High resolution data visualization and machine learning prediction of free chlorine residual in a green building water system

People spend most of their time indoors and are exposed to numerous contaminants in the built environment. Water management plans implemented in buildings are designed to manage the risks of preventable diseases caused by drinking water contaminants such as opportunistic pathogens (e.g., Legionella spp.), metals, and disinfection by-products (DBPs). However, specialized training required to implement water management plans and heterogeneity in building characteristics limit their widespread adoption. Implementation of machine learning and artificial intelligence (ML/AI) models in building water settings presents an opportunity for faster, more widespread use of data-driven water quality management approaches. We demonstrate the utility of Random Forest and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) ML models for predicting a key public health parameter, free chlorine residual, as a function of data collected from building water quality sensors (ORP, pH, conductivity, and temperature) as well as WiFi signals as a proxy for building occupancy and water usage in a "green" Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) commercial and institutional building. The models successfully predicted free chlorine residual declines below 0.2 ppm, a common minimum reference level for public health protection in drinking water distribution systems. The predictions were valid up to 5 min in advance, and in some cases reasonably accurate up to 24 h in advance, presenting opportunities for proactive water quality management as part of a sense-analyze-decide framework. An online data dashboard for visualizing water quality in the building is presented, with the potential to link these approaches for real-time water quality management.

Multi-Omics Analyses of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) Reveals Primary Metabolism Reorganization Supporting Distinct Features of Secondary Metabolism Induced by Supplementing UV-A Radiation

UV can serve as an effective light spectrum for regulating plant secondary metabolites, while relevant studies on UV-A are much less extensive than those on UV-B. A comprehensive understanding of the selective effects of UV-A on different secondary metabolites and the specific features of primary metabolism that drive these effects is still lacking. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a study to analyze the dynamic changes in the metabolome and transcriptome of lettuce leaves irradiated with red plus UV-A light (monochromatic red light as control). Generally, UV-A promoted the synthesis of most phenylpropanoids and terpenoids originating from the shikimate and methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway in plastids but sacrificed the synthesis of terpenoids derived from the mevalonate (MVA) pathway, particularly sesquiterpenes. Increased precursors supply for the shikimate and MEP pathway under UV-A was directly supported by the activation of the Calvin-Benson cycle and phosphoenolpyruvate transport. Whereas, along with phosphoenolpyruvate transport, the TCA cycle was restrained, causing deprivation of the MVA pathway precursor. In addition, UV-A also activated the plastidic oxidative branch of the pentose phosphate pathway, photorespiration, and malate shuttle, to ensure a sufficient supply of nitrogen, circulation homeostasis of the Calvin-Benson cycle, and energy balance, thus indirectly supporting UV-A-induced specific secondary metabolic output. This study provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the flexible primary-secondary metabolism interactions that are able to produce specific metabolites favorable for adaptation to environmental stimuli.

Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis provides insights into cold tolerance in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)

The popular leafy vegetable lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is susceptible to cold stress during the growing season, which slows growth rate, causes leaf yellowing and necrosis, and reduced yield and quality. In this study, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses of two cold-resistant lettuce cultivars (GWAS-W42 and F11) and two cold-sensitive lettuce cultivars (S13K079 and S15K058) were performed to identify the mechanisms involved in the cold response of lettuce. Overall, transcriptome analysis identified 605 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including significant enrichment of genes involved in the flavonoid and flavonol (CHS, CHI, F3H, FLS, CYP75B1, HCT, etc.) biosynthetic pathways related to oxidation-reduction and catalytic activity. Untargeted metabolomic analysis identified fifteen flavonoid metabolites and 28 other metabolites potentially involved in the response to cold stress; genistein, quercitrin, quercetin derivatives, kaempferol derivatives, luteolin derivatives, apigenin and their derivatives accumulate at higher levels in cold-resistant cultivars. Moreover, MYBs, bHLHs, WRKYs and Dofs also play positive role in the low temperature response, which affected the expression of structural genes contributing to the variation of metabolites between the resistant and sensitive. These results provide valuable evidence that the metabolites and genes involved in the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway play important roles in the response of lettuce to cold stress.

