Interface and electronic structure regulation of Mo-doped NiSe2-CoSe2 heterostructure aerogel for efficient overall water splitting

Transition metal selenides (TMSes) with cubic pyrite-type crystal structure have been widely explored as electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER), but the insufficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance hinders the application of overall water splitting. Herein, we designed and prepared a Mo doped NiSe₂-CoSe₂ heterostructure aerogel as bifunctional electrocatalyst via facile spontaneous gelation and selenium vapor deposition. The active sites on the heterointerface possessed desirable Gibbs free energy of hydrogen adsorption, leading to better HER performance than single NiSe₂ or CoSe₂. Moreover, systematically experimental research and density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed that fine regulated Mo doping improved the electropositivity of heterostructure, promoting the nucleophilic adsorption of water molecule. Benefit from those improvements, the optimal Mo doped NiSe₂-CoSe₂ aerogel exhibited an extremely low overpotential of 57 mV at the current density of 10 mA·cm^-2 for HER with a small Tafel slope value of 38 mV·dec^-1. Meanwhile, Mo doping provided higher electron transfer efficiency and better adsorptive property toward reaction intermediate in anodic reaction, resulting in low overpotential of 270 mV at the current density of 100 mA·cm^-2 for OER with good electrocatalytic stability. This work provides an anticipated perspective of rational combination of metal doping and heterostructure for advanced electrocatalysts.

L, E. E, Qi R, Mu X, Feng L, Ba G, Li Y, Zhang J, Bai L, Fu M. Metabolomics analysis reveals amelioration effects of yellowhorn tea extract on hyperlipidemia, inflammation, and oxidative stress in high-fat diet-fed mice

Yellowhorn tea (YT) is traditionally used as a lipid-lowering beverage in Mongolian minorities. However, the pharmacological effects of YT extract and its specific metabolic changes in hyperlipidemia models are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to identify biomarkers using untargeted metabolomics techniques and to investigate the mechanisms underlying the changes in metabolic pathways associated with lipid lowering, anti-inflammation and anti-oxidant in hyperlipidemic mice. A high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hyperlipidemic mouse model was established. YT extract was administered as oral gavage at 0.15, 0.3, and 0.6 g/kg doses for 10 weeks. HFD-induced hyperlipidemia and the therapeutic effect of YT extract were evaluated based on histopathology and by assessing blood lipid levels. Liver inflammatory factors and oxidative stress indices were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Liver metabolites were evaluated using untargeted metabolomics. Biochemical and histological examinations showed that YT extract significantly reduced body-weight gain (p < 0.01) and fat deposition in tissues. YT extract significantly reduced the levels of serum and liver triglyceride and total cholesterol; inflammatory factors [interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α]; malondialdehyde; and leptin (p < 0.05) in hyperlipidemic mice. YT extract also significantly increased the levels of oxidative stress indicators (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) and adiponectin. Metabolomics studies revealed several endogenous molecules were altered by the high-fat diet and recovery following intervention with YT extract. The metabolites that were significantly different in the liver after YT intake included citicoline, acetylcholine, pyridoxine, and NAD. Pathway analysis indicated that YT extract ameliorated HFD-induced hyperlipidemia in mice via three major metabolic pathways, namely, glycerophospholipid metabolism, vitamin B6 metabolism, and nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism. This study demonstrates YT extract has profound effects on the alleviation of HFD-induced hyperlipidemia, inflammation and oxidative stress.

Anti-CD47 Antibody Enhances the Efficacy of Chemotherapy in Patients with Gastric Cancer Liver Metastasis

Patients with gastric cancer liver metastasis (GCLM) are often treated with palliative care, and they show a poor prognosis. In gastric cancer, high CD47 expression has been shown to indicate a poor prognosis. CD47, expressed on the cell surface, prevents the cells from being phagocytosed by macrophages. Anti-CD47 antibodies have been shown to be effective in the treatment of metastatic leiomyosarcoma. Nonetheless, the role of CD47 in GCLM has not yet been elucidated. Here, we showed that CD47 expression in GCLM tissues was higher than that in situ. Moreover, we demonstrated that high CD47 expression correlated with an adverse prognosis. Accordingly, we investigated the role of CD47 in the development of GCLM in mouse liver. Knockdown of CD47 inhibited GCLM development. Furthermore, in vitro engulfment assays showed that decreased CD47 expression led to an increased phagocytic activity of Kupffer cells (KCs). Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, we determined that CD47 knockdown promoted cytokine secretion by macrophages. Furthermore, we found that tumor-derived exosomes decreased KC-mediated phagocytosis of gastric cancer cells. Finally, in a heterotopic xenograft model, the administration of anti-CD47 antibodies inhibited tumor growth. In addition, as 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu)-based chemotherapy is the cornerstone in GCLM treatment, we administered a combination of anti-CD47 antibodies and 5-Fu, which acted synergistically to suppress the tumor. Overall, we demonstrated that tumor-derived exosomes are involved in GCLM progression, targeting CD47 inhibits gastric cancer tumorigenesis, and a combination of anti-CD47 antibodies and 5-Fu shows potential for treating GCLM.

