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Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex systemic autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of numerous autoantibodies. The interaction of infectious agents (viruses, bacteria and parasites) and a genetically susceptible host may be a key mechanism for SLE. Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread intracellular parasite that has been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. However, the relationship between T. gondii infection and the increased risk of SLE in Chinese populations remains unclear. Methods: The seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was assessed in 1771 serum samples collected from Chinese individuals (908 healthy controls and 863 SLE patients) from different regions of China using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum autoantibodies and clinical information were obtained and analysed. Results: Our observations revealed a higher prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies (ATxA) immunoglobulin G (IgG) in serum samples from SLE patients (144/863, 16.7%) than in those from the healthy controls (53/917, 5.8%; P < 0.0001), indicating a 2.48-fold increased risk of SLE in the ATxA-IgG+ population, after adjustment for age and sex (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.70–3.62, P < 0.0001). ATxA-IgG+ SLE patients also showed a 1.75-fold higher risk of developing moderate and severe lupus symptoms (95% CI 1.14–2.70, P = 0.011) compared to ATxA-IgG− patients. Relative to ATxA-IgG− patients, ATxA-IgG+ patients were more likely to develop specific clinical symptoms, including discoid rash, oral ulcer, myalgia and alopecia. Seven antibodies, namely anti-ribosomal RNA protein (rRNP), anti-double stranded DNA (dsDNA), anti-cell membrane DNA (cmDNA), anti-scleroderma-70 (Scl-70), anti-cardiolipin (CL), anti-beta2-glycoprotein-I (B2GPI) and rheumatoid factor (RF), occurred more frequently in ATxA-IgG+ patients. When combined with anti-dsDNA and RF/anti-rRNP/anti-cmDNA/ESR, ATxA-IgG significantly increased the risk for severe lupus. Conclusions: Our results suggest that ATxA-IgG may be a significant risk factor for SLE prevalence and severity in Chinese populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. This study aimed to compare the attitudes and preferences on cancer diagnosis disclosure (CDD) among suspicious lung cancer patients (SLCPs), lung cancer patients (LCPs), and their family members and to explore their associations with resilience. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Yunnan Cancer Hospital in China, from March to August 2022. A total of 1016 participants including 254 SLCP-family pairs and 254 LCP-family pairs completed self-administered questionnaires to assess their attitudes toward CDD and resilience. Continuous variables were expressed by means and standard deviations, while categorical variables were presented by numbers and percentages. The comparisons between groups were tested by using a t-test or chi-squared test. Associations between resilience and CDD attitudes in the four groups were estimated by multivariate logistic regression models. Results. Compared with LCPs, more SLCPs believed that patients should be informed of their cancer diagnoses (63.8% vs 43.7%, p < 0.001), and the distribution of the first one to know the diagnosis was disequilibrium (p < 0.05). The significant difference was identified in participants' attitudes toward patients being told the facts by resilience levels among the different groups. Subsequent multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that resilience was associated with participants' preference for patients being informed of their cancer diagnoses in the SLCPs group (adjusted OR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.08–3.25), LCPs group (adjusted OR: 2.21, 95% CI: 1.32–3.74), and family of LCPs group (adjusted OR: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.04–3.12). We further performed a sensitivity analysis using quantiles of resilience. Conclusion. SLCPs and LCPs exhibited different attitudes towards CDD. Resilience plays a positive role in CDD. Our study suggests that healthcare practitioners should consider patients' diagnosis state when disclosing a cancer diagnosis and tailor their disclosure methods based on the patients' and families' preferences and resilience. Our findings provide important implications to guide future research and intervention programs to improve cancer diagnosis disclosure for SLCPs, LCPs, and their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Various studies have indicated that stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) can reflect true acute hyperglycemic status and is associated with poor outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, data on dialysis patients with ACS are limited. The Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk score is a well-validated risk prediction tool for ACS patients, yet it underestimates the risk of major events in patients receiving dialysis. This study aimed to evaluate the association between SHR and adverse cardiovascular events in dialysis patients with ACS and explore the potential incremental prognostic value of incorporating SHR into the GRACE risk score. Methods: This study enrolled 714 dialysis patients with ACS from January 2015 to June 2021 at 30 tertiary medical centers in China. Patients were stratified into three groups based on the tertiles of SHR. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and the secondary outcomes were all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality. Results: After a median follow-up of 20.9 months, 345 (48.3%) MACE and 280 (39.2%) all-cause mortality occurred, comprising 205 cases of cardiovascular death. When the highest SHR tertile was compared to the second SHR tertile, a significantly increased risk of MACE (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.48–2.49), all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.19; 95% CI, 1.64–2.93), and cardiovascular mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.70; 95% CI, 1.90–3.83) was identified in the multivariable Cox regression model. A similar association was observed in both diabetic and nondiabetic patients. Further restricted cubic spline analysis identified a J-shaped association between the SHR and primary and secondary outcomes, with hazard ratios for MACE and mortality significantly increasing when SHR was > 1.08. Furthermore, adding SHR to the GRACE score led to a significant improvement in its predictive accuracy for MACE and mortality, as measured by the C-statistic, net reclassification improvement, and integrated discrimination improvement, especially for those with diabetes. Conclusions: In dialysis patients with ACS, SHR was independently associated with increased risks of MACE and mortality. Furthermore, SHR may aid in improving the predictive efficiency of the GRACE score, especially for those with diabetes. These results indicated that SHR might be a valuable tool for risk stratification and management of dialysis patients with ACS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index has been suggested as a dependable indicator for predicting major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in individuals with cardiovascular conditions. Nevertheless, there is insufficient data on the predictive significance of the TyG index in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: This study, conducted at multiple centers in China, included 959 patients diagnosed with dialysis and CAD from January 2015 to June 2021. Based on the TyG index, the participants were categorized into three distinct groups. The study's primary endpoint was the combination of MACE occurring within one year of follow-up, including death from any cause, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and non-fatal stroke. We assessed the association between the TyG index and MACE using Cox proportional hazard models and restricted cubic spline analysis. The TyG index value was evaluated for prediction incrementally using C-statistics, continuous net reclassification improvement (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI). Results: The three groups showed notable variations in the risk of MACE (16.3% in tertile 1, 23.5% in tertile 2, and 27.2% in tertile 3; log-rank P = 0.003). Following complete adjustment, patients with the highest TyG index exhibited a notably elevated risk of MACE in comparison to those in the lowest tertile (hazard ratio [HR] 1.