[Is low-dose anticoagulation a therapeutic option for patients at high risk of bleeding with high-risk pulmonary thromboembolism]

This issue of Chinese Journal of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases published an interesting case illustrating the identification, treatment, and post-treatment management of a high-risk pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) that occurred during surgery. It was a high-risk case of PTE, but during treatment, the risk stratification changed to medium-high risk. We should dynamically assess risk stratification and develop diagnosis and treatment plans based on changes in the patient's condition. At the same time, there was a high risk of bleeding in this patient. We should try to decrease the risk of bleeding as much as possible, consider all the conditions that can be applied at that time and on a local level, and devise a safe and effective treatment plan. The socio-economic status of patients may have an impact on how the final diagnosis and treatment plan are implemented. We need to communicate fully with patients, consider comprehensively, and prepare contingency plans to ensure patients' life safety to the greatest extent possible.

Emergence of Long-Range Angular Correlations in Low-Multiplicity Proton-Proton Collisions

This Letter presents the measurement of near-side associated per-trigger yields, denoted ridge yields, from the analysis of angular correlations of charged hadrons in proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV. Long-range ridge yields are extracted for pairs of charged particles with a pseudorapidity difference of 1.4<|Δη|<1.8 and a transverse momentum of 1 Collapse

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First Measurement of the |t| Dependence of Incoherent J/ψ Photonuclear Production

The first measurement of the cross section for incoherent photonuclear production of J/ψ vector mesons as a function of the Mandelstam |t| variable is presented. The measurement was carried out with the ALICE detector at midrapidity, |y|<0.8, using ultraperipheral collisions of Pb nuclei at a center-of-mass energy per nucleon pair of sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV. This rapidity interval corresponds to a Bjorken-x range (0.3-1.4)×10^{-3}. Cross sections are given in five |t| intervals in the range 0.04<|t|<1  GeV^{2} and compared to the predictions by different models. Models that ignore quantum fluctuations of the gluon density in the colliding hadron predict a |t| dependence of the cross section much steeper than in data. The inclusion of such fluctuations in the same models provides a better description of the data.

Structures and Dynamics of β-Rich Oligomers of ATTR (105-115) Assembly

Transthyretin (TTR) is a tetrameric homologous protein that can dissociate into monomers. Misfolding and aggregation of TTR can lead to amyloid transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR), which can cause many diseases (e.g., senile systemic amyloidosis, familial amyloid cardiomyopathy, and familial amyloid polyneuropathy). Despite growing evidence indicating that small oligomers play a critical role in regulating cytotoxicity, the structures of these oligomeric intermediates and their conformational transformations are still unclear, impeding our understanding of neurodegenerative mechanisms and the development of therapeutics targeting early aggregation species. The TTR monomer protein consists of various fragments prone to self-aggregation, including the residue 105-115 sequence. Therefore, our study investigated the assembly progress of ATTR (105-115) peptides using all-atom molecular dynamics simulations. The findings indicate that the probability of β-sheet content increases with increasing numbers of peptides. Additionally, interactions between hydrophobic residues L110 and L111 are crucial for the formation of a β-rich oligomer formation. These β-rich oligomers may adopt β-barrel conformations, potentially toxic oligomer species. Free-energy analysis reveals that β-barrel conformations serve as intermediates for these β-rich oligomers. Our insights into the structural ensemble dynamics of ATTR (105-115) contribute to understanding the physical mechanisms underlying the β-barrel oligomers of ATTR. These findings may shed light on the pathological role of ATTR in neurodegenerative diseases and offer potential therapeutic targets.

Selective formation of high-valent iron in Fenton-like system for emerging contaminants degradation under near-neutral and high-salt conditions

In view of the near-neutral and high-salt conditions, the Fenton technology with hydroxyl radicals (HO•) as the main reactive species is difficult to satisfy the removal of trace emerging contaminants (ECs) in pharmaceutical sewage. Here, a layered double hydroxide FeZn-LDH was prepared, and the selective formation of ≡Fe(IV)=O in Fenton-like system was accomplished by the chemical environment regulation of the iron sites and the pH control of the microregion. The introduced zinc can increase the length of Fe-O bond in the FeZn-LDH shell layer by 0.22 Å compared to that in Fe2O3, which was conducive to the oxygen transfer process between ≡Fe(III) and H2O2, resulting in the ≡Fe(IV)=O formation. Besides, the amphoteric hydroxide Zn(OH)2 can regulate the pH of the FeZn-LDH surface microregion, maintaining reaction pH at around 6.5-7.5, which could avoid the quenching of ≡Fe(IV)=O by H+. On the other hand, owing to the anti-interference of ≡Fe(IV)=O and the near-zero Zeta potential on the FeZn-LDH surface, the trace ECs can also be effectively degraded under high-salt conditions. Consequently, the process of ≡Fe(IV)=O generation in FeZn-LDH system can satisfy the efficient removal of ECs under near-neutral and high-salt conditions.

