How urban versus rural population relates to COVID-19 booster vaccine hesitancy: A propensity score matching design study

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the vaccine hesitancy has significantly affected the vaccination. To evaluate the booster vaccine hesitancy and its influencing factors among urban and rural residents, as well as to estimate the net difference of booster vaccine hesitancy between urban and rural residents. We conducted a nationwide, cross-sectional Internet survey on 1-8 February 2023, and employed stratified random sampling technique to select participants (≥18 years old) from urban and rural areas. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the factors impacting booster vaccine hesitancy. Propensity Score Matching was used to estimate the net difference of COVID-19 booster vaccine hesitancy between urban and rural residents. The overall COVID-19 booster vaccine hesitancy rate of residents was 28.43%. The COVID-19 booster vaccine hesitancy rate among urban residents was found to be 34.70%, among rural residents was 20.25%. Chronic diseases, infection status, vaccination benefits, and trust in vaccine developers were associated with booster vaccine hesitancy among urban residents. Barriers of vaccination were associated with booster vaccine hesitancy among rural residents. PSM analysis showed that the urban residents have a higher booster vaccine hesitancy rate than rural residents, with a net difference of 6.20%. The vaccine hesitancy rate increased significantly, and the urban residents have a higher COVID-19 booster vaccine hesitancy than rural residents. It becomes crucial to enhance the dissemination of information regarding the advantages of vaccination and foster greater trust among urban residents toward the healthcare system.

Insights into the regulatory role of bacterial sncRNA and its extracellular delivery via OMVs

Small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs) play important regulatory roles in bacterial physiological processes and host-pathogen interactions. Meanwhile, bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), as naturally secreted outer membrane structures, play a vital role in the interaction between bacteria and their living environment, including the host environment. However, most current studies focus on the biological functions of sncRNAs in bacteria or hosts, while neglecting the roles and regulatory mechanisms of the OMVs that encapsulate these sncRNAs. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the intracellular regulatory roles of bacterial sncRNAs in promoting pathogen survival by regulating virulence, modulating bacterial drug resistance, and regulating iron metabolism, and their extracellular regulatory function for influencing host immunity through host-pathogen interactions. Additionally, we introduce the key role played by OMVs, which serve as important cargoes in bacterial sncRNA-host interactions. We propose emerging pathways of sncRNA action to further discuss the mode of host-pathogen interactions, highlighting that the inhibition of sncRNA delivery by OMVs may prevent the occurrence of infection to some extent. Hence, this review lays the foundation for future prophylactic treatments against bacterial infections and strategies for addressing bacterial drug resistance. KEY POINTS: •sncRNAs have intracellular and extracellular regulatory functions in bacterial physiological processes and host-pathogen interactions. •OMVs are potential mediators between bacterial sncRNAs and host cells. •OMVs encapsulating sncRNAs have more potential biological functions.

Thresholds of handgrip strength for all-cause mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease: a secondary systematic review with dose-response meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Although handgrip strength is associated with all-cause mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), whether this relationship is dose-related is unknown. Therefore, we examined dose-response relationships between handgrip strength and all-cause mortality in CKD patients based on previous studies by meta-analysis.

METHODS

Data sources included three electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase) from inception through October 2023. The included cohort was a CKD population not limited to disease stage, and their handgrip strength was objectively measured. Two researchers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. We utilized estimates of handgrip strength categories using robust-error meta-regression (REMR), pooled study-specific estimates, and established dose-response relationships. Outcomes of interest included only all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 18 studies with 4810 participants (aged 47-71 years) were included. REMR modeling showed a U-shaped trend of association between handgrip strength and all-cause mortality in patients with CKD. Higher handgrip strength values, from 10 kg to approximately 28 kg, were associated with lower mortality risk. After that, the risk of death increased slightly.

CONCLUSION

A U-shaped association exists between handgrip strength and all-cause mortality risk in CKD patients. Future studies with quantitative measurements for each CKD stage will help to determine precise relative risk estimates between handgrip strength and mortality risk in patients with different stages of CKD.

Mitophagy mediated by HIF-1α/FUNDC1 signaling in tubular cells protects against renal ischemia/reperfusion injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with a high mortality rate. Pathologically, renal ischemia/reperfusion injury (RIRI) is one of the primary causes of AKI, and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α may play a defensive role in RIRI. This study assessed the role of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α)-mediated mitophagy in protection against RIRI in vitro and in vivo. The human tubular cell line HK-2 was used to assess hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced mitophagy through different in vitro assays, including western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) measurement. Additionally, a rat RIRI model was established for evaluation by renal histopathology, renal Doppler ultrasound, and transmission electron microscopy to confirm the in vitro data. The selective HIF-1α inhibitor LW6 reduced H/R-induced mitophagy but increased H/R-induced apoptosis and ROS production. Moreover, H/R treatment enhanced expression of the FUN14 domain-containing 1 (FUNDC1) protein. Additionally, FUNDC1 overexpression reversed the effects of LW6 on the altered expression of light chain 3 (LC3) BII and voltage-dependent anion channels as well as blocked the effects of HIF-1α inhibition in cells. Pretreatment of the rat RIRI model with roxadustat, a novel oral HIF-1α inhibitor, led to decreased renal injury and apoptosis in vivo. In conclusion, the HIF-1α/FUNDC1 signaling pathway mediates H/R-promoted renal tubular cell mitophagy, whereas inhibition of this signaling pathway protects cells from mitophagy, thus aggravating apoptosis, and ROS production. Accordingly, roxadustat may protect against RIRI-related AKI.

Exercise training and chronic kidney disease: characterization and bibliometrics of citation classics of clinical intervention trials

BACKGROUND

Exercise research targeting chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been conducted for more than 30 years, and the benefits of exercise for CKD patients have been progressively demonstrated. This study analyzes citation classics on clinical intervention trials on exercise training and CKD to describe the research landscape and hotspots through bibliometric analysis.

METHODS

To identify clinical trials of exercise training interventions for CKD with more than 100 citations from the Web of Science Core Collection database. Extracted bibliometric information, participant information, and study characteristics of the included articles. The total citations, annual average citations, publication of year, author keywords, and study-related data were bibliometric analyzed and described using Excel 2019 and VOSviewer software.

RESULTS

A total of 30 citation classics were included, with a total citation frequency of 102 to 279 (mean ± standard deviation: 148.4 ± 49.4). The American Journal of Kidney Diseases (n = 7) published the most (n = 7) classic citations in the field of CKD exercise research, and the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology was the most cited. The hotspot of research around CKD and exercise training interventions focused on population (hemodialysis and end-stage renal disease), exercise type (resistance training, yoga, and leg-cycling), and outcomes (cardiovascular indices, physical performance, psychological status, kidney function, physical activity). Reported dropout rates ranged from 0.0% to 47.4%.

CONCLUSION

A bibliometric analysis of citation classics on exercise training and CKD highlights the potential benefits of exercise as a non-pharmacological therapy for patients with CKD, as well as developments and hotspots in the field.

Therapeutic effects of acupuncture therapy for kidney function and common symptoms in patients with chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose: The number of clinical reports of acupuncture therapy in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is gradually increasing. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to examine the therapeutic role of acupuncture therapy in kidney function and common symptoms in CKD patients.Methods: We searched Embase, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang, and WeiPu for randomized controlled trials comparing acupuncture treatment with control or placebo groups. We assessed the effect of acupuncture therapy in CKD patients using a meta-analysis with the hartung-knapp-sidik-jonkman random effects model. In addition, we visualized keyword co-occurrence overlay visualization with the help of VOSviewer software to describe the research hotspots of acupuncture therapy and CKD.Results: A total of 24 studies involving 1494 participants were included. Compared to the control group, acupuncture therapy reduced serum creatinine levels (standardized mean difference [SMD]: -0.57; 95% CI -1.05 to -0.09) and relieved pruritus (SMD: -2.20; 95% CI -3.84, -0.57) in patients with CKD, while the TSA showed that the included sample size did not exceed the required information size. The included studies did not report acupuncture-related adverse events.Conclusions: Acupuncture is an effective and safe treatment for improving kidney function and relieving pruritic symptoms in patients with CKD, but the very low evidence may limit this conclusion. The TSA suggests that high-quality trials are needed to validate the efficacy of acupuncture therapy.