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14–2.35, P = 0.007). Likewise, each unit increase in the TyG index correlated with a 1.37-fold higher risk of MACE (HR 1.37, 95% CI 1.13–1.66, P = 0.001). Restricted cubic spline analysis revealed a connection between the TyG index and MACE (P for nonlinearity > 0.05). Furthermore, incorporating the TyG index to the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events risk score or baseline risk model with fully adjusted factors considerably enhanced the forecast of MACE, as demonstrated by the C-statistic, continuous NRI, and IDI. Conclusions: The TyG index might serve as a valuable and dependable indicator of MACE risk in individuals with dialysis and CAD, indicating its potential significance in enhancing risk categorization in clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The effectiveness and safety of belimumab in Chinese lupus patients with different disease activities were investigated in a real-world setting. Method: Patients who received 10 mg/kg belimumab intravenously on weeks 0, 2, and 4, and then every 4 weeks on a background of standard-of-care (SoC) therapy and had a follow-up of more than 6 months were enrolled from four centers in China. They were stratified according to the Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment-SLE Disease Activity Index (SELENA-SLEDAI) score at baseline as the moderate/severe (SELENA-SLEDAI > 6) or mild subgroups (SELENA-SLEDAI ≤ 6). Attainment of the Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS) or remission on treatment was analyzed in all patients. The SLE Responder Index 4 (SRI-4) and SELENA-SLEDAI Flare Index (SFI) were evaluated for patients with moderate/severe disease and mild disease, respectively. Patients in the control arm with SoC alone from previous metformin lupus trials were selected by propensity score matching (PSM) as the reference group. Results: 224 SLE patients with a mean follow-up of 11.7 months receiving belimumab were enrolled in this observational study, of which 126 and 98 were in the moderate/severe and mild subgroup, respectively. At 12 months, 54.76% of the patients attained LLDAS and 28.57% attained remission. Lower daily prednisone at baseline were independently associated with 12-month LLDAS. Further, 87% of the subgroup with moderate/severe disease achieved SRI-4 at 12 months and a high SLEDAI at baseline was its predictive factor. For the mild subgroup, a reduced flare rate was observed compared with PSM reference (17.5%, vs. 38.6%, p = 0.021). Infection events, particularly viral infections and pneumonia were recorded in 7 and 6 patients, respectively. Conclusion: Our real-world data supported the effectiveness and safety of belimumab in Chinese lupus patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new method for the determination of 26 legacy and emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in marine sediment pore water was developed using online solid phase extraction coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The proposed method requires only about 1 mL of pore water samples. Satisfactory recoveries of most target PFASs (83.55–125.30 %) were achieved, with good precision (RSD of 1.09–16.53 %), linearity (R 2 ≥ 0.990), and sensitivity (MDLs: 0.05 ng/L–5.00 ng/L for most PFASs). Subsequently, the method was applied to determine PFASs in the sediment pore water of five mariculture bays in the Bohai and Yellow Seas of China for the first time. Fifteen PFASs were detected with total concentrations ranging from 150.23 ng/L to 1838.48 ng/L (mean = 636.80 ng/L). The ∑PFASs and PFOA concentrations in sediment pore water were remarkably higher than those in surface seawater (tens of ng/L), indicating that the potential toxic effect of PFASs on benthic organisms may be underestimated. PFPeA was mainly distributed in pore water, and the partition of PFHpA (50.99 %) and PFOA (49.01 %) was almost equal in the solid and liquid phases. The proportions of all other PFASs partitioned in marine sediments were significantly higher than those in pore water. [Display omitted] • A convenient method for the detection of PFASs in marine sediment pore water was developed. • Only about 1 mL of actual sediment pore water is needed to determine various PFASs. • High levels of PFASs were detected in pore water from five mariculture bays of China. • Different PFASs exhibit varying partitioning behaviors at the sediment–pore water interface. • Great attention should be paid to PFASs in the sediment pore water of mariculture areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • We detected three subgroups of L. edodes with robust phenotypic differentiation. • The three subgroups were diverged 36,871 generations ago. • L. edodes cultivars in China might originate from the vicinity of Northeast China. • We dissected the genetic basis of adaptive evolution in L. edodes. • Genes related to fruiting body development are involved in adaptive evolution. Mushroom-forming fungi comprise diverse species that develop complex multicellular structures. In cultivated species, both ecological adaptation and artificial selection have driven genome evolution. However, little is known about the connections among genotype, phenotype and adaptation in mushroom-forming fungi. This study aimed to (1) uncover the population structure and demographic history of Lentinula edodes , (2) dissect the genetic basis of adaptive evolution in L. edodes , and (3) determine if genes related to fruiting body development are involved in adaptive evolution. We analyzed genomes and fruiting body-related traits (FBRTs) in 133 L. edodes strains and conducted RNA-seq analysis of fruiting body development in the YS69 strain. Combined methods of genomic scan for divergence, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and RNA-seq were used to dissect the genetic basis of adaptive evolution. We detected three distinct subgroups of L. edodes via single nucleotide polymorphisms, which showed robust phenotypic and temperature response differentiation and correlation with geographical distribution. Demographic history inference suggests that the subgroups diverged 36,871 generations ago. Moreover, L. edodes cultivars in China may have originated from the vicinity of Northeast China. A total of 942 genes were found to be related to genetic divergence by genomic scan, and 719 genes were identified to be candidates underlying FBRTs by GWAS. Integrating results of genomic scan and GWAS, 80 genes were detected to be related to phenotypic differentiation. A total of 364 genes related to fruiting body development were involved in genetic divergence and phenotypic differentiation. Adaptation to the local environment, especially temperature, triggered genetic divergence and phenotypic differentiation of L. edodes. A general model for genetic divergence and phenotypic differentiation during adaptive evolution in L. edodes , which involves in signal perception and transduction, transcriptional regulation, and fruiting body morphogenesis, was also integrated here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sheet erosion has been the major erosion process on steep grassland since the Grain-for-Green project was implemented in 1999 in the Loess Plateau with serious soil erosion in China. Quantifying sheet erosion rate on steep grassland could provide scientific support for effectively controlling soil erosion and rationally managing grassland. Simulated rainfall experiments were conducted on grassland plot with vegetation coverage of 40% under complete combination of rainfall intensities of 0.7, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 mm min−1 and slope gradients of 7°, 10°, 15°, 20° and 25°. Results showed that sheet erosion rate, varying from 0.0048 to 0.0578 kg m−2 min−1, was well described by binary power function equation (SE = 0.0026 I1.306S0.662) containing rainfall intensity and slope gradient with R2 = 0.940. The logarithmic equation of shear stress (SE = 0.084 + Ln (τ)) and the power function equation of stream power (SE = 1.141 ɷ1.073) could be used to predict sheet erosion rate. Stream power (R2 = 0.903) was a better predictor of sheet erosion than shear stress (R2 = 0.882). The stream power was an excellent hydrodynamic parameter for predicting sheet erosion rate. The study results can reveal the mechanism of sheet erosion process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Due to lack of comprehensive evaluation for various detection methods for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) in Chinese population, we evaluate the diagnostic performance of 12 established analysis methods in Chinese patients having granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA). Methods: Sera were collected from 209 patients with GPA or MPA and 243 diseases controls from 15 centers. Twelve different reagents were employed for C-ANCA, P-ANCA, myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA, and proteinase 3(PR3)-ANCA detection. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of each method were analyzed. Results: The accuracy of the two indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) and two line immunoassay (LIA) was 0.838 and 0.874, 0.869, and 0.862, respectively. The accuracy of the eight quantitative antigen-specific immunoassays was varied from 0.867 to 0.967. The sensitivity of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) was 0.770 and 0.761 for the two IIF, 0.727 and 0.718 for the two LIAs, respectively. For the eight quantitative antigen-specific immunoassays, the sensitivity varied from 0.79 to 0.967. The specificity was 0.897 and 0.971 for the two IIF, 0.992 and 0.988 for the two LIAs, respectively. For the eight quantitative antigen-specific immunoassays, the specificity of AAV varied from 0.963 to 0.983. Conclusion: For Chinese patients suspected of having GPA and MPA, both the first-generation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and high-quality antigen-specific immunoassay can be used to detect MPO-ANCA and PR3-ANCA alone, without the combined detection with IIF to have good diagnostic performance. The chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) seems to be a method worth recommending. Key points • Quantitative antigen-specific immunoassays can be used to detect MPO-ANCA and PR3-ANCA without IIF in Chinese. • CLIA has the maximum AUC value and the minimum LR (−) value, which seems to be a method worth recommending. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To identify whether an isolated single umbilical artery (ISUA) impacts pregnancy outcome and delivery mode in single and full-term births. Methods A retrospective study was carried out on 93 592 pregnant women (singleton pregnancy; full-term birth; no known fetal chromosomal and structural anomalies) who gave birth between January 2011 and January 2012 in 39 hospitals within China. Pregnancy outcomes and modes of delivery were compared between research (313 cases with ISUAs) and comparison groups (1 252 cases with three-vessel cords in a 1:4 ratio randomly matched by parity). Results The birth weights (3264.71 ± 469.95 g vs 3340.76 ± 434.25 g, P = 0.001), birth lengths (48.51± 2.84 cm vs 49.99± 1.65cm, P = 0.000), placental weights (511.31± 76.43 g vs 545.31± 85.06 g, P = 0.002), umbilical cord lengths (52.64 ± 8.82 cm vs 54.08± 7.81cm, P = 0.002) and Apgar scores within one min of birth (8.83 ± 0.96 vs 9.57 ± 0.75, P = 0.000) of newborn infants were significantly lower in the research than the comparison group; the incidence of small for gestational age (10.94% vs 5.39%, P = 0.000) and low birth weight infants (6.69% vs 1.98%, P = 0.000) were significantly higher in the research group. There was no significant difference in fetal/placental weight, incidence of velamentous cord insertions, 1 min Apgar score < 7, 5 min Apgar score < 7 or vaginal or emergency cesarean delivery rates as a result of fetal factors between the two groups. Conclusion An ISUA is associated with an adverse pregnancy outcome; however does not decrease the rate of vaginal delivery in full-term births. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To identify core competencies needed in the transition of nurse managers on the way to excellence. Background There is growing recognition of the importance of nurse managers in hospitals. Most managers still learn through their failures and few studies have described the perceptions of nurse managers in China. It is vital to understand what competencies Chinese nurse managers should have in order to establish suitable training programmes and improve their management skills. Method A phenomenological approach that included in-depth interviews with 12 nurse managers in six Chinese hospitals was conducted. Results The transition to management included four phases: the adaptive phase, the running-in and stable phase, the stagnation phase and the maturation phase. Conclusion In order to fulfil their clinical responsibilities, nurse managers need to develop multifaceted competencies, specifically in communication and stress management. Ideally, nurse managers should progress through the four phases mentioned above to achieve excellence. Implications There is a requirement for utilising various methods for nurse managers in adapting new roles, improving communication and relieving stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by the uncontrolled production of inflammatory cytokines, among which type I interferon (IFN) is recognized as a crucial pathogenic factor. The expression of microRNA-146a (miR-146a) is reduced in the white blood cells of SLE patients and accounts for their overactivated inflammatory responses. However, the mechanism of the reduction of miR-146a is still not fully understood. This study was undertaken to test whether the key pathogenic cytokine, type I IFN, is responsible for the dysregulation of miR-146a in SLE. Methods Gene and protein expression was measured in all cells by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Northern blotting, or Western blotting. In THP-1 cells, expression of monocyte chemotactic protein-induced protein 1 (MCPIP-1) was knocked down with a lentivirus encoding a short hairpin RNA targeting MCPIP1. The cells were pretreated with type I IFN and assessed for gene expression levels of miR-146a. White blood cells from patients with SLE were analyzed for the expression of the IFN-inducible genes MCPIP1 and miR-146a, and the gene expression data were compared for correlation. Results Pretreatment of THP-1 cells with type I IFN attenuated the induction of miR-146a posttranscriptionally, by down-regulating the expression of pre-miR-146a but not pri-miR-146a or its original unspliced transcript. Expression of MCPIP-1, which was enhanced by type I IFN, was found to be responsible for the inhibition of miR-146a. In white blood cells from patients with SLE, MCPIP1 expression was elevated, and its expression correlated positively with the IFN score and negatively with the miR-146a transcript level. Conclusion Type I IFN inhibits the maturation of miR-146a through the up-regulation of MCPIP-1, and thus contributes to the uncontrolled inflammation and excessive inflammatory gene expression in SLE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • VFAs separation and P recovery from fermented liquid using FCDI system were studied. • The charged P ions was concentrated in the anode chamber. • A 92% of acetate in the fermented liquid was effectively separated. • FCDI was a feasible approach to separate VFAs and recover P from fermented broth. Volatile fatty acids (VFA) extracted from fermented liquids are a viable carbon source to improve the removal of biological nutrients due to a carbon shortage of sewage influent in China. However, nutrients released from the fermented liquid increase the influent nutrients loading, resulting in a lower removal efficiency. In this study, a flow-electrode capacitive deionization (FCDI) system was developed to verify the feasibility of VFA separation and simultaneous ammonium and phosphate recovery from synthetic fermented broth. The results showed that 35.87 % of NH 4 +-N (cations) were removed from the influent under the optimal conditions (carbon = 5 wt%, current density (j) = 8.75 A/m2, hydraulic retention time (HRT) = 7.5 min, and pH 4.5). Meanwhile, only 9 % of acetate and 32.4 % of phosphorous (P) were migrated into anodic chamber. The difference removal efficiencies of anions caused by the different charging characteristics in electric field contributed the selective separation of acetate. The removed P was concentrated in the anode and converted into neutral H 3 PO 4 by controlling the pH of the electrolyte below 2. This facilitated P enrichment in the anode compartment during discharge. The long-term operation results showed that 110.78 mg/L of P in the anode chamber and 92 % of acetate in the effluent were obtained with a lower power consumption of 1.89 kWh/kg P. These findings indicated that FCDI is a feasible approach for separating VFA and recovering P from fermented broth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avian leukosis virus subgroup J (ALV-J) has induced serious clinical outbreaks and has become a serious infectious disease of chickens in China. We describe here the creation of a recombinant ALV-J tagged with the enhanced green fluorescent protein (named rHPRS-103EGFP). We successfully utilize the rHPRS-103EGFP to visualize viral infection and for development of a simplified serum-neutralization test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Several novel susceptibility genes for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and IgA nephropathy have been identified in recent genome-wide association studies. Since both lupus nephritis and IgA nephropathy are autoimmune diseases of the kidney, they may share common disease mechanisms that overlap with genetic susceptibility. To test this hypothesis, we sought to identify genetic variants associated with IgA nephropathy in lupus nephritis. Methods In the first stage, 500 patients with lupus nephritis, 240 SLE patients without nephritis, and 500 healthy controls were enrolled. Fifteen single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that had the topmost association signals with IgA nephropathy were selected for further testing in patients with lupus nephritis. Three independent cohorts from Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong were included as replicates. We also analyzed the functional significance of identified noncoding variants on regulatory motifs and gene expression. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated. Results In addition to associations with HLA gene polymorphisms, genetic variants of MTMR3 in 22q12 showed associations with lupus nephritis (for rs9983A, OR 1.61 [95% CI 1.19-2.19], P = 2.07 × 10−3) compared to healthy controls in the first stage. Associations were replicated and reinforced among northern Han Chinese (for lupus nephritis patients versus SLE patients without nephritis, P = 0.01) but not southern Han Chinese, although significant genetic heterogeneity was observed. Conservative and regulatory features of rs9983 were predicted in in silico analyses. In expression analysis, we observed lower MTMR3 transcription levels in samples of blood with rs9983A and in renal biopsy samples from lupus nephritis and IgA nephropathy patients. Conclusion Our results suggest that the MTMR3 gene is shared between IgA nephropathy and lupus nephritis in the northern Chinese population, further highlighting the role of autophagy in SLE. However, widespread replication of these experiments, fine mapping, and functional assays are required to establish this connection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High level of acetaldehyde produced by yeast in beer industry, especially in China, is still an important issue. To obtain a brewing strain with low acetaldehyde, a novel approach, based on domestication by disulfiram-ethanol plates, was developed. A mutant D-A-14 with lower acetaldehyde was obtained with UV mutagenesis. Through longtime domestication, the mutant D-A-14 produced 60.57 % less (2.20 mg/L) than the Wt strain MA12. Besides, the ratio of higher alcohols to esters in beer fermented by the mutant D-A-14 (3.7) was lower than that of MA12 (5.8), which exhibited harmonious flavor. For further study, DNA microarray technique was exploited to analyze the changes in genes involved in metabolism between the Wt and mutant. The data of DNA microarray were consistent with the decrease in acetaldehyde, organic acids, and the ratio of higher alcohols to esters of mutant D-A-14. Therefore, the newly screened strain has the potential to be applied in the brewing industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Although the number of convincingly established genetic associations with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has increased sharply over the last few years, refinement of these associations is required, and their potential roles in gene-gene interactions need to be further investigated. Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in SLE have produced renewed interest in B cell/T cell responses and the NF-κB signaling pathway. The aim of this study was to search for possible gene-gene interactions based on identified single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), in using an approach based on the role of signaling pathways. Methods The SNPs in BLK, TNFSF4, TRAF1, TNFAIP3, and REL were replicated in order to evaluate genetic associations with SLE. TaqMan genotyping was conducted in 804 Chinese patients with SLE and 722 matched control subjects. A multiple logistic regression model was used to estimate the multiplicative interaction effect of the SNPs, and additive interactions were analyzed by 2 × 2 factorial designs. Data from a previously published GWAS conducted by the International Consortium on the Genetics of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus were derived for comparison and validation. Results Single-marker analysis validated the association of BLK rs2736340 ( P = 4.25 × 10−6) as well as TNFSF4 rs2205960 ( P = 2.82 × 10−5) and TNFAIP3 rs5029939 ( P = 1.92 × 10−3) with SLE susceptibility in Chinese. Multiplicative interaction analysis indicated that BLK had an interactive effect with TNFSF4 in Chinese patients with SLE ( P = 6.57 × 10−4). Additive interaction analysis revealed interactions between TRAF1 and TNFAIP3 in both Chinese ( P = 2.18 × 10−3) and Caucasians ( P = 2.86 × 10−4). In addition, multiple tendencies toward interactions were observed, and an additive effect was observed as the number of risk genotypes increased. Conclusion The results of this study provide evidence of the possible gene-gene interactions of BLK, TNFSF4, TRAF1, TNFAIP3, and REL in SLE, which may represent a synergic effect of T cells and B cells through the NF-κB pathway in determining immunologic aberration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Soil detachment capacity by rill flow of SM sandy loess was the largest of the five soils. • D c decreased with soil cohesion and effective silt content. • D c increased with effective median particle size and effective sand content. • D c could be modeled by stream power, soil cohesion and effective median particle size. The loess region of China is one of the most heavily eroded areas in the world. Soil detachment capacity by rill flow (D c) is a key parameter for quantifying intensity of rill erosion in many process-based erosion models. However, only a limited number of studies have been devoted to soil detachment capacity for the various types of loess soil such as is found on the Loess Plateau, where there is variation from south to north and in terms of soil particle size composition. The objectives of this study were (1) to discriminate differences in soil detachment capacity by rill flow (D c) among five loess soils, (2) to investigate the relationship between D c and hydrodynamic parameters, and the relationship between D c and soil properties, and (3) to establish an equation to model soil detachment capacity by rill flow for the loess region. Soil detachment capacity by rill flow for five typical loess soils found on the Loess Plateau of China was investigated through a flume experiment by varying five flow discharges and five slope gradients. The results show that D c of SM sandy loess is the largest with a mean of 2.2145 kg m−2 s−1, followed by YL clay loess, DB sandy loess, AS loess, and CW loess. Stream power is the best hydrodynamic parameter to describe the dynamic process of soil detachment capacity by rill flow for these five loess soils. Soil detachment capacity by rill flow was negatively correlated with soil cohesion and effective silt content (P < 0.05), while it was positively correlated with effective median soil particle size (P < 0.01) and effective sand content (P < 0.05). Soil detachment capacity by rill flow for various hydraulic and soil conditions in the loess region could be modeled using a quaternary power function of slope gradient, flow discharge, soil cohesion and effective median particle size (NSE = 0.96), or it could be modeled by a ternary power function which calculates the variation of soil detachment capacity with stream power, soil cohesion and effective median size (NSE = 0.96). The results of this study reveal the mechanism of soil detachment by rill flow and advance development of a physically-based rill erosion model. Future research should focus on the impact of effective particle size on D c to ensure a full understanding of soil erosion processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding sheet erosion processes and improving estimates of soil erosion on biological soil crustal (biocrustal) slopes requires a deep understanding of the factors influencing sheet erosion and its detachment- and transport-limited processes. Simulated rainfall experiments were conducted on plots of biocrust to simultaneously measure the rates of splash detachment and sheet erosion with 0%, 20%, 40%, 50%, 60%, and 80% of coverage at 90 mm h−1 rainfall intensity and 15° slope. The splash detachment rate decreased rapidly during the first 5 min of rainfall and stabilised as rainfall continued, while the sheet erosion rate increased gradually and eventually became relatively stable. The rates of splash detachment and sheet erosion decreased substantially as biocrusts coverage increased and average values of them