Effects of motivational interviewing intervention on psychological status, compliance behavior and quality of life of patients with malignant tumor combined with diabetes mellitus.

Objective: To investigate the effects of motivational interview education on psychological status, compliance behavior and quality of life in patients with malignant tumors combined with diabetes mellitus. Methods: This is a retrospective study. Eighty patients with malignant tumors combined with diabetes mellitus admitted at The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University from January 2021 to June 2022 were included as subjects and divided into observation group and control group according to the intervention measures. Patients in the control group were given routine health education intervention, while those in the observation group were given motivational interviewing intervention on the basis of the control group. We compared the prognosis, cognitive function, quality of life, relief of cancer pain before intervention and three months after the intervention of the two groups were compared. Results: At three months after the intervention, the total remission rate of cancer pain in the observation group was higher than that in the control group(p<0.05), while the levels of FBG and 2hPG in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(p<0.05). Self-Rating Anxiety Scale(SAS) and Self-rating depression scale(SDS) scores decreased in both groups three months after the intervention, with the level of reduction in the observation group being higher than that in the control group(p<0.05). The overall compliance was higher in the observation group than in the control group(p<0.05). Conclusion: Motivational interviewing leads to alleviate negative emotions, improve the psychological status, enhance compliance behavior and improve quality of life in patients with malignant tumors combined with diabetes mellitus.

Reduction of Ketones and Coupling of Ketyls by a Zn-Zn-Bonded Compound.

The α-diimine-ligated Zn-Zn-bonded compound [K(THF)2]2[LZn-ZnL] (1, L = [(2,6-iPr2C6H3)NC(Me)]22-) displays diverse reactivities toward a variety of ketones. In the reaction of 1 with benzophenone or 4,4'-di-tert-butylbenzophenone, a multielectron transfer process was observed to give bimetallic (Zn/K) complexes with both ketyl radical fragments and C-C coupled pinacolate moieties (products 2 and 3). In contrast, treating 1 with 9-fluorenone only afforded pinacolate complex 5. Moreover, the reactions of 1 with N- or O-heterocycle-functionalized ketones, i.e., di(2-pyridyl)ketone, 2,2-pyrrolidinone, 9-xanthenone, or 10-methyl-9(10H)-acridone, were also carried out. Besides different transformations of the ketone moiety, the heteroatoms (nitrogen or oxygen) are also involved in coordination with zinc or potassium ions, yielding discrete aggregates or polymeric structures of products 6-9.

Measurable residual disease testing by next generation sequencing is more accurate compared with multiparameter flow cytometry in adults with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Results of measurable residual disease (MRD)-testing by next-generation sequencing (NGS) correlate with relapse risk in adults with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) receiving chemotherapy or an allotransplant from a human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-identical relative or HLA-matched unrelated donor. We studied cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) and survival prediction accuracy using a NGS-based MRD-assay targeting immunoglobulin genes after 2 courses of consolidation chemotherapy cycles in 93 adults with B-cell ALL most receiving HLA-haplotype-matched related transplants. Prediction accuracy was compared with MRD-testing using multi-parameter flow cytometry (MPFC). NGS-based MRD-testing detected residual leukemia in 28 of 65 subjects with a negative MPFC-based MRD-test. In Cox regression multi-variable analyses subjects with a positive NGS-based MRD-test had a higher 3-year CIR (Hazard Ratio [HR] = 3.37; 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 1.34-8.5; P = 0.01) and worse survival (HR = 4.87 [1.53-15.53]; P = 0.007). Some data suggest a lower CIR and better survival in NGS-MRD-test-positive transplant recipients but allocation to transplant was not random. Our data indicate MRD-testing by NGS is more accurate compared with testing by MPFC in adults with B-cell ALL in predicting CIR and survival. (Registered in the Beijing Municipal Health Bureau Registration N 2007-1007 and in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry [ChiCTR-OCH-10000940 and ChiCTROPC-14005546]).

Designing Symmetric Gradient Honeycomb Structures with Carbon-Coated Iron-Based Composites for High-Efficiency Microwave Absorption.

