OBJECTIVE: To investigate the regulatory effects of two traditional mineral medicines (TMMs), Gypsum Fibrosum (Shigao, GF) and Terra Flava Usta (Zaoxintu, TFU), on gut-beneficial bacteria in mice, and preliminarily explore their mechanisms of action. METHODS: Mice were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=10 per group): the control group (standard diet), the GF group (diet supplemented with 2% GF), and the TFU group (diet supplemented with 2% TFU). After 4-week intervention, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to analyze the changes in the gut microbiota (GM). Scanning electron microscopy, in combination with coumarin A tetramethyl rhodamine conjugate and Hoechst stainings, was used to observe the bacteria and biofilm formation. RESULTS: Principal coordinate analysis revealed that GF and TFU significantly altered the GM composition in mice. Further analysis revealed that GF and TFU affected different types of gut bacteria, suggesting that different TMMs may selectively modulate specific bacterial populations. For certain bacteria, such as Faecalibaculum and Ileibacterium, both GF and TFU exhibited growth-promoting effects, implying that they may be sensitive to TMMs and that different TMMs can increase their abundance through their respective mechanisms. Notably, Lactobacillus reuteri, a widely recognized and used probiotic, was significantly enriched in the GF group. Random forest analysis identified Ileibacterium valens as a potential indicator bacterium for TMMs' impact on GM. Further mechanistic studies showed that gut bacteria formed biofilm structures on the TFU surface. CONCLUSIONS This study provides new insights into the interaction between TMMs and GM. As safe and effective natural clays, GF and TFU hold promise as potential candidates for prebiotic development.
Animals ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects* ; Bacteria/growth & development* ; Mice ; Biofilms/drug effects* ; Male ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics*

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on cognitive function of vascular dementia (VD) rats and its mechanism. MethodsVD rat model was established by modified two-vessel occlusion (2-VO). After modeling, TEAS and electroacupuncture (EA) were used to stimulate Baihui and Zusanli points of rats respectively for 14 d. After treatment, novel object recognition test, Morris water maze test, and Y maze test were used to evaluate the spatial memory and learning ability of rats. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to observe the morphology of hippocampal neurons. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of hippocampal mitochondria. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to detected the levels of SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, MDA and ROS in serum of rats. Western blot was used to detect the expression of PGC-1α, TFAM, HO-1, NQO1 proteins in the hippocampus, Keap1 protein in the cytoplasm and Nrf2, NRF1 proteins in the nucleus. ResultsAfter treatment for 14 d, compared to the model group, the escape latency of VD rats decreased, while the discrimination index, the times of rats crossing the original platform area, the residence time in the original platform quadrant, and the percentage of alternation increased. TEAS can improve the structure of hippocampal neurons and mitochondria of VD rats, showing that neurons were arranged more regularly and distributed more evenly, nuclear membrane and nucleoli were clearer, and mitochondrial swelling were reduced, mitochondrial matrix density were increased, and mitochondrial cristae were more obvious. The levels of SOD, GSH-Px and CAT in serum increased significantly, while the concentration of MDA and ROS decreased. TEAS also up-regulated the expression levels of PGC-1α TFAM, NQO1 and HO-1 proteins in the hippocampus and Nrf2, NRF1 proteins in the nucleus, but down-regulated the Keap1 protein in the cytoplasm. ConclusionTEAS can improve cognition, hippocampal neurons and mitochondrial structure of VD rats, and the effect is better than EA. The mechanism may be the activation of PGC-1α mediated mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant stress, which also provides a potential therapeutic technology and experimental basis for the treatment of VD.

ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Xibining （XBN） and adipose stem cell exosome （ADSC-Exos） in the cases of separate or joint application on cartilage degeneration and mitochondrial autophagy and explore its mechanism of action to improve knee osteoarthritis （KOA）. MethodSD rats were divided into a sham operation group （sham group）， a model group， an ADSC-Exos group （Exos group）， an XBN group， and an ADSC-Exos+XBN group （Exos+XBN group）. KOA model was established by using anterior cruciate ligament transection （ACLT）. The pain sensitivity status of rats was evaluated， and the degeneration degree of the knee joint and cartilage tissue was detected by Micro-CT and pathological staining. The expression of p62 and LC3B was observed by immunofluorescence， and the serum levels of TNF-α， IL-1β， IL-6， and IL-15 in rats were detected by ELISA. The Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of MMP-3， MMP-13， ADAMTS5， ColⅡ， TIMP， ACAN， PINK1， Parkin， p62， and LC3A/B. ResultCompared with the sham group， rats in the model group showed decreased cold-stimulated foot-shrinkage thresholds and mechanical pain sensitivity thresholds， varying degrees of abrasion and loss of cartilage tissue， degeneration of cartilage tissue， elevated serum IL-1β， IL-6， IL-15， and TNF-α levels （P<0.01）， and increased protein expression of MMP-3， MMP-13， and ADAMTS5 in cartilage tissue. In addition， the protein expression of ColⅡ， TIMP1， and ACAN was decreased （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， rats in each treatment group showed higher cold-stimulated foot-shrinkage thresholds and mechanical pain sensitivity thresholds， reduced cartilage tissue degeneration， lower serum levels of IL-1β， IL-6， IL-15， and TNF-α （P<0.05，P<0.01）， decreased protein expression of MMP-3， MMP-13， and ADAMTS5， and higher protein expression of Cold， TIMP1， and ACAN in cartilage tissue （P<0.05，P<0.01）. Moreover， the changes were the most obvious in the Exos+XBN group. ConclusionBoth ADSCs-Exos and XBN can increase the level of mitochondrial autophagy in chondrocytes and delay cartilage tissue degeneration by promoting the expression of the PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway， and the combination of the two can enhance the therapeutic effect.

Lumbar spondylolysis refers to the bone injury between the upper and lower articular processes and the transition zone of the transverse process of the unilateral or bilateral pedicle of the lumbar spine, being a common cause of low back pain in patients that seriously affects their quality of life. The mechanism of the occurrence and development of lumbar spondylolysis is complex, and long-term stress wear and sudden damage with an external force are the main causes. At the same time, risk factors related to spinal anatomy are important causes of lumbar spondylolysis. A full understanding of the pathogenesis of lumbar spondylolysis, early identification of high-risk groups, and active preventive measures can reduce its incidence. For this purpose, the authors reviewed the research progress in risk factors related to the spinal anatomy of lumbar spondylolysis from three aspects including genetical susceptibility, local anatomy and overall spine-pelvic sequence, so as to provide references for the prevention and treatment of spondylolysis.

Objective:To report the results of national surveillance on the distribution and antimicrobial resistance profile of clinical Gram-negative bacteria isolates from bloodstream infections in China in 2022.Methods:The clinical isolates of Gram-negative bacteria from blood cultures in member hospitals of national bloodstream infection Bacterial Resistant Investigation Collaborative System（BRICS）were collected during January 2022 to December 2022. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were conducted by agar dilution or broth dilution methods recommended by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute（CLSI）. WHONET 5.6 and SPSS 25.0 software were used to analyze the data.Results:During the study period，9 035 strains of Gram-negative bacteria were collected from 51 hospitals，of which 7 895（87.4%）were Enterobacteriaceae and 1 140（12.6%）were non-fermenting bacteria. The top 5 bacterial species were Escherichia coli（ n=4 510，49.9%）， Klebsiella pneumoniae（ n=2 340，25.9%）， Pseudomonas aeruginosa（ n=534，5.9%）， Acinetobacter baumannii complex（ n=405，4.5%）and Enterobacter cloacae（ n=327，3.6%）. The ESBLs-producing rates in Escherichia coli， Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus spp. were 47.1%（2 095/4 452），21.0%（427/2 033）and 41.1%（58/141），respectively. The prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli（CREC）and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae（CRKP）were 1.3%（58/4 510）and 13.1%（307/2 340）；62.1%（36/58）and 9.8%（30/307）of CREC and CRKP were resistant to ceftazidime/avibactam combination，respectively. The prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii（CRAB）complex was 59.5%（241/405），while less than 5% of Acinetobacter baumannii complex was resistant to tigecycline and polymyxin B. The prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa（CRPA）was 18.4%（98/534）. There were differences in the composition ratio of Gram-negative bacteria in bloodstream infections and the prevalence of main Gram-negative bacteria resistance among different regions，with statistically significant differences in the prevalence of CRKP and CRPA（ χ2=20.489 and 20.252， P<0.001）. The prevalence of CREC，CRKP，CRPA，CRAB，ESBLs-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were higher in provinicial hospitals than those in municipal hospitals（ χ2=11.953，81.183，10.404，5.915，12.415 and 6.459， P<0.01 or <0.05），while the prevalence of CRPA was higher in economically developed regions（per capita GDP ≥ 92 059 Yuan）than that in economically less-developed regions（per capita GDP <92 059 Yuan）（ χ2=6.240， P=0.012）. Conclusions:The proportion of Gram-negative bacteria in bloodstream infections shows an increasing trend，and Escherichia coli is ranked in the top，while the trend of CRKP decreases continuously with time. Decreasing trends are noted in ESBLs-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Low prevalence of carbapenem resistance in Escherichia coli and high prevalence in CRAB complex have been observed. The composition ratio and antibacterial spectrum of bloodstream infections in different regions of China are slightly different，and the proportion of main drug resistant bacteria in provincial hospitals is higher than those in municipal hospitals.

