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Abstract Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades have been discovered to play a fundamental role in regulating organ abscission. However, the identity of protein substrates targeted by MAPK cascades, as well as whether the role of MAPK protein cascades in the abscission process is conserved across different plant species, remain unknown. Here, the role of homologs of MPK3 and MPK6 in regulating fruit abscission were characterized in litchi. Ectopic expression of LcMPK3 or LcMPK6 in Arabidopsis mpk3 mpk6 mutant rescued the deficiency in floral organ abscission, while silencing of LcMPK3 or LcMPK6 in litchi significantly decreased fruitlet abscission. Importantly, a total of 49 proteins interacting with LcMPK3 were identified through yeast two-hybrid screening, including two components of the MAPK signaling cascade, five transcription factors, and two aquaporins. Furthermore, the interaction between LcMPK3/6 with LcBZR1/2, core components in brassinosteroids signaling that suppress litchi fruitlet abscission, was confirmed using in vitro and in vivo assays. Moreover, phos-tag assays demonstrated that LcMPK3/6 could phosphorylate LcBZR1/2, with several phosphorylation residues identified. Together, our findings suggest that LcMPK3 and LcMPK6 play a positive regulatory role in fruitlet abscission in litchi, and offer crucial information for the investigation of mechanisms underlying MPK3/6-mediated organ abscission in plants.

BackgroundVoxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity (VMHC) is utilized to assess the functional connectivity of neural networks by quantifying the similarity between corresponding regions in the bilateral hemispheres of the brain. The exploration of VMHC abnormalities in basal ganglia ischemic stroke (BGIS) patients across different cerebral hemispheres has been limited. This study seeks to establish a foundation for understanding the functional connectivity status of both brain hemispheres in BGIS patients through the utilization of VMHC analysis utilizing resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI).MethodsThis study examined a total of 38 patients with left basal ganglia ischemic stroke (LBGIS), 44 patients with right basal ganglia ischemic stroke (RBGIS), and 41 individuals in a healthy control (HC) group. Rs-fMRI studies were performed on these patients, and the pre-processed rs-fMRI data were analyzed using VMHC method. Subsequently, the VMHC values were compared between three groups using a one-way ANOVA and post hoc analysis. Correlation analysis with clinical scales was also conducted.ResultsThe results indicated that compared to the HC group, significant differences were detected in postcentral gyrus, extending to precentral gyrus in both BGIS groups. Post hoc analysis showed that in the pairwise ROI-based comparison, individuals with LBGIS and RBGIS exhibited reduced VMHC values compared to HC groups. There was no significant difference between the LBGIS and RBGIS groups. In the LBGIS group, the VMHC value showed a negative correlation with NIHSS and a positive correlation with BI.ConclusionThe analysis of VMHC in rs-fMRI revealed a pattern of brain functional remodeling in patients with unilateral BGIS, marked by reduced synchronization and coordination between hemispheres. This may contribute to the understanding of the neurological mechanisms underlying motor dysfunction in these patients.

Abstract Consumer behavior change is a key priority to address the illegal wildlife trade, but evaluation of these interventions is lacking. We used surveys and randomized controlled trials to assess the effectiveness of three types of messages, which were codesigned with key stakeholders, with 2496 potential consumers and nontarget consumers in China. We found a 23% decrease in intention among potential consumers to use wild animal medicinal products by health‐related messages, and a 14% decrease by legality‐related messages, compared with the control group, though the effect size was small. Furthermore, we revealed that the effect of health‐related messages occurred indirectly by increasing health risk perceptions associated with improper utilization of wild animals. Yet, we did not find a clear effect pathway of the legality‐related messages. Regarding the nontarget consumers, information of whistleblowing platforms and incentives improved willingness to report illegal wildlife use directly, as well as indirectly through adding messages to increase perceived legality risk of using wild products and improve self‐efficacy in identifying legal products. Our findings can inform future larger scale efforts to influence wildlife consumption.

