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Based on the first-principles of density functional theory, we use the PBEsol + U method to calculate the lattice and electronic structures, as well as mechanical and optical properties of ThO2, PaO2 and UO2 and (Th, Pa)O2 and (U, Pa)O2. The results of structural optimization indicate that the PBEsol + U method can provide more accurate lattice and mechanical parameters for actinidebased oxide ThO2, PaO2, and UO2. The calculation results show that the lattice parameters and the bandgaps of ThO2, PaO2, and UO2 are consistent with the experimental values and other related theoretical values. In the meanwhile? the lattice parameters of (Th, Pa)O2 and (U, Pa)O2 are between ThO2 and UO2, while predicting the band gaps of (Th, Pa)O2 and (U, Pa)O2 are also between ThO2 and UO2. Electronic properties calculations indicate that PaO2 and UO2 are Mott insulators, while ThO2 is a charge-transfer insulator. These are consistent with experiments and theoretical conclusions. (Th, Pa)O2 and (U, Pa)O2 have significant spin polarization effects near the Fermi energy level, and the bands are mainly occupied by Pa-5f and U5f electronic state, respectively. Lastly, the real and imaginary parts and optical parameters of the optical dielectric functions of these systems are compared and analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is used to control proteinuria in IgA Nephropathy (IgAN) However, its efficacy and safety in pregnant IgAN patients remains unknown. This study aimed to verify the safety of HCQ in pregnant IgAN patients and compare renal function and pregnancy outcomes with those of patients not treated with HCQ. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of all pregnant IgAN patients and singleton gestations at Peking University First Hospital from 2003–2021. Patients who did and did not receive HCQ treatment during pregnancy were compared. Results: We found no significant pre‐ or post‐pregnancy differences in proteinuria or renal function between the two groups. However, the HCQ (+) group had higher proteinuria at the time of kidney biopsy (2.04 [1.26, 2.56] g/d vs. 0.80 [0.44, 1.11] g/d, P <.001); the proteinuria level at HCQ therapy initiation was also higher than that at the beginning of pregnancy (1.87 [1.30, 2.59] g/d vs. 1.08 [0.75, 1.50] g/d, P =.001). Despite no difference in preterm birth, birth weight, preeclampsia or postpartum haemorrhage, the proportion of patients with a previous history of spontaneous abortion was higher in the HCQ (+) group than in the HCQ (−) group (48.0% vs. 20.6%, P =.010). The eGFR (regression coefficient, 0.981; 95%CI 0.964–0.998) was a predictive factor for obstetrical complications. Conclusion: HCQ is safe for IgAN treatment during pregnancy with effective reduction of proteinuria. HCQ might also be helpful in patients with a history of spontaneous abortion. SUMMARY AT A GLANCE: In this retrospective comparison of 25 pregnant patients with IgA nephropathy treated with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) versus 65 other pregnant IgAN patients who were not given HCQ, it was found that HCQ is safe and effective in reducing proteinuria. Multivariate regression shows that baseline eGFR is a predictor of obstetric complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Laparoscopic-perineal neovagina construction by sigmoid colpoplasty is a popular therapeutic approach for patients with Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome. The conventional approach requires an auxiliary abdominal incision to exteriorize the descending colon to fix the anvil for end-to-end colorectal anastomosis. We modified the natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) approach by exteriorizing the descending colon through the artificial neovaginal tunnel to replace the anvil extracorporeally, without requiring an auxiliary abdominal incision. It was a more minimally invasive technique. CASE REPORT We performed this modified laparoscopic-perineal sigmoid colpoplasty in a 26-year-old woman with MRKH syndrome. We cut off a segment of the sigmoid colon with a vascular pedicle to make a new vagina out of it, the same as in the traditional laparoscopic-perineal sigmoid colpoplasty. What is new about this technique is that it has no need for abdominal incision and is more minimally invasive. The operating time was 315 min. No postoperative complications occurred. The postoperative hospital stay was 4 days. The modified laparoscopic-perineal approach, free from an auxiliary abdominal incision, demonstrated advantages, including a shorter hospital stay, expedited recovery, and comparable anatomical outcomes, when compared with the traditional approach. This innovation improves the surgical experience for patients with MRKH syndrome, addressing the physical and psychological aspects of their condition. CONCLUSIONS This refined laparoscopic-perineal neovagina construction by sigmoid colpoplasty represents a feasible and minimally invasive technique. It is an attractive option for MRKH syndrome patients in need of vaginal reconstruction, offering a streamlined procedure with reduced postoperative recovery time and enhanced patient outcomes.

Combined mutagenesis is widely applied for the breeding of robust Yarrowia lipolytica used in the production of erythritol. However, the changes of genome after mutagenesis remains unclear. This study aimed to unravel the mechanism involved in the improved erythritol synthesis of CA20 and the evolutionary relationship between different Y. lipolytica by comparative genomics analysis. The results showed that the genome size of Y. lipolytica CA20 was 20,420,510 bp, with a GC content of 48.97%. There were 6330 CDS and 649 ncRNA (non-coding RNA) in CA20 genome. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) analysis showed that CA20 genome possessed high similarity (ANI > 99.50%) with other Y. lipolytica strains, while phylogenetic analysis displayed that CA20 was classified together with Y. lipolytica IBT 446 and Y. lipolytica H222. CA20 shared 5342 core orthologous genes with the 8 strains while harbored 65 specific genes that mainly participated in the substrate and protein transport processes. CA20 contained 166 genes coding for carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), which was more than that found in other strains (108－137). Notably, 4, 2, and 13 different enzymes belonging to glycoside hydrolases (GHs), glycosyltransferases (GTs), and carbohydrate esterases (CEs), respectively, were only found in CA20. The enzymes involved in the metabolic pathway of erythritol were highly conserved in Y. lipolytica , except for transaldolase (TAL1). In addition, the titer and productivity of erythritol by CA20 were 190.97 g/L and 1.33 g/L/h, respectively, which were significantly higher than that of WT5 wherein 128.61 g/L and 0.92 g/L/h were obtained ( P < 0.001). Five frameshift mutation genes and 15 genes harboring nonsynonymous mutation were found in CA20 compared with that of WT5. Most of these genes were involved in the cell division, cell wall synthesis, protein synthesis, and protein homeostasis maintenance. These findings suggested that the genome of Y. lipolytica is conserved during evolution, and the variance of living environment is one important factor leading to genome divergence. The varied number of CAZymes existed in Y. lipolytica is one factor that contributes to the performance difference. The increased synthesis of erythritol by Y. lipolytica CA20 is correlated with the improvement of the stability of cell structure and internal environment. The results of this study provide a basis for the directional breeding of robust strains used in erythritol production.