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AnteayerPLOS ONE Medicine&Health

Accuracy of artificial intelligence-assisted endoscopy in the diagnosis of gastric intestinal metaplasia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

by Na Li, Jian Yang, Xiaodong Li, Yanting Shi, Kunhong Wang

Background and aims

Gastric intestinal metaplasia is a precancerous disease, and a timely diagnosis is essential to delay or halt cancer progression. Artificial intelligence (AI) has found widespread application in the field of disease diagnosis. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of AI’s diagnostic accuracy in detecting gastric intestinal metaplasia in endoscopy, compare it to endoscopists’ ability, and explore the main factors affecting AI’s performance.

Methods

The study followed the PRISMA-DTA guidelines, and the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane, and IEEE Xplore databases were searched to include relevant studies published by October 2023. We extracted the key features and experimental data of each study and combined the sensitivity and specificity metrics by meta-analysis. We then compared the diagnostic ability of the AI versus the endoscopists using the same test data.

Results

Twelve studies with 11,173 patients were included, demonstrating AI models’ efficacy in diagnosing gastric intestinal metaplasia. The meta-analysis yielded a pooled sensitivity of 94% (95% confidence interval: 0.92–0.96) and specificity of 93% (95% confidence interval: 0.89–0.95). The combined area under the receiver operating characteristics curve was 0.97. The results of meta-regression and subgroup analysis showed that factors such as study design, endoscopy type, number of training images, and algorithm had a significant effect on the diagnostic performance of AI. The AI exhibited a higher diagnostic capacity than endoscopists (sensitivity: 95% vs. 79%).

Conclusions

AI-aided diagnosis of gastric intestinal metaplasia using endoscopy showed high performance and clinical diagnostic value. However, further prospective studies are required to validate these findings.

Incidence, pathogens and antimicrobial resistance of blood and cerebrospinal fluid isolates from a tertiary neonatal unit in South Africa: A 10 year retrospective review

by Reenu Thomas, Claude Ondongo-Ezhet, Nini Motsoaledi, Mike Sharland, Michelle Clements, Sithembiso Velaphi

Objective

To determine trends in incidence, etiology and antimicrobial susceptibility of blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture confirmed infections in hospitalized infants in a large tertiary neonatal unit in South Africa.

Methods

Single-center, retrospective review of laboratory records of bacteria and fungi, and their susceptibility profiles, isolated from blood and CSF of infants hospitalized in the neonatal unit at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa, from 1st January 2010 to 31st December 2019. Laboratory data on isolates and their antimicrobial susceptibilities were collected. Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, Corynebacteria and Bacillus spp. were excluded. Patient-level clinical and laboratory data were not available.

Results

There were 8,319 significant isolates, giving an infection rate of 14.3/1000 patient-days. Infection rates increased from 12.0 to 15.7/1000 patient-days (estimated average yearly change 0.6[95%CI, 0.5–0.7];p = Acinetobacter baumannii (44%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (39%). Carbapenem resistance was seen in 31% of all Gram-negatives and increased over time (estimated average yearly change 4.8%[95%CI,4.2%-5.3%];pStaphylococcus aureus was the most common Gram-positive isolated. Rates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus decreased from 91% to 55%(estimated average yearly change -2.8%[95%CI,-3.5%–2%],pCandida parapsilosis (52%) and Candida albicans (35%) were the most common fungi isolated.

Conclusions

There has been a marked overall increase in rates of blood and/or CSF infections, with an absolute increase in Gram-negative infections observed, replacing Gram-positive and fungal pathogens. Extended spectrum beta-lactamase Gram-negative isolates are being replaced by carbapenem resistance, with around one third of all significant Gram-negative isolates now carbapenem resistant. Research into hospital based novel treatment and prevention interventions for neonatal sepsis should be urgently prioritized.

HP promotes neutrophil inflammatory activation by regulating PFKFB2 in the glycolytic metabolism of sepsis

by Song Chen, Qian Zhang, Liyan Sun, Wei Song, Tao Zhang, Weidong Song, Jian Wan

Background

Sepsis, described as an inflammatory reaction to an infection, is a very social health problem with high mortality. This study aims to explore the new mechanism in the progression of sepsis.

