[Characteristics of Ozone Photochemical Reaction and Emission Reduction Strategies in Summer and Autumn in Shangqiu].

Recently, ozone （O3） pollution in Shangqiu has become increasingly prominent, especially in summer and autumn, crucially affecting the local environmental air quality. Based on the monitoring data of O3 pollution days from the Environmental Monitoring Station in June and September 2022 （representing summer and autumn） in Shangqiu, an observation-based model （OBM） was used to study the causes and photochemical reaction characteristics of O3 pollution in the city and precursor emission reduction strategies were studied. The observation results indicated that during summer in Shangqiu, the ρ（O3） and O3 daily maximum 8 h moving concentrations [ρ（MDA8-O3）] were 149.7 µg·m-3 and 195.4 µg·m-3, whereas in autumn, ρ（O3） and ρ（MDA8-O3） were 119.8 µg·m-3 and 173.9 µg·m-3, respectively； the O3 concentration in summer was significantly higher than that in autumn. Ozone sensitivity research showed that the generation of O3 in summer and autumn in Shangqiu was controlled by volatile organic compounds （VOCs）. Among them, oxygen-containing volatile organic compounds （OVOCs）, aromatic hydrocarbons, and alkenes contributed the most to the ozone generation potential （OFP） and ·OH reactivity （L·OH）, and the control must have been strengthened. The OBM simulation results indicated that the maximum O3 generation rates in summer and autumn were 23.0×10-9 h-1 and 13.6×10-9 h-1, with maximum net generation rates of 17.4×10-9 h-1 and 10.4×10-9 h-1 and the maximum and maximum net generation rates of O3 in summer were 1.68 times higher than those in autumn, indicating that the photochemical reactions in summer were significantly stronger than those in autumn. Compared with that in summer, the generation of O3 in autumn was greatly influenced by regional inputs from other regions or cities, with a maximum input of 14.2×10-9 h-1. The prevention and control of O3 pollution in the summer and autumn seasons in Shangqiu should mainly focus on controlling VOCs. The reduction ratio of VOCs/nitrogen oxides （NOx） in autumn should be greater than that in summer and the reduction ratios of 3∶1 in summer and 4∶1 in autumn could be adopted for control.

Comparison of the ability of resection versus nonresection surgery to prevent the recurrence of sigmoid volvulus: A protocol of a meta-analysis and systematic review.

PURPOSE: Based on clinical research guidelines and clinical practice, patients with sigmoid volvulus (SV) who receive conservative treatment have a greater recurrence rate than patients who do not receive conservative treatment, which is almost without any controversy. Surgical treatment is usually the final treatment for patients with SV. However, there are multiple surgical methods for the treatment of SV, which can be roughly divided into resection and nonresection methods. The available evidence on the effectiveness of surgery for preventing postoperative recurrence is still inadequate. Therefore, we drafted this systematic review protocol with meta-analysis aimed to compare the effects of these two major types of surgery on preventing the recurrence of SV. METHODS: We comprehensively and systematically reviewed the PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE and Cochrane Library databases of articles on SV from inception to November 16, 2023. Two independent authors will screen and analyze the detected literature, and disputes will be resolved through communication with a third experienced person. After evaluating the quality of the literature and estimating the risk of bias, we calculate the pooled effect size and 95% confidence interval. Heterogeneity is analyzed by subgroup analysis, and sensitivity analysis can be carried out to assure the reliability of the results. Finally, the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) will be used to evaluate the strength of the evidence. The results of each analysis will be recorded in detail. The whole process was carried out in strict accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols guidelines (PRISMA-P). TRIAL REGISTRATION: Protocol registration: The study protocol has been registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews platform (PROSPERO) (CRD42024508350). Protocol version 1.0, 13 Feb 2024.

Positional differences in the micro- and ultra-structural variations of ray parenchyma cells during the transformation from sapwood to heartwood.

