Application of RhD Blood Group to Simulate Antibody Identification Test in Immunohematology Education.

BACKGROUND: Immunohematology skill education is an important part of the transfusion medicine professional training. We tried to solve the difficulty of obtaining suitable and sufficient positive samples in the immunohematology education. METHODS: Different identification panels and panel cells were created by RhD-positive red blood cells (RBCs) and RhD-negative RBCs, according to the underlying antibodies. Diluted anti-D reagent was used as simulated plasma for identification. RESULTS: The antibody identification of single antibody with dose-effect and two antibodies present at the same time were successfully simulated. CONCLUSIONS: It is a practical and cheap method for antibody identification training to use RhD blood group, especially when positive samples are short.

The Effect of Preoperative Anemia on the Odds of Allogeneic Blood Transfusion and Patient Outcomes in Colorectal Neoplasm Patients.

BACKGROUND: The optimal preoperative hemoglobin (Hb) value of colorectal neoplasm patients is still being debated. This study aimed at determining the effect of preoperative anemia on patient outcomes and allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT). METHODS: This retrospective cohort study enrolled colorectal neoplasm patients, that underwent surgery, from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2021. The primary outcomes were the association between anemia and average length of stay (ALOS) and the odds of ABT. The secondary outcomes were the risk factors of the primary outcomes. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to identify the association and risk factors. RESULTS: A total of 14,352 inpatients were included in the study, of whom 3,035 experienced (21.15%) mild anemia, 1,500 (10.45%) moderate anemia, and 104 (0.72%) severe anemia. Overall, 1,418 (9.88%) patients received ABT during the hospitalization, and 546 (3.80%) patients received perioperative ABT. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, compared with the no anemic group, the odds ratio [OR] of ABT during the hospitalization for patients with mild/moderate/severe anemia were 5.915, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.717 - 7.418; 104.777, 95% CI: 84.345 - 130.160; and 13,361.442, 95% CI: 816.004 - 218,783.511, respectively, and the OR of periopera¬tive ABT were 4.332, 95% CI: 3.245 - 5.785; 27.492, 95% CI: 20.974 - 36.037; and 20.912, 95% CI: 11.832 - 36.959, respectively. Besides, the ALOS was longer, ß were 0.619, 95% CI: 0.346 - 0.892; 1.188, 95% CI: 0.821 - 1.554; and 1.395, 95% CI: 0.107 - 2.684, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Anemia is a common phenomenon in colorectal neoplasm surgical patients, and even mild anemia could be a deleterious predictor on the outcomes of colorectal neoplasm patients that underwent surgery.

Research on load clustering algorithm based on variational autoencoder and hierarchical clustering.

Time series data complexity presents new challenges in clustering analysis across fields such as electricity, energy, industry, and finance. Despite advances in representation learning and clustering with Variational Autoencoders (VAE) based deep learning techniques, issues like the absence of discriminative power in feature representation, the disconnect between instance reconstruction and clustering objectives, and scalability challenges with large datasets persist. This paper introduces a novel deep time series clustering approach integrating VAE with metric learning. It leverages a VAE based on Gated Recurrent Units for temporal feature extraction, incorporates metric learning for joint optimization of latent space representation, and employs the sum of log likelihoods as the clustering merging criterion, markedly improving clustering accuracy and interpretability. Experimental findings demonstrate a 27.16% improvement in average clustering accuracy and a 47.15% increase in speed on industrial load data. This study offers novel insights and tools for the thorough analysis and application of time series data, with further exploration of VAE's potential in time series clustering anticipated in future research.

Analysis of TLR10 gene polymorphisms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic disease characterized by inflammatory synovitis, and genetic factors play the greatest role in RA. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between Toll-like receptor 10(TLR10) gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to RA. METHODS: A total of 271 patients with RA and an equal number of healthy controls were included, and the TLR10 rs2101521, rs10004195 and rs11725309 loci were genotyped by time-of-flight mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Compared with healthy controls, Individuals carrying the rs2101521 G allele had an increased risk of developing RA (P = 0.01; odds ratio (OR) = 1.367; 95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.076-1.736). Individuals with the rs2101521 GG genotype had a greater risk of RA (P = 0.01; OR = 1.816; 95 % CI: 1.161-2.984). Stratified analysis demonstrated a greater prevalence of positive anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP)antibody in patients carrying the rs2101521 G allele (P = 0.03). Additionally, patients with the rs11725309 CT genotype had elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP)(P = 0.007). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, TLR10 gene polymorphisms are associated with RA susceptibility.