Objective To characterize the temporal dynamics of endophytic community and key metabolites during the growth developmental stages of Artemisia indica and to explore the effects of endophytes on the medicinal material quality of A.indica from the perspective of microorganism combined with the correlation analysis.Methods In this study,high-throughput sequencing was performed to obtain the temporal dynamics of diversity and composition of endophytic community during the growth stages of A.indica.Key metabolites quantitative analysis were performed using high-performance liquid chromatography and ultraviolet spectrophotometry.Spearman's correlation analysis was further conducted to identify the endophytic communities that were significantly correlated with metabolites.Results There were significant differences in the diversity and composition of endophytic communities during the growth stages of A.indica.Linear discriminant analysis efect size(LEfSe)analyses identified some potential microbial biomarkers,such as Firmicutes,Massilia,Pantoea,Alternaria,Didymella,and Trichomerium.The abundances of some genera were significantly and positively correlated with the content of total polyphenols and total flavonoids(P<0.05),such as Curtobacterium,Pantoea,Tilletiopsis,and Dissoconium.The abundances of Pseudozyma,Ralstonia,and Pleospora were significantly and positively correlated with Chlorogenic acid,Isochlorogenic acid B,Isochlorogenic acid A,and Isochlorogenic acid C(P<0.05).Conclusion This work described the distribution of endophytes and key metabolites during the development stages of A.indica.Some endophytic communities with significant correlation of key metabolites were identified,which provided valuable information to guide the isolation of endophytic strains related to key metabolites and improve the quality of A.indica.

Objective:To explore the predictive value of peripheral blood neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and serum trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) on in-hospital mortality events in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock (AMICS) upon admission.Methods:A retrospective collection of medical records of 103 AMICS patients admitted to the Shanxi Yingkang Life General Hospital from January 2018 to June 2023 was conducted. The patients were divided into a survival group ( n=78) and a death group ( n=25) based on whether they experienced in-hospital mortality events. Two groups of peripheral blood NLR, serum TMAO, baseline data, and other laboratory indicators were compared. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the risk factors for in-hospital mortality in AMICS patients and a prediction model was constructed. We established receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to evaluate the predictive efficacy of peripheral blood NLR, serum TMAO, peripheral blood NLR+ serum TMAO, and predictive model indicators for in-hospital mortality events in AMICS patients. Results:The peripheral blood NLR and serum TMAO levels in the death group were significantly higher than those in the survival group (all P<0.05). The age of the death group was higher than that of the survival group, and the proportion of hypertension, alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, random blood glucose, proportion of patients who did not receive emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) treatment, peak cardiac troponin I, B-type natriuretic peptide, Gensini score of coronary artery disease, and C-reactive protein were all higher than those of the survival group. Systolic blood pressure and platelet count were lower than those of the survival group, heart rate and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were faster than those of the survival group, and the pre hospital time was longer than that of the survival group. The differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The results of binary logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for confounding factors such as age, male proportion, body mass index, proportion of old myocardial infarction, proportion of hypertension, and proportion of PCI history, advanced age, long pre hospital time, failure to receive emergency PCI, elevated peripheral blood NLR, and elevated serum TMAO were independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality in AMICS patients ( P<0.05). The predictive model was obtained as 0.734×age+ 0.277×pre hospital time+ 2.263×failure to receive emergency PCI+ 0.549×peripheral blood NLR+ 0.608×serum TMAO-26.923. The ROC curve results showed that the area under the curve (AUC) values of peripheral blood NLR, serum TMAO, peripheral blood NLR+ serum TMAO, and predictive model indicators for predicting in-hospital mortality events in AMICS patients were 0.744, 0.781, 0.825, and 0.921, respectively. When the optimal cutoff value was taken, the sensitivities were 0.880, 0.520, 0.680, and 0.880, and the specificities were 0.526, 0.923, 0.872, and 0.821, respectively. Conclusions:Advanced age, long pre hospital duration, failure to undergo emergency PCI, elevated peripheral blood NLR, and elevated serum TMAO are independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality in AMICS patients. Peripheral blood NLR, serum TMAO, peripheral blood NLR+ serum TMAO, and prediction models all have certain predictive value for in-hospital mortality events in AMICS patients. Among them, the sensitivity and specificity of the prediction models are high, and the efficacy is good.