Insight into N2O emission and denitrifier communities under different aeration intensities in composting of cattle manure from perspective of multi-factor interaction analysis

Nitrous oxide (N2O) emission from composting is a significant contributor to greenhouse effect and ozone depletion, which poses a threat to environment. To address the challenge of mitigating N2O emission during composting, this study investigated the response of N2O emission and denitrifier communities (detected by metagenome sequencing) to aeration intensities of 6 L/min (C6), 12 L/min (C12), and 18 L/min (C18) in cattle manure composting using multi-factor interaction analysis. Results showed that N2O emission occurred mainly at mesophilic phase. Cumulative N2O emission (QN2O, 9.79 mg·kg-1 DW) and total nitrogen loss (TN loss, 16.40 %) in C12 composting treatment were significantly lower than those in the other two treatments. The lower activity of denitrifying enzymes and the more complex and balanced network of denitrifiers and environmental factors might be responsible for the lower N2O emission. Denitrification was confirmed to be the major pathway for N2O production. Moisture content (MC) and Luteimonas were the key factors affecting N2O emission, and nosZ-carrying denitrifier played a significant role in reducing N2O emission. Although relative abundance of nirS was lower than that of nirK significantly (P < 0.05), nirS was the key gene influencing N2O emission. Community composition of denitrifier varied significantly with different aeration treatments (R2 = 0.931, P = 0.001), and Achromobacter was unique to C12 at mesophilic phase. Physicochemical factors had higher effect on QN2O, whereas denitrifying genes, enzymes and NOX- had lower effect on QN2O in C12. The complex relationship between N2O emission and the related factors could be explained by multi-factor interaction analysis more comprehensively. This study provided a novel understanding of mechanism of N2O emission regulated by aeration intensity in composting.

Improving prediction of N2O emissions during composting using model-agnostic meta-learning

Nitrous oxide (N2O) represents a significant environmental challenge as a harmful, long-lived greenhouse gas that contributes to the depletion of stratospheric ozone and exacerbates global anthropogenic greenhouse warming. Composting is considered a promising and economically feasible strategy for the treatment of organic waste. However, recent research indicates that composting is a source of N2O, contributing to atmospheric pollution and greenhouse effect. Consequently, there is a need for the development of effective, cost-efficient methodologies to quantify N2O emissions accurately. In this study, we employed the model-agnostic meta-learning (MAML) method to improve the performance of N2O emissions prediction during manure composting. The highest R2 and lowest root mean squared error (RMSE) values achieved were 0.939 and 18.42 mg d-1, respectively. Five machine learning methods including the backpropagation neural network, extreme learning machine, integrated machine learning method based on ELM and random forest, gradient boosting decision tree, and extreme gradient boosting were adopted for comparison to further demonstrate the effectiveness of the MAML prediction model. Feature analysis showed that moisture content of structure material and ammonium concentration during composting process were the two most significant features affecting N2O emissions. This study serves as proof of the application of MAML during N2O emissions prediction, further giving new insights into the effects of manure material properties and composting process data on N2O emissions. This approach helps determining the strategies for mitigating N2O emissions.

Core bacteria and fungi in response to residue retention and their contribution to soil multifunctionality in maize agroecosystem

Core microbiome has been proven to play crucial roles in soil function. However, we still lack knowledge on how core microbiome responds to crop residue retention, and whether they contribute to this process. Consequently, we examined the effect of residue retention on soil core and non-core microbial communities in maize seedling, mature stage and freezing period based on a multi-site field experiment in Sanjiang Plain, Northeast China. Totally, 247 bacterial amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) and 109 fungal ASVs were identified as core microbiota. Both core and non-core bacterial/fungal community composition were significantly influenced by residue retention across all study sites. Especially, the core fungal community shifted towards a saprotroph-dominated community. Normalized stochastic ratio pattern revealed that that deterministic process dominated both core and non-core microbial community assembly processes. Residue retention enhanced the deterministic process of core microbial community assembly, while exhibited opposite effect on non-core microbial community. This study also revealed that soil fungi were more sensitive to residue retention than bacteria, with a larger proportion of core fungi were enriched or depleted by residue retention. In addition, residue retention complicated core bacterial co-occurrence network, while simplified fungal network. Our results pointed out both no reduction in microbial diversity or collapse in microbial network structure after repeated freezing-thawing cycles. The potential function of core microbiome was evaluated through random forest analysis and structural equation model, the results indicated core microbiome contributed more to multifunctionality than non-core microbiome. Overall, this study strengthened our understanding of soil core microbiome in response to residue retention, and highlighted their importance in maintaining soil multifunctionality.

Microstructural, Micromechanical Atlas of the Temporomandibular Joint Disc

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc is mainly composed of collagen, with its arrangement responding to efficient stress distribution. However, microstructural and micromechanical transformations of the TMJ disc under resting, functional, and pathological conditions remain unclear. To address this, our study presents a high-resolution microstructural and mechanical atlas of the porcine TMJ disc. First, the naive microstructure and mechanical properties were investigated in porcine TMJ discs (resting and functional conditions). Subsequently, the perforation and tear models (pathological conditions) were compared. Following this, a rabbit model of anterior disc displacement (abnormal stress) was studied. Results show diverse microstructures and mechanical properties at the nanometer to micrometer scale. In the functional state, gradual unfolding of the crimping cycle in secondary and tertiary structures leads to D-cycle prolongation in the primary structure, causing tissue failure. Pathological conditions lead to stress concentration near the injury site due to collagen interfibrillar traffic patterns, resulting in earlier damage manifestation. Additionally, the abnormal stress model shows collagen damage initiating at the primary structure and extending to the superstructure over time. These findings highlight collagen's various roles in different pathophysiological states. Our study offers valuable insights into TMJ disc function and dysfunction, aiding the development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for TMJ disorders, as well as providing guidance for the design of structural biomimetic materials.

MRI-based bone marrow radiomics for predicting cytogenetic abnormalities in multiple myeloma

AIM

To develop a radiomics signature applied to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-images to predict cytogenetic abnormalities in multiple myeloma (MM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with newly diagnosed MM were enrolled retrospectively from March 2019 to September 2022. They were categorised into the high-risk cytogenetics (HRC) group and standard-risk cytogenetics (SRC) group. The patients were allocated randomly at a ratio of 7:3 into training and validation cohorts. Volumes of interest (VOI) was drawn manually on fat suppression T2-weighted imaging (FS-T2WI) and copied to the same location of the T1-weighted imaging (T1WI) sequence. Radiomics features were extracted from two sequences and selected by reproducibility and redundant analysis. The least absolute shrinkage selection operation (LASSO) algorithm was applied to build the radiomics signatures. The performance of the radiomics signatures to distinguish HRC with SRC was evaluated by ROC curves. The area under the curve (AUC), specificity, and sensitivity were also calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 105 MM patients were enrolled in this study. The four and 11 most significant and relevant features were selected separately from T1WI and FS-T2WI sequences to build the radiomics signatures based on the training cohort. Compared to the T1WI sequence, the radiomics signature based on the FS-T2WI sequence achieved better performance with AUCs of 0.896 and 0.729 in the training and validation cohorts respectively. A sensitivity of 0.833, specificity of 0.667, and Youden index of 0.500 were achieved for the FS-T2WI radiomics signature in the validation cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

The radiomics signature based on MRI provides a non-invasive and convenient tool to predict cytogenetic abnormalities in MM patients.

