Gut flora in multiple sclerosis:implications for pathogenesis and treatment

Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory disorder chara cterized by inflammation,demyelination,and neurodegeneration in the central nervous system.Although current first-line therapies can help manage symptoms and slow down disease progression,there is no cure for multiple sclerosis.The gut-brain axis refers to complex communications between the gut flo ra and the immune,nervous,and endocrine systems,which bridges the functions of the gut and the brain.Disruptions in the gut flora,termed dys biosis,can lead to systemic inflammation,leaky gut syndrome,and increased susceptibility to infections.The pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors,and gut flora may play a pivotal role in regulating immune responses related to multiple scle rosis.To develop more effective therapies for multiple scle rosis,we should further uncover the disease processes involved in multiple sclerosis and gain a better understanding of the gut-brain axis.This review provides an overview of the role of the gut flora in multiple scle rosis.

Research progress of gut flora in improving human wellness

Human wellness is the ultimate goal of our efforts in improving the human life.Special foods are undoubtedly important in achieving human wellness.However,overeating significantly leads to obesity and diabetes.These chronic diseases will in turn affect the human wellness.Therefore,“dietary restriction and proper exercise”were introduced in the human daily life.Different foods cause various effects on the human health.The diversification of diet is a priority for nutritionists to keep our body healthy.To avoid diabetes mellitus,special foods for ketogenic diet,low-carbon diet,and low-calorie intake are also gradually attracting attention.In addition,the hypothesis that“hunger sensation comes from gut flora”brings new light to the research on the biological motivation for humans to eat food.This hypothesis has been gradually demonstrated using the flexible fasting technology by providing special foods,such as plant polysaccharides and dietary fibers.The response to food-needing signals from the gut flora to these foods demonstrates the importance of the gut flora in improving human wellness.The gut flora is probably an essential factor for translating the food-eating signals and converting the nutrition to our body.Therefore,“gut flora priority principle”is developed to guarantee human wellness.The 16S rRNA sequencing and mass spectrometric techniques can be used to identify the gut flora,which may guide us to a new era of human wellness based on gut flora wellness.

Grid System Analysis of Urban Flora of Bukhara City (Uzbekistan)

This article presents information on the study of the flora of Uzbekistan based on grid system mapping. The urban flora of the city of Bukhara was researched in it. As a result of research, the territory of Bukhara city was divided into 85 indexes based on 1 × 1 km2 grid mapping system. The diversity and density of species in the indexes are determined. The influence of anthropogenic factors on the diversity of species in the indexes is determined.

Unraveling colorectal cancer prevention:The vitamin D-gut flora-immune system nexus

Colorectal cancer(CRC)is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in the world.Although environmental and genetic factors play a major role in the pathogenesis of CRC,extensive research has suggested that vitamin D may play a pivotal role in the development of CRC.Vitamin D,primarily obtained through sunlight exposure,dietary sources,and supplements,has long been recognized for its essential functions in maintaining health,including immune regulation.This article delves into the intricate relationship between vitamin D,the immune system,gut flora,and the prevention of CRC.It presents a synthesis of epidemiological data,experimental studies,and clinical trials,highlighting the mechanisms by which vitamin D influences immune cell function,cytokine production,and inflammation.By enhancing the immune system’s surveillance and antitumor activity,vitamin D may offer a promising avenue for CRC prevention.Furthermore,this comprehensive review delves into the prospective clinical applications of vitamin D supplementation and delineates the forthcoming avenues of research in this dynamic domain.Additionally,the paper tentatively outlines a spectrum of prophylactic impacts of vitamin D on CRC,emphasizing its significant potential in reducing CRC risk through shedding light on its mechanisms,encompassing antineoplastic mechanisms,influences on the immune system,and modulation of the gut microbiome.

Effect of dietary supplementation with discardednutrient medium of Cordyceps militaris on layingperformance and diversity of intestinal flora in laying hens