Ray parenchyma cells are involved in the initiation of heartwood formation. The position within a ray influences the timing of ray parenchyma cell differentiation and function; however, there is little information concerning the positional influence on the cellular changes of ray parenchyma cells from sapwood and heartwood. In this study, radial variations in morphology, size, and ultrastructure of ray parenchyma cells were studied by combined transmission electron microscopy and optical microscopy. Results showed that cellular traits of ray parenchyma cells in Populus tomentosa were all affected by both radial position in the secondary xylem and position within a ray. Specifically, radial variations in cellular traits were more evident in isolation cells, which were not adjacent to vessel elements. Both cell length and cell width/length ratio of isolation cells were bigger than contact cells, which contacted adjacent vessel elements via pits. Moreover, the secondary wall thickening and lignification of contact cells developed in the current-year xylem, much earlier than isolation cells. Secondary walls in contact cells were in a polylamellate structure with a protective layer on the inner side. No alteration in the ultrastructure of contact cells occurred in the sapwood-heartwood transition zone, except that most contact cells died. By contrast, in the transition zone, isolation cells still lived. A thin secondary wall began to deposit on the thick primary wall of isolation cells, with two isotropic layers on the inner side of the primary wall and secondary wall respectively being characteristic. Meanwhile, starch grains in isolation cells were depleted, and dark polyphenolic droplets lost their spherical shape and flowed together. Furthermore, the intercellular spaces of isolation cells became densified in the transition zone. Overall, cellular changes suggested that the positional information of ray parenchyma cells appeared to be an important factor in the transformation from sapwood to heartwood. Unlike contact cells, isolation cells were more elongated, specialized in radial transport, had a delayed formation of secondary walls, and were involved in the synthesis of heartwood substances. Our result promotes the elucidation of the involvement of xylem rays in heartwood formation.

Revealing the performance of aerotolerant anodes for electroactive nitrification/denitrification and current production under coexistence of oxygen and nitrate conditions.

The coexistence of oxygen and/or nitrate at anode usually affects the biofilm activities of traditional anaerobic anode, thereby deteriorating wastewater treatment performance of microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Improving the aerotolerant responses of anode biofilms is a challenge for field application. In this study, we report that using the electroactive nitrifying/denitrifying inoculum and air-cathode expansion could fabricate the aerotolerant anode biofilms (AAB) under affordable nitrate stress (90 ± 5 mg/L). The highest average removal efficiencies were 99% for chemical oxygen demand (COD), NH4+-N and total nitrogen. The highest average current output of 0.69 mA and power density of 290 mW/m2 were obtained. The average current was confirmed to be reduced 10%-78% but the power density remained almost stable except the quart-air-cathodes MFC by increasing dissolved oxygen concentration with expansion of the air-cathode area. The higher oxygen concentration also contributed to oxidation of ammonium through electroactive autotrophic nitrification. The facultative anaerobic bacteria including Thauera, Microsillaceae, Shinella, Blastocatellaceae, Rhodobacter, Comamonadaceae, Caldilineaceae were enriched, which forms the AAB to remove nitrogen and produce current. Therefore, an easy-to-use method to fabricate AAB is evaluated to realize practical applications of MFCs in wastewater treatment.

Sema4D deficiency enhances glucose tolerance through GLUT2 retention in hepatocytes.

BACKGROUND: The glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) is constitutively expressed in pancreatic beta cells and hepatocytes of mice. It is the most important receptor in glucose-stimulated insulin release and hepatic glucose transport. The Sema4D is a signalin receptor on cell membranes. The correlation between Sema4D and GLUT2 has not been reported previously. We investigated whether knockdown of Sema4D could exert a hypoglycemic effect based on the increased GLUT2 expression in Sema4D -/- mice hepatocytes. METHODS: The glucose tolerance test and insulin tolerance test in sema4D -/- and sema4D +/+ mice were compared before and after streptozotocin (STZ) injection; the expression of GLUT2 content on the membrane surface of both groups was verified by Western blot. Then, the levels of insulin and C-peptide in the serum of the two groups of mice after STZ injection were measured by ELISA; the differentially expressed mRNAs in the liver of the two groups of mice were analyzed by transcriptomic analysis; then the differences in the expression of GLUT2, glycogen, insulin and glucagon in the two groups of mice were compared by tissue section staining. Finally, metabolomics analysis was performed to analyze the metabolites differentially expressed in the two groups of mice. KEY FINDINGS: First, Sema4D -/- male mice exhibited significantly greater glucose tolerance than wild-type mice in a hyperglycemic environment. Secondly, Sema4D -/- mice had more retained GLUT2 in liver membranes after STZ injection according to an immunofluorescence assay. After STZ injection, Sema4D -/- male mice did not exhibit fasting hyperinsulinemia like wild-type mice. Finally, analysis of metabolomic and immunohistochemical data also revealed that Sema4D -/- mice produce hypoglycemic effects by enhancing the pentose phosphate pathway, but not glycogen synthesis. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, Sema4D may play an important role in the regulation of glucose homeostasis by affecting GLUT2 synthesis.