ObjectiveTo establish a digital PCR system for accurate and sensitive quantitative detection of Helicobacter pylori (Hp). MethodsSpecific primer and probe were designed based on the Hp 16S rRNA sequence, and reference bacteria was used to conduct specificity testing. The sensitivity was detected using gradient diluted DNA as templates. The accuracy was detected using different concentration templates with multiple repeated tests. The gradient method was used to set the primer concentration and annealing temperature for optimizing reaction conditions.ResultsThe designed primers and probes could detect Hp 16S rRNA genes specifically without the interference from Escherichia coli and other bacteria. The optimal reaction temperature for the detection was 57.1 ℃, and the optimal primer concentration was 550 nmol/L. The detection limit was 0.35 copies/μL, the coefficient of variation (CV) of the detection was < 10%, and the coefficient of determination for the linear regression between dilution ratio and DNA concentration was 0.9968. ConclusionThe established digital PCR system is specific, sensitive, and highly accurate for Hp detection.

【Objective】This study aimed to investigate and analyze the correlation between the quality of fruit-bearing shoots in 'Xianjinfeng' litchi and fruit setting and fruit quality. Tthe effects of different quality fruit-bearing shoots on fruit setting and quality were compared. The quantitative standard of high quality fruit branches was put forward to provide reference for the development of strong fruit branches in production.【Method】During the key phenological period, the quality indicators of fruit-bearing shoots in 'Xianjinfeng' litchi, including length, diameter, and number of leaves, were measured and statistically analyzed. Number of initial fruit setting and final fruit setting with fruit quality were also assessed. Violin plots, Pearson correlation coefficients, and one-way ANOVA were utilized to analyze the distribution, correlation, and significance of the data, as well as to compare the differences in fruit setting and quality among fruit-bearing shoots of different qualities.【Result】The length, diameter, and number of leaves of fruit-bearing shoots in 'Xianjinfeng' litchi were concentrated within the ranges of 10.2-14.5 cm, 0.4-0.5 cm, and 28-38 leaves, respectively. The number of initial fruit setting exhibited a significant positive correlation with the diameter of the mother branches, while the final fruit setting rate showed a significant positive correlation with both length and diameter. The correlation between the length, diameter, and number of leaves of fruit-bearing shoots and the same fruit quality traits was generally consistent, either positively or negatively correlated. Notably, single fruit weight demonstrated a significant positive correlation with diameter, while TSS (Total Soluble Solids) and TSS/TA (Total Soluble Solids/Titratable Acidity) showed a significant positive correlation with the number of leaves. Fruit-bearing shoots with a length greater than 14.5 cm exhibited the highest initial fruit setting number (16.95 fruits) and final fruit setting rate (20.73%). Fruit-bearing shoots with a diameter greater than 0.5 cm exhibited the highest initial fruit setting number (15.48 fruits), final fruit setting rate (28.03%), single fruit weight (26.28 g), and edible rate (70.95%). Fruit-bearing shoots with more than 38 leaves exhibited the highest TSS (18.36%) and TSS/TA (250.81).【Conclusion】Based on the findings, a robust standard for fruit-bearing shoots in 'Xianjinfeng' litchi was determined as having a length greater than 14.5 cm, diameter greater than 0.5 cm, and number of leaves greater than 38.

Abstract More and more patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) have received surgical treatment in the last 20 years. This meta‐analysis compared whether surgical treatment can bring greater survival benefits to patients with stage I–III SCLC compared with chemotherapy, radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy. Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane library database, and ClinicalTrials were searched for relevant articles. The main outcomes were overall survival (OS), reported as hazard ratios (HRs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A total of 19 articles containing 30 185 patients (3940 patients receiving surgical treatment and 26 245 patients receiving nonsurgical treatment) were included in this study. Surgical resection significantly improved OS when compared to nonsurgical treatment in retrospective studies (HR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.47–0.64, p

