Life-threatening event in laparoscopic hepatic surgery: Training curriculum on sudden hepatic artery haemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Exposure of the hepatic artery is a fundamental step in many surgeries, during which iatrogenic hepatic artery injury may occur. Although the incidence of hepatic artery haemorrhage is low, its occurrence can lead to life-threatening haemorrhage. It is difficult and dangerous to accumulate clinical experience in laparoscopic hepatic artery repair in actual patients, and simulation training models for laparoscopic hepatic artery repair are currently lacking. In this study, a 3D printed model was designed to simulate the training curriculum for sudden hepatic artery haemorrhage, but whether training with the 3D printed model could yield superior skill improvement for surgeons remained to be determined. METHODS: A new 3D printed model was designed for this study. Surgeons from the General Surgery Department of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital participated in this simulation training. The surgical performance of each model was compared, and the authenticity of the model was evaluated and mechanically tested. RESULTS: Experienced surgeons performed better on the 3D printed model. After repeated training, inexperienced surgeons showed significant improvement of their laparoscopic hepatic artery repair skills. The authenticity of the model was generally satisfactory, but shortcomings persisted in the mechanical testing of artery wall tearing, necessitating further improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Few studies have investigated laparoscopic simulation training for sudden hepatic artery haemorrhage. This simulation model distinguishes surgeons with different levels of experience and allows those with less experience to improve their laparoscopic hepatic artery repair skills through training on the model.

BCAT1 contributes to the development of TKI-resistant CML.

PURPOSE: Although most of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients can be effectively treated by the tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), such as Imatinib, TKI-resistance still occurs in approximately 15-17% of cases. Although many studies indicate that branched chain amino acid (BCAA) metabolism may contribute to the TKI resistance in CML, the detailed mechanisms remains largely unknown. METHOD: The cell proliferation, colony formation and in vivo transplantation were used to determined the functions of BCAT1 in leukemogenesis. Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-PCR), western blotting, RNA sequencing, BCAA stimulation in vitro were applied to characterize the underlying molecular mechanism that control the leukemogenic activity of BCAT1-knockdown cells. RESULTS: In this report, we revealed that branched chain amino acid transaminase 1 (BCAT1) is highly enriched in both mouse and human TKI-resistant CML cells. Leukemia was almost completely abrogated upon BCAT1 knockdown during transplantation in a BCR-ABLT315I-induced murine TKI-resistant CML model. Moreover, knockdown of BCAT1 led to a dramatic decrease in the proliferation of TKI-resistant human leukemia cell lines. BCAA/BCAT1 signaling enhanced the phosphorylation of CREB, which is required for maintenance of TKI-resistant CML cells. Importantly, blockade of BCAA/BCAT1 signaling efficiently inhibited leukemogenesis both in vivo and in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate the role of BCAA/BCAT1 signaling in cancer development and suggest that targeting BCAA/BCAT1 signaling is a potential strategy for interfering with TKI-resistant CML.

Correlation between elderly patients with COPD and the impact on immunity in tuberculosis patients: A retrospective study.

The prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and tuberculosis (TB) is increasing globally, yet their comprehensive impact on the immune system remains underexplored. This study aimed to provide a thorough assessment of the immune status of patients with COPD and tuberculosis (TB-COPD), including their pulmonary conditions, immune cell responses, and changes in lymphocyte subpopulations. A total of 151 patients with TB-COPD patients were included, and clinical data were compared between the TB-COPD group and a group of TB patients without COPD (TB-NCOPD). Lung imaging findings and peripheral blood immune cell levels were compared between the 2 groups. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the absolute counts of lymphocyte subpopulations. The incidence of pulmonary lobe lesions and cavitation in the TB-COPD group aged 70 years or older was significantly higher than that in the control group. At the immune cell level, patients with TB-COPD showed a significant reduction in total lymphocytes, CD4+ T lymphocytes and CD4+/CD8+ ratio. Regardless of COPD status, the CD4+ T cell count in the CMV-infected group was significantly lower than that in the uninfected group (P < .05). Additionally, the CD4+/CD8+ ratio in the COPD + TB CMV + group was significantly lower than that in the uninfected group. Analysis of lymphocyte subpopulations revealed a decrease in the counts of CD4+ T lymphocytes in patients with TB-COPD, potentially associated with the chronic inflammatory state induced by COPD. The one-month treatment outcomes showed that the improvement rate in the control group was 70.58%, which was significantly higher than the 38.92% in the COPD + TB group (P < .001). We observed a significant increase in the number of pulmonary cavity patients in the TB-COPD group, suggesting that COPD may be a potential risk factor for the formation of pulmonary cavities in patients with TB. At the immune cell level, TB-COPD patients showed a notable decrease in lymphocytes and CD4+ T lymphocytes, implying that COPD combined with pulmonary TB may significantly affect the immune system, leading to a reduction in the counts of key immune cells.

