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Abstract The intestinal microbiota is considered to be a forgotten organ in human health and disease. It maintains intestinal homeostasis through various complex mechanisms. A significant body of research has demonstrated notable differences in the gut microbiota of patients with gastrointestinal tumours compared to healthy individuals. Furthermore, the dysregulation of gut microbiota, metabolites produced by gut bacteria, and related signal pathways can partially explain the mechanisms underlying the occurrence and development of gastrointestinal tumours. Therefore, this article summarizes the latest research progress on the gut microbiota and gastrointestinal tumours. Firstly, we provide an overview of the composition and function of the intestinal microbiota and discuss the mechanisms by which the intestinal flora directly or indirectly affects the occurrence and development of gastrointestinal tumours by regulating the immune system, producing bacterial toxins, secreting metabolites. Secondly, we present a detailed analysis of the differences of intestinal microbiota and its pathogenic mechanisms in colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, etc. Lastly, in terms of treatment strategies, we discuss the effects of the intestinal microbiota on the efficacy and toxic side effects of chemotherapy and immunotherapy and address the role of probiotics, prebiotics, FMT and antibiotic in the treatment of gastrointestinal tumours. In summary, this article provides a comprehensive review of the pathogenic mechanisms of and treatment strategies pertaining to the intestinal microbiota in patients with gastrointestinal tumours. And provide a more comprehensive and precise scientific basis for the development of microbiota-based treatments for gastrointestinal tumours and the prevention of such tumours.

Bioactive glass nanoparticles (BGNs) are applied widely in tissue regeneration. Varied micro/nanostructures and components of BGNs have been designed for different applications. In the present study, nanorod-shaped mesoporous zinc-containing bioactive glass nanoparticles (ZnRBGNs) were designed and developed to form the bioactive content of composite materials for hard/soft tissue repair and regeneration. The nanostructure and components of the ZnRBGNs were characterized, as were their cytocompatibility and radical-scavenging activity in the presence/absence of cells and their ability to modulate macrophage polarization. The ZnRBGNs possessed a uniform rod shape (length ≈ 500 nm; width ≈ 150 nm) with a mesoporous structure (diameter ≈ 2.4 nm). The leaching liquid of the nanorods at a concentration below 0.5 mg/mL resulted in no cytotoxicity. More significant improvements in the antioxidant and M1-polarization-inhibiting effects and the promotion of M2 polarization were found when culturing the cells with the ZnRBGNs compared to when culturing them with the RBGNs. The doping of the Zn element in RBGNs may lead to improved antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which may be beneficial in tissue regeneration/repair.

BackgroundIn the United States, the relationship between visceral obesity and the risk of developing atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) for the first time in 10 years is unclear.MethodsData for this cross-sectional study came from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011 to 2020. We collected variable information related to 10-year ASCVD risk and visceral obesity reliable indicators [Visceral obesity index (VAI) and Lipid accumulation product (LAP)]. And we used multiple logistic regression to analyze the correlation of visceral obesity indicators (VAI and LAP) with 10-year ASCVD risk. In addition, we assessed the linear relationship between VAI or LAP and 10-year ASCVD risk by smoothing curve fitting. Finally, we conducted subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis after excluding participants with extreme VAI and LAP values to ensure that we obtained accurate and reliable results.ResultsOur study included a total of 1,547 participants (mean age: 56.5 ± 10.1, 60% of males). The results of the multiple logistic regression showed that compared with participants with the lowest VAI in the 1st Quartile (≤0.79), the adjusted OR values for VAI and elevated 10-year ASCVD risk in Q3 (1.30–2.14), and Q4 (≥2.15) were 2.58 (95% CI: 1.24–5.36, P = 0.011), 15.14 (95% CI: 6.93–33.05, P