[Efficacy and feasibility of catheter-based adrenal ablation on Cushing's syndrome associated hypertension]

Objective: To explore the value of catheter-based adrenal ablation in treating Cushing's syndrome (CS)-associated hypertension. Methods: A clinical study was conducted in patients with CS, who received catheter-based adrenal ablation between March 2018 and July 2023 in Daping Hospital. Parameters monitored were blood pressure (outpatient and 24-hour ambulatory), body weight, clinical characteristics, serum cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) at 8 am, 24-hour urinary free cortisol (24 h UFC), fasting blood glucose and postoperative complications. Procedure effectiveness was defined as blood pressure returning to normal levels (systolic blood pressure<140 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) and diastolic blood pressure<90 mmHg), cortisol and 24 h UFC returning to normal and improvement of clinical characteristics. The parameters were monitored during follow up in the outpatient department at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after catheter-based adrenal ablation. Results: A total of 12 patients (aged (40.0±13.2) years) were reviewed. There were 5 males, with 5 cases of adenoma and 7 with hyperplasia from imaging studies. Catheter-based adrenal ablation was successful in all without interruption or surgical conversion. No postoperative complication including bleeding, puncture site infection, adrenal artery rupture or adrenal bleeding was observed. The mean follow up was 28 months. Compared to baseline values, body weight declined to (59.48±11.65) kg from (64.81±10.75) kg (P=0.008), fasting blood glucose declined to (4.54±0.83) mmol from (5.53±0.99) mmol (P=0.044), outpatient systolic blood pressure declined to (128±21) mmHg from (140±19) mmHg (P=0.005), diastolic blood pressure declined to (78±10) mmHg from (86±11) mmHg (P=0.041), and the mean ambulatory daytime diastolic blood pressure declined to (79±12) mmHg from (89±8) mmHg (P=0.034). Catheter-based adrenal ablation in 8 patients was defined as effective with their 24 h UFC significantly reduced after the procedure (1 338.41±448.06) mmol/L from (633.66±315.94) mmol/L, P=0.011). The change of 24 h UFC between the effective treatment group and ineffective group was statistically significant (P=0.020). The postoperative systolic blood pressure in the treated adenoma group was significantly lower than those of hyperplasia group (112±13) mmHg vs. (139±20) mmHg, P=0.026). Conclusions: For patients with CS-associated hypertension who are unwilling or unable to undergo surgical treatment, catheter-based adrenal ablation could improve the blood pressure and cortisol level. Catheter-based adrenal ablation could be a safe, effective, and minimally invasive therapy. However, our results still need to be validated in further large-scale studies.

Predictive values of cervix length measurement based on transvaginal ultrasonography combined with pathological examination of placenta for premature delivery and correlation between premature delivery and infection

OBJECTIVE

The predictive values of cervix length (CL) measurement based on transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUS) and pathological examination of placenta for premature delivery (PTD) were investigated, and the correlation between PTD and infection was analyzed.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 120 pregnant women with PTD or high-risk factors for PTD admitted to Hengyang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, between February 2020 and March 2022 were included in this retrospective study. There were 36 subjects in the PTD group and 84 in the normal delivery group (control group). They underwent pathological examination of the placenta and TVUS for CL measurement. The final gestational age was set as the standard for the evaluation of the predictive values of pathological examination of the placenta and TVUS. Moreover, a pathological examination of the placenta was used to analyze the correlation between PTD and infection.

RESULTS

The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of joint inspection were remarkably superior to those of single CL or pathological examination of the placenta (p<0.05). The proportion of pregnant women with CL ≤30 mm and positive placental pathology was higher than that of pregnant women with CL >30 mm and negative placental pathology (p<0.05). In addition, the incidence of Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), and chorioamnionitis (CA) in the vaginal discharge of the PTD group was markedly superior to that of the control group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of CL ≤30 mm and positive placental pathology could effectively predict PTD, and placental infection was notably correlated with the occurrence of PTD.

[Orthognathic surgery and temporomandibular joint]

Orthognathic surgery changes the jaw position and occlusion, and also affects the original structure and function of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). With the widespread development of orthognathic surgery, the impact of orthognathic surgery on the structure and function of the TMJ is increasingly valued, and the importance of the TMJ in orthognathic surgery is gradually recognized. Proper understanding the relationship between orthognathic surgery and TMJ not only helps to elucidate how the orthognathic surgery affects the condyle and causes temporomandibular disorders (TMD), but also has significant clinical significance in preventing and treating TMD in patients underwent orthognathic surgery.

Study on self-management of real-time and individualized support in stroke patients based on resilience: a protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The transitional period from hospital to home is vital for stroke patients, but it poses serious challenges. Good self-management ability can optimize disease outcomes. However, stroke patients in China have a low level of self-management ability during the transitional period, and a lack of effective support may be the reason. With the rapid development of technology, using wearable monitors to achieve real-time and individualized support may be the key to solving this problem. This study uses a randomized controlled trial design to assess the efficacy of using wearable technology to realize real-time and individualized self-management support in stroke patients' self-management behavior during the transitional period following discharge from hospital.

METHODS

This parallel-group randomized controlled trial will be conducted in two hospitals and patients' homes. A total of 183 adult stroke patients will be enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to three groups in a 1:1:1 ratio. The smartwatch intervention group (n = 61) will receive Real-time and Individualized Self-management Support (RISS) program + routine care, the wristband group (n = 61) will wear a fitness tracker (self-monitoring) + routine care, and the control group (n = 61) will receive routine stroke care. The intervention will last for 6 months. The primary outcomes are neurological function status, self-management behavior, quality of life, biochemical indicators, recurrence rate, and unplanned readmission rate. Secondary outcomes are resilience, patient activation, psychological status, and caregiver assessments. The analysis is intention-to-treat. The intervention effect will be evaluated at baseline (T0), 2 months after discharge (T1), 3 months after discharge (T2), and 6 months after discharge (T3).

DISCUSSION

The cloud platform designed in this study not only has the function of real-time recording but also can push timely solutions when patients have abnormal conditions, as well as early warnings or alarms. This study could also potentially help patients develop good self-management habits through resilience theory, wearable devices, and individualized problem-solution library of self-management which can lay the foundation for long-term maintenance and continuous improvement of good self-management behavior in the future.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The ethics approval has been granted by the Ethics Committee of West China Hospital, Sichuan University (2022-941). All patients will be informed of the study details and sign a written informed consent form before enrollment. The research results will be reported in conferences and peer-reviewed publications. The trial registration number is ChiCTR2300070384 . Registered on 11 April 2023.

How do intellectual property demonstration cities contribute to low-carbon development? Evidence from China

An intellectual property demonstration city (IPDC) not only promotes innovation, but also brings many unexpected gains, the most prominent of which is carbon reduction. Unfortunately, few scholars have included IPDC and carbon emissions in a unified research framework, ignoring the role of intellectual property protection in environmental governance. Therefore, this paper investigates the impact of IPDC on carbon emissions through a multi-period difference-in-difference (DID) model, a spatial DID model, and a mediating effect model with IPDC policy as a quasi-natural experiment. The research results are as follows: (1) IPDC policy has a significant inhibitory effect on carbon emissions. Compared to non-pilot cities, IPDC policy can reduce carbon emissions by about 20.6%. (2) There are temporal and regional heterogeneity of the IPDC policy on carbon emissions. More specifically, the carbon reduction effect of IPDC is more effective in large cities and cities with richer human capital, stricter environmental regulation, and higher financial development. Meanwhile, the policy effects in 2012 and 2015 are larger than those in 2018, while the policy effects in 2014, 2016, and 2019 are not significant. (3) IPDC policy reduces carbon emissions mainly by stimulating innovation and green innovation, and promoting R&D element agglomeration. (4) IPDC policy has obvious spatial spillover effects and leads to the surrounding cities becoming pollution havens. The above conclusions have implications for designing a better urbanization model to promote innovative development and reduce carbon emissions.

Alcohol consumption and all-cause and cause-specific mortality among US adults: prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown inconsistent findings regarding the association of light to moderate alcohol consumption with cause-specific mortality. Therefore, this study sought to examine the prospective association of alcohol consumption with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in the US population.

METHODS

This was a population-based cohort study of adults aged 18 years or older in the National Health Interview Survey (1997 to 2014) with linkage to the National Death Index records through December 31, 2019. Self-reported alcohol consumption was categorized into seven groups (lifetime abstainers; former infrequent or regular drinkers; and current infrequent, light, moderate, or heavy drinkers). The main outcome was all-cause and cause-specific mortality.

RESULTS

During an average follow-up of 12.65 years, among the 918,529 participants (mean age 46.1 years; 48.0% male), 141,512 adults died from all causes, 43,979 from cardiovascular disease (CVD), 33,222 from cancer, 8246 from chronic lower respiratory tract diseases, 5572 from accidents (unintentional injuries), 4776 from Alzheimer's disease, 4845 from diabetes mellitus, 2815 from influenza and pneumonia, and 2692 from nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, or nephrosis. Compared with lifetime abstainers, current infrequent, light, or moderate drinkers were at a lower risk of mortality from all causes [infrequent-hazard ratio: 0.87; 95% confidence interval: 0.84 to 0.90; light: 0.77; 0.75 to 0.79; moderate 0.82; 0.80 to 0.85], CVD, chronic lower respiratory tract diseases, Alzheimer's disease, and influenza and pneumonia. Also, light or moderate drinkers were associated with lower risk of mortality from diabetes mellitus and nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, or nephrosis. In contrast, heavy drinkers had a significantly higher risk of mortality from all causes, cancer, and accidents (unintentional injuries). Furthermore, binge drinking ≥ 1 day/week was associated with a higher risk of mortality from all causes (1.15; 1.09 to 1.22), cancer (1.22; 1.10 to 1.35), and accidents (unintentional injuries) (1.39; 1.11 to 1.74).