A comprehensive evaluation of risk factors for mortality, infection and colonization associated with CRGNB in adult solid organ transplant recipients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The burden of carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacteria (CRGNB) among solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients has not been systematically explored. Here, we discern the risk factors associated with CRGNB infection and colonization in SOT recipients.

METHODS

This study included observational studies conducted among CRGNB-infected SOT patients, which reported risk factors associated with mortality, infection or colonization. Relevant records will be searched in PubMed, Embase and Web of Science for the period from the time of database construction to 1 March 2023.

RESULTS

A total of 23 studies with 13,511 participants were included, enabling the assessment of 27 potential risk factors. The pooled prevalence of 1-year mortality among SOT recipients with CRGNB was 44.5%. Prolonged mechanical ventilation, combined transplantation, reoperation and pre-transplantation CRGNB colonization are salient contributors to the occurrence of CRGNB infections in SOT recipients. Renal replacement therapy, post-LT CRGNB colonization, pre-LT liver disease and model for end-stage liver disease score increased the risk of infection. Re-transplantation, carbapenem use before transplantation and ureteral stent utilization increaesd risk of CRGNB colonization.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated that SOT recipients with CRGNB infections had a higher mortality risk. Invasive procedure may be the main factor contribute to CRGNB infection.

In-situ synthesis Fe3C@C/rGO as matrix for high performance lithium-sulfur batteries at room and low temperatures

People have been focusing on how to improve the specific capacity and cycling stability of lithium-sulfur batteries at room temperature, however, on some special occasions such as cold cities and aerospace fields, the operating temperature is low, which dramatically hinders the performance of batteries. Here, we report an iron carbide (Fe3C)/rGO composite as electrode host, the Fe3C nanoparticles in the composite have strong adsorption and high catalytic ability for polysulfide. The rGO makes the distribution of Fe3C nanoparticles more disperse, and this specific structure makes the deposition of Li2S more uniform. Therefore, it realizes the rapid transformation and high performance of lithium-sulfur batteries at both room and low temperatures. At room temperature, after 100 cycles at 1C current density, the reversible specific capacity of the battery can be stabilized at 889 ± 7.1 mAh/g. Even at -40 °C, in the first cycle battery still emits 542.9 ± 3.7 mAh/g specific capacity. This broadens the operating temperature for lithium-sulfur batteries and also provides a new idea for the selection of host materials for sulfur in low-temperature lithium-sulfur batteries.

Actomyosin-II protects axons from degeneration induced by mild mechanical stress

Whether, to what extent, and how the axons in the central nervous system (CNS) can withstand sudden mechanical impacts remain unclear. By using a microfluidic device to apply controlled transverse mechanical stress to axons, we determined the stress levels that most axons can withstand and explored their instant responses at nanoscale resolution. We found mild stress triggers a highly reversible, rapid axon beading response, driven by actomyosin-II-dependent dynamic diameter modulations. This mechanism contributes to hindering the long-range spread of stress-induced Ca2+ elevations into non-stressed neuronal regions. Through pharmacological and molecular manipulations in vitro, we found that actomyosin-II inactivation diminishes the reversible beading process, fostering progressive Ca2+ spreading and thereby increasing acute axonal degeneration in stressed axons. Conversely, upregulating actomyosin-II activity prevents the progression of initial injury, protecting stressed axons from acute degeneration both in vitro and in vivo. Our study unveils the periodic actomyosin-II in axon shafts cortex as a novel protective mechanism, shielding neurons from detrimental effects caused by mechanical stress.

Ag@TiO2 nanoribbon array: a high-performance sensor for electrochemical non-enzymatic glucose detection in beverage sample

Developing an accurate, cost-effective, reliable, and stable glucose detection sensor for the food industry poses a significant yet challenging endeavor. Herein, we present a silver nanoparticle-decorated titanium dioxide nanoribbon array on titanium plate (Ag@TiO2/TP) as an efficient electrode for non-enzymatic glucose detection in alkaline environments. Electrochemical evaluations of the Ag@TiO2/TP electrode reveal a broad linear response range (0.001 mM - 4 mM), high sensitivity (19,106 and 4264 μA mM-1 cm-2), rapid response time (6 s), and a notably low detection limit (0.18 μM, S/N = 3). Moreover, its efficacy in measuring glucose in beverage samples shows its practical applicability. The impressive performance and structural benefits of the Ag@TiO2/TP electrode highlight its potential in advancing electrochemical sensors for small molecule detection.

In situ electrochemical potential-induced synthesis of metal organic framework membrane on polymer support for H2/CO2 separation

Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) membranes act as selective layers have offered unprecedented opportunities for energy-efficient and cost-effective gas separation. Searching for the green and sustainable synthesis method of dense MOF membrane has received huge attention in both academia and industry. In this work, we demonstrate an in situ electrochemical potential-induced synthesis strategy to aqueously fabricate Metal Azolate Framework-4 (MAF-4) membranes on polypropylene (PP) support. The constant potential can induce the heterogeneous nucleation and growth of MAF-4, resulting an ultrathin membrane with the thickness of only 390 nm. This high-quality membrane exhibits a high H2/CO2 separation performance with the H2 permeance as high as 1565.75 GPU and selectivity of 11.6. The deployment of this environment friendly one-step fabrication method under mild reaction conditions, such as low-cost polymer substrate, water instead of organic solvent, room temperature and ambient pressure shows great promise for the scale-up of MOF membranes.

Copper-based electro-catalytic nitrate reduction to ammonia from water: Mechanism, preparation, and research directions

Global water bodies are increasingly imperiled by nitrate pollution, primarily originating from industrial waste, agricultural runoffs, and urban sewage. This escalating environmental crisis challenges traditional water treatment paradigms and necessitates innovative solutions. Electro-catalysis, especially utilizing copper-based catalysts, known for their efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendliness, offer a promising avenue for the electro-catalytic reduction of nitrate to ammonia. In this review, we systematically consolidate current research on diverse copper-based catalysts, including pure Cu, Cu alloys, oxides, single-atom entities, and composites. Furthermore, we assess their catalytic performance, operational mechanisms, and future research directions to find effective, long-term solutions to water purification and ammonia synthesis. Electro-catalysis technology shows the potential in mitigating nitrate pollution and has strategic importance in sustainable environmental management. As to the application, challenges regarding complexity of the real water, the scale-up of the commerical catalysts, and the efficient collection of produced NH3 are still exist. Following reseraches of catalyst specially on long term stability and in situ mechanisms are proposed.

Mechanistic investigation and dual-mode colorimetric-chemiluminescent detection of glyphosate based on the specific inhibition of Fe3O4@Cu nanozyme peroxidase-like activity

In this study, a dual-mode colorimetric/CL nanosensor was developed for glyphosate detection based on the specific inhibition of Fe3O4@Cu peroxidase-like activity. Synthesized Fe3O4@Cu exhibited high levels of peroxidase-like activity that triggered the oxidation of luminol/3,3',5,5'-tetramethyl benzidine dihydrochloride (TMB) to excited-state 3-aminophthalic acid/blue oxTMB, thereby delivering a CL signal/visible colorimetric signal, however, the presence of glyphosate inhibited this activity, resulting in a decrease in signal strength. In-depth investigation revealed that this inhibitory mechanism occurs via two pathways: one in which glyphosate chelates with Fe(III)/Cu(II) and occupy the catalytical active sites of Fe3O4@Cu, thereby decreasing the generation of OH, and another in which glyphosate competes with TMB to consume generated OH, thus reducing the oxidation of TMB. This mechanism formed the basis of our novel dual-mode colorimetric/CL glyphosate nanosensor, which achieved limits of detection (LODs) of 0.086 µg/mL and 0.019 µg/mL in tests, thus demonstrating its significant potential for on-site glyphosate monitoring.