Novel insights into the co-metabolism of pyridine with different carbon substrates: Performance, metabolism pathway and microbial community

Pyridine is a widely employed nitrogen-containing heterocyclic organic, and the discharge of pyridine wastewater poses substantial environmental challenges due to its recalcitrance and toxicity. Co-metabolic degradation emerged as a promising solution. In this study, readily degradable glucose and the structurally analogous phenol were used as co-metabolic substrates respectively, and the corresponding mechanisms were thoroughly explored. To treat 400 mg/L pyridine, all reactors achieved remarkably high removal efficiencies, surpassing 98.5%. And the co-metabolism reactors had much better pyridine-N removal performance. Batch experiments revealed that glucose supplementation bolstered nitrogen assimilation, thereby promoting the breakdown of pyridine, and resulting in the highest pyridine removal rate and pyridine-N removal efficiency. The high abundance of Saccharibacteria (15.54%) and the enrichment of GLU and glnA substantiated this finding. On the contrary, phenol delayed pyridine oxidation, potentially due to its higher affinity for phenol hydroxylase. Nevertheless, phenol proved valuable as a carbon source for denitrification, augmenting the elimination of pyridine-N. This was underscored by the abundant Thauera (30.77%) and Parcubacteria (7.21%) and the enriched denitrification enzymes (narH, narG, norB, norC, and nosZ, etc.). This study demonstrated that co-metabolic degradation can bolster the simultaneous conversion of pyridine and pyridine-N, and shed light on the underling mechanism.

[Epidemiological and clinical features of newly reported advanced schistosomiasis cases in Sichuan Province from 2011 to 2022]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of newly reported advanced schistosomiasis cases in Sichuan Province, so as to provide the evidence for analyzing the causes and formulating targeted control measures of newly reported advanced schistosomiasis cases.

METHODS

Individual case investigation forms for advanced schistosomiasis cases were collected from the Sichuan Provincial Epidemic Annual Report System from 2011 to 2022, and patients' demographics, previous medical history and liver parenchymal grading were retrieved. All advanced schistosomiasis cases' medical records were reviewed, and the subtypes of schistosomiasis-endemic villages where the cases' household registration were, floating population, survival and death and time of death were collected.

RESULTS

A total of 321 newly reported advanced schistosomiasis cases were found in Sichuan Province from 2011 to 2022, with a male to female ratio of 0.99 to 1. There were 274 cases at ages of over 50 years (85.4%), with the highest proportion seen at ages of 60 to 69 years (87 cases, 27.1%), and splenomegaly was the most common type (180 cases, 56.1%), with no dwarfism type detected. The highest number of cases was reported in 2011 (78 cases), followed by in 2022 (74 cases), and the highest number of cases were reported in Meishan City (199 cases, 62.0%), Dongpo District (131 cases, 40.8%), and hilly subtype areas (136 cases, 42.4%). As of the end of 2022, there were 111 deaths due to advanced schistosomiasis, with the highest number of deaths seen in 2018 (25 deaths), and the highest mortality was seen among patients with the ascites type (41.2%). There were 47 (37.3%), 40 (59.5%) and 4 (23.5%) cases with grade III liver parenchyma among patients with splenomegaly, ascites, and colonic proliferation types, respectively, and there was a significant difference in the grading of III liver parenchyma among three types of patients (H = 12.092, P < 0.05), with more severe liver parenchyma injuries seen among patients with the ascites type than among those with splenomegaly and colonic proliferation type (Z = 24.262 and 44.738, both Padjusted values < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

There have been newly reported advanced schistosomiasis cases in Sichuan Province during recent years, and patients with the ascites type should be given a high priority among advanced schistosomiasis cases in Sichuan Province. Intensified clue surveys are needed for early identification and treatment of advanced schistosomiasis cases, so as to increase the survival rate and improve the quality of life.