CONCLUSIONS

Infrequent, light, and moderate alcohol consumption were inversely associated with mortality from all causes, CVD, chronic lower respiratory tract diseases, Alzheimer's disease, and influenza and pneumonia. Light or moderate alcohol consumption might also have a beneficial effect on mortality from diabetes mellitus and nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, or nephrosis. However, heavy or binge had a higher risk of all-cause, cancer, and accidents (unintentional injuries) mortality.

Phyllosticta rizhaoensis sp. nov. causing leaf blight of Ophiopogon japonicus in China

Ophiopogon japonicus (Asparagaceae) is a perennial grass species which can be cultivated as an ornamental and medicinal plant. From April 2021 to September 2022, a serious leaf blight disease of O. japonicus was discovered in Rizhao City, Shandong Province, China. The initial disease symptoms were small yellow spots, finally developing as tip blight, often associated with many small, black, semi-immersed pycnidial conidiomata formed in lesions. To obtain isolates of the causal agent for this disease, samples were randomly collected from O. japonicus diseased leaves in Rizhao City. In total 97 Phyllosticta isolates were obtained from samples, and studied using morphological features and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses of a combined dataset using the internal transcribed spacers (ITS), the 28S large subunit of ribosomal RNA (LSU), and partial translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef), actin (act) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gapdh) loci. Phylogenetically, these Phyllosticta isolates formed a clade in the P. concentrica species complex, and clustered with P. pilospora and P. spinarum. Morphologically, isolates in this clade differed from P. pilospora and P. spinarum by the size of conidiogenous cells and conidia, and the absence of an apical conidial appendage. As a result, these isolates were described as a novel species Phyllosticta rizhaoensis. Pathogenicity was confirmed using Koch's postulates, which showed that P. rizhaoensis could induce leaf blight symptoms on O. japonicus in China. Citation: Wang C-B, Wang T-T, Ma C-Y, Xue H, Li Y, Piao C-G, Jiang N (2023). Phyllosticta rizhaoensis sp. nov. causing leaf blight of Ophiopogon japonicus in China. Fungal Systematics and Evolution 11: 43-50. doi: 10.3114/fuse.2023.11.03.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of serplulimab plus chemotherapy in the first-line treatment for PD-L1-positive esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in China

Objective

The ASTRUM-007 trial (NCT03958890) demonstrated that serplulimab plus chemotherapy administered every 2-week significantly improved progression-free and overall survival in patients with previously untreated, programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) positive advanced esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma (ESCC). This study was aimed to investigate the cost-effectiveness of serplulimab plus chemotherapy in the first-line treatment of PD-L1-positive advanced ESCC.

Methods

A partitioned survival model with a 2-week cycle and a 10-year time horizon was constructed from the Chinese healthcare system perspective. The survival data, direct medical costs and utilities were derived from the ASTRUM-007 trial, YAOZHI database and published sources. Total costs, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were calculated. Scenario, one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the uncertainty around model parameters.

Results

Compared with chemotherapy, serplulimab plus chemotherapy provided additional 0.27 QALYs with an incremental cost of $33,460.86, which had an ICER of $124,483.07 per QALY. The subgroup analyses revealed that the ICERs of serplulimab plus chemotherapy were $134,637.42 and $105,589.71 in advanced ESCC patients with 1 ≤ CPS < 10 and CPS ≥ 10, respectively. The price of serplulimab, patient weight, utility values and discount rate were the most influential parameters on base-case results. At a willingness-to-pay threshold of three times per capita GDP ($40,587.59) in 2022, the probability of serplulimab plus chemotherapy being cost-effective was 0% compared with chemotherapy. When the price of serplulimab decreased by 70%, the probabilities of serplulimab plus chemotherapy being cost-effective were 81.42%, 67.74% and 96.75% in advanced ESCC patients with PD-L1-positive, PD-L1 1≤CPS<10 and CPS≥10, respectively.

Conclusion

Serplulimab plus chemotherapy in the first-line treatment for PD-L1-positive advanced ESCC might not be cost-effective in China.

The two sides of resistance-resilience relationship in both aboveground and belowground communities in the Eurasian steppe

The ongoing nitrogen (N) deposition has led to profound changes in aboveground and belowground ecosystems. However, the stability of plant and soil microbial community toward N addition in terms of resistance and resilience is less understood. We established a long-running field trial (2008-2018) in a series of N applications in combination with a mowing and fencing (unmown) treatment in a semiarid steppe. We assessed the resistance via ongoing N treatment of one subplot and the resilience via discontinuing N treatment in another to promote natural recovery since 2014. Plant resistance was negatively correlated with N application rate, while microbial resistance was independent of N rate. Mowing significantly reduced plant resistance and resilience, reduced soil microbial resistance but improved its resilience. Generally, plants are more resilient but less resistant to N than soil microbes. The two sides of resistance-resilience relationship were revealed: trade-offs exist between resistance and resilience for both plants and microbes at the community level; and trade-offs between resistance and resilience cannot be scaled down to species/group level. This study provided an important theoretical basis for the recovery and conservation of semiarid steppe and new insight into resistance-resilience relationship.

Neuroimaging uncovers distinct relationships of glymphatic dysfunction and motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND

Studies of glymphatic dysfunction in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients have attracted much attention in recent years. However, the relationships between glymphatic dysfunction and clinical symptoms remains unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether the diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) affect the severity and types of motor and non-motor symptoms in PD patients.

METHODS

De novo PD patients and controls who performed both DTI and ¹²³I-DaTscan single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scanning were retrieved from the international multicenter Parkinson's Progression Marker Initiative (PPMI) cohort. Glymphatic system was evaluated by the DTI-ALPS. Motor symptoms were assessed by Movement Disorders Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale III (MDS-UPDRS-III). The influence of glymphatic activity on motor and non-motor symptoms was explored by multivariate linear regression models.

RESULTS

A total of 153 PD patients (mean age 60.97 ± 9.47 years; 99 male) and 67 normal controls (mean age 60.10 ± 10.562 years; 43 male) were included. The DTI-ALPS index of PD patients was significantly lower than normal controls (Z = - 2.160, p = 0.031). MDS-UPDRS III score (r = - 0.213, p = 0.008) and subscore for rigidity (r = - 0.177, p = 0.029) were negatively correlated with DTI-ALPS index. The DTI-ALPS index was significantly associated with MDS-UPDRS-III score (β = - 0.160, p = 0.048) and subscore for rigidity (β = - 0.170, p = 0.041) after adjusting for putamen dopamine transporter availability and clinical factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed distinct relationships between glymphatic dysfunction and the severity and types of PD motor symptoms, suggesting the potential of DTI-ALPS index as a biomarker for PD motor symptoms.

[Changing scanning angles on improving finish line trueness of the full crown preparation]

Objective: To explore the effect of scanning methods on finish line trueness of the full crown preparation. Methods: The standard full crown preparation model of the right maxillary first molars was prepared by using the maxillary standard resin dentition model. The standard preparation was scanned by imetric scanner and data were used as the true value. CEREC Omnicam and 3Shape TRIOS were used to scan the standard preparation. According to the scanning methods, they were divided into parallel scanning group, occlusal wave scanning group and buccolingual wave scanning group. Each group was scanned repeatedly 6 times. The data were imported into Geomagic Studio 2013 software, and the local finish line image data of the mesial, distal, buccal and lingual regions of the full crown preparation were extracted respectively. Three-dimensional deviation analysis was performed with the reference true value, and the root- mean-square error (RMSE) was the evaluation index of scanning trueness. The statistical method was one-way ANOVA. Results: Parallel scanning group: in general, the RMSE value of complete finish lines of scanner B [(35±6) μm] was significantly lower than that of scanner A [(44±7) μm](P<0.05). After scanner A occlusal wave scanning, the RMSE values of the mesial and distal finish lines [(33±5) and (50±12) μm] were significantly lower than those of parallel scanning group (P<0.05). After buccal and lingual wave scanning, the RMSE values of local finish lines in the mesial, distal, buccal and lingual regions [(37±3), (50±6), (28±6) and (29±8) μm] were significantly lower than those in parallel scanning group [(45±9), (63±7), (38±3) and (40±3) μm] (P<0.05). No significant difference was found in the RMSE values of the mesial, distal, buccal and lingual regions of scanner B between parallel scanning group, occlusal wave scanning group and buccolingual scanning group (P>0.05). Conclusions: The scanning trueness of the full crown preparation finish line obtained by the active triangulation scanning equipment can be improved by changing the scanning method to wave scanning.

