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Background: Primary cardiac angiosarcomas, especially those originating in the pericardium, are extremely rare and aggressive tumors with poor prognosis. These types of malignant tumors have diverse clinical presentations and are often masked by other comorbidities.Case Summary: Our hospital reported a 59-year-old woman who initially presented with pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) and was subsequently treated with low-molecular-weight heparin. However, she experienced acute pericardial tamponade after anticoagulation therapy, where no obvious mass was primarily identified upon imaging, both in the pericardium or within the heart. Emergency pericardiocentesis and drainage were performed, where a total of 210 mL of bloody effusion was drained. Four months later, she was hospitalized with progressive hemoptysis and dyspnea. A large mixed mass occupying the right pericardium was later identified by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). The mass was consistent with the right atrium, with heterogeneous thickened pericardium and localized moderate pericardial effusion. CCTA and positron emission tomography scans later showed metastases in both lungs and bilateral pleura. Nodules in hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes were also significant. Ultrasound-guided biopsy was performed, and the patient was ultimately diagnosed with an angiosarcoma based on final positive results for both CD31 and CD34 markers. The patient refused chemotherapy and passed away while waiting for her pathology results. The patient survived for 6 months since the first reported episode of PTE.Conclusions: Our case indicates that patients presenting with both embolism and hemorrhage should urgently be channeled to a clinical specialist to confirm any malignant etiology. This would be beneficial to confirm an early diagnosis and lengthen the duration of patient survival. However, the diagnosis of primary cardiac angiosarcoma is still challenging and requires multiple imaging modalities and biopsies in order to assist the accurate diagnosis of disease and achieve effective patient management.

The nasal mucosa provides first line defense against inhaled pathogens while creating a unique microenvironment for bacterial communities. Studying the impact of microbiota in the nasal cavity has been difficult due to limitations with current models including explant cultures, primary cells, or neoplastic cell lines. Most notably, none have been shown to support reproducible colonization by bacterial communities from human donors. Therefore, to conduct controlled studies of the human nasal ecosystem, we have developed a novel ex vivo mucosal model that supports bacterial colonization of a cultured host mucosa created by immortalized human nasal epithelial cells (NEC). For this model, immortalized NEC established from 5 male and 5 female donors were cultured with an air-interfaced, apical surface on a porous transwell membrane. NEC were grown from nasal turbinate tissues harvested from willed bodies or from discarded tissue collected during sinonasal procedures. Immortalized cells were evaluated through molecular verification of cell type, histological confirmation of tissue differentiation including formation of tight junctions, NEC multilayer viability, metabolism, physiology and imaging of the luminal surface by scanning electron microscopy. Results showed proper differentiation and multilayer formation at seven to 10 days after air interface that was maintained for up to 3 weeks. The optimized mucosal cultures created an environment necessary to sustain colonization by nasal microbiomes (NMBs) that were collected from healthy volunteers, cryogenically preserved and characterized with customized quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) arrays. Polymicrobial communities of nasal bacteria associated with healthy and inflamed states were consistently reproduced in matured NEC co-cultures by transplant of NMBs from multiple community types. The cultured NMBs were stable after an initial period of bacterial replication and equilibration. This novel ex vivo culture system is the first model that supports controlled cultivation of NMBs, allowing for lab-based causation studies and further experimentation to explore the complexities of host-microbe and microbe-microbe interactions.

BackgroundPostherpetic itch (PHI) is an easily overlooked complication of herpes zoster that greatly affects patients' quality of life. Studies have shown that early intervention can reduce the occurrence of itch. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a predictive model through a machine learning approach to identify patients at risk of developing PHI among patients with herpes zoster, making PHI prevention a viable clinical option.MethodWe conducted a retrospective review of 488 hospitalized patients with herpes zoster at The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University and classified according to whether they had PHI. Fifty indicators of these participants were collected as potential input features for the model. Features associated with PHI were identified for inclusion in the model using the least absolute shrinkage selection operator (LASSO). Divide all the data into five pieces, and then use each piece as a verification set and the others as a training set for training and verification, this process is repeated 100 times. Five models, logistic regression, random forest (RF), k-nearest neighbor, gradient boosting decision tree and neural network, were built in the training set using machine learning methods, and the performance of these models was evaluated in the test set.ResultsSeven non-zero characteristic variables from the Lasso regression results were selected for inclusion in the model, including age, moderate pain, time to recovery from rash, diabetes, severe pain, rash on the head and face, and basophil ratio. The RF model performs better than other models. On the test set, the AUC of the RF model is 0.84 [(95% confidence interval (CI): 0.80–0.88], an accuracy of 0.78 (95% CI: 0.69–0.86), a precision of 0.61 (95% CI: 0.45–0.77), a recall of 0.73 (95% CI: 0.58–0.89), and a specificity of 0.79 (95% CI: 0.70–0.89).ConclusionsIn this study, five machine learning methods were used to build postherpetic itch risk prediction models by analyzing historical case data, and the optimal model was selected through comparative analysis, with the random forest model being the top performing model.

With the increasing integration of renewable energy sources and the presence of numerous controllable loads such as electric vehicles and energy storage in the modern power system, higher nonlinearities and uncertainty both sources and loads are introduced. These factors pose challenges in achieving fast and accurate emergency frequency control. Therefore, this paper addresses the issue of dual source-load uncertainties in power system and presents an optimization strategy based on the Soft Actor Critic (SAC) algorithm that involves the participation of controllable loads in emergency frequency control. Firstly, the spatio-temporal uncertainties of wind farm power output on power supply side and power demand on the load side are described using Weibull and normal probability distributions, respectively. Secondly, an improved Markov Decision Process (MDP) model for emergency frequency control is established, which considers the characteristics of the dual source-load uncertainties. Finally, an optimization of the SAC algorithm is conducted based on Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL), aiming to achieve rapid system frequency recovery and minimize the cost of removing controllable loads. The presented approach in the paper enhances the emergency frequency control strategy for uncertain power systems and effectively addresses the issue of source-load uncertainty compounded by fault power shortages.

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting millions of people worldwide, with no effective treatment currently available. In recent decades, various traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) and their active ingredients have shown the potential to attenuate the pathogenesis of AD in cellular and animal models. However, the effects of TCM formulas, which are typically administered in practice, have been less studied. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effects of several formulas consisting of 4 components herbal components: catalpol, puerarin, gastrodin, and borneol, on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced AD models in cells and rats. The new object recognition (NOR), elevated plus maze (EMP), and Morris water maze (MWM) tests were used to evaluate the cognitive functions of rats. Golgi staining, Haematoxylin and Eosin (HE) staining, and Nissl staining analyses were employed assess the physiology of hippocampal tissues. Gene expression profiles were analyzed used transcriptomics and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis, while protein expression levels were determined using immunoblotting, immunohistochemical, and immunofluorescence. The production of cytokines was evaluated with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results demonstrated that the combined administration of these 4 components (CPGB) had superior mitigating effects on AD cell model, as evidenced by the reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine production and decreased deposition of Aβ protein. Further in vivo and in vitro experiments confirmed that varying doses of CPGB formula effectively ameliorated STZ-induced cognitive deficits, as shown by NOR, MWM, and EMP tests, as well as pathological changes in hippocampal tissues and a 3-dimensional brain neurovascular unit (3D-NVU) model, including decreased deposition of Aβ protein and formation of plaques. Transcriptome sequencing and analysis identified 35 genes with significantly altered expression levels due to STZ and CPGB treatment in hippocampal tissues, which were enriched in the Tlr4/Myd88/NF-κB signaling pathway. Interference with this pathway significantly influenced the therapeutic effects of CPGB in the 3D-NVU model. Collectively, these findings suggest that the combined administration of catalpol, puerarin, gastrodin, and borneol offers superior therapeutic effects on AD by modulating the Tlr4/Myd88/NF-κB signaling pathway. This study strengthens the theoretical foundation for using TCMs to treat AD, proving new insights and references for alleviating and treating AD.