In vitro and In vivo evidence demonstrating chronic absence of Ref-1 Cysteine 65 impacts Ref-1 folding configuration, redox signaling, proliferation and metastasis in pancreatic cancer

Ref-1/APE1 (Redox Effector/Apurinic Endonuclease 1) is a multifunctional enzyme that serves as a redox factor for several transcription factors (TFs), e.g., NF-kB, HIF-1α, which in an oxidized state fail to bind DNA. Conversion of these TFs to a reduced state serves to regulate various biological responses such as cell growth, inflammation, and cellular metabolism. The redox activity involves a thiol exchange reaction for which Cys65 (C65) serves as the nucleophile. Using CRISPR editing in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells, we changed C65 to Ala (C65A) in Ref-1 to evaluate alteration of Ref-1 redox dynamics as well as chronic loss of Ref-1 redox activity on cell signaling pathways, specifically those regulated by NF-kB and HIF-1α. The redox activity of Ref-1 requires partial unfolding to expose C65, which is buried in the folded structure. Labeling of Ref-1 with polyethylene glycol-maleimide (PEGm) provides a readout of reduced Cys residues in Ref-1 and thereby an assessment of partial unfolding in Ref-1. In comparing Ref-1WT vs Ref-1C65A cell lines, we found an altered distribution of oxidized versus reduced states of Ref-1. Accordingly, activation of NF-kB and HIF-1α in Ref-1C65A lines was significantly lower compared to Ref-1WT lines. The bioinformatic data revealed significant downregulation of metabolic pathways including OXPHOS in Ref-1C65A expressing clones compared to Ref-1WT line. Ref-1C65A also demonstrated reduced cell proliferation and use of tricarboxylic acid (TCA) substrates compared to Ref-1WT lines. A subcutaneous as well as PDAC orthotopic in vivo model demonstrated a significant reduction in tumor size, weight, and growth in the Ref-1C65A lines compared to the Ref-1WT lines. Moreover, mice implanted with Ref-1C65A redox deficient cells demonstrate significantly reduced metastatic burden to liver and lung compared to mice implanted with Ref-1 redox proficient cells. These results from the current study provide direct evidence that the chronic absence of Cys65 in Ref-1 results in redox inactivity of the protein in human PDAC cells, and subsequent biological results confirm a critical involvement of Ref-1 redox signaling and tumorigenic phenotype.

[Tracking evaluation on the implementation of Survey of oncomelanid snails (WS/T 563-2017) in Sichuan and Anhui provinces]

To evaluate the implementation of Survey of oncomelanid snails (WS/T 563-2017) in schistosomiasis-endemic foci, two schistosomiasis-endemic counties were selected from two provinces of Sichuan and Anhui. Professional staff working in province-, city-, county- and township-level disease control and prevention institutions, parasitic disease control institutions or medical institutions were recruited, and the understanding, use and implementation of Survey of oncomelanid snails (WS/T 563-2017) were investigated using questionnaires and interviews. The awareness, use, proportion of propagation and implementation and correct rate of answering questions pertaining to Survey of oncomelanid snails (WS/T 563-2017) were analyzed. A total of 270 questionnaires were allocated, and 269 were recovered, including 254 valid questionnaires. The overall awareness of Survey of oncomelanid snails (WS/T 563-2017) was 84.64% (215/254), and propagation and implementation of Survey of oncomelanid snails (WS/T 563-2017) was not performed in 23.28% (17/73) of the survey institutions following implementation of Survey of oncomelanid snails (WS/T 563-2017), with meeting training and allocation of propagation materials as the main type of propagation and implementation. Among 254 respondents, 77.16% (196/254) were familiar with the standard, 66.14% (168/254) understood the conditions for use of the standard during snail surveys, and 96.85% (246/254) had the approach for identifying snails. In addition, there were 41.73% (106/254), 50.78% (129/254) and 7.48% (19/254) of respondents that considered the operability of Survey of oncomelanid snails (WS/T 563-2017) was very good, good and general, respectively. The findings demonstrate that the issue and implementation of Survey of oncomelanid snails (WS/T 563-2017) has filled the gap for the standardization of snail control techniques, and which plays an importang guiding role in the national schistosomiasis control program.

Simultaneous nitrogen and phosphorus removal through an integrated partial-denitrification/anammox process in a single UAFB system