Epidemiological Characteristics and Clinical Manifestations of Brucellosis and Q Fever Among Humans from Northeastern Inner Mongolia

Objective

To investigate the distribution, epidemiology, and clinical symptoms of brucellosis and Q fever in northeastern Inner Mongolia.

Methods

In this study, 64 townships of Bairin left flag and Alukerqin flag, Jarud flag and Horqin right front flag in four counties with frequent brucellosis and Q fever were selected. Epidemiological characteristics, clinical features, and exposure to risk factors were identified and descriptively analyzed in patients from these areas.

Results

There were 367 brucellosis cases in the four regions and 78 positive cases of Q-fever infection. In addition, 24 cases of brucellosis and Q-fever co-infection were identified, with a co-infection rate of 1.13%. Brucellosis and Q fever were mainly concentrated in the 30–65 and 40–55 age groups. For brucellosis, the difference between age groups was statistically significant (χ² = 29.121, P < 0.05). The sex distribution for brucellosis was 225 men (61.31%) and 142 women (38.69%), and 45 men (57.69%) and 33 women (42.31%) had Q fever. Those with brucellosis and Q fever were mainly farmers, accounting for 79.19% and 78.38% of the total number, respectively. Of the 367 cases of brucellosis infection, the main symptoms were joint pain (52.59%), fatigue (47.14%), lower back pain (38.96%), fever (33.24%), hyperhidrosis (28.88%), and muscle pain (20.44%). Of the 78 cases of Q-fever infection, the main symptoms were joint pain (35.90%), fatigue (30.77%), lower back pain (26.92%), fever (21.79%), and hyperhidrosis (17.95%). Muscle pain also accounted for 12.82%.

Conclusion

Occupational distribution suggests that we should strengthen the protection measures against diseases infected through animal husbandry. Among the clinical symptoms, fever, hyperhidrosis and fatigue were associated with brucellosis, while fever, headache, and fatigue were significantly associated with Q fever.

Investigating the Obsessive and Compulsive Features of Cyberchondria: A Holistic Review

Background

Cyberchondria has been brought into sharp focus during the COVID-19 health emergency; it refers to individuals who obsessively and compulsively search for health information online, resulting in excessive health concerns. Recent scholarship focuses on its obsessive and compulsive aspect, following a biopsychosocial approach as opposed to a pathology of health anxiety. It lacks interpretation of the socio-psychological dynamics between the dimensions.

Objective

This review aims to propose a holistic view toward understanding cyberchondria as an obsessive–compulsive syndrome and considers possible interventions. It specifically seeks to explain cyberchondria from diversified mediator variables and to pinpoint connections between each perspective.

Methodology

Comprehensive searches of databases such as PubMed and Springer were conducted to identify English articles relating to cyberchondria from 2001 to 2022. Based on a systematic filtering process, 27 articles were finally reviewed.

Findings

The authors compare and confirm three forecasts to predict cyberchondria, associating it with individual metacognition, uncertainty of unverified information, and algorithm-driven, biased information environments.

Value

Theoretically, a holistic framework is proposed to explain the obsessive and compulsive features of cyberchondria. Clinically, the research calls for more professional psychoeducation and chain screening of cyberchondria and other psychological disorders. Socially, it promotes support for risk-sensitive, information-deficient groups during pandemics like COVID-19. It also stresses more careful use of algorithm-driven search engine technology for platforms delivering medical information. Future research may explore areas such as the association between cyberchondria and other social-related disorders, as well as correlations among cyberchondria, obsessive and compulsive disorders, medical trust, and algorithm-driven search results.