The impedance matching of absorbers is a vital factor affecting their microwave absorption (MA) properties. In this work, we controllably synthesized Material of Institute Lavoisier 88C (MIL-88C) with varying aspect ratios (AR) as a precursor by regulating oil bath conditions, followed by one-step thermal decomposition to obtain carbon-coated iron-based composites. Modifying the precursor MIL-88C (Fe) preparation conditions, such as the molar ratio between metal ions and organic ligands (M/O), oil bath temperature, and oil bath time, influenced the phases, graphitization degree, and AR of the derivatives, enabling low filler loading, achieving well-matched impedance, and ensuring outstanding MA properties. The MOF-derivatives 2 (MD2)/polyvinylidene Difluoride (PVDF), MD3/PVDF, and MD4/PVDF absorbers all exhibited excellent MA properties with optimal filler loadings below 20 wt% and as low as 5 wt%. The MD2/PVDF (5 wt%) achieved a maximum effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 5.52 GHz (1.90 mm). The MD3/PVDF (10 wt%) possessed a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) value of - 67.4 at 12.56 GHz (2.13 mm). A symmetric gradient honeycomb structure (SGHS) was constructed utilizing the high-frequency structure simulator (HFSS) to further extend the EAB, achieving an EAB of 14.6 GHz and a RLmin of - 59.0 dB. This research offers a viable inspiration to creating structures or materials with high-efficiency MA properties.

Decapod iridescent virus 1 (DIV1) 168L can target cuticle protein 8 from Litopenaeus vannamei.

Decapod iridescent virus 1 (DIV1) stands as a significant pathogen affecting crustaceans, posing a grave threat to the shrimp industries in aquaculture dependent nations. Within the Iridoviridae family, the conserved envelope protein DIV1-168L plays a pivotal role in virion entry. Nonetheless, the host factors that interact with 168L remain unidentified. To address this gap, we established a cDNA library derived from Litopenaeus vannamei gill tissue and conducted yeast two-hybrid screening to identify host factors that interact with 168L. Additionally, we performed co-immunoprecipitation assays to verify the interaction between cuticle protein 8 (CP8) and 168L. Expression pattern analysis revealed the presence of CP8 transcripts in the gill and epidermis. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry results demonstrated the expression of CP8 in gill cells and its localization in the gill filament epithelium. Fluorescence analysis indicated that full-length CP8 colocalized with 168L in the cytoplasm of Sf9 cells. Removal of the signal peptide from the N-terminal of CP8 eliminated its concentration in the cytoplasm. Additionally, CP8 expression was significantly inhibited during DIV1 infection. Therefore, our research contributes to a better understanding of the entry mechanism of iridovirids. The GenBank accession number for the DIV1 sequence is MF197913.1.

TOPK Inhibition Enhances the Sensitivity of Colorectal Cancer Cells to Radiotherapy by Reducing the DNA Damage Response.

OBJECTIVE: Abnormal expression of T-lymphokine-activated killer cell-originated protein kinase (TOPK) was reported to be closely related to the resistance of prostate cancer to radiotherapy and to targeted drug resistance in lung cancer. However, the role of TOPK inhibition in enhancing radiosensitivity of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the radiosensitization of TOPK knockdown in CRC cells. METHODS: The expression of TOPK was detected in CRC tissues by immunohistochemistry, and the effect of TOPK knockdown was detected in CRC cells by Western blotting. CCK-8 and clonogenic assays were used to detect the growth and clonogenic ability of CRC cells after TOPK knockdown combined with radiotherapy in CRC cells. Furthermore, proteomic analysis showed that the phosphorylation of TOPK downstream proteins changed after radiotherapy. DNA damage was detected by the comet assay. Changes in the DNA damage response signaling pathway were analyzed by Western blotting, and apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The expression of TOPK was significantly greater in CRC tissues at grades 2-4 than in those at grade 1. After irradiation, CRC cells with genetically silenced TOPK had shorter comet tails and reduced expression levels of DNA damage response-associated proteins, including phospho-cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (p-CDK1), phospho-ataxia telangiectasia-mutated (p-ATM), poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP), and meiotic recombination 11 homolog 1 (MRE11). CONCLUSIONS: TOPK was overexpressed in patients with moderately to poorly differentiated CRC. Moreover, TOPK knockdown significantly enhanced the radiosensitivity of CRC cells by reducing the DNA damage response.