can be effectively weakened when biocrusts coverage increased from 20% to 40%. Transport-limited processes, dynamic equilibria between detachment- and transport-limited processes, and detachment-limited processes all occurred on biocrustal slope within the same rainfall event. The mean duration of transport-limited processes was longer (16.3 min vs. 9.1 min) when bare slopes were covered by biocrusts, and the latest change in the time from transport-limited to detachment-limited processes appeared at 40% biocrusts coverage. The existence of biocrusts could effectively affect the sheet erosion and its detachment- and transport-limited processes, especially when the coverage was close to 40%. These results can improve our understanding of impacts of biocrusts on sheet erosion processes, and aid an effective way of reducing sheet erosion in arid and semiarid regions. • The effects of biocrusts on sheet erosion were explored. • Detachment- and transport-limited processes occurred on biocrustal slope. • Increasing biocrusts coverage reduced rates of splash detachment and sheet erosion. • Biocrusts with a cover close to 40% effectively affected sheet erosion processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, understanding the fate of lipophilic marine algal toxins (LMATs) in benthic environments on which cultivated shellfish depend is still limited. In this work, the occurrence, concentration levels, and phase distributions of LMATs in the benthic environments of two mariculture sites (Sishili and Rongcheng Bays) in China were investigated for the first time. Five LMATs: okadaic acid (OA), pectenotoxin-2 (PTX2), gymnodimine, 13-desmethyl spirolide C, and azaspiracid-2 (AZA2) and three derivatives: dinophysistoxin-1 isomer (DTX1-iso), pectenotoxin-2 seco acid, and 7-epi- pectenotoxin-2 seco acid were detected in different environmental samples. OA and PTX2 were the dominant LMATs in the bottom boundary layer (BBL) and sediment, whereas AZA2 was present in the sediment only. Notably, DTX1-iso was found for the first time to be widely distributed in the benthic environments of the bays. In BBL, the average proportion of LMATs in the dissolved phase (99.20%) was much higher than in the particulate phase (0.80%). Partition of LMATs was more balanced between sediment porewater (57.80% average proportion) and sediment (42.20%). The concentrations of ∑LMATs in the BBL seawater ranged from 19.09 ng/L to 41.57 ng/L (mean of 32.67 ng/L), and the spatial distribution trend was higher in offshore than nearshore. ∑LMATs concentrations in the sediment and porewater of the two bays ranged from 17.04 ng/kg to 150.13 ng/kg (mean of 53.58 ng/kg) and from 8.29 ng/L to 120.58 ng/L (mean of 46.63 ng/L), respectively. Their spatial distributions differed from those in BBL, showing a trend of high concentrations in areas with heavy land-based inputs. ∑LMATs concentrations in porewater were significantly higher than those in BBL seawaters, suggesting that the potential hazards of LMATs to benthic organisms may be underestimated. [Display omitted] • Various LMATs were present in the benthic environments of coastal mariculture bays in China. • The isomer of dinophysistoxin-1 was widely detected in real culture bays for the first time. • OA and PTX groups of toxins are dominant in bottom seawater and are mainly in dissolved phase. • Partition of LMATs between the sediment and its porewater is relatively balanced. • LMAT levels in porewater are higher than in seawater, and the potential risks posed by LMATs cannot be ignored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Response of soil detachment rate by sheet flow (D s) to sediment load was quantified. • Response of D s to hydraulic parameters were evaluated. • The best hydraulic parameter in relation to D s was identified. Abstract The response of soil detachment rate by raindrop-affected sediment-laden sheet flow to sediment load and hydraulic parameters was investigated within a detachment-limited sheet erosion system on steep slopes to understand sheet erosion processes fully and derive an accurate experimental model. An experiment was conducted at slopes of 12.23%, 17.63%, 26.8%, 36.4%, 40.4% and 46.63% under rainfall intensities of 48, 60, 90, 120, 138 and 150 mm h−1, respectively, by using simulated rainfall. Results showed that the soil detachment rate by raindrop-affected sediment-laden sheet flow decreased as the sediment load by sheet flow increased, and the decrease was a power function of sediment load by sheet flow with NSE = 0.58, MSE = 0.0099 and R 2 = 0.58. In addition, the soil detachment rate by raindrop-affected sediment-laden sheet flow increased as a linear function of shear stress, stream power and unit stream power. Shear stress and stream power could be used to predict the soil detachment rate by raindrop-affected sediment-laden sheet flow accurately through a linear equation. Stream power (R 2 = 0.87, MSE = 0.003 and NSE = 0.87) was a better predictor of soil detachment rate by raindrop-affected sediment-laden sheet flow than shear stress (NSE = 0.83, MSE = 0.004 and R 2 = 0.83). However, prediction based on unit stream power (NSE = 0.43, MSE = 0.01 and R 2 = 0.43) was poor. These findings can improve our understanding and modelling of sheet erosion processes on steep slopes in the loess region of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship of sheet erosion rate ( SE ), slope gradient ( S ) and rainfall intensity ( I ), and hydraulic parameters, such as flow velocity ( V ), shear stress ( τ ), stream power ( Ω ) and unit stream power ( P ), was investigated to derive an accurate experimental model. The experiment was conducted at slopes of 12.23%, 17.63%, 26.8%, 36.4%, 40.4% and 46.63% under I of 48, 60, 90, 120, 138 and 150 mm h −1 , respectively, using simulated rainfall. Results showed that sheet erosion rate increased as a power function with rainfall intensity and slope gradient with R 2 = 0.95 and Nash–Sutcliffe model efficiency ( NSE ) = 0.87. Sheet erosion rate was more sensitive to rainfall intensity than to slope gradient. It increased as a power function with flow velocity, which was satisfactory for predicting sheet erosion rate with R 2 = 0.95 and NSE = 0.81. Shear stress and stream power could be used to predict sheet erosion rate accurately with a linear function equation. Stream power ( R 2 = 0.97, NSE = 0.97) was a better predictor of sheet erosion rather than shear stress ( R 2 = 0.90, NSE = 0.89). However, a prediction based on unit stream power was poor. The new equation (i.e. SE = 7.5 × 10 12 S 1.43 I 3.04 and SE = 0.06 Ω - 0.0003 and SE = 0.011 τ - 0.01 ) would improve water erosion estimation on loess hillslopes of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Loess Plateau, apple (Malus pumila Mill.) orchards converted from cropland are expanding because of the economic value of apples. Understanding the effects of the conversion of cropland to apple orchards on soil water and nitrogen distributions, as well as the potential soil nitrate accumulation, is important and necessary. In this study, apple orchards (Red Fuji) of different growing ages (5, 15, and 28 year old), an abandoned apple orchard, a wheat field, and a maize field in Changwu County of the Loess Plateau were selected to evaluate the soil water content (SWC), nitrate-nitrogen (NO 3 −-N), and other soil parameters within the 0–5 m soil depth. Results showed that SWC of maize field (21.22%) was the highest, followed by that of the 5-years-old apple orchard (20.24%) and wheat field (18.83%). The SWC of the 28-years-old apple orchard (16.09%) was the lowest of the six treatments. Soil NO 3 −-N storage within the 0–5 m soil profile under 5-, 15-, and 28-years-old, abandoned apple orchards, wheat fields, and maize fields reached approximately 613.2, 1929.4, 4277.9, 1282.4, 95.2, 275.9 kg ha−1, respectively. The SWC deficits were found severe, and high nitrate accumulation was found in 15- and 28-years-old apple orchards. Soil water deficits and nitrate accumulation in abandoned apple orchards can persist for ten years. The soil NO 3 −-N content was significantly (P < 0.01) negatively correlated with SWC. After converting croplands to apple orchards, soil water deficit and nitrate accumulation were the main soil environmental problems, which worsened with age. A reasonable amount of fertilizer should be applied in orchards to reduce contaminants in the soil environment. Coupling enhancement of the utilization efficiency of fertilizers and limited soil water resources could be important for establishing the soil environment in arid and semi-arid areas. Abbreviations: AP5 (5-year-old apple orchard), AP15 (15-year-old apple orchard), AP28 (28-year-old apple orchard), AAP (Abandoned apple orchard), Wheat (wheat field), and