STAT6-targeting antisense oligonucleotides against solitary fibrous tumor

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a rare, non-hereditary soft tissue sarcoma thought to originate from fibroblastic mesenchymal stem cells. The etiology of SFT is thought to be due to an environmental intrachromosomal gene fusion between NGFI-A-binding protein 2 (NAB2) and signal transducer and activator protein 6 (STAT6) genes on chromosome 12, wherein the activation domain of STAT6 is fused with the DNA-binding domain of NAB2 resulting in the oncogenesis of SFT. All NAB2-STAT6 fusion variations discovered in SFTs contain the C-terminal of STAT6 transcript, and thus can serve as target site for antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs)-based therapies. Indeed, our in vitro studies show the STAT6 3' untranslated region (UTR)-targeting ASO (ASO 993523) was able to reduce expression of NAB2-STAT6 fusion transcripts in multiple SFT cell models with high efficiency (half-maximal inhibitory concentration: 116-300 nM). Encouragingly, in vivo treatment of SFT patient-derived xenograft mouse models with ASO 993523 resulted in acceptable tolerability profiles, reduced expression of NAB2-STAT6 fusion transcripts in xenograft tissues (21.9%), and, importantly, reduced tumor growth (32.4% decrease in tumor volume compared with the untreated control). Taken together, our study established ASO 993523 as a potential agent for the treatment of SFTs.

Distribution characteristics and microbial synergistic degradation potential of polyethylene and polypropylene in freshwater estuarine sediments

The microbial degradation of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) resins in rivers and lakes has emerged as a crucial issue in the management of microplastics. This study revealed that as the flow rate decreased longitudinally, ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N), heavy fraction of organic carbon (HFOC), and small-size microplastics (< 1 mm) gradually accumulated in the deep and downstream estuarine sediments. Based on their surface morphology and carbonyl index, these sediments were identified as the potential hot zone for PE/PP degradation. Within the identified hot zone, concentrations of PE/PP-degrading genes, enzymes, and bacteria were significantly elevated compared to other zones, exhibiting strong intercorrelations. Analysis of niche differences revealed that the accumulation of NH4+-N and HFOC in the hot zone facilitated the synergistic coexistence of key bacteria responsible for PE/PP degradation within biofilms. The findings of this study offer a novel insight and comprehensive understanding of the distribution characteristics and synergistic degradation potential of PE/PP in natural freshwater environments.

A dual-targeting therapeutic nanobubble for imaging-guided atherosclerosis treatment

Atherosclerosis is a cardiovascular disease that seriously endangers human health. Low shear stress (LSS) is recognized as a vital factor in causing chronic inflammatory and further inducing the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis. Targeting imaging and treatment are of substantial significance for the diagnosis and therapy of atherosclerosis. On this ground, a kind of ultrasound (US) imaging-guided therapeutic polymer nanobubbles (NBs) with dual targeting of magnetism and antibody was rationally designed and constructed for the efficiently treating LSS-mediated atherosclerosis. Under the combined targeting effect of an external magnetic field and antibodies, the drug-loaded therapeutic NBs can be effectively accumulated in the inflammatory area caused by LSS. Upon US irradiation, the NBs can be selectively disrupted, leading to the rapid release of the loaded drugs at the targeted site. Notably, the US irradiation generates a cavitation effect that induces repairable micro gaps in nearby cells, thereby enhancing the uptake of released drugs and further improving the therapeutic effect. The prominent US imaging, efficient anti-inflammatory effect and treatment outcome of LSS-mediated atherosclerosis had been verified in vivo on a surgically constructed LSS-atherosclerosis animal model. This work showcased the potential of the designed NBs with multifunctionality for in vivo imaging, dual-targeting, and drug delivery in the treatment of atherosclerosis.

Neuroprotective effects of chaperone-mediated autophagy in neurodegenerative diseases

ABSTRACT

Chaperone-mediated autophagy is one of three types of autophagy and is characterized by the selective degradation of proteins. Chaperone-mediated autophagy contributes to energy balance and helps maintain cellular homeostasis, while providing nutrients and support for cell survival. Chaperone-mediated autophagy activity can be detected in almost all cells, including neurons. Owing to the extreme sensitivity of neurons to their environmental changes, maintaining neuronal homeostasis is critical for neuronal growth and survival. Chaperone-mediated autophagy dysfunction is closely related to central nervous system diseases. It has been shown that neuronal damage and cell death are accompanied by chaperone-mediated autophagy dysfunction. Under certain conditions, regulation of chaperone-mediated autophagy activity attenuates neurotoxicity. In this paper, we review the changes in chaperone-mediated autophagy in neurodegenerative diseases, brain injury, glioma, and autoimmune diseases. We also summarize the most recent research progress on chaperone-mediated autophagy regulation and discuss the potential of chaperone-mediated autophagy as a therapeutic target for central nervous system diseases.

Discovery of neuroprotective Agents: Potent, brain Penetrating, lipoic acid derivatives for the potential treatment of ischemic stroke by regulating oxidative stress and inflammation - a Preliminary study

Stroke poses a serious risk to the physical and mental health of patients. Endogenous compounds are widely used to treat ischemic stroke. Lipoic acid, a naturally occurring (R)-5-(1,2-dithiolan-3-yl)pentanoic acid, has therapeutic potential for the treatment of ischemic stroke. However, the direct application of lipoic acid is limited by its relatively low efficacy and instability. Therefore, there is a need to modify the structure of lipoic acid to improve its pharmaceutical capabilities. Currently, 37 lipoic acid derivatives have been synthesized, and compound AA-9 demonstrated optimal therapeutic potential in an in vitro model of induced oxidative damage using tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP). In addition, in vitro experiments have shown that compound AA-9 has an excellent safety profile. Subsequently, the therapeutic effect of AA-9 was significant in the rat MCAO ischemic stroke model, which may be attributed to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of compound AA-9 by activating PGC-1α and inhibiting NLRP3. Notably, compound AA-9 exhibited higher stability and better bioavailability properties than ALA in plasma stability and pharmacokinetic properties. In conclusion, AA-9 may be a promising neuroprotective agent for the treatment of ischemic stroke and warrants further investigation.

LC-MS based metabonomics study on protective mechanism of ESWW in cerebral ischemia via CYTC/Apaf-1/NDRG4 pathway

BACKGROUND

Ershiwuwei Zhenzhu pills was originally recorded in the Tibetan medical book Si Bu Yi Dian in the 8th century AD and is now included in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (2020). The pills can calm the nerves and open the mind as well as treat cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury, stroke, hemiplegia. However, its quality standards have not yet been established, and the therapeutic effect on cerebral ischemia by regulating the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway has not been elucidated.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

LC-MS was used to establish quality standards for Ershiwuwei Zhenzhu pills. Metabonomics, molecular docking, neuroethology, cerebral infarction ratio, pathological detection of diencephalon, cortex, and hippocampus, and molecular biology techniques were used to reveal the mechanism of the pills in regulating the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway to treat cerebral ischemia.

RESULTS

The contents of 20 chemical components in Ershiwuwei Zhenzhu pills from 12 batches and 8 manufacturers was determined for the first time. Eleven differential metabolites and three metabolic pathways, namely, fructose and mannose metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and purine metabolism, were identified by metabonomics. The pills improved the neuroethology abnormalities of MCAO rats and the pathological damage in the diencephalon and decreased the ratio of cerebral infarction. It also significantly reduced the mRNA expression of AIF, Apaf-1, cleared caspase8, CytC, and P53 mRNA in the brain tissue and the protein expression of Apaf-1 and CYTC and increased the protein expression of NDRG4.

CONCLUSION

In vitro quantitative analysis of the in vitro chemical components of Ershiwuwei Zhenzhu pills has laid the foundation for improving its quality control. The potential mechanism of the pills in treating cerebral ischemia may be related to the Apaf-1/CYTC/NDRG4 apoptosis pathway. This work provides guidance for clinical drug use for patients.

Interim analysis of the PARADISE study: Benefits of add-on peginterferon-α in NA-treated patients with CHB

This study aimed to investigate whether peginterferon-α (IFN) add-on nucleos(t)ide analogs(NAs) can further reduce hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) risk compared with NAs monotherapy in NA-treated patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB). In this multi-center randomized controlled trial "PARADISE study" (NCT05671315), CHB patients with intermediate to high risk of HCC after more than 24-week NAs pretreatment were recruited, randomized to two groups at a ratio of 1:2 and followed up for 240 weeks. NAs group maintained NAs monotherapy, while IFN + NAs group received IFN add-on NAs therapy for 48 weeks, then switched to NAs monotherapy. Totally, 196 patients were included in interim analysis (NAs group 68, IFN + NAs group 128). The 96-week cumulative HCC incidence was lower in IFN + NAs group than NAs group (0% vs. 4.5%, p < 0.05). Compared with NAs group, IFN + NAs group had significantly higher rates of HBsAg loss at week 48 and 96 (22.7% vs. 0%; 16.7% vs. 0%, both p < 0.05). A new scoring system was established to predict HBsAg decline >2log10 IU/ml, HBsAg <10 IU/ml or HBsAg loss at the end of 48-week IFN treatment. The area under ROC curve was 0.914, 0.922 or 0.905 in the original cohort (n = 128) and 0.896, 0.896 or 0.864 in the external validation cohort (n = 162) for the aforementioned three outcomes, respectively. IFN add-on NAs therapy may suggest the dual benefits of reducing HCC development and facilitating HBsAg loss among NA-treated CHB patients with intermediate to high risk of HCC. The new scoring system helps to make the most of IFN treatment for a higher cost-effectiveness in healthcare.

