Additive neurorestorative effects of exercise and docosahexaenoic acid intake in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease

There is a need to develop interventions to slow or reverse the degeneration of dopamine neurons in Parkinson’s disease after diagnosis.Given that preclinical and clinical studies suggest benefits of dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids,such as docosahexaenoic acid,and exercise in Parkinson’s disease,we investigated whether both could synergistically interact to induce recovery of the dopaminergic pathway.First,mice received a unilateral stereotactic injection of 6-hydroxydopamine into the striatum to establish an animal model of nigrostriatal denervation.Four weeks after lesion,animals were fed a docosahexaenoic acid-enriched or a control diet for the next 8 weeks.During this period,the animals had access to a running wheel,which they could use or not.Docosahexaenoic acid treatment,voluntary exercise,or the combination of both had no effect on(i)distance traveled in the open field test,(ii)the percentage of contraversive rotations in the apomorphine-induction test or(iii)the number of tyrosine-hydroxylase-positive cells in the substantia nigra pars compacta.However,the docosahexaenoic acid diet increased the number of tyrosine-hydroxylase-positive terminals and induced a rise in dopamine concentrations in the lesioned striatum.Compared to docosahexaenoic acid treatment or exercise alone,the combination of docosahexaenoic acid and exercise(i)improved forelimb balance in the stepping test,(ii)decreased the striatal DOPAC/dopamine ratio and(iii)led to increased dopamine transporter levels in the lesioned striatum.The present results suggest that the combination of exercise and docosahexaenoic acid may act synergistically in the striatum of mice with a unilateral lesion of the dopaminergic system and provide support for clinical trials combining nutrition and physical exercise in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

2-氯酮与Meldrum’s acid的反应研究

探讨了2-氯(?)酮与Meldrum’s acid在不同条件下的反应结果,合成了化合物2-氧代-3-羧基-1-氧杂薁。并用1HN- MR,13CNMR和IR表征了其结构。

A Convenient Synthesis of Novel Meldrum＇s Acid C60 Fullerene Derivatives

A series of novel Meldrum＇s acid C60 derivatives were prepared in moderate yields from a convenient one-pot reaction of C60, the Meldrum＇s acid derivatives, 12 and 1,8-diazabicyclo-[5,4,0]-undec-7-ene （DBU） in toluene at room temperature under nitrogen atmosphere. All the new compounds were fully characterized by the spectral data and elemental analysis. A carbene intermediate mechanism was proposed for this reaction.

研磨条件下SbCl_3促进的Meldrum’ acid与芳香醛的缩合反应

研磨条件下,以SbCl3为催化剂有效的促进了丙二酸亚异丙酯与芳香醛之间的Knovegenel缩合反应,与其它方法相比,主要优点在于反应条件温和,反应速度快,收率高,为Knovegenel缩合反应找到了一条有效途径。

Milk fat globule membrane supplementation protects againstβ-lactoglobul-ininduced food allergy in mice via upregulation of regulatory T cells and enhancement of intestinal barrier in a microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids manner

Milk fat globule membrane(MFGM),which contains abundant glycoproteins and phospholipids,exerts beneficial effects on intestinal health and immunomodulation.The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects and possible underlying mechanisms of MFGM on cow’s milk allergy(CMA)in aβ-lactoglobulin(BLG)-induced allergic mice model.MFGM was supplemented to allergic mice induced by BLG at a dose of 400 mg/kg body weight.Results demonstrated that MFGM alleviated food allergy symptoms,decreased serum levels of lipopolysaccharide,pro-inflammatory cytokines,immunoglobulin(Ig)E,Ig G1,and Th2 cytokines including interleukin(IL)-4,while increased serum levels of Th1 cytokines including interferon-γand regulatory T cells(Tregs)cytokines including IL-10 and transforming growth factor-β.MFGM modulated gut microbiota and enhanced intestinal barrier of BLG-allergic mice,as evidenced by decreased relative abundance of Desulfobacterota,Rikenellaceae,Lachnospiraceae,and Desulfovibrionaceae,while increased relative abundance of Bacteroidetes,Lactobacillaceae and Muribaculaceae,and enhanced expressions of tight junction proteins including Occludin,Claudin-1 and zonula occludens-1.Furthermore,MFGM increased fecal short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)levels,which elevated G protein-coupled receptor(GPR)43 and GPR109A expressions.The increased expressions of GPR43 and GPR109A induced CD103+dendritic cells accumulation and promoted Tregs differentiation in mesenteric lymph node to a certain extent.In summary,MFGM alleviated CMA in a BLG-induced allergic mice model through enhancing intestinal barrier and promoting Tregs differentiation,which may be correlated with SCFAs-mediated activation of GPRs.These findings suggest that MFGM may be useful as a promising functional ingredient against CMA.

