OBJECTIVE: To accurately measure human energy metabolism with high temporal resolution, a respiratory gas analysis system was designed using a breath-by-breath approach. METHODS: Firstly, indirect calorimetry was employed in respiratory gas analysis to measure the respiratory flow and concentration signals in real-time. Secondly, oxygen consumption QO2 and carbon dioxide production QCO2 were calculated through respiratory characteristic alignment and respiratory signal segmentation. Finally, metabolic indexes were calculated according to the Weir formula. Furthermore, a controlled trial was formulated for validation comparisons with the MGC ULTIMA SYSTEM PFX CARDIO2. RESULTS: The results indicate that the data points of metabolic indexes measured by this system all fall within the confidence interval when compared with those of the MGC. CONCLUSION The system has high consistency with the MGC measurement results. Thus, the system can accurately measure metabolism in real-time and provide data support for clinical nutrition assessment and therapy.
Humans ; Energy Metabolism ; Breath Tests/instrumentation* ; Calorimetry, Indirect/instrumentation* ; Equipment Design

Edema， as a common pathological phenomenon， is essentially the abnormal accumulation of body fluids in the interstitial spaces of human tissues and is often a direct manifestation of various underlying diseases， such as heart failure， impaired renal filtration function， or liver metabolic disorders. In the Western medical system， strategies for treating edema primarily focus on the use of diuretics to promote the excretion of excess fluid in the body， while simultaneously addressing the underlying causes through targeted treatment. However， long-term reliance on the use of diuretics may lead to a decrease in drug sensitivity and induce side effects， including electrolyte disorders such as hypokalemia and hypercalcemia， posing a potential threat to patients' overall health. Compared with Western medicine， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has demonstrated well-recognized and sustained efficacy in treating edema with its unique theoretical system. Zhulingtang， as a classic and commonly used TCM formula， is widely applied as it can effectively relieve edema and related symptoms. In recent years， ongoing in-depth studies on the treatment of edema with Zhulingtang have revealed multiple mechanisms of action of Zhulingtang， including the regulation of water metabolism and the reduction of inflammatory responses， thereby providing a solid theoretical basis for clinical practice. This review summarized the research progress on the treatment of edema with Zhulingtang in recent years and analyzed the active ingredients and action pathways of Zhulingtang. Additionally， the primary mechanisms of action and efficacy were systematically analyzed， so as to provide references for the clinical application of Zhulingtang in treating various types of edema， such as cardiogenic edema， renal edema， and hepatogenic edema. This review aims to offer theoretical support and practical guidance for clinicians in deciding treatment approaches， as well as references for subsequent in-depth studies， thereby promoting further development of TCM in the treatment of edema.

Edema， as a common pathological phenomenon， is essentially the abnormal accumulation of body fluids in the interstitial spaces of human tissues and is often a direct manifestation of various underlying diseases， such as heart failure， impaired renal filtration function， or liver metabolic disorders. In the Western medical system， strategies for treating edema primarily focus on the use of diuretics to promote the excretion of excess fluid in the body， while simultaneously addressing the underlying causes through targeted treatment. However， long-term reliance on the use of diuretics may lead to a decrease in drug sensitivity and induce side effects， including electrolyte disorders such as hypokalemia and hypercalcemia， posing a potential threat to patients' overall health. Compared with Western medicine， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has demonstrated well-recognized and sustained efficacy in treating edema with its unique theoretical system. Zhulingtang， as a classic and commonly used TCM formula， is widely applied as it can effectively relieve edema and related symptoms. In recent years， ongoing in-depth studies on the treatment of edema with Zhulingtang have revealed multiple mechanisms of action of Zhulingtang， including the regulation of water metabolism and the reduction of inflammatory responses， thereby providing a solid theoretical basis for clinical practice. This review summarized the research progress on the treatment of edema with Zhulingtang in recent years and analyzed the active ingredients and action pathways of Zhulingtang. Additionally， the primary mechanisms of action and efficacy were systematically analyzed， so as to provide references for the clinical application of Zhulingtang in treating various types of edema， such as cardiogenic edema， renal edema， and hepatogenic edema. This review aims to offer theoretical support and practical guidance for clinicians in deciding treatment approaches， as well as references for subsequent in-depth studies， thereby promoting further development of TCM in the treatment of edema.

The Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT) control natural killer (NK) cells development and cytotoxic functions, however, whether long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in this pathway remains unknown. We found that miR155HG was elevated in activated NK cells and promoted their proliferation and effector functions in both NK92 and induced-pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)-derived NK (iPSC-NK) cells, without reliance on its derived miR-155 and micropeptide P155. Mechanistically, miR155HG bound to miR-6756 and relieved its repression of JAK3 expression, thereby promoting the JAK-STAT pathway and enhancing NK cell proliferation and function. Further investigations disclosed that upon cytokine stimulation, STAT3 directly interacts with miR155HG promoter and induces miR155HG transcription. Collectively, we identify a miR155HG-mediated positive feedback loop of the JAK-STAT signaling. Our study will also provide a power target regarding miR155HG for improving NK cell generation and effector function in the field of NK cell adoptive transfer therapy against cancer, especially iPSC-derived NK cells.

