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Juanzhi Yang,1 Huanxia Qu,2 Qi Liu,1 Yixing Wang,1 Jiaxin Cao,1 Feng Jiang,3 Qian Wang,4 Jin Shu1 1Department of Pediatrics, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Blood Transfusion, Zhenjiang First People’s Hospital, Zhenjiang, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Neonatology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Pediatrics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Jin Shu, Department of Pediatrics, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212008, People’s Republic of China, Email zjshujin@163.com Feng Jiang, Department of Neonatology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, People’s Republic of China, Email dxyjiang@163.comBackground: Premature infants, defined as those born before 37 weeks of gestation, face numerous health challenges due to their underdeveloped systems. One critical aspect of their health is the gut microbiota, which plays a vital role in their immune function and overall development. This study provides a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of research trends, influential contributors, and evolving themes in the study of gut microbiota in premature infants over the past two decades.Methods: We conducted a bibliometric analysis using the Web of Science Core Collection database, covering publications from January 1, 2004, to June 17, 2024. We employed VOSviewer, the R package “bibliometrix”, and Citespace for data visualization and analysis, focusing on co-authorship, co-citation, and keyword co-occurrence networks.Results: The temporal analysis revealed a significant increase in research output on gut microbiota in premature infants, particularly in the last decade. Early research primarily focused on characterizing the gut microbiota of premature infants, identifying less diversity and a higher prevalence of pathogenic bacteria compared to full-term infants. Key research themes identified include probiotics, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and breastfeeding. Probiotic studies highlighted the potential of strains like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus in reducing NEC and sepsis incidences. Breastfeeding research consistently showed the benefits of human milk in fostering a healthier gut microbiota profile. Co-authorship and co-citation analyses identified key contributors and influential studies, emphasizing strong international collaborations, particularly among researchers from the United States, China, and European countries.Conclusion: This bibliometric analysis underscores the growing recognition of the gut microbiota’s crucial role in the health of premature infants. The field has seen significant advancements, particularly in understanding how interventions like probiotics and breastfeeding can modulate gut microbiota to improve health outcomes. Continued research and international collaboration are essential to further unravel the complexities of gut microbiota in premature infants and develop effective therapeutic strategies.Keywords: premature infants, gut microbiota, web of science, bibliometric analysis

Wenlu Li,1,2,* Yaolin Gong,1,2,* Jing Zhang,1,2 Jiong Liu,1,2 Jiali Li,1,2 Shaozhi Fu,3 Wen Xiu Ren,1,2 Jian Shu1,2 1Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China; 2Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Wen Xiu Ren; Jian Shu, Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25 Taiping St, Jiangyang District, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, People’s Republic of China, Email xrenwenxiux@swmu.edu.cn; shujiannc@swmu.edu.cnIntroduction: Targeting, imaging, and treating tumors represent major clinical challenges. Developing effective theranostic agents to address these issues is an urgent need.Methods: We introduce an “all-in-one” tumor-targeted theranostic platform using CuFeSe2-based composite nanoparticles (CuFeSe2@PA) for magnetic resonance (MR) and computed tomography (CT) dual model imaging-guided hyperthermia tumor ablation. Plerixafor (AMD3100) is bonded to the surface of CuFeSe2 as a targeting unit. Due to the robust interaction between AMD3100 and the overexpressed Chemokine CXC type receptor 4 (CXCR4) on the membrane of 4T1 cancer cells, CuFeSe2@PA specifically recognizes 4T1 cancer cells, enriching the tumor region.Results: CuFeSe2@PA serves as a contrast agent for T2-weighted MR imaging (relaxivity value of 1.61 mM− 1 s− 1) and CT imaging. Moreover, it effectively suppresses tumor growth through photothermal therapy (PTT) owing to its high photothermal conversion capability and stability, with minimized side effects demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo.Discussion: CuFeSe2@PA nanoparticles show potential as dual-mode imaging contrast agents for MR and CT and provide an effective means of tumor treatment through photothermal therapy. The surface modification with Plerixafor enhances the targeting ability of the nanoparticles, performing more significant efficacy and biocompatibility in the 4T1 cancer cell model. The study demonstrates that CuFeSe2@PA is a promising multifunctional theranostic platform with clinical application potential. Keywords: tumor targeting, photothermal therapy, dual model imaging, theranostic platform, chemokine cxc type receptor 4

