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1.
Effect of Controlling Nb Content and Cooling Rate on the Microstructure, Precipitation Phases, and Mechanical Properties of Rebar.
Shen, B, Gu, S, Wang, J, Wei, F, Li, Z, Zeng, Z, Zhang, J, Li, C
Materials (Basel, Switzerland). 2024;(7)
Abstract
Seismic anti-seismic rebar, as materials for supporting structures in large buildings, need to have excellent mechanical properties. By increasing the Nb content and controlling the cooling rate, the microstructure and precipitation behavior of the steel are adjusted to develop seismic anti-seismic rebar with excellent mechanical properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and a universal tensile testing machine were used to characterize the microstructure, precipitation phases, and mechanical properties of the experimental steels. The results show that the ferrite grain size, pearlite lamellae layer (ILS), and small-angle grain boundaries (LAGB) content of the high-Nb steels decreased to 6.39 μm, 0.12 μm, and 48.7%, respectively, as the Nb content was increased from 0.017 to 0.023 wt.% and the cooling rate was increased from 1 to 3 °C·s-1. The strength of the {332}<113>α texture is the highest in the high-Nb steels. The precipitated phase is (Nb, Ti, V)C with a diameter of ~50 nm, distributed on ferrite, and the matrix/precipitated phase mismatch is 8.16%, forming a semicommon-lattice interface between the two. The carbon diffusion coefficient model shows that increasing the Nb content can inhibit the diffusion of carbon atoms and reduce the ILS. The yield strength of the high-Nb steel is 556 MPa, and the tensile strength is 764 MPa.
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2.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Impacts of Time-Restricted Eating on Metabolic Homeostasis.
Qi, D, Nie, X, Zhang, J
Angiology. 2024;:33197241228046
Abstract
This meta-analysis investigated the effect of time-restricted eating (TRE) as an economical lifestyle intervention for the prevention of metabolic syndrome and improving the related metabolic variables. The Cochrane library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, clinical trials, and other databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We included 22 RCTs (1004 participants, aged 18-75 years, including healthy subjects, prediabetes and overweight patients) designed to evaluate the effect of TRE on metabolic parameters. Body mass index (BMI) (-0.56 kg/m2, 95% CI: -1.00, -0.13, P < .01), fasting blood glucose (-1.74 mmol/L, 95% CI: -3.34, -0.14, P < .01), and body weight (-0.48 kg, 95% CI: -0.74, -0.22, P < .01) in the TRE intervention group were decreased to varying degrees compared with controls. In contrast, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were significantly increased in the TRE group compared with the control group (P < .01). The change in waist circumference, blood pressure, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and total cholesterol did not vary markedly across the groups. In conclusion, this meta-analysis found a significant reduction in BMI, weight, and fasting glucose, as well as a rise in HDL-C level with TRE compared with control. TRE could be used as an adjuvant treatment for metabolic dysfunctions.
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3.
Efficacy and pharmacoeconomic advantages of Fufang Huangbai Fluid hydropathic compress in diabetic foot infections: a comparative clinical study with antimicrobial calcium alginate wound dressing.