Maize (maize field). [Display omitted] • Soil water decreased with the increase of apple growing years. • Soil NO 3 –-N accumulation increased with the apple growing year. • Soil water deficit and NO 3 –-N accumulation can exist at least 10 years. • The fertilizer N rate currently used should be reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Mean weight diameter of splash-detached sediments first increased and then decreased with increasing rainfall intensity. • Mean weight diameter increased logarithmically with increasing slope gradient. • Equation of mean weight diameter with rainfall kinetic energy, depth and velocity of runoff was established for clay loam. Knowledge of the size-selective characteristics of splash-detached sediments can progress the understanding of splash and subsequent interrill wash erosion processes, as well as improve their modelling. Rainfall intensity (I) and slope gradient (S), as well as rainfall kinetic energy (KE), runoff depth (h) and runoff velocity (v) have important effects on splash-detached sediment size. The objectives of this study were to explore the responses of the size-selective characteristics (expressed by mean weight diameter, MWD) of splash-detached sediments to I and S , and to identify the relationships of MWD of splash-detached sediments with KE , h and v. Simulated rainfall experiments were conducted on clay loam under different rainfall intensities (0.7, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 mm min−1) and slope gradients (7, 10, 15, 20, and 25°) at the simulated rainfall hall in Yangling, China in 2017. Results showed that the MWD was 72.74–164.17 μm for the splash-detached sediments, which was lower than that of the soil matrix (183.23 μm). MWD increased logarithmically with increasing S , and MWD first increased and then decreased with increasing I or KE parabolically. The relationship of MWD with I and S can be described by an exponential-power combination equation (MWD = 216 e -1.25I I 1.81 S 0.28, R2 = 0.88). MWD was negatively related to h and positively related to v. Comprehensive response of MWD to KE , h and v can be described by an exponential-power combination equation (MWD = 0.33 e -0.002KE KE 1.18 h -0.20 v 0.27, R2 = 0.85). These findings showed that splash-detached sediment size was significantly affected by I and S , as well as KE , h and v. The study could be helpful in soil conservation management for similar conditions of soil, rainfall and land use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Data with fine granularity about COVID-19-related outcomes and risk factors were still limited in the idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) population. This study aimed to investigate clinical factors associated with hospitalized and severe COVID-19 in patients with IIMs, particularly those gauged by myositis-specific antibodies., Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted in the Renji IIM cohort in Shanghai, China, under an upsurge of SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant infections from December 2022 to January 2023. Clinical data were collected and analyzed by multivariable logistic regression to determine risk factors. High-dimensional flow cytometry analysis was performed to outline the immunological features., Results: Among 463 infected patients in the eligible cohort (n=613), 65 (14.0%) were hospitalized, 19 (4.1%) suffered severe COVID-19, and 10 (2.2%) died. Older age (OR=1.59/decade, 95% CI 1.18 to 2.16, p=0.003), requiring family oxygen supplement (2.62, 1.11 to 6.19, 0.028), patients with anti-synthetase syndrome (ASyS) (2.88, 1.12 to 7.34, 0.027, vs. other dermatomyositis), higher IIM disease activity, and prednisone intake >10mg/day (5.59, 2.70 to 11.57, <0.001) were associated with a higher risk of hospitalization. Conversely, 3-dose inactivated vaccination reduced the risk of hospitalization (0.10, 0.02 to 0.40, 0.001, vs. incomplete vaccination). Janus kinase inhibitor (JAKi) pre-exposure significantly reduced the risk of severe COVID-19 in hospitalized patients (0.16, 0.04 to 0.74, 0.019, vs. csDMARDs). ASyS patients with severe COVID-19 had significantly reduced peripheral CD4+ T cells, lower CD4/CD8 ratio, and fewer naive B cells but more class-switched memory B cells compared with controls., Conclusion: ASyS and family oxygen supplement were first identified as risk factors for COVID-19-related hospitalization in patients with IIMs. JAKi pre-exposure might protect IIM patients against severe COVID-19 complications., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. The author(s) declared that they were an editorial board member of Frontiers, at the time of submission. This had no impact on the peer review process and the final decision, (Copyright © 2024 Wu, Wang, Xie, Chen, Teng, Sun, Xu, Fu, Ma, Xu, Lyu, Ye, Li, Zhang, Shen, Wang, Ye and Fu.)

Introduction: Hyperkalaemia (HK) is a potentially life-threatening electrolyte imbalance associated with several adverse clinical outcomes. The efficacy and negative effects of currently existing treatment options have made HK management questionable. Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC), a novel highly selective potassium binder, is approved for the treatment of HK. The present study will be aimed to assess the safety, effectiveness and treatment patterns of SZC in Chinese patients with HK in a real-world clinical setting as it is required by China's drug review and approval process., Methods and Analysis: This is a multicentre, prospective cohort study which plans to enrol 1000 patients taking SZC or willing to take SZC from approximately 40 sites in China. Patients ≥18 years of age at the time of signing the written informed consent and with documented serum potassium levels ≥5.0 mmol/L within 1 year before study enrolment day will be included. Eligible patients will receive SZC treatment and will be followed up for 6 months from enrolment day. The primary objective will be to evaluate the safety of SZC for the management of HK in Chinese patients in terms of adverse events (AEs), serious AEs as well as discontinuation of SZC. The secondary objectives will include understanding the SZC dosage information in terms of its effectiveness and treatment patterns under real-world clinical practice and assessing effectiveness of SZC during the observational period., Ethics and Dissemination: This study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University (approval number: YJ-JG-YW-2020). All the participating sites have received the ethics approval. Results will be disseminated through national and international presentations and peer-reviewed publications., Trial Registration Number: NCT05271266., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2023. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Background: The number of pediatric cases of infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant has increased. Here, we describe the clinical characteristics of children in a tertiary children's medical center in Shanghai., Methods: A total of 676 pediatric coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases caused by the Omicron variant who were admitted to the Shanghai Children's Medical Center from March 28 to April 30, 2022 were enrolled in this single-center, prospective, observational real-world study. Patient demographics and clinical characteristics, especially COVID-19 vaccine status, were assessed., Results: Children of all ages appeared susceptible to the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, with no significant difference between sexes. A high SARS-CoV-2 viral load upon admission was associated with leukocytopenia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia (P = 0.003, P = 0.021, and P = 0.017, respectively) but not with physical symptoms or radiographic chest abnormalities. Univariable linear regression models indicated that comorbidities (P = 0.001) were associated with a longer time until viral clearance, and increasing age (P < 0.001) and two doses of COVID-19 vaccine (P = 0.001) were associated with a shorter time to viral clearance. Multivariable analysis revealed an independent effect of comorbidities (P < 0.001) and age (P = 0.003). The interaction effect between age and comorbidity showed that the negative association between age and time to virus clearance remained significant only in patients without underlying diseases (P < 0.001)., Conclusion: This study describes the clinical characteristics of children infected with the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 and calls for additional studies to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of vaccination against COVID-19 in children., (© 2022. Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine.)