Methods

We downloaded the GSE69528 dataset to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for WGCNA, in which the key module was identified and analyzed by DMNC algorithm, expression verification and ROC curve analysis to identify the hub gene. Furthermore, the hub gene was analyzed by immunoassay, and the potential mechanism of hub gene in neutrophils was investigated by in vitro experiments.

Results

The turquoise module was the key module for sepsis in WGCNA on 94 DEGs. The top 20 genes of DMNC network were verified in GSE69528 and GSE9960, and 10 significant genes were obtained for ROC analysis. Based on the ROC curves, HP was considered the hub gene in sepsis, and its expression difference in sepsis and control groups was substantially significant. Further, it was demonstrated the knockdown of HP and PFKFB3 could suppress glycolysis and inflammatory cytokine levels in dHL-60 cell treated with LPS.

Conclusion

In conclusion, HP is identified as a potential diagnostic indicator for sepsis patients, and HP promotes neutrophil inflammatory activation by regulating PFKFB2 in the glycolytic metabolism of sepsis confirmed by in vitro experiments. These will help us deepen the molecular mechanism of sepsis.

Assessing the impact of digital transformation on capital market information efficiency under environmental uncertainty: Evidence from China

by Tao Feng, Xiaohuan Dong, Yueyun Wang

Digital transformation is an emerging development opportunity for enterprises in the digital economy and comprehensively reflects the application of digital technology to production, operation, and management strategies. This study used data on A-share listed enterprises in Shanghai and Shenzhen from 2007 to 2022 to examine the relationship between the digital transformation of enterprises and information efficiency of the capital market. Findings revealed that digital transformation can improve the information efficiency of the capital market and that environmental uncertainty plays a more significant regulatory role. The greater the environmental uncertainty, the more enterprises with a high degree of digital transformation can promote the information efficiency of the capital market. Additional analysis showed that the promotional effect of digital transformation on the information efficiency of the capital market is better for non-state-owned enterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises. This study provides detailed insights into digital transformation and capital market information efficiency, which enriches the research related to the economic consequences of digital transformation and demonstrates the theoretical and practical value of corporate digital transformation.

Impact of cognitive behavioral therapy on premature ejaculation patients: A prospective, randomized controlled trial protocol

by Qiyun Yang, Hongcai Cai, Zi Wan, Min Chen, Bicheng Yang, Yun Xie, Yadong Zhang, Xiangzhou Sun, Jia Tang, Ming Kuang, Hongying Liu, Chunhua Deng

Background

Premature ejaculation (PE) is one of the most common male sexual dysfunctions, with a prevalence of about 4%-39% in the Chinese population. Studies have shown that a variety of biological factors can lead to premature ejaculation, such as central nervous system disorders, hypersensitivity of the penis head, and psychological factors. Based on clinical experience, psychological counseling and education of patients and partners should be ranked as the first priority when treating PE. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) addresses emotional, behavioral, and cognitive disorders by altering beliefs and actions. It has also been demonstrated to be clinically useful in treating a number of diseases. The purpose of this trial is to evaluate the efficacy of a mobile-based CBT intervention on patients with PE compared to conventional routine treatment.

Methods

This study is a prospective randomized controlled trial that will be conducted from May 2023 to Dec 2024 at ten hospitals, primarily including the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University with an 8-week follow-up. The clinical trial central randomization system will be used to create and implement the specific randomization method. Baseline data of both groups will be measured and collected. The premature ejaculation diagnostic tool (PEDT) and the female sexual distress scale-revised for premature ejaculation (FSDS-R-PE) will be collected on the first day, 28±2 days, and 56±2 days during the intervention period, and the intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) will be measured in both groups. The Shapiro-Wilk test will be used for normality testing. Pearson correlation analysis will be used for correlation analysis. Differences between groups will be compared using analysis of variance or exact probability calculations.

Discussion

This study will investigate the effect of a mobile-based CBT intervention on patients with PE.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2300070581).

A mapping review of methicillin-resistant <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> proportions, genetic diversity, and antimicrobial resistance patterns in Cameroon

by Nene Kaah Keneh, Sebastien Kenmoe, Arnol Bowo-Ngandji, Jane-Francis Tatah Kihla Akoachere, Hortense Gonsu Kamga, Roland Ndip Ndip, Jean Thierry Ebogo-Belobo, Cyprien Kengne-Ndé, Donatien Serge Mbaga, Nicholas Tendongfor, Lucy Mande Ndip, Seraphine Nkie Esemu

Background

The emergence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has increased and poses a significant threat to human and animal health in Cameroon and the world at large. MRSA strains have infiltrated various settings, including hospitals, communities, and livestock, contributing to increased morbidity, treatment costs, and mortality. This evidence synthesis aims to understand MRSA prevalence, resistance patterns, and genetic characterization in Cameroon.