BackgroundLimitations of conventional treatment methods for sleep disorders have driven the use and development of complementary and alternative therapies such as acupuncture. However, despite the surge in related studies, there is still a lack of visual analysis and detailed elaboration regarding the current status, international collaborations, and research hotspots of acupuncture for sleep disorders.MethodsWe conducted a bibliometric analysis of publications on acupuncture for sleep disorders using the Web of Science Core Collection database from 2004 to 2023. We utilized the R package “bibliometrix” to count publications and citations, VOSviewer to create an inter-institutional referencing network, and CiteSpace to identify references and keywords with the highest citation bursts. Additionally, we employed a bibliometric online analysis platform designed for analyzing national partnerships.ResultsA total of 432 pertinent papers were retrieved, with China being the most prolific contributor, accounting for 61.6% of the publications, followed by the United States and South Korea. Despite China’s high output, its average article citation rate and proportion of international collaborations were notably lower than those of the United States. Key research institutions such as the University of Hong Kong, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine have played significant roles in this field. Among authors, Ka-Fai Chung from the University of Hong Kong stood out as the most productive. In terms of journals, MEDICINE was the most active, while SLEEP was considered the most authoritative. The clinical effects of acupuncture for insomnia have garnered significant attention in recent years, with electroacupuncture emerging as the prevailing technique for addressing sleep disorders.ConclusionThis bibliometric study effectively outlines the basic framework of knowledge surrounding acupuncture for sleep disorders over the past two decades, covering publications, countries, institutions, authors, and sources. It highlights promising clinical effects and underlying mechanisms of acupuncture, particularly for secondary insomnia and specific sleep disorders like restless legs syndrome. Moving forward, the focus and challenge for future research lie in the development of standardized study protocols and harmonization of efficacy assessment metrics.

BackgroundCardiovascular disease significantly impacts human health. The development of carotid plaques elevates the risk of cardiovascular disease, while the influence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) on carotid plaques remains a subject of debate. This study aimed to investigate the association between H. pylori infection and carotid plaque using a cohort study.MethodsThe study included individuals who underwent multiple physical examinations at the Health Examination Center of Taizhou Hospital. The relationship between H. pylori and carotid plaque was explored using multifactorial logistic regression analysis. Participants were categorized into groups based on their H. pylori infection status at the initial and final examinations, comprising persistent infection, persistent negative, new infection, and eradication infection, to analyze variations in carotid plaque prevalence among these groups.ResultsIn both univariate and multifactorial regression analyses, H. pylori was identified as a risk factor for carotid plaque development. Moreover, when compared to the persistent negative group, both the new infection and persistent infection groups showed a notable increase in the risk of carotid plaque. Additionally, individuals in the persistent infection group exhibited higher blood pressure and blood glucose levels than those in the persistent negative group. Likewise, there was a discrepancy in the impact of insulin resistance on carotid plaque between the H. pylori positive and negative groups.ConclusionH. pylori is a risk factor for carotid plaque, with a long-term infection associated with an increased risk of carotid plaque formation. In addition, H. pylori promoting carotid plaque formation may be related to blood pressure, blood glucose, and insulin resistance.

BackgroundMetabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with a high risk of endometrial cancer (EC). However, its impact on EC progression remains unclear. This meta-analysis examined the association between MetS and survival outcomes in EC patients.MethodsA comprehensive search of PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases up to May 22, 2024, was conducted. Two independent reviewers performed study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random effects model.ResultsNine studies comprising 13,579 endometrial cancer (EC) patients were included. Among these, 2,896 patients (21.3%) had MetS at the time of enrollment. The follow-up durations ranged from 3.4 to 14.2 years. The results showed that EC patients with MetS at baseline demonstrated significantly poorer overall survival (HR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.19–2.07, p = 0.002; I2 = 25%) and progression-free survival (HR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.08–1.63, p = 0.007; I2 = 16%). A similar association was observed for cancer-specific survival (HR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.10–1.44, p = 0.001; I2 = 0%). Subgroup analyses based on study characteristics showed consistent results across studies conducted in countries with different follow-up durations.ConclusionThis meta-analysis suggests that MetS is associated with poor survival outcomes in EC patients. Further prospective studies are required to validate our findings. Systematic review registrationPROSPERO, identifier CRD42024561654.

IntroductionLong-term use of chemical fertilizers (CFs) can cause soil compaction and acidification. In recent years, bio-organic fertilizers (BOFs) have begun to replace CFs in some vegetables and cash crops, but the application of CFs or BOFs has resulted in crop quality and disease occurrence.MethodsThis study aimed to analyze the microbial mechanism of differences between CFs and BOFs in root disease, quality, and yield of tuber Chinese herbal medicine. We studied the effects of CFs, organic fertilizers, commercial BOFs, biocontrol bacteria BOFs, and biocontrol fungi BOFs on rhizosphere microbial community structure and function, root rot, quality, and yield of Codonopsis pilosula at different periods after application and analyzed the correlation.Results and discussionCompared to CFs, the emergence rate and yield in BOF treatments were increased by 21.12 and 33.65%, respectively, and the ash content, water content, and disease index in the BOF treatments were decreased by 17.87, 8.19, and 76.60%, respectively. The structural equation model showed that CFs promoted the quality and yield of C. pilosula by influencing soil environmental factors, while BOFs directly drove soil bacterial community to reduce disease index and improve the quality and yield of C. pilosula. There was a stronger interaction and stability of soil microbial networks after BOF treatments. Microlunatus, Rubrobacter, Luteitalea, Nakamurella, and Pedomicrobium were identified as effector bacteria, which were related to disease prevention and yield and quality increase of C. pilosula. Microbial functional analysis indicated that the signal transduction and amino acid metabolism of soil bacteria might play a major role in improving the quality and yield of C. pilosula in the early and middle growth stages. In conclusion, compared to CFs, BOFs obtained a lower disease index of root rot and a higher quality and yield of C. pilosula by changing the structure and function of the rhizosphere bacterial community.

BackgroundProstate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in men. Its molecular pathogenesis is closely linked to various genetic and epigenetic alterations, including posttranslational modifications like SUMOylation. Identifying biomarkers that predict outcomes and specific therapeutic targets depends on a comprehensive understanding of these processes. With growing interest in SUMOylation as a mechanism affecting prostate cancer-related genes, this study aimed to investigate the central role of SUMOylation in prostate cancer prognostics, focusing on the significance of NOP58.MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis, integrating differential expression analysis, survival analysis, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and single-cell transcriptomic analyses using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Key genes were identified through intersections of Venn diagrams, Boralta algorithm signatures, and machine learning models. These signaling mechanisms were validated through experimental studies, including immunohistochemical staining and gene ontology analyses.ResultsThe dual-gene molecular subtype analysis with SUMO1, SUMO2, and XPO1 genes revealed significant differences in survival outcomes across molecular subtypes, further emphasizing the potential impact of NOP58 on SUMOylation, a key post-translational modification, in prostate cancer. NOP58 overexpression was strongly associated with shorter overall survival (OS), progression-free interval (PFI), and disease-specific death in prostate cancer patients. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed that NOP58 was significantly overexpressed in prostate cancer tissues compared to normal tissues. ROC curve analysis demonstrated that NOP58 could distinguish prostate cancer from control samples with high diagnostic accuracy. Gene Ontology analysis, along with GSVA and GSEA, suggested that NOP58 may be involved in cell cycle regulation and DNA repair pathways. Moreover, NOP58 knockdown led to increased BCL2 expression and decreased Ki67 levels, promoting apoptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation. Colony formation assays further showed that NOP58 knockdown inhibited, while its overexpression promoted, colony formation, highlighting the critical role of NOP58 in prostate cancer cell growth and survival. Additionally, NOP58 was linked to drug responses, including Methotrexate, Rapamycin, Sorafenib, and Vorinostat.ConclusionNOP58 is a key regulator of prostate cancer progression through its mediation of the SUMOylation pathway. Its expression level serves as a reliable prognostic biomarker and an actionable therapeutic target, advancing precision medicine for prostate cancer. Targeting NOP58 may enhance therapeutic efficacy and improve outcomes in oncology.