PurposeThe study aims to evaluate the effects of high-intensity and moderate-intensity exercise training on cardiopulmonary function and exercise endurance in patients with coronary artery diseases (CAD).MethodsWe performed a systematic search of the English and Chinese databases from their inception to March 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included to compare high-intensity and moderate-intensity exercise training on cardiopulmonary function in patients with CAD. The primary outcomes included peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2) and anaerobic threshold (AT). The secondary outcomes included left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), exercises duration (ED), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), resting heart rate (RHR), peak heart rate (PHR) and oxygen pulse (O2 pulse). The continuous variables were expressed as mean differences (MD) along with their corresponding standard deviations (SD), and the I2 test was applied in the assessment of heterogeneity.ResultsAfter systematically literature search, 19 studies were finally selected for our meta-analysis (n = 1,036), with 511 patients in the experimental group (high-intensity exercise) and 525 patients in the control group (moderate-intensity exercise). The results showed that high-intensity exercise significantly increased patients' Peak VO2 [MD = 2.67, 95% CI (2.24, 3.09), P < 0.00001], LVEF [MD = 3.60, 95% CI (2.17, 5.03), P < 0.00001], ED [MD = 37.51, 95% CI (34.02, 41.00), P < 0.00001], PHR [MD = 6.86, 95% CI (4.49, 9.24), P < 0.00001], and O2 pulse [MD = 0.97, 95% CI (0.34, 1.60), P = 0.003] compared with moderate-intensity exercise. However, there were no significant differences in AT [MD = 0.49, 95% CI (−0.12, 1.10), P = 0.11], RER [MD = 0.00, 95% CI (−0.01, 0.02), P = 0.56], and RHR [MD = 1.10, 95% CI (−0.43, 2.63), P = 0.16].ConclusionOur results show that high-intensity exercise training has more significant positive effects compared with moderate-intensity exercise training in improving peak VO2, LVEF, ED, PHR and O2 pulse in patients with CAD, while no significant differences were observed in AT, RER and RHR. To sum up, high-intensity exercise training is better than moderate-intensity exercise training in improving cardiopulmonary function and exercise endurance in patients with CAD.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO (CRD42022328475), https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/.

Background: The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the controversy of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) in combination with angiotensin-receptor blocker (ARB) in the treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD) based on dose.Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from inception to March 2020. The random effects model was used to calculate the effect sizes. Potential sources of heterogeneity were detected using sensitivity analysis and meta-regression.Results: This meta-analysis of 53 RCTs with 6,375 patients demonstrated that in patients with CKD, ACEI in combination with ARB was superior to low-dose ACEI or ARB in reducing urine albumin excretion (SMD, −0.43; 95% CI, −0.67 to −0.19; p = 0.001), urine protein excretion (SMD, −0.22; 95% CI, −0.33 to −0.11; p < 0.001), and blood pressure (BP), including systolic BP (WMD, −2.89; 95% CI, −3.88 to −1.89; p < 0.001) and diastolic BP (WMD, −3.02; 95% CI, −4.46 to −1.58; p < 0.001). However, it was associated with decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (SMD, −0.13; 95% CI, −0.24 to −0.02; p = 0.02) and increased rates of hyperkalemia (RR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.55 to 2.76; p < 0.001) and hypotension (RR, 2.19; 95% CI, 1.35 to 3.54; p = 0.001). ACEI in combination with ARB was more effective than high-dose ACEI or ARB in reducing urine albumin excretion (SMD, −0.84; 95% CI, −1.26 to −0.43; p < 0.001) and urine protein excretion (SMD, −0.24; 95% CI, −0.39 to −0.09; p = 0.002), without decrease in GFR (SMD, 0.02; 95% CI, −0.12 to 0.15; p = 0.78) and increase in rate of hyperkalemia (RR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.65 to 1.37; p = 0.76). Nonetheless, the combination did not decrease the BP and increased the rate of hypotension (RR, 3.95; 95% CI, 1.13 to 13.84; p = 0.03) compared with high-dose ACEI or ARB.Conclusion: ACEI in combination with ARB is superior in reducing urine albumin excretion and urine protein excretion. The combination is more effective than high-dose ACEI or ARB without decreasing GFR and increasing the incidence of hyperkalemia. Despite the risk of hypotension, ACEI in combination with ARB is a better choice for CKD patients who need to increase the dose of ACEI or ARB (PROSPERO CRD42020179398).