Nine novel compounds, comprising seven tetrahydroanthraquinones (auxarthrolones A-G, 1-7), a γ-butenolide glycoside (malfilamentoside E, 26), and a γ-butenolide (auxarthrolide A, 27), together with eighteen known compounds (8-25) were isolated from rice-based solid culture of Auxarthron umbrinum (A. umbrinum) DSM3193 using the one strain many compounds (OSMAC) approach. The structural elucidation of these compounds was accomplished through nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), mass spectrometry (MS), and NMR calculation combined with DP4+ analysis or MAEΔΔδ parameter, while the absolute configurations of new compounds were established through single-crystal X-ray diffraction, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectroscopic data analysis and/or chemical derivatization. Austrocortilutein (10) and auxarthrol H (14) demonstrated moderate cytotoxicity against U87 and U251 [half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) 3.5-12.1 μmol·L^-1]. Additionally, auxarthrolone A (1), auxarthrol H (14), eupolyphagin B (15), and 7-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxypropyl)-5-methylchromone (17) exhibited torsional effects on fibroblast proliferation challenges induced by oleic acid, thus demonstrating fibroblast proliferation-promoting activity.
4-Butyrolactone/pharmacology* ; Molecular Structure ; Anthraquinones/pharmacology* ; Humans ; Animals ; Mice ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Objective:To screen active antibacterial components from licorice extract using BamA and BamD, the core components of Escherichia coli ( E. coli) β-barrel assembly machinery (BAM), as targets in order to combat the increasingly serious problem of antibiotic resistance. Methods:Affinity ultrafiltration combined with high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) was used to screen the potential components interacting with BamA and BamD from licorice extract. Changes in the expression of bamA and bamD genes of E. coli after treatment with the compounds were detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR, and the effects of the compounds on the function of the BAM complex to integrate outer membrane proteins into the bacterial outer membrane were analyzed using an in vitro recombination system. The influence of the compounds on the integrity of bacterial membranes was evaluated through analyzing the accumulation of SDS within the bacterial cells. Results:Bioaffinity ultrafiltration combined with HPLC-MS screening revealed that 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid could interact with BamD. After 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid treatment, the expression of bamA gene increased by 1.5 times, and the expression of bamD gene increased by 2 times. However, the inhibitory effect of 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid on the membrane insertion function of the BAM complex was not observed in the in vitro recombinant system assay, and the cell membrane integrity assay experiments did not reveal any disruption of the E. coli cell membrane by 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid. Conclusions:Using BamA and BamD proteins as targets, a natural product screening method using affinity ultrafiltration combined with HPLC-MS is established. The screening result shows that 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid can interact with BamD and affect the expression of outer membrane proteins in E. coli. Therefore, the screening and experimental procedures established in this study are of good reference value for the screening of novel antimicrobial drugs from other sources targeting outer membrane proteins, and this study also suggests that the selection of the relevant target sites is crucial for the successful screening of the corresponding natural products.

Objective To investigate the safety and clinical effect of prophylactic ileostomy using right lower abdominal specimen extraction incision in laparoscopic rectal low anterior resection and its impact on ileos-tomy closure.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 127 patients who underwent laparoscopic low anterior resection of rectal cancer combined with prophylactic ileostomy in Department of General Surgery in our hospital from January 2020 to December 2023.Patients were divided into observation group(n=60)and control group(n=67)based on whether with prophylactic ileostomy using the right lower abdominal specimen extraction incision or not.Relevant data and clinical data of ileostomy closure were compared between the two groups.Results(1)There was no significant difference in baseline clinical data between the two groups(P>0.05).(2)In terms of operation time,pain score within three days after surgery and postoperative first exhaust time,the observation group was better than the control group,showing statistical difference(P<0.05).In the observation group,the average length of the incision was longer than that in the control group,and it was significantly different between the two groups(P<0.05).There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of blood loss,post-operative feeding time and postoperative hospital stay(P>0.05).(3)There was no significant difference between the two groups in postoperative and ostomy-related complication S(P>0.05).(4)The observation group was better than the control group in terms of postoperative pain score and postoperative first exhaust time,indicating statistical significance(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in surgical time,abdominal adhesion,blood loss,postoperative hospital stay and postoperative complications between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion The patients undergoing laparoscopic rectal low anterior resection who needs prophylactic ileostomy using right lower abdominal specimen extraction incision can improve the appearance of the incision,shorten operation time,reduce postoperative pain of the patients but does not increase postoperative complications and the difficulty of ileostomy closure.It is safe and feasible,which worthy for clinical promotion.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of pedicled omentum packing of pelvic floor after laparoscopic Miles precedure in the prevention of short-term postoperative complications.Methods:Seventy-two patients undergoing laparoscopic combined abdominal perineal resection for rectal cancer at He'nan Tumor Hospital from Jan 2014 to Aug 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. The observation group underwent pelvic floor reconstruction with pedicled omentum, while in control group the pelvic floor was leaving unconstructed.Results:There was no intestinal obstruction in the observation group. There were 5 cases of intestinal obstruction in the control group. Three were recovered by conservative treatment, 2 cases underwent laparotomy and 1 case underwent anastomosis between small intestine and small intestine. The incidence of intestinal obstruction between 2 groups was statistically different (0 vs. 14%, χ2=5.083, P=0.024 ). The operation time, hospital stay between the two groups were statistically different [(195±13) min vs. (159±9) min, t=10.047, P=0.000; (11.9±0.9) d vs. (14.9±2.1) d, t=-5.996, P=0.000 ). Between the two groups, there were no significant differences in the incidence of presacral infection , pulmonary infection, venous thrombosis and intraoperative blood loss (all P>0.05) . Conclusion:Pedicled greater omentum used in pelvic floor reconstruction after laparoscopic Miles procedure reduces the incidence of short-term postoperative complications, especially of intestinal obstruction.