Fangmin Gong,1 Zhuliu Gong,1 Haimeng Liu,2 Pei Yi,1 Yuhan Jia,3 Jingwen Zhuang,1 Jilin Shu,1 Xincheng Huang,4 Yibo Wu5 1College of Literature and Journalism Communication, Jishou University, Jishou, People’s Republic of China; 2College of Minority Preparatory Education, Jishou University, Zhangjiajie, People’s Republic of China; 3Office of the Party and Administration, Hebei Academy of Fine Arts, Shijiazhuang, People’s Republic of China; 4School of Economics and Management, Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 5School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Haimeng Liu, Zhangjiajie Campus, Jishou University, Dayongqiao Street, Ziwu Road, Yongding District, Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, 427000, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 15074328922, Email Liu.Haimeng@outlook.com Yibo Wu, Peking University School of Public Health, No.38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 18810169630, Email bjmuwuyibo@outlook.comPurpose: To explore the relationship between adolescents’ problematic Internet use and loneliness and the mediating roles of social support and family communication.Methods: A questionnaire survey of 2483 adolescents aged 12– 17 years in 148 cities in China was conducted using the Problematic Internet Use Scale, the Collaborative Social Support Scale, the Family Communication Scale, and the Loneliness Scale. The data were statistically analyzed by SPSS 26.0 and validated by AMOS 28.0. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was conducted to test the effects of problematic Internet use on adolescents’ loneliness and the mediating effects of perceptions of social support and family communication.Results: There was a significant positive effect of adolescents’ problematic Internet use on loneliness (B-0.471, P< 0.001), and the mediating effects of perceptual social support (0.003, 0.012) and family communication (0.008, 0.019) were found to play a chain effect between adolescents’ problematic Internet use and loneliness, respectively. Use and feelings of loneliness played a chain mediating role (0.002, 0.006).Conclusion: This study identified the effects of adolescent problematic Internet use on loneliness and its mechanism of action, emphasized the importance of social support and family communication, and provided practical insights for improving family parenting styles and preventing and intervening in adolescent loneliness problems.Keywords: problematic internet use, adolescents, loneliness, perceived social support, family communication

Jiaping Shu,1,&ast; Lili Jia,2,&ast; Pei Zhang,2 Ren Wang,2 Meiqiu Wang,2 Xiaoyi Sun,2 Yingchao Peng,2 Peipei Wang,2 Xiaojie Li,2 Zilu Tang,3 Tingting Han,3 Tao Ju,3 Yaqin Wei,4 Wei Pang,5 Chunlin Gao,2 Zhengkun Xia1 1Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Pediatrics, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210093, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Pediatrics, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210093, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Pediatrics, Jinling Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510000, People’s Republic of China; 5Department of Military Information, Chinese People’s Liberation Army 31102, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210000, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Zhengkun Xia, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, People’s Republic of China, Email njxzk@126.com Chunlin Gao, Department of Pediatrics, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210093, People’s Republic of China, Email shuangmu34@163.comIntroduction: The pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 brings great challenge and threats to humans worldwide. Multiple variants of SARS-CoV-2 tend to be epidemic, among which Omicron is highly infectious within China. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical characteristics of children infected with SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.529 (Omicron) in the Shanghai, China.Methods: We included 9378 pediatric patients diagnosed with Omicron and treated in the Shanghai International Convention and Exhibition Center between April 1, 2022 and May 31, 2022. We recorded and summarized the clinical characteristics, infectious conditions and biological features of the children infected with Omicron.Results: A total of 9355 paediatric patients were treated in isolation since Makeshift became available, including 5564 males (59.48%) and 3791 females (40.52%). More than half (55.56%) of the affected children were identified at premises screening. The number of symptomatic or asymptomatic patients was 4530 (48.42%) and 4825 (51.58%), respectively. Initial signs or symptoms in asymptomatic patients included fatigue (3582, 38.29%), cough (560, 5.99%), fever (242, 2.59%) and other (146, 1.56%). Age and number of vaccinations in paediatric patients were negatively associated with the number of days from positive to negative nucleic acid test results.Conclusion: Age and number of vaccinations were key factors influencing the conversion of nucleic acid test results in paediatric patients. Early childhood vaccination is encouraged to establish a complete immune barrier.Keywords: Omicron variant, COVID-19, child patients, clinical characteristics