Objective: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disorder, has been associated with nearly 100 susceptibility loci. Nevertheless, these loci only partially explain SLE heritability and their putative causal variants are rarely prioritised, which make challenging to elucidate disease biology. To detect new SLE loci and causal variants, we performed the largest genome-wide meta-analysis for SLE in East Asian populations., Methods: We newly genotyped 10 029 SLE cases and 180 167 controls and subsequently meta-analysed them jointly with 3348 SLE cases and 14 826 controls from published studies in East Asians. We further applied a Bayesian statistical approach to localise the putative causal variants for SLE associations., Results: We identified 113 genetic regions including 46 novel loci at genome-wide significance (p<5×10 -8 ). Conditional analysis detected 233 association signals within these loci, which suggest widespread allelic heterogeneity. We detected genome-wide associations at six new missense variants. Bayesian statistical fine-mapping analysis prioritised the putative causal variants to a small set of variants (95% credible set size ≤10) for 28 association signals. We identified 110 putative causal variants with posterior probabilities ≥0.1 for 57 SLE loci, among which we prioritised 10 most likely putative causal variants (posterior probability ≥0.8). Linkage disequilibrium score regression detected genetic correlations for SLE with albumin/globulin ratio (r g =-0.242) and non-albumin protein (r g =0.238)., Conclusion: This study reiterates the power of large-scale genome-wide meta-analysis for novel genetic discovery. These findings shed light on genetic and biological understandings of SLE., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2021. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

A series of strict control measures were imposed in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region in early 2020 to control the spread of COVID-19. These measures have led to a reduction of anthropogenic air pollutants, providing an opportunity to observe the contribution of human activities to local air pollution. In this study, the control period was divided into four stages:the before, early, middle, and later stages. Based on a variety of data including meteorological, traffic, and industrial manufacturing datasets, statistical methods were combined with spatial analysis to evaluate changes in air pollution and associated human impacts during each stage. In addition, suggestions are made for further regional air pollution control in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area. Key results are as follows:① Overall, the AQI and the concentrations of six air pollutants, especially SO 2 , PM 10 , and NO 2 , were lower during control period than during the equivalent period in 2019 (reductions of 26.5%, 24.3%, and 16.9%, respectively). From the before to later stages, pollutants (except O 3 ) showed a downward trend while O 3 increased significantly during the before stage (by 76.2%) and the growth rate slowed during the middle and later stages; ②During the prior stage, Beijing experienced two periods with heavy air pollution days as a result of the local accumulation of pollutants, secondary transformation, and regional transport. The concentration of PM 2.5 in February was nearly 60% lower than in February 2014 under similar meteorological conditions in Beijing; ③ Following an increase in traffic volume and industrial activity, changes in air pollutants tended to be stable or slightly increase during the middle and later stages of the control period. The grey relation coefficients between thermal radiation intensity anomalies and the main pollutants in heavy industrial cities were greater than 0.6, which means that the control of industrial emissions remains key to controlling air pollution.

Background: A few months ago, the Bioscience Reports journal showed that growth differentiation factor 5 (GDF5) rs143383 genetic polymorphism increases the susceptibility of knee osteoarthritis (KOA), but previous studies' results have debates about available data. Considering the availability of more recent data, we focus on clarifying the relationship of KOA and GDF5 rs143383 genetic polymorphism by a meta-analysis of case-control trial data., Methods: The eligible studies from the time of database established to Oct. 2019 were collected from PubMed, Springer, Cochrane library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wan Fang library. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to estimate the association between these polymorphisms and KOA risk. The meta-analysis was completed by STATA 18.0 software., Results: A total of 196 studies were collected, 16 of them included in final meta-analysis (7997 cases and 12,684 controls). There was significant association between GDF5 rs143383 polymorphism and KOA in all genetic models (for Allele model (C versus T): OR = 0.84 (95% CI = 0.76-0.91); dominate model (CC+CT versus TT): OR = 0.80 (95% CI = 0.72-0.90); recessive model (CC versus CT+TT): OR = 0.79 (95% CI = 0.68-0.92); heterozygote model (CT versus CC+TT): OR = 0.89 (95% CI = 0.80-0.97); homozygous model (CC versus TT): OR = 0.71 (95% CI = 0.60-0.85)). In the subgroup analysis, we obtained the results that there is no significance among Asians., Conclusion: GDF5 rs143383 genetic polymorphism increases the risk of KOA among Caucasians; CC genotype and C allele are protective factors for the susceptibility of KOA among Caucasians.

Background: Cases of refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia have been increasing recently; however, whether viral coinfection or macrolide-resistant M. infection contribute to the development of refractory M. pneumoniae pneumonia remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impacts of viral coinfection and macrolide-resistant M. pneumoniae infection on M. pneumoniae pneumonia in hospitalized children and build a model to predict a severe disease course., Methods: Nasopharyngeal swabs or sputum specimens were collected from patients with community-acquired pneumonia meeting our protocol who were admitted to Shanghai Children's Medical Center from December 1, 2016, to May 31, 2019. The specimens were tested with the FilmArray Respiratory Panel, a multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay that detects 16 viruses, Bordetella pertussis, M. pneumoniae, and Chlamydophila pneumoniae. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify the risk factors for adenovirus coinfection and macrolide-resistant mycoplasma infection., Results: Among the 107 M. pneumoniae pneumonia patients, the coinfection rate was 56.07%, and 60 (60/107, 56.07%) patients were infected by drug-resistant M. pneumoniae. Adenovirus was the most prevalent coinfecting organism, accounting for 22.43% (24/107). The classification tree confirmed that viral coinfection was more common in patients younger than 3 years old. Adenovirus coinfection and drug-resistant M. pneumoniae infection occurred more commonly in patients with refractory M. pneumoniae pneumonia (P = 0.019; P = 0.001). A prediction model including wheezing, lung consolidation and extrapulmonary complications was used to predict adenovirus coinfection. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the prediction model was 0.795 (95% CI 0.679-0.893, P < 0.001). A prolonged fever duration after the application of macrolides for 48 h was found more commonly in patients infected by drug-resistant M. pneumoniae (P = 0.002). A fever duration longer than 7 days was an independent risk factor for drug-resistant Mycoplasma infection (OR = 3.500, 95% CI = 1.310-9.353, P = 0.012)., Conclusions: The occurrence of refractory M. pneumoniae pneumonia is associated with adenovirus coinfection and infection by drug-resistant M. pneumoniae. A prediction model combining wheezing, extrapulmonary complications and lung consolidation can be used to predict adenovirus coinfection in children with M. pneumoniae pneumonia. A prolonged fever duration indicates drug-resistant M. pneumoniae infection, and a reasonable change in antibiotics is necessary.

Objective: To identify potential mutations of the CLS gene in a Chinese pedigree affected with Coffin-Lowry syndrome., Methods: Whole exome sequencing was applied to detect potential mutation in the proband, and the result was verified by Sanger sequencing., Results: The proband was found to carry a c.966&#95;967delAA (p.Arg323Thr fs*11) deletional mutation in the RPS6KA3 gene. The same mutation was also found in his mother., Conclusion: The c.966&#95;967delAA (p.Arg323Thr fs*11) deletional mutation of the RPS6KA3 gene probably underlies the disorder in this pedigree.

A hallmark of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the breaking of B-cell tolerance with the generation of high-affinity autoantibodies; however, the antibody-independent features of the B-cell compartment in SLE are less understood. In this study, we performed an extensive examination of B-cell subsets and their proinflammatory properties in a Chinese cohort of new-onset SLE patients. We observed that SLE patients exhibited an increased frequency of transitional B cells compared with healthy donors and rheumatoid arthritis patients. Plasma from SLE patients potently promoted the survival of transitional B cells in a type I IFN-dependent manner, which can be recapitulated by direct IFN-α treatment. Furthermore, the effect of IFN-α on enhanced survival of transitional B cells was associated with NF-κB pathway activation and reduced expression of the pro-apoptotic molecule Bax. Transitional B cells from SLE patients harbored a higher capacity to produce proinflammatory cytokine IL-6, which was also linked to the overactivated type I IFN pathway. In addition, the frequency of IL-6-producing transitional B cells was positively correlated with disease activity in SLE patients, and these cells were significantly reduced after short-term standard therapies. Thus, the current study provides a direct link between type I IFN pathway overactivation and the abnormally high frequency and proinflammatory properties of transitional B cells in active SLE patients, which contributes to the understanding of the roles of type I IFNs and B cells in the pathogenesis of SLE.

