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Abstract Background Due to the increasing incidence of ischaemic cerebrovascular diseases, the accurate assessment of internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis is crucial for the development of treatment plans. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of computed tomography angiography (CTA) for severe ICAstenosis, thereby providing support for clinical decision-making and promoting diagnostic updates. Methods The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals (VIP), and Chinese Biomedical Literature (CBM) electronic databases were searched from inception to March 21, 2024, to identify publicly available research literature on the use of CTA to diagnose severe ICA stenosis. Literature screening, data extraction, and quality assessment were conducted based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria as well as the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS) standards. Data analysis was performed using Stata 17.0 and Meta-Disc 1.4 software. The sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio of the included studies were calculated using Stata 17.0 software, and forest plots and summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves were generated. The area under the curve (AUC) was calculated, and funnel plots were constructed to assess publication bias. Results A total of 16 studies with 2368 vascular segments were included. The meta-analysis revealed that the combined sensitivity and specificity of CTA for severe ICA stenosis were 0.93 (95% CI: 0.88 ~ 0.96) and 0.99 (95% CI: 0.96 ~ 1.00), respectively. The combined positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio were 92.0 (95% CI: 24.2 ~ 349.6) and 0.07 (95% CI: 0.04 ~ 0.13), respectively. The diagnostic odds ratio was 1302 (95% CI: 257 ~ 6606), and the AUC of the SROC curve was 0.98. The Deeks funnel plot suggested no publication bias among the included studies. Conclusion CTA demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing severe ICA stenosis. Therefore, this study provided important evidence for the accurate diagnosis and treatment of severe ICA stenosis. However, there was considerable heterogeneity among the included studies, thus indicating the need for additional high-quality prospective studies to confirm the clinical applicability of CTA.

A 61-kb biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC), which is accountable for the biosynthesis of hibarimicin (HBM) B from Microbispora rosea subsp. hibaria TP-A0121, was heterologously expressed in Streptomyces coelicolor M1154, which generated a trace of the target products but accumulated a large amount of shunt products. Based on rational analysis of the relevant secondary metabolism, directed engineering of the biosynthetic pathways resulted in the high production of HBM B, as well as new HBM derivates with improved antitumor activity. These results not only establish a biosynthetic system to effectively synthesize HBMs—a class of the largest and most complex Type-II polyketides, with a unique pseudo-dimeric structure—but also set the stage for further engineering and deep investigation of this complex biosynthetic pathway toward potent anticancer drugs.

Abstract Lettuce is one of the most widely cultivated and consumed dicotyledonous vegetables globally. Despite the availability of its reference genome sequence, lettuce gene annotation remains incomplete, impeding comprehensive research and the broad application of genomic resources. Long-read RNA isoform sequencing (Iso-Seq) offers substantial advantages for analyzing RNA alternative splicing and aiding gene annotation, yet it faces throughput limitations. We present the HIT-ISOseq method tailored for bulk sample analysis, significantly enhancing RNA sequencing throughput on the PacBio platform by concatenating cDNA. Here we show, HIT-ISOseq generates 3-4 cDNA molecules per CCS read in lettuce, yielding 15.7 million long reads per PacBio Sequel II SMRT Cell 8 M. We validate its effectiveness in analyzing six lettuce tissue samples, including roots, stems, and leaves, revealing tissue-specific gene expression patterns and RNA isoforms. Leveraging diverse tissue long-read RNA sequencing, we refine the transcript annotation of the lettuce reference genome, expanding its GO and KEGG annotation repertoire. Collectively, this study serves as a foundational reference for genome annotation and the analysis of multi-sample isoform expression, utilizing high-throughput long-read transcriptome sequencing.

The Culex tritaeniorhynchus Giles, 1901 (Diptera: Culicidae) is major vector of Japanese encephalitis (JE) in China, and this study aimed to uncover the vector's spatiotemporal distribution and environmental correlation in Beijing. In study area, the Remote Sensing (RS), Global Position System (GPS), and Geographic Information System (GPS) were used to clarify the distribution characteristics of vector on spatial and temporal scales, and regressions analysis of cross-sectional study was performed to detect the environmental factors linked with the density and presence of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus. In study area, the scenic area was the major environmental area for breeding of the vector, August was the primary peak month, the new urban development area (NUDA) was major distribution subarea of Beijing, and the vector could be detected throughout the subarea of Beijing from June to September. In the scenic area, the total value of light index within buffer zones of 100 m (LT_100) and the total value of NDVI index within buffer zones of 800 m (NDVI_800) determined whether there was a positive or negative vector in the trapping sites, and the total value of NDVI index within buffer zones of 100 m (NDVI_100) and LT_100 was linked to the density of the vector. Our findings provide better insight into the spatio-temporal distribution pattern, associated environmental risk factors, and health risk of vector in Beijing. Based on the results here, we could predict the risk of JE and create and implement location-specific JE prevention and control measures to prevent future risks during the urbanization advancement of Beijing.

Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are considered forever chemicals, gaining increasing attention for their hazardous impacts. However, the ecological effects of PFAAs remain unclear. Environmental DNA (eDNA), as the environmental gene pool, is often collected for evaluating the ecotoxicological effects of pollutants. In this study, we found that all PFAAs investigated, including perfluorohexanoic acid, perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorononanoic acid, and perfluorooctane sulfonate, even at low concentrations (0.02 and 0.05 mg/L), expedited the enzymatic degradation of DNA in a nonlinear dose–effect relationship, with DNA degradation fragment sizes being lower than 1,000 bp and 200 bp after 15 and 30 min of degradation, respectively. This phenomenon was attributed to the binding interaction between PFAAs and AT bases in DNA via groove binding. van der Waals force (especially dispersion force) and hydrogen bonding are the main binding forces. DNA binding with PFAAs led to decreased base stacking and right-handed helicity, resulting in loose DNA structure exposing more digestion sites for degrading enzymes, and accelerating the enzymatic degradation of DNA. The global ecological risk evaluation results indicated that PFAA contamination could cause medium and high molecular ecological risk in 497 samples from 11 contamination-hot countries (such as the USA, Canada, and China). The findings of this study show new insights into the influence of PFAAs on the environmental fates of biomacromolecules and reveal the hidden molecular ecological effects of PFAAs in the environment.

Abstract Background Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a severe complication following esophagectomy with high mortality. Perioperative decreased serum albumin level is considered a predictive of AL, however, its impact on AL incidence in patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) followed by minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) is not well defined. Methods The data of 318 consecutive esophageal cancer patients who underwent MIE were collected retrospectively from January 2021 to December 2021. The perioperative level of albumin was detected and the baseline of altering levels for albumin was established. The incidence of postoperative complications and survival rate were analyzed between groups. Results After exclusion, 137 patients were enrolled and assigned to more decreased albumin (MA) and less decreased albumin (LA) groups. The levels of albumin descended significantly after MIE (p

IntroductionPseudocydonia sinensis, also known as Chinese quince, is a perennial shrub or small tree highly valued for its edibility and medicinal properties.MethodThis study presents the first chromosome-level genome assembly of P. sinensis, achieved using HiFi sequencing and Hi-C scaffolding technology.ResultsThe assembly resulted in a high-quality genome of 576.39 Mb in size. The genome was anchored to 17 pseudo-chromosomes, with a contig N50 of 27.6 Mb and a scaffold N50 of 33.8 Mb. Comprehensive assessment using BUSCO, CEGMA and BWA tools indicates the high completeness and accuracy of the genome assembly. Our analysis identified 116 species-specific genes, 1196 expanded genes and 1109 contracted genes. Additionally, the distribution of 4DTv values suggests that the most recent duplication event occurred before the divergence of P. sinensis from both Chaenomeles pinnatifida and Pyrus pyrifolia.DiscussionThe assembly of this high-quality genome provides a valuable platform for the genetic breeding and cultivation of P. sinensis, as well as for the comparison of the genetic complexity of P. sinensis with other important crops in the Rosaceae family.