Abstract Co‐design, an approach that seeks to incorporate the experiences and perspectives of different stakeholders, is increasingly being used to develop audience‐oriented behaviour change interventions. The complexity of wildlife consumption behaviour makes the co‐design approach an important potential tool for the design of conservation interventions that aim to reduce illegal wildlife trade. Yet, little is known about how to adapt and apply the co‐design approach to the wildlife trade sector. Here, we applied a co‐design approach to develop interventions aimed at reducing illegal animal‐based medicine consumption in China. We conducted three workshops with key stakeholders: consumers of animal‐based medicines, pharmacy workers who sell them and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) doctors who prescribe them. We then developed a theory of change to ensure the relevance of the co‐designed intervention prototypes. Our co‐design process identified five main pathways of interventions, including two inclusive solutions that may have been previously overlooked in behaviour change work in this context. These were an intervention to promote the appropriate use of TCM and one to increase consumers' capacity to identify the legality of products. Our prototype interventions also enhanced existing views related to the role of medical practitioners in health‐risk communication. We used our co‐design process and reflections on its application to this specific market to provide guidelines for future conservation program planning in the broader wildlife trade context. Some intervention prototypes produced during co‐design may need wider stakeholder involvement to increase their feasibility for implementation. We show that the co‐design process can integrate multiple stakeholders' perspectives in the ideation stage, and has the potential to produce inclusive intervention designs that could drive innovation in conservation efforts to reduce illegal consumption of a range of wild species. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Abstract The blasting mechanism underlying drilling and blasting of underwater rocks, as an important component of the engineering blasting technology, has not been systematically studied. Laboratory model experiments are expensive and take a long time, while field tests fail to obtain timeous breakage and accumulation effects of underwater blasting, and may even be impossible. Considering this, a model experiment of underwater concrete bench blasting was designed, and the motion of blasted blocks was observed and evaluated with a high-speed camera. Then, numerical simulation was conducted based on Fluent and an engineering discrete element method coupling program complied using the application programming interface. Results show that the blocks form a bulge in the underwater blasting experiment under action of blast waves and expansion in the first period of bubble pulsation. Then, some blocks shrink in the first period of bubble pulsation. As the charge increases, the blast load exerts larger disturbance on the block group, resulting in significant motion of blasted blocks along the vertical direction. At the same time, the horizontal displacement of blasted blocks in the throwing direction increases.

BackgroundThe optimal dose of tenecteplase vs. alteplase for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has yet to be established. Therefore, we included the latest randomized controlled trials (RCT) to assess the efficacy and safety of different doses of tenecteplase vs. alteplase for AIS within 4.5 hours of symptom onset.MethodsLiterature was searched in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and clinical trial registries until February 12, 2023. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% credible intervals (CrI) were estimated using Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA). Treatments were ranked based on efficacy and safety using the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA).ResultsEleven RCTs with 5,475 patients were included. Tenecteplase 0.25 mg/kg and alteplase 0.9 mg/kg had significantly higher rates of excellent functional outcome (tenecteplase: OR, 1.85; 95% CrI, 1.44–2.37; alteplase: OR, 1.60; 95% CrI, 1.29–1.97) and good functional outcome (tenecteplase: OR, 1.54; 95% CrI, 1.19–1.98; alteplase: OR, 1.40; 95% CrI, 1.14–1.74) than placebo, despite an increased risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. Furthermore, the NMA (OR, 1.16; 95% CrI, 1.01–1.33) and the pairwise meta-analysis (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.02–1.33; P = 0.03) indicated that tenecteplase 0.25 mg/kg was superior to alteplase 0.9 mg/kg in excellent functional outcome. Alteplase 0.9 mg/kg (OR, 2.54; 95% CrI, 1.45–8.08) significantly increased the risk of any intracranial hemorrhage compared with placebo. SUCRA results demonstrated that tenecteplase 0.25 mg/kg ranked first and tenecteplase 0.4 mg/kg ranked last in efficacy outcomes.ConclusionsThe NMA indicated that tenecteplase 0.25 mg/kg and alteplase 0.9 mg/kg are safe and significantly improve clinical outcomes in patients with AIS within 4.5 h of symptom onset. Furthermore, tenecteplase 0.25 mg/kg provides more benefit and has the potential to replace alteplase 0.9 mg/kg in AIS treatment.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/index.php, identifier: CRD42022343948.

Abstract Aim To investigate the hypercoagulability of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)‐related cerebral infarction (HCRCI) with thromboelastography (TEG). Methods A multicenter prospective study was conducted in HCRCI patients, HCC patients without cerebral infarction, and acute cerebral infarction (ACI) patients without HCC between January 2016 and December 2019. TEG parameters and laboratory and clinical data were collected and compared among the three groups. To confirm the independent risk factors of HCRCI, multivariate analyses were conducted. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were utilized to evaluate the area under the curve (AUC) plotted by each independent risk factor. Results There were 38 patients recruited in the HCRCI group, and 152 patients were recruited to the HCC group and the ACI group. The levels of plasma neutrophil count, D‐dimer, α‐fetoprotein (AFP), carcinoembryonic antigen, and maximum amplitude (MA)—a parameter of TEG—were significantly higher in the HCRCI group than HCC and ACI groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that increased neutrophile count, D‐dimer, AFP, and MA were independently associated with HCRCI. ROC curve analysis showed first that AUC of MA for HCRCI was .875, which was larger than the other risk factors, and second that the optimal cutoff value for MA was 61.35, with a sensitivity of 89.50% and specificity of 66.40%. Conclusion It was suggested that TEG disclosed that the pathogenesis of HCRIC is exactly related to the hypercoagulability. And with a cutoff value of MA equaling to 61.35, TEG facilitates clinicians to identify HCC patients at high risk of HCRIC.