Yang, G, Wang, G, Li, Z, Deng, L, Wang, N, Wang, X, Zhou, T, Zhang, J, Lei, Y, Wang, T, et al
Frontiers in pharmacology. 2024;:1285946
Abstract
Objective: To compare the intervention effects and pharmacoeconomic advantages of Fufang Huangbai Fluid (FFHB) hydropathic compress versus Antimicrobial Calcium Alginate Wound Dressing (ACAWD) in the treatment of diabetic foot infections (DFI). Methods: Patients with DF who were hospitalized in the peripheral vascular Department of Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine from December 2020 to February 2022 and met the inclusion and excluding criteria were allocated into the experimental group and control group through minimization randomization. The experimental group was treated with FFHB hydropathic compress for 2 weeks, while the control group was treated with ACAWD for the same duration. The wound healing of both groups was monitored for 1 month post-discharge. Clinical data from all eligible patients were collected, and differences in various indices between cohorts were analyzed. Results: 22 in the experimental group (including two fell off) and 20 in the control group. After the treatment, the negative rate of wound culture in the experimental group was 30% and that in the control group was 10%, There was no significant difference in the negative rate of wound culture and change trend of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of drug sensitivity (p > 0.05). The infection control rate of the experimental group was 60%, and that of the control group was 25%. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (χ2 = 5.013, p = 0.025). The median wound healing rate of the experimental group was 34.4% and that of the control group was 33.3%. There was no significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). During the follow-up 1 month later, the wound healing rate in the experimental group was higher, and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.047). Pharmacoeconomic evaluations indicated that the experimental group had greater cost-effectiveness compared to the control group. Conclusion: In the preliminary study, FFHB demonstrated comparable pathogenic and clinical efficacy to ACAWD in the treatment of mild DF infection, and exhibited superior pharmacoeconomic advantages. With the aid of infection control, the wound healing rate in the FFHB group showed notable improvement. Nevertheless, due to the limited sample size, larger-scale studies are warranted to further validate these findings. Clinical Trial Registration: (https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=66175), identifier (ChiCTR2000041443).
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Targeting dysregulated lipid metabolism for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease: Current advancements and future prospects.
Tong, B, Ba, Y, Li, Z, Yang, C, Su, K, Qi, H, Zhang, D, Liu, X, Wu, Y, Chen, Y, et al
Neurobiology of disease. 2024;:106505
Abstract
Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases are two of the most frequent neurological diseases. The clinical features of AD are memory decline and cognitive dysfunction, while PD mainly manifests as motor dysfunction such as limb tremors, muscle rigidity abnormalities, and slow gait. Abnormalities in cholesterol, sphingolipid, and glycerophospholipid metabolism have been demonstrated to directly exacerbate the progression of AD by stimulating Aβ deposition and tau protein tangles. Indirectly, abnormal lipids can increase the burden on brain vasculature, induce insulin resistance, and affect the structure of neuronal cell membranes. Abnormal lipid metabolism leads to PD through inducing accumulation of α-syn, dysfunction of mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum, and ferroptosis. Great progress has been made in targeting lipid metabolism abnormalities for the treatment of AD and PD in recent years, like metformin, insulin, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) agonists, and monoclonal antibodies targeting apolipoprotein E (ApoE). This review comprehensively summarizes the involvement of dysregulated lipid metabolism in the pathogenesis of AD and PD, the application of Lipid Monitoring, and emerging lipid regulatory drug targets. A better understanding of the lipidological bases of AD and PD may pave the way for developing effective prevention and treatment methods for neurodegenerative disorders.
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5.
Emerging research themes in maternal hypothyroidism: a bibliometric exploration.
