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In biomedical research, the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) is among the most effective and flexible model organisms. Through the use of the Drosophila model, molecular mechanisms of human diseases can be investigated and candidate pharmaceuticals can be screened. White rot fungus Inonotus obliquus is a member of the family Hymenochaetaceae. Due to its multifaceted pharmacological effects, this fungus has been the subject of scientific investigation. Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms by which Inonotus obliquus treats diseases remain unclear. In this study, we prepared an aqueous extract derived from Inonotus obliquus and demonstrated that it effectively prevented the negative impacts of inflammatory agents on flies, including overproliferation and overdifferentiation of intestinal progenitor cells and decreased survival rate. Furthermore, elevated reactive oxygen species levels and cell death were alleviated by Inonotus obliquus aqueous extract, suggesting that this extract inhibited intestinal inflammation. Additionally, Inonotus obliquus aqueous extract had an impact on the insulin pathway, as it alleviated growth defects in flies that were fed a high-sugar diet and in chico mutants. In addition, we determined the composition of Inonotus obliquus aqueous extract and conducted a network pharmacology analysis in order to identify prospective key compounds and targets. In brief, Inonotus obliquus aqueous extract exhibited considerable potential as a therapeutic intervention for human diseases. Our research has established a foundational framework that supports the potential clinical implementation of Inonotus obliquus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red mud (RM) is a typical bulk solid waste with Fe/Al/Si/Ca-rich characteristics that has been used to prepare various heterogeneous catalysts such as iron-based catalysts and supported catalysts. Prussian blue analogues (PBA) is a low-cost, environmentally friendly, and active site rich iron-based metal organic framework, but its catalytic properties are adversely affected by their easy aggregation. In this study, nickel-doped RM-based PBA (RM-Ni PBA) was synthesized by acid dissolution-coprecipitation method for the degradation of ciprofloxacin (CIP). The characterization showed that RM-Ni PBA was a material with excellent dispersibility, large specific surface area, and abundant active sites. The degradation results showed that the removal efficiency of CIP in the RM-Ni PBA/H2O2 system was 16.63, 1.78, and 1.81 times that of RM, RM-PB, and Ni PBA, respectively. It was found that 1O2 was the main reactive oxygen species (ROS) dominated the degradation process, and its formation was accompanied by the mutual conversion of Ni(II)/Fe(II) and Ni(III)/Fe(III). Notably, the degradation process maintained a satisfactory efficiency over a wide pH range (3–9) and exhibited strong anti-interference ability against impurities such as Cl−, SO42−, and NO3−. The components and contents of RM-Ni PBA remained relatively stable during the degradation process. In addition, the degradation intermediates of CIP were identified, and possible degradation pathways were proposed. This study is expected to provide theoretical basis and technical guidance for the application of RM-based heterogeneous catalyst in the treatment of antibiotic wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the clinical effectiveness of the ten most often used acupoints, chosen through literature review, for treating knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Additionally, the study aims to monitor and analyse the therapeutic effects of combining electro-acupuncture with these acupoints in the treatment of KOA. Methodology: A total of 80 patients were randomised in a random manner to either the treatment group or the control group, with an equal distribution of 40 patients in each group. The treatment group was administered a combination of electro-acupuncture (EA) and traditional acupuncture (TA), targeting the top ten acupoints often used. A comparative analysis was conducted to assess the clinical effectiveness, WOMAC scores, VAS ratings, and SF-36 scores before and after treatment in both groups. Results: Prior to treatment, there were no statistically significant variations in the three scores between the two groups (P>0.05). Following the therapy, both groups exhibited noteworthy decreases in WOMAC and VAS scores. Notably, the treatment group displayed considerably lower values compared to the control group (P<0.05). In addition, the SF-36 ratings for physical health and mental health showed a significant increase in both groups after treatment. The treatment group achieved significantly higher scores than the control group (P<0.05). Furthermore, the treatment group exhibited a more significant enhancement in scores in comparison to the control group (P<0.05). Significant differences in WOMAC, VAS, and SF-36 scores were seen in the within-group comparisons (P<0.05). The treatment group demonstrated a significantly higher overall success rate of 92.50% (37/40) compared to the control group's success rate of 75.00% (30/40) (P=0.035<0.05). In conclusion, the combination of EA and TA, along with the use of the top ten high-frequency acupoints, effectively enhanced clinical symptoms and signs in patients with KOA, indicating promising therapeutic outcomes. EA had higher clinical efficacy and had a good influence on patients' quality of life, compared to the other strategy. The acupoint prescription was carefully determined by analysing available literature to investigate the patterns of acupoint selection in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). This study led to the identification of the 10 most often used acupoints, which were then confirmed through clinical practice. The novel methodology employed by EA, in conjunction with the utilisation of the top ten high-frequency acupoints, holds significant value in terms of its potential for promotion in Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]