Effects of acupuncture and nicotine patch on smoking: a multicenter, randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial.

Aims: To evaluate the effects of acupuncture and/or nicotine patches on smoking cessation. Methods: Eighty-eight participants were randomly allocated into four groups: acupuncture combined with nicotine patch (ACNP), acupuncture combined with sham nicotine patch (ACSNP), sham acupuncture combined with nicotine patch (SACNP), and sham acupuncture combined with sham nicotine patch (SACSNP). The primary outcome was self-reported smoking abstinence verified with expiratory Carbon Monoxide (CO) after 8 weeks of treatment. The modified Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) score, Minnesota Nicotine Withdrawal Scale (MNWS), and the Brief Questionnaire of Smoking Urge (QSU-Brief) score were used as secondary indicators. SPSS 26.0 and Prism 9 software were used for statistical analyses. Results: Seventy-eight participants completed the study. There were no significant differences in patient characteristics at baseline across the four groups. At the end of treatment, there was a statistically significant difference (χ2 = 8.492, p = 0.037) in abstaining rates among the four groups. However, there were no significant differences in the reduction in the number of cigarettes smoked daily (p = 0.111), expiratory CO (p = 0.071), FTND score (p = 0.313), and MNWS score (p = 0.088) among the four groups. There was a statistically significant difference in QUS-Brief score changes among the four groups (p = 0.005). There was no statistically significant interaction between acupuncture and nicotine patch. Conclusion: Acupuncture combined with nicotine replacement patch therapy was more effective for smoking cessation than acupuncture alone or nicotine replacement patch alone. No adverse reactions were found in the acupuncture treatment process. Clinical trial registration: http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=61969, identifier ChiCTR2100042912.

Artificial humic acid produced from wet distillers grains in a microwave-assisted hydrothermal process: Physicochemical characteristics and stimulation to plant growth.

Wet distillers grains, as a waste biomass with a large annual output, pose a threat to the environment and food industry. Herein, artificial humic acid (AHA) was first produced from wet distillers grains in a dual-stage microwave-assisted hydrothermal process. The influence of temperature on AHA's characteristics was investigated and compared with natural humic acid (NHA) and standard humic acid (SHA). A high yield of AHA at 20.6% was obtained at 200 °C with a total reaction time of 1 h, which is 1.8-3.1 times that obtained in traditional single-stage hydrothermal process. Increasing the reaction temperature induced the formation of phenolic hydroxyl in AHA. AHA was rich in aromaticity and carboxylic acid structure, showing similar spectral characteristics to NHA. The distribution of molecular weight of AHA was mostly 5797 Da, which decreased by 15% compared to SHA. The optimal concentration of AHA to promote seedling growth was 0.2 g/L, and the root length was 2.0 times that of the control. The microwave hydrothermal process is a facile and efficient approach to preparing AHA from waste biomass with high moisture content.

Examining High-Risk Factors for Sleep Disorders in Depressed Patients: Evaluating the Impact of Psychological Interventions on Sleep Quality and Mental Well-Being.

Objective: This study aims to analyze the risk factors associated with sleep disorders in patients suffering from depression and investigate the efficacy of psychological interventions in improving these conditions. Methods: A comparative observational study was conducted and a cohort of 162 patients aged 18 to 68, admitted to outpatient or inpatient departments between October 2022 and August 2023, were included in the study. All patients were diagnosed with depression according to the ICD-10 criteria. The patients were divided into two groups: experimental group 1 received cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) psychological intervention, while experimental group 2 received conventional psychological treatment. Various parameters, including Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (Ham-D), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (Ham-A), Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), marital status, and occupation, were assessed and compared between the groups. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to identify risk factors for sleep disorders in depressed patients. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was utilized to evaluate sleep quality. Results: Logistic regression analysis revealed that depression severity, anxiety levels, subjective social support, and occupational status were significant risk factors for sleep disorders in depressed patients (P < .05). Following intervention, both groups exhibited a significant decrease in PSQI, SAS, and SDS scores, with experimental group 1 demonstrating significantly lower PSQI scores compared to experimental group 2 (P < .05). Moreover, experimental group 1 displayed significantly lower SAS and SDS scores compared to experimental group 2 (P < .05). Conclusions: The severity of depression, anxiety levels, subjective social support, and occupational status contribute to the risk of sleep disorders in depressed patients. Implementing psychological interventions for depressed patients with sleep disorders can effectively improve sleep quality, alleviate anxiety, and enhance overall psychological well-being. These interventions represent a valuable approach to manage depression and comorbid sleep disorders.