The aim of the experiment was to explore the feasibility of discarded nutrient medium of Cordyceps militaris as feed in the production of laying hens. 100 g/kg, 200 g/kg, 300 g/kg of discarded nutrient medium of Cordyceps militaris were added to the basal diet of laying hens. The results showed that the optimal addition of discarded nutrient medium of Cordyceps militaris in the diet of laying hens was 10%. According to the results of measuring the conventional indicators of eggs, the weight of eggs produced by laying hens fed with discarded nutrient medium of Cordyceps militaris was higher than that of laying hens fed with ordinary laying hens. The content of interleukin-1(IL-1) in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group, and the concentration of IL-1 increased by 141.5 pg/mL, which indicated that the application of discarded nutrient medium of Cordyceps militaris effectively improved the immunity of laying hens. The high-throughput analysis of the intestinal contents of the two groups of laying hens showed that the microbial population abundance of the intestinal tract of the experimental group was greater than that of control group, and the application of discarded nutrient medium of Cordyceps militaris increased the diversity of bacteria in the intestinal tract of laying hens. In addition, the sensitivity of some pathogenic bacteria in the intestinal tract of chickens to drugs was also increased, thereby reducing the use of antibiotics. The secondary utilization of discarded nutrient medium of Cordyceps militaris has great development and utilization prospects, which provided a scientific reference and basic theoretical basis for the development of discarded nutrient medium of Cordyceps militaris as feed in the production of laying hens.

The role of intestinal flora on tumorigenesis,progression,and the efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies in colorectal cancer

Intestinal flora affects the maturation of the host immune system,serves as a biomarker and efficacy predictor in the immunotherapy of several cancers,and has an important role in the development of colorectal cancer(CRC).Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies have shown satisfactory results in MSI-H/d MMR CRC but performed poorly in patients with MSS/p MMR CRC.In recent years an increasing number of studies have shown that intestinal flora has an important impact on anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibody efficacy in CRC patients.Preclinical and clinical evidence have suggested that anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibody efficacy can be improved by altering the composition of the intestinal flora in CRC.Herein,we summarize the studies related to the influence of intestinal flora on anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibody efficacy in CRC and discuss the potential underlying mechanism(s).We have focused on the impact of the intestinal flora on the efficacy and safety of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies in CRC and how to better utilize the intestinal flora as an adjuvant to improve the efficacy of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies.In addition,we have provided a basis for the potential of the intestinal flora as a new treatment modality and indicator for determining patient prognosis.

Intestinal flora: New perspective of type 2 diabetes

Diabetes comprises a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia stemming from various factors.Current diabetes management primarily focuses on blood glucose control,yet it is inherently progressive,necessitating increased reliance on exogenous blood glucose control methods over time.Therefore,there is an urgent need to explore novel intervention strategies addressing both diabetes and its complications.The human intestinal microbiota,often referred to as the"second genome",exhibits significant diversity and plays a pivotal role in insulin resistance,glucose and lipid metabolism,and inflammatory response.Notably,Li and Guo have elucidated the involvement of intestinal flora in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)and proposed a novel therapeutic approach targeting intestinal microbes.This advancement enhances our comprehension of the multifaceted and multi-target regulation of T2DM by intestinal microflora,thereby offering fresh avenues for understanding its pathogenesis and clinical management.This letter briefly summarizes the role of intestinal flora in T2DM based on findings from animal experiments and clinical studies.Additionally,it discusses the potential clinical applications and challenges associated with targeting intestinal flora as therapeutic interventions.

Clinical characteristics and risk factors of post-operative intestinal flora disorder following laparoscopic colonic surgery:A propensityscore-matching analysis

BACKGROUND Intestinal flora disorder(IFD)poses a significant challenge after laparoscopic colonic surgery,and no standard criteria exists for its diagnosis and treatment.AIM To analyze the clinical features and risk factors of IFD.METHODS Patients with colon cancer receiving laparoscopic surgery were included using propensity-score-matching(PSM)methods.Based on the occurrence of IFD,patients were categorized into IFD and non-IFD groups.The clinical characteristics and treatment approaches for patients with IFD were analyzed.Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors of IFD.RESULTS The IFD incidence after laparoscopic surgery was 9.0%(97 of 1073 patients).After PSM,97 and 194 patients were identified in the IFD and non-IFD groups,respectively.The most common symptoms of IFD were diarrhea and abdominal,typically occurring on post-operative days 3 and 4.All patients were managed conservatively,including modulation of the intestinal flora(90.7%),oral/intravenous application of vancomycin(74.2%),and insertion of a gastric/ileus tube for decompression(23.7%).Multivariate regression analysis identified that preoperative intestinal obstruction[odds ratio(OR)=2.79,95%CI:1.04–7.47,P=0.041]and post-operative antibiotics(OR=8.57,95%CI:3.31–23.49,P<0.001)were independent risk factors for IFD,whereas pre-operative parenteral nutrition(OR=0.12,95%CI:0.06–0.26,P<0.001)emerged as a protective factor.CONCLUSION A stepwise approach of probiotics,vancomycin,and decompression could be an alternative treatment for IFD.Special attention is warranted post-operatively for patients with pre-operative obstruction or early use of antibiotics.