Regulatory Effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 2-33 on Intestinal Microbiota of Mice With Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea

Diarrhea is one of the common adverse reactions in antibiotic treatment, which is usually caused by the imbalance of intestinal flora, and probiotics play an important role in the structure of intestinal flora. Therefore, this experiment studied the regulatory effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 2-33 on antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) mice. First, the AAD mice model was established by the mixed antibiotic solution of gentamicin sulfate and cefradine. Then, the physiological indexes and diarrhea of mice were observed and recorded by gastric perfusion of low dose (1.0 × 10⁷ CFU/ml), medium dose (1.0 × 10⁸CFU/ml), and high dose (1.0 × 10⁹ CFU/ml) strain 2-33. 16S rRNA gene V3-V4 regions were sequenced in colon contents of mice in control group, model group, self-healing group, and experimental group, respectively, and the diversity of intestinal flora and gene function prediction were analyzed. The results showed that the intestinal flora of AAD mice was not significantly regulated by gastric perfusion of strain 2-33 to 7 days, but the relative abundance and diversity of intestinal flora of AAD mice were significantly improved by gastric perfusion to 14 days (p < 0.05). In addition, at the genus level, the relative abundance of Lactobacillus increased significantly, and the relative abundance of Enterococcus and Bacillus decreased significantly (p < 0.05). In addition, the regulation of strain 2-33 on intestinal flora of AAD mice was time- and dose-dependent, short-term gastric perfusion, and low dose had no significant effect (p > 0.05). Strain 2-33 can significantly increase the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10, significantly decrease the levels of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IFN-γ (p < 0.05), and can also adjust carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and energy metabolism to normal levels, thus accelerating the recovery of intestinal flora structure of AAD mice. In summary, strain 2-33 can improve the structure and diversity of intestinal flora of AAD mice, balance the level of substance and energy metabolism, and play a positive role in relieving diarrhea, maintaining and improving the intestinal microecological balance.

Applying blockchain technology in the corporate bond model for default risk assessment under the marketization principle

This work expects to solve the problem that the traditional corporate bond model for default risk assessment has low accuracy and poor data collection and storage robustness. Firstly, this work uses the mature Kealhofer, McQuown, and Vasicek (KMV) model to evaluate the default risk of corporate bonds. Secondly, Blockchain (BC) technology's Information Security (SEC) performance in default risk assessment is studied. Finally, it analyzes the default disposal mechanism of Chinese bond corporates. The Wind database is selected to verify the proposed model. The results show that the proposed BC-based corporate bond model for default risk assessment has a good fitting effect and can meet practical needs. The BC-based data encryption only needs 14.1 ms to obtain a key from an 821-bytes public key. The encryption time and decryption time of the Number Theory Research Unit (NTRU) system are 7.9 ms and 2.9 ms, respectively. Therefore, BC technology shows good performance in data encryption and can improve ISEC. According to the KMV model, corporate bonds have certain default risks. The Distance to Default (DtD) of corporate bonds is 20.8% lower than that of companies. Thus, corporates have higher default risk. Therefore, methods are needed to reduce the default risk and improve the earnings. The finding provides important technical support for effectively reducing the default risk of bond corporates in China and ensuring the healthy development of bond markets.

Predictive role of modifiable factors in stroke: an umbrella review

BACKGROUND

A growing number of meta-analyses reviewed the existing associations between modifiable factors and stroke. However, the methodological quality of them and quality of evidence remain to be assessed by validated tools. Thus, this umbrella review was conducted to consolidate evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses of cohort studies investigating the association between modifiable factors and incidence of stroke.

METHODS

PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Wanfang and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases for systematic reviews and meta-analyses of cohort studies from inception until March 2021. Assess the methodological quality of systematic reviews 2 was used to evaluate the methodological quality of each included published meta-analysis. Excess significance test was used to investigate whether the observed number of studies (O) with nominally significant results ('positive' studies, p<0.05) was larger than the expected number of significant results (E). Statistically significant (p<0.05) associations were rated into five levels (strong, highly suggestive, suggestive, weak and no) using specific criteria. Sensitivity analyses were performed.

RESULTS

2478 records were identified through database searching. At last, 49 meta-analyses including 70 modifiable factors and approximately 856 801 stroke cases were included in the present review. The methodological quality of three meta-analyses was low, while others were critically low. Evidence of walking pace was strong. High suggestive evidence mainly included total meat, processes meat, chocolate, sodium, obesity, pulse pressure, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, sleep duration and smoking. Suggestive evidence mainly included dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) diet, vitamin C, magnesium, depression and particulate matter 2.5. After sensitivity analyses, evidence of DASH diet, magnesium and depression turned to weak. No publication bias existed, except only one study which could be explained by reporting bias.