Background: The intricate interaction between oxidative stress and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is an essential area of research because of the potential role of oxidative homeostasis in regulating ASCVD risk. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the oxidative balance score (OBS) and the 10-years risk of ASCVD to gain insight into how oxidative balance affects cardiovascular health. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2020 data (40-79 age group), exploring OBS's link to 10-years ASCVD risk. OBS categorized dietary and lifestyle factors. Multivariate logistic regression controlled for age, sex, race, and demographics. A restricted cubic spline examined linear relationships; robustness was ensured through subgroup analyses. Results: Analysis of 4955 participants reveals a negative association between OBS and 10-years ASCVD risk. Continuous OBS adjusted OR: 0.97 (95% CI: 0.95~0.99, p < .001). Quartile analysis shows reduced risk inQ2 0.88 (95% CI: 0.63~1.22, p = .43), Q3 0.92 (95% CI: 0.66~1.28, p = .614), and Q4 0.59 (95% CI: 0.42~0.83, p = .002) compare Q1. Quartile analysis indicated decreasing risk in higher OBS quartiles. Lifestyle OBS and Dietary OBS demonstrated similar trends. Stratified analyses highlight race and hypertension as effect modifiers (p < .05). Conclusion: Our study suggests an association between higher OBS and a reduced 10-years ASCVD risk. However, causation should not be inferred, and in the future, more extensive clinical and fundamental research is required to delve deeper into this association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study is to assess the beneficial effects of acupuncture compared with Western medicine in treating patientswith depression. Depression is a serious psychiatric illness that involves symptoms such as depressed or sad mood, loss ofinterest or pleasure in activities, changes in weight, difficult sleep or oversleeping, energy loss, feelings of worthlessness, psychomotorchanges, and thoughts of death or suicide. Acupuncture and Western medicine have been widely used to treat the patient with depression. The following electronic databases were searched: The Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials (Central),MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, PsycINFO, and PUBMED. The summary of this report was evaluated by using the Preferred Reporting Itemsfor Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Checklist. Sixty-four journals on acupuncture, Western medicine drugs (antidepressant),and containing both in treating depression were identified and included in this review. In term of Western medicine, antidepressant may helpthe ego function in short term, and for long-term using, it may cause the patient to become addictive toward the drug. Acupuncture is relativelysafe to use and proven significantly effective to treat the depression and less side effect for long term used by the patient. Currentevidence from this summary literature review shows that acupuncture and Western medicine (antidepressant) drugs can treat depression. However, acupuncture therapies almost give none of side effect compared to antidepressant, and every patient with depression can try acupuncture notexcluding the pregnant woman.

This study investigated the protective role of α-linolenic acid (ALA) in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury. ALA was indicated to dose-dependently protect myocardium against I/R injury, attenuate purinergic P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) activation, prevent NF-κB activation, and inhibit tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) production in I/R myocardium. Overexpression of P2X7R enhanced NF-κB activation, inflammation and MI/R injury, which could be alleviated by ALA. In vitro hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) H9c2 cells, ALA could also inhibit P2X7R activation, NF-κB activation and TNF-α and IL-1β production. Molecular docking analysis indicated ALA may hamper the activation of P2X7R. The functional relevance of ALA directly regulated P2X7R and the subsequent NF-κB signalling was supported by inhibition of P2X7R with A438079 (P2X7R antagonist) as well as suppression of NF-κB by PDTC (NF-κB inhibitor) in H9c2 H/R cells transfected with pcDNA3.0-P2X7R plasmid. These findings demonstrated that ALA attenuates inflammation and MI/R injury through down-regulating P2X7R/NF-κB signalling pathway.

As the current treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is limited, it is necessary to seek more effective and safer treatment methods, such as Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs). In order to clarify the modern theoretical basis and molecular mechanisms of CHMs, we reviewed the knowledge based on publications in peer-reviewed English-language journals, focusing on the anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, anti-apoptotic, autophagy-mediated and antifibrotic effects of CHMs commonly used in kidney disease. We also discussed recently published clinical trials and meta-analyses in this field. Based on recent studies regarding the mechanisms of kidney disease in vivo and in vitro, CHMs have anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, anti-apoptotic, autophagy-mediated, and antifibrotic effects. Several well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses demonstrated that the use of CHMs as an adjuvant to conventional medicines may benefit patients with CKD. Unknown active ingredients, low quality and small sample sizes of some clinical trials, and the safety of CHMs have restricted the development of CHMs. CHMs is a potential method in the treatment of CKD. Further study on the mechanism and well-conducted RCTs are urgently needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CHMs.