This study examined teachers' perceptions on language acquisition and education practice for English Language Learners (ELLs) to further address the disproportionality concern in education and identify the areas of training needs for classroom teachers as education renovation. A total of 222 participants voluntarily participated in this study. A Mixed Methods approach was used to conduct the study and analyze the data. The results showed that most participants did not have formal training in second language (L2) or learning experience, but they had already taught ELLs. Working with ELLs and their parents was considered challenging for five common reasons. Language barriers and cultural differences represented the most challenge. There was also an overall deficit view toward ELLs' language difficulties. Special education or ELL self-contained classrooms were thus regarded as most beneficial for ELLs. Additionally, despite their belief that there is a critical period for language development due to the fact that children pick up language faster than adults, most participants considered translation important in assisting young ELLs to acquire language. Drawing from the findings, the study concluded areas of teacher training and recommended further studies.

Chunmei Yang,1,&ast; Xiaoling Che,1,&ast; Yu Zhang,2 Didi Gu,1 Guidong Dai,1 Jian Shu,1 Lu Yang1 1Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Radiology, The First People’s Hospital of Yibin, Yibin, 644000, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Jian Shu; Lu Yang, Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 0830-18980253083 ; +86 0830-2504762, Email shujiannc@163.com; yanglu@swmu.edu.cnBackground: Development of versatile nanoplatform still remains a great challenge due to multistep synthesis and complicated compositions. Therefore, it is significant to develop a facile method to synthesize a nanocomposite to achieve multimodal imaging and even imaging-guided cancer therapeutics.Methods and Results: In our study, hyaluronic acid-functionalized iron (II) tungstate nanoparticles (HA-FeWO4 NPs) were successfully synthesized as a versatile nanoplatform by a facile one-pot hydrothermal procedure. The formed multifunctional HA-FeWO4 NPs were investigated via a series of characterization techniques, which demonstrated good biocompatibility, excellent dispersion, low cytotoxicity, active tumor-targeting ability and high photothermal efficiency. Furthermore, tumor was clearly visualized by HA-FeWO4 NPs with multimodal imaging of infrared thermal imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography imaging in 4T1 tumor bearing mice. More importantly, HA-FeWO4 could achieve multimodal imaging-guided photothermal therapy of 4T1 tumors.Conclusion: The constructed HA-FeWO4 NPs have great potential as ideal nanotheranostic agents for multimodal imaging and even imaging-guided cancer theranostics in biological systems.Keywords: theranostics, multimodal imaging, photothermal therapy, diagnostic imaging, nanomedicine

Miao Zhang, Jing Liu, Yu-Chen Pan, Hui-Li Liu, Jing Shu, Xiao-Ming Wu, Yang Yang Department of Pediatric Gynecology, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing, 100045, ChinaCorrespondence: Jing Liu, Department of Pediatric Gynecology, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing, 100045, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 010 59616889, Email liujing2893@126.comObjective: The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of vaginal flora and drug resistance in bacterial vaginitis among girls.Methods: A total of 3099 girls (0– 10 years old) with vaginitis who visited the Beijing Children’s Hospital from January 2020 to December 2021 were included in the present study. The clinical data, results of bacterial culture of vaginal secretions, and drug sensitivity reports of the subjects were collected and analyzed.Results: Of the 3099 girls with vaginitis, 399 girls had a positive bacterial culture of vaginal secretions. Nineteen types of bacteria were cultured from the vaginal secretions of these 399 girls, with a total of 419 strains. The top three infective bacteria were Haemophilus influenzae (127 strains, 30.31%), Staphylococcus aureus (66 strains, 15.75%), and Streptococcus agalactiae (32 strains, 7.64%). Additionally, 20 girls were simultaneously infected with two types of bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus, Group G Streptococcus, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa more frequently occurred in mixed infections. The number and bacterial detection rate among school-age girls were higher than those of preschool-age girls. We found seasonal variation in infection rates, and vaginitis among girls was higher in summer. Recurrence of vaginitis in girls was not related to the type of pathogenic bacteria in the infection. Drug sensitivity analyses showed that the resistance rates of clindamycin and erythromycin were generally high, 70– 100%. After the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak, the resistance rates of some antibiotics had decreased to varying degrees.Conclusion: Improving the understanding of vaginal flora and drug resistance in girls with vaginitis will facilitate the selection of highly effective and sensitive antibacterial drugs and reduce the production of drug-resistant strains.Keywords: drug sensitivity analysis, girls, pathogenic bacteria, vaginitis

