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Background Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) replicates ulcerative colitis (UC)-like colitis in murine models. However, the microbial characteristics of DSS-triggered colitis require further clarification. To analyze the changes in gut microbiota associated with DSS-induced acute and chronic colitis. Methods Acute colitis was induced in mice by administering 3% DSS for 1 week in the drinking water, and chronic colitis was induced by supplementing drinking water with 2.5% DSS every other week for 5 weeks. Control groups received the same drinking water without DSS supplementation. The histopathological score and length of the colons, and disease activity index (DAI) were evaluated to confirm the presence of experimental colitis. Intestinal microbiota was profiled by 16S rDNA sequencing of cecal content. Results Mice with both acute and chronic DSS-triggered colitis had significantly higher DAI and colon histopathological scores in contrast to the control groups ( P  < 0.0001, P  < 0.0001), and the colon was remarkably shortened ( P  < 0.0001, P  < 0.0001). The gut microbiota α-diversity was partly downregulated in both acute and chronic colitis groups in contrast to their respective control groups (Pielou index P  = 0.0022, P  = 0.0649; Shannon index P  = 0.0022, P  = 0.0931). The reduction in the Pielou and Shannon indices were more obvious in mice with acute colitis ( P  = 0.0022, P  = 0.0043). The relative abundance of Bacteroides and Turicibacter was increased (all P  < 0.05), while that of Lachnospiraceae , Ruminococcaceae , Ruminiclostridium , Rikenella , Alistipes , Alloprevotella, and Butyricicoccus was significantly decreased after acute DSS induction (all P  < 0.05). The relative abundance of Bacteroides , Akkermansia , Helicobacter , Parabacteroides , Erysipelatoclostridium , Turicibacter and Romboutsia was also markedly increased (all P  < 0.05), and that of Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group , Alistipes , Enterorhabdus , Prevotellaceae_UCG-001 , Butyricicoccus , Ruminiclostridium_6 , Muribaculum , Ruminococcaceae_NK4A214_group , Family_XIII_UCG-001 and Flavonifractor was significantly decreased after chronic DSS induction (all P  < 0.05). Conclusion DSS-induced acute and chronic colitis demonstrated similar symptoms and histopathological changes. The changes in the gut microbiota of the acute colitis model were closer to that observed in UC. The acute colitis model had greater abundance of SCFAs-producing bacteria and lower α-diversity compared to the chronic colitis model.

In recent years, cyclic sulfone compounds, a subset of biologically active heterocyclic compounds, have gained considerable attention due to their potential in the development of novel active pharmaceutical ingredients. This review focuses on identifying simple, mild, environmentally friendly, and efficient synthesis methods. Various catalytic approaches for the synthesis of cyclic sulfone compounds are systematically reviewed, highlighting their advantages and potential applications in pharmaceutical development.

Gut dysbacteriosis is closely related to various intestinal and extraintestinal diseases. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a biological therapy that entails transferring the gut microbiota from healthy individuals to patients in order to reconstruct the intestinal microflora in the latter. It has been proved to be an effective treatment for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection. Studies show that the gut microbiota plays an important role in the pathophysiology of neurological and psychiatric disorders through the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Therefore, reconstruction of the healthy gut microbiota is a promising new strategy for treating cerebral diseases. We have reviewed the latest research on the role of gut microbiota in different nervous system diseases as well as FMT in the context of its application in neurological, psychiatric, and other nervous system-related diseases (Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, hepatic encephalopathy, neuropathic pain, etc.).

Background Studies investigating the changes in short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) have yielded inconsistent results. We performed a meta-analysis of studies that investigated the alterations in different SCFAs among UC patients to assess their role in the development of UC. Methods Three databases were searched for relevant studies published as of April 2021. Results are presented as standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results Eleven studies were included in the meta-analysis. Compared to healthy subjects, UC patients had significantly lower concentrations of total SCFAs (SMD = − 0.88, 95%CI − 1.44, − 0.33; P  < 0.001), acetate (SMD = − 0.54, 95% CI − 0.91, − 0.17; P  = 0.004), propionate, (SMD = − 0.37, 95% CI − 0.66, − 0.07; P  = 0.016), and valerate (SMD = − 0.91, 95% CI − 1.45, − 0.38; P  < 0.001). On subgroup analysis based on disease status, patients with active UC had reduced concentrations of acetate (SMD = − 1.83, 95% CI − 3.32, − 0.35; P  = 0.015), propionate (SMD = − 2.51, 95% CI − 4.41, − 0.61; P  = 0.009), and valerate (SMD = − 0.91, 95% CI − 1.45, − 0.38; P  < 0.001), while UC patients in remission had similar concentrations with healthy subjects. Patients with active UC had lower butyrate level (SMD = − 2.09, 95% CI − 3.56, − 0.62; P  = 0.005) while UC patients in remission had higher butyrate level (SMD = 0.71, 95% CI 0.33, 1.10; P  < 0.001) compared with healthy subjects. Conclusion UC patients had significantly decreased concentrations of total SCFAs, acetate, propionate, and valerate compared with healthy subjects. In addition, inconsistent changes of certain special SCFAs were observed in UC patients with different disease status.