Effects of Compound Probiotics on Growth Performance and Intestinal Flora of Kunming Mice

[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the effects of adding compound probiotics on the growth performance and intestinal flora of Kunming mice.[Methods]Twelve healthy 2-week-old Kunming male mice with body weight of(11.09±0.43)g were selected.They were randomly divided into two treatment groups,namely blank control group(NC)and compound probiotics group(CB+LR+BS),with six mice in each group.The two groups were fed with commercial basal diet,and the compound probiotic experimental group was fed with basal diet supplemented with compound probiotics,in which the contents of Clostridium butyricum spores,Lactobacillus reuteri and Bacillus subtilis spores were 1×1010,1×1011 and 1×1010 CUF/kg,respectively.The body weight,feed intake and water intake of mice were counted every 4 d,and the experimental period was 13 d.On the 13 th day,the cecal contents of the mice were collected for analysis.[Results]There was no significant change in body weight and feed intake when compound probiotics were added to the diet.However,the addition of compound probiotics reduced the abundance of harmful bacteria such as Escherichia coli,urease-negative Helicobacter typhlonius and Salmonella enterica,while increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Anaerostipes hadrus,and the contents of IgG and IgM increased significantly(P<0.05).[Conclusions]In summary,the addition of compound probiotics could significantly improve the structure of intestinal microbial flora,increase the quantity of beneficial bacteria,reduce the quantity of harmful bacteria,and improve the immune function of mice.

Research Progress of Intestinal Flora in Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer, as a common malignant tumor, has been increasing in incidence year by year and has become one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Meanwhile, researchers have found a close relationship between dysbiosis of the gut microbiota and colorectal cancer, which has further triggered indepth exploration of the role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of colorectal cancer. Studies have shown that there are specific microbial changes in colorectal cancer tissues, including enrichment or depletion of certain bacterial species, which may be associated with tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. Additionally, gut microbiota has been found to be closely linked to tumor microenvironment, tumor immune response, chemotherapy drug metabolism, and other factors. In this context, it is imperative to study the gut microbiota in colorectal cancer. A comprehensive understanding of the interaction between gut microbiota and colorectal cancer is not only helpful in revealing novel mechanisms of colorectal cancer development, but also holds promise in providing new strategies and targets for early diagnosis, individualized treatment, and prevention of colorectal cancer. This review aims to thoroughly discuss the research progress of gut microbiota in colorectal cancer, including its compositional characteristics, its role in the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer, and its potential clinical applications. The goal is to provide references and insights for further research in this field.

Mangrove Flora of the World

The species composition and characteristics of mangrove flora in the world were reviewed and discussed. The results suggested that the world's mangrove plants have 84 species (including 12 varieties) in 24 genera and 16 families. Of which, true mangrove plants have 70 species (including 12 varieties) in 16 genera and 11 families, and semi-mangrove plants 14 species in eight genera and five families. The Eastern Group has 74 species (including 12 varieties) in 18 genera and 14 families, characterized by the genera Aegiceras, Osbornia, Aegialitis, Bruguiera, Ceriops, Kandelia, Scyphiphora and Nypa etc. The Western Group has only 10 species in six genera and five families, characterized by the endemic one-species family, Pelliceraceae, and the genus Laguncularia. The mangrove flora of China is composed of 26 species (including one variety) in 15 genera and 12 families, four of which are endemic. Hainan is most rich in mangrove species, making up about 96.2% of the Chinese total; Guangdong ranks second, making up about 42.3%. It has been demonstrated that Rhizophora stylosa was mistaken for R. mucronata in Taiwan by previous authors.

Correlation Analysis Between Children with Atopic Dermatitis and Asthma and Factors Affecting Intestinal Flora