[Advances on pathogenesis of acquired peritoneal ultrafiltration failure in peritoneal dialysis]

Peritoneal ultrafiltration failure is a common reason for peritoneal dialysis (PD) withdrawal as well as mortality in PD patients. Based on the three-pore system, inter-cellular small pores and trans-cellular ultra-small pores (aquaporin-1) are mainly responsible for water transfer across the peritoneum. Both small and ultra-small pores-dependent water (free water) transport decline accompanied with time on PD, with more significant decrease in free water, resulting in peritoneal ultrafiltration failure. The reduction of free water transport is associated with fast peritoneal solute transfer, reduced crystalloid osmotic gradient due to increased interstitial glucose absorption, and declined osmotic conductance to glucose resulted from impaired aquaporin-1 function and peritoneal interstitial fibrosis. The decline of small pore-based water is mainly because of fast loss of crystalloid osmotic gradient, decrease of hydrostatic pressure mediated by peritoneal vasculopathy, as well as reduced absolute number of small pores. The current review discusses the advance on pathogenesis of acquired peritoneal ultrafiltration failure in long-term PD.

[Advances in epidemiology, etiology, and treatment of community-acquired pneumonia]

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is the third leading cause of death worldwide and one of the most commonly infectious diseases. Its epidemiological characteristics vary with host and immune status, and corresponding pathogen spectrums migrate over time and space distribution. Meanwhile, with the outbreak of COVID-19, some unconventional treatment strategies are on the rise. This article reviewed the epidemiological characteristics, pathogen spectrum and treatment direction of CAP in China over the years, and aimed to provide guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of CAP in clinical practice.

Diversity of Sporocadaceae (pestalotioid fungi) from Rosa in China

Rosa (Rosaceae) is an important ornamental and medicinal plant genus worldwide, with several species being cultivated in China. Members of Sporocadaceae (pestalotioid fungi) are globally distributed and include endophytes, saprobes but also plant pathogens, infecting a broad range of host plants on which they can cause important plant diseases. Although several Sporocadaceae species were recorded to inhabit Rosa spp., the taxa occurring on Rosa remain largely unresolved. In this study, a total of 295 diseased samples were collected from branches, fruits, leaves and spines of eight Rosa species (R. chinensis, R. helenae, R. laevigata, R. multiflora, R. omeiensis, R. rugosa, R. spinosissima and R. xanthina) in Gansu, Henan, Hunan, Qinghai, Shaanxi Provinces and the Ningxia Autonomous Region of China. Subsequently 126 strains were obtained and identified based on comparisons of DNA sequence data. Based on these results 15 species residing in six genera of Sporocadaceae were delineated, including four known species (Pestalotiopsis chamaeropis, Pes. rhodomyrtus, Sporocadus sorbi and Spo. trimorphus) and 11 new species described here as Monochaetia rosarum, Neopestalotiopsis concentrica, N. subepidermalis, Pestalotiopsis tumida, Seimatosporium centrale, Seim. gracile, Seim. nonappendiculatum, Seim. parvum, Seiridium rosae, Sporocadus brevis, and Spo. spiniger. This study also represents the first report of Pes. chamaeropis, Pes. rhodomyrtus and Spo. sorbi on Rosa. The overall data revealed that Pestalotiopsis was the most prevalent genus, followed by Seimatosporium, while Pes. chamaeropis and Pes. rhodomyrtus were the two most prevalent species. Analysis of Sporocadaceae abundance on Rosa species and plant organs revealed that spines of R. chinensis had the highest species diversity. Citation: Peng C, Crous PW, Jiang N, et al. 2022. Diversity of Sporocadaceae (pestalotioid fungi) from Rosa in China. Persoonia 49: 201-260. https://doi.org/10.3767/persoonia.2022.49.07.

Global, regional prevalence, and risk factors of osteoporosis according to the World Health Organization diagnostic criteria: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis estimated the global, regional prevalence, and risk factors of osteoporosis. Prevalence varied greatly according to countries (from 4.1% in Netherlands to 52.0% in Turkey) and continents (from 8.0% in Oceania to 26.9% in Africa). Osteoporosis is a common metabolic bone disorder in the elderly, usually resulting in bone pain and an increased risk of fragility fracture, but few summarized studies have guided global strategies for the disease. Therefore, we pooled the epidemiologic data to estimate the global, regional prevalence, and potential risk factors of osteoporosis. We conducted a comprehensive literature search through PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus, to identify population-based studies that reported the prevalence of osteoporosis based on the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses were used to explore the sources of heterogeneity. The study was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42021285555). Of the 57,933 citations evaluated, 108 individual studies containing 343,704 subjects were included. The global prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia was 19.7% (95%CI, 18.0%-21.4%) and 40.4% (95%CI, 36.9%-43.8%). Prevalence varied greatly according to countries (from 4.1% in Netherlands to 52.0% in Turkey) and continents (from Oceania 8.0% to 26.9% in Africa). The prevalence was higher in developing countries (22.1%, 95%CI, 20.1%-24.1%) than in developed countries (14.5%, 95%CI, 11.5%-17.7%). Our study indicates a considerable prevalence of osteoporosis among the general population based on WHO criteria, and the prevalence varies substantially between countries and regions. Future studies with robust evidence are required to explore risk factors to provide effective preventive strategies for the disease.

Pharmacy management of a patient with coronary heart disease and mental disorders

BACKGROUND

The aim of our study was to find the entry point of pharmaceutical management according to the own situation of a patient with coronary heart disease and psychological disorders.

CASE REPORT

Clinical pharmacists adjusted and optimized the drug treatment plan according to the patient's own individual situation from the perspective of the psychological disorder after coronary heart disease operation. The plan proposed by clinical pharmacists was adopted by clinicians, and the patient's rehabilitation treatment effect was obvious.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical pharmacists can actively play a role in the treatment process, providing individualized drug treatment adjustments and optimization plans for clinicians, therefore improving the therapeutic effect.

[Establishment of a rat model of laryngeal precancerous lesions induced by 4NQO smearing]

Objective: To establish a rat model for laryngeal precancerous lesions histologically and pathologically comparable to the human counterpart. Methods: Thirty-six Wistar rats were randomly divided into experimental group and control group, with 18 rats in each group, and 1% 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4NQO) solution and saline were respectively applied to the laryngeal mucosas of rats in two groups. During subsequent 20 weeks, the changes of laryngeal mucosas were regularly observed with naked eyes and endoscope and lesions were determined by histology. SPSS 22.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: The food intake, water intake and body weight of the rats in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). White plaque, superficial ulcer, erosion and miliary particles were present in the larynxes of rats in the experimental group, with histological manifestations of atypical hyperplasia or carcinoma in situ, and normal epitheliums were shown in the control group. The number of Ki67 positive cells in the laryngeal mucosas of rats in the experimental group at the 4 th, 8 th, 12 th, 16 th, and 20 th weeks were 13.5±2.4, 35.6±5.8, 53.4±8.3, 78.8±11.6, 80.6±12.4, respectively, no Ki67 positive cells were found in the control group at individual time points, and the differences were statistically significant (t=9.74, 10.63, 11.14, 11.77, 11.26, respectively, all P<0.01). Conclusion: 4NQO can credibly cause rats laryngeal precancerous lesions, which morphologically and histologically mimic laryngeal carcinnogenesis. This method is practical, easy and reliable to prepare the animal model of laryngeal precancerous lesions.

[The 498th case: rash, fever and hematuria]

A 50-year-old man was admitted to the Department of Rheumatology at Peking Union Medical College Hospital with rash for 6 months, and fever and hematuria for 5 months. The main clinical manifestations included fever, fatigue, purpura, hematuria and thrombocytopenia. He was positive for antinuclear antibody (ANA), anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) and rheumatoid factor (RF), and had low complement levels. Initial blood culture, echocardiography and chest CT showed no signs of infection. Diagnosis of connective tissue disease was made initially. His disease improved under treatment with glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive agents, but relapsed when glucocorticoids were tapered. After admission, the diagnosis was reconsidered, and infective endocarditis was finally diagnosed with repeated positive blood cultures and vegetations detected by transesophageal echocardiography. Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium were initiated, and surgery was performed. His symptoms finally recovered gradually.