Single-cell sequencing in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: C1qC is a potential tumor-promoting factor.

BACKGROUND: Complement component 1q (C1q) is central to the classical complement pathway. High C1q expression has been linked to poor prognosis in patients with cancer. However, the precise mechanism via which C1q contributes to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is still unknown. We aimed to explore the potential mechanism by which C1qC promoting DLBCL. METHODS: Using multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) to identify immunocyte subgroups associated with prognosis in DLBCL tissues. Constructing a risk prediction model based on immunocytes using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression. Single-cell sequencing detects the expression level of C1qC in immunocytes in the DLBCL microenvironment. Using Wb and qPCR to detect markers of M2 macrophages after knocking down C1qC, and exploring the interactions between lymphoma cells and macrophages through co-culture. Analyzing clinical data from DLBCL patients to investigate the clinical significance of C1qC+ M2 macrophages. Lastly, using bioinformatics in conjunction with mIHC to elucidate the potential pro-tumor mechanism of C1qC. RESULTS: First, we found T cell subtypes, neutrophils, and M2 macrophages are associated with prognosis. Subsequently, the risk model identified C1qC as a differential gene relevant to DLBCL prognosis. Furthermore, single-cell sequencing suggested high C1qC expression in M2 macrophages. The expression level of CD163 is significantly lower following siC1qC. Co-culture experiments have shown that M2 macrophages can promote the proliferation of tumor cells and reduce their drug sensitivity. Furthermore, as an independent predictive indicator, high expression of C1qC+ M2 macrophages is associated with poor prognosis in patients. Finally, a positive correlation between increased C1qC expression and immune checkpoints, as well as an increase in the infiltration of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and M2 macrophages. CONCLUSIONS: C1qC offering new insights into pathogenesis and presenting a potential therapeutic target in DLBCL.

MRI radiomics combined with machine learning for diagnosing mild cognitive impairment: a focus on the cerebellar gray and white matter.

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

Maternal exposure to nanopolystyrene induces neurotoxicity in offspring through P53-mediated ferritinophagy and ferroptosis in the rat hippocampus.

There are increasing concerns regarding the rapid expansion of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs), which could impact human health. Previous studies have shown that nanoplastics can be transferred from mothers to offspring through the placenta and breast milk, resulting in cognitive deficits in offspring. However, the neurotoxic effects of maternal exposure on offspring and its mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, PS-NPs (50 nm) were gavaged to female rats throughout gestation and lactation to establish an offspring exposure model to study the neurotoxicity and behavioral changes caused by PS-NPs on offspring. Neonatal rat hippocampal neuronal cells were used to investigate the pathways through which NPs induce neurodevelopmental toxicity in offspring rats, using iron inhibitors, autophagy inhibitors, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scroungers, P53 inhibitors, and NCOA4 inhibitors. We found that low PS-NPs dosages can cause ferroptosis in the hippocampus of the offspring, resulting in a decline in the cognitive, learning, and memory abilities of the offspring. PS-NPs induced NOCA4-mediated ferritinophagy and promoted ferroptosis by inciting ROS production to activate P53-mediated ferritinophagy. Furthermore, the levels of the antioxidant factors glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and glutathione (GSH), responsible for ferroptosis, were reduced. In summary, this study revealed that consumption of PS-NPs during gestation and lactation can cause ferroptosis and damage the hippocampus of offspring. Our results can serve as a basis for further research into the neurodevelopmental effects of nanoplastics in offspring.

A split-step finite element method for the space-fractional Schrödinger equation in two dimensions.

In this article, we propose a split-step finite element method (FEM) for the two-dimensional nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLS) with Riesz fractional derivatives in space. The space-fractional NLS is first spatially discretized by finite element scheme and the semi-discrete variational scheme is obtained. We prove that it maintains the mass and energy conservation laws. Then, we establish a fully discrete split-step finite element scheme for the considered problem, which avoids the iteration at each time layer, thereby significantly reducing computational cost. The discrete mass conservation property and error estimate of this split-step finite element scheme is derived. Finally, illustrative tests and the numerical simulation of dynamic of wave solutions are included to confirm its effectiveness and capability.

