Lactobacillus plantarum modulate gut microbiota and intestinal immunity in cyclophosphamide-treated mice model.

Gut microbiota (GM) contributes to the production of immune-regulatory molecules and cytokines. However, our understanding regarding intricate relationship between Lactobacillus plantarum and GM on regulation of immune function remained limited. To investigate the effect of Lactobacillus plantarum on an immunosuppressed mouse model, we employed cyclophosphamide treatment and conducted various analysis including H&E (hematoxylin-eosin staining), immunohistochemistry, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and RT-PCR. Our results demonstrated that the administration of Lactobacillus plantarum had significant immunoenhancing effects in the immune-suppressed mice, as evidenced by the restoration of functional expression of specific immune markers in the spleen and an increase in the number of goblet cells in intestine (P < 0.05). Microbial taxonomic analysis revealed alterations in the gut microbiota composition, characterized by a decrease in the richness of Firmicutes and an increase in the proportion of Verrucomicrobia and Actinobacteria following cyclophosphamide treatment. Furthermore, cyclophosphamide treatment significantly suppressed the mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines (P < 0.05), which were subsequently restored after administration of Lactobacillus plantarum. These observations provide valuable insights into the complex interplay between probiotics, gut microbiota, and immune system functioning.

Effects of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Equine on Salmonella-Infected Gut Mouse Model.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial potential of lactic acid bacteria (Weissella confuse, Pediococcus acidilactici, and Ligilactobacillus equi) isolated from healthy equine in Wuhan against Salmonella Typhimurium CVCC542-induced mice model on intestinal microflora. In previous studies, these isolated strains showed good probiotic potentials in vitro. In this study, fifty healthy mice were randomly divided into five groups, the blank control group, the control group, the Pediococcus acidilactici group (1 × 108 CFU/day), the Ligilactobacillus equi group (1 × 108 CFU/day), and the Weissella confuse group (1 × 108 CFU/day). The body weight in control group and Weissella confuse group showed significant decreased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), while Pediococcus acidilactici group and Ligilactobacillus equi group showed good recovering after treatments. The lowest diarrhea rate was shown in Ligilactobacillus equi group after treatment. In histopathology, Ligilactobacillus equi group showed the least structural damage in duodenum, and all probiotic treatment groups showed less damage in cecum. The sequence data and optical transform unit showed that Pediococcus acidilactici group and Ligilactobacillus equi group had higher number than control group, while the diversity data showed that the control group and Weissella confuse group had lower diversity in cecum. Microbial community analysis showed increased abundance of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, uncultured_bacterium_f_Muribaculaceae, and Lactobacillus in treatment groups, while potential microbes that can induce intestinal diseases such as Verrucomicrobia, Akkermansia, and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group decreased in the treatment groups. In conclusion, lactic acid bacteria isolated from the healthy horses could alleviate the infection of Salmonella and regulate intestinal flora.

[Exploration and Application of ESB High-availability Architecture Construction Based on Hospital Information System].

OBJECTIVE: To solve the ESB bus performance and safety problems caused by the explosive growth of the hospital's business, and to ensure the stable interaction of the hospital's business system. METHODS: Taking the construction of our hospital's information system as an example, we used AlwaysOn, load balancing and other technologies to optimize the ESB bus architecture to achieve high availability and scalability of the hospital's ESB bus. RESULTS: The ESB bus high-availability architecture effectively eliminates multiple points of failure. Compared with the traditional dual-machine Cluster solution, the security is significantly improved. The nodes based on load balancing can be scaled horizontally according to the growth of the hospital's business volume. CONCLUSIONS: The construction of the ESB bus high-availability architecture effectively solves the performance and security issues caused by business growth, and provides practical experience for medical information colleagues. It has certain guiding significance for the development of regional medical information.