Hemothorax caused by injury of musculophrenic artery after ultrasound-guided percutaneous liver biopsy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Hemorrhage is the most common major complication after liver biopsy. Hemothorax is one type of bleeding and is very rare and dangerous. Several cases of hemothorax subsequent to liver biopsy have been documented, primarily attributed to injury of the intercostal artery or inferior phrenic artery and a few resulting from lung tissue damage; however, no previous case report of hemothorax caused by injury of musculophrenic artery after liver biopsy has been reported. CASE PRESENTATION: A 45-year-old native Chinese woman diagnosed with primary biliary cirrhosis due to long-term redness in urination and abnormal blood test indicators was admitted to our hospital for an ultrasound-guided liver biopsy to clarify pathological characteristics and disease staging. A total of 2 hours after surgery, the patient complained of discomfort in the right chest and abdomen. Ultrasound revealed an effusion in the right thorax and hemothorax was strongly suspected. The patient was immediately referred to the interventional department for digital subtraction angiography. Super-selective angiography of the right internal thoracic artery was performed which revealed significant contrast medium extravasation from the right musculophrenic artery, the terminal branch of the internal thoracic artery. Embolization was performed successfully. The vital signs of the patient were stabilized after the transarterial embolization and supportive treatment. CONCLUSION: This case draws attention to the musculophrenic artery as a potential source of hemorrhage after percutaneous liver biopsy.

Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase (NNMT): A New Hope for Treating Aging and Age-Related Conditions.

The complex process of aging leads to a gradual deterioration in the function of cells, tissues, and the entire organism, thereby increasing the risk of disease and death. Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) has attracted attention as a potential target for combating aging and its related pathologies. Studies have shown that NNMT activity increases over time, which is closely associated with the onset and progression of age-related diseases. NNMT uses S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) as a methyl donor to facilitate the methylation of nicotinamide (NAM), converting NAM into S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine (SAH) and methylnicotinamide (MNA). This enzymatic action depletes NAM, a precursor of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), and generates SAH, a precursor of homocysteine (Hcy). The reduction in the NAD+ levels and the increase in the Hcy levels are considered important factors in the aging process and age-related diseases. The efficacy of RNA interference (RNAi) therapies and small-molecule inhibitors targeting NNMT demonstrates the potential of NNMT as a therapeutic target. Despite these advances, the exact mechanisms by which NNMT influences aging and age-related diseases remain unclear, and there is a lack of clinical trials involving NNMT inhibitors and RNAi drugs. Therefore, more in-depth research is needed to elucidate the precise functions of NNMT in aging and promote the development of targeted pharmaceutical interventions. This paper aims to explore the specific role of NNMT in aging, and to evaluate its potential as a therapeutic target.

Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT): a novel therapeutic target for metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) represents a constellation of metabolic abnormalities, typified by obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia. It stems from intricate dysregulations in metabolic pathways governing energy and substrate metabolism. While comprehending the precise etiological mechanisms of MetS remains challenging, evidence underscores the pivotal roles of aberrations in lipid metabolism and insulin resistance (IR) in its pathogenesis. Notably, nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) has recently surfaced as a promising therapeutic target for addressing MetS. Single nucleotide variants in the NNMT gene are significantly correlated with disturbances in energy metabolism, obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D), hyperlipidemia, and hypertension. Elevated NNMT gene expression is notably observed in the liver and white adipose tissue (WAT) of individuals with diabetic mice, obesity, and rats afflicted with MetS. Knockdown of NNMT elicits heightened energy expenditure in adipose and hepatic tissues, mitigates lipid accumulation, and enhances insulin sensitivity. NNMT catalyzes the methylation of nicotinamide (NAM) using S-adenosyl-methionine (SAM) as the donor methyl group, resulting in the formation of S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine (SAH) and methylnicotinamide (MNAM). This enzymatic process results in the depletion of NAM, a precursor of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), and the generation of SAH, a precursor of homocysteine (Hcy). Consequently, this cascade leads to reduced NAD+ levels and elevated Hcy levels, implicating NNMT in the pathogenesis of MetS. Moreover, experimental studies employing RNA interference (RNAi) strategies and small molecule inhibitors targeting NNMT have underscored its potential as a therapeutic target for preventing or treating MetS-related diseases. Nonetheless, the precise mechanistic underpinnings remain elusive, and as of yet, clinical trials focusing on NNMT have not been documented. Therefore, further investigations are warranted to elucidate the intricate roles of NNMT in MetS and to develop targeted therapeutic interventions.