Comprehensive evaluation and guidance of structural variation detection tools in chicken whole genome sequence data.

BACKGROUND: Structural variations (SVs) are widespread across genome and have a great impact on evolution, disease, and phenotypic diversity. Despite the development of numerous bioinformatic tools, commonly referred to as SV callers, tailored for detecting SVs using whole genome sequence (WGS) data and employing diverse algorithms, their performance necessitates rigorous evaluation with real data and validated SVs. Moreover, a considerable proportion of these tools have been primarily designed and optimized using human genome data. Consequently, their applicability and performance in Avian species, characterized by smaller genomes and distinct genomic architectures, remain inadequately assessed. RESULTS: We performed a comprehensive assessment of the performance of ten widely used SV callers using population-level real genomic data with the validated five common types of SVs. The performance of SV callers varies with the types and sizes of SVs. As compared with other tools, GRIDSS, Lumpy, Wham, and Manta present better detection accuracy. Pindel can detect more small SVs than others. CNVnator and CNVkit can detect more medium and large copy number variations. Given the poor consistency among different SV callers, the combination calling strategy is not recommended. All tools show poor ability in the detection of insertions (especially with size > 150 bp). At least 50× read depth is required to detect more than 80% of the SVs for most tools. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the importance and necessity of using real sequencing data, rather than simulated data only, with validated SVs for SV caller evaluation. Some practical guidance and suggestions are provided for SV detection in future researches.

Intraovarian injection of 3D-MSC-EVs-ECM gel significantly improved rat ovarian function after chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Restoring the function of the ovary is important for chemotherapy-induced ovarian failure (COF) patients. Stem cell and extracellular vesicles (EVs) therapy show promise but need further improvement. METHODS: Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) were primarily cultured and further three-dimensional (3D) cultured using an ultra-low attachment surface method. The expression levels of nutritional cytokines and immunomodulatory and stemness-related genes of 3D-cultured hUC-MSCs were analyzed. EVs were isolated by ultracentrifugation and characterized. Ovaries were decellularized with sodium dodecyl sulfate to obtain extracellular matrix (ECM). Lyophilized EVs from three-dimensional (2D) or 3D hUC-MSCs were mixed with ECM to prepare the 2D/3D-MSC-EVs-ECM gels. The therapeutic effect of the MSC-EVs-ECM gel on cyclophosphamide (CTX) -treated rats was analyzed through various tests. RNA sequencing was used to analyze the expression changes of genes before and after treatment. RESULTS: After culturing in ultra-low attachment dishes, hUC-MSCs aggregated into spheroids and significantly upregulated the expression levels of immunomodulatory and stemness-related genes. The total EVs yield was also upregulated (5.6-fold) after 3D culture. The cell viability of CTX-treated ovarian granulosa cells (OGCs) was significantly rescued by coculture with the 3D-MSC-EVs-ECM gel. Hormones indicative of ovarian function, AMH, E2, and FSH, were recovered in both the CTX + 2D-MSC-EVs-ECM gel group and the CTX + 3D-MSC-EVs-ECM gel group, while the apoptosis-related protein Bax was significantly downregulated. The 3D-MSC-EVs-ECM gel was more effective than the 2D-MSC-EVs-ECM gel. Significantly differentially expressed genes, such as Hbb-b1, Gpd1, and Sirpa, were detected by RNA sequencing. Hbb-b1 was increased in the ovaries of CTX-treated rats, and this increase was attenuated by injecting the 2D/3D-MSC-EVs-ECM gel. Gpd1 was increased after CTX treatment, and this increase was reversed by the 3D-MSC-EVs-ECM gel. Sirpa was decreased in the ovaries of CTX-treated rats, and this decrease was attenuated by injecting the 3D-MSC-EVs-ECM gel. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that the 3D-MSC-EVs-ECM gel is an efficient strategy for the recovery of ovarian function in CTX-induced ovarian failure.

Recent advances in noble metal-based catalysts for CO oxidation.