Probiotic potential of Lactobacillus isolated from horses and its therapeutic effect on DSS-induced colitis in mice.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a refractory disease that endangers both humans and animals. In recent times, Lactobacillus have been used to treat animal diseases. It may be a good choice to try to isolate Lactobacillus with probiotic potential to treat IBD. Equine, as a kind of hindgut fermentation animal has rich intestinal microflora, but data regarding this is scarce. The isolation of Lactobacillus with probiotic potential from equine may become a new method for the treatment of IBD. Four isolates of Lactobacillus were isolated from fresh feces of healthy male adult horses and analyzed their biological characteristics. According to the phylogenetic analysis, A2.5 and A7.1 were identified as Pediococcus pentosaceus, A3 as Lactobacillus plantarum, and B8.2 as Weissella cibaria. All four isolates showed tolerance to the environment of acid, bile salt concentration and simulated artificial gastrointestinal fluid. The hydrophobic rate and self-aggregation rate of A3 were close to 100%, and the adhesion rate was 28.85 ± 0.74%. Four isolates were negative in hemolysis test and sensitive to common antibiotics and different isolates had different sensitivity to antibiotics. The four isolates had antibacterial and antioxidant activities which can reflect their probiotic potential. Furthermore, they could regulate the LPS (Lipopolysaccharides) stimulated Caco-2 cells. We chose A3 as the treatment strain to intervene Dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS)-induced mice. The results showed that compared with DSS group, DSS + A3 group exhibited reduced Disease activity index (DAI), increased colon length, reduced pathological score and regulated cytokine secretion at the level of gene expression. In this study, four isolates of Lactobacillus with probiotic potential were isolated, and Lactobacillus plantarum A3 with reduced ulcerative colitis in mice was screened. It might provide a potential treatment for IBD.

[Design and Implementation of Multifunctional Interactive Electronic Bedside Card System for Inpatients Based on Internet of Things Technology].

This research is based on data from clinical information systems such as HIS, EMR, LIS, etc, based on the functions of the traditional paper bedside card, relying on wired network technology, using the Internet of Things technology to design and develop a multi-functional intelligent interactive electronic bedside card system for inpatients. The functional framework of the system is introduced and discussed in detail, and the design is carried out from several aspects of system architecture, network architecture, software architecture, database and software system. The results show that the system has stable performance and can ensure the real-time and accuracy of medical information. The implementation of the system can fully meet the needs of clinical first-line ward management, reduce the workload of nursing staff, improve work efficiency, and reduce the possibility of medical accidents. At the same time, it can facilitate patients to see their own health information, improve patient experience. It has important guiding significance for the development of ward management and hospital information construction.

[Design and Implementation of Multifunctional Interactive Electronic Bedside Card System for Inpatients Based on Internet of Things Technology].

This research is based on data from clinical information systems such as HIS, EMR, LIS, etc, based on the functions of the traditional paper bedside card, relying on wired network technology, using the Internet of Things technology to design and develop a multi-functional intelligent interactive electronic bedside card system for inpatients. The functional framework of the system is introduced and discussed in detail, and the design is carried out from several aspects of system architecture, network architecture, software architecture, database and software system. The results show that the system has stable performance and can ensure the real-time and accuracy of medical information. The implementation of the system can fully meet the needs of clinical first-line ward management, reduce the workload of nursing staff, improve work efficiency, and reduce the possibility of medical accidents. At the same time, it can facilitate patients to see their own health information, improve patient experience. It has important guiding significance for the development of ward management and hospital information construction.

Probiotic Properties of Bacillus proteolyticus Isolated From Tibetan Yaks, China.

Yaks (Bos grunniens) live primarily in high-altitude hypoxic conditions and have a unique intestinal micro-ecosystem, remarkable adaptability, and strong climatic resistance. Accumulating evidence revealed the importance of probiotics in host metabolism, gut microbiota, growth performance, and health. The goal of this study was to screen out probiotics with excellent probiotic potential for clinical application. In this study, four strains of Bacillus, i.e., Bacillus proteolyticus (named Z1 and Z2), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (named J), and Bacillus subtilis (named K), were isolated and identified. Afterward, their probiotic potential was evaluated. Antioxidant activity tests revealed that Z1 had the highest DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, whereas Z2 had higher reducing power and inhibited lipid peroxidation. Additionally, the antibacterial testing revealed that all strains were antagonistic to three indicator pathogens, Escherichia coli C83902, Staphylococcus aureus BNCC186335, and Salmonella enteritidis NTNC13349. These isolates also had a higher hydrophobicity, autoaggregation, and acid and bile tolerance, all of which helped to survive and keep dangerous bacteria out of the host intestine. Importantly, all strains could be considered safe in terms of antibiotic susceptibility and lack of hemolysis. In conclusion, this is the first study to show that B. proteolyticus and B. amyloliquefaciens isolated from yaks have probiotic potential, providing a better foundation for future clinical use.