Benefit and harm of low-dose aspirin in pregnancy: a balancing act

Linked article: This Correspondence comments on Souter et al. Click here to view the article.

Full sample analysis of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis in ophthalmology inpatients

PURPOSE

We hope that by analyzing the clinical features of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), we can help ophthalmologists reduce misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis.

DESIGN

We evaluated 47 patients with CVST in terms of clinical manifestations.

METHODS

All cases were analyzed in terms of risk factors, clinical symptoms, ophthalmic examination, imaging examination and lumbar puncture.

RESULTS

The body mass indices (BMIs) of 41 patients (87.2%; 95% CI, 77.7-96.8%) were≥24, which is overweight by Chinese standards. There were 22 patients (46.8%; 95% CI, 32.5-61.1%) with BMIs≥28, who were considered obese. Thirteen were hypertensive (27.7%; 95% CI, 14.9-40.5%). The initial symptoms included blurred vision (23, 48.9%; 95% CI, 34.6-63.2%), amaurosis fugax (13, 27.7%; 95% CI, 14.9-40.5%), headache (11 patients, 23.4%; 95% CI, 11.3-35.5%), dizziness (3, 6.4%; 95% CI, -0.6-13.4%), and bilateral diplopia (3, 6.4%; 95% CI, -0.6-13.4%). There were 9 patients (9, 19.2%; 95% CI, 7.9-30.4%) with blindness, 23 patients (48.9%; 95% CI, 34.6-63.2%) with pupillary abnormalities, and 40 patients (85.1%; 95% CI, 74.9-95.2%) with papilledema. Forty-three of the 45 patients who successfully underwent a routine lumbar puncture showed high intracranial pressure (91.7%; 95.6% CI, 89.6-101.6%). Finally, two cases are reported in greater detail for illustrative purposes.

CONCLUSION

The main reasons interfering with the diagnosis of CVST might be its nonspecific ocular symptoms and the physicians' clinical thought process being limited to the scope of common ophthalmological diseases.

Estimating the frost damage index in lettuce using UAV-based RGB and multispectral images

Introduction

The cold stress is one of the most important factors for affecting production throughout year, so effectively evaluating frost damage is great significant to the determination of the frost tolerance in lettuce.

Methods

We proposed a high-throughput method to estimate lettuce FDI based on remote sensing. Red-Green-Blue (RGB) and multispectral images of open-field lettuce suffered from frost damage were captured by Unmanned Aerial Vehicle platform. Pearson correlation analysis was employed to select FDI-sensitive features from RGB and multispectral images. Then the models were established for different FDI-sensitive features based on sensor types and different groups according to lettuce colors using multiple linear regression, support vector machine and neural network algorithms, respectively.

Results and discussion

Digital number of blue and red channels, spectral reflectance at blue, red and near-infrared bands as well as six vegetation indexes (VIs) were found to be significantly related to the FDI of all lettuce groups. The high sensitivity of four modified VIs to frost damage of all lettuce groups was confirmed. The average accuracy of models were improved by 3% to 14% through a combination of multisource features. Color of lettuce had a certain impact on the monitoring of frost damage by FDI prediction models, because the accuracy of models based on green lettuce group were generally higher. The MULTISURCE-GREEN-NN model with R2 of 0.715 and RMSE of 0.014 had the best performance, providing a high-throughput and efficient technical tool for frost damage investigation which will assist the identification of cold-resistant green lettuce germplasm and related breeding.

Novel Bismuth Nanoflowers Encapsulated in N-Doped Carbon Frameworks as Superb Composite Anodes for High-Performance Sodium-Ion Batteries