Carbon monoxide, one of the major pollutants in the air, is mainly produced due to the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels such as coal and oil. Among all the techniques developed for removing CO, catalytic oxidation has been considered one of the most effective approaches, and the commonly used catalysts include metal oxides and noble metals. Noble metal attracted extensive attention due to its good catalytic performance at low temperatures and high resistance to poisoning. The review summarizes the recent advances of noble metals including Pt, Pd, Au, Ru, Rh, and Ir in CO oxidation. The effect of support, metal doping, the particle size of noble metals, and the hydroxyl groups on CO oxidation is discussed. Besides, the metal-support interaction on the stability and activity is also involved in this review. Finally, the challenges and opportunities of supported noble metal catalysts in practical CO oxidation are proposed.

Evolution and biological characteristics of H11 avian influenza viruses isolated from migratory birds and pigeons.

The emergence of novel avian influenza reassortants in wild birds in recent years is a public health concern. However, the viruses that circulate in migratory birds are not fully understood. In this study, we summarized and categorized global H11 avian influenza viruses and reported that waterfowl and shorebirds are the major reservoirs of the identified H11 viruses. The surveillance data of the 35,749 faecal samples collected from wild bird habitats in eastern China over the past seven years revealed a low prevalence of H11 viruses in birds, with a positive rate of 0.067% (24 isolates). The phylogenetic analysis of the twenty viruses indicated that H11 viruses have undergone complex reassortment with viruses circulating in waterfowl and shorebirds. These tested viruses do not acquire mammalian adaptive mutations in their genomes and preferentially bind to avian-type receptors. Experimental infection studies demonstrated that the two tested H11N9 viruses of wild bird origin replicated and transmitted more efficiently in ducks than in chickens, whereas the pigeon H11N2 virus isolated from a live poultry market was more adapted to replicate in chickens than in ducks. In addition, some H11 isolates replicated efficiently in mice and caused body weight loss but were not lethal. Our study revealed the role of waterfowl and shorebirds in the ecology and evolution of H11 viruses and the potential risk of introducing circulating H11 viruses into ducks or chickens, further emphasizing the importance of avian influenza surveillance at the interface of migratory birds and poultry.

Bibliometric analysis of endoplasmic reticulum stress in hepatocellular carcinoma: trends and future directions.

BACKGROUND: Over the past three decades, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has gained considerable attention in the field of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with an increasing number of publications. It is crucial to reveal the global status, research hotspots and future research trends of ER stress in HCC. The aim of this study is to analyze the publications related to ER stress in HCC through bibliometric analysis in order to better understand the current status of ER stress research in HCC and to identify potential new research directions. METHODS: In this study, articles and reviews on ER stress in HCC up to December 31, 2023 were searched and downloaded from the Science Citation Index-Expanded (SCIE) of the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC), Pubmed, Scopus and Embase databases. Using CiteSpace 6.2.R6, VOSviewer 1.6.19, Scimago Graphica and Microsoft Office Excel 2019, the knowledge networks of a variety of countries, regions, authors, references, keywords and journals were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 1239 publications were retrieved, including 843 articles and 396 review articles. The number of global publications is increasing every year, with the majority of publications coming from China and the USA. Ih-Jen Su, Wenya Huang and Wei Wei are the top 3 prolific authors. "Progression", "inflammation", "cell cycle arrest", "metabolism", "snsignaling pathways", "pathogenesis" and "non-alcoholic fatty liver disease" have emerged as research hotspots in recent years. The journal with the greatest co-citation is Hepatology. CONCLUSIONS: Based on current global trends, the total number of publications on ER stress in HCC research will continue to increase, but there is a need for more cooperation between authors and countries/regions. ER stress in HCC will continue to be a research priority. CONCLUSIONS: Based on current global trends, the total number of publications on ER stress in HCC research will continue to increase, but there is a need for more cooperation between authors and countries/regions. ER stress in HCC will continue to be a research priority.

Unraveling immobilization mechanisms of Cd in soil by MgO-modified palygorskite/biochar composite: DFT calculation and combined-artificial aging.