With the aim of obtaining enhanced nitrogen removal and phosphate recovery in mainstream sewage, we examined an integrated partial-denitrification/anaerobic ammonia oxidation (PD/A) process over a period of 189 days to accomplish this goal. An up-flow anaerobic fixed-bed reactor (UAFB) used in the integrated PD/A process was started up with anammox sludge inoculated and the influent composition controlled. Results showed that the system achieved a phosphorus removal efficiency of 82% when the influent concentration reached 12.0 mg/L. Batch tests demonstrated that stable and efficient removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD), nitrogen, and phosphorus was achieved at a COD/NO3--N ratio of 3.5. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicated that hydroxyapatite was the main crystal in the biofilm. Furthermore, substrate variation along the axial length of UAFB indicated that partial denitrification and anammox primarily took place near the reactor's bottom. According to a microbiological examination, 0.4% of the PD/A process's microorganisms were anaerobic ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AnAOB). Ca. Brocadia, Ca. Kuenenia, and Ca. Jettenia served as the principal AnAOB generals in the system. Thauera, Candidatus Accumulibacter, Pseudomonas, and Acinetobacter, which together accounted for 27% of the denitrifying and phosphorus-accumulating bacteria, were helpful in advanced nutrient removal. Therefore, the combined PD/A process can be a different option in the future for sewage treatment to achieve contemporaneous nutrient removal.

AI-based Virtual Screening of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Discovery of Novel Inhibitors of TCTP

BACKGROUND

Translationally controlled tumour protein (TCTP) is associated with tumor diseases, such as breast cancer, and its inhibitor can reduce the growth of tumor cells. Unfortunately, there is currently no effective medication available for treating TCTP-related breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to explore the inhibitor candidates among natural compounds for the treatment of breast cancer related to TCTP protein.

METHODS

To explore the potential inhibitors of TCTP, we first screened out four potential inhibitors in the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for cancer based on AI virtual screening using the docking method, and then revealed the interaction mechanism of TCTP and four candidate inhibitors from TCM with molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) methods.

RESULTS

Based on the conformational characteristics and the MD properties of the four leading compounds, we designed the new skeleton molecules with the AI method using MolAICal software. Our MD simulations have revealed that different small molecules bind to different sites of TCTP, but the flexible regions and the signaling pathways are almost the same, and the VDW and hydrophobic interactions are crucial in the interactions between TCTP and ligands.

CONCLUSION

We have proposed the candidate inhibitor of TCTP. Our study has provided a potential new method for exploring inhibitors from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

[Risk factors for the occurrence of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease in the aged and the clinical characteristics of patients complicated with pneumonia]

Objective: To investigate the risk factors for the occurrence of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease in the aged, and to analyze the characteristics of patients with pneumonia. Methods: Patients who underwent 24-hour laryngopharyngeal pH monitoring from June 2020 to July 2022 and the positive patients of those who underwent 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring from March 2017 to July 2022 at the Second Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital were enrolled retrospectively. Positive results of 24-hour laryngopharyngeal reflux monitoring were in the laryngopharyngeal reflux group, and the negative results were in the non-laryngopharyngeal reflux group. Patients with pneumonia and simple gastroesophageal reflux disease were in the esophageal reflux pneumonia group, and patients with pneumonia and simple laryngopharyngeal reflux disease were in the laryngopharyngeal reflux pneumonia group. Patients' basic data, co-morbidities, drug use and relevant examination and test results were collected. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease in the aged and its relationship with pneumonia. Results: A total of 80 patients with 24-hour laryngopharyngeal pH monitoring were enrolled finally, including 34 cases, all male, aged (73±12) years, in the laryngopharyngeal reflux group, and 46 cases [44 males, 2 females, aged (78±11) years] in the non-laryngopharyngeal reflux group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease in the aged included age ≤70 years (OR=13.07, 95%CI: 2.53-67.68), body mass index (BMI) (OR=1.37, each additional 1 kg/m2, 95%CI: 1.03-1.83), use of antipsychotic drugs (OR=8.00, 95%CI: 1.40-45.73) and calcium channel blockers (OR=5.27, 95%CI: 1.13-24.53) (all P<0.05). The protective factors of the laryngopharyngeal reflux disease in the aged included antacids (OR=0.19, 95%CI: 0.04-0.90, P=0.035). The incidence of pneumonia was higher in the laryngopharyngeal reflux group compared with the non-laryngopharyngeal reflux group [44.1% (15/34) vs 21.7% (10/46), P=0.033]. The esophageal reflux pneumonia group included 32 cases [31 males and 1 females, aged (84±12) years]. The laryngopharyngeal reflux pneumonia group included 15 cases [ 15 males, aged (79±11) years]. Compared to the patients in the laryngopharyngeal reflux pneumonia group, the patients in the esophageal reflux pneumonia group had a longer course of antibiotics [(27.7±27.0) vs (14.6±13.9) days, P=0.034], a higher frequency of seizure frequency [(4.3±3.0) vs (1.8±1.5) times/year, P<0.001] and a higher maximal body temperature [(38.2±0.9) vs (37.6±1.1) ℃, P=0.037]. Conclusions: The risk factors of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease in the aged included age ≤70 years, higher BMI, use of antipsychotic drugs and calcium channel blockers. The incidence of pneumonia in laryngopharyngeal reflux disease is higher, but the condition of pneumonia is milder.