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a common severe complication of diabetes that occurs independently of hypertension, coronary artery disease, and valvular cardiomyopathy, eventually leading to heart failure. Previous studies have reported that Tectorigenin (TEC) possesses extensive anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress properties. In this present study, the impact of TEC on diabetic cardiomyopathy was examined. The model of DCM in mice was established with the combination of a high-fat diet and STZ treatment. Remarkably, TEC treatment significantly attenuated cardiac fibrosis and improved cardiac dysfunction. Concurrently, TEC was also found to mitigate hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in the DCM mouse. At the molecular level, TEC is involved in the activation of AMPK, both in vitro and in vivo, by enhancing its phosphorylation. This is achieved through the regulation of endothelial-mesenchymal transition via the AMPK/TGFβ/Smad3 pathway. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the level of ubiquitination of the adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1) protein is associated with TEC-mediated improvement of cardiac dysfunction in DCM mice. Notably the substantial reduction of myocardial fibrosis. In conclusion, TEC improves cardiac fibrosis in DCM mice by modulating the AdipoR1/AMPK signaling pathway. These findings suggest that TEC could be an effective therapeutic agent for the treatment of diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Soil microplastic (MP) pollution is a growing global environmental issue leading to a series of ecosystem problems and functional losses. However, understanding the advances and trends in soil MP pollution research proved to be difficult based on individual studies. Herein, CiteSpace visualization analysis software was used to sort the literature obtained on soil MP research from the Web of Science (WoS) TM core collection database, and bibliometric analysis of publication volume, country/region, keywords and other information was conducted. Results showed that soil microplastics (MP) research had much lower publication volume than hydrological system MP research, and was still in its developing stage. However, the number of research hotspots in soil MP research increased continuously since 2018. Countries such as China, the United States, the Netherlands and Australia have published more papers in this field than other countries, and collaboration among research institutions is strong. The source, pollution status, analysis methods and toxic effects of MPs in soils are current research hotspots. In the future, the focus of MP research in terrestrial ecosystems should shift from ecotoxicology to the impact of MPs on ecosystems and earth system feedback. The bibliometric analysis results of this study can serve as a reference for in-depth studies of the pollution status of MPs in soils. For MP soil pollution research, cross-background, cross-institution, cross-country cooperation and cross-disciplinary roles should be encouraged to accelerate the growth and diversification of the field.

Water retention behavior of clayey soils usually exhibits a hysteretic phenomenon, which can be attributed to the ink-bottle effect, different contact angle during wetting and drying process, entrapped air etc. For expansive soils, along the wetting and drying path, significant microstructure change is usually observed. The effect of microstructure change on the water retention hysteretic phenomenon was studied in this paper for an intact expansive clay from China, Mile clay. The soil water retention curve of Mile clay was obtained at the full suction range. The evolution of microstructure along wetting and drying path for Mile clay was characterized by pore sized distribution obtained from mercury intrusion porosimetry tests. Test results show that a strong hysteretic phenomenon was observed for suction ranging between 40 kPa and 15 MPa. This hysteretic phenomenon was mainly contributed to the different microstructure of specimens along wetting and drying paths with similar water ratio. For higher suction, as adsorption mechanism mainly contributed to the water retention properties, for specimens with similar water ratio, even with different maximum filled entrance pore sizes, the corresponding suction were similar with each other. For the lower suction, due to the completely drying historical state of specimens on the main wetting path, slightly different pore size distributions were observed for specimens on the main wetting and drying path with similar water ratio.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of four different age groups on wood properties, i.e., anatomical, physical, and mechanical, of Himalayan birch (Betula alnoides Buch.-H.ex D.Don). The correlation between the properties was also discussed. The results indicated age influences the anatomical, physical, and mechanical properties of Himalayan birch. Results were comparable with other plantation species. Moreover, mechanical properties were highly correlated with the fibre morphology in Himalayan birch. Results from this present study indicate that the 15-, 20-, and 25-year-old Himalayan birch are suitable to be used for parquet, furniture, and other products. Generally, plantation-grown Himalayan birch has the potential to be a raw material to fulfill the demand for the timber industry.

Abstract Diagnostic imaging is an essential and indispensable part of medical diagnosis and treatment, and diagnostic errors or biases are also common in the department of radiology, sometimes even having a severe impact on the diagnosis and treatment of patients. There are various reasons for diagnostic errors or biases in imaging. In this review, we analyze and summarize the causes of diagnostic imaging errors and biases based on practical cases. We propose solutions for dealing with diagnostic imaging errors and reducing their probability, thereby helping radiologists in their clinical practice. Critical relevance statement Diagnostic errors or bias contribute to most medical errors in the radiology department. Solutions for dealing with diagnostic imaging errors are pivotal for patients. Key points • Diagnostic errors or bias contribute to most medical errors in radiology department. • Solutions for dealing with diagnostic imaging errors are pivotal for patients. • This review summarizes the causes of diagnostic errors and offers solutions to them. Graphical Abstract

Objective To investigate the status of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in officers and soldiers on the Sichuan-Tibet route and to explore the related factors. Methods A self-made electronic questionnaire was used to investigate the factors associated with H. pylori infection in 594 officers and soldiers at an altitude of 3 300 m, and 513 officers and soldiers at an altitude of 550 m on the Sichuan-Tibet route from July to December, 2022. 13C urea breath test was used to detect H. pylori infection. The factors associated with the infection were analyzed by logistic regression analysis. Results Among the 1 107 subjects, 414 were positive to H. pylori, with a detection rate of 37.3%. The detection rate of H. pylori was significantly higher among the subjects at high altitude than those at low altitude (43.4% vs 30.4%, P