IntroductionContinuous drought stress aggravates agricultural losses and threats food security. However, the responses of crops to continuous drought stress remain uncertain.MethodsTo make up the limitations of field experiment and achieve the setting of multiple continuous drought stress scenarios, AquaCrop model is calibrated and validated using field experiment data of summer maize in 2017 and 2018 seasons. Then, the whole growth processes under different continuous drought stress scenarios at two growth stages of maize are simulated. The quantitative responses of transpiration (Tr), biomass accumulation, and yield formation to continuous drought stress are analyzed.Results and discussionThe results show that when the maize encounters serious drought at the seedling stage, the reduction rates of Tr at the jointing stage, the tasseling stage, and the milking stage are 57.45%, 43.61%, and 5.24%, respectively. Drought stress at a growth stage of maize not only have negative impacts on transpiration and biomass accumulation at this stage, but also have after-effects on these elements at the subsequent stages. In addition, continuous serious drought at the seedling and jointing stages reduces yield by 100%, which is higher than the sum of the loss rates at these two stages [>33.30% + 24.16%)], while the loss rate due to continuous light drought is lower than the sum [20.66%

IntroductionCoronary artery disease (CAD) is an important public health problem with negative impacts on individual health and socioeconomics. Studies on the relationship of dietary vitamin A (DVA) to CAD are limited and conflicting. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between DVA and the prevalence of CAD in U.S. adults, with particular interest in sex differences.MethodsData from 26,449 NHANES participants were used for analysis. The association of DVA with the prevalence of CAD was investigated utilizing multivariate logistic regression models and fitted smoothed curves, and interaction tests were performed to explore potential modifiers.ResultsThis study included 12,748 males and 13,701 females aged 50.34 ± 17.54 years. Overall, adjusted DVA was linearly negatively correlated with CAD (per natural ln (DVA) increment: OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.83–0.99). Multivariate regression analysis showed that among female participants, each natural increment of ln DVA was associated with a 22% reduction in CAD prevalence (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.68–0.89). However, there was no significant correlation in male participants (p for interaction

ObjectiveMild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a recognized precursor to Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), presenting a significant risk of progression. Early detection and intervention in MCI can potentially slow disease advancement, offering substantial clinical benefits. This study employed radiomics and machine learning methodologies to distinguish between MCI and Normal Cognition (NC) groups.MethodsThe study included 172 MCI patients and 183 healthy controls from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database, all of whom had 3D-T1 weighted MRI structural images. The cerebellar gray and white matter were segmented automatically using volBrain software, and radiomic features were extracted and screened through Pyradiomics. The screened features were then input into various machine learning models, including Random Forest (RF), Logistic Regression (LR), eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Support Vector Machines (SVM), K Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Extra Trees, Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM), and Multilayer Perceptron (MLP). Each model was optimized for penalty parameters through 5-fold cross-validation to construct radiomic models. The DeLong test was used to evaluate the performance of different models.ResultsThe LightGBM model, which utilizes a combination of cerebellar gray and white matter features (comprising eight gray matter and eight white matter features), emerges as the most effective model for radiomics feature analysis. The model demonstrates an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.863 for the training set and 0.776 for the test set.ConclusionRadiomic features based on the cerebellar gray and white matter, combined with machine learning, can objectively diagnose MCI, which provides significant clinical value for assisted diagnosis.

BackgroundPrevious studies proposed the predictive value of baseline serum uric acid (SUA) in the prognosis of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients. The association of perioperative SUA variation with in-hospital adverse outcomes in CABG patients is unknown.MethodsA total of 2,453 patients were included in the study and were divided into four groups (G1–G4) according to perioperative SUA variation (ΔSUA) (G1, ΔSUA ≤ −90 μmol/L; G2, −90 μmol/L

ObjectiveComparing the efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with lenvatinib plus tislelizumab (TLT) with TACE combined with lenvatinib (TL) for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma, particularly in determining which patients can benefit more from the TLT treatment.MethodsFrom March 2021 to September 2023, a total of 169 patients from three centers were included in this study, with 103 patients receiving TLT and 66 patients receiving TL. The Kaplan-Meier method was utilized to evaluate the cumulative overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) between the two groups and were assessed using the log-rank test. Subgroup analysis on tumor number, maximum tumor diameter, presence of portal vein thrombosis, AFP level, and Child-Pugh class were conducted.ResultsThe median OS was 26 months in the TLT group, and 20 months in the TL group. The median PFS was 14 months in the TLT group and 9 months in the TL group. The Kaplan-Meier curve demonstrated a significantly superior OS and PFS in the TLT group compared to the TL group. Subgroup analysis showed that for patients with a maximum tumor diameter greater than 7 cm, AFP > 400 ng/ml and accompanied by portal vein tumor thrombus, and Child-Pugh class A, there was a statistically significant difference in OS between TLT and TL groups.ConclusionsOS and PFS were significantly improved in patients who received TLT compared to those who received TL, patients with a largest tumor diameter greater than 7 cm, AFP > 400 ng/ml, Child-Pugh class A and PVTT appeared to derive more benefit.

The genotype evaluation process requires analysis of GxE interactions to ascertain the responsiveness of a genotype to various environments, including the development of early maturing rice. However, the concept of interaction is relatively specific to grain yield. In contrast, grain yield is highly polygenic, so assessment should be carried out with multivariate approaches. Therefore, multivariate assessment in evaluating GxE interactions should be developed, especially for early maturing rice genotypes. The study aimed to develop a comprehensive multivariate approach to improve the comprehensiveness and responsiveness of GxE interaction analysis. The study was conducted in Bone and Soppeng districts, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, in two seasons. The study used a randomized complete block design, where replications were nested across two seasons and locations. Two check varieties and five early maturing varieties were replicated three times in each environment. Based on this study, a new approach to GxE interaction analysis based on multiple regression index analysis, BLUP analysis, factor analysis, and path analysis was considered adequate, especially for evaluating early maturing rice. This approach combined days to harvest, biological yield, and grain yield in multiple linear regression with weighting based on the combination of all analyses. The effectiveness of the GxE interaction assessment was reflected by high coefficient of determination (R2) and gradient (b) values above 0.8 and 0.9, respectively. Inpari 13 (R2 = 0.9; b=1.05), Cakrabuana (R2 = 0.98; b=0.99), and Padjajaran (R2 = 0.95; b=1.07) also have good grain yield with days to harvesting consideration, namely 7.83 ton ha-1, 98.12 days; 7.37 ton ha-1, 95.52 days; and 7.29 ton ha-1, 97.23 days, respectively. Therefore, this index approach can be recommended in GxE interaction analysis to evaluate early maturing rice genotypes. Furthermore, Inpari 13, Cakrabuana, and Padjajaran are recommended as adaptive early maturing varieties.

BackgroundParaganglioma (PGL) is a neuroendocrine tumor located outside the adrenal gland that can secrete catecholamines. Clinical manifestations include headaches, hypertension, and, rarely, cardiomyopathy. Among these, reverse Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (rTTS) is a rare Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTS) associated with a surge in catecholamines.Case introductionThis article reports a case of a hypertensive patient admitted for recurrent dizziness and chest tightness. During treatment, the patient suddenly experienced chest tightness and shortness of breath, followed by refractory cardiogenic shock, and was eventually diagnosed with rTTS. The patient gradually recovered and was successfully discharged after receiving treatments, including tracheal intubation with mechanical ventilation, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and surgery.ConclusionThe diagnosis of rTTS is significantly aided by the presence of free plasma metanephrines and specific changes observed in cardiac ultrasound. In the treatment of severe rTTS, ECMO can serve as a crucial life support technology. Under VA-ECMO support, early resection of the PGL after accelerated preoperative preparation may be a feasible approach.

BackgroundCarbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) bloodstream infections (BSIs) pose a significant risk to patients with hematologic malignancies, yet the distinct features and outcomes of these infections are not thoroughly understood.MethodsThis retrospective study examined the characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients with Enterobacterales BSIs at the Hematology Department of Fujian Medical University Union Hospital from 2018 to 2022. Whole-genome sequencing was conducted on 45 consecutive CRE BSI isolates during this period.ResultsA total of 301 patients with Enterobacterales BSIs were included, with 65 (21.6%) cases of CRE and 236 (78.4%) cases of carbapenem-susceptible Enterobacterales (CSE). CRE infections accounted for 16.9% to 26.9% of all Enterobacterales BSIs, and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) was the predominant strain. The most frequent sequence type (ST) and carbapenemase among CRKP were ST11 (68.6%) and blaKPC-2 (80.0%), respectively. Perianal infections, multiple infection foci, and a history of multiple hospitalizations, ICU stays, and prior CRE infections were identified as risk factors for CRE BSIs. Patients in the CRE group experienced significantly higher proportions of infection-related septic shock (43.1% vs. 19.9%, P < 0.0003) and 30-day all-cause mortality (56.9% vs. 24.6%, P < 0.0001) compared to those in the CSE group. Patient’s age and disease subtypes, strain subtypes, and antimicrobial treatment regimens significantly influenced survival in patients with CRE BSIs.ConclusionsCRE BSIs are a frequent complication in patients with hematological malignancies undergoing treatment and are associated with poor survival rates. A comprehensive understanding of risk factors and ongoing surveillance of prevalent strains are essential for the effective management of these infections.

Large amounts of dust are generated during digging operations in underground mines, and the transportation of dust is affected by the shape of the roadway section. In order to know the dust transportation law of different cross-section shapes when digging. Fluent software was used to simulate the distribution of wind flow field, dust transportation trajectory, and dust quality concentration in roadways with semicircular arch, three-centered arch, rectangle and trapezium, and then analyze and compare the influence of four cross-section shapes on dust transportation, and use gray correlation analysis to investigate the correlation between the time needed to reduce the dust quality concentration of the roadway to the safe value and the ventilation air volume and air supply distance. The results of the study show that the wind speed in the roadway is in the following order from high to low: rectangle > trapezium > three-centered arch > semicircular arch. Dust particles of each size rubbed each other after blasting, and there were fewer dust particles with larger sizes in the three-centered arch roadway. Both the air supply distance and ventilation air volume impact the dust removal effect; when the air supply distances are 5 m and 10 m, the three-centered arch has a better dust removal effect; when the air supply distances are 15 m and 20 m, the effect is better in the rectangular roadway and trapezoidal roadway; and when the ventilation air volume is increased, it is the three-centered arch. Through the gray correlation analysis, it can be seen that in order to improve the construction environment in the roadway after blasting, the rectangular section can be chosen when considering the air supply distance, and the three-centered arch can be chosen when considering the ventilation air volume.

BackgroundChlamydia abortus is a pathogen capable of infecting both humans and animals. In most known cases, this pathogen primarily infects pregnant women, leading to miscarriage and preterm birth. However, it is exceedingly rare for this pathogen to cause pneumonia that progresses to severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).Case introductionWe present a case of a 76-year-old male patient who was clinically diagnosed with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) caused by Chlamydia abortus and successfully treated. The patient’s condition rapidly deteriorated over six days, evolving from a lung infection to severe pneumonia, ultimately leading to ARDS and sepsis. Initially, he was admitted to a local hospital for a lung infection where routine etiological examinations failed to identify any significant pathogens, and he received only empirical antimicrobial therapy. However, the lung infection was not controlled, and the patient’s condition rapidly worsened, resulting in severe respiratory distress. This necessitated tracheal intubation and assisted ventilation, after which he was transferred to our hospital for treatment. Due to the patient’s family’s inability to afford the cost of ECMO treatment, we adopted a prone positioning ventilation strategy to improve the patient’s ventilation-perfusion matching. Additionally, we performed metagenomic next-generation sequencing on the patient’s bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, which confirmed the infection with Chlamydia abortus. These measures ultimately led to the successful treatment of the patient.ConclusionChlamydia abortus infection can lead to severe ARDS, necessitating timely diagnosis and active intervention by clinicians. This case highlights the crucial role of metagenomic next-generation sequencing in diagnosing rare pathogens. Timely adoption of prone positioning ventilation can significantly improve ventilation-perfusion matching, effectively treating ARDS caused by Chlamydia abortus. Additionally, the combination of moxifloxacin and piperacillin-tazobactam can treat ARDS caused by Chlamydia abortus.

High lead (Pb) levels in agricultural soil and wastewater threaten ecosystems and organism health. Microbial remediation is a cost-effective, efficient, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional physical or chemical methods for Pb remediation. Previous research indicates that micro-organisms employ various strategies to combat Pb pollution, including biosorption, bioprecipitation, biomineralization, and bioaccumulation. This study delves into recent advancements in Pb-remediation techniques utilizing bacteria, fungi, and microalgae, elucidating their detoxification pathways and the factors that influence Pb removal through specific case studies. It investigates how bacteria immobilize Pb by generating nanoparticles that convert dissolved lead (Pb-II) into less harmful forms to mitigate its adverse impacts. Furthermore, the current review explores the molecular-level mechanisms and genetic engineering techniques through which microbes develop resistance to Pb. We outline the challenges and potential avenues for research in microbial remediation of Pb-polluted habitats, exploring the interplay between Pb and micro-organisms and their potential in Pb removal.

Ferroptosis is a new form of regulated necrosis characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, leading to irreparable lipid damage, membrane permeabilization, and necrotic cell death. Ferroptosis has recently been implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple forms of heart disease such as myocardial infarction, cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, and various cardiomyopathies. Important progress has also been made regarding how ferroptosis is regulated in vitro and in vivo as well as its role in cardiac homeostasis and disease pathogenesis. In this review, we discuss molecular mechanisms that regulates ferroptosis in the heart, including pathways leading to iron overload and lipid peroxidation as well as the roles of key organelles in this process. We also discuss recent findings pertaining to the new pathogenic role of ferroptosis in various forms of heart disease as well as genetic and pharmacologic strategies targeting ferroptosis in the heart.

BackgroundAn intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is a mechanical circulatory device frequently used in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). As a treatment for perioperative haemodynamic instability, IABP insertion often implicates an adverse outcome. This study aimed to investigate the age- and sex-related disparity in risk factors for perioperative IABP insertion in CABG patients.MethodsA total of 2,460 CABG patients were included and divided into subgroups by age (elderly subgroup, ≥65 years; young subgroup,

Psoriasis is a chronic, relapsing, inflammatory skin disease and has been increasing year by year. It is linked to other serious illnesses, such as psoriatic arthritis, cardiometabolic syndrome, and depression, resulting in a notable decrease in the quality of life for patients. Existing therapies merely alleviate symptoms, rather than providing a cure. An in-depth under-standing of the pathogenesis of psoriasis is helpful to discover new therapeutic targets and develop effective novel therapeutic agents, so it has important clinical significance. This article reviews the new progress in the study of pathogenesis and natural products of psoriasis in recent years. These natural products were summarized, mainly classified as terpenoids, polyphenols and alkaloids. However, the translation of experimental results to the clinic takes a long way to go.

BackgroundMyelofibrosis (MF) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by bone marrow fibrosis associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. The therapeutic landscape for MF has advanced with the development of Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKis) like ruxolitinib (RUX), fedratinib (FED), pacritinib (PAC), and momelotinib (MMB), aiming to alleviate symptoms and enhance patient comfort.MethodsA network meta-analysis was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of eleven JAKi treatment regimens across nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a total of 2340 participants. Outcomes were evaluated in terms of spleen volume reduction (SVR), total symptom score reduction (TSSR), hematological safety profiles, and overall survival (OS).ResultsRUX and MMB were superior in achieving SVR and TSSR, with significant dose-response relationships observed. PAC and MMB were associated with a decreased risk of grade 3/4 anemia and thrombocytopenia compared to other JAKis. However, no substantial benefits in OS were observed with newer JAKis compared to RUX. The poorer OS outcomes with certain PAC dosages were likely influenced by baseline patient characteristics, particularly severe cytopenias.ConclusionThe introduction of JAKis significantly changed the treatment of MF. This meta-analysis reaffirms the core role of RUX and positions MMB as a potentially powerful alternative for treating symptoms and reducing spleen size. Meanwhile, MMB and PAC have a positive effect on anemia in MF while FED is more tolerable for patients with thrombocytopenia. However, it should be noted that these results are influenced by baseline patient characteristics, particularly cytopenias, which affects both management and overall survival. Therefore, there is an urgent need for personalized dosing strategies to optimize the balance between efficacy and safety, with careful consideration of patient-specific factors.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42023424179.