In this study, a combination method of freeze-thaw cycle, dry-wet cycle, and chemical agings was used to investigate the aging effect of MgO-modified palygorskite/biochar composite (MPBC) in soil, and its immobilization capacity on Cd under aging. The immobilization mechanisms of MPBC for Cd were explored through several characterizations and DFT calculations. The results showed that MPBC effectively reduced the activate state of Cd by 56.63% at 8 mg/kg Cd concentration. Additionally, MPBC treatment improved physicochemical properties of soil, notably increasing soil pH by 0.26-0.64 units, thereby facilitating Cd immobilization. The predominant mechanism underlying Cd immobilization by MPBC involved the Cd-π complexation, ions exchange, precipitation, and complexation of surface functional groups, including C-O and C=O, with Cd. The citric acid emerged as a milder oxidizing agent combined with freeze-thaw and dry-wet aging conducive to studying the aging effect of MPBC. The dynamic calculation showed that MgO played an important role in the Cd adsorption, with a maximum probability function of 18.35 for Cd. Moreover, within the temperature range of 20 °C-30 °C, the distance between MPBC and Cd was the closest. This study provides a new idea for artificial aging of biochar and a practical method for the remediation of Cd pollution in soil.

Presence of Flazin in Miso and Identification of Four Tryptophan-Derived ß-Carbolines Formed during Fermentation.

In miso, due to the substantial presence of genistein, flazin is often overlapped and masked by genistein in HPLC analysis. Flazin in the miso extracts could be resolved with genistein through medium-pressure liquid chromatography run under a nonacidified methanol-water system and subsequently fractionated by semipreparative HPLC and identified by NMR spectroscopic analysis. As referenced, flazin was detected in all 11 locally marketed miso products, with contents ranging from 3.5 to 124.8 µg/g. In lab-made miso fermented at 28 and 37 °C for 8 weeks, flazin formed faster at 37 °C than at 28 °C. Based on the time-dependent HPLC chromatographic changes of the miso extracts during fermentation, the presence of tryptophan-derived ß-carboline intermediates was deduced. Tryptophan was then supplemented for miso fermentation, and four peak substances were targeted for isolation by sophisticated approaches. Four ß-carbolines were purified and instrumentally identified, i.e., P1: 1-(1,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentyl)-9H- pyrido[3,4-b]indole, P2 (diastereomer of P1): 1-(1*,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentyl)- 9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole, and Miso 101: 1-(1,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentyl)-9H- pyrido[3,4-b]indole 3-carboxylic acid, and Miso 111 (diastereomer of Miso 101): 1-(1*,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentyl)-9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole 3-carboxylic acid. Each of the purified ß-carbolines along with tryptophan and flazin exhibited varied ABTS·+ scavenging and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities.

Constructing a Large Language Model to Generate Impressions from Findings in Radiology Reports.

Background The specialization and complexity of radiology makes the automatic generation of radiologic impressions (ie, a diagnosis with differential diagnosis and management recommendations) challenging. Purpose To develop a large language model (LLM) that generates impressions based on imaging findings and to evaluate its performance in professional and linguistic dimensions. Materials and Methods Six radiologists recorded imaging examination findings from August 2 to 31, 2023, at Shanghai General Hospital and used the developed LLM before routinely writing report impressions for multiple radiologic modalities (CT, MRI, radiography, mammography) and anatomic sites (cranium and face, neck, chest, upper abdomen, lower abdomen, vessels, bone and joint, spine, breast), making necessary corrections and completing the radiologic impression. A subset was defined to investigate cases where the LLM-generated impressions differed from the final radiologist impressions by excluding identical and highly similar cases. An expert panel scored the LLM-generated impressions on a five-point Likert scale (5 = strongly agree) based on scientific terminology, coherence, specific diagnosis, differential diagnosis, management recommendations, correctness, comprehensiveness, harmlessness, and lack of bias. Results In this retrospective study, an LLM was pretrained using 20 GB of medical and general-purpose text data. The fine-tuning data set comprised 1.5 GB of data, including 800 radiology reports with paired instructions (describing the output task in natural language) and outputs. Test set 2 included data from 3988 patients (median age, 56 years [IQR, 40-68 years]; 2159 male). The median recall, precision, and F1 score of LLM-generated impressions were 0.775 (IQR, 0.56-1), 0.84 (IQR, 0.611-1), and 0.772 (IQR, 0.578-0.957), respectively, using the final impressions as the reference standard. In a subset of 1014 patients (median age, 57 years [IQR, 42-69 years]; 528 male), the overall median expert panel score for LLM-generated impressions was 5 (IQR, 5-5), ranging from 4 (IQR, 3-5) to 5 (IQR, 5-5). Conclusion The developed LLM generated radiologic impressions that were professionally and linguistically appropriate for a full spectrum of radiology examinations. © RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material is available for this article.