Zhangluxi Liu, Jing Xu, Hongxi Li, Jia Shu, Guannan Su, Chunjiang Zhou, Peizeng Yang The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Chongqing, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Peizeng Yang, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China, Tel/Fax +86-23-89012851, Email peizengycmu@126.comBackground: Effector T cells, especially T helper 1 (Th1) cells and T helper 17 (Th17) cells, are involved in the pathogenesis of many autoimmune diseases such as uveitis. Under hyperactive immune conditions, these effector T cells pathologically maintain a high expression level of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) receptors and distinctively engage aerobic glycolysis via cellular energy metabolism mediated by pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2). Therefore, we proposed that the synergy of metabolic inhibition and receptor guidance might target and down-regulate these hyperactive effector T cells to achieve anti-immune effects.Methods: PD-1 antibody and TEPP-46 were integrated by polyethylene glycol (PEG) modified poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) as a nanoplatform (TPP). Characteristics of TPP were basically detected. The biosafety of TPP was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The targeting effect of TPP was detected by laser scanning confocal microscopy and flow cytometry (FCM). Interleukin-2 (IL-2)/interleukin-17A (IL-17A)/interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) producing cells were detected by FCM. Experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU) was induced in C57BL/6J mice as the inflammatory model.Results: TPP had homogeneous distribution, good stability in vitro, and high biosafety in vitro and in vivo. Encapsulated TEPP-46 showed a sustained release profile with burst, steady and slow release periods. Early activation and proliferation of effector T cells was inhibited by TPP treatment in vitro. Th1 and Th17 cells were suppressed by TPP in vitro and in vivo. EAU was alleviated in mice by systemic administration of TPP.Conclusion: The novel nanoplatform TPP could suppress Th1 and Th17 cells and exhibited an anti-inflammatory effect on EAU, providing an alternative approach to ameliorate autoimmune diseases mediated by these cells.Graphical Abstract: Keywords: anti-inflammation, experimental autoimmune uveitis, sustained release, aerobic glycolysis, biomaterial, Th1 and Th17 cells

Zhenfeng Huang,1,&ast; Shiyang Jin,1,&ast; Mengyao Zeng,2,&ast; Jing Shu,1 Yang Liu,1 Jinxing Zhang,1 Bingqi Xu,1 Ming Niu,1 Shanshan Sun,1 Abiyasi Nanding,3 Xiaobo Li,3 Ming Shan,4 Guoqiang Zhang4 1Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Pathology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, People’s Republic of China; 4 20th Floor Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Ming Shan; Guoqiang Zhang Email shanming@ems.hrbmu.edu.cn; zhangguoqiang@hrbmu.edu.cnPurpose: To determine clinical predictors of recurrence and metastasis in patients with pathological complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT).Methods: Patients treated with NCT who achieved pCR (n=285) were classified into three groups according to pre-NCT clinical stage (cStage): group I (IIa–IIb), group II (IIIa), and group III (IIIb–IIIc). Survival was analysed using the Kaplan–Meier method. The relationships between clinicopathological factors and recurrence were determined using Cox regression analysis.Results: The median follow-up was 31 months. The 3-year disease-free survival and overall survival rates in groups I, II, and III were 92.7%, 87.8%, and 66.7% (P < 0.01) and 98.6%, 98.3%, and 90.6% (P=0.370), respectively. Lymph node status and tumour size were independent risk factors for recurrence and metastasis after NCT. In the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive subgroup, advanced cStage and lymph node metastasis were associated with recurrence (P < 0.01). In the hormone receptor-positive subgroup, disease-free survival rates differed for cStages I–II compared to cStage III (P=0.049) and clinical node status 0– 2 compared to clinical node status 3 (P=0.037).Conclusion: Pre-NCT cStage predicted the prognosis of pCR for different breast cancer subtypes. Patients with advanced cStage, lymph node metastasis, and large tumour sizes had a higher risk of recurrence or metastasis.Keywords: breast cancer, HER2, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, pathological complete response, prognosis