Objective:In order to reveal the potential association between intestinal flora and atopic dermatitis with asthma,the study compares the changes in intestinal flora before and after treatment with antibiotics in children and explores the risk factors for the disease development in children.The differences between asthma-controlled children and healthy children were also analyzed to investigate whether there was a correlation between the level of control and intestinal flora in asthmatic children.Methods:367 children with atopic dermatitis and asthma were selected,and the control group was healthy children who did not have other skin diseases.Fecal samples were collected from healthy children and children with asthma,and the intestinal flora was tested at Beijing Nebula Medical Testing Laboratory Co.At the same time,50 children were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria to take amide antibiotics during hospitalization,and stool samples were collected before and after taking antibiotics.Results:The proportion of Gram-positive cocci increased and the proportion of Gram-positive bacilli decreased after the administration of antibiotics in children with atopic dermatitis and asthma(P<0.05),and no significant difference was shown in the gender and age of the children(P>0.05).The proportion of family history of atopic dermatitis with asthma was higher in the experimental group(P<0.05).Conclusion:The use of antibiotics in children with atopic dermatitis with asthma showed a positive correlation with changes in intestinal flora.The use of antibiotics may lead to changes in intestinal flora and increase the risk of atopic dermatitis with asthma.Antibiotic use in infancy and childhood is also recognized as a risk factor for atopic dermatitis with asthma.Therefore,the use of antibiotics should be minimized in preventing and treating atopic dermatitis with asthma.

Flora and ecological characteristics of rare plant communities on the southern slope of Shennongjia Mountain

According to the investigation of sampling area of 6800 m2 on the south slope of Shennongjia Mountain, there were 126 vascular plant species, belonging to 108 genera and 64 families, in the investigated rare plant communities, of which 9 rare plant species were recorded, accounting for 27.3% of the total rare plants. The communities were about 30 m in height and were divided into three layers as tree layer, shrub layer, and herb layer. The flora of the communities had obvious temperate character. Phanerophytes (accounted for 65.9%), Mesophyllous (62.7%), Papyraceous (84.1%), simple leaf (83.3%), un-entire leaf (69.8%) were dominant in life form, leaf size class, leaf texture, leaf form, and leaf margin respectively. According to important value of species, the communities were divided into three types as Davidia involucrata + Litsea pungens community, Cercidiphyllum japanicum + Padus wilsonii community, and Padus wilsonii + Acer mono community. The indexes of species diversity of tree layer had little difference among communities and evenness was high. The results indicated that the communities had complex structure and relative stability.

Study on Flora Components and Floristic Characteristic of Urban Forest in Nanjing

Based on the thorough investigation of the components of urban forest in Nanjing and the collection of samples,it is concluded that there are 1 500 species(including subspecies) of vascular plants belonging to 572 genera of 172 families,among which there are 63 species of ferns belonging to 36 genera of 25 families,1 437 species of seed plants belonging to 536 genera of 147 families.The characteristics are that the flora is rich in species,complex in geographic composition,and possess the distinct transferring quality from tropical to temperate zone.Besides,it is characterized with certain ancient nature,and the peculiar elements are comparatively simple.

Effects of Different Vegetable Planting Modes on Soil Microbial Flora and Enzyme Activity

To investigate the effects of different vegetable growing regions and planting modes on soil quality,soils in high,medium and low altitude areas of Guizhou were respectively sampled under different vegetable efficient planting modes,and the variations of soil microbial flora and enzyme activities were analyzed. The soil microbial count and total bacteria of the vegetable efficient cultivation mode were significantly higher than that of the control （traditional planting mode） in each planting area,and the microbial diversity index was also improved to varying de- grees.The soil phosphatase,catalase and urease activities of the vegetable efficient planting mode were higher than that of the control.The soil catalase and urease activities were higher than that of the control by 1.37-1.44 and 1.51-2.80 times. Application of vegetable efficient planting mode in different regions will help to im- prove the soil quality in a given period.

Characteristics and Affinity of Tropical Flora in Southern China

The tropical flora in southern China is represented mainly by three regional flora, i.e. southern Yunnan (southwestern China), southwestern Guangxi (southwestern China) and Hainan Island (southern China). The floristic composition of each is concisely enumerated. Their geographical elements at generic level are analyzed. Furthermore, a comparison of floristic similarities between southern Yunnan and Hainan Island and Malay Peninsula and Brunei of western Malesia is made, based on existing regional flora treatments. The following is concluded: (1) The flora of southern China consists mainly of tropical floristic elements which contribute about 60% at the family level and more than 80 % at the generic level of its total flora. The dominant distribution type of the flora of southern China at the generic level is the tropical Asian distribution pattern. This reveals that the flora of southern China is of tropical nature with a strong tropical Asian affinity; (2) Most of the dominant families from the flora of southern China are also dominant in the Malesian flora. The floristic similarities between the regional flora of southern China and the regional flora of western Malesia are over 70% at the family level and more than 50% at the generic level. This suggests that the tropical flora of southern China belongs to the Malesian floristic region; (3) Situated at the northern margin of tropical Asia, on the other hand it is also obvious that the flora of southern China comprises less strictly tropical elements compared to the Malesian flora, and is consequently only a marginal type of the latter; (4) The close affinity of the flora of southern China to the Malesian flora can be explained by the geological history of southeast Asia.