Biochar coupled with multiple technologies for the removal of nitrogen and phosphorus from water: A review.

Water eutrophication caused by nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) has become a global environmental issue. Biochar is a competent adsorbent for removing N and P from wastewater. However, compared with commercial activated carbon, biochar has relatively limited adsorption capacity. To broaden the field scale application of biochar, biochar coupled with multiple technologies (BC-MTs) (such as microorganisms, electrochemistry, biofilm, phytoremediation, etc.) have been extensively developed for environmental remediation. Nevertheless, due to the fluctuations and differences in biochar types, coupling methods, and wastewater types, various techniques show different removal mechanisms and performance, hindering the promotion and application of BC-MTs. A systematic review of the research progress of BC-MTs is highly necessary to gain a better understanding of the current research status and progress, as well as to promote the application of these techniques. In this paper, the application of pristine and modified biochar in adsorbing N and P in wastewater is critically reviewed. Then the removal performance, influencing factors, mechanisms, and the environmental applications of BC-MTs in wastewater are systematically summarized. In addition, the cost analysis and risk assessment of BC-MTs in environmental applications are conducted. Finally, suggestions and prospects for future research and practical application are put forward.

Molecular phylogeny and species diversity of the genus Dichaetophora Duda and related taxa (Diptera: Drosophilidae).

Our intensive surveys of wild drosophilids in East and Southeast Asia discovered a great species diversity (more than 100 putatively new species) of the genus Dichaetophora, which is currently comprised of 67 formally described species assigned into five species groups, i.e., agbo, tenuicauda, acutissima, sinensis and trilobita. In the present study, we delimited species from a huge amount of samples of Dichaetophora and allied taxa (the genus Mulgravea and the subgenus Dudaica of Drosophila) collected from a wide range of the Oriental and east Palearctic regions. We first sorted all specimens into morpho-species, and representative specimen(s) selected from each morpho-species were subjected to barcoding of COI (the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene) sequences. The applied ASAP (Assemble Species by Automatic Partitioning) analysis estimated a total of 166 to 168 MOTUs (molecular operational taxonomic units). Integrating this result with morphological evidence from re-examined, detailed structures of male terminalia, we recognized a total of 144 (109 new and 35 known) species in our sample. Out of them, 83 species representing the supraspecific taxa of Dichaetophora, Mulgravea and Dudaica were selected, along with 33 species from major genera and subgenera of Drosophila in the tribe Drosophilini, as in-group and four species from the tribe Colocasiomyini as out-group for phylogenetic reconstruction based on 12 nuclear gene markers. In the trees constructed by the maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods, the three focal taxa (i.e., Dichaetophora, Mulgravea and Dudaica) formed a clade provisionally called the "pan-Dichaetophora". Within this large clade, the agbo, tenuicauda, sinensis and trilobita groups of Dichaetophora, Mulgravea and Dudaica were recovered as monophyletic groups, but Dichaetophora and its acutissima group were regarded as paraphyletic. In addition, two clusters were recognized among ungrouped species of Dichaetophora. Thus, the present study has uncovered some issues concerning the taxonomy of the pan-Dichaetophora. Such issues will be addressed elsewhere in the phylogenetic reclassification of the pan-Dichaetophora, along with descriptions/redescriptions of a large number of new/known species delimited in the present study.

The V223I substitution in hemagglutinin reduces the binding affinity to human-type receptors while enhancing the thermal stability of the H3N2 canine influenza virus.

Given the intimate relationship between humans and dogs, the H3N2 canine influenza viruses (CIVs) pose a threat to public health. In our study, we isolated four H3N2 CIVs from 3,758 dog nasal swabs in China between 2018 and 2020, followed by genetic and biological analysis. Phylogenetic analysis revealed 15 genotypes among all available H3N2 CIVs, with genotype 15 prevailing among dogs since around 2017, indicating the establishment of a stable virus lineage in dogs. Molecular characterization identified many mammalian adaptive substitutions, including HA-G146S, HA-N188D, PB2-I292T, PB2-G590S, PB2-S714I, PB1-D154G, and NP-R293K, present across the four isolates. Notably, analysis of HA sequences uncovered a newly emerged adaptive mutation, HA-V223I, which is predominantly found in human and swine H3N2 viruses, suggesting its role in mammalian adaptation. Receptor-binding analysis revealed that the four H3N2 viruses bind both avian and human-type receptors. However, HA-V223I decreases the H3N2 virus's affinity for human-type receptors but enhances its thermal stability. Furthermore, attachment analysis confirmed the H3N2 virus binding to human tracheal tissues, albeit with reduced affinity when the virus carries HA-V223I. Antigenic analysis indicated that the current human H3N2 vaccines do not confer protection against H3N2 CIVs. Collectively, these findings underscore that the potential threat posed by H3N2 CIVs to human health still exists, emphasizing the necessity of close surveillance and monitoring of H3N2 CIVs in dogs.