Bismuth (Bi) has attracted attention as a promising anode for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) owing to its suitable potential and high theoretical capacity. However, the large volumetric changes during cycling leads to severe degradation of electrochemical performance and limits its practical application. Herein, Bi nanoflowers are encapsulated in N-doped carbon frameworks to construct a novel Bi@NC composite via a facile solvothermal method and carbonization strategy. The well-designed composite structure endows the Bi@NC with uniformly dispersed Bi nanoflowers to alleviate the attenuation while the N-doped carbon frameworks improve the conductivity and ion transport of the whole electrode. As for sodium-ion half-cell, the electrode exhibits a high specific capacity (384.8 mAh g-1 at 0.1 A g-1 ) and excellent rate performance (341.5 mAh g-1 at 10 A g-1 ), and the capacity retention rate still remains at 94.9% after 5000 cycles at 10 A g-1 . Furthermore, the assembled full-cell with Na3 V2 (PO4 )3 cathode and Bi@NC anode can deliver a high capacity of 251.5 mAh g-1 at 0.1 A g-1 , and its capacity attenuates only 0.009% in each cycle after 2000 times at 5.0 A g-1 . This work offers a convenient, low-cost, and eco-friendliness approach for high-performance electrodes in the field of sodium ion electrochemical storage technology.

MT2 INHIBITS OSTEOCLASTOGENESIS BY SCAVENGING ROS

Context and objective

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced under oxidative stress is important for osteoclastogenesis. As a major member of the metallothionein (MT) family, metallothionein2 (MT2) can scavenge ROS in osteoblasts. However, the role of MT2 in osteoclastogenesis and ROS production in osteoclast precursors (OCPs) is unknown.

Material and methods

In this study, we first investigated MT2 expression level in osteoporotic model mice. Next, we explored the roles of MT2 in osteoclastic differentiation and ROS production in OCPs. Ultimately, via rescue assays based on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), the significance of ROS in MT-2-regulated osteoclastic differentiation was further elucidated.

Results

Compared with sham operated (Sham) mice, ovariectomized (OVX) mice displayed bone marrow primary OCPs (Ly6C+CD11b-) having higher ROS levels and lower MT2 expression. MT2 overexpression inhibited the formation of mature osteoclasts, while MT2 knockdown was contrary. Moreover, MT2 overexpression inhibited ROS production in OCPs, while MT2 knockdown exhibited the opposite effects. Notably, the inhibitory effect of MT2 overexpression on osteoclastogenesis and ROS production was blocked by the addition of H2O2.

Conclusion

MT2 inhibits osteoclastogenesis through repressing ROS production in OCPs, which indicates that the strategy of upregulating MT2 in OCPs may be applied to the clinical treatment of osteoclastic bone loss.

Biodegradation of polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate by Priestia megaterium, Pseudomonas mendocina, and Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes following incubation in the soil

Soil that contained polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT) was incubated with Priestia megaterium, Pseudomonas mendocina, and Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes to improve the biodegradative process of this polymer. The mixture of Pr. megaterium and Ps. mendocina was highly effective at biodegrading the PBAT, and after eight weeks of soil incubation, approximately 84% of the PBAT film weight was lost. Mixtures of the other two species also positively affected the synergistic degradation of PBAT film in the soil, but the mixture of three species had a negative effect. The residual PBAT film microstructure clearly demonstrated the degradation of PBAT, and the degree of degradation was related to the different species. Cleavage of the PBAT film ester bond after soil microbial action affected its properties. The incubation of PBAT in soil that contained these species affected soil dehydrogenase and soil lipase in particular. The secretion of lipase by these species could play an important role in the degradation of PBAT in the soil.

Impacts of menopause hormone therapy on mood disorders among postmenopausal women

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the modulatory effects of menopause hormone therapy (MHT) on mood disorders among postmenopausal women.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted to recruit postmenopausal women, including patients (arranged MHT for over 3 years as the medication group) and non-MHT controls. All participants were asked to respond to the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Screener (GAD-7) questionnaires to assess their depression and anxiety status.

RESULTS

A total of 230 cases from the two groups were determined based on propensity score matching analysis by matching the menopausal age and menopausal durations. We found that MHT served as a favorable modulator in the depression status of postmenopausal women. Among the four factors of the CES-D questionnaire, our data indicated that the differences between the two groups fell primarily into two aspects: depressive emotion, and somatic symptoms or retarded activities. MHT was mainly involved in improving the depression of overweight women. However, no substantial effects of MHT were observed on the regulation of anxiety.

CONCLUSION

Postmenopausal women, especially the overweight population, who have experienced MHT exhibited an improved depressive status but not their anxiety condition.