Magnesium chelatase (MgCh) plays a pivotal role in photosynthesis, catalyzing the insertion of magnesium into protoporphyrin IX (Proto IX), a key intermediate in chlorophyll (Chl) biosynthesis. MgCh is a heteromeric complex composed of the MgCh D subunit (CHLD), the MgCh H subunit (CHLH), and the MgCh I subunit (CHLI). The bright yellow leaves (byl) mutant was obtained through ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mutagenesis of the ‘FT’ Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis) doubled haploid line, whose Chl content, net photosynthetic rate (Pn), and non-photochemical quenching coefficient (NPQ) were decreased, and whose chloroplast development was incomplete. byl recovered to a light green phenotype under weak light conditions. Genetic analysis revealed that the bright yellow leaves phenotype of byl was caused by a single recessive nuclear gene. Using Mutmap sequencing and Kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) identification, BraA01g010040.3.5C, encoding the CHLI subunit of MgCh, was identified as the candidate gene and named Brchli1. A nonsynonymous G-to-A mutation in the Brchli1 exon resulted in the substitution of aspartic acid with asparagine. Brchli1-silenced Chinese cabbage displayed bright yellow leaves with decreased Brchli1 expression. Transiently overexpressed Brchli1 in the byl mutant restored the green leaf phenotype and significantly increased relative Brchli1 expression levels. Both BrCHLI1 and its mutated variant were localized in chloroplasts. Yeast two-hybrid and luciferase complementation imaging assays demonstrated that BrCHLI1 interacted with both BrCHLD and itself. BrCHLI1 mutations did not affect its interaction with BrCHLD. Together, Brchli1 mutations impaired the function of MgCh, providing insights into the molecular mechanism of leaf coloration.

IntroductionTobacco root-knot nematode (TRKN) disease is a soil-borne disease that presents a major hazard to the cultivation of tobacco, causing significant reduction in crop quality and yield, and affecting soil microbial diversity and metabolites. However, differences in rhizosphere soil microbial communities and metabolites between healthy tobacco soils and tobacco soils with varying degrees of TRKN infection remain unclear.MethodsIn this study, diseased rhizosphere soils of tobacco infected with different degrees of TRKN [severally diseased (DH) soils, moderately diseased (DM) soils, and mildly diseased (DL) soils] and healthy (H) rhizosphere soils were collected. Here, we combined microbiology with metabolomics to investigate changes in rhizosphere microbial communities and metabolism in healthy and TRKN-infected tobacco using high-throughput sequencing and LC-MS/MS platforms.ResultsThe results showed that the Chao1 and Shannon indices of bacterial communities in moderately and mildly diseased soils were significantly higher than healthy soils. The Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Ascomycota, Burkholderia, Bradyrhizobium and Dyella were enriched in the rhizosphere soil of healthy tobacco. Basidiomycota, Agaricales, Pseudeurotiaceae and Ralstonia were enriched in severally diseased soils. Besides, healthy soils exhibited a relatively complex and interconnected network of bacterial molecular ecologies, while in severally and moderately diseased soils the fungal molecular networks are relatively complex. Redundancy analysis showed that total nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, available phosphorus, significantly affected the changes in microbial communities. In addition, metabolomics results indicated that rhizosphere soil metabolites were significantly altered after tobacco plants were infected with TRKNs. The relative abundance of organic acids was higher in severally diseased soils. Spearman’s analyses showed that oleic acid, C16 sphinganine, 16-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid, D-erythro-3-methylmalate were positively correlated with Basidiomycota, Agaricales, Ralstonia.DiscussionIn conclusion, this study revealed the relationship between different levels of TRKN invasion of tobacco root systems with bacteria, fungi, metabolites and soil environmental factors, and provides a theoretical basis for the biological control of TRKN disease.

PurposeThe optimal timing for nonculprit vascular reconstruction surgery in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multivessel coronary disease (MVD) is still controversial. Our aim was to explore the optimal intervention time for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in STEMI patients who underwent MVD.MethodsThe PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched from inception to January 1, 2024 for clinical studies comparing immediate multivessel PCI and staged multivessel PCI in patients with STEMI. The primary outcomes were death from any cause, cardiovascular death, noncardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI) and unplanned ischemia-driven revascularization. The secondary outcomes were ischemic stroke, stent thrombosis, renal dysfunction and major bleeding. The risk ratios (RRs) and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated with fixed-effects models and random-effects models, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.FindingsFive randomized trials with 2,782 patients and six prospective observational studies with 3,131 patients were selected for inclusion in this meta-analysis. The staged PCI group had significantly lower pooled RRs for myocardial infarction (0.43, 95% CI = 0.27–0.67; P = 0.0002) and unplanned ischemia-driven revascularization (0.57, 95% CI = 0.41–0.78; P = 0.0004). There were no significant differences in any cause of death, cardiovascular cause of death, or noncardiac cause of death. However, the results of prospective observational studies in the real world indicated that the staged PCI group had significantly lower pooled ORs for all-cause mortality (2.30, 95% CI = 1.22–4.34; P = 0.01), cardiovascular death (2.29, 95% CI = 1.10–4.77; P = 0.03), and noncardiovascular death (3.46, 95% CI = 1.40–8.56; P = 0.007).ImplicationsAccording to our randomized trial analysis, staged multivessel PCI significantly reduces the risk of myocardial infarction and unplanned ischemia-driven revascularization compared to immediate multivessel PCI. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, or noncardiovascular mortality risk. However, prospective non-randomized studies suggest there might be a benefit in mortality in the staged PCI group. Therefore, staged multivessel PCI may be the optimal PCI strategy for STEMI patients with MVD.

This review explores the evolving landscape of blood biomarkers in the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB), focusing on biomarkers derived both from the pathogen and the host. These biomarkers provide critical insights that can improve diagnostic accuracy and timeliness, essential for effective TB management. The document highlights recent advancements in molecular techniques that have enhanced the detection and characterization of specific biomarkers. It also discusses the integration of these biomarkers into clinical practice, emphasizing their potential to revolutionize TB diagnostics by enabling more precise detection and monitoring of the disease progression. Challenges such as variability in biomarker expression and the need for standardized validation processes are addressed to ensure reliability across different populations and settings. The review calls for further research to refine these biomarkers and fully harness their potential in the fight against TB, suggesting a multidisciplinary approach to overcome existing barriers and optimize diagnostic strategies. This comprehensive analysis underscores the significance of blood biomarkers as invaluable tools in the global effort to control and eliminate TB.

Significant advancements in our understanding and clinical treatment of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) have been achieved over the past 5 years. Groundbreaking studies have illuminated the immune landscape and pathological characteristics of the tumor microenvironment in CCA. The development of immune- and metabolism-based classification systems has enabled a nuanced exploration of the tumor microenvironment and the origins of CCA, facilitating a detailed understanding of tumor progression modulation. Despite these insights, targeted therapies have not yet yielded satisfactory clinical results, highlighting the urgent need for innovative therapeutic strategies. This review delineates the complexity and heterogeneity of CCA, examines the current landscape of therapeutic strategies and clinical trials, and delves into the resistance mechanisms underlying targeted therapies. Finally, from a single-cell and spatial transcriptomic perspective, we address the challenge of therapy resistance, discussing emerging mechanisms and potential strategies to overcome this barrier and enhance treatment efficacy.