Methods

The methodology was consistent with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Studies of any design containing scientific data on MRSA prevalence, genetic diversity, and antimicrobial resistance patterns in Cameroon were eligible for inclusion, with no restrictions on language or publication date. The search involved a comprehensive search strategy in several databases including Medline, Embase, Global Health, Web of Science, African Index Medicus, and African Journal Online. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using the Hoy et al tool, and the results were synthesized and presented in narrative synthesis and/or tables and graphs.

Results

The systematic review analyzed 24 studies, mostly conducted after 2010, in various settings in Cameroon. The studies, characterized by moderate to low bias, revealed a wide prevalence of MRSA ranging from 1.9% to 46.8%, with considerable variation based on demographic and environmental factors. Animal (0.2%), food (3.2% to 15.4%), and environmental samples (0.0% to 34.6%) also showed a varied prevalence of MRSA. The genetic diversity of MRSA was heterogeneous, with different virulence gene profiles and clonal lineages identified in various populations and sample types. Antimicrobial resistance rates showed great variability in the different regions of Cameroon, with notable antibiotic resistance recorded for the beta-lactam, fluoroquinolone, glycopeptide, lincosamide, and macrolide families.

Conclusion

This study highlights the significant variability in MRSA prevalence, genetic diversity, and antimicrobial resistance patterns in Cameroon, and emphasizes the pressing need for comprehensive antimicrobial stewardship strategies in the country.

Notoginsenoside R1 attenuates brain injury in rats with traumatic brain injury: Possible mediation of apoptosis via ERK1/2 signaling pathway

by Xiaoxian Pei, Ling Zhang, Dan Liu, Yajuan Wu, Xiaowei Li, Ying Cao, Xiangdong Du

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs worldwide and is associated with high mortality and disability rate. Apoptosis induced by TBI is one of the important causes of secondary injury after TBI. Notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1) is the main phytoestrogen extracted from Panax notoginseng. Many studies have shown that NGR1 has potent neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties and is effective in ischemia-reperfusion injury. Therefore, we investigated the potential neuroprotective effects of NGR1 after TBI and explored its molecular mechanism of action. A rat model of TBI was established using the controlled cortical impact (CCI) method. The expression levels of Bcl-2, Bax, caspase 3, and ERK1/2-related molecules in the downstream pathway were also detected by western blotting. The expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were detected by real-time quantitative PCR. Nissl staining was used to clarify the morphological changes around the injury foci in rats after TBI. Fluoro-Jade B (FJB) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) fluorescence staining were used to detect the apoptosis of neural cells in each group of rats. The results showed that NGR1 administration reduced neurological deficits after TBI, as well as brain edema and brain tissue apoptosis. It also significantly inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, NGR1 decreased the expression levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p-RSK1, which are phosphorylated after trauma. This study suggests that NGR1 can improve neuronal apoptosis in brain injury by inhibiting the ERK signaling pathway. NGR1 is a potential novel neuroprotective agent for the treatment of secondary brain injury after TBI.

Relationship between methods of monitoring training load and physiological indicators changes during 4 weeks cross-country skiing altitude training

by Yichao Yu, Dongye Li, Yifan Lu, Jing Mi

This study aimed to: (i) analyze the load characteristics of 4 weeks cross-country skiing altitude training; (ii) analyze the relationships between methods of monitoring training load and physiological indicators changes of elite male Chinese cross-country skiers during this period. Practitioners collected load data during 4 weeks of altitude training camp. Participants performed maximal oxygen uptake, lactate threshold, body composition, and skierg power test before and after the training camp to investigate the changes in physiological performance. Edwards TRIMP, Lucia TRIMP, and session rating of perceived exertion were collected as internal load. Training distance, time recorded by the Catapult module were collected as external load. The result revealed a " pyramid " pattern in the load characteristics during the altitude training camp. The correlation between luTRIMP and percent change in physiological indicators was highest. Percentage changes in lactate threshold velocity (r = .78 [95% CI -.01 to .98]), percentage changes in lactate threshold HR (r = .71 [95% CI .14- .99]), percentage changes in maximum HR (r = .83 [95% CI .19–1.00]), percentage changes in skierg power-to-weight ratio (r = .75 [95% CI -.28 to .98]) had very large relationships with luTRIMP. In cross-country skiing altitude training, training loads should be reasonably controlled to ensure that athletes do not become overly fatigued. Methods of training load monitoring that combine with athletes’ physiological characteristics and program characteristics have the highest dose-response relationships, it is an important aspect of cross-country ski training load monitoring. The luTRIMP could be a good monitoring tool in cross-country skiing altitude training.