Yulan Yan,1,&ast; Chunmei Yang,1,&ast; Guidong Dai,1 Yu Zhang,1 Guojian Tu,1 Yuwei Li,2 Lu Yang,1 Jian Shu1 1Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, and Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Interventional Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Lu Yang; Jian ShuDepartment of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, and Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86 830-2504762; +86 18980253083Email yangluchem@qq.com; shujiannc@163.comBackground: Development of new long-circulating contrast agents for computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of different biological systems still remains a great challenge. Here, we report the synthesis of folic acid (FA)-targeted CuFeSe2 nano-contrast agent for CT and MRI imaging in vitro and in vivo.Methods and Results: In our study, CuFeSe2 was fabricated through a facile and green aqueous reaction and then further aminated through silanization. The amine-functionalized CuFeSe2-NH2 nanoparticles enable the covalent conjugation of folate-conjugated polyethylene glycol (FA-PEG-COOH) as a targeting ligand onto their surface, which could improve the dispersion and endue the targetability of nanoparticles, respectively. The formed multifunctional CuFeSe2-PEG-FA nanoparticles were characterized via different techniques, which exhibited outstanding dispersion, good biocompatibility and excellent FA-targeted capability. Meanwhile, the nanoparticles were quite safe in the given concentration range as confirmed by in vitro and in vivo toxicity assay. Importantly, CuFeSe2-PEG-FA nanoparticles were successfully applied in CT/MRI dual-modality imaging in vitro and in vivo, which showed a better imaging performance and targeted capability.Conclusion: Therefore, the constructed CuFeSe2-PEG-FA nanoparticles have a great potential as an efficient contrast agent for dual-modality imaging of different biological systems.Keywords: CuFeSe2 nanoparticles, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography imaging, dual-modality imaging, folic acid

We present a new probe of strongly coupled electroweak symmetry breaking at the 14 TeV LHC by measuring a phase shift in the event distribution of the decay azimuthal angles in massive gauge boson scattering. One generically expects a large phase shift in the longitudinal gauge boson scattering amplitude due to the presence of broad resonances. This phase shift is observable as an interference effect between the strongly interacting longitudinal modes and the transverse modes of the gauge bosons. We find that even very broad resonances of masses up to 900 GeV can be probed at 3σ significance with a 3000 fb-1 run of the LHC by using this technique. We also present the estimated reach for a future 50 TeV proton-proton collider.

This document proposes a collection of simplified models relevant to the design of new-physics searches at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and the characterization of their results. Both ATLAS and CMS have already presented some results in terms of simplified models, and we encourage them to continue and expand this effort, which supplements both signature-based results and benchmark model interpretations. A simplified model is defined by an effective Lagrangian describing the interactions of a small number of new particles. Simplified models can equally well be described by a small number of masses and cross-sections. These parameters are directly related to collider physics observables, making simplified models a particularly effective framework for evaluating searches and a useful starting point for characterizing positive signals of new physics. This document serves as an official summary of the results from the Topologies for Early LHC Searches workshop, held at SLAC in September of 2010, the purpose of which was to develop a set of representative models that can be used to cover all relevant phase space in experimental searches. Particular emphasis is placed on searches relevant for the first 50-500 pb 1 of data and those motivated by supersymmetric models. This note largely summarizes material posted at http://lhcnewphysics.org/, which includes simplified model definitions, Monte Carlo material, and supporting contacts within the theory community. We also comment on future developments that may be useful as more data is gathered and analyzed by the experiments. © 2012 IOP Publishing Ltd.