A survey and cause analysis of community resilience in a Chinese city from the perspective of nursing

Background

Community resilience, which fully reflects the ability of communities to resist, absorb, recover or adapt to disasters, has attracted international attention. Nurses are an important force in disaster prevention, relief and postdisaster reconstruction. This study aims to test the current level of community resilience in Dujiangyan city, which was seriously damaged by the Wenchuan earthquake, and analyze the causes.

Methods

Community data from 952 residents, 574 families, 5 health care institutions and 12 communities in Dujiangyan city were collected by using stratified, cluster, map and systematic sampling methods. A new community resilience evaluation system from the perspective of nursing was used to test individual, family, health care and environmental resilience.

Results

In Dujiangyan city, average scores were obtained for community resilience (3.93 ± 0.12), individual resilience (4.07 ± 0.64), family resilience (4.07 ± 0.6), health care resilience (3.84 ± 0.33) and community environment resilience (3.69 ± 0.46).

Conclusions

The urban communities in Dujiangyan city had acceptable resilience, with good family and individual resilience and medium health care and community environment resilience, but environmental resilience had the lowest score. Because conditions and resilience levels varied among the communities, targeted measures should be taken to improve resilience based on population characteristics, management, professional organizations, hardware and software facilities.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-12331-1.

Establishment of prediction models for COVID-19 patients in different age groups based on Random Forest algorithm

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly become a global pandemic. Age is an independent factor in death from the disease, and predictive models to stratify patients according to their mortality risk are needed.

AIM

To compare the laboratory parameters of the younger (≤70) and the elderly (>70) groups, and develop death prediction models for the two groups according to age stratification.

DESIGN

A retrospective, single-center observational study.

METHODS

This study included 437 hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 from Tongji Hospital in Wuhan, China, 2020. Epidemiological information, laboratory data and outcomes were extracted from electronic medical records and compared between elderly patients and younger patients. First, recursive feature elimination (RFE) was used to select the optimal subset. Then, two random forest (RF) algorithms models were built to predict the prognoses of COVID-19 patients and identify the optimal diagnostic predictors for patients' clinical prognoses.

RESULTS

Comparisons of the laboratory data of the two age groups revealed many different laboratory indicators. RFE was used to select the optimal subset for analysis, from which 11 variables were screened out for the two groups. The RF algorithm were built to predict the prognoses of COVID-19 patients based on the best subset, and the area under ROC curve (AUC) of the two groups is 0.874 (95% CI: 0.833-0.915) and 0.842 (95% CI: 0.765-0.920).

CONCLUSION

Two prediction models for COVID-19 were developed in the patients with COVID-19 based on random forest algorithm, which provides a simple tool for the early prediction of COVID-19 mortality.

Trends in Abdominal Obesity and Central Adiposity Measures by Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry Among US Children: 2011-2018

OBJECTIVE

Previous studies that have reported trends on abdominal obesity among US children were usually based on anthropometric assessments. However, little is known about the recent trends in central adiposity measures by DXA and abdominal obesity since 2011-2012.

STUDY DESIGN

A serial cross-sectional analysis of US population-weighted data among children from NHANES 2011 to 2018 was conducted.

RESULTS

Between 2011-2012 and 2017-2018, there was a relatively stable trend among children aged 8-19 years in trunk fat and trunk fat percentage. During the same time periods, there were no significant changes in prevalence of abdominal obesity by waist circumference (18.6 vs. 21.1%) among those aged 2-19 years, and abdominal obesity by WHtR (34.1 vs. 36.2%) among those aged 6-19 years. However, a significant increase trend among boys aged 2-19 years was found in prevalence of abdominal obesity by waist circumference (16.1-22.7%; P = 0.004). For Mexican American youth and non-Hispanic Asian boys, there is a significant increase in mean trunk fat percentage and waist circumference.

CONCLUSION

Between 2011-2012 and 2017-2018, there have been no significant changes in central adiposity measured by DXA and prevalence of abdominal obesity among US children. Our study further supports that there is an urgent need to improve their lifestyle to reduce abdominal obesity for US children, especially for Mexican American youth and non-Hispanic Asian boys.

Genera of phytopathogenic fungi: GOPHY 4

This paper is the fourth contribution in the Genera of Phytopathogenic Fungi (GOPHY) series. The series provides morphological descriptions and information about the pathology, distribution, hosts and disease symptoms, as well as DNA barcodes for the taxa covered. Moreover, 12 whole-genome sequences for the type or new species in the treated genera are provided. The fourth paper in the GOPHY series covers 19 genera of phytopathogenic fungi and their relatives, including Ascochyta, Cadophora, Celoporthe, Cercospora, Coleophoma, Cytospora, Dendrostoma, Didymella, Endothia, Heterophaeomoniella, Leptosphaerulina, Melampsora, Nigrospora, Pezicula, Phaeomoniella, Pseudocercospora, Pteridopassalora, Zymoseptoria, and one genus of oomycetes, Phytophthora. This study includes two new genera, 30 new species, five new combinations, and 43 typifications of older names.

Taxonomic novelties: New genera:Heterophaeomoniella L. Mostert, C.F.J. Spies, Halleen & Gramaje, Pteridopassalora C. Nakash. & Crous; New species:Ascochyta flava Qian Chen & L. Cai, Cadophora domestica L. Mostert, R. van der Merwe, Halleen & Gramaje, Cadophora rotunda L. Mostert, R. van der Merwe, Halleen & Gramaje, Cadophora vinacea J.R. Úrbez-Torres, D.T. O’Gorman & Gramaje, Cadophora vivarii L. Mostert, Havenga, Halleen & Gramaje, Celoporthe foliorum H. Suzuki, Marinc. & M.J. Wingf., Cercospora alyssopsidis M. Bakhshi, Zare & Crous, Dendrostoma elaeocarpi C.M. Tian & Q. Yang, Didymella chlamydospora Qian Chen & L. Cai, Didymella gei Qian Chen & L. Cai, Didymella ligulariae Qian Chen & L. Cai, Didymella qilianensis Qian Chen & L. Cai, Didymella uniseptata Qian Chen & L. Cai, Endothia cerciana W. Wang. & S.F. Chen, Leptosphaerulina miscanthi Qian Chen & L. Cai, Nigrospora covidalis M. Raza, Qian Chen & L. Cai, Nigrospora globospora M. Raza, Qian Chen & L. Cai, Nigrospora philosophiae-doctoris M. Raza, Qian Chen & L. Cai, Phytophthora transitoria I. Milenković, T. Májek & T. Jung, Phytophthora panamensis T. Jung, Y. Balci, K. Broders & I. Milenković, Phytophthora variabilis T. Jung, M. Horta Jung & I. Milenković, Pseudocercospora delonicicola C. Nakash., L. Suhaizan & I. Nurul Faziha, Pseudocercospora farfugii C. Nakash., I. Araki, & Ai Ito, Pseudocercospora hardenbergiae Crous & C. Nakash., Pseudocercospora kenyirana C. Nakash., L. Suhaizan & I. Nurul Faziha, Pseudocercospora perrottetiae Crous, C. Nakash. & C.Y. Chen, Pseudocercospora platyceriicola C. Nakash., Y. Hatt, L. Suhaizan & I. Nurul Faziha, Pseudocercospora stemonicola C. Nakash., Y. Hatt., L. Suhaizan & I. Nurul Faziha, Pseudocercospora terengganuensis C. Nakash., Y. Hatt., L. Suhaizan & I. Nurul Faziha, Pseudocercospora xenopunicae Crous & C. Nakash.; New combinations:Heterophaeomoniella pinifoliorum (Hyang B. Lee et al.) L. Mostert, C.F.J. Spies, Halleen & Gramaje, Pseudocercospora pruni-grayanae (Sawada) C. Nakash. & Motohashi., Pseudocercospora togashiana (K. Ito & Tak. Kobay.) C. Nakash. & Tak. Kobay., Pteridopassalora nephrolepidicola (Crous & R.G. Shivas) C. Nakash. & Crous, Pteridopassalora lygodii (Goh & W.H. Hsieh) C. Nakash. & Crous; Typification: Epitypification:Botrytis infestans Mont., Cercospora abeliae Katsuki, Cercospora ceratoniae Pat. & Trab., Cercospora cladrastidis Jacz., Cercospora cryptomeriicola Sawada, Cercospora dalbergiae S.H. Sun, Cercospora ebulicola W. Yamam., Cercospora formosana W. Yamam., Cercospora fukuii W. Yamam., Cercospora glochidionis Sawada, Cercospora ixorana J.M. Yen & Lim, Cercospora liquidambaricola J.M. Yen, Cercospora pancratii Ellis & Everh., Cercospora pini-densiflorae Hori & Nambu, Cercospora profusa Syd. & P. Syd., Cercospora pyracanthae Katsuki, Cercospora horiana Togashi & Katsuki, Cercospora tabernaemontanae Syd. & P. Syd., Cercospora trinidadensis F. Stevens & Solheim, Melampsora laricis-urbanianae Tak. Matsumoto, Melampsora salicis-cupularis Wang, Phaeoisariopsis pruni-grayanae Sawada, Pseudocercospora angiopteridis Goh & W.H. Hsieh, Pseudocercospora basitruncata Crous, Pseudocercospora boehmeriigena U. Braun, Pseudocercospora coprosmae U. Braun & C.F. Hill, Pseudocercospora cratevicola C. Nakash. & U. Braun, Pseudocercospora cymbidiicola U. Braun & C.F. Hill, Pseudocercospora dodonaeae Boesew., Pseudocercospora euphorbiacearum U. Braun, Pseudocercospora lygodii Goh & W.H. Hsieh, Pseudocercospora metrosideri U. Braun, Pseudocercospora paraexosporioides C. Nakash. & U. Braun, Pseudocercospora symploci Katsuki & Tak. Kobay. ex U. Braun & Crous, Septogloeum punctatum Wakef.; Neotypification:Cercospora aleuritis I. Miyake; Lectotypification: Cercospora dalbergiae S.H. Sun, Cercospora formosana W. Yamam., Cercospora fukuii W. Yamam., Cercospora glochidionis Sawada, Cercospora profusa Syd. & P. Syd., Melampsora laricis-urbanianae Tak. Matsumoto, Phaeoisariopsis pruni-grayanae Sawada, Pseudocercospora symploci Katsuki & Tak. Kobay. ex U. Braun & Crous.