The Permian Capitanian-Changhsingian black shale formed in intra-platform basins are the major source rocks in Southwest China. However, the depositional conditions and organic matter accumulation of these black shales are not well understood. In this study, geochemical characteristics comprise TOC, major, trace and REEs from sixty-two samples from the studied outcrop in Northern Nanpanjiang Basin, Southwest China are systematically investigated to determine silicon source, paleo-ocean productivity, and paleo-redox conditions to reveal their influence on organic matter enrichment under 3rd-order sequence. The Capitanian-Changhsingian black shale in the study area is the result of the combined effects of active extensional activity, high paleo-productivity maintained by volcanic activity, and dysoxic and anoxic conditions represented by biological extinction events. There are differences in the factors controlling organic matter accumulation in black shale at different stages. The controlling factors for the organic enrichment during Capitanian (SQ2) are the rapidly deepening water mass of extensional rifts and the high productivity induced by volcanic ash in the igneous provinces, as well as the global anoxic event represented by “negative carbon isotope shift.” The controlling factors during Changhsingian are the deepening of water mass under the reactivation of extensional rifts, resulting in a dysoxic environment, and the high productivity maintained by volcanic activity in South China. The Wuchiapingian black shale was formed under dysoxic conditions under the stagnation of extensional activity, and intermittent volcanic activity in South China maintained the high paleo-productivity level of the Wuchiapingian stage.

Seed size (SS) constitutes a pivotal trait in watermelon breeding. In this study, we present findings from an examination of two watermelon accessions, namely, BW85 and F211. Seeds from BW85 exhibited a significant enlargement compared to those of F211 at 13 days after pollination (DAP), with the maximal disparity in seed length and width manifesting at 17 DAP. A comprehensive study involving both metabolic and transcriptomic analyses indicated a significant enrichment of the ubiquinone and other terpenoid-quinone biosynthesis KEGG pathways. To detect the genetic region governing seed size, a BSA-seq analysis was conducted utilizing the F2 (BW85 × F211) population, which resulted in the identification of two adjacent QTLs, namely, SS6.1 and SS6.2, located on chromosomes 6. SS6.1 spanned from Chr06:4847169 to Chr06:5163486, encompassing 33 genes, while SS6.2 ranged from Chr06:5379337 to Chr06:5419136, which included only one gene. Among these genes, 11 exhibited a significant differential expression between BW85 and F211 according to transcriptomic analysis. Notably, three genes (Cla97C06G113960, Cla97C06G114180, and Cla97C06G114000) presented a differential expression at both 13 and 17 DAP. Through annotation, Cla97C06G113960 was identified as a ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2, playing a role in the ubiquitin pathway that mediates seed size control. Taken together, our results provide a novel candidate gene influencing the seed size in watermelon, shedding light on the mechanism underlying seed development.

BackgroundMajor depressive disorder (MDD) is the leading cause of disability among all mental illnesses with increasing prevalence. The diagnosis of MDD is susceptible to interference by several factors, which has led to a trend of exploring objective biomarkers. Electroencephalography (EEG) is a non-invasive procedure that is being gradually applied to detect and diagnose MDD through some features such as functional connectivity (FC).MethodsIn this research, we analyzed the resting-state EEG of patients with MDD and healthy controls (HCs) in both eyes-open (EO) and eyes-closed (EC) conditions. The phase locking value (PLV) method was utilized to explore the connection and synchronization of neuronal activities spatiotemporally between different brain regions. We compared the PLV between participants with MDD and HCs in five frequency bands (theta, 4–8 Hz; alpha, 8–12 Hz; beta1, 12–16 Hz; beta2, 16–24 Hz; and beta3, 24–40 Hz) and further analyzed the correlation between the PLV of connections with significant differences and the severity of depression (via the scores of 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, HDRS-17).ResultsDuring the EO period, lower PLVs were found in the right temporal-left midline occipital cortex (RT-LMOC; theta, alpha, beta1, and beta2) and posterior parietal-right temporal cortex (PP-RT; beta1 and beta2) in the MDD group compared with the HC group, while PLVs were higher in the MDD group in LT-LMOC (beta2). During the EC period, for the MDD group, lower theta and beta (beta1, beta2, and beta3) PLVs were found in PP-RT, as well as lower theta, alpha, and beta (beta1, beta2, and beta3) PLVs in RT-LMOC. Additionally, in the left midline frontal cortex-right temporal cortex (LMFC-RT) and posterior parietal cortex-right temporal cortex (PP-RMOC), higher PLVs were observed in beta2. There were no significant correlations between PLVs and HDRS-17 scores when connections with significantly different PLVs (all p > 0.05) were checked.ConclusionOur study confirmed the presence of differences in FC between patients with MDD and healthy individuals. Lower PLVs in the connection of the right temporal-left occipital cortex were mostly observed, whereas an increase in PLVs was observed in patients with MDD in the connections of the left temporal with occipital lobe (EO), the circuits of the frontal-temporal lobe, and the parietal-occipital lobe. The trends in FC involved in this study were not correlated with the level of depression.LimitationsThe study was limited due to the lack of further analysis of confounding factors and follow-up data. Future studies with large-sampled and long-term designs are needed to further explore the distinguishable features of EEG FC in individuals with MDD.

Background and aimsRoot-knot nematodes (RKN; Meloidogyne spp.) are among the highly prevalent and significantly detrimental pathogens that cause severe economic and yield losses in crops. Currently, control of RKN primarily relies on the application of chemical nematicides but it has environmental and public health concerns, which open new doors for alternative methods in the form of biological control.MethodsIn this study, we investigated the nematicidal and attractive activities of an endophytic strain WF01 against Meloidogyne incognita in concentration-dependent experiments. The active nematicidal metabolite was extracted in the WF01 crude extract through the Sephadex column, and its structure was identified by nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry data.ResultsThe strain WF01 was identified as Aspergillus tubingensis based on morphological and molecular characteristics. The nematicidal and attractive metabolite of A. tubingensis WF01 was identified as oxalic acid (OA), which showed solid nematicidal activity against M. incognita, having LC50 of 27.48 μg ml–1. The Nsy-1 of AWC and Odr-7 of AWA were the primary neuron genes for Caenorhabditis elegans to detect OA. Under greenhouse, WF01 broth and 200 μg ml–1 OA could effectively suppress the disease caused by M. incognita on tomatoes respectively with control efficiency (CE) of 62.5% and 70.83%, and promote plant growth. In the field, WF01-WP and 8% OA-WP formulations showed moderate CEs of 51.25%–61.47% against RKN in tomato and tobacco. The combined application of WF01 and OA resulted in excellent CEs of 66.83% and 69.34% toward RKN in tomato and tobacco, respectively. Furthermore, the application of WF01 broth or OA significantly suppressed the infection of J2s in tomatoes by upregulating the expression levels of the genes (PAL, C4H, HCT, and F5H) related to lignin synthesis, and strengthened root lignification.ConclusionAltogether, our results demonstrated that A. tubingensis WF01 exhibited multiple weapons to control RKN mediated by producing OA to lure and kill RKN in a concentration-dependent manner and strengthen root lignification. This fungus could serve as an environmental bio-nematicide for managing the diseases caused by RKN.

Recent studies in Western cultures suggested emotion regulation goals have important implications for mental health. This study aimed to test the factor structure of Emotion Regulation Goals Scale (ERGS) in a Chinese cultural context. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were first used to examine the factor structure of the ERGS, and then reliability and validity tests were conducted to examine the psychometric properties of the ERGS. Results showed that the original five-factor model demonstrated fit during both EFA and CFA, and was thus adopted for further psychometric analyses. Most of the five factors were significantly associated with emotion regulation tendencies and negative emotional outcomes (e.g., depression), except for the non-significant associations between pro-hedonic goals and expressive suppression, and pro-social and impression management goals with depression. The ERGS also showed good internal consistency and split-half reliability. However, the test-retest reliabilities varied substantially across the five factors. The pro-hedonic goal had a higher test-retest reliability, whereas the contra-hedonic, performance, pro-social, and impression management goals showed lower values, especially the latter two. In brief, the ERGS showed a promising five-factor structure in assessing emotion regulation goals in Chinese cultural context.