Storage time affects the level and diagnostic efficacy of plasma biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases

Several promising plasma biomarker proteins,such as amyloid-β(Aβ),tau,neurofilament light chain,and glial fibrillary acidic protein,are widely used for the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases.However,little is known about the long-term stability of these biomarker proteins in plasma samples stored at-80°C.We aimed to explore how storage time would affect the diagnostic accuracy of these biomarkers using a large cohort.Plasma samples from 229 cognitively unimpaired individuals,encompassing healthy controls and those experiencing subjective cognitive decline,as well as 99 patients with cognitive impairment,comprising those with mild cognitive impairment and dementia,were acquired from the Sino Longitudinal Study on Cognitive Decline project.These samples were stored at-80°C for up to 6 years before being used in this study.Our results showed that plasma levels of Aβ42,Aβ40,neurofilament light chain,and glial fibrillary acidic protein were not significantly correlated with sample storage time.However,the level of total tau showed a negative correlation with sample storage time.Notably,in individuals without cognitive impairment,plasma levels of total protein and tau phosphorylated protein threonine 181(p-tau181)also showed a negative correlation with sample storage time.This was not observed in individuals with cognitive impairment.Consequently,we speculate that the diagnostic accuracy of plasma p-tau181 and the p-tau181 to total tau ratio may be influenced by sample storage time.Therefore,caution is advised when using these plasma biomarkers for the identification of neurodegenerative diseases,such as Alzheimer's disease.Furthermore,in cohort studies,it is important to consider the impact of storage time on the overall results.

Recent progress in the applications of presynaptic dopaminergic positron emission tomography imaging in parkinsonism

Nowadays,presynaptic dopaminergic positron emission tomography,which assesses deficiencies in dopamine synthesis,storage,and transport,is widely utilized for early diagnosis and differential diagnosis of parkinsonism.This review provides a comprehensive summary of the latest developments in the application of presynaptic dopaminergic positron emission tomography imaging in disorders that manifest parkinsonism.We conducted a thorough literature search using reputable databases such as PubMed and Web of Science.Selection criteria involved identifying peer-reviewed articles published within the last 5 years,with emphasis on their relevance to clinical applications.The findings from these studies highlight that presynaptic dopaminergic positron emission tomography has demonstrated potential not only in diagnosing and differentiating various Parkinsonian conditions but also in assessing disease severity and predicting prognosis.Moreover,when employed in conjunction with other imaging modalities and advanced analytical methods,presynaptic dopaminergic positron emission tomography has been validated as a reliable in vivo biomarker.This validation extends to screening and exploring potential neuropathological mechanisms associated with dopaminergic depletion.In summary,the insights gained from interpreting these studies are crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of preclinical investigations and clinical trials,ultimately advancing toward the goals of neuroregeneration in parkinsonian disorders.