Biofilm formation of Hafnia paralvei induced by c-di-GMP through facilitating bcsB gene expression promotes spoilage of Yellow River carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Hafnia paralvei, a Gram-negative foodborne pathogen, is found ubiquitously in various aquatic animals and seafoods, which can form biofilm as a dominant virulence factor that contributes to its pathogenesis. However, the biofilm formation mechanism of H. paralvei and its effect on food spoilage has not been fully characterized. Here we show that biofilm formation, is regulated by c-di-GMP which mediated by bcsB, can increase the spoilage ability of H. paralvei. We found that GTP was added exogenously to enhance the synthesis of c-di-GMP, which further promoted biofilm formation. The gene dgcC, one of 11 genes encoding GGDEF domain-containing proteins in H. paralvei, was significantly upregulated with GTP as substrate. The upregulation of dgcC contributes to a significant increase of c-di-GMP and the formation of biofilm. In addition, the overexpression of dgcC induced upregulation of bcsB, a reported effector protein encoding gene, which was further demonstrated that overexpression of bcsB can encourage the synthesis of bacterial cellulose and biofilm formation. The effect of biofilm formation induced by c-di-GMP on spoilage of Yellow River carp (Cyprinus carpio) was evaluated by sensory evaluation, the total viable count, and the total volatile basic nitrogen, which showed that biofilm formation can significantly increase the spoilage ability of H. paralvei on C. carpio. Our findings provide the regulation of c-di-GMP on expression of bcsB, that can contribute to biofilm formation and spoilage ability of H. paralvei, which is favor to understanding the pathogenesis of Hafnia paralvei and its role in food spoilage.

Enzymatic modular synthesis of asymmetrically branched human milk oligosaccharides

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are intricate glycans that promote healthy growth of infants and have been incorporated into infant formula as food additives. Despite their importance, the limited availability of asymmetrically branched HMOs hinders the exploration of their structure and function relationships. Herein, we report an enzymatic modular strategy for the efficient synthesis of these HMOs. The key branching enzyme for the assembly of branched HMOs, human β1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase 2 (GCNT2), was successfully expressed in Pichia pastoris for the first time. Then, it was integrated with six other bacterial glycosyltransferases to establish seven glycosylation modules. Each module comprises a one-pot multi-enzyme (OPME) system for in-situ generation of costly sugar nucleotide donors, combined with a glycosyltransferase for specific glycosylation. This approach enabled the synthesis of 31 branched HMOs and 13 linear HMOs in a stepwise manner with well-programmed synthetic routes. The binding details of these HMOs with related glycan-binding proteins were subsequently elucidated using glycan microarray assays to provide insights into their biological functions. This comprehensive collection of synthetic HMOs not only serves as standards for HMOs structure identification in complex biological samples but also significantly enhances the fields of HMOs glycomics, opening new avenues for biomedical applications.

An improved method for generating human spinal cord neural stem cells

Neural stem cells have exhibited efficacy in pre-clinical models of spinal cord injury (SCI) and are on a translational path to human testing. We recently reported that neural stem cells must be driven to a spinal cord fate to optimize host axonal regeneration into sites of implantation in the injured spinal cord, where they subsequently form neural relays across the lesion that support significant functional improvement. We also reported methods of deriving and culturing human spinal cord neural stem cells derived from embryonic stem cells that can be sustained over serial high passage numbers in vitro, providing a potentially optimized cell source for human clinical trials. We now report further optimization of methods for deriving and sustaining cultures of human spinal cord neural stem cell lines that result in improved karyotypic stability while retaining anatomical efficacy in vivo. This development improves prospects for safe human translation.

Sulfated glyco-based hydrogels as self-healing, adhesive, and anti-inflammatory dressings for wound healing

Hydrogels have emerged as a new type of wound dressing materials that involved in different stages of the healing processes. However, most of the existing wound dressings mainly offer a protective and moisturizing layer to prevent cross-infection, while the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties are frequently induced by extra addition of other bioactive molecules. Here, a novel type of sulfated glyco-functionalized hydrogels for wound dressing was prepared through the hybrid supramolecular co-assembly of carbohydrate segments (FG, FGS and FG3S), fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl-diphenylalanine (Fmoc-FF), and diphenylalanine-dopamine (FFD). Implanting sulfated carbohydrates can mimic the structure of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), promoting cell proliferation and migration, along with anti-inflammatory effects. In situ polymerization of FFD introduced a secondary covalent network to the hydrogel, meanwhile, providing anti-oxidation and adhesion properties to wound surfaces. Furthermore, the dynamic supramolecular interactions within the hydrogels also confer self-healing capabilities to the wound dressing materials. In vivo experiments further demonstrated significantly accelerated healing rates with the multifunctional hydrogel FG3S-FFD, indicating high application potential.

Immobilization of Amino-site into a Pore-Partitioned Metal-Organic Framework for Highly Efficient Separation of Propyne/Propylene

Adsorptive separation of propyne/propylene (C3H4/C3H6) is a crucial yet complex process, however, it remains a great difficulty in developing porous materials that can meet the requirements for practical applications, particularly with an exceptional ability to bind and store trace amounts of C3H4. Functionalization of pore-partitioned metal-organic frameworks (ppMOFs) is methodically suited for this challenge owing to the possibility of dramatically increasing binding sites on highly porous and confined domains. We here immobilized Lewis-basic (-NH2) and Lewis-acidic (-NO2) sites on this platform. Along with an integrated nature of high uptake of C3H4 at 1 kPa, high uptake difference of C3H4-C3H6, moderated binding strength, promoted kinetic selectivity, trapping effect and high stability, the NH2-decorated ppMOF (NTU-100-NH2) can efficiently produce polymer-grade C3H6 (99.95 %, 8.3 mmol ⋅ g-1) at room temperature, which is six times more than the NO2-decorated crystal (NTU-100-NO2). The in situ infrared spectroscopy, crystallographic analysis, and sequential blowing tests showed that the densely packed amino group in this highly porous system has a unique ability to recognize and stabilize C3H4 molecules. Moving forward, the strategy of organic functionalization can be extended to other porous systems, making it a powerful tool to customize advanced materials for challenging tasks.

SMYD2-Methylated PPARγ Facilitates Hypoxia-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension by Activating Mitophagy

BACKGROUND

Hyperproliferation of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) and consequent pulmonary vascular remodeling are the crucial pathological features of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Protein methylation has been shown to be critically involved in PASMC proliferation and PH, but the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown.

METHODS

PH animal models were generated by treating mice/rats with chronic hypoxia for 4 weeks. SMYD2-vTg mice (vascular smooth muscle cell-specific suppressor of variegation, enhancer of zeste, trithorax and myeloid Nervy DEAF-1 domain-containing protein 2 transgenic) or wild-type rats and mice treated with LLY-507 were used to investigate the function of SMYD2 (suppressor of variegation, enhancer of zeste, trithorax and myeloid Nervy DEAF-1 domain-containing protein 2) on PH development in vivo. Primary cultured rat PASMCs with SMYD2 knockdown or overexpression were used to explore the effects of SMYD2 on proliferation and to decipher the underlying mechanism.