Citation: Chen Q, Bakhshi M, Balci Y, Broders KD, Cheewangkoon R, Chen SF, Fan XL, Gramaje D, Halleen F, Horta Jung M, Jiang N, Jung T, Májek T, Marincowitz S, Milenković T, Mostert L, Nakashima C, Nurul Faziha I, Pan M, Raza M, Scanu B, Spies CFJ, Suhaizan L, Suzuki H, Tian CM, Tomšovský M, Úrbez-Torres JR, Wang W, Wingfield BD, Wingfield MJ, Yang Q, Yang X, Zare R, Zhao P, Groenewald JZ, Cai L, Crous PW (2022). Genera of phytopathogenic fungi: GOPHY 4. Studies in Mycology101: 417–564. doi: 10.3114/sim.2022.101.06.

Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging: A novel approach to assessing treatment in locally advanced esophageal cancer patients

Aims

This study aims to investigate the potential application of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) to predict concurrent chemoradiation (CRT) in locally advanced esophageal carcinoma.

Patients and Methods

This study involved 33 patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer and treated with CRT. The patients underwent DCE-MRI before CRT (pre) and 3 weeks after starting CRT (mid). The patients were categorized into two groups: complete response (CR) and non-complete response (non-CR) after 3 months of treatment. The quantitative parameters of DCE-MRI (K^trans, Kep, and Ve), the changes and ratios of parameters (ΔK^trans, ΔKep, ΔVe, rΔK^trans, rΔKep, and rΔVe), and the relative ratio in the tumor area and a normal tube wall (rK^trans, rKep, and rVe) were calculated and compared between two timeframes in two groups, respectively. Moreover, the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) statistical analysis was used to assess the above parameters.

Results

We divided 33 patients into two groups: 22 in the CR group and 11 in the non-CR group. During the mid-CRT phase in the CR group, both K^trans and Kep rapidly decreased, while only Kep decreased in the non-CR group. The pre-K^trans and pre-Kep in the CR group were substantially higher compared to the non-CR group. Moreover, the rK^trans was also apparently observed as higher at pre-CRT in the CR group compared to the non-CR group. The ROC analysis demonstrated that the pre-K^trans could be the best parameter to evaluate the treatment performance (AUC = 0.74).

Conclusion

Pre-K^trans could be a promising parameter to forecast how patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer will respond to CRT.

Efficient passivation of n-type and p-type silicon surface defects by hydrogen sulfide gas reaction

An efficient surface defect passivation is observed by reacting clean Si in a dilute hydrogen sulfide-argon gas mixture (<5% H₂S in Ar) for both n-type and p-type Si wafers with planar and textured surfaces. Surface recombination velocities of 1.5 and 8 cm s^-1are achieved on n-type and p-type Si wafers, respectively, at an optimum reaction temperature of 550 °C that are comparable to the best surface passivation quality used in high efficiency Si solar cells. Surface chemical analysis using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy shows that sulfur is primarily bonded in a sulfide environment, and synchrotron-based soft x-ray emission spectroscopy of the adsorbed sulfur atoms suggests the formation of S-Si bonds. The sulfur surface passivation layer is unstable in air, attributed to surface oxide formation and a simultaneous decrease of sulfide bonds. However, the passivation can be stabilized by a low-temperature (300 °C) deposited amorphous silicon nitride (a-Si:N_X:H) capping layer.

Three-dimensional condylar displacement and remodelling in patients with asymmetrical mandibular prognathism following bilateral sagittal split osteotomy

This study aims to assess the postoperative condylar displacement and the long-term condylar remodelling in patients with mandibular prognathism with transverse asymmetry after bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSSRO). Forty-one consecutive patients (82 condyles) with a transverse mandibular asymmetry of more than 4 mm without occlusal canting treated by BSSRO were included. The preoperative (T1), immediate postoperative (T2) and long-term follow-up of an average of 16.2 months (T3) spiral computed tomography scans were gathered and processed to measure the condylar displacement and remodelling based on cranial base voxel-based and rigid regional registrations. The statistical analysis revealed that the majority of condyles (T1-T2) were transitionally displaced forwards, downwards and laterally, and were not fully returned to the preoperative position at T3. Condylar lateral displacement was significantly higher on the deviated side (DS) (P = 0.035). Non-deviated side (NDS) condyles were mainly subjected to upward pitch, medial yaw and medial roll compared with downward pitch, lateral yaw and lateral roll on DS. Condylar remodelling at T3 was observed, with the superior and posterior surfaces commonly subjected to bone resorption, whereas the anterior and medial surfaces were commonly subjected to bone apposition. Condylar volumetric changes were relatively comparable on NDS (3 ± 85.2 mm³) and DS (8.3 ± 111.7 mm³) condyles. Age, amount of preoperative asymmetry and follow-up period were not correlated with the condylar remodelling. Transitional and rotational displacements were to some extent significantly correlated with the condylar remodelling on both sides. Consequently, passive condylar seating without torque might prevent the long-term unfavourable condylar remodelling.

[Comprehensive measurement and quantification of bio-mechanical properties of the temporomandibular joint disc]

Objective: To comprehensively investigate the biomechanical properties of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc and to perfect the mechanical testing system of the TMJ disc by conducting tests of compression, tension, cyclic compression, cyclic tension, creep and friction. Methods: Fifteen fresh goat heads (weighing 2.5-3.0 kg) were purchased from the market. They were all ordinary goats (9-12 months old, body weighing 18-21 kg) regardless of gender. Bilateral articular discs (a total of 30) were dissected within 30 minutes after execution. According to the national standard for mechanical testing of viscoelastic materials, fresh TMJ disc specimens of goat were prepared and tests were carried out in physiological conditions. The universal mechanical testing machine was utilized to test biomechanical properties of TMJ discs. Results: The compressive modulus of TMJ discs was (8.41±2.12) MPa and the tensile modulus was (9.54±3.26) MPa. The mechanical characteristics would be irreversibly altered once the load exceeded the physiological range. In addition, it underwent apparent creep relaxation under continuous strain (0.5 MPa or 3.0 MPa) and the surface friction coefficient of the TMJ discs (0.015+0.011) was much lower than that of general viscoelastic materials. Conclusions: The TMJ disc was a bio-viscoelastic structure with excellent tensile and compressive properties and its surface was extremely smooth in wet conditions.