Landscape changes and livelihood outcomes in rural tea farming communities: A case study in Fuding City, Fujian Province, Southeast China

by Chengchao Wang, Xianqiang Song, Dongshen Luo, Xu Dan, Tingting Lin

Landscape changes driven by cash crop plantations have been prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide in recent decades. Investigating the landscape changes and concluding livelihood outcomes are fundamental to figure out the solutions for rural sustainability. This paper examined the landscape changes which was caused by land use changes in tea plantations as well as investigated the resultant livelihood impacts, based on a case study in Fuding City, Southeast China. A questionnaire survey of 114 rural households in four sampled villages was conducted. Results demonstrated that expansion and intensification of tea plantations were two major proximate causes of landscape changes in recent decade. Our survey indicated that some existing intensively-managed tea plantations had derived from intensification and expansion of tea plantations, respectively. We identified four underlying driving forces of landscape changes, including economic benefit, governmental policies, wildlife destruction on grain crops, and rural return migration. Our study confirmed that landscape changes have significant positive effects on farmers’ livelihoods, including increasing employment and incomes, raising living standards, enhancing livelihood assets and livelihood sustainability. Especially, the aged rural populations could have a relatively decent living standard. Meanwhile, the excessive expansion of tea plantations may impair livelihood resilience. Lastly, three policy suggestions based on different time scales have been put forward to promote rural households’ livelihood sustainability and resilience.

Vitamin K2 (MK-7) attenuates LPS-induced acute lung injury via inhibiting inflammation, apoptosis, and ferroptosis

by Yulian Wang, Weidong Yang, Lulu Liu, Lihong Liu, Jiepeng Chen, Lili Duan, Yuyuan Li, Shuzhuang Li

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a life-threatening disease that has received considerable critical attention in the field of intensive care. This study aimed to explore the role and mechanism of vitamin K2 (VK2) in ALI. Intraperitoneal injection of 7 mg/kg LPS was used to induce ALI in mice, and VK2 injection was intragastrically administered with the dose of 0.2 and 15 mg/kg. We found that VK2 improved the pulmonary pathology, reduced myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and levels of TNF-α and IL-6, and boosted the level of IL-10 of mice with ALI. Moreover, VK2 played a significant part in apoptosis by downregulating and upregulating Caspase-3 and Bcl-2 expressions, respectively. As for further mechanism exploration, we found that VK2 inhibited P38 MAPK signaling. Our results also showed that VK2 inhibited ferroptosis, which manifested by reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) and iron levels, increasing glutathione (GSH) level, and upregulated and downregulated glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expressions, respectively. In addition, VK2 also inhibited elastin degradation by reducing levels of uncarboxylated matrix Gla protein (uc-MGP) and desmosine (DES). Overall, VK2 robustly alleviated ALI by inhibiting LPS-induced inflammation, apoptosis, ferroptosis, and elastin degradation, making it a potential novel therapeutic candidate for ALI.

U-shaped association between serum triglyceride levels and mortality among septic patients: An analysis based on the MIMIC-IV database

by Min Xiao, Hongbin Deng, Wenjian Mao, Yang Liu, Qi Yang, Yuxiu Liu, Jiemei Fan, Weiqin Li, Dadong Liu

Background

Sepsis is characterized by upregulated lipolysis in adipose tissue and a high blood triglyceride (TG) level. It is still debated whether serum TG level is related to mortality in septic patients. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between serum TG level and mortality in septic patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

Data from adult septic patients (≥18 years) admitted to the ICU for the first time were obtained from the Multiparameter Intelligent Monitoring in Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) database. The patients’ serum TG levels that were measured within the first week after ICU admission were extracted for statistical analysis. The endpoints were 28-day, ICU and in-hospital mortality.