On Some Dispersed Cordaitean Cuticles from Cathaysian Flora in the Permian of China and Their Significance

Although the research on Cordaites of the Cathaysian Flora in China started early in 1883, the study of the cordaitean cuticles began late in 1991. Up to now, four types of cordaitean cuticles in situ and three types of dispersed ones have been reported from the Cathaysian Flora in China. However compared with the Euramerican Flora, the research work on cordaitean cuticles from the Cathaysian Flora in China is much more insufficient. In this paper, three kinds of dispersed cordaitean cuticles are described in detail from the Permian coal-bearing strata in China. Among these cuticles two kinds are collected from the roof shale of Coal Seam No. A(1) in Shanxi Formation (Lower Permian) in Xinzhuangzhi Coal Mine of Huainan, Anhui Province, southern border of North China Subprovince of the Cathaysian Flora in China. The third one was collected from Coal Seam No. 11 in the top of Longtan Formation (lower Upper Permian) in Dahebian Coal Mine of Shuicheng Mining District, Guizhou Province, South China Subprovince of the Cathaysian Flora in China. Comparison of these three kinds of cordaitean cuticles with the known ones from the Cathaysian Flora in China and from the Euramerican Flora is made. The authors consider that they are all new types of cordaitean cuticles. The significance they bear on palaeobotany is discussed.

Roof Shale Flora of Coal Seam 6 from the Asselian(Lower Permian) Taiyuan Formation of the Wuda Coalfield,Inner Mongolia and Its Ecostratigraphic Significance

Roof shale floras help understand the transition of vegetational landscapes from a peat–forming environment to a clastic one, but are seldom investigated in the Cathaysian province（typical present day China and East Asia）. Here the roof shale flora of Coal Seam 6 from the lower Permian Taiyuan Formation of the Wuda Coalfield, Inner Mongolia, is systematically described and its ecostratigraphic and phytogeographic implications are discussed. The flora is composed of seven plant groups, including Lepidodendrales, Medullosales, Gigantopteridales, Peltaspermales, Noeggerathiales, Cordaitales and Cycadales. Many of these taxa are also documented in Euramerica, and the floral composition indicates a more intimate relationship between Cathaysia and Euramerica during the Cisuralian than previously thought. However, there are few genera and species in common with those of the underlying peat–forming flora. Moreover, the flora is hardly comparable with the commonly known flora of the Taiyuan Formation. Such assemblage differences are very likely due to changes of taphonomic and environmental phases, rather than evolutionary floral succession. For a full and more precise understanding of the floral composition, succession and the floristic discrepancy in different depositional environments, an ecostratigraphic investigation on the Late Palaeozoic of Cathaysia is advocated.

Lopingian mixed floras from Linxi Formation in Soron area,Inner Mongolia

A lot of well-preserved plants from the Linxi Formation are collected in the Soron area,Inner Mongolia,consisting of 34 species of 16 genera. They are Late Permian in age. The flora is characterized by a lot of Angaran plants,such as Paracalamites,Comia,Rhachiphyllum,Iniopteris,Rufloria,etc. Some Cathaysian elements,such as Lobatannularia lingulata,L. multifolia,Fascipteris Cathaysiantus,F. densata,Taeniopteris szei,Cladophlebis liulinensis and C. permica,are also mixed within the present flora. This indicates that the Soron of Inner Mongolia was located in the sector between the Angaran and Cathysian floristic provinces in Lopingian. It is beneficial for depicting the location and the evolution of the Solenker--Xar Moron suture zone in the phytogeographic view. The transmigration of tropical and subtropical Cathaysian plants to the north indicates that the Paleoasian Ocean was closed during the late Permian along the suture zone.

《逃离》中“Flora”意象的认知诗学解读

《逃离》中"Flora"和卡拉的意象图式在"图形—背景"不断更迭的过程中,被不断切断、重续,造成了两种意象图式的交织叠加、互为映射。并以此构造了精巧的叙事结构,悬念迭起的故事情节。在意象片断的重组与再续过程中,Flora的形象被不断重塑,其内涵不断丰富,最终形成了层次多重的意象原型,并推动了各角色意象图式的动态构建。