Diversity and Phylogenetic Analysis of Lactic Acid in Forage of Xinjiang Uigur Autonomous Region

[Objective] The aim was to conduct preliminary investigation and diversity analysis of lactic acid bacteria resources in forage from Turpan of Xinjiang. [Method] The lactic acid bacteria in the three kinds of forage ingredients in Xinjiang were isolated by using plate separation method and screened by MRS＋CaCO3 solid medium. Morphological, physiological and biochemical identification and 16S rDNA gene sequence analysis were carried out to the isolated eighty strains of lactic acid bacteria, to explore its taxonomic status. [Result] Twenty strains of lactic acid bacteria were obtained from alfalfa, forty-one from wheat, and nineteen from corn. The physiological and biochemical identification and 16S rDNA gene sequence analysis results showed that the eighty strains of lactic acid bacteria belonged to two genera, namely, Lactobacillus, Enterococcus; 7 species, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus paracasei, Entercoccus faecium, Entercoccus durans, Lactobacillus plantarum, Entercoccus hirae. Lactobacillus casei and Entercoccus faecium were ubiquitous in the three kinds of forage ingredients. Besides these two lactic acid bacteria, there were Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus plantarum in wheat, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus paracasei, Entercoccus hirae, Entercoccus durans in alfalfa, Lactobacillus plantarum, Entercoccus durans in corn. [Conclusion] There is a big diversity of lactic acid bacteria in different forage from Turpan of Xinjiang, in which Lactobacillus casei, Entercoccus faecium are the key bacteria for forage fermentation.

化合物ent-kaur-16-en-19-oicacid对小鼠S180瘤株抑制作用研究

目的:研究化合物ent-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid对小鼠S180瘤株的抑制作用。方法:称取定量的ent-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid,用食用植物油溶解后,加入等量吐温-80,充分搅拌后加入8倍量蒸馏水配制成所需浓度的溶液。将已接种S180瘤株的小鼠模型24h后随机分组,各组均连续给药8天,停药后1天将小鼠脱颈椎处死,剥取瘤称重。结果:ent-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid有明显抑制S180实体瘤的作用,高、中剂量组抑瘤率均在40%以上。结论:ent-kaur-16-en-19-oicacid有一定的抗肿瘤活性。

谷氨酸、CRP及S-100β蛋白水平与脑出血患者预后的关系

目的:分析谷氨酸、C反应蛋白(CRP)及S-100β蛋白水平与脑出血患者预后的关系。方法:选择2021年1月—2023年12月南昌大学第四附属医院收治的80例脑出血患者,患者入院后采集血样,测定血清谷氨酸、CRP及S-100β蛋白水平。随访90 d,采用格拉斯哥预后量表(GPS)进行预后评价,根据GPS评分分为预后不良组(1~3分)、预后良好组(4~5分),比较两组谷氨酸、CRP及S-100β蛋白水平,分析谷氨酸、CRP及S-100β蛋白水平与预后的相关性,采用受试者操作特征(ROC)曲线分析这些生物标志物对患者预后预测的价值。结果:在80例脑出血患者中,预后不良发生率为43.75%(35/80)。预后不良组血清谷氨酸、CRP及S-100β蛋白水平均高于预后良好组(P<0.05)。点二列相关系数分析结果显示,谷氨酸、CRP及S-100β蛋白与预后呈正相关(r=0.709、0.764、0.654,P<0.05)。Pearson相关系数分析显示,谷氨酸、CRP与S-100β蛋白呈正相关(r=0.361、0.431,P<0.001)。ROC曲线显示,谷氨酸、CRP、S-100β蛋白对患者预后预测的AUC分别为0.912、0.945、0.881,有一定预测价值。结论:谷氨酸、CRP及S-100β蛋白水平与脑出血患者的预后呈正相关,并具有一定的预测价值,在评估脑出血患者的预后时,这些可作为重要的参考指标之一。

Isolation and Identification of High-Quality Lactic Acid Bacteria in Forage Corn

[ Objective] To screen suitable lactic acid bacterium strains from forage corn which can be used as silage additives. [ Method] The lactic acid bacterium strains were isolated by inoculation on MRS solid medium containing calcium carbonate, and they were preliminarily identified through morphological, physiological and biochemical experiments. The acid production efficiency was determined. Twelve strains having strong acid-pro- duction ability were selected, and their salt tolerance and acid tolerance were detected. The sequences of their 16 S rDNA were also analyzed. [ Result] A total of 44 lactic acid bacterium strains were isolated from the forage com. As evidenced by the physiological and biochemical experi- ments, the twelve strains having strong acid-production ability belonged to Leuconostoc, Lactobacillus and Enterococcus, respectively, and they had strong salt tolerance and acid tolerance. According to the sequences of 16 S rDNA, A4, B9, B11, B12 and B14 were Lactobacillus plantarum; A1, A2., A7, A11 and B8 were Leuconostoc mesenteroides dextran subspecies; and AB and A9 were Enterococcus hirae. [ Conclusion ] The lactic acid bacterium strains with strong acid-production ability isolated from forage corn can be developed into silage additives.