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on colorectal cancer patients: a single-center retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Since December 2019, China has experienced a public health emergency from the coronavirus disease, which has become a pandemic and is impacting the care of cancer patients worldwide. This study evaluated the impact of the pandemic on colorectal cancer (CRC) patients at our center and aimed to share the lessons we learned with clinics currently experiencing this impact. METHODS: We retrospectively collected data on CRC patients admitted between January 1, 2020 and May 3, 2020; the control group comprised patients admitted between January 1, 2019 and May 3, 2019. RESULTS: During the pandemic, outpatient volumes decreased significantly, especially those of nonlocal and elderly patients, whereas the number of patients who received chemotherapy and surgery remained the same. During the pandemic, 710 CRC patients underwent curative resection. The proportion of patients who received laparoscopic surgeries was 49.4%, significantly higher than the 39.5% during the same period in 2019. The proportion of major complication during the pandemic was not significantly different from that of the control group. The mean hospital stay was significantly longer than that of the control group. CONCLUSIONS: CRC patients confirmed to be infection-free can receive routine treatment. Using online medical counseling and appropriate identification, treatment and follow-up can be effectively maintained. Adjuvant and palliative chemotherapy should not be discontinued. Endoscopic polypectomy, elective, palliative, and multidisciplinary surgeries can be postponed, while curative surgery should proceed as usual. For elderly CRC patients, endoscopic surgery and neoadjuvant radiotherapy are recommended.

Comparison of Molecular, Clinicopathological, and Pedigree Differences Between Lynch-Like and Lynch Syndromes.

In this study, we compared the molecular, clinical, and pathological characteristics, as well as pedigrees, between patients with Lynch-like syndrome (LLS) and confirmed Lynch syndrome (LS) to develop appropriate management strategies for patients with LLS and their affected family members. Between June 2008 and September 2018, 81 patients with LLS and 47 patients with LS who developed colorectal cancer (CRC) were enrolled in this study. Multigene panel testing included 139 genes and was performed for all patients. The variants identified in each group were described, and clinicopathological characteristics and pedigrees were compared between the two groups. In the LLS group, a total of 52 variants were detected in 44 (54.3%) patients. Among the 52 variants, 17 were variants of unknown significance in mismatch repair genes, and the other most frequently mutated genes were MUYTH, POLE, BRCA2, and GJB2. The proportion of early-onset patients was significantly higher among the LS probands than among the LLS probands (74.5 and 53.1%, respectively; χ2 = 5.712, P = 0.017). On the other hand, the proportion of primary CRC developed in the rectum was higher in the LLS group than in the LS group (25.9 and 10.6%, respectively; χ2 = 2.358, P = 0.046). There were no significant differences in the occurrence of metachronous CRC (P = 0.632) and extra-colorectal cancer (extra-CRC) (P = 0.145) between the two groups. However, analysis of pedigrees showed that more patients developed CRC in the LS families (P = 0.013), whereas more patients with extra-CRC were observed in the LLS families (P = 0.045). A higher prevalence of male patients was observed in the LLS families (P = 0.036). In conclusion, LLS should be classified as a mixed entity, containing cases of LS, other hereditary cancer syndromes, and sporadic CRC. The high risks of CRC and extra-CRCs, which were found in this study, suggest tailored management policy and surveillance should be formulated based on individual and family risk. The surveillance regimen can be based on the presence of confirmed pathogenic/likely pathogenic germline variant(s) and family history.

The Principle of the Micro-Electronic Neural Bridge and a Prototype System Design.

The micro-electronic neural bridge (MENB) aims to rebuild lost motor function of paralyzed humans by routing movement-related signals from the brain, around the damage part in the spinal cord, to the external effectors. This study focused on the prototype system design of the MENB, including the principle of the MENB, the neural signal detecting circuit and the functional electrical stimulation (FES) circuit design, and the spike detecting and sorting algorithm. In this study, we developed a novel improved amplitude threshold spike detecting method based on variable forward difference threshold for both training and bridging phase. The discrete wavelet transform (DWT), a new level feature coefficient selection method based on Lilliefors test, and the k-means clustering method based on Mahalanobis distance were used for spike sorting. A real-time online spike detecting and sorting algorithm based on DWT and Euclidean distance was also implemented for the bridging phase. Tested by the data sets available at Caltech, in the training phase, the average sensitivity, specificity, and clustering accuracies are 99.43%, 97.83%, and 95.45%, respectively. Validated by the three-fold cross-validation method, the average sensitivity, specificity, and classification accuracy are 99.43%, 97.70%, and 96.46%, respectively.

Design of a pulse-triggered four-channel functional electrical stimulator using complementary current source and time division multiplexing output method.

In this paper, a four-channel pulse-triggered functional electrical stimulator using complementary current source and time division output method is proposed for the research and application of functional electrical stimulation (FES). The high-voltage compliance and output impedance is increased by adopting the complementary current source, which can also realize the linear voltage-to-current conversion and high channel isolation. A high-voltage analog switch chip MAX14803, combined with a FIFO queue algorithm in the microprocessor, is used to setup the H-bridge and multiplexers for the four-channel time division multiplexing output. With this method, the size and cost of the key components are reduced greatly. The stimulating core circuit area is 30 × 50 mm(2). According to the experiments, the stimulator can achieve the four-channel charge-balanced biphasic stimulation with a current range between 0 and 60 mA and a single-phase pulse amplitude up to 60 V.