A novel and efficient method for functionalizing organosulfones has been established, utilizing a visible-light-driven intermolecular radical cascade cyclization of α-allyl-β-ketosulfones. This process employs fac-Ir(ppy)3 as the photoredox catalyst and α-carbonyl alkyl bromide as the oxidizing agent. Via this approach, the substrates experience intermolecular addition of α-carbonyl alkyl radicals to the alkene bonds, initiating a sequence of C-C bond formations that culminate in the production of organosulfone derivatives. Notably, this technique features gentle reaction conditions and an exceptional compatibility with a wide array of functional groups, making it a versatile and valuable addition to the field of organic synthesis.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), as a novel inflammatory marker, has been shown to be associated with the severity and prognosis of various cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate whether NLR can serve as a biomarker for adverse outcomes and prognostic value in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). This was a retrospective analysis of 666 consecutive patients with DCM who were admitted to our center for the first time. We compared the NLR levels among different outcome groups and assessed the survival status of patients in different NLR categories. Additionally, we explored the temporal changes in the predictive performance of NLR over time. Cox regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between NLR and prognosis, and subgroup analysis was performed. Furthermore, we investigated the dose–response relationship between NLR and prognosis. A total of 221 patients experienced all-cause death, and the NLR value in the death group (4.6 ± 5.3) was significantly higher than that in the survival group (3.2 ± 2.9) (P < 0.05). In terms of all-cause death, cardiac death, and heart failure death, the cumulative hazard were significantly higher in the NLR ≥ 3 group compared to the NLR < 3 group (P < 0.001). NLR showed a high accuracy in predicting these outcomes, but decreased over time. The results of the multivariable Cox regression analysis demonstrated that NLR was independently associated with all-cause death, cardiac death, and heart failure death (P < 0.05). Higher NLR values were associated with an increased risk of death, while there was no significant correlation with sudden death. In the fully adjusted model, each increase of 1 or 1 standard deviation (SD) in NLR corresponded to a 5% and 20% increase in the risk of all-cause death, a 4% and 15% increase in the risk of cardiac death, and a 5% and 21% increase in the risk of heart failure death (P < 0.05). In the fully adjusted model with all-cause death as the outcome, there was an interaction between NLR and age (P = 0.023), and the elderly population at higher risk. For cardiac death and heart failure death, there was an interaction between NLR and LVEF (P < 0.05), with the subgroup of LVEF < 35% being at higher risk. The relationship between log 2 (NLR) and the risk of all-cause death exhibited a J-shaped correlation, while it showed a linear correlation with cardiac death and heart failure death. There was a threshold effect between NLR and different outcomes. NLR is independently associated with a higher risk of death in patients with DCM. It can be used to assess high-risk patients and predict adverse outcomes, allowing for early intervention.

Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) often coexist, worsening each other’s progression and contributing to poor outcomes. Frailty, a syndrome characterized by vulnerability to stressors, is highly prevalent in AF and HFpEF patients and has been associated with adverse outcomes such as stroke, hospitalization, and mortality. However, the specific prognostic implications of varying degrees of frailty in AF comorbid HFpEF patients remain unclear. This study investigates the relationship between frailty, measured using a deficit accumulation frailty index (FI), and adverse outcomes, particularly stroke, in this patient population. Methods This post hoc analysis of the TOPCAT randomized control trial included 721 patients with AF and HFpEF from the Americas classified into three groups based on FI: Group 1 (FI < 0.3), Group 2 (FI 0.3–0.4), and Group 3 (FI ≥ 0.4). The primary outcome was stroke, and secondary outcomes included heart failure hospitalization, cardiovascular death, and all-cause mortality. Cox proportional hazards models and Kaplan–Meier analyses were used to assess the association between frailty status and outcomes. A dose–response relationship was evaluated using restricted cubic splines. Results 97.8% AF comorbid HFpEF patients were diagnosed frailty in this cohort. During a mean follow-up of 36 ± 19 months, stroke incidence was significantly higher in Groups 2 and 3 compared with Group 1 (adjusted HR for Group 2: 5.01 [95% CI, 2.00–12.53]; P  = 0.001 and Group 3: 6.35 [95% CI, 2.26–17.86]; P  < 0.001). A linear dose–response relationship between FI and stroke risk was observed. Higher frailty was also associated with increased cardiovascular and all-cause mortality but not significantly with heart failure hospitalization.