Protective Effects of Bioactive Compound-Derived Nanoparticle Against Diabetic Retinopathy Through the Modulation of the NF-κB Signaling Pathway.

Diabetic retinopathy is a prevalent and severe microvascular complication of diabetes, often causing visual impairment and blindness in adults. This condition significantly impacts the quality of life for many diabetes patients worldwide. Berberine (BBR), a bioactive compound known for its effects on blood glucose levels, has shown promise in managing diabetic complications. However, the exact mechanism of how BBR influences the development of diabetic retinopathy remains unclear. In this study, we focused on synthesizing a formulation derived from BBR and assessing its protective effects against diabetic retinopathy. The formulation was created using a green synthesis method and thoroughly characterized. In vitro studies demonstrated the antioxidant activity of the formulation against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate. We also examined the NF-κB signaling pathway at a molecular level using real-time polymerase chain reaction. To mimic diabetic retinopathy in a controlled setting, a diabetic rat model was established through streptozotocin injection. The rats were divided into normal, diabetic, and treatment groups. The treatment group received the formulated treatment via intragastric administration for several weeks, while the other groups received normal saline. Evaluation of histopathological characteristics and microstructural changes in the retina using hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed that the bioactive compound-derived nanoparticle exhibited favorable biological, chemical, and physical properties. Treatment with the formulation effectively reduced oxidative stress induced by diabetes and inhibited the NF-κB signaling pathway in the diabetic rat model. Under high glucose conditions, oxidative stress was heightened, leading to mitochondria-dependent cell apoptosis in Müller cells via the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. The bioactive compound-derived formulation counteracted these effects by decreasing IκB phosphorylation, preventing NF-κB nuclear translocation, and deactivating the NF-κB signaling pathway. Furthermore, treatment with the bioactive compound-derived formulation mitigated retinal micro- and ultrastructural changes associated with diabetic retinopathy. These results indicate that the formulation protects against diabetic retinopathy by suppressing oxidative stress, reducing cell apoptosis, and deactivating the NF-κB signaling pathway. This suggests that the bioactive compound-derived formulation could be a promising therapeutic option for diabetic retinopathy.

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The radial growth of trees in alpine timberline is particularly sensitive to climate change. We sampled and disposed tree-ring cores of three coniferous tree species including Juniperus saltuaria, Abies forrestii, and Larix potaninii at alpine timberline in Yading Nature Reserve. The standard tree-ring chronology was used to explore the response of radial growth of different timberline species to climate change. The results showed that radial growth of L. potaninii increased after 2000, while that of A. forrestii declined after 2002, and J. saltuaria showed a significant decreasing growth trend in the past 10 years. Such results indicated divergent growth responses to climate factors among the three tree species at alpine timberline. The radial growth of J. saltuaria was sensitive to temperature, and was positively correlated with the minimum temperature from previous October to current August, the mean tempera-ture from previous November to current April and from current July to October, but was negatively associated with the relative humidity from current July to October. The radial growth of A. forrestii showed negative correlation with mean temperature and the maximum temperature from May to June in the current year, while it exhibited positive association with the relative humidity and the Palmer drought severity index from May to June in the current year. L. potaninii radial growth was positively associated with mean temperature and the maximum temperature of November-December in the previous year, the maximum temperature of current March and mean temperature of current August. The temporal stability of climate-growth relationship varied among different timberline species. The positive correlation between radial growth of A. forrestii and J. saltuaria and temperature gradually decreased, while the posi-tive relationship of L. potaninii radial growth and temperature gradually increased. Under the background of climate warming, rapid rise in surface air temperatures may promote the radial growth of L. potaninii, while inhibit that of J. saltuaria and A. forrestii, which may change the position of regional timberline.

2-week prevalence and associated factors of fever, diarrhea, and coexisting fever and diarrhea among children aged 6-23 months in rural Hunan Province.