(1) Background: Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is an important complication of decompensated cirrhosis. Previous studies have demonstrated spontaneous brain activity alterations in cirrhotic patients with MHE. However, the reported results are inconsistent, which has limited our understanding of the potential neural mechanisms. Thus, we conducted a quantitative meta-analysis of resting-state functional imaging studies to identify the regional activity alterations consistently involved in MHE. (2) Methods: We searched six databases to include resting-state functional imaging studies and compared spontaneous brain activity patterns between MHE patients and healthy controls (HCs), and between cirrhotic patients without minimal hepatic encephalopathy (NMHE) and HCs. Then, a separate whole-brain voxel-wise meta-analysis between MHE or NMHE patients and HCs was conducted using seed-based d mapping with permutation of subject images. We further conducted the conjunction analysis to assess the distinct regional activity alterations between MHE and NMHE patients as compared to HCs. (3) Results: Thirteen studies with twenty datasets were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with HCs, MHE patients showed decreased spontaneous brain activity in the left superior frontal gyrus, left median cingulate/paracingulate gyri, and right precuneus. Compared with NMHE patients, MHE patients indicated decreased spontaneous brain activity in the left superior frontal gyrus, left median cingulate/paracingulate gyri, and right precuneus. (4) Conclusions: MHE is associated with spontaneous brain activity alterations involving the left superior frontal gyrus and median cingulate/paracingulate gyri, which may implicate primarily in spatial working memory and emotional disorders. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of the potential neural mechanisms, and guide further research.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the spontaneous regional neural activity abnormalities in patients with acute basal ganglia ischemic stroke (BGIS) using a multifrequency bands regional homogeneity (ReHo) method and to explore whether the alteration of ReHo values was associated with clinical characteristics.MethodsIn this study, 34 patients with acute BGIS and 44 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited. All participants were examined by resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). The ReHo method was used to detect the alterations of spontaneous neural activities in patients with acute BGIS. A two-sample t-test comparison was performed to compare the ReHo value between the two groups, and a Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between the regional neural activity abnormalities and clinical characteristics.ResultsCompared with the HCs, the patients with acute BGIS showed increased ReHo in the left caudate and subregions such as the right caudate and left putamen in conventional frequency bands. In the slow-5 frequency band, patients with BGIS showed decreased ReHo in the left medial cingulum of BGIS compared to the HCs and other subregions such as bilateral caudate and left putamen. No brain regions with ReHo alterations were found in the slow-4 frequency band. Moreover, we found that the ReHo value of left caudate was positively correlated with the NIHSS score.ConclusionOur findings revealed the alterations of ReHo in patients with acute BGIS in a specific frequency band and provided a new insight into the pathogenesis mechanism of BGIS. This study demonstrated the frequency-specific characteristics of ReHo in patients with acute BGIS, which may have a positive effect on the future neuroimaging studies.

The regulation of abscission has a significant impact on fruit yield and quality. Thus, understanding the mechanisms underlying abscission, particularly identifying key genes, is critical for improving fruit crop breeding and cultivation practices. Here, to explore the key genes involved in litchi fruitlet abscission, the two closest homologs of AGAMOUS-like 15/18 (LcAGL15 and LcAGL18) were identified. During the litchi fruitlet abscission process, LcAGL15 expression was reduced, whereas LcAGL18 expression was increased at the abscission zone. The abscission of floral organs was unaffected by ectopic expression of LcAGL15 in Arabidopsis. Moreover, high expression of LcAGL18 significantly delayed the abscission process of floral organs, particularly the sepals. Overexpression of LcAGL18 in Arabidopsis consistently repressed the expression of abscission-related genes, including HAESA (HAE) and HAESA-LIKE2 (HSL2), and cell wall remodeling genes at the abscission zone. Furthermore, LcAGL18 was localized in the nucleus and acted as a transcriptional inhibitor. Collectively, these results suggest that AGL18 homologs have conserved functions in Arabidopsis and litchi, and that LcAGL18 might function as a key regulator in litchi fruitlet abscission.