Video-assisted superior mediastinal lymphadenectomy for papillary thyroid cancer: a case report

Superior mediastinal lymph node metastases in papillary thyroid cancer are uncommon. The clinical characteristics and surgical strategy of superior mediastinal lymph node metastases remain unclear. Superior mediastinal lymphadenectomy can be accomplished either by a transcervical or transsternal approach. Transsternal approach for superior mediastinal lymphadenectomy can cause great damage; transcervical approach sometimes results in inadequate exposure. Here we report our experience of a papillary thyroid cancer patient with superior mediastinal lymph node metastases who underwent video-assisted superior mediastinal lymphadenectomy. A 49-year-old woman diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer in left thyroid underwent unilateral lobectomy and ipsilateral central and lateral node dissection in the local hospital 4 years ago. Currently lymph node metastases were found in mediastinum and the right neck, some of which were adjacent to the right innominate vein. Unilateral lobectomy, ipsilateral central and lateral node dissection, and video-assisted superior mediastinal lymphadenectomy were successfully performed by transcervical approach. Subsequently, the patient received thyroxine suppression therapy and adjuvant radioiodine treatment. Video-assisted superior mediastinal lymphadenectomy, providing adequate exposure for a complete superior mediastinal lymphadenectomy, is proved to be safe and feasible.

The Adaptation to Freezing Tolerance of Hydrated Lettuce Seeds: Effects of Regional Climate and of Seed Characteristics

BACKGROUND: With global warming, soil seed banks at high altitudes face dual challenges, excessive water absorption and thinner snow cover that increase underground temperature. A better understanding of freezing tolerance of hydrated seeds provides insights for conservation in natural soil seed banks. OBJECTIVE: To understand the adaptation mechanisms of seed freezing tolerance under various climates, in relation to cooling rate and seed size. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve ecotypes of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) seeds were collected from different geographical locations around the world. Seeds were fully hydrated and tested for their freezing tolerance using programmed cooling methods. RESULTS: The size of seeds from different climate regions varied, and was correlated with the freezing tolerance of the hydrated seeds (P< 0.05). Larger seeds showed poorer freezing tolerance. The local climates of maternal plants were also well correlated to seed freezing tolerance ( P< 0.05), especially under slow cooling conditions. The seeds collected in regions with high spring rainfall exhibited greater freezing tolerance. CONCLUSION: Freezing tolerance of hydrated seeds is affected by the climate of maternal plants and by seed size. Our data revealed the existence of an adaptation mechanism of freezing tolerance among various ecotypes of lettuce seeds.

CARBONATED BEVERAGES AFFECT LEVELS OF ANDROGEN RECEPTOR AND TESTOSTERONE SECRETION IN MICE

Objectives

This work aimed to study the influences of carbonated beverages (CBs) on the testis growth and the expression levels of androgen receptor (AR) of mice.

Methods

Two experimental groups of 30 mice each PEP-1 and PEP-2 drank 50% and 100% Pepsi-Cola, respectively for 15 days. Other 2 experimental groups of 30 mice each COC-1 and COC-2 drank 50% and 100% Coca-Cola, respectively for 15 days. The control group (CG) of 30 mice drank water. Bilateral testes were harvested aseptically on days 0, 5, 7, 10, 13 and 15. Real-time PCR and Western blot were implemented to detect levels of androgen receptor (AR) mRNA and protein in testis tissues.

Results

Testes masses of PEP-2, COC-1 and COC-2 were greater than those of PEP-1 and CG (P < 0.05). On day 15, testis longitudinal diameter (TLD) of CBs-treated mice was increased as compared to CG. TLD, testes transverse diameters (TTD) and AR proteins levels of PEP-2 and COC-2 were increased in comparison with CG (P<0.05). Serum testosterone concentrations of PEP-2 were higher than that of COC-1 and CG (P < 0.05). Levels of AR mRNAs of four CBs-treated mice were increased by 60.18%, 67.26%, 65.93% and 78.76%.

Conclusions

A high concentration of Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola could raise TLD and TDD, enhance testosterone secretion, and increase serum EGF concentrations.