Characteristics and contraceptive practices among Chinese women seeking abortion: a multicentre, descriptive study from 2019 to 2021.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the widespread provision of free contraceptives and post-abortion care (PAC) services, China grapples with a high rate of unintended pregnancies and subsequent abortions. We aimed to study the evolving characteristics of women seeking abortion and their contraceptive practices before and after abortions, to shed light on the optimisation of Chinese PAC services. METHODS: This study utilised data from an abortion cohort between 2019 and 2021. We studied their demographic features, contraception and abortion histories, reasons and choices using chi-square or linear-by-linear tests. We also explored the potential impact of receiving services at PAC facilities on post-abortion contraception use and repeat abortions using logistic regression models. RESULTS: Among the 9005 participants, 43.4% experienced repeat abortion, without a discernible trend over the 3 years. Noteworthy increases were observed in the percentages of college students (from 1.7% to 6.6%, p<0.01) and middle-aged women (from 23.2% to 26.8%, p<0.01) seeking abortions. Surgical abortion was chosen by nearly 90% of participants with a continuously increasing trend (p trend <0.01). Nearly half of the participants experienced unintended pregnancies due to non-use of contraception. Of the remainder, the majority preferred less or the least effective methods both before and after abortion. Women residing in moderate-gross domestic product (GDP) regions faced a higher risk of repeat abortions (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.54). Despite this, high-quality PAC services may encourage the use of reliable contraceptive methods, with 86.8% of women changing from least effective or no methods to (most) effective methods post-abortion, and prevent repeat abortions (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.75). CONCLUSIONS: Increased proportions of college students and middle-aged multiparous women seeking abortions were observed, together with inappropriate preferences for less effective contraception and increasing choice of surgical abortions. Future research should extend the focus to cover the entire abortion period, advocate the rational selection of contraceptive methods, and emphasise the specified PAC services tailored to different socioeconomic groups.

Mindfulness-based intervention for hypertension patients with depression and/or anxiety in the community: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate mindfulness-based intervention for hypertension with depression and/or anxiety. METHODS: 10-week mindfulness-based intervention, including health education for hypertension, exclusively for the control group, was administered to the intervention group to assist sixty hypertension patients with depression/anxiety. Among them, the intervention group comprised 8 men and 22 women, with a mean age of 60.02 years and a mean duration of hypertension of 6.29 years. The control group consisted of 14 men and 16 women with a mean age of 57.68 years and a mean duration of hypertension of 6.32 years. The severity of depressive and/or anxiety symptoms was assessed using the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7), along with blood pressure (BP) measurements taken twice daily. The study utilized a self-made self-efficacy scale and awareness of physical and mental health to evaluate mental health and state. RESULTS: The depression PHQ-9 or GAD-7 scores reduced by 21.1% or 17.8% in the mindfulness-based intervention group, compared to the control (Z = -2.040, P = 0.041) post 10-week period, suggesting significant reduction in anxiety/stress. These results were consistent with a reduction in systolic BP of 12.24 mm Hg (t = 6.041, P = 0.000). The self-efficacy score of the mindfulness intervention group significantly improved compared to the control (t = 7.818, P < 0.001), while the awareness of physical and mental health in the mindfulness intervention group significantly improved compared to the control (χ2 = 5.781, P = 0.016). CONCLUSION: Mindfulness-based, short-term focused interventions provide modest relief for depression and/or anxiety and are effective in lowering blood pressure and improving self-efficacy scores. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900028258. Registered 16 December 2019, https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=43627 .

Complement networks in gene-edited pig xenotransplantation: enhancing transplant success and addressing organ shortage.