A novel functional electrical stimulation-control system for restoring motor function of post-stroke hemiplegic patients.

Hemiparesis is one of the most common consequences of stroke. Advanced rehabilitation techniques are essential for restoring motor function in hemiplegic patients. Functional electrical stimulation applied to the affected limb based on myoelectric signal from the unaffected limb is a promising therapy for hemiplegia. In this study, we developed a prototype system for evaluating this novel functional electrical stimulation-control strategy. Based on surface electromyography and a vector machine model, a self-administered, multi-movement, force-modulation functional electrical stimulation-prototype system for hemiplegia was implemented. This paper discusses the hardware design, the algorithm of the system, and key points of the self-oscillation-prone system. The experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of the prototype system for further clinical trials, which is being conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the proposed rehabilitation technique.

Microelectronic neural bridging of toad nerves to restore leg function.

The present study used a microelectronic neural bridge comprised of electrode arrays for neural signal detection, functional electrical stimulation, and a microelectronic circuit including signal amplifying, processing, and functional electrical stimulation to bridge two separate nerves, and to restore the lost function of one nerve. The left leg of one spinal toad was subjected to external mechanical stimulation and functional electrical stimulation driving. The function of the left leg of one spinal toad was regenerated to the corresponding leg of another spinal toad using a microelectronic neural bridge. Oscilloscope tracings showed that the electromyographic signals from controlled spinal toads were generated by neural signals that controlled the spinal toad, and there was a delay between signals. This study demonstrates that microelectronic neural bridging can be used to restore neural function between different injured nerves.

Motor function rebuilding of limbs based on communication principle and electronic system.

In this paper, we report our novel idea on the function rebuilding for hemiplegic limbs and the primary experiments. The main concept is to connect the control-lost nerves or neuromuscular junctions by using a multi-channel micro- electronic neural bridge (MENB), regenerate the nervous signal, and rebuild the motor functions of the related limb. Since the injured nervous system in stroke-related hemiplegia is located in the brain and difficult to be identified and operate on, we use another nervous system functioning as a new signal source to supply similar neural signals. In these cases, that means, two independent nervous systems are connected by a MENB. As preclinical experiments, we have made a series of tests on bodies of animals and healthy human. The principle, the system construction and the experimental results will be given.

Ag nanoparticles/PPV composite nanofibers with high and sensitive opto-electronic response.

The novel Ag nanoparticles/poly(p-phenylene vinylene) [PPV] composite nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning. The transmission electron microscope image shows that the average diameter of composite fibers is about 500 nm and Ag nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed in the PPV matrix with an average diameter of about 25 nm. The Fourier transform infrared spectra suggest that there could be a coordination effect to a certain extent between the Ag atom and the π system of PPV, which is significantly favorable for the dissociation of photoexcitons and the charge transfer at the interface between the Ag nanoparticle and the PPV. The Au top electrode device of the single Ag/PPV composite nanofiber exhibits high and sensitive opto-electronic responses. Under light illumination of 5.76 mW/cm2 and voltage of 20 V, the photocurrent is over three times larger than the dark current under same voltage, which indicates that this kind of composite fiber is an excellent opto-electronic nanomaterial.

Photoresponse of a single poly(p-phenylene vinylene)-CdSe bulk-heterojunction submicron fiber.

Bulk-heterojunction PPV (poly(p-phenylene vinylene))-CdSe submicron fibers have been prepared by introducing electrostatic interaction between thioglycolic acid capped CdSe nanocrystals and PPV precursor, subsequently with electrospinning and thermal conversion. The photoconductive device on a single PPV-CdSe fiber showed notable photoresponse, good response speed, wavelength-sensitivity, and reproducibility.

Neural signal sensing, transmission and functional regeneration on different toads' bodies.

The presence of neural signals is the most important feature of animals' life. Monitoring, analysis and regeneration of neural signals are important for the rehabilitation of paralyzed patients. In this paper, the neural signal regeneration between the proximal and the distal end of an injured nerve is introduced. In the experiment a microelectronic module is used as a channel bridge. The regeneration of nerve signals is realized from one toad's sciatic nerve to another's. Corresponding neural signals and EMG were recorded and analyzed. It will be a reference to further study on the neural signals and the relationship between a neural signal and the muscle locomotion.