DISCUSSION

Diet with rich macronutrients and micronutrients, healthy dietary patterns and favourable physical, emotional health and environmental management should be promoted to decrease the burden of stroke.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42021249921.

Assessment of arteriosclerosis based on multiscale cross approximate entropy of human finger pulse wave

BACKGROUND: Arteriosclerosis is one of the diseases that endanger human health. There is a large amount of information in pulse wave signals to reflect the degree of arteriosclerosis. OBJECTIVE: The degree of arteriosclerosis is assessed by analyzing pulse wave signal and calculating multi-scale entropy values. METHODS: A method based on the multiscale cross-approximate entropy of the pulse wave of the human finger is proposed to assess the degree of arteriosclerosis. A total of 86 subjects were divided into three groups. The data of 1000 pulse cycles were selected in the experiment, and the multiscale cross-approximate entropy was calculated for the climb time and pulse wave peak interval. Independent sample t-test analysis gives the small-scale cross-approximate entropy of the two time series of climb time and pulse wave peak interval as p< 0.001 in Groups 1 and 2. The large-scale cross-approximate entropy of the two time series of climb time and pulse wave peak interval is p< 0.017 in Groups 2 and 3. RESULTS: Using the proposed algorithm, the results showed that the small-scale cross-approximate entropy of climb time and pulse wave peak interval could reflect the degree of arteriosclerosis in the human body from the perspective of autonomic nerve function. The large-scale cross-approximate entropy of climb time and pulse wave peak interval confirmed the effect of diabetes on the degree of arteriosclerosis. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate the multiscale cross-approximate entropy is a comprehensive index to evaluate the degree of human arteriosclerosis.

Highly Efficient Water Splitting Catalyst Composed of N,P-Doped Porous Carbon Decorated with Surface P-Enriched Ni2P Nanoparticles

A non-noble-metal hybrid catalyst (Ni₂P/NPC-P), composed of N,P-doped porous carbon decorated with surface P-enriched Ni₂P nanoparticles, is developed to address the urgent challenges associated with mass production of clean hydrogen fuel. The synthesis features one-pot pyrolysis of inexpensive fluid catalytic cracking slurry, graphitic carbon nitride, and inorganic salts, followed by a feasible surface phosphidation process. As a non-noble metal catalyst, Ni₂P/NPC-P demonstrates excellent performance in hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline electrolytes with a low overpotential of 73 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm^-2 (η₁₀) and a small Tafel slope of 56 mV dec^-1, meanwhile exhibits durability with no significant η₁₀ change after 2000 catalytic cycles. Theoretical calculation reveals that the negatively charged P-enriched surface accelerated the rate-determining transformation and desorption of OH*. In overall water splitting, the electrocatalyst achieves a low η₁₀ of 1.633 V, promising its potential in the cost-effective mass production of hydrogen fuel.

Analysis of laboratory and serological test results in patients with acute brucellosis during follow-up

BACKGROUND

The laboratory test results and serum-specific antibodies of patients with acute brucellosis initial infection were followed up and analyzed.

METHODS

70 patients in Hohhot City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, with acute brucellosis were followed up for 360 days. Serum samples were collected at 0, 15, 30, 60, 90, 180, and 360 days after diagnosis and analyzed by Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT), colloidal gold test paper (GICA), and test tube agglutination test (SAT). The serum-specific antibodies IgG and IgM were detected.

RESULTS

RBPT results: False negative (-) gradually increased with the extension of the course of disease, with the largest change in 30-60 days after diagnosis, and the constituent ratio increased by 12.9%. GICA results: The false negative increased with the course of disease, and the constituent ratio of false negative was 20.0% after 180 days of diagnosis. SAT results: 1:100 positive showed a ladder like decrease with the increase in the course of disease, and the largest decrease was 90-180 days, with a decrease of 34.3% in the constituent ratio. 360 days after diagnosis, the constituent ratio of positive was only 14.3%. During the follow-up period, the IgG average value fluctuated and the average IgM value decreased.