Water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes Mart.) is a monocotyledonous aquatic plant renowned for its rapid growth, extensive proliferation, biological invasiveness, and ecological resilience to variations in pH, nutrients, and temperature. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed P. crassipes among the top 100 invasive species. However, comprehensive genomic information, particularly concerning its mitochondrial genome (mitogenome), remains surprisingly limited. In this study, the complete mitogenome of P. crassipes was analyzed using bioinformatics approaches. The mitogenome is 399,263 bp long and contains 38 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 24 tRNA genes, and 3 rRNA genes. Sequence analysis revealed that the complete mitogenome of the species contains 3,289 dispersed repeats, and 765 RNA editing sites in protein-coding genes. The P. crassipes mitogenome possessed un-conserved structures, including extensive sequence transfer between its chloroplasts and mitochondria. Our study on the mitogenome of P. crassipes offers critical insights into its evolutionary patterns and phylogenetic relationships with related taxa. This research enhances our understanding of this invasive species, known for its significant biomass and rapid overgrowth in aquatic environments.

BackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are bilayer lipid membrane vesicles containing RNA that exhibit promising diagnostic and prognostic potential as cancer biomarkers.AimsTo establish a miRNA panel from peripheral blood for use as a noninvasive biomarker for the diagnosis of HCC.MethodssEVs obtained from plasma were profiled using high-throughput sequencing. The identified differential miRNA expression patterns were subsequently validated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis.ResultsThe random forest method identified ten distinct miRNAs distinguishing HCC plasma from non-HCC plasma. During validation, miR-140-3p (p = 0.0001) and miR-3200-3p (p = 0.0017) exhibited significant downregulation. Enrichment analysis uncovered a notable correlation between the target genes of these miRNAs and cancer development. Utilizing logistic regression, we developed a diagnostic model incorporating these validated miRNAs. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.951, with a sensitivity of 90.1% and specificity of 87.8%.ConclusionThese aberrantly expressed miRNAs delivered by sEVs potentially contribute to HCC pathology and may serve as diagnostic biomarkers for HCC.

BackgroundDigital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) is currently the most effective diagnostic method for vascular diseases, but it is still subject to various factors, resulting in uncertain diagnosis. Therefore, a new technology is needed to help clinical doctors improve diagnostic accuracy and efficiency.PurposeThe objective of the study was to investigate the effect of utilizing color-coded parametric imaging techniques on the accuracy of identifying active bleeding through DSA, the widely accepted standard for diagnosing vascular disorders.MethodsSeveral variables can delay the diagnosis and treatment of active bleeding with DSA. To resolve this, we carried out an in vitro simulation experiment to simulate vascular hemorrhage and utilized five color-coded parameters (area under curve, time to peak, time-of-arrival, transit time, and flow rate of contrast agent) to determine the optimal color coding parameters. We then verified it in a clinical study.ResultsFive different color-coded parametric imaging methods were compared and the time-of-arrival color coding was the most efficient technique for diagnosing active hemorrhage, with a statistically significant advantage (P

ObjectiveThis study assesses the worldwide impact of ischemic stroke caused by ambient particulate matter pollution between 1990 and 2019, utilizing data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019.MethodsAn analysis was conducted across various subgroups, including region, Socio-demographic Index (SDI) level, country, age, and gender. The study primarily examined metrics such as death cases, death rate, Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), DALY rate, and age-standardized indicators. The Estimated Annual Percentage Change (EAPC) was calculated to assess trends over time.ResultsThe study found a moderate increase in the global burden of ischemic stroke attributed to ambient particulate matter, with the age-standardized DALY rate showing an EAPC of 0.41. Subgroup analyses indicated the most substantial increases in Western Sub-Saharan Africa (EAPC 2.64), East Asia (EAPC 2.77), and Eastern Sub-Saharan Africa (EAPC 3.80). Low and middle SDI countries displayed the most notable upward trends, with EAPC values of 3.36 and 3.58 for age-standardized death rate (ASDR) and DALY rate, respectively. Specifically, countries like Equatorial Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Yemen experienced the largest increases in ASDR and age-standardized DALY rate. Furthermore, both death and DALY rates from ischemic stroke due to particulate matter showed significant increases with age across all regions.ConclusionThe study highlights the increasing worldwide health consequences of ischemic stroke linked to particulate matter pollution, particularly in Asia and Africa. This emphasizes the critical necessity for tailored public health interventions in these regions.

BackgroundThe role of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF), especially the long-acting factor in the development of cancer-associated venous thromboembolism (VTE) in lung cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy has been understudied, although the use of rhG-CSF has been reported to be associated with an increased risk of VTE.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 1,673 lung cancer patients who underwent hospitalized chemotherapy. We performed propensity score matching to offset confounding factors related to cancer-associated VTE development and classified the patients into short-acting (N = 273), long-acting (N = 273), and no rhG-CSF (N = 273) groups. The primary outcome was cumulative cancer-associated VTE development three months after all cycles of chemotherapy.ResultsThe overall VTE incidence in the short-acting, long-acting, and no rhG-CSF groups was 5.5%, 10.3%, and 2.2%, respectively (P

BackgroundPostmenopausal osteoporosis is a prevalent disease that affects the bone health of middle-aged and elderly women. The link between gut microbiota and bone health, known as the gut-bone axis, has garnered widespread attention.MethodsWe employed a two-sample Mendelian randomization approach to assess the associations between gut microbiota with osteoclasts and postmenopausal osteoporosis, respectively. Single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with the composition of gut microbiota were used as instrumental variables. By analyzing large-scale multi-ethnic GWAS data from the international MiBioGen consortium, and combining data from the eQTLGen consortium and the GEFOS consortium, we identified microbiota related to osteoclasts and postmenopausal osteoporosis. Key genes were further identified through MAGMA analysis, and validation was performed using single-cell data GSE147287.ResultsThe outcomes of this study have uncovered significant associations within the gut microbiome community, particularly with the Burkholderiales order, which correlates with both an increase in osteoclasts and a reduced risk of postmenopausal osteoporosis. with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.400, and a P-value of 0.011. Further analysis using single-cell data allowed us to identify two key genes, FMNL2 and SRBD1, that are closely linked to both osteoclasts and osteoporosis.ConclusionThis study utilizing Mendelian randomization and single-cell data analysis, provides new evidence of a causal relationship between gut microbiota and osteoclasts, as well as postmenopausal osteoporosis. It was discovered that the specific microbial group, the Burkholderiales order, significantly impacts both osteoporosis and osteoclasts. Additionally, key genes FMNL2 and SRBD1 were identified, offering new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

BackgroundCongenital contractures of the limbs and face, hypotonia, and developmental delay (CLIFAHDD) syndrome (OMIM #616266) is an autosomal dominant hereditary disease that can lead to the congenital contracture of the limbs and face, hypotonia, and developmental delay. In addition, it may result in growth retardation and present various clinical symptoms, such as brain atrophy, a small pituitary gland, musculoskeletal abnormalities, abnormal breathing, abdominal hernia, and abnormal facial features. Herein, we describe a novel de novo missense genetic variant in the sodium leak channel, non-selective (NALCN) gene that is associated with CLIFAHDD syndrome.Case descriptionThis study describes a patient with varus deformities in both feet, deviation of the ulnar side of the fingers, and severe hypotonia. This patient was subsequently confirmed to have CLIFAHDD syndrome through genetic testing, which also revealed a novel missense de novo genetic variant in the NALCN gene (c.3553G > A, p.Ala1185Thr).ConclusionsOur findings further enrich the known variant spectrum of the NALCN gene and may expand the range of clinical options for treating NALCN-related disorders.

Implementing a cropping intensity program with rice cultivation four times a year (CI 400) can be achieved using early maturing varieties of rice. However, this development needs to pay attention to the adaptability of the varieties planted to ensure successful implementation. The adaptability approach is a combination of assessing stability and productivity potential. This concept has been developed and applied in several studies, including research on rice. However, this approach is considered less comprehensive because it is non-parametric and only focuses on one stability analysis. Therefore, a systematic integration of various stability analyses, including index methods, is needed to comprehensively assess adaptability, particularly for early-maturing rice in South Sulawesi. This region is characterized by a dynamic climate zone and is one of the top four highest rice producers in Indonesia. Meanwhile, this study aims to develop a comprehensive adaptability index and select the best early-maturing rice varieties, especially in South Sulawesi. The investigation was conducted in Bone, Soppeng, and Gowa over two seasons using a nested randomized complete block design, with organized replications in each environment (location-season). Additionally, there was a significant focus on the application of five early-maturing and two check rice varieties, with each factor repeated three times at each location, totaling 126 experimental units. The results showed that the adaptability index, by combining stability rank accumulation with yield min max standardization, was effective at assessing the yield potential and stability of early-maturing rice varieties in supporting CI 400. Inpari 13 had the best index value at 0.55, followed by Cakrabuana at 0.31; hence both were recommended as adaptive early-maturing rice varieties, especially in South Sulawesi.