The shortage of organs for transplantation emphasizes the urgent need for alternative solutions. Xenotransplantation has emerged as a promising option due to the greater availability of donor organs. However, significant hurdles such as hyperacute rejection and organ ischemia-reperfusion injury pose major challenges, largely orchestrated by the complement system, and activated immune responses. The complement system, a pivotal component of innate immunity, acts as a natural barrier for xenotransplantation. To address the challenges of immune rejection, gene-edited pigs have become a focal point, aiming to shield donor organs from human immune responses and enhance the overall success of xenotransplantation. This comprehensive review aims to illuminate strategies for regulating complement networks to optimize the efficacy of gene-edited pig xenotransplantation. We begin by exploring the impact of the complement system on the effectiveness of xenotransplantation. Subsequently, we delve into the evaluation of key complement regulators specific to gene-edited pigs. To further understand the status of xenotransplantation, we discuss preclinical studies that utilize gene-edited pigs as a viable source of organs. These investigations provide valuable insights into the feasibility and potential success of xenotransplantation, offering a bridge between scientific advancements and clinical application.

Interface Engineering of Substrate-Integrated Single-Crystal Perovskite Wafers for Sensitive X-Ray Detection.

Metal halide perovskite single crystals are emerging candidates for X-ray detection, however, it is challenging for growth of thickness-controlled single-crystal wafer on commercial backplanes, limiting their practical imaging application. Herein, integration of micrometer-thick methylammonium lead triiodide (MAPbI3) single-crystal wafer on indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates by methylamine (MA)-induced interface recrystallization is reported. Through selection of hole transport material with rich functional group, intimate interface contact with low trap density can be achieved, leading to superior carrier transport properties and homogeneous photoresponse. The as-fabricated X-ray detectors exhibit high sensitivity of 1.4 × 104 µC Gyair -1 cm-2 and low detection limit of 177 nGyair s-1, which are comparable to previous reports based on free-standing MAPbI3 bulk crystals. This work provides a feasible strategy for constructing substrate-integrated single-crystal perovskite wafers with controlled thickness, which may promote practical imaging application of perovskite X-ray detectors.

Myriophyllum Biochar-Supported Mn/Mg Nano-Composites as Efficient Periodate Activators to Enhance Triphenyl Phosphate Removal from Wastewater.

Transition metals and their oxide compounds exhibit excellent chemical reactivity; however, their easy agglomeration and high cost limit their catalysis applications. In this study, an interpolation structure of a Myriophyllum verticillatum L. biochar-supported Mn/Mg composite (Mn/Mg@MV) was prepared to degrade triphenyl phosphate (TPhP) from wastewater through the activating periodate (PI) process. Interestingly, the Mn/Mg@MV composite showed strong radical self-producing capacities. The Mn/Mg@MV system degraded 93.34% TPhP (pH 5, 10 µM) within 150 min. The experimental results confirmed that the predominant role of IO3· and the auxiliary ·OH jointly contributed to the TPhP degradation. In addition, the TPhP pollutants were degraded to various intermediates and subsequent Mg mineral phase mineralization via mechanisms like interfacial processes and radical oxidation. DFT theoretical calculations further indicated that the synergy between Mn and Mg induced the charge transfer of the carbon-based surface, leading to the formation of an ·OH radical-enriched surface and enhancing the multivariate interface process of ·OH, IO3, and Mn(VII) to TPhP degradation, resulting in the further formation of Mg PO4 mineralization.

A pH-Sensitive Nanoparticle as Reactive Oxygen Species Amplifier to Regulate Tumor Microenvironment and Potentiate Tumor Radiotherapy.

Background: Radiotherapy is a widely used clinical tool for tumor treatment but can cause systemic toxicity if excessive radiation is administered. Although numerous nanoparticles have been developed as radiosensitizers to reduce the required dose of X-ray irradiation, they often have limitations, such as passive reliance on radiation-induced apoptosis in tumors, and little consider the unique tumor microenvironment that contributes radiotherapy resistance. Methods: In this study, we developed and characterized a novel self-assembled nanoparticle containing dysprosium ion and manganese ion (Dy/Mn-P). We systematically investigated the potential of Dy/Mn-P nanoparticles (NPs) as a reactive oxygen species (ROS) amplifier and radiosensitizer to enhance radiation therapy and modulate the tumor microenvironment at the cellular level. Additionally, we evaluated the effect of Dy/Mn-P on the stimulator of interferon genes (STING), an innate immune signaling pathway. Results: Physicochemical analysis demonstrated the prepared Dy/Mn-P NPs exhibited excellent dispersibility and stability, and degraded rapidly at lower pH values. Furthermore, Dy/Mn-P was internalized by cells and exhibited selective toxicity towards tumor cells compared to normal cells. Our findings also revealed that Dy/Mn-P NPs improved the tumor microenvironment and significantly increased ROS generation under ionizing radiation, resulting in a ~70% increase in ROS levels compared to radiation therapy alone. This enhanced ROS generation inhibited ~92% of cell clone formation and greatly contributed to cytoplasmic DNA exposure. Subsequently, the activation of the STING pathway was observed, leading to the secretion of pro-inflammatory immune factors and maturation of dendritic cells (DCs). Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that Dy/Mn-P NPs can potentiate tumor radiotherapy by improving the tumor microenvironment and increasing endogenous ROS levels within the tumor. Furthermore, Dy/Mn-P can amplify the activation of the STING pathway during radiotherapy, thereby triggering an anti-tumor immune response. This novel approach has the potential to expand the application of radiotherapy in tumor treatment.