CONCLUSION

The false-negative results of RBPT, GICA, and SAT increased with the course of disease, and the false-negative rates were higher than 20% after half a year. IgM level is beneficial to the early diagnosis of brucellosis, while IgG level is helpful to the judgment of brucellosis stage.

Preferential population of Al atoms at the T4 site of ZSM-35 for the carbonylation of dimethyl ether

ZSM-35, synthesized using dioxane as the structure-directing agent, featured preferential population of Al atoms at the T4 site in the 8-MR pore, and the Brønsted acid site, thus generated, catalyzed DME carbonylation actively and stably.

Use of DWI-FLAIR Mismatch to Estimate the Onset Time in Wake-Up Strokes

PURPOSE

To compare the MRI characteristics of patients with wake-up ischemic stroke (WUS) and with ischemic stroke with known onset time (clear-onset-time stroke, COS) to clarify the role of diffusion-weighted imaging-fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (DWI-FLAIR) mismatch in estimating the onset time of WUS patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Two hundred patients with acute ischemic stroke were selected for complete brain MRI within six hours of symptom onset, including DWI and FLAIR sequences. The patients were divided into WUS (n = 78) and COS (n = 122) groups, based on whether the time of onset was known. The general conditions and imaging characteristics were collected to compare the DWI-FLAIR mismatch features between the two groups at different time intervals.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the DWI-FLAIR mismatch on MRI within 2 hour after the first found abnormality between the two groups (50.0% vs 71.8%, p = 0.180). With increasing time, the DWI-FLAIR mismatch decreased substantially in the WUS group, while a higher DWI-FLAIR mismatch presence persisted in the COS group within a four-hour interval from the onset of symptoms to the MRI. The DWI-FLAIR mismatch was significantly lower in the WUS group than in the COS group from symptom identification to MRI at 2-3 h, 3-4 h, and 4-5 h intervals (15% vs 60%, 10.5% vs 48%, 6.7% vs 45.4%; p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the presence of DWI-FLAIR mismatch within 2 h of the first found abnormality was not significantly different between WUS and COS. Therefore, Patients with WUS within 2 hours after the first detected abnormality may be suitable for intravenous thrombolysis.

L, Meng W. Add-on effect of the Guizhi Fuling formula for management of reduced fertility potential in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

Guizhi Fuling (GZFL) pill, a traditional Chinese herbal formula including Semen Persicae, Ramulus Cinnamomi, Poria, Radix Paeoniae Alba, and Cortex Moutan, has been widely applied in the management of gynecological diseases.

Objective

To evaluate the add-on effect of the GZFL formula for treating reduced fertility potential in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

Two reviewers independently searched the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Wanfang, SinoMed, and CKNI databases until 09/11/2022. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of the GZFL formula plus Western medicine versus the Western medicine for treating PCOS. The primary endpoint was the ovulation, pregnancy, and miscarriage rate. The secondary endpoints included the serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), total testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, and homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).

Results

There were 16 RCTs with 1,385 patients identified. The GZFL formula plus Western medicine significantly improved the ovulation rate (risk ratios [RR] 1.24; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.15-1.34) and pregnancy rate (RR 1.53; 95% CI 1.38 to 1.69) than the Western medicine alone. Adjuvant treatment with the GZFL formula also significantly decreased the serum FSH (mean difference [MD] -0.48 U/l; 95% CI -0.80 to -0.15), total testosterone (standard mean difference [SMD] -1.07; 95% CI -1.71 to -0.44), LH level (MD -2.19 U/l; 95% CI -3.04 to -1.34), and HOMA-IR (MD -0.47; 95% CI -0.60 to -0.34). However, there was no significant difference in the miscarriage rate (RR 0.89; 95% CI 0.36-2.20) and serum estradiol level (SMD 0.34; 95% CI -0.25 to 0.94) between two groups.

Conclusions

The GZFL formula as adjuvant therapy can improve the ovulation and pregnancy rates in women with PCOS. Its beneficial effects may correlate with reducing FSH, total testosterone, and LH and ameliorating insulin resistance. However, more well-designed RCTs with larger samples and multicenter trials are required to confirm the current findings due to uncertainty of the evidence.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO identifier, CRD42022354530.

Insights into the state of ceria during ethanol steam reforming over Ir/CeO2

Highly active Ir/CeO2 is investigated following 240 h membrane-assisted ethanol steam reforming at 873 K to elucidate the effect of H2 removal on catalyst activity. Sub-nm Ir species aggregated into...