Results

A total of 2,782 septic patients were included. Univariate analysis indicated that the relationship between serum TG levels and the risk of mortality was significantly nonlinear. Both the Lowess smoothing technique and restricted cubic spline analyses revealed a U-shaped association between serum TG levels and mortality among septic patients. The lowest mortality rate was associated with a serum TG level of 300–500 mg/dL. Using 300∼500 mg/dL as the reference range, we found that both hypo-TG ( Conclusions

There was a U-shaped association between serum TG and mortality in septic ICU patients. The optimal concentration of serum TG levels in septic ICU patients is 300–500 mg/dL.

Impact of PARP inhibitor maintenance therapy in newly diagnosed advanced epithelial ovarian cancer: A meta-analysis

by Banghyun Lee, Suk-Joon Chang, Byung Su Kwon, Joo-Hyuk Son, Myong Cheol Lim, Yun Hwan Kim, Shin-Wha Lee, Chel Hun Choi, Kyung Jin Eoh, Jung-Yun Lee, Dong Hoon Suh, Yong Beom Kim

Objectives

This meta-analysis was undertaken to systematically evaluate the effects of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor (PARPi) maintenance therapy on the survival of newly diagnosed advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients.

Methods/Materials

A systematic literature search revealed 3,227 studies. A subsequent selection process identified seven suitable randomized studies that assessed the survival outcomes in newly diagnosed advanced EOC patients administered PARPi (n = 1921; the PARPi group) or placebo (n = 1150; the placebo group). The survival outcomes were compared with respect to the PARPi treatment regardless of bevacizumab maintenance therapy. All adverse events ≥ grade 3 were analyzed. Review Manager Version 5.4.1 software was used for the meta-analysis.

Results

The two-year progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly better in the PARPi group than the placebo (Hazard ratio [HR], 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41 to 0.68). Furthermore, patients in the PARPi group with the BRCA1/2 mutation (BRCAm), BRCA wild type, homologous-recombination deficiency (HRD), or HRD without BRCAm, but not with homologous-recombination proficiency had a significantly better two-year PFS than the patients in the placebo group. The five-year overall survival (OS) was comparable in the two groups, but patients in the PARPi group with BRCAm had a significantly better five-year OS than those in the placebo group (HR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.74). In addition, the adverse event rate (≥ grade 3) was significantly higher in the PARPi group than in the placebo group (HR, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.13 to 7.63).

Conclusions

In patients with newly diagnosed advanced EOC, PARPi maintenance therapy was significantly more effective in terms of survival than no PARPi treatment. However, the risk of serious adverse events was higher for patients who received PARPi maintenance therapy.

Factors of parental investment in the home language environment in peri-urban China: A mixed methods study

by Tianli Feng, Jingruo Guo, Sarah-Eve Dill, Dongming Zhang, Yuchen Liu, Yue Ma, Lucy Pappas, Scott Rozelle

The home language environment is a critical point of investment in early language skills. However, few studies have quantitatively measured the home language environment of low-socioeconomic-status households in non-western settings. This mixed methods study describes the home language environment and early child language skills among households in a low-socioeconomic-status, peri-urban district of Chengdu, China, and identifies factors influencing parental investment in the home language environment. Audio recordings were collected from 81 peri-urban households with children ages 18–24 months and analysed using the Language Environment Analysis (LENATM) system. The Mandarin version of the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventory was administered to each child’s primary caregiver. The quantitative results revealed large variation in home language environments and child language skills among the sample, with relatively low average scores when compared to other Chinese samples. Qualitative interviews with a subset of 31 caregivers revealed that many caregivers face constraints on their knowledge of interactive parenting, compounded, in some households, by time constraints due to work or household responsibilities. The findings indicate a need for increased sources of credible parenting information for peri-urban caregivers of young children to promote investment in the home language environment.