Assessing the impact of diverse mask types on COPD patients: a randomised controlled trial study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Wearing masks has proven beneficial in preventing respiratory pathogen infections in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the impact of different mask types on physiological indicators and daily physical activity in COPD patients remains uncertain. This study aims to assess the immediate effects of various mask types on cardiopulmonary function indicators, subjective perceptions and the 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) in individuals with COPD. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This randomised controlled trial will enrol 129 stable COPD patients. Participants will be randomly divided into three groups: control, N95 mask and surgical mask groups. Each group will undergo both a 6-minute seated test and a 6-minute walk test (6MWT), without or with their respective masks. A 10-minute interval will be provided between the two phases. The primary indicators of the study include the 6MWD and blood oxygen saturation. Secondary outcomes encompass blood pressure, pulse rate, Borg score, Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) score and subjective perception score. Oxygen saturation, pulse rate and blood pressure will be recorded four times during the trial, while Borg and RPE scores will be compared before and after the 6MWT. Additionally, subjective perception scores will be collected after each mask-wearing stage. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study has received approval from the Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine (approval number: 202335). We plan to disseminate research results through publication in a peer-reviewed journal or presentation at a conference. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR2300074554.

Molecular cytogenetic identification and nutritional composition evaluation of newly synthesized Triticum turgidum-Triticum boeoticum amphiploids (AABBAbAb).

Triticum boeoticum Boiss. (AbAb, 2n = 2x = 14) is a wheat-related species with the blue aleurone trait. In this study, 18 synthetic Triticum turgidum-Triticum boeoticum amphiploids were identified, which were derived from crosses between T. boeoticum and T. turgidum. Three probes (Oligo-pTa535, Oligo-pSc119.2, and Oligo-pTa713) for multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization (mc-FISH) were combined with genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) to identify chromosomal composition. Seven nutritional indices (anthocyanins, protein, total essential amino acids TEAA, Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu) were measured, and the nutritional components of 18 synthetic amphiploids were comprehensively ranked by principal component analysis (PCA). The results showed that all three synthetic amphiploids used for cytological identification contained 42 chromosomes, including 14 A, 14 B, and 14 Ab chromosomes. The average anthocyanin content was 82.830 µg/g to 207.606 µg/g in the whole meal of the 17 blue-grained lines (Syn-ABAb-1 to Syn-ABAb-17), which was obviously higher than that in the yellow-grained line Syn-ABAb-18 (6.346 µg/g). The crude protein content was between 154.406 and 180.517 g/kg, and the EAA content was 40.193-63.558 mg/g. The Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu levels in the 17 blue-grained lines were 60.55 to 97.41 mg/kg, 60.55-97.41 mg/kg, 35.11 to 65.20 mg/kg and 5.74 to 7.22 mg/kg, respectively, which were higher than those in the yellow-grained line. The contribution of the first three principal components reached 84%. The first principal component was mainly anthocyanins, Fe, Zn and Mn. The second principal component contained protein and amino acids, and the third component contained only Cu. The top 5 Triticum turgidum-Triticum boeoticum amphiploids were Syn-ABAb-11, Syn-ABAb-17, Syn-ABAb-5, Syn-ABAb-8 and Syn-ABAb-4. These amphidiploids exhibited the potential to serve as candidates for hybridization with common wheat, as indicated by comprehensive score rankings, toward enhancing the nutritional quality of wheat.

SEMA4D/VEGF surface enhances endothelialization by diminished-glycolysis-mediated M2-like macrophage polarization.