A series of Escherichia coli mutants, constructed originally by Cupples and Miller [C.G. Cupples, J.H. Miller, A set of lacZ mutations in Escherichia coli that allow rapid detection of each of the six base substitutions, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 86 (1989) 5345-5349], provides a unique system for quantifying base-change mutations, and the repair processes that limit their establishment, in bacteria under selective and non-selective conditions. We focussed on one strain in which a T -> G replacement inactivates the lacZ gene. Reversions of this strain can occur through oxidation of G, leading to G -> T transversions. We show that spontaneous reversions occurred both in lactose (selective) and glucose (non-selective) medium. The number of revertants per viable cell was much greater in medium containing lactose or both sugars than glucose alone. In glucose medium, the rate of reversion was highest below 0.6% glucose and strongly inhibited at and above that level. Evidence that reversions occurred through G -> T transversions in both lactose and glucose media came from two observations: by sequence analysis of a series of revertants and by comparing the reversion rates in strains possessing and lacking the mutM gene (encoding formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase, FPG). However, the rate of reversion was stimulated by reducing O-2 to 1% and inhibited or delayed by increasing O-2 to 90%. In mutM(-) cells grown on glucose medium, the proportion of revertants increased over a 5-day period. In contrast, in mutM(+) cells, revertants appeared primarily during the first 2-3 days after plating; few new revertants appeared in the following days. These data imply that base excision repair initiated by FPG was less effective in the first 2 days and more effective later in stationary phase. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

OBJECTIVE: The effect of probiotics supplementation on the gut microbiota in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication therapy is controversial. Therefore, this review aimed to illustrate changes in the gut microbiota after standard eradication therapy with probiotics supplements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A computerized literature search in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase database was performed up to February 1st, 2022, with English language restriction. The extracted outcomes were analyzed, including gut microbiota, adverse effects, and eradication rate. RESULTS: 13 studies reported data on 777 participants who were finally eligible for this systematic review. All of them are randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of H. pylori eradication with probiotics supplementation therapy on gut microbiota. Probiotics supplementation seems to play a positive role in restoring the gut microbiota during H. pylori eradication therapy. However, the changes in the gut microbiota are still controversial. The included studies had significant heterogeneity in the study population, diagnostic methods of H. pylori infection, and detection techniques of the gut microbiota and probiotics species. CONCLUSIONS: The results provided a basis for the rational selection of probiotics in the H. pylori eradication process. Probiotic supplementation might keep the balance of gut microbiota and reduce the gastrointestinal adverse effects of antibiotics, but whether it could improve the eradication rate or not is a debatable point. Therefore, more research is needed to provide evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vascular dementia is a serious neurological disease associated with reduced perfusion of the brain. No western drugs have been approved for the treatment of vascular dementia. Oral Chinese drugs are commonly employed for vascular dementia in China. The purpose of this scope review is to review the recent evidence from clinical trials regarding the benefits of traditional oral Chinese medicines and to outline their effects on vascular dementia. Seventeen Chinese herbal medicines used in vascular dementia were systematically searched from 7 databases, such as EMBASE, Cochrane, PubMed, China Sci-Tech journal database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Database as well as Wanfang database. Data were obtained from guidelines, consensus, meta-analyses and systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials. A revised Cochrane Risk Assessment Instrument was applied to evaluate the risk of bias with respect to the intention-to-treat effect on eligible randomized controlled trials. Microsoft Excel 2019, GraphPad Prism and RSTUDIO statistics were employed for data integration and process. As the data show, the number of research published increased between 2009 and 2014, while the most studied medicines were TianZhi, Ginkgo biloba leaf and NaoXinTong. A low overall bias risk of intention-to-treat was achieved in only 7 trials. More consistent benefits were observed with Ginkgo biloba leaf and TianZhi for amelioration of mini-mental state examination score deficits and activities of daily living impairments. The overall reporting quality of randomized controlled trials of traditional oral Chinese medicines for vascular dementia was poor and the transparency of these randomized controlled trials must be urgently improved. Oral Chinese drugs may be beneficial to patients with vascular dementia, but they need to be further assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]