Electrodeposition of Zn(O,S)(zinc oxysulfide)thin films:Exploiting its thermodynamic and kinetic processes with incorporation of tartaric acid

Zn（O,S）（zinc oxysulfide） is an important chalcogenide material recently reported to be potentially applied as electrode buffers in thin film solar cells. Both vacuum and solution approaches have enabled the fabrication of Zn（O,S） films. However they either require extreme conditions and high energy consumption for synthesis, or suffer from lack of controllability mainly due to the thermodynamic and kinetic distinction between Zn O and Zn S during film growth. Here we demonstrated an effective electrodeposition route to obtain high-quality Zn（O,S） thin films in a controllable manner. Importantly, tartaric acid was employed as a secondary complexing agent in the electrolyte to improve the film morphology, as well as to adjust other key properties such as composition and absorption. To elucidate the vital role that tartaric acid played, thermodynamic and kinetic processes of electrodeposition was investigated and discussed in detail. The accumulative contribution has shed light on further exploit of Zn（O,S） with tunable properties and optimization of the corresponding electrodeposition process, for the application in thin film solar cells.

MoS2/Zn3In2S6 composite photocatalysts for enhancement of visible light-driven hydrogen production from formic acid

Enhancing the separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers is propitious for the promotion of photocatalytic hydrogen production from formic acid decomposition.Herein,MoS2/Zn3In2S6(MoS2/ZIS6)composite photocatalysts containing varying mass percentages of MoS2 were obtained by a straightforward synthetic method.The results confirmed that MoS2,as a cocatalyst,markedly promoted the photogenerated charge separation efficiency and visible light-driven hydrogen production activity of ZIS6(λ>400 nm).Specifically,the as-prepared 0.5%MoS2/ZIS6 photocatalyst exhibited the highest photocatalytic hydrogen production rate(74.25μmol·h^-1),which was approximately 4.3 times higher than that of ZIS6(17.47μmol·h^-1).The excellent performance of the 0.5%MoS2/ZIS6 photocatalyst may be due to the fact that MoS2 has a low Fermi energy level and can thus enrich photogenerated electrons from ZIS6,and furthermore reduce H+derived from formic acid,to form hydrogen.The structure and morphology of the MoS2/ZIS6 photocatalysts and the reactive species were determined by X-ray diffraction,transmission electron microscopy,and field emission scanning electron microscopy,among others;a plausible mechanistic rationale is discussed based on the results.

Swelling acidic poly(ionic liquid)s as efficient catalysts for the esterification of cyclohexene and formic acid

Acidic poly(ionic liquid)s(PILs)with swelling ability were synthesized by free radical copolymerization of N-vinylimidazolium ionic liquids,divinylbenzene(DVB)and sodium acrylate(NaAA),and further acidification by sulfuric acid.The swelling ability of acidic PILs was greatly affected by cross-linker content and chain length of 3-alkyl-substituents on imidazolium.Cross-linked network structures could be observed from the cryogenic scanning electron microscopy(cryo-SEM)images of the swollen acidic PILs in formic acid.Acidic PILs with network structures in swollen state exhibited excellent activities in the esterification of cyclohexene and formic acid,and the catalytic activities were in positive correlation with their swelling abilities.Acidic PIL with 3-octyl-substituent and 2.5 mol%DVB(PIL-C8-2.5DVB-HSO4)had the highest swelling ability in formic acid and exhibited comparable catalytic activities with homogeneous catalysts such as sulfuric acid and p-toluenesulfonic acid.