S-Scheme heterojunction of Cs2SnBr6/C3N4 with interfacial electron exchange toward efficient photocatalytic NO abatement.

Photocatalytic technology is of great significance in environmental purification due to its eco-friendly and cost-effective operations. However, low charge-transfer efficiency restricts the photocatalytic activity of the catalyst. Herein, we report Cs2SnBr6/C3N4 composite catalysts that exhibit a robust interfacial electron exchange thereby enhancing photocatalytic nitric oxide (NO) oxidation. A comprehensive study has demonstrated the S-scheme electron transfer mechanism. Benefiting from the interfacial internal electric field, the C-Br bond serves as a direct electron transfer channel, resulting in enhanced charge separation. Furthermore, the S-scheme heterojunction effectively traps high redox potential electrons and holes, leading to the production of abundant reactive oxygen radicals that enhance photocatalytic NO abatement. The NO removal rate of the Cs2SnBr6/C3N4 heterogeneous system can reach 86.8 %, which is approximately 3-fold and 18-fold that of pristine C3N4 and Cs2SnBr6, respectively. The comprehensive understanding of the electron transfer between heterojunction atomic interfaces will provide a novel perspective on efficient environmental photocatalysis.

Effect of apheresis plasma donation on plasma uric acid levels, the lipid profile, and major plasma proteins in plasma donors in China: A multicenter, prospective cohort study.

Abnormal plasma uric acid (UA) levels, the lipid profile, and plasma proteins in blood are associated with a range of adverse health outcomes. This multicenter, prospective cohort study aimed to determine the possible effects of multiple apheresis plasma donations on plasma UA levels, the lipid profile, and major proteins in plasma donors. Participants were enrolled from 1 April 2021 to 31 August 2022. When their plasma UA (men: >420 µmol/L, women: >360 µmol/L) and/or lipid levels (total cholesterol [TC]: ≥6.2 mmol/L, triglycerides [TGs]: ≥2.3 mmol/L, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol: ≥4.1 mmol/L, or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C]: <1.0 mmol/L) were abnormal at their first plasma donation, the enrolled participants were followed up until they had completed 10 plasma donations. A total of 11485 participants were enrolled, of whom 1861 met the inclusion criteria. During the study period, 320 donors completed 10 plasma donations. None of the participants took any corrective medicine for their abnormal index. The measured parameters were significantly different from the first to the tenth plasma donations (donors with asymptomatic hyperuricemia: UA, P < 0.001; donors with asymptomatic hyperlipidemia: HDL-C, P < 0.001; TC, P = 0.025; TGs, P < 0.001; apolipoprotein B, P = 0.025; all of the plasma donors, immunoglobulin G, P < 0.001). The levels of HDL-C, TC, and apolipoprotein B were increased, and the levels of UA, TGs, and immunoglobulin G were decreased over this time. However, immunoglobulin G levels were still in the normal range. Moreover, the changes in these parameters were closely associated with the frequency of plasma donation during the study period. Repeated apheresis plasma donations can reduce plasma UA and TG levels and increase HDL-C levels; and further evaluation of the clinical significance with a larger sample size is required.

Establishing a human-induced pluripotent stem cell line SMUSHi005-A from a patient with hypophosphatemic vitamin D-resistant rickets carrying the PHEX c.1586-1586+1 delAG mutation.

Hypophosphatemic vitamin D-resistant rickets typically presents in infancy or early childhood with skeletal deformities and growth plate abnormalities. In this report, the SMUSHi005-A human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) line was successfully established from the PBMCs of a female patient carrying the PHEX mutation with c.1586-1586+1 delAG. The iPSC line has been confirmed to have a normal karyotype. The displayed cells clearly exhibit characteristics similar to embryonic stem cells, expressing pluripotency markers and demonstrating the ability to differentiate into three germ layers.

Effects of Different Carbon and Nitrogen Ratios on Yield, Nutritional Value, and Amino Acid Contents of Flammulina velutipes.

The carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio in the cultivation medium significantly influences the growth rate, vigor of mycelium, yield of fruiting bodies, and their nutritional composition. Recently, agricultural and forestry wastes have been increasingly used in cultivating Flammulina velutipes. However, systematic research on how these materials affect the nutritional and functional properties of the fruiting bodies is lacking. This study investigated the effects of different C/N ratios on F. velutipes cultivation. We evaluated the agronomic traits, nutritional composition, and flavor compounds of the fruiting bodies. Our findings reveal that an optimal C/N ratio of 27:1 in the composted substrates enhances the total yield of fruiting bodies, with 25.1% soybean straw as the primary raw material. This ratio also significantly increases the levels of crude protein, total amino acids, and essential amino acids in the fruiting bodies (p < 0.05). Fruiting bodies from the high-nitrogen (HN) treatment showed the highest content of umami amino acids and equivalent umami concentration value. Additionally, we employed an untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based metabolomics approach to analyze the metabolite profiles of fruiting bodies cultivated in high-nitrogen (HN), medium-nitrogen (MN), and low-nitrogen (LN) substrates. We found that the carbon-nitrogen ratio can affect the flavor and quality of fruiting bodies by regulating amino acid biosynthesis and metabolism and other related pathways. Our results suggest that a C/N ratio of 27:1 offers numerous benefits for the cultivation of F. velutipes with comprehensive analyses and has promising application prospects.

Mechanically stimulated osteocytes maintain tumor dormancy in bone metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer by releasing small extracellular vesicles.

Although preclinical and clinical studies have shown that exercise can inhibit bone metastasis progression, the mechanism remains poorly understood. Here, we found that non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells adjacent to bone tissue had a much lower proliferative capacity than the surrounding tumor cells in patients and mice. Subsequently, it was demonstrated that osteocytes, sensing mechanical stimulation generated by exercise, inhibit NSCLC cell proliferation and sustain the dormancy thereof by releasing small extracellular vesicles with tumor suppressor micro-RNAs, such as miR-99b-3p. Furthermore, we evaluated the effects of mechanical loading and treadmill exercise on the bone metastasis progression of NSCLC in mice. As expected, mechanical loading of the tibia inhibited the bone metastasis progression of NSCLC. Notably, bone metastasis progression of NSCLC was inhibited by moderate exercise, and combinations with zoledronic acid had additive effects. Moreover, exercise preconditioning effectively suppressed bone metastasis progression. This study significantly advances the understanding of the mechanism underlying exercise-afforded protection against bone metastasis progression.

GSTP alleviates acute lung injury by S-glutathionylation of KEAP1 and subsequent activation of NRF2 pathway.

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury (ALI). As a typical post-translational modification triggered by oxidative stress, protein S-glutathionylation (PSSG) is regulated by redox signaling pathways and plays diverse roles in oxidative stress conditions. In this study, we found that GSTP downregulation exacerbated LPS-induced injury in human lung epithelial cells and in mice ALI models, confirming the protective effect of GSTP against ALI both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, a positive correlation was observed between total PSSG level and GSTP expression level in cells and mice lung tissues. Further results demonstrated that GSTP inhibited KEAP1-NRF2 interaction by promoting PSSG process of KEAP1. By the integration of protein mass spectrometry, molecular docking, and site-mutation validation assays, we identified C434 in KEAP1 as the key PSSG site catalyzed by GSTP, which promoted the dissociation of KEAP1-NRF2 complex and activated the subsequent anti-oxidant genes. In vivo experiments with AAV-GSTP mice confirmed that GSTP inhibited LPS-induced lung inflammation by promoting PSSG of KEAP1 and activating the NRF2 downstream antioxidant pathways. Collectively, this study revealed the novel regulatory mechanism of GSTP in the anti-inflammatory function of lungs by modulating PSSG of KEAP1 and the subsequent KEAP1/NRF2 pathway. Targeting at manipulation of GSTP level or activity might be a promising therapeutic strategy for oxidative stress-induced ALI progression.

The value of lung ultrasound score in neonatal respiratory distress syndrome: a prospective diagnostic cohort study.