Background: Single nucleotide polymorphisms within microRNAs are known to affect the risk in development and prognosis of many diseases. This study was designed to investigate whether polymorphism of microRNA-499 (miR-499, rs3746444 A>G) is associated with risk to biliary atresia (BA)., Methods: A hospital-based cases-control study was performed on a total of 507 Han Chinese (207 BA cases and 300 ethnically-matched healthy controls without any evidence of liver diseases) so as to analyze the association between miR-499 rs3746444 polymorphism and BA risk as well as liver function remission (LFR) after liver transplantation., Results: A significant higher frequency of the rs3746444 G alleles was found in the BA cases than the control group (odd ratio, 1.55, 95% confidence intervals [CIs], 1.15-2.10). This polymorphism was also observed to correlate with some clinic-pathological features of BA cases such as liver inflammatory. Further research found both higher levels of IL-6 (P<0.05) and TNF-α (P<0.05) in removed liver as well as in serum. What is more, the miR-499 rs3746444 polymorphism significantly affected the status of LFR (hazard ratio, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.08-1.83)., Conclusions: MiR-499 (rs3746444) gene polymorphisms may be genetic determinants for increased risk of BA and prolonged recovery of BA patients after liver transplantation in Han Chinese., (Copyright © 2015 Editrice Gastroenterologica Italiana S.r.l. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: The distribution of cerebral ischemic infarction and stenosis in ischemic stroke may vary with age-group, race and gender. This study was conducted to understand the risk factors and characteristics of cerebral infarction and stenosis of vessels in young Chinese patients with ischemic stroke., Methods: This was a retrospective study, from January 2007 to July 2012, of 123 patients ≤50 years diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke. Patient characteristics were compared according to sex (98 males and 25 females) and age group (51 patients were ≤45 years and 72 patients were 46-50 years). Characteristics of acute ischemic infarction were studied by diffusion weighted imaging. Stenosis of intra- and extracranial arteries was diagnosed by duplex sonography, head magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) or cervical MRA., Results: Common risk factors were hypertension (72.4 %), dyslipidemia (55.3 %), smoking (54.4 %) and diabetes (33.3 %). Lacunar Infarction was most common in our patients (41.5 %). Partial anterior circulation infarction was predominant in females (52.0 vs 32.7 %; P = 0.073) and posterior circulation infarction in males (19.8 vs 4 %; P = 0.073). Multiple brain infarctions were found in 38 patients (30.9 %). Small artery atherosclerosis was found in 54 patients (43.9 %), with higher prevalence in patients of the 46-50 years age-group. Intracranial stenosis was more common than extracranial stenosis, and middle cerebral artery stenosis was most prevalent (27.3 %). Stenosis in the anterior circulation was more frequent than in the posterior circulation (P < 0.001)., Conclusions: In these young patients, hypertension, smoking, dyslipidemia and diabetes were common risk factors. Intracranial stenosis was most common. The middle cerebral artery was highly vulnerable.

During March 25-May 5, 2014, we investigated 11 outbreaks of peste des petits ruminants in Heilongjiang Province, China. We found that the most likely source of the outbreaks was animals from livestock markets in Shandong. Peste des petits ruminants viruses belonging to lineages II and IV were detected in sick animals.

A genomic region on distal mouse chromosome 1 and its syntenic human counterpart 1q23-42 show strong evidence of harboring lupus susceptibility genes. We found evidence of linkage at 1q32.2 in a targeted genome scan of 1q21-43 in 126 lupus multiplex families containing 151 affected sibpairs (nonparametric linkage score 2.52, P = 0.006). A positional candidate gene at 1q32.2, complement receptor 2 (CR2), is also a candidate in the murine Sle1c lupus susceptibility locus. To explore its role in human disease, we analyzed 1,416 individuals from 258 Caucasian and 142 Chinese lupus simplex families and demonstrated that a common three-single-nucleotide polymorphism CR2 haplotype (rs3813946, rs1048971, rs17615) was associated with lupus susceptibility (P = 0.00001) with a 1.54-fold increased risk for the development of disease. Single-nucleotide polymorphism 1 (rs3813946), located in the 5' untranslated region of the CR2 gene, altered transcriptional activity, suggesting a potential mechanism by which CR2 could contribute to the development of lupus. Our findings reveal that CR2 is a likely susceptibility gene for human lupus at 1q32.2, extending previous studies suggesting that CR2 participates in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objective: To observe the association between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and gene polymorphisms of OLF-1/EBF associated zinc finger protein(OAZ)., Methods: Verified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with relatively high heterozygosity were chosen for allelic discrimination in 244 Chinese SLE pedigrees. Then transmissions of single SNP, and haplotypes were calculated by Genehunter software..OAZ mRNA level was also measured for comparing gene expression in patients of different haplotypes., Results: Genotyping of five SNPs within OAZ gene introns indicated there was no preferential transmission of single SNP, and haplotype T-A-G-G for rs1344531-rs2080353-rs933564-rs1345431 showed only weak linkage with the disease (P=0.04). However, haplotypes combining SNPs and the SLE-associated D16S517 allele showed significant association with SLE susceptibility (for rs933564-d16s517 G-271bp t:non-t=93:29 P<0.000001, for rs2080353-rs933564-d16s517 A-G-271bp t:non-t=88:35 P=0.000002). The haplotype A-G-271bp-G of Rs2080353-rs933564-D16s517-rs1345431 was also transmitted to patients preferentially (P=0.0084) and it showed a tendency to affect gene expression., Conclusion: Special polymorphism haplotype of OAZ gene is associated with Chinese SLE. OAZ may suggest a new pathway for lupus.

Objective: To localize susceptibility loci in Chinese systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) cohort by linkage disequilibrium mapping the genomic interval in human chromosome 16 so as to understand whether the pathogenesis of human SLE is related to chromosome 16., Methods: Five microsatellite markers in chromosome 16 spanning from 57.79 cM to 65.1 cM were used for fluorescence based genotyping in 157 SLE families. Evidence for linkage disequilibrium was assessed using the extended transmission disequilibrium test (ETDT) program and Genehunter software. Susceptibility gene was searched in the positive locus, and real-time PCR method was used to detect gene expression., Results: With the ETDT, evidence for linkage disequilibrium of the marker D16S409 (P=0.0278) and D16S517 (P<0.0001) with SLE were found. It was observed that 271 bp allele of D16S517 was much in evidence for preferential transmission, while 277 bp allele was found to be transmitted less often than expected. Genehunter analysis is concordant with ETDT. By real-time PCR, OAZ(OLF1/ EBF-associated zinc finger protein) gene which is located in the positive locus showed higher expression in SLE patients than in normal controls., Conclusion: Results reveal that 16q12 (58.46 cM) is associated with Chinese SLE. OAZ is a likely susceptibility gene in this locus for SLE.