Effect of capsular tension ring implantation on intraocular lens calculation formula selection for long axial myopia.

PURPOSE: The study investigated the effect of capsular tension ring (CTR) implantation on postoperative refractive stability and accuracy of intraocular lens (IOL) formulas for axial length (AL) ≥ 27.0 mm patients. METHODS: Prospective case series. The eyes of patients underwent phacoemulsification extraction combined with IOL implantation were classified as CTR implantation (A-CTR) and without CTR implantation (B-CON) groups. Refractive outcome and anterior chamber depth (ACD) were recorded at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months post-operation. Prediction refractive error (PE) and absolute refractive error (AE) of each formula were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 89 eyes (63 patients) were included and randomized into the CTR (A-CTR) and control groups (B-CON). Comparison of refraction at different postoperative times of the CTR group showed no statistical difference (all P > 0.05). The ACD in the A-CTR group gradually deepened, and that in the B-CON group gradually shallowed (all P > 0.05). The formulas' AE showed statistically significant differences in CTR and CON groups (P < 0.001). The PE of Hill-RBF 2.0 and EVO formulas in the A-CTR group were more hyperopic than that in the B-CON group (all P > 0.05), the other five formulas were more myopic in A-CTR group than that in the B-CON group (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients with 13 mm diameter CTR implantation tended to have stable refraction at 1 week post-surgery and 1 month for those without it. CTR of the 13 mm diameter had no effect on the selection of formulas. Additionally, it is found that Kane and EVO formulas were more accurate for patients with AL ≥ 27.0 mm.

Housing status is protective of neuropsychiatric symptoms among dementia-free multi-ethnic Asian elderly.

BACKGROUND: Housing has been associated with dementia risk and disability, but associations of housing with differential patterns of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) among dementia-free older adults remain to be explored. The present study sought to explore the contribution of housing status on NPS and subsyndromes associated with cognitive dysfunction in community-dwelling dementia-free elderly in Singapore. METHODS: A total of 839 dementia-free elderly from the Epidemiology of Dementia in Singapore (EDIS) study aged ≥ 60 were enrolled in the current study. All participants underwent clinical, cognitive, and neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI) assessments. The housing status was divided into three categories according to housing type. Cognitive function was measured by a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. The NPS were assessed using 12-term NPI and were grouped into four clinical subsyndromes: psychosis, hyperactivity, affective, and apathy. Associations of housing with composite and domain-specific Z-scores, as well as NPI scores, were assessed using generalized linear models (GLM). Binary logistic regression models analysed the association of housing with the presence of NPS and significant NPS (NPI total scores ≥ 4). RESULTS: Better housing status (5-room executive apartments, condominium, or private housing) was associated with better NPS (OR = 0.49, 95%CI = 0.24 to 0.98, P < 0.05) and significant NPS profile (OR = 0.20, 95%CI = 0.08 to 0.46, P < 0.01), after controlling for demographics, risk factors, and cognitive performance. Compared with those living in 1-2 room apartments, older adults in better housing had lower total NPI scores (ß=-0.50, 95%CI=-0.95 to -0.04, P = 0.032) and lower psychosis scores (ß=-0.36, 95%CI=-0.66 to -0.05, P = 0.025), after controlling for socioeconomic status (SES) indexes. Subgroup analysis indicated a significant correlation between housing type and NPS in females, those of Malay ethnicity, the more educated, those with lower income, and those diagnosed with cognitive impairment, no dementia (CIND). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed a protective effect of better housing arrangements on NPS, especially psychosis in a multi-ethnic Asian geriatric population without dementia. The protective effect of housing on NPS was independent of SES and might have other pathogenic mechanisms. Improving housing could be an effective way to prevent neuropsychiatric disturbance among the elderly.