Rationale: The accurate diagnosis of critically ill patients with respiratory failure can be achieved through lung ultrasound (LUS) score. Considering its characteristics, it is speculated that this technique might also be useful for patients with neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS). Thus, there is a need for precise imaging tools to monitor such patients. Objectives: This double-blind randomized cohort study aims to investigate the impact of LUS and related scores on the severity of NRDS patients. Methods: This study was conducted as a prospective double-blind randomized study. Bivariate correlation analysis was conducted to investigate the relationship between LUS score and Oxygenation Index (OI), Respiratory Index (RI), and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to generate correlation heat maps, elucidating the associations between LUS and respective parameters in different cohorts. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were employed to calculate the predictive values, sensitivity, and specificity of different scores in determining the severity of NRDS. Results: This study ultimately included 134 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) between December 2020 and June 2022. Among these patients, 72 were included in the NRDS cohort, while 62 were included in the Non-NRDS (N-NRDS) cohort. There were significant differences in the mean LUS scores between NRDS and N-NRDS patients (p < 0.01). The LUS score was significantly negatively correlated with the OI (p < 0.01), while it was significantly positively correlated with the RI and SOFA scores (p < 0.01). The correlation heatmap revealed the highest positive correlation coefficient between LUS and RI (0.82), while the highest negative correlation coefficient was observed between LUS and OI (-0.8). ROC curves for different scores demonstrated that LUS score had the highest area under the curve (0.91, 95% CI: 0.84-0.98) in predicting the severity of patients' conditions. The combination of LUS and other scores can more accurately predict the severity of NRDS patients, with the highest AUC value of 0.93, significantly higher than using a single indicator alone (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Our double-blind randomized cohort study demonstrates that LUS, RI, OI, and SOFA scores can effectively monitor the lung ventilation and function in NRDS. Moreover, these parameters and their combination have significant predictive value in evaluating the severity and prognosis of NRDS patients. Therefore, these results provide crucial insights for future research endeavors.

Decision-Making Error in Platelet Transfusion Caused by EDTA-Dependent Pseudothrombocytopenia: a Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-dependent pseudothrombocytopenia (EDTA-PTCP) is a rare phenomenon characterized by pseudo low platelet counts when using EDTA as anticoagulant and can result in false decision making of platelet transfusion. METHODS: An application for platelet transfusion from a patient who planned to undergo spinal surgery was received by the Department of Transfusion service. The preoperative laboratory test results showed thrombocytopenia (platelet counts: 27 x 109/L). The surgeon planned to transfuse platelets before the operation to avoid bleeding in operation due to thrombocytopenia. However, the lab technologist found that there was aggregation of platelets under the microscope. Samples used with sodium citrate and heparin as anticoagulants were rechecked. RESULTS: The platelet count of the patient was normal in sodium citrate and heparin anticoagulant tubes. The patient had no history and clinical symptoms of thrombocytopenia. Therefore, the doctor canceled the platelet order. We also reviewed the relevant literature of EDTA-PTCP. CONCLUSIONS: EDTA-PTCP is rare and may result of a wrong decision of platelet transfusion. Correct understanding and treatment of this situation can avoid unnecessary platelet transfusion.

Evaluating Skin Involvement in Systemic Sclerosis Using High-Frequency Ultrasound and Virtual Touch Tissue Imaging.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the diagnostic significance of high-frequency ultrasound combined with visual touch tissue imaging quantification (VTIQ) in the diagnosis and management of systemic sclerosis (SSc). METHODS: Patients diagnosed with SSc and normal volunteers were recruited and divided into an experimental group and a control group, with 30 cases in each group, respectively. The skin thickness at six sites was assessed using high-frequency ultrasound, and the shear wave velocity (SWV) was determined using the VTIQ method. The differences in skin thickness and SWV between the experimental group and the control group were compared and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted. The value of high-frequency ultrasound, VTIQ, and high-frequency ultrasound combined with VTIQ for evaluating skin involvement in SSc was determined. RESULTS: The difference in SWV sum at six sites and the thickness sum was statistically significant (all p = 0.000 < 0.05) from that of the control group, and there was a strong association between the SWV sum, thickness sum, and Rodnan skin score at the six sites in the experimental group (p = 0.000, r = 0.726; p = 0.000, r = 0.679). Based on the ROC curve, the area under the curve (AUC) for high-frequency ultrasound examination was 0.789. The AUC for VTIQ examination was 0.893, while the AUC for high-frequency ultrasound combined with VTIQ examination was 0.923. The combined examination method showed the highest AUC, indicating the best diagnostic performance. CONCLUSION: The integration of high-frequency ultrasound and VTIQ provides a quantitative approach for assessing the extent of skin involvement in SSc patients, offering valuable insights for clinical diagnosis and treatment purposes.

Molecular cloning of estrogen receptor and its function on vitellogenesis in pompano (Trachinotus ovatus).