Electrocatalytic water splitting is one of the most efficient ways of producing green hydrogen energy. The design of stable, active, and efficient electrocatalysts plays a crucial role in water splitting for achieving efficient energy conversion from electrical to hydrogen energy, aimed at solving the lingering energy crisis. In this work, CNT composites modified with CoP-V4P3 composites (CoVO-10-CNT-450P) were formed by carbonising a pencil-like precursor (Co3V2O8-H2O) and growing carbon nanotubes in situ, followed by in situ phosphorylation on the carbon nanotubes. In the HER electrocatalytic process, an overpotential of only 124 mV was exhibited at a current density of 10 mA cm−2. In addition, as an OER catalyst, a low overpotential of 280 mV was attained at a current density of 10 mA cm−2. Moreover, there was no noticeable change in the performance of the catalyst over a 90 h test in a continuous total water splitting experiment. The unique electronic structure and hollow carbon nanotube structure of CoVO-10-CNT-450P effectively increased the catalytic active sites, while also significantly improving the electrocatalytic activity. This work provides theoretical guidance for the design and synthetic route of high-performance non-precious metal electrocatalysts, and actively promotes the commercial application of electrochemical water splitting.

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical features, risk factors and underlying pathogenesis of cancer related subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).MethodsClinical data of SAH in patients with active cancer from January 2010 to December 2020 at four centers were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with active cancer without SAH were matched to SAH patients with active cancer group. Logistic regression was applied to investigate the independent risk factors of SAH in patients with active cancer, after a 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM). A receiver operator characteristic curve was configured to calculate the optimal cut-off value of the joint predictive factor for cancer related SAH.ResultsA total of 82 SAH patients with active cancer and 309 patients with active cancer alone were included. Most SAH patients with cancer had poor outcomes, with 30-day mortality of 41.5%, and with 90-day mortality of 52.0%. The PSM yielded 75 pairs of study participants. Logistic regression revealed that a decrease in platelet and prolonged prothrombin time were the independent risk factors of cancer related SAH. In addition, receiver operator characteristic curve of the joint predictive factor showed the largest AUC of 0.8131, with cut-off value equaling to 11.719, with a sensitivity of 65.3% and specificity of 89.3%.ConclusionPatients with cancer related SAH often have poor outcomes. The decrease in platelet and prolonged prothrombin time are the independent risk factors of cancer related SAH, and the joint predictive factor with cutoff value equal to 11.719 should hence serve as a novel biomarker of cancer related SAH.

Objective. The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of different frequency bands in the spontaneous brain activity among patients with acute basal ganglia ischemic stroke (BGIS). Methods. In the present study, thirty-four patients with acute BGIS and forty-four healthy controls were examined by resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) from May 2019 to December 2020. Two amplitude methods including amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and fractional ALFF (fALFF) calculated in three frequency bands (conventional frequency band: 0.01-0.08 Hz; slow-5 frequency band: 0.01-0.027 Hz; and slow-4 frequency band: 0.027-0.073 Hz) were conducted to evaluate the spontaneous brain activity in patients with acute BGIS and healthy controls (HCs). Gaussian Random Field Theory (GRF, voxel p

Purpose. Several functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have investigated the resting-state functional connectivity (rs-FC) changes in the primary motor cortex (M1) in patients with acute basal ganglia ischemic stroke (BGIS). However, the frequency-specific FC changes of M1 in acute BGIS patients are still unclear. Our study was aimed at exploring the altered FC of M1 in three frequency bands and the potential features as biomarkers for the identification by using a support vector machine (SVM). Methods. We included 28 acute BGIS patients and 42 healthy controls (HCs). Seed-based FC of two regions of interest (ROI, bilateral M1s) were calculated in conventional, slow-5, and slow-4 frequency bands. The abnormal voxel-wise FC values were defined as the features for SVM in different frequency bands. Results. In the ipsilesional M1, the acute BGIS patients exhibited decreased FC with the right lingual gyrus in the conventional and slow-4 frequency band. Besides, the acute BGIS patients showed increased FC with the right medial superior frontal gyrus (SFGmed) in the conventional and slow-5 frequency band and decreased FC with the left lingual gyrus in the slow-5 frequency band. In the contralesional M1, the BGIS patients showed lower FC with the right SFGmed in the conventional frequency band. The higher FC values with the right lingual gyrus and left SFGmed were detected in the slow-4 frequency band. In the slow-5 frequency band, the BGIS patients showed decreased FC with the left calcarine sulcus. SVM results showed that the combined features (slow-4+slow-5) had the highest accuracy in classification prediction of acute BGIS patients, with an area under curve (AUC) of 0.86. Conclusion. Acute BGIS patients had frequency-specific alterations in FC; SVM is a promising method for exploring these frequency-dependent FC alterations. The abnormal brain regions might be potential targets for future researchers in the rehabilitation and treatment of stroke patients.