Chirality Memory Stored in Magnetic Domain Walls in the Ferromagnetic State of MnP

Chirality in a helimagnetic structure is determined by the sense of magnetic moment rotation. We found that the chiral information did not disappear even after the phase transition to the high-temperature ferromagnetic phase in a helimagnet MnP. The 2nd harmonic resistivity ρ^{2f}, which reflects the breaking down of mirror symmetry, was found to be almost unchanged after heating the sample above the ferromagnetic transition temperature and cooling it back to the helimagnetic state. The application of a magnetic field along the easy axis in the ferromagnetic state quenched the chirality-induced ρ^{2f}. This indicates that the chirality memory effect originated from the ferromagnetic domain walls.

Gender Differences in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Symptom Clusters

Purpose

Previous research has indicated that female and male patients may experience different levels of symptoms. However, no studies of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients have compared the number and types of symptom clusters identified in male and female patients. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate gender differences in symptom clusters among COPD patients.

Patients and Methods

A total of 371 eligible patients were enrolled in the study. We assessed nine COPD symptoms, namely, dyspnea, cough, sputum, chest tightness, sleep quality, fatigue, frailty, anxiety, and depression. Exploratory factor analyses were used to explore the underlying clusters of the COPD symptoms.

Results

Underlying the nine symptoms, female patients had 2 clusters, and male patients had 3 clusters. Specifically, the three general symptoms poor sleep, fatigue, and frailty loaded on the same symptom cluster with anxiety and depression in female patients, while the same 3 general symptoms loaded on the same symptom cluster with chest tightness and dyspnea in male patients. Moreover, cough and sputum not only were more common in male patients but also loaded together on a separate symptom cluster.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that in order to improve fatigue, frailty, and poor sleep quality, symptom management strategies should more closely address anxiety and depression in female patients as well as chest tightness and dyspnea in male patients. Smoking cessation is particularly important in male COPD patients because they account for a much higher proportion of smokers and are more likely to have cough and sputum. These findings signify the importance of identifying and implementing gender-tailored symptom management strategies to relieve symptom burden in COPD patients to enhance their quality of life.

Disentangling the role of salinity-sodicity in shaping soil microbiome along a natural saline-sodic gradient

Increasing salinity and sodicity have been recognized as threats to soil fertility and crop yield worldwide. In recent years, salt-affected soils have received great attentions due to the shortage of arable land. This study therefore aims to characterize soil bacterial community, assembly process and co-occurrence network along natural saline-sodic gradients across Songnen Plain, Northeast China. As revealed by Miseq sequencing, 8482 bacterial OTUs were annotated at 97% identity across 120 soil samples. Our results indicated that soil salinity-sodicity not only significantly decreased bacterial richness and but also impacted bacterial community composition. The dominant bacterial phyla included Proteobacteria (28.89%), Actinobacteria (19.96%) and Gemmatimonadetes (16.71%). By applying threshold indicator species analysis (TITAN), OTUs from Gemmatimonadetes were found to be the taxa with the most prevalent and strongest preference for high salinity-sodicity. Null model analysis revealed that the majority (76.4%) of βNTI values were below -2 or above 2, indicating deterministic process was dominant across all samples. Notably, deterministic process contributed to a greater extent in higher saline-sodic soils. The bacterial co-occurrence network was more complex in slightly saline-sodic soils than in moderately and extremely saline-sodic soils, reflected by more nodes, more hubs and stronger connections, which was mainly driven by soil pH. These results provide strong evidence that salinity-sodicity was a key determinant in shaping soil bacterial community, assembly process and co-occurrence network pattern.

TUG1 weakens the sensitivity of acute myeloid leukemia cells to cytarabine by regulating miR-655-3p/CCND1 axis

OBJECTIVE

Long non-coding RNA taurine upregulated gene 1 (lncRNA TUG1) has been demonstrated to promote malignant phenotypes and Adriamycin resistance in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. However, the function and mechanism of TUG1 in cytarabine (Ara-C) sensitivity in AML remain unclear.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Levels of TUG1, microRNA (miR)-655-3p or cyclin D1 (CCND1) mRNA were examined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell proliferation activity and apoptosis were analyzed using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) or flow cytometry, respectively. Western blot was utilized to detect the protein levels of Ki-67, B-cell lymphoma-2-associated X protein (Bax), and CCND1. The interaction between miR-655-3p and TUG1 or CCND1 was confirmed by Dual-Luciferase reporter and pull-down assay.

RESULTS

TUG1 and CCND1 were higher expressed, while miR-655-3p was lower expressed in AML cells compared with that in normal cells. Higher expression levels of TUG1 or CCND1, and lower expression levels of miR-655-3p both notably reversed Ara-C-induced proliferation inhibition and apoptosis promotion in AML cells. TUG1 was a sponge of miR-655-3p, and TUG1 knockdown enhanced the sensitivity of AML cells to Ara-C by regulating miR-655-3p. MiR-655-3p directly targeted CCND1, and CCND1 overexpression attenuated miR-655-3p restoration-mediated reinforcement of Ara-C sensitivity in AML cells. Besides that, TUG1 up-regulated CCND1 expression via miR-655-3p.

CONCLUSIONS

TUG1 weakened the sensitivity of AML cells to Ara-C by up-regulating CCND1 via miR-655-3p, suggesting a new insight into the chemotherapy of AML.

Association of disease condition with changes in intestinal flora, and plasma endotoxin and vascular endothelial growth factor levels in patients with liver cancer

OBJECTIVE

Currently, the therapeutic effect on patients with liver cancer is associated with disease development. Meanwhile, the efficacy in patients with advanced liver cancer is far from satisfactory. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the association of disease condition with changes in liver function indexes, intestinal flora, and plasma endotoxin (ET) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in patients with liver cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 300 patients with primary liver cancer in our hospital were enrolled in this study. All patients were divided into three groups, including early liver cancer group, middle liver cancer group, and advanced liver cancer group. Peripheral blood was collected from each subject to detect liver function indexes, procalcitonin (PCT), plasma ET, and VEGF levels. Furthermore, mid-posterior-segment stools were collected from 15 cases in each group, and sent to the company for detection of intestinal flora.

RESULTS

Liver function indexes in peripheral blood of patients with liver cancer changed with the changes in disease condition. With the progression of liver cancer, the level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) increased significantly, and the highest was observed in advanced liver cancer patients [(91.18±10.34) U/L] (p=0.046). However, the level of plasma total protein declined significantly, which was (24.83±1.75) g/L in advanced liver cancer patients (p=0.035). The changes in total bilirubin were significantly associated with the progression of liver cancer (p=0.003). The abundance of Clostridiales, Firmicutes, and Streptococcus in the intestinal tract was high in early liver cancer group. The abundance of Ruminococcaceae, Pasteurellaceae, Tanticharoenia, and Vagococcus in the intestinal tract was high in middle liver cancer group. Meanwhile, the abundance of Bifidobacteriales, Actinobacteria, Barnesiella, Porphyromonadaceae, and Pseudomonadales in the intestinal tract was high in advanced liver cancer group. In patients with liver cancer, the level of Enterobacteriaceae was positively correlated with that of Firmicutes (r=0.36, p=0.003), whereas it was negatively correlated with Lactobacillus (r=-0.72, p=0.021). The level of Lactobacillus was positively correlated with that of Ruminococcaceae (r=0.39, p=0.043), whereas it was negatively correlated with that of Firmicutes (r=-0.27, p=0.019). In addition, the level of PCT markedly rose in advanced liver cancer group [(6.89±0.35) ng/mL] (p=0.021). The level of ET increased significantly with the development of liver cancer, with the highest level observed in advanced liver cancer group [(0.71±0.09) EU/mL] (p=0.004). The level of VEGF also increased remarkably with the aggravation of liver cancer, and the highest was found in advanced liver cancer group [(112.33±2.11) μmol/L], showing differences among groups (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

With the progression of liver cancer, the abundance of Barnesiella, etc., rose and that of Ruminococcaceae, etc., declined in the intestinal tract. Meanwhile, the composition of intestinal flora was changed, and the levels of plasma ET and VEGF increased.

STYXL1 promotes malignant progression of hepatocellular carcinoma via downregulating CELF2 through the PI3K/Akt pathway

OBJECTIVE

This study was aimed to investigate the expression characteristics of STYXL1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to further analyze its regulatory role in promoting HCC development by targeting CELF2 to activate the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Expression levels of STYXL1 in 25 pairs of HCC tissue specimens and paracancerous normal ones collected from HCC patients were examined by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Meanwhile, qRT-PCR was also performed to further verify the expression of STYXL1 in HCC cell lines. In addition, after STYXL1 knockdown model was constructed by lentivirus transfection in HCC cell lines Hep3B and Huh7, the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), cell colony formation, 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU), and flow cytometry assays were performed to analyze the influence of STYXL1 on HCC cell functions. Furthermore, an in-depth study of the relationship between STYXL1 and CELF2 was conducted to figure out the underlying mechanism.