Using bamboo powder biochar as raw material, high-quality meso/microporous controlled hierarchical porous carbon was prepared—through the catalysis of Fe3+ ions loading, in addition to a chemical activation method—and then used to adsorb copper ions in an aqueous solution. The preparation process mainly included two steps: load-alkali leaching and chemical activation. The porosity characteristics (specific surface area and mesopore ratio) were controlled by changing the K2CO3 impregnation ratio, activation temperature, and Fe3+ ions loading during the activation process. Additionally, three FBPC samples with different pore structures and characteristics were studied for copper adsorption. The results indicate that the adsorption performance of the bamboo powder biochar FBPC material was greatly affected by the meso/micropore ratio. FBPC 2.5-900-2%, impregnated at a K2CO3: biochar ratio of 2.5 and a Fe3+: biochar mass ratio of 2%, and activated at 900 °C for 2 h in N2 atmosphere, has a very high specific surface area of 1996 m2 g−1 with a 58.1% mesoporous ratio. Moreover, it exhibits an excellent adsorption capacity of 256 mg g−1 and rapid adsorption kinetics for copper ions. The experimental results show that it is feasible to control the hierarchical pore structure of bamboo biochar-derived carbons as a high-performance adsorbent to remove copper ions from water.

A large amount of coal gasification slag is produced every year in China. However, most of the current disposal is into landfills, which causes serious harm to the environment. In this research, coal gasification fine slag residual carbon porous material (GFSA) was prepared using gasification fine slag foam flotation obtained carbon residue (GFSF) as raw material and an adsorbent to carry out an adsorption test on waste liquid containing methylene blue (MB). The effects of activation parameters (GFSF/KOH ratio mass ratio, activation temperature, and activation time) on the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of GFSA were investigated. The total specific surface area and pore volume of GSFA with the highest CEC were 574.02 m2/g and 0.467 cm3/g, respectively. The degree of pore formation had an important effect on CEC. The maximum adsorption capacity of GFSA on MB was 19.18 mg/g in the MB adsorption test. The effects of pH, adsorption time, amount of adsorbent, and initial MB concentration on adsorption efficiency were studied. Langmuir isotherm and quasi second-order kinetic model have a good fitting effect on the adsorption isotherm and kinetic model of MB.

The conversion of solid waste into energy through combustion is sustainable and economical. This study aims to comprehensively evaluate and quantify the co-combustion characteristics, synergistic catalysis, and gaseous pollutant emission patterns of sewage sludge (SS) and coal gasification fine slag residual carbon (RC) as well as their blends through thermogravimetry coupled with mass spectrometry (TG-MS). The results showed that the co-combustion of SS and RC can not only improve the ignition and burnout property but also maintain the combustion stability and comprehensive combustion performance at a better level. The kinetic analysis results showed that a first-order chemical reaction and three-dimensional diffusion are the reaction mechanisms during the co-combustion of SS and RC. The synergistic catalysis between SS and RC can well explain the changes in activation energy and reaction mechanism. Furthermore, the blending ratio of SS is recommended to be maintained at 40% because of the lowest activation energy (Ea = 81.6 kJ/mol) and the strongest synergistic effect (Xi = 0.36). The emission of gaseous pollutants is corresponding to the primary combustion stages of SS, RC, and their blends. In co-combustion, the NH3, HCN, NOx, and SO2 emissions gradually rise with the increase of SS proportion in the blends due to the high content of organic compounds in SS.

As a kind of solid waste from coal chemical production, the disposal of coal gasification fine slag poses a certain threat to the environment and the human body. It is essential for gasification slag (GS) to realize rational utilization. GS contains fewer combustible materials, and the high heating value is only 9.31 MJ/Kg, which is difficult to burn in combustion devices solely. The co-combustion behavior of the tri-fuel blends, including bituminous coal (BC), gasification slag (GS), and bamboo residue (BR), was observed by a thermogravimetric analyzer. The TGA results showed that the combustibility increased owing to the addition of BC and BR, and the ignition and burnout temperatures were lower than those of GS alone. The combustion characteristics of the blended samples became worse with the increase in the proportion of GS. The co-combustion process was divided into two main steps with obvious interactions (synergistic and antagonistic). The synergistic effect was mainly attributed to the catalysis of the ash-forming metals reserved with the three raw fuels and the diffusion of oxygen in the rich pore channels of GS. The combustion reaction of blending samples was dominated by O1 and D3 models. The activation energy of the blending combustion decreased compared to the individual combustion of GS. The analysis of the results in this paper can provide some theoretical guidance for the resource utilization of fine slag.