[Schistosomiasis control in Sichuan Province since the 12th Five - Year Plan period: progress and prospects]

An ambitious goal has been set for elimination of schistosomiasis in all endemic counties (districts) in Sichuan Province by 2023. To achieve this goal, and to continue to consolidate the control achievements, it is necessary to understand the current endemic status of schistosomiasis, identify the challenges and analyze the experiences and lessons from the schistosomiasis control program, and develop targeted control strategies and interventions in the province. This paper reviews the progress of schistosomiasis control in Sichuan Province since the 12th Five-Year Plan period, analyzes the challenges in the schistosomiasis elimination program, and proposes recommendations for future directions and priorities.

Dosimetric Predictors of Acute Diarrhea in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Patients Treated with Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation with Capecitabine and Irinotecan: A Discovery and Validation Study

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Additional irinotecan can increase the pCR rate from 15% to 30% compared with capecitabine-based neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer, while more acute diarrhea was induced and predictors of diarrhea have yet to be fully elucidated. In this analysis, we report the incidence of and factors associated with grade 3+ acute diarrhea in LARC patients treated with the CaplriRT regimen in the CinClare trial.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We identified the dosimetric markers with a lasso-Cox risk scoring model tested on CaplriRT group patients in the CinClare trial at our institution from 2015 to 2017 (CinClare, NCT02605265), and then independently validated according to a predefined protocol in patients treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation with capecitabine and irinotecan from 2019 to 2022 (NCT05688033). Clinical documentation and patient-reported outcomes were reviewed to determine grade 3+ acute diarrhea events.

RESULTS

A total of 116 patients from Cinclare trial treated with CaplriRT regimen were used as a training cohort to obtain dosimetric prediction model and 168 patients were used for independent validation. The majority received 50 Gray (Gy) in 25 fractions with concurrent capecitabine and irinotecan. Median number of concurrent chemotherapy cycles received was 4 (IQR: 3-4). Seventeen (23.6%) patients treated with the CaplriRT regimen in the CinClare trial experienced grade 3+ acute diarrhea. Dosimetric predictors of acute diarrhea included peritoneal space volume receiving 25 Gy or greater (V25Gy). The single multivariate Cox regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the model had good predictive ability (p<0.05). It was also validated using the validation cohort. Patients with peritoneal space V25Gy>950 cm3 were associated with a higher risk of 3+ acute diarrhea compared with those without constraints of V25Gy (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

Peritoneal space V25Gy as an important predictor of acute diarrhea during capecitabine and irinotecan neoadjuvant chemoradiation treatment. Peritoneal space V25Gy < 950 cm3 may reduce acute diarrhea toxicity.

The role of a photographic atlas in reducing unanticipated healthcare utilization following circumcision

INTRODUCTION

Circumcision is a common procedure that can evoke caregiver anxiety in the postoperative period due to unfamiliarity with the healing process. To mitigate unnecessary healthcare utilization such as phone calls and unanticipated clinic or emergency department (ED) visits, photographic atlases have been developed to better prepare caregivers for the recovery process. The objective of our study is to further investigate the efficacy of a photographic atlas in its ability to decrease postoperative healthcare utilization using an increased sample size and extended study period compared to previous studies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, we compared a prospective intervention cohort of patients undergoing circumcision at our institution who received a photographic atlas during postoperative teaching to a retrospective cohort of patients who had not received it. Our primary outcome was unanticipated healthcare utilization, defined as postoperative telephone calls and unanticipated presentations to the urology clinic or ED.

RESULTS

The retrospective no-atlas cohort included 105 patients, and the prospective intervention atlas cohort included 80 patients. Both groups were similar with respect to age (p = 0.47) and other demographics. There was no statistically significant difference in healthcare utilization between the no-atlas and atlas cohort. Specifically, we identified no difference in the number of phone calls to clinic staff (12 [11.4%] vs. 11 [13.8%], p = 0.64) or unanticipated postoperative clinic or ED visits (2 [1.9%] vs. 4 [5.0%], p = 0.41).