Randomized clinical trial to compare the efficacy of self-expanding bare metal nitinol stent and balloon angioplasty alone for below-the-knee lesions following successful balloon angioplasty: 1-year clinical outcomes

by Jihun Ahn, HyeYon Yu, Seung-Woon Rha, Byoung Geol Choi, Dong Oh Kang, Cheol Ung Choi, Sangho Park, Jon Seo, Kichang Kim, Minung Kim, Yong Hoon Kim, Yong Seong Seo

This prospective, multicenter, randomized study aimed to compare the 1-year clinical outcomes after primary stenting with self-expanding bare metal nitinol stent (SENS) and plain old balloon angioplasty (POBA) in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) and below-the-knee (BTK) lesions. Overall, 119 patients with CLI and BTK lesions were randomized to POBA alone (POBA group, 61 patients) or primary stenting with SENS (stenting group, 58 patients) after achieving acceptable POBA results in target BTK lesions. Clinical outcomes including amputation and revascularization rates were prospectively compared for 1 year. After 1 year, similar incidence rates of individual clinical endpoints, including cardiac death (6.5% vs. 5.1%, p > 0.999), myocardial infarction (1.6% vs. 0.0%, p > 0.999), repeat revascularization (19.6% vs. 18.9%, p = 0.922), target lesion revascularization (13.1% vs. 17.2%, p = 0.530), and amputation (4.9% vs. 0.0%, p = 0.244), were observed. POBA appeared to have acceptable treatment outcomes compared with primary stenting with SENS after 1 year in CLI patients with BTK lesions undergoing percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA).

Identification and validation of aging-related genes in atrial fibrillation

by Yong Zhou, Chao Sun, Yingxu Ma, Yunyin Huang, Keke Wu, Shengyuan Huang, Qiuzhen Lin, Jiayi Zhu, Zuodong Ning, Ningyuan Liu, Tao Tu, Qiming Liu

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia in the clinic. Aging plays an essential role in the occurrence and development of AF. Herein, we aimed to identify the aging-related genes associated with AF using bioinformatics analysis. Transcriptome profiles of AF were obtained from the GEO database. Differential expression analysis was performed to identify AF-specific aging-related genes. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed. Subsequently, the LASSO, SVM-RFE, and MCC algorithms were applied to screen aging-related genes. The mRNA expression of the screened genes was validated in the left atrial samples of aged rapid atrial pacing-induced AF canine models and their counterparts. The ROC curves of them were drawn to evaluate their diagnostic potential. Moreover, CIBERSORT was used to estimate immune infiltration. A correlation analysis between screened aging-related genes and infiltrating immune cells was performed. A total of 24 aging-related genes were identified, which were found to be mainly involved in the FoxO signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, longevity regulating pathway, and peroxisome according to functional enrichment analysis. LASSO, SVM-RFE, and MCC algorithms identified three genes (HSPA9, SOD2, TXN). Furthermore, the expression levels of HSPA9 and SOD2 were validated in aged rapid atrial pacing-induced AF canine models. HSPA9 and SOD2 could be potential diagnostic biomarkers for AF, as evidenced by the ROC curves. Immune infiltration and correlation analysis revealed that HSPA9 and SOD2 were related to immune cell infiltrates. Collectively, these findings provide novel insights into the potential aging-related genes associated with AF. HSPA9 and SOD2 may play a significant role in the occurrence and development of AF.

Isolation and identification of bioactive compounds from <i>Antrodia camphorata</i> against ESKAPE pathogens

by Ya-Dong Zhang, Liang-Yan Liu, Dong Wang, Xiao-Long Yuan, Yuan Zheng, Yi Wang

Antimicrobial resistance is a major threat to human health globally. Antrodia camphorata was grown in a malt/yeast extract broth liquid medium for 15 days. Then, 4-L fermentation broth was harvested, yielding 7.13 g of the ethyl acetate extract. By tracing the antimicrobial activity, 12.22 mg of the antimicrobial compound was isolated. The structure of 5-methyl-benzo [1,3]-dioxole-4,7-diol (MBBD) was elucidated using NMR and MS data analyses. The antibacterial activity of MBBD was detected through the microbroth dilution method. MBBD exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) range of MBBD for drug-resistant pathogenic bacteria was 64–256 μg/mL, with the lowest MIC observed for Acinetobacter baumannii (64 μg/mL), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC = 128 μg/mL). Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Escherichia coli were also sensitive, with an MIC of 256 μg/mL. The MIC range of MBBD against 10 foodborne pathogens was 12.5–100 μg/mL. Based on the results of this study, MBBD exhibits broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, particularly demonstrating excellent inhibitory effects against A. baumannii. MBBD will be good candidates for new antimicrobial drugs.
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