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Mukaram Amatjan,1 Na Li,1 Pengke He,1 Boheng Zhang,1 Xianyan Mai,1 Qianle Jiang,1 Haochen Xie,2 Xiaoni Shao1 1Immunotherapy Laboratory, College of Pharmacology, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610225, People’s Republic of China; 2Qinghai Tibet Plateau Research Institute, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610225, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Xiaoni Shao, Immunotherapy Laboratory, College of Pharmacology, Southwest Minzu University, #168 Dajian Street, Shuangliu District, Chengdu, 610225, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-28-85738423, Email xnshao@swun.edu.cnBackground: Cichorium intybus L. formula (CILF) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) widely used in the treatment of gout and hyperuricemic nephropathy (HN). The aim of this research was to investigate the potential protective effect of CILF against HN and elucidated the underlying mechanism.Methods: CILF water extract was administered to an HN rat model established by adenine combined with ethambutol. The levels of uric acid (UA), serum urea nitrogen (UREA), and creatinine (CREA) were detected. Changes in the pathology and histology of the kidney were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The 16S rRNA of the gut microbiota was sequenced. The binding ability of the main ingredients of CILF to key targets was analyzed by network pharmacology and molecular docking. The expression levels of the related mRNAs and proteins in the kidney were evaluated by RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry analysis.Results: CILF administration significantly alleviated increases in UA, UREA, and CREA, structural damage, and kidney dysfunction. Gut microbiota analysis was applied to explore the pharmacological mechanism of the effects of CILF on bacterial diversity and microbiota structure in HN. CILF decreased the abundance of Bacteroides. In addition, it increased the abundance of Lactobacillaceae, Erysipelotrichaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, and Bifidobacterium. Based on network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis, CILF profoundly influenced the IL17, TNF and AGE-RAGE signaling pathway. Additionally, CILF inhibited the expression of STAT3, VEGFA and SIRT1 to improve the symptoms of nephropathy. Our research suggested that CILF protects against kidney dysfunction in rats with HN induced by adenine combined with ethambutol.Conclusion: Our findings on the anti-HN effects of CILF and its mechanism of action, from the viewpoint of systems biology, and elaborated that CILF can alter the diversity and community structure of the gut microbiota in HN, providing new approaches for the prevention and treatment of HN.Keywords: Cichorium intybus L. formula, hyperuricemic nephropathy, gut microbiota, network pharmacology, molecular docking

Background and aims – Vietnam is one of the leading diversity centres for Asian Malpighiaceae, comprising 24 accepted species and three native genera (i.e. Aspidopterys, Hiptage, and Tristellateia). During recent fieldwork towards completing the taxonomic revision of Malpighiaceae for the Flora of Vietnam, we have collected specimens from two populations that could not be placed in any of the three native genera of this family. We performed morphological and molecular phylogenetic studies to test the generic placement of those specimens. Material and methods – We sampled 27 genera (including the Asian Acridocarpus, Aspidopterys, Brachylophon, Hiptage, Stigmaphyllon, and Tristellateia, out of a total of 75) of Malpighiaceae representing all phylogenetic clades comprising paleotropical lineages (i.e. acridocarpoids, bunchosioids, tetrapteroids, malpighioids, and stigmaphylloids), the unusual specimen recently collected in Vietnam, and the two genera of Elatinaceae as outgroups. Maximum Likelihood analysis was carried out based on a molecular matrix alignment of the internal transcribed spacer marker (ITS). Comprehensive morphological analyses were also carried out based on the collected specimens and additional herbarium specimens. Key results – Our molecular phylogeny strongly supported the unusual specimen from Vietnam placed as sister to Hiptage in the tetrapteroid clade. Key morphological traits differing these Vietnamese specimens from Hiptage were identified related to the floral bud imbrication, shape, colour, posture of sepals and petals, length of stamen filaments, number of styles, and shape of mericarps, allowing the proposition of a new monospecific genus. Conclusions – Chlorohiptage vietnamensis is proposed as a new monospecific genus closely related to Hiptage but differing in several key morphological traits. A complete morphological description is provided alongside photographic illustrations and notes on its conservation, distribution, ecology, etymology, and taxonomy. Additionally, an updated identification key to the genera of the tetrapteroid clade is provided.

Objectives: This study investigated the efficacy of wheat peptide supplementation compared to regular proteins in elite cross-country skiers, providing insights into the metabolic and performance effects of these supplements in order to guide athletes in selecting optimal energy sources for training and competition. Methods: Nineteen healthy male cross-country skiers were enrolled and assigned to either the peptide group (PEP, n = 9) or the protein group (PRO, n = 10). A four-week intervention study involving supplementation with wheat peptides/regular proteins was conducted, and pre- and post-intervention assessments were performed to evaluate exercise capacity and metabolic profiles. Results: The study found that the PEP group and the PRO group showed distinct within-group effects on exercise performance. The PEP group demonstrated improved aerobic capacity, including better performance in 10 km roller skating, an increased lactate threshold, and reduced resting blood lactate levels. The PRO group enhanced anaerobic capacity, such as improved sprint time, hexagon test performance, and lactate clearance. Metabolomic analysis revealed specific metabolic pathways affected in each group, with the PEP group showing impacts on the α-linolenic acid pathway and the PRO group on ketone body synthesis and degradation as well as vitamin B6 metabolism. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that wheat oligopeptides and regular proteins have comparable effects on exercise performance. However, the wheat peptides may offer greater advantages in enhancing aerobic capacity. No significant variations were observed in blood metabolite profiles between the two groups, but distinct metabolic pathways exhibited different responses.