Helpfulness of the combination of acetic acid and FICE in the detection of Barrett's epithelium and Barrett's associated neoplasias

AIM:To investigate the mucosal morphology in Barrett's oesophagus by chromo and magnifying endoscopy.METHODS:A prospective pilot study at a tertiary medical centre was conducted to evaluate the use of acetic acid pulverisation combined with virtual chromoendoscopy using Fujinon intelligent chromoendoscopy(FICE) for semiological characterization of the mucosal morphology in Barrett's oesophagus and its neoplastic complications.Upper endoscopy using high definition whitelight,2% acid acetic pulverisation and FICE with high definition videoendoscopy were performed in 20 patients including 18 patients who presented with aspects of Barrett's oesophagus at endoscopy examination.Two patients used as controls had normal endoscopy and histological results.Prospectively,videos were watched blind from histological results by three trained FICE technique endoscopists.RESULTS:The videos of patients with high-grade dysplasia showed an irregular mucosal pattern in 14% using high definition white light endoscopy and in 100% using acid acetic-FICE combined.Videos did not identify irregular vascular patterns using high definition white light endoscopy,while acid acetic-FICE combined visualised one in 86% of cases.CONCLUSION:Combined acetic acid and FICE is a promising method for screening high-grade dysplasia and early cancer in Barrett's oesophagus.

Isolation of an acid producing Bacillus sp. EEEL02: Potential for bauxite residue neutralization

Bauxite residue deposit area(BRDA)is a typical abandoned mining wasteland representing extreme hostile environment with increased alkalinity.Microbially-driven neutralization of bauxite residue,based on the microbial acid producing metabolisms,is a novel strategy for achieving rapid pH neutralization and thus improving its environmental outcomes.The hypothesis was that these extreme conditions promote microbial communities which are capable of novel ecologically relevant functions.Several alkaliphilic acid producing bacteria were isolated in this study.One strain was selected for its superior growth pattern and acid metabolism(termed EEEL02).Based on the phylogenetic analysis,this strain was identified as Bacillus thuringiensis.The optimized fermentation conditions were as follows:pH 10;NaCl concentration 5%;temperature 25℃;EEEL02 preferred glucose and peptone as carbon and nitrogen sources,respectively.Based on optimal fermentation conditions,EEEL02 induced a significant pH reduction from 10.26 to 5.62 in 5-day incubation test.Acetic acid,propionic acid and CO2(g)were the major acid metabolites of fermentation,suggesting that the pH reduction in bauxite residue may be caused by acid neutralization derived from microbial metabolism.This finding provided the basis of a novel strategy for achieving rapid pH neutralization of bauxite residue.

16s rDNA based microbial diversity analysis of eleven acid mine drainages obtained from three Chinese copper mines

Eleven acid mine drainage （AMD） samples were obtained from southeast of China for the analysis of the microbial communities diversity, and the relationship with geochemical variables and spatial distance by using a culture-independent 16S rDNA gene phylogenetic analysis approach and multivariate analysis respectively. The principle component analysis （PCA） of geochemical variables shows that eleven AMDs can be clustered into two groups, relative high and low metal rich （RHMR and RLMR） AMDs. Total 1691 clone sequences are obtained and the detrended correspondence analysis （DCA） of operational taxonomic units （OTUs） shows that, ~,-Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Firmicutes and Nitrospirae are dominant species in RHMR AMDs. In contrast, a-Proteobacteria, fl-Proteobacteria, Planctomycetes and Bacteriodetes are dominant species in RLMR AMD. Results also show that high-abundance putative iron-oxidizing and only putative sulfur-oxidizing microorganisms are found in RHMR AMD. Multivariate analysis shows that both geochemical variables （r=0.429 3, P=-0.037 7） and spatial distance （r=0.321 3, P=-0.018 1） are significantly positively correlated with microbial community and pH, Mg, Fe, S, Cu and Ca are key geochemistry factors in shaping microbial community. Variance partitioning analysis shows that geochemical variables and spatial distance can explain most （92%） of the variation.