RESULTS

We demonstrated that the expression of the lysine methyltransferase SMYD2 was upregulated in the smooth muscle cells of pulmonary arteries from patients with PH and hypoxia-exposed rats/mice and in the cytoplasm of hypoxia-induced rat PASMCs. More importantly, targeted inhibition of SMYD2 by LLY-507 significantly attenuated hypoxia-induced pulmonary vascular remodeling and PH development in both male and female rats in vivo and reduced rat PASMC hyperproliferation in vitro. In contrast, SMYD2-vTg mice exhibited more severe PH phenotypes and related pathological changes than nontransgenic mice after 4 weeks of chronic hypoxia treatment. Furthermore, SMYD2 overexpression promoted, while SMYD2 knockdown suppressed, the proliferation of rat PASMCs by affecting the cell cycle checkpoint between S and G2 phases. Mechanistically, we revealed that SMYD2 directly interacted with and monomethylated PPARγ (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma) to inhibit the nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity of PPARγ, which further promoted mitophagy to facilitate PASMC proliferation and PH development. Furthermore, rosiglitazone, a PPARγ agonist, largely abolished the detrimental effects of SMYD2 overexpression on PASMC proliferation and PH.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrated that SMYD2 monomethylates nonhistone PPARγ and inhibits its nuclear translocation and activation to accelerate PASMC proliferation and PH by triggering mitophagy, indicating that targeting SMYD2 or activating PPARγ are potential strategies for the prevention of PH.

Effects of intrinsically disordered regions in gp120 underlying HIV neutralization phenotypes

HIV envelope protein gp120 is considered a primary molecular determinant of viral neutralization phenotype due to its critical role in viral entry and immune evasion. The intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) in gp120 are responsible for their extensive sequence variations and significant structural rearrangements. Despite HIV neutralization phenotype and sequence/structural information of gp120 have been experimentally characterized, there remains a gap in our understanding of the correlation between the viral phenotype and IDRs in gp120. Here, we combined machine learning (ML) techniques and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to gain data-driven and molecule-mechanism insights into relationships between viral sequence, structure, and phenotypes from the perspective of IDRs in gp120. ML models, trained only on the length and disorder score of IDRs, achieved equivalent performance to the best baseline model using amino acid sequences to discriminate HIV neutralization phenotype, indicating that the lengths or disorder of specific IDRs are strongly related to HIV neutralization phenotypes. Comparative MD analysis reveals that gp120 with extreme neutralization phenotypes in multiple conformational states, especially some IDRs, exhibit significantly distinct structural dynamics, conformational flexibility, and thermodynamic distributions. Taken together, our study provided insights into the role of IDRs in gp120 responding to HIV neutralization phenotypes, which will advance the understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying viral function associated with HIV neutralization phenotype and help develop antiviral vaccines or drugs.

Strong associations between dissolved organic matter and microbial communities in the sediments of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau lakes depend on salinity

In aquatic ecosystems, dissolved organic matter (DOM) plays a vital role in microbial communities and the biogeochemical cycling of elements. However, little is known about the associations between DOM and microbial communities in lake sediments. This study investigated the composition of water-extractable organic matter and microbial communities in surface sediments of lakes with different salinities on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry and high-throughput microbial sequencing techniques were employed to assess the associations between molecular diversity and microbial diversity and the effects of salinity in 19 lakes spanning a salinity range from 0.22 ‰ to 341.87 ‰. Our results show that increasing salinity of lake water led to higher molecular diversity of DOM in surface sediments. High-salinity lakes exhibited distinct DOM characteristics, such as lower aromaticity, smaller molecular weight, and higher oxidation degree, compared to freshwater lakes. The complexity of the microbial network composition of sediments first increased and then decreased with the increase of salinity. Moreover, as salinity increases, the dominant species transitioned from Gammaproteobacteria to Bacteroidia, and this transition was accompanied by a decrease in microbial diversity and an increase in molecular diversity. Microbial factors accounted for 34.68 % of the variation in the molecular composition of DOM. Overall, this study emphasizes the significant effects of salinity on both molecular and microbial diversity in lake sediments. Furthermore, our findings underscore the importance of microbes in controlling the range of organic compounds present in lakes and deepen our knowledge of the biogeochemical cycling of DOM.

A Small Wave Missed in Wide Complex Tachycardia

This case report describes a patient in their 60s with intermittent palpitation, weakness, and irregular cardiac rhythm.

The complexity of glucose time series is associated with short- and long-term mortality in critically ill adults: a multi-center, prospective, observational study

BACKGROUND

The wealth of data taken from continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) remains to be fully used. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between a promising new CGM metric, complexity of glucose time series index (CGI), and mortality in critically ill patients.

METHODS

A total of 293 patients admitted to mixed medical/surgical intensive care units from 5 medical centers in Shanghai were prospectively included between May 2020 and November 2021. CGI was assessed using intermittently scanned CGM, with a median monitoring period of 12.0 days. Outcome measures included short- and long-term mortality.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up period of 1.7 years, a total of 139 (47.4%) deaths were identified, of which 73 (24.9%) occurred within the first 30 days after ICU admission, and 103 (35.2%) within 90 days. The multivariable-adjusted HRs for 30-day mortality across ascending tertiles of CGI were 1.00 (reference), 0.68 (95% CI 0.38-1.22) and 0.36 (95% CI 0.19-0.70), respectively. For per 1-SD increase in CGI, the risk of 30-day mortality was decreased by 51% (HR 0.49, 95% CI 0.35-0.69). Further adjustment for HbA1c, mean glucose during hospitalization and glucose variability partially attenuated these associations, although the link between CGI and 30-day mortality remained significant (per 1-SD increase: HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.40-0.83). Similar results were observed when 90-day mortality was considered as the outcome. Furthermore, CGI was also significantly and independently associated with long-term mortality (per 1-SD increase: HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.61-0.97).

CONCLUSIONS

In critically ill patients, CGI is significantly associated with short- and long-term mortality.

Synergistic effect between transition metal single atom and SnS2 toward deep CO2 reduction

The electrochemical reduction of CO2 is an efficient channel to facilitate energy conversion, but the rapid design and rational screening of high-performance catalysts remain a great challenge. In this work, we investigated the relationships between the configuration, energy, and electronic properties of SnS2 loaded with transition metal single atom (TM@SnS2) and analyzed the mechanism of CO2 activation and reduction by using density functional theory. The "charge transfer bridge" promoted the adsorption of CO2 on TM@SnS2, thus enhancing the binding of HCOOH∗ to the catalyst for further hydrogenation and reduction to high-value CH4. The research revealed that the binding free energy of COOH∗ on TM@SnS2 formed a "volcano curve" with the limiting potential of CO2 reduction to CH4, and the TM@SnS2 (TM = Cr, Ru, Os, and Pt) at the "volcano top" exhibited a high CH4 activity.

Establishment and validation of an artificial intelligence web application for predicting postoperative in-hospital mortality in patients with hip fracture: a National cohort study of 52,707 cases

BACKGROUND

In-hospital mortality following hip fractures is a significant concern, and accurate prediction of this outcome is crucial for appropriate clinical management. Nonetheless, there is a lack of effective prediction tools in clinical practice. By utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques, this study aims to develop a predictive model that can assist clinicians in identifying geriatric hip fracture patients at a higher risk of in-hospital mortality.

METHODS

A total of 52,707 geriatric hip fracture patients treated with surgery from 90 hospitals were included in this study. The primary outcome was postoperative in-hospital mortality. The patients were randomly divided into two groups, with a ratio of 7:3. The majority of patients, assigned to the training cohort, were used to develop the AI models. The remaining patients, assigned to the validation cohort, were used to validate the models. Various machine learning algorithms, including logistic regression (LR), decision tree (DT), naïve Bayesian (NB), neural network (NN), eXGBoosting machine (eXGBM), and random forest (RF), were employed for model development. A comprehensive scoring system, incorporating 10 evaluation metrics, was developed to assess the prediction performance, with higher scores indicating superior predictive capability. Based on the best machine learning-based model, an AI application was developed on the Internet. In addition, a comparative testing of prediction performance between doctors and the AI application.

FINDINGS

The eXGBM model exhibited the best prediction performance, with an AUC of 0.908 (95% CI: 0.881-0.932), as well as the highest accuracy (0.820), precision (0.817), specificity (0.814), and F1 score (0.822), and the lowest Brier score (0.120) and log loss (0.374). Additionally, the model showed favorable calibration, with a slope of 0.999 and an intercept of 0.028. According to the scoring system incorporating 10 evaluation metrics, the eXGBM model achieved the highest score (56), followed by the RF model (48) and NN model (41). The LR, DT, and NB models had total scores of 27, 30, and 13, respectively. The AI application has been deployed online at https://in-hospitaldeathinhipfracture-l9vhqo3l55fy8dkdvuskvu.streamlit.app/ , based on the eXGBM model. The comparative testing revealed that the AI application's predictive capabilities significantly outperformed those of the doctors in terms of AUC values (0.908 vs. 0.682, P <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The eXGBM model demonstrates promising predictive performance in assessing the risk of postoperative in-hospital mortality among geriatric hip fracture patients. The developed AI model serves as a valuable tool to enhance clinical decision-making.