The contaminants accumulated on the surface of transmission line insulator mainly come from the suspended particles in the air. Therefore, it is necessary to consider meteorological factors and environmental factors in the prediction of insulator contamination degree. In view of the advantages of generalised regression neural network (GRNN) in the aspects of fault tolerance and robustness, this study uses it to predict equivalent salt deposit density (ESDD). Furthermore, the adaptive mutation particle swarm optimisation and GRNN prediction model is proposed in this study. According to adaptive algorithm and mutation algorithm, the inertia weight and acceleration factor of particles are dynamically adjusted to achieve the purpose of searching global optimal smoothing factor. The optimisation method can effectively avoid the premature convergence of particle swarm optimisation (PSO) and solve the drawback that PSO is easy to fall into the local optimal value. The results show that the prediction model proposed in this study can effectively predict the insulators ESDD, and the prediction error is less than the GRNN and PSO–GRNN models. The research can provide guidance for the development of a more scientific and rational maintenance plan to achieve effective control of the contaminants of the line.

The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) is an important pest of cruciferous crops worldwide. It has developed resistance to many conventional and novel insecticide classes. Metaflumizone belongs to the new chemical class of semicarbazone insecticides. To delay the development of metaflumizone resistance in P. xylostella and to guide insecticide use in the field, the biochemical mechanisms, cross-resistance spectrum, and stability of resistance to metaflumizone were studied in a laboratory-selected resistant strain (metaflu-SEL). Synergism tests with the carboxylesterase inhibitor triphenyl phosphate (TPP), the glutathione S-transferase depletor diethyl maleate (DEM), and the P450 inhibitor piperonyl butoxide(PBO) had no obvious effect on metaflumizone in the metaflu-SEL strain and the susceptible strain (SS) of P. xylostella, with synergism ratios that ranged from 1.02 to 1.86. Biochemical studies revealed that the cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenase increased only 1.13-fold in the metaflu-SEL strain compared with the UNSEL stain; meanwhile, carboxylesterase and glutathione S-transferase activity showed no difference. These results suggest that these detoxification enzymes may be not actively involved in metaflumizone resistance. Furthermore, the metaflu-SEL population showed a moderate level of cross-resistance to indoxacarb (11.63-fold), but only very low cross-resistance to spinosad (1.75-fold), spinetoram (3.52-fold), abamectin (2.81-fold), beta-cypermethrin (0.71-fold), diafenthiuron (0.79-fold), chlorantraniliprole (2.16-fold), BT (WG-001) (3.34-fold), chlorfenapyr (0.49-fold), and chlorfluazuron (0.97-fold). Moreover, metaflumizone resistance decreased from 1087.85- to 1.23-fold in the metaflu-SEL strain after 12 generations without exposure to metaflumizone. These results are useful for formulating insecticide resistance management strategies to control P. xylostella and to delay the development of metaflumizone resistance in the field.

With the long-term and large-scale use, herbicides have been well known to influence tritrophic interactions, particularly natural enemies of pests in agro-ecosystems. On the other hand, herbivorous insects, especially the generalist pests, have developed antagonistic interaction to different insecticides, toxic plant secondary metabolites, and even heavy metals. However, whether exposure to herbicides would affect resistance of insects against insecticides is largely unknown, especially in agricultural pests. Here, we first reported that pre-exposure to two widely used herbicides butachlor and haloxyfop-methyl for 48 h can prime the resistance of a generalist agricultural pest Helicoverpa armigera Hübner against insecticide methomyl and fungal toxin aflatoxin B1. In addition, there were no significant differences between control and herbicides-treated caterpillars on weight gain, pupal weight, and pupation rates, suggesting that exposure to herbicides induces resistance of H. armigera accompanied with no fitness cost. Moreover, by determining detoxifying enzyme activities and toxicity bioassay with additional inhibitor of cytochrome P450 piperonyl butoxide (PBO), we showed that exposure to herbicides might prime P450-mediated detoxification of H. armigera against insecticide. Based on these results, we propose that exposure to herbicides prime resistance of H. armigera against insecticide and fungal toxin by eliciting a clear elevation of predominantly P450 monooxygenase activities in the midgut and fat body.