Fever and diarrhea are key causes of malnutrition, growth and development disorders, and death among children. At present, most studies on the associated factors of fever and diarrhea in children are concentrated in African and South Asian countries, but relevant research in China is very limited. This study was aimed to analyze the two-week prevalence of fever, diarrhea, and coexisting fever and diarrhea among children aged 6-23 months in rural areas of Hunan Province and to explore the associated factors. The survey data of the Nutrition Improvement Program for Children in Poor Areas (NIPCPA) from 2016 to 2023 was used here. NIPCPA is a cross-sectional survey completed annually in Hunan to collect children's nutrition and health indicators. The two-week prevalence rates of fever, diarrhea, and coexisting fever and diarrhea among children aged 6-23 months were 12.2% (2066/16,985), 9.6% (1634/16,985), and 3.2% (542/16,985), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed the risks of fever, diarrhea, and coexisting fever and diarrhea were higher among younger children. The high educational level of caregivers, effective consumption of Yingyangbao (a complementary food supplement containing iron, zinc, calcium, vitamins A, D, B1, B2, B12, folic acid, and other micronutrients), and complementary feeding meeting minimum dietary diversity and meeting minimum acceptable diet were protective factors against fever in children, with adjusted odds ratios (aORs) of 0.87 (95%CI: 0.78-0.98), 0.78 (0.69-0.87), 0.73 (0.65-0.82), and 0.74 (0.66-0.84), respectively. Effective consumption of Yingyangbao, and complementary feeding meeting the minimum dietary diversity and meeting minimum acceptable diet were protective factors against diarrhea in children, with aORs of 0.72 (95%CI: 0.63-0.83), 0.79 (0.70-0.91), and 0.80 (0.70-0.92), respectively. Effective consumption of Yingyangbao, and complementary feeding meeting the minimum dietary diversity and meeting minimum acceptable diet were protective factors against coexisting fever and diarrhea among children, with aORs of 0.53 (95%CI: 0.43-0.66), 0.71 (0.58-0.89), and 0.70 (0.56-0.88), respectively. Fever, diarrhea, and the coexisting fever and diarrhea affect one in eight, one in ten, and one in thirty children respectively in rural areas of Hunan. Effective interventions should be actively taken, such as improving the education level of caregivers, enhancing their scientific feeding skills for children, and promoting children's compliance with Yingyangbao consumption, to further reduce the prevalence of fever and diarrhea in children.

Haploidentical Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Paediatric Patients with X-linked Lymphoproliferative Syndrome.

The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic factors of haploid hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in the treatment of X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome. Seven children with X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome diagnosed by XIAP gene analysis were enrolled. The conditioning regimens were tolerated in all seven patients, and the median time of neutrophil engraftment was 10 days (8-13 days), and that of platelet engraftment was 21 days (14-24 days). STR-PCR analysis on the peripheral blood cells showed complete donor origins. Four cases developed Grade I acute graft versus host disease (aGVHD), one developed Grade III aGVHD (intestinal tract), and two cases had limited chronic GVHD. Four cases had cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation, and two cases had Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation. One case was diagnosed as pneumocystosis, and thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) occurred in three cases. During the follow-up period (median time of 42 months), one patient died of TMA and six patients survived. Statistical analysis showed that the status of disease remission and the positive result of virus in blood before transplantation were independent prognostic factors. Haplo-HSCT might be a curative option for children with refractory X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome. Low-intensity conditioning regimens may reduce transplant-related mortality and improve overall survival.

From Perspective of Hippocampal Plasticity: Function of Antidepressant Chinese Medicine Xiaoyaosan.

The hippocampus is one of the most commonly studied brain regions in the context of depression. The volume of the hippocampus is significantly reduced in patients with depression, which severely disrupts hippocampal neuroplasticity. However, antidepressant therapies that target hippocampal neuroplasticity have not been identified as yet. Chinese medicine (CM) can slow the progression of depression, potentially by modulating hippocampal neuroplasticity. Xiaoyaosan (XYS) is a CM formula that has been clinically used for the treatment of depression. It is known to protect Gan (Liver) and Pi (Spleen) function, and may exert its antidepressant effects by regulating hippocampal neuroplasticity. In this review, we have summarized the association between depression and aberrant hippocampal neuroplasticity. Furthermore, we have discussed the researches published in the last 30 years on the effects of XYS on hippocampal neuroplasticity in order to elucidate the possible mechanisms underlying its therapeutic action against depression. The results of this review can aid future research on XYS for the treatment of depression.