BackgroundCoaches and athletes are increasingly interested in understanding athletes’ serum vitamin D levels, their impact on strength, physical performance, and athletic outcomes. Previous meta-analyses were reported with limited sample size and no significant overall effect was found. Hence, it is crucial to conduct a thorough and up-to-date systematic examination and meta-analysis to elucidate the potential advantages of supplementing with vitamin D3 in enhancing muscle strength for athletes.MethodsWe performed a thorough investigation, spanning three databases (PubMed, EBSCO, and Cochrane Library), seeking randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in all languages. These trials delved into the influence of vitamin D3 supplementation on the changes of pre- and post-intervention muscle strength in healthy athletes. Our systematic examination and meta-analysis took into account serum 25(OH)D levels exceeding 30 ng/mL as a marker of adequacy.ResultsTen RCTs, comprising 354 athletes (185 in the vitamin D3 group and 169 in the placebo group), fulfilled the inclusion criteria. During the study, 36 athletes were lost to follow-up, leaving 318 athletes (166 in the vitamin D3 group and 152 in the placebo group) with documented complete results. In comparison with the placebo group, there is a significant increase between the changes of pre- and post-intervention serum 25(OH)D levels among athletes following a period of vitamin D3 supplementation (MD 14.76, 95% CI: 8.74 to 20.77, p

Abstract A switching‐angle‐based hybrid modulation method of full wind speed and low carrier wave ratio for direct‐drive permanent‐magnet wind power generation system is proposed here, which order to improve the control performance of wind turbines in the full wind speed range. The combination manner of the proposed method is based on the harmonic distortion rate of the stator current, a modulation mode with a higher carrier wave ratio is adopted within the maximum switching frequency allowed by the system, the switching angle from optimized synchronous modulation also is introduced. In order to solve the problem of current impact caused by switching different modulation modes, the switching strategy between different modulation modes is developed from the perspective of harmonic current. And the sectors are redivided for the problem of sudden change in carrier wave ratio during switching, which improve the control effect of permanent‐magnet synchronous wind generator when changing the modulations modes. Finally, the feasibility and correctness of the proposed method are verified by theoretical analysis and simulation.

Abstract A single type of signal processing means that it is difficult to analyze vibration signals comprehensively and effectively. By comprehensively using wavelet analysis techniques, a comprehensive and in-depth study of aero-engine vibration conditions is realized as a way to carry out health management. By introducing various types of wavelet analysis techniques and using Labview2022 programming, corresponding signal processing tools are developed for the analysis of the collected vibration signals. The comprehensive analysis of aero-engine vibration signals based on the wavelet transform method is realized, and the corresponding products are successfully applied in engineering practice.

Dynamic muscle fatigue during repetitive movements can lead to changes in communication between the central nervous system and peripheral muscles. This study investigated these changes by examining electromyogram (EMG) characteristics from agonist and antagonist muscles during a fatiguing task. Twenty-two healthy male university students (age: 22.92 ± 2.19 years) performed heel raises until fatigue. EMG signals from lateral gastrocnemius (GL) and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles were processed using synchrosqueezed wavelet transform (SST). Root mean square (RMS), mean frequency (MF), power across frequency ranges, wavelet coherence, and co-activation ratio were computed. During the initial 80% of the task, RMS and EMG power increased for both muscles, while MF declined. In the final 20%, GL parameters stabilized, but TA showed significant decreases. Beta and gamma intermuscular coherence increased upon reaching 60% of the task. Alpha coherence and co-activation ratio remained constant. Results suggest that the central nervous system adopts a differentiated control strategy for agonist and antagonist muscles during fatigue progression. Initially, a coordinated “common drive” mechanism enhances both muscle groups’ activity. Later, despite continued increases in muscle activity, neural-muscular coupling remains stable. This asynchronous, differentiated control mechanism enhances our understanding of neuromuscular adaptations during fatigue, potentially contributing to the development of more targeted fatigue assessment and management strategies.

Ag3PO4/g-C3N4 photocatalytic composites were synthesized via calcination and hydrothermal synthesis for the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) in wastewater, and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The degradation of RhB by Ag3PO4/g-C3N4 composites was investigated to evaluate their photocatalytic performance and cyclic degradation stability. The experimental results showed that the composites demonstrated notable photocatalytic activity and stability during degradation. Their high degradation efficiency is attributed to the Z-scheme transfer mechanism, in which the electrons in the Ag3PO4 conduction band and the holes in the g-C3N4 valence band are annihilated by heterojunction recombination, which greatly limits the recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes in the catalyst and enhances the activity of the composite photocatalyst. In addition, measurements of photocurrent (PC) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) confirmed that the efficient charge separation of photo-generated charges stemmed from strong interactions at the close contact interface. Finally, the mechanism for catalytic enhancement in the composite photocatalysts was proposed based on hole and radical trapping experiments, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis, and work function evaluation.