Screening, Identification and Fermentation Property of a Yeast Strain R6 Accumulating Alpha-ketoglutaric Acid

A yeast strain R6 was obtained by the method of thiamine（VB1） auxotrophic negative selection from the edible oil-polluted soil in Zibo, China. Physiological and biochemical experiments revealed that strain R6 shared common feature with Rhodotorula mucilaginosa according to the API 20 C AUX yeast identification system which has been tested previously. Furthermore, the 18 S r DNA gene of strain R6 was amplified and sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 18 S r DNA sequence and the relatives indicated that R6 shared 99% homologies with the members of R. mucilaginosa, suggesting that strain R6 belonged to R. mucilaginosa.Investigation showed that strain R6 possessed the capacity of accumulating exocellular alpha-ketoglutaric acid（alpha-KG）. Finally, the fermentation conditions of R6 to accumulate alpha-KG was optimized by controlling each single fermenting variable and detected through high performance liquid chromatography（HPLC）. Results showed that both VB1 and Ca CO3 in fermentation medium were the key factors influencing the cumulant of alpha-KG. The discovery of natural auxotrophic strain R6 not only broadened the microbial resource which can achieve lots of alpha-KG production through fermentation, but also laid a foundation for further fermentation regulation to achieve excessive alpha-KG accumulation.

Usefulness of ω-3 fatty acid supplementation in addition to mesalazine in maintaining remission in pediatric Crohn's disease: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study

AIM： To assess the value of long-chain w-3 fatty acids （FAs） supplementation in addition to amino-salicylic-acid （5-ASA） in pediatric patients with Crohn＇s disease （CD）. METHODS： Thirty-eight patients （20 males and 18 females, mean age 10.13 years, range 5-16 years） with CD in remission were randomized into two groups and treated for 12 too. Group Ⅰ （18 patients） received 5-ASA （50 mg/kg/d）＋w-3 FAs as triglycerides in gastroresistant capsules, 3 g/d （eicosapentanoic acid, EPA, 400 mg/g, docosahexaenoic acid, DHA, 200 mg/g）. Group Ⅱ （20 patients） received 5-ASA （50 mg/kg/d）＋olive oil placebo capsules. Patients were evaluated for fatty acid incorporation in red blood cell membranes by gas chromatography at baseline 6 and 12 mo after the treatment. RESULTS： The number of patients who relapsed at 1 year was significantly lower in group I than in group Ⅱ （P〈0.001）. Patients in group I had a significant increase in the incorporation of EPA and DHA （P〈0.001） and a decrease in the presence of arachidonic acids. CONCLUSION： Enteric-coated w-3 FAs in addition to treatment with 5-ASA are effective in maintaining remission of pediatric CD.

Serum bile acid profiling reflects enterohepatic detoxification state and intestinal barrier function in inflammatory bowel disease

AIM： To determine free and conjugated serum bile acid （BA） levels in inflammatory bowel disease （IBD） subgroups with defined clinical manifestations. METHODS： Comprehensive serum BA profiling was performed in 358 IBD patients and 310 healthy con- trols by liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS： Serum levels of hyodeoxycholic acid, the CYP3A4-mediated detoxification product of the second- ary BA lithocholic acid （LCA）, was increased significantly in Crohn＇s disease （CD） and ulcerative colitis （UC）, while most other serum BA species were decreased signifi- cantly. Total BA, total BA conjugate, and total BA glyco- conjugate levels were decreased only in CD, whereas total unconjugated BA levels were decreased only in UC. In UC patients with hepatobiliary manifestations, the conjugated primary BAs glycocholic acid, taurocholic acid, and glycochenodeoxycholic acid were as signifi- cantly increased as the secondary BAs LCA, ursodeoxy- cholic acid, and tauroursodeoxycholic acid compared to UC patients without hepatobiliary manifestations. Finally, we found that in ileocecal resected CD patients, the unconjugated primary BAs, cholic acid and chenode- oxycholic acid, were increased significantly compared to controls and patients without surgical interventions. CONCLUSION： Serum BA profiling in IBD patients that indicates impaired intestinal barrier function and increased detoxification is suitable for advanced diag- nostic characterization and differentiation of IBD sub- groups with defined clinical manifestations.