Background Evidence on outcomes of catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with autoimmune disease (AD) is limited. Hypothesis Patients with AD had worse outcomes after CA procedures for AF. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed in patients undergoing AF ablation between 2012 and 2021. The risk of recurrence after ablation was investigated in patients with AD and a 1:4 propensity score matched non‐AD group. Results We identified 107 patients with AD (64 ± 10 years, female 48.6%) who were matched with 428 non‐AD patients (65 ± 10 years, female 43.9%). Patients with AD exhibited more severe AF‐related symptoms. During the index procedure, a higher proportion of AD patients received nonpulmonary vein trigger ablation (18.7% vs. 8.4%, p = 0.002). Over a median follow‐up of 36.3 months, patients with AD experienced a similar risk of recurrence with the non‐AD group (41.1% vs. 36.2%, p = 0.21, hazard ratio [HR]: 1.23, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.86–1.76) despite a higher incidence of early recurrences (36.4% vs. 13.5%, p = 0.001). Compared with non‐AD patients, patients with connective tissue disease were at an increased risk of recurrence (46.3% vs. 36.2%, p = 0.049, HR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.00–2.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the duration of AF history and corticosteroid therapy were independent predictors of postablation recurrence in patients with AD. Conclusions In patients with AD, the risk of recurrence after ablation for AF during the follow‐up was comparable with non‐AD patients, but a higher risk of early recurrence was observed. Further research into the impact of AD on AF treatment is warranted. In this study conducted at Beijing Anzhen Hospital, we investigated the association between autoimmune diseases (AD) and procedural characteristics and recurrence after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in 107 patients with AD (AD group) and 428 propensity score‐matched patients without AD (non‐AD group). During the index procedure, a higher proportion of AD patients received nonpulmonary vein trigger ablation. Over a median follow‐up of 36.3 months, patients with AD experienced a similar risk of recurrence with the non‐AD group despite a higher incidence of early recurrences.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a complex chronic pathological condition of the gut in which microbiota targeted treatment, such as fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), has shown an encouraging effect. The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of FMT in patients with mild or moderate UC. A single-center, open-label study was designed, including 47 patients with mild or moderate active UC who received three treatments of fresh FMT via colonic transendoscopic enteral tubing within 1 week. The inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire, partial Mayo scores, colonoscopy, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein level and procalcitoin values were used to assess the efficacy of FMT and alteration in gut microbiota was detected by 16S ribosomal RNA-sequencing. Before FMT, microbiota Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (F. prausnitzii) levels were significantly decreased in patients with UC compared with healthy donors (P<0.01). At 4 weeks post-FMT, F. prausnitzii levels were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the Mayo score was significantly decreased (1.91±1.07 at baseline vs. 4.02±1.47 at week 4; P<0.001) in patients with UC compared with healthy donors. Steroid-free clinical responses were reported in 37 patients (84.1%), and steroid-free clinical remission was achieved in 31 patients (70.5%) at week 4 post-FMT, however, steroid-free remission was not achieved in any patient. No adverse events were reported in 41 (93.2%) patients after FMT or during the 12-week follow-up. Shannon's diversity index and Chao1 estimator were also improved in patients with UC receiving FMT. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggested that FMT resulted in clinical remission in patients with mild to moderate UC, and that the remission may be associated with significant alterations to the intestinal microbiota of patients with UC. Furthermore, F. prausnitzii may serve as a diagnostic and therapeutic biomarker for the use of FMT in UC.

Hiding data on grayscale images has been drawing much attention in recent years. High capacity and better image quality are the two foremost research contents of data hiding. The traditional EMD which concealed an equal amount of data into each pixel and cause equal degree of distortion. Meanwhile due to being only an approximation, an interpolated image will always lose some quality each time interpolation is performed. In view of the problems existing in the two above method, we propose a novel data hiding scheme that employs human vision sensitivity to hide a large amount of secret bits into a original image with a high imperceptibility and low computational complexity. Experimental results reveal that the proposed method performs better than several state-of-the-art methods. It can resist the RS steganalysis attack and it is statistically invisible for the attack of PVD histogram attack.