USP53 activated by H3K27 acetylation regulates cell viability, apoptosis, and metabolism in esophageal carcinoma via the AMPK signaling pathway

Esophageal carcinoma (ESCA) is a leading cause of cancer death worldwide, despite an overall decline in the incidence of new cases. However, knowledge of gene expression signatures for risk and prognosis stratification of ESCA is inadequate. Thus, identifying novel molecular biomarkers and therapeutic targets for ESCA might improve its prognosis and treatment. The current study investigated the role of ubiquitin-specific peptidase 53 (USP53), a member of the USP family that exhibits deubiquitinating activity, in ESCA and showed that USP53 is downregulated in ESCA tissues, indicating poor prognosis. USP53 suppresses the proliferation and growth of ESCA cells in vitro and in vivo, whereas its knockdown exerts opposite effects. AMP-activated protein kinase inhibitor reverses the effects of USP53 knockdown. USP53 also inhibits glycolysis, oxidative metabolism, and mitochondrial dynamics. H3K27 acetylation increases USP53 expression by binding to its promoter region. Our study reveals that USP53 is activated by H3K27 acetylation and suppresses ESCA progression by regulating cell growth and metabolism. USP53 is therefore a promising target for ESCA treatment.

Expression Signatures of Long Noncoding RNAs in Left Ventricular Noncompaction

Long noncoding RNAs have gained widespread attention in recent years for their crucial role in biological regulation. They have been implicated in a range of developmental processes and diseases including cancer, cardiovascular, and neuronal diseases. However, the role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) has not been explored. In this study, we investigated the expression levels of lncRNAs in the blood of LVNC patients and healthy subjects to identify differentially expressed lncRNA that develop LVNC specific biomarkers and targets for developing therapies using biological pathways. We used Agilent Human lncRNA array that contains both updated lncRNAs and mRNAs probes. We identified 1,568 upregulated and 1,141 downregulated (log fold-change > 2.0) lncRNAs that are differentially expressed between LVNC and the control group. Among them, RP11-1100L3.7 and XLOC_002730 are the most upregulated and downregulated lncRNAs. Using quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-QPCR), we confirmed the differential expression of three top upregulated and downregulated lncRNAs along with two other randomly picked lncRNAs. Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathways analysis with these differentially expressed lncRNAs provide insight into the cellular pathway leading to LVNC pathogenesis. We also identified 1,066 upregulated and 1,017 downregulated mRNAs. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) showed that G2M, Estrogen, and inflammatory pathways are enriched in differentially expressed genes (DEG). We also identified miRNA targets for these differentially expressed genes. In this study, we first report the use of LncRNA microarray to understand the pathogenesis of LVNC and to identify several lncRNA and genes and their targets as potential biomarkers.

Effects of Jian Pi Qing Chang Hua Shi decoction on mucosal injuries in a 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid-induced inflammatory bowel disease rat model

CONTEXT

Jian Pi Qing Chang Hua Shi decoction (JPQCHSD) has been considered as an effective remedy for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Chinese traditional medicine.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the efficacy of JPQCHSD on 2-4-6-trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS)-induced IBD rats and the responsible mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Except the rats of the control group (50% ethanol), Sprague-Dawley rats (180 ± 20 g) induced by TNBS (150 mg/kg in 50% ethanol), received water extract of JPQCHSD daily at 0, 9.5, 19, or 38 g/kg for 12 days. The rats were sacrificed, and their colons were removed to evaluate the disease activity index. Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), myeloperoxidase (MPO), immunoglobulin A (IgA), tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and nuclear factor-κB were evaluated.

RESULTS

JPQCHSD extract significantly reduced the disease activity index of TNBS-induced colitis with a median effective dose (ED₅₀) of 26.93 g/kg. MPO and MDA were significantly reduced in the 19 and 38 g/kg groups (ED₅₀ values 37.38 and 53.2 g/kg, respectively). The ED₅₀ values for the increased SOD and IgA were 48.98 and 56.3 g/kg. ED₅₀ values for inhibition of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were 32.66, 75.72, and 162.06 g/kg, respectively.

DISCUSSION

JPQCHSD promoted mucosal healing in IBD rats via its anti-inflammation, immune regulation, and antioxidation properties.

CONCLUSIONS

JPQCHSD has healing function on IBD. Further clinical trials are needed to demonstrate its efficacy and tolerance to IBD.