TM9SF1 offers utility as an efficient predictor of clinical severity and mortality among acute respiratory distress syndrome patients.

Introduction: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a major cause of death among critically ill patients in intensive care settings, underscoring the need to identify biomarkers capable of predicting ARDS patient clinical status and prognosis at an early time point. This study specifically sought to explore the utility and clinical relevance of TM9SF1 as a biomarker for the early prediction of disease severity and prognostic outcomes in patients with ARDS. Methods: This study enrolled 123 patients with severe ARDS and 116 patients with non-severe ARDS for whom follow-up information was available. The mRNA levels of TM9SF1 and cytokines in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from these patients were evaluated by qPCR. The predictive performance of TM9SF1 and other clinical indicators was evaluated using received operating characteristic (ROC) curves. A predictive nomogram was developed based on TM9SF1 expression and evaluated for its ability in the early prediction of severe disease and mortality in patients with ARDS. Results: TM9SF1 mRNA expression was found to be significantly increased in patients with severe ARDS relative to those with non-severe disease or healthy controls. ARDS severity increased in correspondence with the level of TM9SF1 expression (odds ratio [OR] = 2.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.15-3.72, P = 0.005), and high TM9SF1 levels were associated with a greater risk of mortality (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.27, 95% CI = 2.20-4.39, P = 0.001). ROC curves demonstrated that relative to other clinical indicators, TM9SF1 offered superior performance in the prediction of ARDS severity and mortality. A novel nomogram incorporating TM9SF1 expression together with age, D-dimer levels, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels was developed and was used to predict ARDS severity (AUC = 0.887, 95% CI = 0.715-0.943). A separate model incorporating TM9SF1 expression, age, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and D-dimer levels (C-index = 0.890, 95% CI = 0.627-0.957) was also developed for predicting mortality. Conclusion: Increases in ARDS severity and patient mortality were observed with rising levels of TM9SF1 expression. TM9SF1 may thus offer utility as a novel biomarker for the early prediction of ARDS patient disease status and clinical outcomes.

Population differentiation and dynamics of five pioneer species of Gaultheria from the secondary forests in subtropical China.

BACKGROUND: The influence of native secondary succession associated with anthropogenic disturbance on the biodiversity of the forests in subtropical China remains uncertain. In particular, the evolutionary response of small understory shrubs, particularly pioneer species inhabiting continuously disturbed habitats, to topographic heterogeneity and climate change is poorly understood. This study aimed to address this knowledge gap by focusing on the Gaultheria crenulata group, a clade of small pioneer shrubs in subtropical China. RESULTS: We examined the genetic structure and demographic history of all five species of the G. crenulata group with two maternally inherited chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) fragments and two biparentally inherited low-copy nuclear genes (LCG) over 89 natural populations. We found that the genetic differentiation of this group was influenced by the geomorphological boundary between different regions of China in association with Quaternary climatic events. Despite low overall genetic diversity, we observed an isolation-by-distance (IBD) pattern at a regional scale, rather than isolation-by-environment (IBE), which was attributed to ongoing human disturbance in the region. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the genetic structure of the G. crenulata group reflects the interplay of geological topography, historical climates, and anthropogenic disturbance during the Pliocene-Pleistocene-Holocene periods in subtropical China. The observed IBD pattern, particularly prominent in western China, highlights the role of limited dispersal and gene flow, possibly influenced by physical barriers or decreased connectivity over geographic distance. Furthermore, the east-to-west trend of gene flow, potentially facilitated by the East Asian monsoon system, underscores the complex interplay of biotic and abiotic factors shaping the genetic dynamics of pioneer species in subtropical China's secondary forests. These findings can be used to assess the impact of environmental changes on the adaptation and persistence of biodiversity in subtropical forest ecosystems.

Protective effect of zinc gluconate on intestinal mucosal barrier injury in antibiotics and LPS-induced mice.