Single organ metastatic sites in non-small cell lung cancer: Patient characteristics, treatment patterns and outcomes from a large retrospective Canadian cohort

BACKGROUND

There is a paucity of information about the characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with single organ metastasis (SOM).

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study includes all patients with a diagnosis of stage IV NSCLC diagnosed from 2014 to 2016 and treated at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. We compared baseline characteristics and patterns of metastatic sites between patients with SOM versus multiple (M)OM. Additionally, we identified treatment modalities and outcomes for patients with SOM. Cox multivariable models (MVA) were utilized to evaluate differences in overall survival (OS) between the SOM and MOM cohorts.

RESULTS

Of 893 pts analyzed, 457 (51 %) had SOM, while 436 (49 %) had MOM at initial diagnosis. Demographics were comparable between the two groups. Brain was the most common site of metastasis for SOM patients. When compared to the MOM group, the SOM group had lower percentages of liver and adrenal metastases. Amongst SOM patients, 54 % received single modality treatment, and 20 % did not receive any treatment for their SOM. In MVA, patients with liver (HR 2.4), bone (HR 1.8), and pleural (HR 1.7) metastasis as their SOM site had the worst outcomes, with median OS of 6.8 months, 12.1 months, and 13.0 months respectively. Patients with SOM had a significantly improved median OS compared to those with MOM (15.9 months vs. 10.6 months; HR 0.56, 95 % CI 0.47-0.66, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In NSCLC patients who presented with SOM, survival correlated with the initial organ involved and was better overall compared to patients with MOM. SOM NSCLC may benefit from specific management strategies and SOM patients could be considered as a specific subgroup for survival analyses in observational and non-randomized interventional studies. In clinical trials, SOM can be considered as a stratification factor in the future.

Impact of stage-specific limb function exercises guided by a self-management education model on arteriovenous fistula maturation status

BACKGROUND

The exercise of limb function is the most economical and safe method to promote the maturation of arteriovenous fistula (AVF). However, due to the lack of a unified exercise standard in China, many patients have insufficient awareness of the importance of AVF, leading to poor effectiveness of limb function exercise. The self-management education model can effectively promote patients to take proactive health-related actions. This study focuses on the characteristics of patients during the peri-AVF period and conducts a phased limb function exercise under the guidance of the self-management education model to observe changes in factors such as the maturity of AVF.

AIM

To assess the impact of stage-specific limb function exercises, directed by a self-management education model, on the maturation status of AVFs.

METHODS

This study is a randomized controlled trial involving 74 patients with forearm AVFs from the Nephrology Department of a tertiary hospital in Sichuan Province, China. Patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group using a random number table method. The observation group underwent tailored stage-specific limb function exercises, informed by a self-management education model which took into account the unique features of AVF at various stages, in conjunction with routine care. Conversely, the control group was given standard limb function exercises along with routine care. The assessment involves the maturity of AVFs post-intervention, postoperative complications, and the self-management level of the fistula in both groups patients. Analyses were conducted using SPSS version 23.0. Count data were represented by frequency and percentage and subjected to chi-square test comparisons. Measurement data adhering to a normal distribution were presented as mean ± SD. The independent samples t-test was utilized for inter-group comparisons, while the paired t-test was used for intra-group comparisons. For measurement data not fitting a normal distribution, the median and interquartile range were presented and analyzed using the Wilcoxon rank sum test.

RESULTS

At the 8-wk postoperative mark, the observation group demonstrated significantly higher scores in AVF symptom recognition, symptom prevention, and self-management compared to the control group (P < 0.05). However, the variance in symptom management scores between the observation and control groups lacked statistical significance (P > 0.05). At 4 wk after the operation, the observation group displayed a superior vessel diameter and depth from the skin of the drainage vessels in comparison to the control group (P < 0.05). While the observation group did manifest elevated blood flow rates in the drainage vessels relative to the control group, this distinction was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). By the 8-wk postoperative interval, the observation group outperformed the control group with notable enhancements in blood flow rates, vessel diameter, and depth from the skin of drainage vessels (P < 0.01). Seven days following the procedure, the observation group manifested significantly diminished limb swelling and an overall reduced complication rate in contrast to the control group (P < 0.05). The evaluation of infection, thrombosis, embolism, arterial aneurysm stenosis, and incision bleeding showed no notable differences between the two groups (P > 0.05). By the 4-wk postoperative juncture, complications between the observation and control groups were statistically indistinguishable (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Stage-specific limb function exercises, under the guidance of a self-management education model, amplify the capacity of AVF patients to discern and prevent symptoms. Additionally, they expedite AVF maturation and mitigate postoperative limb edema, underscoring their efficacy as a valuable method for the care and upkeep of AVF in hemodialysis patients.

E-cardiac patch to sense and repair infarcted myocardium

Conductive cardiac patches can rebuild the electroactive microenvironment for the infarcted myocardium but their repair effects benefit by carried seed cells or drugs. The key to success is the effective integration of electrical stimulation with the microenvironment created by conductive cardiac patches. Besides, due to the concerns in a high re-admission ratio of heart patients, a remote medicine device will underpin the successful repair. Herein, we report a miniature self-powered biomimetic trinity triboelectric nanogenerator with a unique double-spacer structure that unifies energy harvesting, therapeutics, and diagnosis in one cardiac patch. Trinity triboelectric nanogenerator conductive cardiac patches improve the electroactivity of the infarcted heart and can also wirelessly monitor electrocardiosignal to a mobile device for diagnosis. RNA sequencing analysis from rat hearts reveals that this trinity cardiac patches mainly regulates cardiac muscle contraction-, energy metabolism-, and vascular regulation-related mRNA expressions in vivo. The research is spawning a device that truly integrates an electrical stimulation of a functional heart patch and self-powered e-care remote diagnostic sensor.

Effects of 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP, Bovaer®10) and whole cottonseed on milk production and enteric methane emissions from dairy cows under Swiss management conditions

The objective of this study was to determine the potential effect and interaction of 3- nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP; Bovaer®) and whole cottonseed (WCS) on lactational performance, and enteric methane (CH4) emission of dairy cows. A total of 16 multiparous cows, including 8 Holstein Friesian (HF) and 8 Brown Swiss (BS) [224 ± 36 d in milk, 26 ± 3.7 kg milk yield], were used in a split-plot design, where the main plot was the breed of cows. Within each subplot, cows were randomly assigned to a treatment sequence in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin Square design with 2 × 2 factorial arrangements of treatments with 4, 24-d periods. The experimental treatments were: 1) Control (basal TMR), 2) 3-NOP (60 mg/kg TMR DM), 3) WCS (5% TMR DM), and 4) 3-NOP + WCS. The treatment diets were balanced for ether extract, crude protein, and NDF contents (4%, 16%, and 43% of TMR DM, respectively). The basal diets were fed twice daily at 0800 and 1800 h. Dry matter intake (DMI) and milk yield were measured daily, and enteric gas emissions were measured (using the GreenFeed system) during the last 3 d of each 24-d experimental period when animals were housed in tie stalls. There was no difference in DMI on treatment level, whereas the WCS treatment increased ECM yield and milk fat yield. There was no interaction of 3-NOP and WCS for any of the enteric gas emission parameters, but 3-NOP decreased CH4 production (g/d), CH4 yield (g/kg DMI), and CH4 intensity (g/kg ECM) by 13, 14 and 13%, respectively. Further, an unexpected interaction of breed by 3-NOP was observed for different enteric CH4 emission metrics: HF cows had a greater CH4 mitigation effect compared with BS cows for CH4 production (g/d; 18 vs. 8%), CH4 intensity (g/kg MY; 19% vs. 3%) and CH4 intensity (g/kg ECM; 19 vs. 4%). Hydrogen production was increased by 2.85 folds in HF and 1.53 folds in BS cows receiving 3-NOP. Further, there was a 3-NOP ' Time interaction for both breeds. In BS cows, 3-NOP tended to reduce CH4 production by 18% at around 4 h after morning feeding but no effect was observed at other time points. In HF cows, the greatest mitigation effect of 3-NOP (29.6%) was observed immediately after morning feeding and it persisted at around 23% to 26% for 10 h until the second feed provision, and 3 h thereafter, in the evening. In conclusion, supplementing 3-NOP at 60 mg/kg DM to a high fiber diet resulted in 18 to 19% reduction in enteric CH4 emission in Swiss Holstein Friesian cows. The lower response to 3-NOP by BS cows was unexpected and has not been observed in other studies. These results should be interpreted with caution due to low number of cows per breed. Lastly, supplementing WCS at 5% of DM improved ECM and milk fat yield but did not enhance CH4 inhibition effect of 3-NOP of dairy cows.