The adaptation to freezing tolerance of hydrated lettuce seeds: effects of regional climate and of seed characteristics

BACKGROUND

With global warming, soil seed banks at high altitudes face dual challenges, excessive water absorption and thinner snow cover that increase underground temperature. A better understanding of freezing tolerance of hydrated seeds provides insights for conservation in natural soil seed banks.

OBJECTIVE

To understand the adaptation mechanisms of seed freezing tolerance under various climates, in relation to cooling rate and seed size.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twelve ecotypes of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) seeds were collected from different geographical locations around the world. Seeds were fully hydrated and tested for their freezing tolerance using programmed cooling methods.

RESULTS

The size of seeds from different climate regions varied, and was correlated with the freezing tolerance of the hydrated seeds (P < 0.05). Larger seeds showed poorer freezing tolerance. The local climates of maternal plants were also well correlated to seed freezing tolerance (P < 0.05), especially under slow cooling conditions. The seeds collected in regions with high spring rainfall exhibited greater freezing tolerance.

CONCLUSION

Freezing tolerance of hydrated seeds is affected by the climate of maternal plants and by seed size. Our data revealed the existence of an adaptation mechanism of freezing tolerance among various ecotypes of lettuce seeds. doi.org/10.54680/fr22410110412.

P450s mediated enhanced herbicide metabolism involved in the thifensulfuron-methyl resistance in Ipomoea purpurea L

Ipomea purpurea (L.) Roth. reduces dry land crop yield and quality in Northeast China, especially in Liaoning Province. Frequent use of thifensulfuron-methyl in recent years has resulted in herbicide resistance in I. purpurea. We evaluated resistance levels of I. purpurea to thifensulfuron-methyl, an acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitor, in Liaoning Province and further investigated the resistance mechanisms. The results showed that 15 populations of I. purpurea have evolved up to 5.81-34.44-fold resistance to thifensulfuron-methyl, compared to the susceptible population (S), among which LN3 was the most resistant. DNA sequencing of the ALS gene in susceptible and resistant populations did not reveal any target site mutations that could be associated with resistance to thifensulfuron-methyl in I. purpurea. Additionally, no significant difference was detected between the in vitro ALS activity of LN3 and S. The GR₅₀ of LN3 decreased sharply by 47% when malathion (a P450 inhibitor) was applied with thifensulfuron-methyl. Absorption of thifensulfuron-methyl by LN3 was equal to that of S; however, LN3 metabolized the herbicide significantly faster. This was repressed after the inhibition of P450s activity. Collectively, our results confirmed that I. purpurea in Liaoning Province has developed resistance to thifensulfuron-methyl and implied that the resistance was conferred by the increase in detoxification mediated by P450s. Furthermore, LN3 was sensitive to fluroxypyr, which can be used as an alternative to control I. purpurea.

Differential Metabolic Responses of Lettuce Grown in Soil, Substrate and Hydroponic Cultivation Systems under NH4+/NO3- Application

Nitrogen (N) is an essential element for plant growth and development. The application of a balanced and optimal amount of N is required for sustainable plant yield. For this, different N sources and forms are used, that including ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3-). These are the main sources for N uptake by plants where NH4+/NO3- ratios have a significant effect on the biomass, quality and metabolites composition of lettuce grown in soil, substrate and hydroponic cultivation systems. A limited supply of N resulted in the reduction in the biomass, quality and overall yield of lettuce. Additionally, different types of metabolites were produced with varying concentrations of N sources and can be used as metabolic markers to improve the N use efficiency. To investigate the differential metabolic activity, we planted lettuce with different NH4+/NO3- ratios (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75 and 0:100%) and a control (no additional N applied) in soil, substrate and hydroponic cultivation systems. The results revealed that the 25% NH4+/75% NO3- ratio increased the relative chlorophyll contents as well as the biomass of lettuce in all cultivation systems. However, lettuce grown in the hydroponic cultivation system showed the best results. The concentration of essential amino acids including alanine, valine, leucine, lysine, proline and serine increased in soil and hydroponically grown lettuce treated with the 25% NH4+/75% NO3- ratio. The taste and quality-related compounds in lettuce showed maximum relative abundance with the 25% NH4+/75% NO3- ratio, except ascorbate (grown in soil) and lactupicrin (grown in substrate), which showed maximum relative abundance in the 50% NH4+/50% NO3- ratio and control treatments, respectively. Moreover, 1-O-caffeoylglucose, 1,3-dicaffeoylquinic acid, aesculetin and quercetin-3-galactoside were increased by the application of the 100% NH4+/0% NO3- ratio in soil-grown lettuce. The 25% NH4+/75% NO3- ratio was more suitable in the hydroponic cultivation system to obtain increased lettuce biomass. The metabolic profiling of lettuce showed different behaviors when applying different NH4+/NO3- ratios. Therefore, the majority of the parameters were largely influenced by the 25% NH4+/75% NO3- ratio, which resulted in the hyper-accumulation of health-promoting compounds in lettuce. In conclusion, the optimal N applications improve the quality of lettuce grown in soil, substrate and hydroponic cultivation systems which ultimately boost the nutritional value of lettuce.