Chen, A, Luo, Z, Zhang, J, Cao, X
Frontiers in immunology. 2024;:1370707
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypothyroidism, a prevalent endocrine disorder, carries significant implications for maternal and infant health, especially in the context of maternal hypothyroidism. Despite a gradual surge in recent research, achieving a comprehensive understanding of the current state, focal points, and developmental trends in this field remains challenging. Clarifying these aspects and advancing research could notably enhance maternal-infant health outcomes. Therefore, this study employs bibliometric methods to systematically scrutinize maternal hypothyroidism research, serving as a reference for further investigations. OBJECTIVE Through bibliometric analysis, this study seeks to unveil key research focus areas, developmental trends, and primary contributors in Maternal Hypothyroidism. The findings offer insights and recommendations to inform future research endeavors in this domain. METHODS Literature metrics analysis was performed on data retrieved and extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection database. The analysis examined the evolution and thematic trends of literature related to Maternal Hypothyroidism. Data were collected on October 28, 2023, and bibliometric analysis was performed using VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and the Bibliometrix software package, considering specific characteristics such as publication year, country/region, institution, authorship, journals, references, and keywords. RESULTS Retrieved from 1,078 journals, 4,184 articles were authored by 18,037 contributors in 4,580 institutions across 113 countries/regions on six continents. Maternal Hypothyroidism research publications surged from 44 to 310 annually, a 604.54% growth from 1991 to 2022. The USA (940 articles, 45,233 citations), China Medical University (82 articles, 2,176 citations), and Teng, Weiping (52 articles, 1,347 citations) emerged as the most productive country, institution, and author, respectively. "Thyroid" topped with 233 publications, followed by "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism" (202) with the most citations (18,513). "Pregnancy" was the most cited keyword, with recent high-frequency keywords such as "outcome," "gestational diabetes," "iodine intake," "preterm birth," "guideline," and "diagnosis" signaling emerging themes in Maternal Hypothyroidism. CONCLUSIONS This study unveils developmental trends, global collaboration patterns, foundational knowledge, and emerging frontiers in Maternal Hypothyroidism. Over 30 years, research has predominantly focused on aspects like diagnosis, treatment guidelines, thyroid function during pregnancy, and postpartum outcomes, with a central emphasis on the correlation between maternal and fetal health.
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6.
The role of NLRP3 inflammasome in aging and age-related diseases.
Liang, R, Qi, X, Cai, Q, Niu, L, Huang, X, Zhang, D, Ling, J, Wu, Y, Chen, Y, Yang, P, et al
Immunity & ageing : I & A. 2024;(1):14
Abstract
The gradual aging of the global population has led to a surge in age-related diseases, which seriously threaten human health. Researchers are dedicated to understanding and coping with the complexities of aging, constantly uncovering the substances and mechanism related to aging like chronic low-grade inflammation. The NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), a key regulator of the innate immune response, recognizes molecular patterns associated with pathogens and injury, initiating an intrinsic inflammatory immune response. Dysfunctional NLRP3 is linked to the onset of related diseases, particularly in the context of aging. Therefore, a profound comprehension of the regulatory mechanisms of the NLRP3 inflammasome in aging-related diseases holds the potential to enhance treatment strategies for these conditions. In this article, we review the significance of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the initiation and progression of diverse aging-related diseases. Furthermore, we explore preventive and therapeutic strategies for aging and related diseases by manipulating the NLRP3 inflammasome, along with its upstream and downstream mechanisms.
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Bioavailability and mechanisms of dietary polyphenols affected by non-thermal processing technology in fruits and vegetables.
Liu, Y, Deng, J, Zhao, T, Yang, X, Zhang, J, Yang, H
Current research in food science. 2024;:100715
Abstract
Plant polyphenols play an essential role in human health. The bioactivity of polyphenols depends not only on their content but also on their bioavailability in food. The processing techniques, especially non-thermal processing, improve the retention and bioavailability of polyphenolic substances. However, there are limited studies summarizing the relationship between non-thermal processing, the bioavailability of polyphenols, and potential mechanisms. This review aims to summarize the effects of non-thermal processing techniques on the content and bioavailability of polyphenols in fruits and vegetables. Importantly, the disruption of cell walls and membranes, the inhibition of enzyme activities, free radical reactions, plant stress responses, and interactions of polyphenols with the food matrix caused by non-thermal processing are described. This study aims to enhance understanding of the significance of non-thermal processing technology in preserving the nutritional properties of dietary polyphenols in plant-based foods. It also offers theoretical support for the contribution of non-thermal processing technology in improving food nutrition.
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Therapeutic applications of gut microbes in cardiometabolic diseases: current state and perspectives.