Underwater rock-plug blasting is a special blasting technique for excavating underwater inlets. In the process of rock-plug blasting excavation, the blasting-block movement from the difference in water pressure inside and outside the tunnel is one of the key factors for successful construction. Laboratory underwater rock-plug blasting experiments were conducted using small explosive charges, and a high-speed camera was adopted to observe and study block motion. Then, numerical simulations were conducted for the model experiment based on the Fluent and Engineering Discrete Element Method (EDEM) coupling program developed using the user-defined function (UDF) interface to reveal the mechanism underpinning the penetration of underwater rock-plug blasting. The results showed that the process of block motion in underwater rock-plug blasting can be divided into two stages. In the first stage, broken blocks move to two sides along the axis of the rock plug under the blast load. A blasting crater is formed on the downstream end face of the rock plug under the effects of the free face, while the upstream end face is loosened, or blocks are ejected under the influence of the water pressure. In the second stage, blocks flow to the broken-rock pit under the effects of water scouring and gravity, and, finally, the rock plug is penetrated. The larger the head of water and the opening angle of the rock plug are, the better the penetration effect for the rock plug is. The Fluent–EDEM coupling algorithm was in good agreement with the experimental results in terms of the rock-plug blasting effect and the velocity curve of the blocks, indicating that the coupling method had a favorable effect in simulating the interaction of blocks and water during underwater rock-plug blasting. The findings are expected to promote the application and popularization of the rock-plug blasting technique and can provide a reference for rock-plug blasting in water-intake and water-diversion projects.

Alternaria alternata botybirnavirus 1 (AaBRV1) was isolated from a strain of Alternaria alternata, causing watermelon leaf blight in our previous research. The effect of AaBRV1 on the phenotype of its host fungus, however, was not determined. In the present study, a novel strain of AaBRV1 was identified in A. tenuissima strain TJ-NH-51S-4, the causal agent of cotton Alternaria leaf spot, and designated as AaBRV1-AT1. A mycovirus AaBRV1-AT1-free strain TJ-NH-51S-4-VF was obtained by protoplast regeneration, which eliminated AaBRV1-AT1 from the mycovirus AaBRV1-AT1-infected strain TJ-NH-51S-4. Colony growth rate, spore production, and virulence of strain TJ-NH-51S-4 were greater than they were in TJ-NH-51S-4-VF, while the sensitivity of strain TJ-NH-51S-4 to difenoconazole, as measured by the EC50, was lower. AaBRV1-AT1 was capable of vertical transmission via asexual spores and horizontal transmission from strain TJ-NH-51S-4 to strain XJ-BZ-5-1hyg (another strain of A. tenuissima) through hyphal contact in pairing cultures. A total of 613 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in a comparative transcriptome analysis between TJ-NH-51S-4 and TJ-NH-51S-4-VF. Relative to strain TJ-NH-51S-4-VF, the number of up-regulated and down-regulated DEGs in strain TJ-NH-51S-4 was 286 and 327, respectively. Notably, the expression level of one DEG-encoding cytochrome P450 sterol 14α-demethylase and four DEGs encoding siderophore iron transporters were significantly up-regulated. To our knowledge, this is the first documentation of hypervirulence and reduced sensitivity to difenoconazole induced by AaBRV1-AT1 infection in A. tenuissima.