Estrogen receptors (ERs) play a critical role in vitellogenesis (Vtgs). However, the contribution of each ER for the regulation of vtgs expression was not analyzed clearly in teleosts. In the present study, three ers isoforms (erα, erß1, and erß2) were cloned in pompano (Trachinotus ovatus). Real-time PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the effects of 17ß-estradiol (E2) on ERs and Vtgs in the liver of pompano. In vivo injection experiments showed that E2 significantly increased the expressions of ers and vtgs. ER broad spectrum antagonist Fulvestrant significantly attenuated the E2- induced up-regulation of ers and vtgs in a dose-dependent manner. ERα antagonist Methyl-piperidino pyrazole (MPP) significantly attenuated the up-regulation of erα, erß2, vtg-B and vtg-C, and promoted the expressions of erß1 and vtg-A. ERß antagonist Cyclofenil significantly inhibited the expressions of erß1, erß2, vtg-A and vtg-C, and promoted the expressions of erα and vtg-B. In addition, E2 significantly increased the protein level of Vtg, while Fulvestrant, MPP and Cyclofenil significantly inhibited the protein level of Vtg in a dose-dependent manner. Our results indicate that E2 may regulate the expression of each vtg with different subtypes of ERs, and shows a distinct compensatory expression effect on the regulation for ers and vtgs, which provides a theoretical basis for reproductive endocrinology study in pompano.

Generation of a human induced pluripotent stem cell line (SMUSHi002-A) from an ALS patient carrying a heterozygous mutation c.1562G > A in the FUS gene.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease. Affected patients experience gradual loss of their spinal cord and cortical motor neurons with consequent muscle weakness and emaciation, and eventual respiratory failure. The pathogenesis of ALS remains largely unknown although the FUS (sarcoma fusion gene) gene is known to be one of the major pathogenic genes. We have generated an induced pluripotent stem cell line SMUSHi002-A from an ALS patient who carries a heterozygous mutation c.1562G > A in FUS. This cell line will serve as a useful model to investigate disease pathogenesis and develop potential therapeutic approaches for ALS.

Enhanced Rice Resistance to Sheath Blight through Nitrate Transporter 1.1B Mutation without Yield Loss under NH4+ Fertilization.

Nitrogen fertilization can promote rice yield but decrease resistance to sheath blight (ShB). In this study, the nitrate transporter 1.1b (nrt1.1b) mutant that exhibited less susceptibility to ShB but without compromising yield under NH4+ fertilization was screened. NRT1.1B's regulation of ShB resistance was independent of the total nitrogen concentration in rice under NH4+ conditions. In nrt1.1b mutant plants, the NH4+ application modulated auxin signaling, chlorophyll content, and phosphate signaling to promote ShB resistance. Furthermore, the findings indicated that NRT1.1B negatively regulated ShB resistance by positively modulating the expression of H+-ATPase gene OSA3 and phosphate transport gene PT8. The mutation of OSA3 and PT8 promoted ShB resistance by increasing the apoplastic pH in rice. Our study identified the ShB resistance mutant nrt1.1b, which maintained normal nitrogen use efficiency without compromising yield.

ChatGPT's response to frequently asked questions about ultrasonography.

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Overexpression of Glutathione S-Transferases in Human Diseases: Drug Targets and Therapeutic Implications.

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are a major class of phase II metabolic enzymes. Besides their essential role in detoxification, GSTs also exert diverse biological activities in the occurrence and development of various diseases. In the past few decades, much research interest has been paid to exploring the mechanisms of GST overexpression in tumor drug resistance. Correspondingly, many GST inhibitors have been developed and applied, solely or in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs, for the treatment of multi-drug resistant tumors. Moreover, novel roles of GSTs in other diseases, such as pulmonary fibrosis and neurodegenerative diseases, have been recognized in recent years, although the exact regulatory mechanisms remain to be elucidated. This review, firstly summarizes the roles of GSTs and their overexpression in the above-mentioned diseases with emphasis on the modulation of cell signaling pathways and protein functions. Secondly, specific GST inhibitors currently in pre-clinical development and in clinical stages are inventoried. Lastly, applications of GST inhibitors in targeting cell signaling pathways and intracellular biological processes are discussed, and the potential for disease treatment is prospected. Taken together, this review is expected to provide new insights into the interconnection between GST overexpression and human diseases, which may assist future drug discovery targeting GSTs.