RESULTS

The results of qRT-PCR revealed that the expression level of STYXL1 in HCC samples was remarkably higher than that in adjacent ones, and the difference was statistically significant. Compared with HCC patients with low expression of STYXL1, patients with high expression of STYXL1 had a higher overall survival rate. Similarly, the proliferation ability of HCC cells in sh-STYXL1 group remarkably decreased compared with controls, while the apoptosis ability was oppositely enhanced. In addition, Western Blotting results indicated that STYXL1 could elevate the expressions of PI3K/Akt pathway-related proteins. Meanwhile, a negative correlation between CELF2 and STYXL1 was identified in HCC tissues. Finally, the result of cell reverse experiments demonstrated that STYXL1 could affect the malignant progression of HCC via modulating CELF2 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

STYXL1 expression was remarkably upregulated in HCC tissues, as well as in cell lines. Its level was closely related to the poor prognosis of HCC patients. In addition, STYXL1 might be able to accelerate HCC proliferation rate and inhibit cell apoptosis via downregulating CELF2 through the PI3K/Akt pathway.

3D-Printed Polycaprolactone Reinforced Hydrogel as an Artificial TMJ Disc

The replacement of a damaged temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc remains a long-standing challenge in clinical settings. No study has reported a material with comprehensively excellent properties similar to a natural TMJ disc. In this work, we designed a novel artificial TMJ disc using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel crosslinked by cyclic freeze-thaw and reinforced by 3D-printed polycaprolactone (PCL) implants. The mechanical properties and surface morphologies of the artificial TMJ disc and the natural goat TMJ disc were tested and compared via compression, tensile, cyclic compression/tensile, creep, friction, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The fibroblasts and chondrocytes were cultured on the artificial TMJ disc for 1, 3, and 5 d for cytotoxicity testing. Importantly, the artificial discs were placed into the TMJs of goats in an innovative way to induce disc defect repair for 12 wk. The PVA + PCL artificial disc demonstrated mechanical strength similar to that of natural disc, as well as 1) better fatigue resistance, viscoelasticity, and hydrophilicity; 2) less creep; and 3) low friction, cytotoxicity, and cell adhesion. By repairing the defects of the TMJ disc in goats, the artificial disc demonstrated the ability to maintain joint stability and protect condylar cartilage and bone from damage. These promising results indicate the feasibility of using a PVA + PCL artificial TMJ disc in a clinical context.

Development and application of isothermal amplification methods for rapid detection of F4 fimbriae producing Escherichia coli

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is the causative agent of a wide range of diseases, which are the important cause of illness and mortality in piglets. ETEC strains expressing F4 fimbriae are frequently associated with post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) and lead to great economic losses in swine production industry worldwide. The aim of this study was to establish a rapid and effective isothermal amplification method for detection of F4 fimbriae. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), Polymerase spiral reaction (PSR) and cross-priming ampli- fication (CPA) were used to develop and optimize the detection method first time. Subsequently, the specificity and sensitivity of these methods were evaluated, and the clinical samples were detected with these methods. All the F4-positive samples could produce ladder-like amplifica- tions products and lead the chromogenic substrate SYBR Green I produce green fluorescence, while in blank control and negative samples lack of this pattern or remained orange. The sensi- tivity of LAMP and CPA were 10 times higher than PSR method. Meanwhile, these three methods were validated with clinical samples, 7 were found positive, while 125 samples were negative, the testing results were consisted with the real-time PCR method. These findings suggested that the isothermal amplification based on the F4 fimbriae is a rapid, effective and sensitive method under resource constrains.

[A preliminary study on the mixed teaching of human parasitology based on MOOC resources and the experimental teaching digital platform]

The mixed teaching model combines the advantages of traditional teaching and network teaching in the "Internet +" era, which has become one of the important trends in the higher education teaching development. In order to follow this development trend, the human parasitology teaching team makes a reasonable use of modern information techniques, actively promotes the construction and application of online resources, and conducts mixed online and offline teaching based on MOOC resources and the experimental teaching digital platform. This mixed teaching model has shown a positive impact on both teaching and learning among teachers and students; however, students' personalized independent and deep learning remains unsatisfactory. It is suggested that the online course resources construction, teaching design and digital literacy remain to be increased, so as to create a high-level, innovative and challenging online-offline mixed "golden course".

Complementary Phenotyping of Maize Root System Architecture by Root Pulling Force and X-Ray Imaging

The root system is critical for the survival of nearly all land plants and a key target for improving abiotic stress tolerance, nutrient accumulation, and yield in crop species. Although many methods of root phenotyping exist, within field studies, one of the most popular methods is the extraction and measurement of the upper portion of the root system, known as the root crown, followed by trait quantification based on manual measurements or 2D imaging. However, 2D techniques are inherently limited by the information available from single points of view. Here, we used X-ray computed tomography to generate highly accurate 3D models of maize root crowns and created computational pipelines capable of measuring 71 features from each sample. This approach improves estimates of the genetic contribution to root system architecture and is refined enough to detect various changes in global root system architecture over developmental time as well as more subtle changes in root distributions as a result of environmental differences. We demonstrate that root pulling force, a high-throughput method of root extraction that provides an estimate of root mass, is associated with multiple 3D traits from our pipeline. Our combined methodology can therefore be used to calibrate and interpret root pulling force measurements across a range of experimental contexts or scaled up as a stand-alone approach in large genetic studies of root system architecture.

The single nucleotide polymorphism rs11643718 in SLC12A3 is associated with the development of diabetic kidney disease in Chinese people with type 2 diabetes

AIMS

To examine the association between 24 literature-based single nucleotide polymorphisms and diabetic kidney disease in Chinese people with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Twenty-four candidate diabetic kidney disease-susceptible single nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped in 208 participants with type 2 diabetes and diabetic kidney disease and 200 participants with type 2 diabetes without diabetic kidney disease (case and control groups, respectively), together with 206 healthy participants using MassARRAY. Rs11643718 in the SLC12A3 gene was associated with diabetic kidney disease in the recessive model after adjusting for confounding factors, such as age and gender (adjusted odds ratio 2.056, 95% CI 1.120-3.776; P = 0.020). Meta-analyses further confirmed the association (P = 0.002). In addition, participants with the GG genotype had worse renal function and more albuminuria than those with the AA+AG genotype (P < 0.05). Renal section immunohistochemistry was conducted in participants with type 2 diabetes, diabetic kidney disease and AA+AG or GG genotypes and in participants with glomerular minor lesions. Together with data from the Nephroseq database, it was shown that the abundance of SLC12A3 was reduced in patients with the GG genotype, while elevated expression of SLC12A3 was associated with better renal function. In addition, rs10951509 and rs1345365 in ELMO1, which were determined to be in high linkage disequilibrium by SHEsis software, were also associated with diabetic kidney disease (adjusted P = 0.010 and 0.015, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The G allele and GG genotype of SLC12A3 rs11643718 are associated with the development of diabetic kidney disease in a Chinese population with type 2 diabetes.

Comparison of three different types of splints and templates for maxilla repositioning in bimaxillary orthognathic surgery: a randomized controlled trial

The selection and implementation of a plan for maxillary surgery is of the utmost importance in achieving the desired outcome for the patient undergoing two-jaw orthognathic surgery. Some splint-based and splintless methods, accompanied by computer-assisted techniques, are helpful in improving surgical plan implementation. However, randomized controlled trials focused on this procedure are lacking. This study included 61 patients who underwent bimaxillary surgeries. The patients were randomly assigned to a conventional resin occlusal splint (CROS) group, a digital occlusal splint (DOS) group, or a digital templates (DT) group, in a 1:1:1 ratio. The mean linear distance between the planned and actual postoperative positions of eight selected points on the surfaces of the maxillary teeth was selected as the outcome measure. The distance was significantly smaller in the DT group (1.17±0.66mm) when compared to both the CROS group (2.55±0.95mm, P<0.05) and DOS group (2.15±1.12mm, P<0.05). However, the difference between the CROS group and DOS group was not statistically significant. These findings indicate that using digital templates results in the best performance in transferring the surgical plan to the operation environment as compared to the other two types of splints. This suggests that the application of digital templates could provide a reliable treatment option.