DISCUSSION

The use of a photographic atlas as part of caregiver support for circumcision patients did not demonstrate a statistically significant reduction in either postoperative phone calls or clinic/ED visits. The decrease in absolute number of caregiver phone calls was minimal (12-11), with a small increase in follow-up presentations (2-4). The lack of significant change may be due to the already infrequent occurrence of these events following circumcision, as demonstrated by the no-atlas cohort. Other potential advantages of the atlas, such as improved caregiver confidence and satisfaction, may have been present, but were not measured in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

Adding to the mixed results of previous studies, these findings do not support that photographic atlases decrease unanticipated healthcare utilization in children undergoing a circumcision. However, utilization was found to be low. Additionally, further studies are needed to determine other significant benefits of this form of education, such as improved caregiver confidence and satisfaction.

Differentially Expressed Circulating Long-Noncoding RNAS in Premature Infants with Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Purpose

Recent studies have addressed the association between lung development and long-noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). But few studies have investigated the role of lncRNAs in neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Thus, this study aimed to compare the expression profile of circulating lncRNAs between RDS infants and controls.

Methods

10 RDS infants and 5 controls were enrolled. RDS patients were further divided into mild and severe RDS subgroups. Blood samples were collected for the lncRNA expression profile. Subsequently, differentially expressed lncRNAs were screened out. Bioinformatics analysis was applied to establish a co-expression network of differential lncRNAs and mRNAs, and predict the underlying biological functions.

Results

A total of 135 differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified, including 108 upregulated and 27 downregulated lncRNAs (fold-change>2 and P<0.05) among the three groups (non-RDS, mild RDS and severe RDS groups). Of these lncRNAs, four were selected as showing higher fold changes and validated by qRT-PCR. ENST00000470527.1, ENST00000504497.1, ENST00000417781.5, and ENST00000440408.5 were increased not only in the plasma of total RDS patients but also in the severe RDS subgroup. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analyses showed that differentially expressed lncRNAs may play important roles in RDS through regulating PI3KAkt, RAS, MAPK, and TGF-β signaling pathways.

Conclusion

The present results found that ENST00000470527.1, ENST00000504497.1, ENST00000417781.5, and ENST00000440408.5 may be invol ved in RDS. This could provide new insight into research of the potential pathophysiological mechanisms of preterm RDS.

[Clinical features and CT findings of fibrosing mediastinitis associated pulmonary hypertension]

Objective: To investigate the clinical features and CT findings of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in patients with fibrosing mediastinitis (FM). Methods: Thirteen patients with FM diagnosed between September 2015 and June 2022 were studied retrospectively, including patients with PH (FM-PH group) and patients without PH (FM group) confirmed on right heart catheterization. The t test of two independent samples, Mann-Whitney U rank sum and Fisher's test were used to compare the general information, symptoms, laboratory examination, right ventricular and pulmonary artery measurement data and pulmonary artery CT findings between the two groups, respectively. Results: Compared with the 7 FM patients aged 28-79 (60.00±17.69) years, the 6 patients in the FM-PH group, aged from 60 to 82 (68.83±8.35) years, had more peripheral edema, lower percentage of PaO₂, wider inner diameters of pulmonary artery and right ventricle, a higher ratio of right ventricle and left ventricular transverse diameter, faster tricuspid regurgitation velocity and higher estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure (P<0.05). There were no differences in BNP levels and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion between groups (P>0.05). Of the 6 patients with PH, 5 had precapillary PH and 1 had mixed PH. Except that the pulmonary vascular resistance in patients of the FM-PH group was significantly higher than that in the FM group (P<0.05), there were no significant differences in cardiac output, mixed venous oxygen saturation and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure between the two groups. CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) showed pulmonary artery and vein stenosis. Patients in the FM-PH group had more severe stenosis and occlusion of pulmonary artery and pulmonary vein (P<0.05), and more involvement of multiple pulmonary veins (P<0.05). Conclusions: The clinical manifestation of FM complicated with PH is related to the degree of involvement of pulmonary artery, vein and airway. It is recommended that the disease be evaluated in combination with multiple parameters such as clinical manifestations, cardiac ultrasound, right cardiac catheter and CTPA.