Lung cancer related hypercoagulability could increase the risk of ischemic stroke. Routine coagulation tests may have limited capacity in evaluating hypercoagulability. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of thromboelastography (TEG) in the identification of hypercoagulability in patients with lung cancer and cryptogenic ischemic stroke (LCIS). Between January 2016 and December 2018, whole citrated blood from LCIS patients (n = 35) and age- and gender-matched lung cancer patients and healthy volunteers were used for TEG and routine coagulation tests. The coagulation indicator and clinical data were compared among the 3 groups. There were 27/35 (77.14%) on TEG and 18/35 (51.43%) on routine coagulation tests of LCIS patients who had evidence of hypercoagulability. The detection rate of hypercoagulability by TEG in LCIS patients was higher than routine coagulation tests ( P = 0.018). Comparing with lung cancer patients and healthy controls, LCIS patients have a significantly higher maximum amplitude (MA), fibrinogen, and D-dimer. Multivariate analysis showed that D-dimer and MA were significantly associated with ischemic stroke in lung cancer patients. ROC curve showed that the area under the curve of TEG (0.790 ± 0.048, 95% CI: 0.697-0.864) was significantly higher than routine coagulation tests (0.673 ± 0.059, 95% CI: 0.572-0.763) ( P = 0.04) in identifying hypercoagulability in LCIS patients. Therefore, TEG could identify hypercoagulability in LCIS patients and healthy controls. Identification of hypercoagulability in lung cancer patients by TEG may be helpful to prevent the occurrence of LCIS.

Objective To investigate the independent risk factors and potential predictors of bladder cancer-related ischemic stroke (BCRIS). Methods This was a multi-center retrospective study including patients with active bladder cancer and acute ischemic stroke without traditional stroke risk factors (BCRIS group), and sex- and age-matched patients with active bladder cancer alone (control group). Data were collected between January 2006 and December 2018. Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors for BCRIS. The predictive performance of these risk factors was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results Records were retrospectively reviewed from 60 BCRIS patients and 120 bladder cancer controls. Univariate analysis revealed that serum D-dimer and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels and the platelet and neutrophil counts were significantly higher in BCRIS patients compared with controls. Multivariate analysis identified the three above-mentioned variables as independent risk factors for BCRIS. The product of all three factors gave the largest area under the ROC curve. Conclusions Elevated serum D-dimer and CEA levels and increased platelet count were independent risk factors for BCRIS, and the cut-off value based on the product of the three independent risk factors (≥2,640,745.29) could serve as a potential predictor of BCRIS.

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-021-02175-y

Conservation enforcement is a direct strategy to combat illegal wildlife trade in open markets. Yet, its large-scale effectiveness has not been widely assessed due to the lack of extensive market data. Between August 2016 and June 2017, a national coordinated enforcement campaign led by the leading Chinese authority to combat illegal migratory bird trade coincided with the largest-ever pet bird market survey across China by voluntary birdwatchers before and after the enforcement, which served as a unique natural experiment. Across 73 markets from 22 Chinese provinces, the dataset contains 140,723 birds of 346 species from 48 families and recorded a drastic decline in bird abundance traded after enforcement. Notably, species protected under China's Wildlife Protection Law declined significantly, while commercially bred species increased, although responses to enforcement were spatially heterogeneous. Our model showed that the national protection level was the best predictor for the trend of traded species, even after accounting for confounding factors such as regional baseline enforcement pressure and wild native bird populations. However, the widely traded native songbirds were not offered adequate national protection. Future policies should consider the pet bird trade patterns, target key areas of trade, and develop a more systematic market survey design to monitor trade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The effectiveness of endovascular treatment (EVT) in patients with mild stroke (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≤5) and acute anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (AACLVO) remains unknown. Objective To conduct a meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of EVT in patients with mild stroke and AACLVO. Methods EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Clinicaltrials.gov databases were searched until October 2022. Both retrospective and prospective studies which compared the clinical outcomes between EVT and medical treatment were included. ORs and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for excellent and favorable functional outcomes, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), and mortality were pooled using a random-effects model. A propensity score (PS)-based methods adjusted analysis was also performed. results 4335 patients from 14 studies were included. In patients with mild stroke and AACLVO, EVT presented no marked differences in excellent and favorable functional outcomes and mortality compared with medical treatment. A higher risk of symptomatic ICH (OR=2.79; 95% CI 1.49 to 5.24; P=0.001) was observed with EVT. Subgroup analysis revealed that EVT had potential benefit for proximal occlusions with excellent functional outcomes (OR=1.68; 95% CI 1.01 to 2.82; P=0.05). Similar results were observed when PS-based methods adjusted analysis was used. Conclusion EVT did not significantly benefit clinical functional outcomes in comparison with medical treatment in patients with mild stroke and AACLVO. However, it may improve functional outcomes when treating patients with proximal occlusion, despite being associated with an increased risk of symptomatic ICH. Stronger evidence from ongoing randomized controlled trials is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]