Cadmium biosorption and mechanism investigation using two cadmium-tolerant microorganisms isolated from rhizosphere soil of rice

Microbial remediation of cadmium-contaminated soil offers advantages like environmental friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and simple operation. However, the efficacy of this remediation process relies on obtaining dominant strains and a comprehensive understanding of their Cd adsorption mechanisms. This study identified two Cd-resistant bacteria, Burkholderia sp. 1-22 and Bacillus sp. 6-6, with significant growth-promoting effects from rice rhizosphere soil. The strains showed remarkable Cd resistance up to ∼200 mg/L and alleviated Cd toxicity by regulating pH and facilitating bacterial adsorption of Cd. FTIR analysis showed crucial surface functional groups, like carboxyl and amino groups, on bacteria played significant roles in Cd adsorption. The strains could induce CdCO3 formation via a microbially induced calcium precipitation (MICP) mechanism, confirmed by SEM-EDS, X-ray analysis, and elemental mapping. Pot experiments showed these strains significantly increased organic matter and enzyme activity (e.g., urease, sucrase, peroxidase) in the rhizosphere soil versus the control group. These changes are crucial for restricting Cd mobility. Furthermore, strains 6-6 and 1-22 significantly enhance plant root detoxification of Cd, alleviating toxicity. Notably, increased pH likely plays a vital role in enhancing Cd precipitation and adsorption by strains, converting free Cd into non-bioavailable forms.

Tracing the geographical origin of endangered fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis, especially from Nagqu, using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS

Ophiocordyceps sinensis (OS), known as "soft gold", played an important role in local economic development. OS from different producing areas was difficult to be discriminated by the appearance. Nagqu OS, a distinguished and safeguarded geographical indication product, commands a premium price in market. The real claim of OS geographical origins is urgently required. Here, 81 OS samples were collected from Tibetan Plateau in China to explore markers for tracing origins. OS from Xigazê can be distinguished by dark color of head of caterpillar. Then 57 samples, a fully representative training-sample set, were used to set up OPLS-DA models by nontargeted metabolomics from UPLC-QTOF-MS. Certain markers were successfully identified and validation using 21 blind test samples confirmed that the markers can trace the geographical origin of OS, especially Nagqu samples. It was affirmed that UPLC-QTOF-MS-based untargeted metabolomics coupled with OPLS-DA was a reliable strategy to trace the geographical origins of OS.

Assessing public health service capability of primary healthcare personnel: a large-scale survey in Henan Province, China

BACKGROUND

The public health service capability of primary healthcare personnel directly affects the utilization and delivery of health services, and is influenced by various factors. This study aimed to examine the status, factors, and urban-rural differences of public health service capability among primary healthcare personnel, and provided suggestions for improvement.

METHODS

We used cluster sampling to survey 11,925 primary healthcare personnel in 18 regions of Henan Province from 20th to March 31, 2023. Data encompassing demographics and public health service capabilities, including health lifestyle guidance, chronic disease management, health management of special populations, and vaccination services. Multivariable regression analysis was employed to investigate influencing factors. Propensity Score Matching (PSM) quantified urban-rural differences.

RESULTS

The total score of public health service capability was 80.17 points. Chronic disease management capability scored the lowest, only 19.60. Gender, education level, average monthly salary, professional title, health status, employment form, work unit type, category of practicing (assistant) physician significantly influenced the public health service capability (all P < 0.05). PSM analysis revealed rural primary healthcare personnel had higher public health service capability scores than urban ones.

CONCLUSIONS

The public health service capability of primary healthcare personnel in Henan Province was relatively high, but chronic disease management required improvement. Additionally, implementing effective training methods for different subgroups, and improving the service capability of primary medical and health institutions were positive measures.

Anti-inflammatory lindenane sesquiterpenoid dimers from the roots of Chloranthus holostegius var. trichoneurus

Two new lindenane-type sesquiterpenoid dimers, chlotrichenes C and D (1 and 2) together with five known lindenane-type sesquiterpenoid dimers (3-7) were isolated from the roots of Chloranthus holostegius var. trichoneurus, a famous natural medicine named as "Sikuaiwa" for subduing swellings and relieving pain. The structures including absolute configuration were elucidated by their 1D and 2D NMR, HRESIMS, and ECD data. Compounds 1 and 2 were classical [4 + 2] lindenane-type sesquiterpenoid dimers that differed from known analogs in oxidation profile, side chain profile, and double bond position. The new isolates and compound 3 exhibited significant inhibitory activity on IL-1β production (IC50: 1-15 μM) in LPS-induced THP-1 cells and other compounds exhibited inhibitory activity on NO production in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells (IC50: 24-33 μM).

Association of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D with cardiovascular mortality and kidney outcome in patients with early stages of CKD

PURPOSE

While serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) deficiency is prevalent in chronic kidney disease (CKD), the effects of 25(OH)D deficiency on cardiovascular mortality and kidney outcomes in patients with early-stage CKD remain incompletely understood.

METHODS

This multicenter retrospective cohort study included adult patients with stages 1-3 CKD from 19 medical centers across China between January 2000 and May 2021. The primary outcome was cardiovascular mortality. The secondary study outcome included CKD progression (defined as a sustained > 40% eGFR decrease from baseline or progress to end-stage kidney disease), and annual percentage change of eGFR.

RESULTS

Of 9229 adults with stages 1-3 CKD, 27.0% and 38.9% had severe (< 10 ng/mL) and moderate (10 to < 20 ng/mL) serum 25(OH)D deficiency, respectively. Compared with patients having 25(OH)D ≥ 20 ng/mL, a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.90, 95% CI 1.37-2.63), CKD progression (HR 2.20, 95% CI 1.68-2.88), and a steeper annual decline in eGFR (estimate - 7.87%; 95% CI - 10.24% to - 5.51% per year) was found in those with serum 25(OH)D < 10 ng/mL. Similar results were obtained in subgroups and by sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

25(OH)D deficiency is associated with increased risks of cardiovascular mortality and CKD progression in patients with early-stage CKD. Studies are needed to determine whether early intervention for 25(OH)D deficiency could improve the prognosis of patients with early-stage CKD.

Effect of polyethylene microplastics on antibiotic resistance genes: A comparison based on different soil types and plant types

Microplastics (MPs) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are two types of contaminants that are widely present in the soil environment. MPs can act as carriers of microbes, facilitating the colonization and spread of ARGs and thus posing potential hazards to ecosystem safety and human health. In the present study, we explored the microbial networks and ARG distribution characteristics in different soil types (heavy metal (HM)-contaminated soil and agricultural soil planted with different plants: Bidens pilosa L., Ipomoea aquatica F., and Brassica chinensis L.) after the application of MPs and evaluated environmental factors, potential microbial hosts, and ARGs. The microbial communities in the three rhizosphere soils were closely related to each other, and the modularity of the microbial networks was greater than 0.4. Moreover, the core taxa in the microbial networks, including Actinobacteriota, Proteobacteria, and Myxococcota, were important for resisting environmental stress. The ARG resistance mechanisms were dominated by antibiotic efflux in all three rhizosphere soils. Based on the annotation results, the MP treatments induced changes in the relative abundance of microbes carrying ARGs, and the G1-5 treatment significantly increased the abundance of MuxB in Verrucomicrobia, Elusimicrobia, Actinobacteria, Planctomycetes, and Acidobacteria. Path analysis showed that changes in MP particle size and dosage may indirectly affect soil enzyme activities by changing pH, which affects microbes and ARGs. We suggest that MPs may provide surfaces for ARG accumulation, leading to ARG enrichment in plants. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that MPs, as potentially persistent pollutants, can affect different types of soil environments and that the presence of ARGs may cause substantial environmental risks.