Comparison of methods for detecting protein extracted from excess activated sludge

The protein contents of hydrolyzed sludge supernatant are commonly determined with the Kjeldahl method, but this method suffers from complicated operations, long process times, and large quantities of chemicals consumed. In this paper, the Lowry, bicinchoninic acid (BCA), and Bradford methods were used to test the precision and spiked recovery of proteins from sludge supernatants hydrolyzed by alkaline-thermal hydrolysis (ATH), enzymatic hydrolysis (EH), and ultrasound-assisted enzymatic hydrolysis (UEH), and the results were compared with those obtained with the Kjeldahl method. For all the hydrolytic processes, the sludge protein values determined with the three tested methods were within 0.05 of each other, which met the experimental requirement for accuracy. Both the Lowry and BCA methods had recovery rates of 95-105%, while the Bradford method showed large deviations and was not highly reliable. The three protein determination methods showed significant differences with the Kjeldahl method (P<0.05). However, the relative deviation between the Kjeldahl and BCA methods was the smallest (3-5%), followed by those between the Kjeldahl and the Lowry (11-21%) and Bradford methods (21-90%), and the causes of the deviations were analyzed based on the protein hydrolysate components and the mechanisms for the different detection methods. On the basis of these results, the BCA method was chosen as the most appropriate quantification method for use with sludge protein extraction, and it was used to analyze the protein contents extracted from residual sludge samples obtained from two sewage treatment plants. The reliability of the method was verified, and this lays a foundation for the extraction and reclamation of sludge proteins.

Metagenomics insights into gentamicin degradation and the dynamic of antibiotic resistance genes during co-composting of the gentamicin myelial residues with addition of various organic wastes

Increasing antibiotic mycelial residues (AMRs) and related antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) pose a significant threat to ecosystems and public health. Composting is a crucial method for recycling AMRs. However, the variation in ARGs and gentamicin degradation in the composting process of gentamicin mycelial residues (GMRs) has received little attention on an actual industrial scale. This research investigated the metabolic pathways and functional genes on the gentamicin and ARGs removal during the co-composting of GMRs with addition of various organic wastes (rice chaff, mushroom residue, etc.) under various C/N ratios (15:1, 25:1, 35:1). The results showed that the removal efficiencies of gentamicin and the total ARGs were 98.23 % and 53.20 %, respectively, with the C/N ratio of 25:1. Moreover, metagenomics and LS-MS/MS analysis demonstrated that the acetylation was the primary pathway for gentamicin biodegradation and the corresponding degrading genes were the categories of aac(3) and aac(6'). However, the relative abundance of aminoglycoside resistance genes (AMGs) were increased after 60 days composting. The partial least squares path modeling analysis demonstrated that the AMG abundance was directly influenced by the predominant mobile gene elements intI1 (p < 0.05) which was closely related to the bacterial community composition. Therefore, the ecological environmental risks should be assessed in the future application of GMRs composting products.

Optimization of protein recovery from sewage sludge via controlled and energy-saving ultrasonic-alkali hydrolysis

The abundant protein in excess sludge can be recovered to prepare high value-added products. However, this sustainable treatment method still has large challenges, such as high energy consumption. In this work, the classical batch operation (BO) and semi-batch operation (SBO) modes were adopted and compared for ultrasonic-alkali hydrolysis. The results showed that the reaction time of SBO significantly decreased to half of that of BO with the same efficiency (ca. 70 %), indicating that SBO was much more energy-efficient. Moreover, analysis of the nitrogen solubility index and trichloroacetic acid-soluble nitrogen index demonstrated that the further proteolysis of protein under SBO was limited. Furthermore, the first-order reaction model fitted the hydrolysis data well (R2 ≥ 0.91) for both modes, in which the rate constant of SBO (k = 0.44 min^-1) was 2.3 times that of BO. Finally, the properties of both products met the standards of foaming extinguishers.

[Epidemiological characteristics of a 2019-nCoV outbreak caused by Omicron variant BF.7 in Shenzhen]

Objective: To explore the epidemiological characteristic of a COVID-19 outbreak caused by 2019-nCoV Omicron variant BF.7 and other provinces imported in Shenzhen and analyze transmission chains and characteristics. Methods: Field epidemiological survey was conducted to identify the transmission chain, analyze the generation relationship among the cases. The 2019-nCoV nucleic acid positive samples were used for gene sequencing. Results: From 8 to 23 October, 2022, a total of 196 cases of COVID-19 were reported in Shenzhen, all the cases had epidemiological links. In the cases, 100 were men and 96 were women, with a median of age, M (Q₁, Q₃) was 33(25, 46) years. The outbreak was caused by traverlers initial cases infected with 2019-nCoV who returned to Shenzhen after traveling outside of Guangdong Province.There were four transmission chains, including the transmission in place of residence and neighbourhood, affecting 8 persons, transmission in social activity in the evening on 7 October, affecting 65 persons, transmission in work place on 8 October, affecting 48 persons, and transmission in a building near the work place, affecting 74 persons. The median of the incubation period of the infection, M (Q₁, Q₃) was 1.44 (1.11, 2.17) days. The incubation period of indoor exposure less than that of the outdoor exposure, M (Q₁, Q₃) was 1.38 (1.06, 1.84) and 1.95 (1.22, 2.99) days, respcetively (Wald χ²=10.27, P=0.001). With the increase of case generation, the number and probability of gene mutation increased. In the same transmission chain, the proportion of having 1-3 mutation sites was high in the cases in the first generation. Conclusions: The transmission chains were clear in this epidemic. The incubation period of Omicron variant BF.7 infection was shorter, the transmission speed was faster, and the gene mutation rate was higher. It is necessary to conduct prompt response and strict disease control when epidemic occurs.