Association of prenatal renal ultrasound abnormalities with pathogenic copy number variants in a large Chinese cohort

OBJECTIVES

To assess the clinical utility of prenatal chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) in fetuses with abnormal renal sonographic findings, and to evaluate the association of pathogenic or likely pathogenic copy number variants (P/LP CNVs) with different types of renal abnormality.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of fetuses at 14-36 weeks screened routinely for renal and other structural abnormalities at the Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. We retrieved and analyzed data from fetuses with abnormal renal sonographic findings, examined between January 2013 and November 2019, which underwent CMA analysis using tissue obtained from chorionic villus sampling (CVS), amniocentesis or cordocentesis. We evaluated the CMA findings according to type of renal ultrasound anomaly and according to whether renal anomalies were isolated or non-isolated.

RESULTS

Ten types of renal anomaly were reported on prenatal ultrasound screening, at a mean ± SD gestational age of 24.9 ± 4.8 weeks. The anomalies were diagnosed relatively late in this series, as 64% of cases with an isolated renal anomaly underwent cordocentesis rather than CVS. Fetal pyelectasis was the most common renal ultrasound finding, affecting around one-third (34.32%, 301/877) of fetuses with a renal anomaly, but only 3.65% (n = 11) of these harbored a P/LP CNV (comprising: isolated cases, 2.37% (4/169); non-isolated cases, 5.30% (7/132)). Hyperechogenic kidney was found in 5.47% (n = 48) of fetuses with a renal anomaly, of which 39.58% (n = 19) had a P/LP CNV finding (comprising: isolated cases, 44.44% (16/36); non-isolated cases, 25.00% (3/12)), the highest diagnostic yield among the different types of renal anomaly. Renal agenesis, which accounted for 9.92% (n = 87) of all abnormal renal cases, had a CMA diagnostic yield of 12.64% (n = 11) (comprising: isolated cases, 11.54% (9/78); non-isolated cases, 22.22% (2/9); unilateral cases, 11.39% (9/79); bilateral cases, 25.00% (2/8)), while multicystic dysplastic kidney (n = 110), renal cyst (n = 34), renal dysplasia (n = 27), crossed fused renal ectopia (n = 31), hydronephrosis (n = 98), renal duplication (n = 42) and ectopic kidney (n = 99) had overall diagnostic rates of 11.82%, 11.76%, 7.41%, 6.45%, 6.12%, 4.76% and 3.03%, respectively. Compared with the combined group of CMA-negative fetuses with any other type of renal anomaly, the rate of infant being alive and well at birth was significantly higher in CMA-negative fetuses with isolated fetal pyelectasis or ectopic kidney, whereas the rate was significantly lower in fetuses with isolated renal agenesis, multicystic dysplastic kidney or severe hydronephrosis. The most common pathogenic CNV was 17q12 deletion, which accounted for 30.14% (22/73) of all positive CMA findings, with a rate of 2.51% (22/877) among fetuses with an abnormal renal finding. Fetuses with 17q12 deletion exhibited a wide range of renal phenotypes. Other P/LP CNVs in the recurrent region that were associated with prenatal renal ultrasound abnormalities included 22q11.2, Xp21.1, Xp22.3, 2q13, 16p11.2 and 1q21, which, collectively, accounted for 2.17% (19/877) of the fetuses with prenatal renal anomalies.