Interaction patterns and keystone taxa of bacterial and eukaryotic communities during sulfamethoxazole mineralization in lake sediment

Sulfamethoxazole (SMX) is a common antibiotic pollutant in aquatic environments, which is highly persistent under various conditions and significantly contributes to the spread of antibiotic resistance. Biodegradation is the major pathway to eliminate antibiotics in the natural environment. The roles of bacteria and eukaryotes in the biodegradation of antibiotics have received considerable attention; however, their successions and co-occurrence patterns during the biodegradation of antibiotics remain unexplored. In this study, 13C-labled SMX was amended to sediment samples from Zhushan Bay (ZS), West Shore (WS), and Gonghu Bay (GH) in Taihu Lake to explore the interplay of bacterial and eukaryotic communities during a 30-day incubation period. The cumulative SMX mineralization on day 30 ranged from 5.2 % to 19.3 %, which was the highest in WS and the lowest in GH. The bacterial community showed larger within-group interactions than between-group interactions, and the positive interactions decreased during incubation. However, the eukaryotic community displayed larger between-group interactions than within-group interactions, and the positive interactions increased during incubation. The proportion of negative interactions between bacteria and eukaryotes increased during incubation. Fifty genera (including 46 bacterial and 4 eukaryotic genera) were identified as the keystone taxa due to their dominance in the co-occurrence network and tolerance to SMX. The cumulative relative abundance of these keystone taxa significantly increased during incubation and was consistent with the SMX mineralization rate. These taxa closely cooperated and played vital roles in co-occurrence networks and microbial community interactions, signifying their crucial role in SMX mineralization. These findings broadened our understanding of the complex interactions of microorganisms under SMX exposure and their potential functions during SMX mineralization, providing valuable insights for in situ bioremediation.

Temperature-phased anaerobic sludge digestion effectively removes antibiotic resistance genes in a full-scale wastewater treatment plant

Sludge is a major by-product and the final reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Temperature-phased anaerobic digestion (TPAD), consisting of thermophilic anaerobic digestion (AD) (55 °C) and mesophilic AD processes (37 °C), has been implemented in WWTPs for sludge reduction while improving the biomethane production. However, the impact of TPAD on the ARGs' fate is still undiscovered in lab-scale experiments and full-scale WWTPs. This study, for the first time, investigated the fate of ARGs during the TPAD process across three seasons in a full-size WWTP. Ten typical ARGs and one integrase gene of class 1 integron (intI1) involving ARGs horizontal gene transfer were examined in sludge before and after each step of the TPAD process. TPAD reduced aac(6')-Ib-cr, blaTEM, drfA1, sul1, sul2, ermb, mefA, tetA, tetB and tetX by 87.3-100.0 %. TPAD reduced the overall average absolute abundance of targeted ARGs and intI1 by 92.39 % and 92.50 %, respectively. The abundance of targeted ARGs in sludge was higher in winter than in summer and autumn before and after TPAD. During the TPAD processes, thermophilic AD played a major role in the removal of ARGs, contributing to >60 % removal of ARGs, while the subsequent mesophilic AD contributed to a further 31 % removal of ARGs. The microbial community analysis revealed that thermophilic AD reduced the absolute abundance of ARGs hosts, antibiotic resistant bacteria. In addition, thermophilic AD reduced the abundance of the intI1, while the intI1 did not reproduce during the mesophilic AD, also contributing to a decline in the absolute abundance of ARGs in TPAD. This study demonstrates that TPAD can effectively reduce the abundance of ARGs in sludge, which will suppress the transmission of ARGs from sludge into the natural environment and deliver environmental and health benefits to our society.

Development and validation of a risk prediction model for physical frailty in older adults who are disabled

Physical frailty is highly prevalent among the older adults who are disabled. The aim of this study was to explore the risk factors for physical frailty in older adults who are disabled and construct a nomogram prediction model. The data source was the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). The prediction model was validated with a cohort of 1183 older adults who are disabled. The results showed that sleep quality, depression, fatigue, and chronic disease were the best predictive factors. These factors were used to construct the nomogram model, which showed good concordance and accuracy. The prediction model yielded an Area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.760. Calibration curves showed significant agreement between the nomogram model and actual observations. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and Decision curve analysis (DCA) showed that the nomogram had good predictive performance. The nomogram is contributed to the screening of specific populations by clinicians.

Dynamics of solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) and its response to meteorological drought in the Yellow River Basin

Solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) has been used since its discovery to characterize vegetation photosynthesis and is an effective tool for monitoring vegetation dynamics. Its response to meteorological drought enhances our comprehension of the ecological consequences and adaptive mechanisms of plants facing water scarcity, informing more efficient resource management and efforts in mitigating climate change. This study investigates the spatial and temporal patterns of SIF and examines how vegetation SIF in the Yellow River Basin (YRB) responds to meteorological drought. The findings reveal a gradual southeast-to-northwest decline in SIF across the Yellow River Basin, with an overall increase-from 0.1083 W m-2μm-1sr-1 in 2001 to 0.1468 W m-2μm-1sr-1 in 2019. Approximately 96% of the YRB manifests an upward SIF trend, with 75% of these areas reaching statistical significance. The Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) at a time scale of 4 months (The SPEI-4), based on the Liang-Kleeman information flow method, is identified as the most suitable drought index, adeptly characterizing the causal relationship influencing SIF variations. As drought intensified, the SPEI-4 index markedly deviated from the baseline, resulting in a decrease in SIF values to their lowest value; subsequently, as drought lessened, it gravitated towards the baseline, and SIF values began to gradually increase, eventually recovering to near their annual maximum. The key finding is that the variability of SIF with SPEI is relatively pronounced in the early growing season, with forests demonstrating superior resilience compared to grasslands and croplands. The responsiveness of vegetation SIF to SPEI can facilitate the establishment of effective drought early warning systems and promote the rational planning of water resources, thereby mitigating the impacts of climate change.

Clinical Arterial Spin-Labeling MR Imaging to Screen for Typical and Atypical Neurodegenerative Disease in the New Era of Alzheimer Treatment

The clinical standard of care in the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases relies on [18F] FDG-PET/CT or PET MR imaging. Limitations of FDG-PET include cost, the need for IV access, radiation exposure, and availability. Arterial spin-labeling MR imaging has been shown in research settings to be useful as a proxy for FDG-PET in differentiating Alzheimer disease from frontotemporal dementia. However, it is not yet widely used in clinical practice, except in cerebrovascular disease. Here, we present 7 patients, imaged with our routine clinical protocol with diverse presentations of Alzheimer disease and other neurodegenerative diseases, in whom arterial spin-labeling-derived reduced CBF correlated with hypometabolism or amyloid/tau deposition on PET. Our case series illustrates the clinical diagnostic utility of arterial spin-labeling MR imaging as a fast, accessible, and noncontrast screening tool for neurodegenerative disease. Arterial spin-labeling MR imaging can guide patient selection for subsequent PET or fluid biomarker work-up, as well as for possible therapy with antiamyloid monoclonal antibodies.

Metabolomics analysis of different diameter classes of Taxus chinensis reveals that the resource allocation is related to carbon and nitrogen metabolism

Taxus chinensis (Taxus cuspidata Sieb. et Zucc.) is a traditional medicinal plant known for its anticancer substance paclitaxel, and its growth age is also an important factor affecting its medicinal value. However, how age affects the physiological and metabolic characteristics and active substances of T. chinensis is still unclear. In this study, carbon and nitrogen accumulation, contents of active substances and changes in primary metabolites in barks and annual leaves of T. chinensis of different diameter classes were investigated by using diameter classes instead of age. The results showed that leaves and barks of small diameter class (D1) had higher content of non-structural carbohydrates and C, which were effective in enhancing defense capacity, while N content was higher in medium (D2) and large diameter classes (D3). Active substances such as paclitaxel, baccatin III and cephalomannine also accumulated significantly in barks of large diameter classes. Moreover, 21 and 25 differential metabolites were identified in leaves and barks of different diameter classes, respectively. The differential metabolites were enhanced the TCA cycle and amino acid biosynthesis, accumulate metabolites such as organic acids, and promote the synthesis and accumulation of active substances such as paclitaxel in the medium and large diameter classes. These results revealed the carbon and nitrogen allocation mechanism of different diameter classes of T. chinensis, and its relationship with medicinal components, providing a guidance for the harvesting and utilization of wild T. chinensis.