Objective:To investigate the application value of transverse perineal arc incision approach in complete resection of presacral cyst in the lithotomy position.Methods:The retrospec-tive cohort study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 114 patients who underwent com-plete resection of presacral cyst in Henan Cancer Hospital from August 2012 to October 2021 were collected. There were 14 males and 100 females, aged (35±9)years. All patients were diagnosed as presacral cysts by preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Of the 114 patients, 76 patients undergoing intraoperative perineal arc incision approach in the lithotomy position were divided into the innovative group, and 38 patients undergoing intraoperative Kraske approach were divided into the traditional group. Observation indicators: (1) surgical situations and specimen; (2) postoperative situations; (3) Follow-up. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and comparison between groups was conducted using the t test. Measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M(range), and comparison between groups was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test. Count data were described as absolute numbers or percentages, and com-parison between groups was conducted using the chi-square test or Fisher exact probability. Results:(1) Surgical situations and specimen. The operation time, volume of intraoperative blood loss, cases with intraoperative combined transabdominal approach or sacrectomy were (137±20)minutes, (261±101)mL, 0 in the innovation group, versus (136±34)minutes, (261±116)mL, 15 in the tradi-tional group, showing no significant difference in the operation time and volume of intraoperative blood loss between the two groups ( t=0.18, 0, P>0.05) and showing a significant difference in cases with intraoperative combined transabdominal approach or sacrectomy between the two groups ( P<0.05). Results of postoperative specimen anatomy in patients of the two groups showed complete removal of the cyst. (2) Postoperative situations. The time to postoperative removing presacral drainage tube, duration of postoperative hospital stay, cases with postoperative second stage healing of incision were (11.4±2.1)days, (13.5±3.5)days, 23 in the innovation group, versus (11.5±1.9)days, (13.7±3.8)days, 4 in the traditional group, showing no significant difference in the time to post-operative removing presacral drainage tube and duration of postoperative hospital stay between the two groups ( t=-0.20, -0.24, P>0.05) and showing a significant difference in cases with postoperative second stage healing of incision between the two groups ( χ2=5.46, P<0.05). Cases with postoperative severe complications were 4 and 2 in the innovation group and the traditional group, respectively, showing no significant difference between the two groups ( P>0.05). (3) Follow-up. All 114 patients were followed up for 48(range, 6?108)months. Cases with recurrence of cysts were 2 and 0 in the innovation group and the traditional group, respectively, showing no significant difference between the two groups ( P>0.05). During the follow-up period, the anal defecation control function of all patients was classified as grade A?B of Williams score. Conclusions:The transverse perineal arc incision approach in complete resection of presacral cyst in the lithotomy position is safe and feasible. Compared with Kraske approach, the transverse perineal arc incision approach in the lithotomy position is more suitable for patients with high presacral cyst.

Investigation on how nature produces natural compounds with chemical and biological diversity at the genetic level offers inspiration for the discovery of new natural products and even their biological targets. The polyketide rumbrin ( 1) is a lipid peroxide production and calcium accumulation inhibitor, which contains a chlorinated pyrrole moiety that is a rare chemical feature in fungal natural products. Here, we identify the biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) rum of 1 and its isomer 12E-rumbrin ( 2) from Auxarthron umbrinum DSM3193, and elucidate their biosynthetic pathway based on heterologous expression, chemical complementation, and isotopic labeling. We show that rumbrins are assembled by a highly reducing polyketide synthase (HRPKS) that uniquely incorporates a proline-derived pyrrolyl-CoA starer unit, and followed by methylation and chlorination. Sequent precursor-directed biosynthesis was able to yield a group of rumbrin analogues. Remarkably, inspired by the presence of a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-Nef-associated gene in the rum cluster, we predicted and pharmacologically demonstrated rumbrins as potent inhibitors of HIV at the nanomolar level. This work enriches the recognition of unconventional starter units of fungal PKSs and provides a new strategy for genome mining-guided drug discovery.