This study shown that the expression level of SpToll1 and SpCAM in SpLR-interfered group significantly increased after MCDV-1 infection. Moreover, silencing of SpLR in vivo decreased the MCDV-1 replication and increased the survival rate of mud crabs after MCDV-1 infection. These findings collectively suggest a pivotal role for SpLR in the mud crab's response to MCDV-1 infection. By influencing the expression of critical innate immune factors and impacting viral replication dynamics, SpLR emerges as a key player in the intricate host-pathogen interaction, providing valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying MCDV-1 pathogenesis in mud crabs.

Hyperandrogenic environment regulates the function of ovarian granulosa cells by modulating macrophage polarization in PCOS.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine-metabolic disorder characterized by oligo-anovulation, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries, with hyperandrogenism being the most prominent feature of PCOS patients. However, whether excessive androgens also exist in the ovarian microenvironment of patients with PCOS, and their modulatory role on ovarian immune homeostasis and ovarian function, is not clear. METHODS: Follicular fluid samples from patients participating in their first in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) treatment were collected. Androgen concentration of follicular fluid was assayed by chemiluminescence, and the macrophage M1:M2 ratio was detected by flow cytometry. In an in vitro model, we examined the regulatory effects of different concentrations of androgen on macrophage differentiation and glucose metabolism levels using qRT-PCR, Simple Western and multi-factor flow cytometry assay. In a co-culture model, we assessed the effect of a hyperandrogenic environment in the presence or absence of macrophages on the function of granulosa cells using qRT-PCR, Simple Western, EdU assay, cell cycle assay, and multi-factor flow cytometry assay. RESULTS: The results showed that a significantly higher androgen level and M1:M2 ratio in the follicular fluid of PCOS patients with hyperandrogenism. The hyperandrogenic environment promoted the expression of pro-inflammatory and glycolysis-related molecules and inhibited the expression of anti-inflammatory and oxidative phosphorylation-related molecules in macrophages. In the presence of macrophages, a hyperandrogenic environment significantly downregulated the function of granulosa cells. CONCLUSION: There is a hyperandrogenic microenvironment in the ovary of PCOS patients with hyperandrogenism. Hyperandrogenic microenvironment can promote the activation of ovarian macrophages to M1, which may be associated with the reprogramming of macrophage glucose metabolism. The increased secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines by macrophages in the hyperandrogenic microenvironment would impair the normal function of granulosa cells and interfere with normal ovarian follicle growth and development.

Complete rupture of the pregnant uterus: A 12-year retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency of uterine ruptures, clinical characteristics, and maternal and neonatal outcomes in a tertiary referral center. METHODS: Information on complete uterine rupture between July 2010 and June 2022 was investigated retrospectively at a tertiary center. RESULTS: There were 42 cases of complete uterine rupture in 144 474 deliveries, with an incidence rate of 0.029%. Twenty-seven cases had a scarred uterus and 15 had an unscarred uterus; Rupture of the lower uterine segment was predominant in the scarred uterus, whereas rupture of the body of the uterus was predominant in the non-scarred uterus (P ≤ 0.001). Newborns with Apgar score of 7 or less at 1 min in the non-scarred uterus group was more than that in the scarred uterus group (P = 0.001). There were no significant differences in the history of gynecologic surgery, induction of labor, mode of delivery, clinical features, maternal outcomes, neonatal weight, preterm birth rate, 5-min Apgar score, or neonatal mortality between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The clinical manifestations of uterine rupture are mainly abdominal pain, abnormal fetal heartbeat, or vaginal bleeding. Attention should also be paid to the history of previous uterine surgery. Strict prenatal management, early identification, and aggressive management can help improve maternal and child outcomes. Hysterectomy is not imperative.

Sleep-disordered breathing and nocturnal hypoxemia in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and nocturnal hypoxemia were known to be present in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), but the difference between SDB and nocturnal hypoxemia in patients who have chronic thromboembolic pulmonary disease (CTEPD) with or without pulmonary hypertension (PH) at rest remains unknown. METHODS: Patients who had CTEPH (n = 80) or CTEPD without PH (n = 40) and who had undergone sleep studies from July 2020 to October 2022 at Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital were enrolled. Nocturnal mean SpO2 (Mean SpO2) <90% was defined as nocturnal hypoxemia, and the percentage of time with a saturation below 90% (T90%) exceeding 10% was used to evaluate the severity of nocturnal hypoxemia. Logistic and linear regression analyses were performed to investigate the difference and potential predictor of SDB or nocturnal hypoxemia between CTEPH and CTEPD without PH. RESULTS: SDB was similarly prevalent in CTEPH and CTEPD without PH (P = 0.104), both characterised by obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Twenty-two patients with CTEPH were diagnosed with nocturnal hypoxemia, whereas only three were diagnosed with CTEPD without PH (P = 0.021). T90% was positively associated with mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) and pulmonary vascular resistance in patients with CTEPH and CTEPD without PH (P < 0.001); T90% was also negatively related to cardiac output in these patients. Single-breath carbon monoxide diffusing capacity, sex and mPAP were all correlated with nocturnal hypoxemia in CTEPH and CTEPD without PH (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Nocturnal hypoxemia was worse in CTEPD with PH; T90%, but not SDB, was independently correlated with the hemodynamics in CTEPD with or without PH.