BackgroundThe relationship between plaque psoriasis and both MASLD and lean MASLD has not been sufficiently explored in the current literature.MethodThis retrospective and observational study was carried out from January 2021 to January 2023 at The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University. Patients diagnosed with plaque psoriasis and a control group consisting of individuals undergoing routine physical examinations were enrolled. The incidence of MASLD and lean MASLD among these groups was compared. Additionally, patients with plaque psoriasis were divided into those with MASLD, those with lean MASLD, and a control group with only psoriasis for a serological comparative analysis.ResultsThe incidence of MASLD in the observation group and the control group was 43.67% (69/158) and 22.15% (35/158), respectively (p

In a microgrid system where multiple virtual synchronous generators (VSGs) are interconnected through high impedance cables, the total output negative sequence and harmonic current of multiple VSGs cannot be coordinated based on the capacity of each power conversion system (PCS). In addition, there is significant distortion in the voltage at the point of common coupling (PCC). Because the impedance amplitude and impedance angle of the cable change with the harmonic frequency, the resistive virtual impedance reshaping method and fixed impedance angle virtual impedance reshaping method used in the current research cannot solve the harmonic current distribution problem. To solve the above problems, a multi-frequency points VSG impedance reshaping control strategy is proposed in this paper, which can adjust the resistive and inductive output impedance of each harmonic frequency independently. The strategy is based on the harmonic separation algorithm of LPF with Feedforward Compensation (FCLPF) and the voltage controller of Vector Proportional Integral (VPI) in fundamental dq rotation coordinate system, which effectively improve the flexibility and accuracy of harmonic impedance reshaping. Among them, FCLPF harmonic separation algorithm has the characteristics of target frequency bandpass and non-target frequency notch, and can eliminate the coupling interference of each harmonic virtual impedance when accumulating virtual impedance voltage references at various frequency points. The closed-loop transfer function of the multi-parallel VPI voltage controller has the characteristics of unit gain and zero phase shift at each harmonic frequency point, which means the static response error of virtual impedance voltage command can be almost completely eliminated. Under the proposed control strategy, the fundamental positive power can be allocated according to the droop coefficient, the fundamental negative current and harmonic current can be allocated according to the sum of the reshaped virtual impedance and the actual line impedance. Reshaping virtual impedance at each harmonic frequency to negative value can also compensate the harmonic voltage drop on the high impedance cable and improve the voltage quality at the PCC.

Live streaming is revolutionizing the landscape of e-commerce, creating new opportunities for platforms and e-tailers to improve their performance. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms that shape consumer behavior in this burgeoning business phenomenon. This study aims to shed light on the relationships between environmental cues generated by live streaming and online impulse buying. Drawing upon the Stimulus-Organism-Response framework, a comprehensive model was formulated to explore how social cues (streamer interaction, peer interaction) and media cues (vividness, realness) impact pleasure, arousal, perceived uncertainty, and subsequently induce consumers’ urge to buy impulsively. The model was tested by survey data from 403 consumers. SPSS and PLS are employed to verify the model. The findings revealed that realness and streamer interaction can reduce perceived uncertainty and foster a pleasant consumer experience, while vividness and peer interaction serve to awaken and delight consumers. Pleasure, arousal, and perceived uncertainty mediate antecedent variables’ effects on urge to buy impulsively in a parallel and reverse way, and emotions exert a more powerful influence. This study enriched the research on the influence mechanisms of impulse buying driven by live streaming and provided suggestions for platforms and streamers to optimize product display and guide interaction, which is conducive to leveraging the advantages of live streaming and creating greater commercial value.

ObjectiveThis study investigates the determinants of medical impoverishment among China's rural near-poor, aiming to enhance public health services and establish preventative and monitoring systems.MethodsUsing China Family Panel Studies and World Bank methods, we categorized rural populations and calculated their 2020 Poverty Incidence (PI) and Poverty Gap (PG), with impoverishing health expenditures (IHE) as the primary indicator. We analyzed the data from 2016 to 2020 using a conditional fixed-effects multinomial logit model and 2020 logistic regression to identify factors influencing medical impoverishment risk.Results(1) In 2020, the near-poor in China faced a PI of 16.65% post-health expenditures, 8.63 times greater than the non-poor's PI of 1.93%. The near-poor's Average Poverty Gap (APG) was CNY 1,920.67, notably surpassing the non-poor's figure of CNY 485.58. Health expenses disproportionately affected low-income groups, with the near-poor more prone to medical impoverishment. (2) Disparities in medical impoverishment between different economic household statuses were significant (P < 0.001), with the near-poor being particularly vulnerable. (3) For rural near-poor households in China, those with over six members faced a lower risk of medical impoverishment compared to those with three or fewer. Unmarried individuals had a 7.1% reduced risk of medical impoverishment relative to married/cohabiting counterparts. Unemployment was associated with a 9% increased risk. A better self-rated health status was linked to a lower probability of IHE, with the “very healthy” reporting a 25.8% lower risk than those “unhealthy.” Chronic disease sufferers in the near-poor and non-poor categories were at an increased risk of 12 and 1.4%, respectively. Other surveyed factors, including migrant status, age, insurance type, gender, educational level, and recent smoking or drinking, were not statistically significant (P > 0.05).ConclusionRural near-poor in China are much more susceptible to medical impoverishment, influenced by specific socio-economic factors. The findings advocate for policy enhancements and health system reforms to mitigate health poverty. Further research should extend to urban areas for comprehensive health poverty strategy development.

In recent years, thanks to the development of integrated circuits, clinical medicine has witnessed significant advancements, enabling more efficient and intelligent treatment approaches. Particularly in the field of neuromedical, the utilization of brain-machine interfaces (BMI) has revolutionized the treatment of neurological diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, cerebral palsy, stroke, or spinal cord injury. The BMI acquires neural signals via recording circuits and analyze them to regulate neural stimulator circuits for effective neurological treatment. However, traditional BMI designs, which are often isolated, have given way to closed-loop brain-machine interfaces (CL-BMI) as a contemporary development trend. CL-BMI offers increased integration and accelerated response speed, marking a significant leap forward in neuromedicine. Nonetheless, this advancement comes with its challenges, notably the stimulation artifacts (SA) problem inherent to the structural characteristics of CL-BMI, which poses significant challenges on the neural recording front-ends (NRFE) site. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of technologies addressing artifacts in the NRFE site within CL-BMI. Topics covered will include: (1) understanding and assessing artifacts; (2) exploring the impact of artifacts on traditional neural recording front-ends; (3) reviewing recent technological advancements aimed at addressing artifact-related issues; (4) summarizing and classifying the aforementioned technologies, along with an analysis of future trends.

BackgroundGreen tea intake has been reported to improve the clinical outcomes of patients with cardiovascular diseases or cancer. It may have a certain role in the development of venous thromboembolism (VTE) among cancer patients. The current study aimed to address this issue, which has been understudied.MethodsWe carried out a retrospective study to explore the role of green tea intake in cancer patients. Patients with and without green tea intake were enrolled in a 1:1 ratio by using propensity scoring matching. The primary and secondary outcomes were VTE development and mortality 1 year after cancer diagnosis, respectively.ResultsThe cancer patients with green tea intake (n = 425) had less VTE development (10 [2.4%] vs. 23 [5.4%], p = 0.021), VTE-related death (7 [1.6%] vs. 18 [4.2%], p = 0.026), and fatal pulmonary embolism (PE) (3 [0.7%] vs. 12 [2.8%], p = 0.019), compared with those without green tea intake (n = 425). No intake of green tea was correlated with an increase in VTE development (multivariate hazard ratio (HR) 1.758 [1.476–2.040], p