Yuan, L, Li, Y, Chen, M, Xue, L, Wang, J, Ding, Y, Gu, Q, Zhang, J, Zhao, H, Xie, X, et al
Applied microbiology and biotechnology. 2024;(1):156
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Abstract
Cardiometabolic disease (CMD) encompasses a range of diseases such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart failure, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Recent findings about CMD's interaction with gut microbiota have broadened our understanding of how diet and nutrition drive microbes to influence CMD. However, the translation of basic research into the clinic has not been smooth, and dietary nutrition and probiotic supplementation have yet to show significant evidence of the therapeutic benefits of CMD. In addition, the published reviews do not suggest the core microbiota or metabolite classes that influence CMD, and systematically elucidate the causal relationship between host disease phenotypes-microbiome. The aim of this review is to highlight the complex interaction of the gut microbiota and their metabolites with CMD progression and to further centralize and conceptualize the mechanisms of action between microbial and host disease phenotypes. We also discuss the potential of targeting modulations of gut microbes and metabolites as new targets for prevention and treatment of CMD, including the use of emerging technologies such as fecal microbiota transplantation and nanomedicine. KEY POINTS • To highlight the complex interaction of the gut microbiota and their metabolites with CMD progression and to further centralize and conceptualize the mechanisms of action between microbial and host disease phenotypes. • We also discuss the potential of targeting modulations of gut microbes and metabolites as new targets for prevention and treatment of CMD, including the use of emerging technologies such as FMT and nanomedicine. • Our study provides insight into identification-specific microbiomes and metabolites involved in CMD, and microbial-host changes and physiological factors as disease phenotypes develop, which will help to map the microbiome individually and capture pathogenic mechanisms as a whole.
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Tryptophan catabolism via the kynurenine pathway regulates infection and inflammation: from mechanisms to biomarkers and therapies.
Zhang, J, Liu, Y, Zhi, X, Xu, L, Tao, J, Cui, D, Liu, TF
Inflammation research : official journal of the European Histamine Research Society ... [et al.]. 2024
Abstract
BACKGROUND L-Tryptophan (L-Trp), an essential amino acid, is the only amino acid whose level is regulated specifically by immune signals. Most proportions of Trp are catabolized via the kynurenine (Kyn) pathway (KP) which has evolved to align the food availability and environmental stimulation with the host pathophysiology and behavior. Especially, the KP plays an indispensable role in balancing the immune activation and tolerance in response to pathogens. SCOPE OF REVIEW In this review, we elucidate the underlying immunological regulatory network of Trp and its KP-dependent catabolites in the pathophysiological conditions by participating in multiple signaling pathways. Furthermore, the KP-based regulatory roles, biomarkers, and therapeutic strategies in pathologically immune disorders are summarized covering from acute to chronic infection and inflammation. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS The immunosuppressive effects dominate the functions of KP induced-Trp depletion and KP-produced metabolites during infection and inflammation. However, the extending minor branches from the KP are not confined to the immune tolerance, instead they go forward to various functions according to the specific condition. Nevertheless, persistent efforts should be made before the clinical use of KP-based strategies to monitor and cure infectious and inflammatory diseases.
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Reprogramming of glucose metabolism: Metabolic alterations in the progression of osteosarcoma.
An, F, Chang, W, Song, J, Zhang, J, Li, Z, Gao, P, Wang, Y, Xiao, Z, Yan, C
Journal of bone oncology. 2024;:100521
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is an adaptive response of tumour cells under hypoxia and low nutrition conditions. There is increasing evidence that glucose metabolism reprogramming can regulate the growth and metastasis of osteosarcoma (OS). Reprogramming in the progress of OS can bring opportunities for early diagnosis and treatment of OS. Previous research mainly focused on the glycolytic pathway of glucose metabolism, often neglecting the tricarboxylic acid cycle and pentose phosphate pathway. However, the tricarboxylic acid cycle and pentose phosphate pathway of glucose metabolism are also involved in the progression of OS and are closely related to this disease. The research on glucose metabolism in OS has not yet been summarized. In this review, we discuss the abnormal expression of key molecules related to glucose metabolism in OS and summarize the glucose metabolism related signaling pathways involved in the occurrence and development of OS. In addition, we discuss some of the targeted drugs that regulate glucose metabolism pathways, which can lead to effective strategies for targeted treatment of OS.