Efficient partial nitrification with hybrid nitrifying granular sludge based on a simultaneous fill/draw SBR mode

In this study, a simultaneous fill/draw SBR was applied to investigate the feasibility of partial nitrification process with inoculation of matured aerobic granular sludge. The system operated stably over 120 days with the relatively high ammonium removal efficiency (≥ 98.83%) and nitrite accumulation rate (≥ 89.60%). Moreover, a hybrid flocs/granules system was formed stably after long-term operation. The nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) was suppressed effectively because of the combined effect of simultaneous fill/draw mode and intermittent aeration conditions. Furthermore, batch tests were separately tested with isolated granules (> 200 μm) and flocs (< 200 μm), showing that the specific ammonia oxidation rate of granules and flocs were 15.94 ± 2.85 and 66.77 ± 0.83 mg N/(g MLSS·h), respectively. Correspondingly, the abundance of Nitrosomonas as a typical AOB in granules (6.24%) and flocs (11.94%) was obtained via the microbial diversity analysis, while NOB was almost hardly detected in granules and flocs.

Effect of minute amounts of arsenic on the sulfamethoxazole removal and microbial community structure via the SBR system

In this study, the effect of arsenic on the sulfamethoxazole (SMX) removal efficiency and microbial community structure was investigated over 60 days using the SBR process. The results showed that the presence of arsenic had no significant impact on the system performance, the removal efficiencies of two reactors, R1 (the control test) and R2 (with the addition of arsenic), were 13.36 ± 5.71 and 14.20 ± 5.27%, which were attributed to the adsorption of SMX by fulvic acid-like substances and tryptophan-like proteins of extracellular polymeric substances. Compared to the seed sludge, the species number indicated that R2 possessed the richer diversity, while R1 possessed the lower diversity on day 60, which might be relative to the transferring of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in sludge bacterial communities; the minute amounts of arsenic could make the relative levels of Sul1 and Sul2 genes which encode ARGs of sulfonamides in R2 (2.07 and 2.47%) be higher than that in R1 (1.65 and 1.27%), which made the bacterial community of the R2 system more adaptable to SMX stress. Therefore, the minute amounts of arsenic weakened the effect of SMX on the system and enhanced the stability of the microbial community structure.

Intracellular and extracellular sources, transformation process and resource recovery value of proteins extracted from wastewater treatment sludge via alkaline thermal hydrolysis and enzymatic hydrolysis

Excess sludge contains a large amount of protein and can be recycled to prepare industrial foaming agents, foliar fertilizers and other high value-added products. The optimization and effects of sludge protein extraction using the common processes of alkaline thermal hydrolysis (ATH) and enzymatic hydrolysis (EH) have been widely studied. This study focused on the protein extraction mechanisms of ATH and EH by comparing the ratio of intracellular to extracellular proteins extracted and the transformation of protein during the hydrolysis process. The extracellular protein content was 82.6 ± 5.07 mg/g VSS, and the content of intracellular protein extracted using ATH and EH was 376.9 mg/g VSS and 127.9 mg/g VSS, respectively. The ratio of intracellular to extracellular proteins extracted by ATH and EH was 4.5 and 1.5, respectively, indicating that ATH had a much better wall-breaking effect that allowed it to extract abundant intracellular proteins. The protein content obtained from ATH continuously increased over time, and approximately 38 % of proteins were further hydrolyzed to polypeptides. In contrast, the relatively low protein content extracted by EH possibly limited subsequent polypeptide hydrolysis, but subsequent hydrolysis to amino acids was not noticeably affected and was linearly correlated with the amount of protein extracted. An analysis of the recycling convenience and value of extracted proteins showed that the sludge dewatering performance increased by 86.7 % and 45.5 % after ATH and EH treatment, respectively, which was conducive to the subsequent separation of the protein solution. The protein extracted by ATH, with a large amount of peptides, would be beneficial to prepare industrial foaming agents, while the protein extracted by EH was rich in free amino acids and could be used to prepare foliar fertilizer.