CONCLUSIONS

In this retrospective review of CMA findings in a large cohort of fetuses with different types of renal ultrasound abnormality, the P/LP CNV detection rate varied significantly (3.03-39.58%) among the different types of kidney anomaly. Our data may help in the decision regarding whether to perform prenatal genetic testing in fetuses with renal ultrasound findings. Specifically, prenatal CMA testing should be performed in cases of hyperechogenic kidney, regardless of whether or not the anomaly is isolated, while it should be performed postnatally rather than prenatally in cases of fetal pyelectasis. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Autonomous robotic laparoscopic surgery for intestinal anastomosis

Autonomous robotic surgery has the potential to provide efficacy, safety, and consistency independent of individual surgeon's skill and experience. Autonomous anastomosis is a challenging soft-tissue surgery task because it requires intricate imaging, tissue tracking, and surgical planning techniques, as well as a precise execution via highly adaptable control strategies often in unstructured and deformable environments. In the laparoscopic setting, such surgeries are even more challenging because of the need for high maneuverability and repeatability under motion and vision constraints. Here we describe an enhanced autonomous strategy for laparoscopic soft tissue surgery and demonstrate robotic laparoscopic small bowel anastomosis in phantom and in vivo intestinal tissues. This enhanced autonomous strategy allows the operator to select among autonomously generated surgical plans and the robot executes a wide range of tasks independently. We then use our enhanced autonomous strategy to perform in vivo autonomous robotic laparoscopic surgery for intestinal anastomosis on porcine models over a 1-week survival period. We compared the anastomosis quality criteria-including needle placement corrections, suture spacing, suture bite size, completion time, lumen patency, and leak pressure-of the developed autonomous system, manual laparoscopic surgery, and robot-assisted surgery (RAS). Data from a phantom model indicate that our system outperforms expert surgeons' manual technique and RAS technique in terms of consistency and accuracy. This was also replicated in the in vivo model. These results demonstrate that surgical robots exhibiting high levels of autonomy have the potential to improve consistency, patient outcomes, and access to a standard surgical technique.

Change of zinc mobilization and gene expression of key zinc transport proteins between the yolk sac membrane and liver of duck embryonic developing

Zinc (Zn) deposition in egg yolk is essential for the rapid growth and complete development of the avian embryo. Thus, it is crucial to obtain maximal Zn mobilization at an appropriate time during development in favor of the survival of avian embryos. The aim of this study was to study the developmental change of Zn mobilization and gene expression related to key Zn transport proteins between the yolk sac membrane and embryonic liver from the incubation d 17 (E17) to d 32 (E32) during duck embryonic developing. The weights of duck embryo, embryo without yolk sac, and embryonic liver increased as well as the yolk sac weight decreased linearly (P < 0.0001) when incubation day increased. The Zn concentration in the yolk sac did not change from E17 to E29 and only declined significantly from E29 to E32 of duck embryos, while hepatic Zn level decreased linearly as with the increased incubation time (P < 0.01). When the incubation day increased, the decreased Zn amount in the yolk sac and the increased Zn amount in the embryonic liver were observed (P < 0.0001). The calculated transfer-out rate of Zn in the yolk sac and transfer-in rate of Zn in livers were both increased from E23-26 to E29-32 (P < 0.01). Among E17, E23 and E29, the solute carrier family 39 member (ZIP) of ZIP10, ZIP13, and ZIP14 genes mRNA expressions were increased in yolk sac membrane but were decreased in the embryonic liver, while metallothionein 1 mRNA expression was increased both in the yolk sac membrane and liver (P < 0.05). In conclusion, yolk sac membrane and embryonic liver tissues displayed the similar developmental patterns of Zn mobilization and metallothionein 1 mRNA expression from E17 to E32 during duck embryonic developing. The appropriate time of the maximal rate of Zn mobilization were observed between E29 and E32 of duck embryo, associated with the significant changes of gene expression related to some key Zn transport proteins on E29 in yolk sac membrane and liver tissues.