Objective: The aim of the study is to investigate the function and mechanism of Zinc Gluconate (ZG) on intestinal mucosal barrier damage in antibiotics and Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mice. Methods: We established a composite mouse model by inducing intestinal mucosal barrier damage using antibiotics and LPS. The animals were divided into five groups: Control (normal and model) and experimental (low, medium, and high-dose ZG treatments). We evaluated the intestinal mucosal barrier using various methods, including monitoring body weight and fecal changes, assessing pathological damage and ultrastructure of the mouse ileum, analyzing expression levels of tight junction (TJ)-related proteins and genes, confirming the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, and examining the structure of the intestinal flora. Results: In mice, the dual induction of antibiotics and LPS led to weight loss, fecal abnormalities, disruption of ileocecal mucosal structure, increased intestinal barrier permeability, and disorganization of the microbiota structure. ZG restored body weight, alleviated diarrheal symptoms and pathological damage, and maintained the structural integrity of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). Additionally, ZG reduced intestinal mucosal permeability by upregulating TJ-associated proteins (ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin-1, and JAM-A) and downregulating MLCK, thereby repairing intestinal mucosal barrier damage induced by dual induction of antibiotics and LPS. Moreover, ZG suppressed the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, demonstrating anti-inflammatory properties and preserving barrier integrity. Furthermore, ZG restored gut microbiota diversity and richness, evidenced by increased Shannon and Observed features indices, and decreased Simpson's index. ZG also modulated the relative abundance of beneficial human gut bacteria (Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Verrucomicrobia, Parabacteroides, Lactobacillus, and Akkermansia) and harmful bacteria (Proteobacteria and Enterobacter), repairing the damage induced by dual administration of antibiotics and LPS. Conclusion: ZG attenuates the dual induction of antibiotics and LPS-induced intestinal barrier damage and also protects the intestinal barrier function in mice.

Needs and Constraints for Cardiac Rehabilitation Among Patients with Coronary Heart Disease Within a Community-Based Setting: A Study Based on Focus Group Interviews.

Objective: This study aimed to explore the needs and constraints to cardiac rehabilitation (CR) among patients diagnosed with coronary heart disease (CHD) in a community-based setting, and thereby facilitating the implementation of effective CR programs for this population. Methods: Focus group interviews were used as the primary research methodology. A total of 11 community-dwelling individuals diagnosed with CHD were selected from a community hospital to participate in in-depth interviews, aiming to discern and analyze their requirements and constraints experienced concerning medical resources and healthcare agency. The textual data underwent examination using Colaizzi's method of descriptive data analysis. Results: Deficits existed in the perceptions of patients with CHD within a community-based setting about their condition and CR, and in the social support for this disease. Patients expressed expectations for professional guidance during CR, gained an understanding about the beneficial effects of emotional stability on cognitive function. Patients expressed their thoughts and feelings regarding the diversity of physical exercise options. Two main themes and seven sub-themes were identified: (a) "Insufficient CR resources for patients": Lack of awareness about CHD; inadequate knowledge about secondary prevention/CR; insufficient support from family and friends. (b) "Patient CR initiative": Patient self-adjustment; expectation of professional rehabilitation guidance; stable emotions improving cognition; diverse attitudes and awareness of exercise. Conclusion: For more effective CR, community-based medical teams should provide more comprehensive and individualized rehabilitation programs. They should focus on individual variations and preferences of patients, as well as enhance the autonomy of patients and improve their self-care ability through effective empowerment measures.

Rare oxoisoaporphine alkaloids from Menispermum dauricum with potential anti-inflammatory activity.

Eleven alkaloids including four previously undescribed oxoisoaporphine alkaloids, menisoxoisoaporphines A-D (1-4), four known analogues (5-8), and three aporphine alkaloids (9-11), were isolated and identified from the rhizomes of Menispermum dauricum. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic data and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Among them, compounds 1 and 4 were the first samples of oxoisoaporphine with C-6 isopentylamino moiety, and 2 was a rare C-4 methylation product of oxoisoaporphine alkaloid. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of compounds 1-11 was performed by evaluating the inhibition of NO level in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. Among them, compound 4 exhibited the most potent NO inhibition activity with an IC50 value of 1.95 ± 0.33 µM. The key structure-activity relationships of those oxoisoaporphine alkaloids for anti-inflammatory effects have been summarized.