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death and morbidity worldwide. Inflammatory responses after percutaneous coronary intervention led to neoathrosclerosis and in-stent restenosis and thus increase the risk of adverse clinical outcomes. In this work, a metabolism reshaped surface is engineered, which combines the decreased glycolysis promoting, M2-like macrophage polarization, and rapid endothelialization property. Anionic heparin plays as a linker and mediates cationic SEMA4D and VEGF to graft electronically onto PLL surfaces. The system composed by anticoagulant heparin, immunoregulatory SEMA4D and angiogenic VEGF endows the scaffold with significant inhibition of platelets, fibrinogen and anti-thrombogenic properties, also noteworthy immunometabolism reprogram, anti-inflammation M2-like polarization and finally leading to rapid endothelializaiton performances. Our research indicates that the immunometabolism method can accurately reflect the immune state of modified surfaces. It is envisioned immunometabolism study will open an avenue to the surface engineering of vascular implants for better clinical outcomes.

Triplet-drug chemotherapy combined with anti-EGFR antibody as an effective therapy for patients with initially unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis.

The meta-analysis aimed to assess the clinical efficacy of chemotherapeutic triplet-drug regimen combined with anti-EGFR antibody in patients with initially unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed Publisher. Studies evaluating FOLFOXIRI combine with panitumumab or cetuximab as the therapy for initially unresectable mCRC were included. The primary outcome was objective response rate (ORR) and rate of R0 resections. The secondary outcomes included overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and grades 3 or 4 adverse events. R software (version 4.0.2) and RevMan (version 5.3) were used to analyze the extracted data. The studies included were published between 2010 and 2021, involving four single-arm phase II trials and two randomized phase II trials. A total of 6 studies with 282 patients were included. The data showed a significant benefit for the FOLFOXIRI + anti-EGFR antibody arm compared with FOLFOXIRI arm (RR 1.33; 95% CI, 1.13-1.58; I2 = 0%, P < 0.05). The pooled ORR and pooled rate of R0 resection in patients who receiving FOLFOXIRI + anti-EGFR antibody were 85% (95% CI, 0.78-0.91; I2 = 58%) and 42% (95% CI, 0.32-0.53; I2 = 62%), respectively. The range of median PFS between all the six studies was 9.5-15.5 months, with weighted pooled median PFS mean 11.7 months. The range of median OS between all the four studies was 24.7-37 months, with weighted pooled median PFS mean 31.9 months. The common grades 3 and 4 adverse events were diarrhea and neutropenia. Our findings show that triplet-drug chemotherapy (FOLFOXIRI) combined with anti-EGFR antibody (panitumumab or cetuximab) represents a very effective therapeutic combination associated with a significant ORR and R0 rection rate for patients with molecularly unselected and surgically unresectable metastatic CRC.

Association between heavy metal exposures and the prevalence of pelvic inflammatory disease: a cross-sectional study from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013-2018.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a common medical condition in women. However, the correlation between exposure to heavy metals, including cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), and selenium (Se), and PID, is unclear. Using a large sample size from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, these relationships were studied and verified. PID diagnosis was acquired through a self-reported questionnaire (2013-2018). Heavy metal exposure (Cd, Pb, Mn, Hg, and Se) was measured using mass spectrometry of blood samples. Covariate data were obtained through questionnaires and physical tests. Individuals with complete covariate data were included in the study. The relationship between heavy metal exposure (Cd, Pb, Mn, Hg, and Se) and PID was demonstrated using logistic regression analysis, weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression analysis, and restricted cubic splines (RCS). Overall, 2743 participants were included. Of these, 183 were diagnosed with PID. Through weighted univariate and multivariate regression analyses, the heavy metals of Cd and Pb were positively correlated with the prevalence of PID. However, no significant relationship was observed in the heavy metals of Mn, Hg, and Se. The joint effect of heavy metals further confirmed the important role of Cd and Pb in WQS analysis. After visualizing the RCS, significant curved and linear relationships were observed for Cd and Pb, respectively. Most subgroup analyses confirmed these results. In conclusion, exposure to Cd was nonlinearly correlated with the risk of PID, whereas exposure to Pb showed a linear relationship. Our findings increase the awareness of the environmental effects of exposure to heavy metals in PID. However, further studies are needed to elucidate the causality and underlying mechanisms between heavy metal exposure and the prevalence of PID.

Spatial organization and connectivity of wood rays in Pinus massoniana xylem based on high-resolution µCT-assisted network analysis.

MAIN CONCLUSION: Spatial organization and connectivity of wood rays in Pinus massoniana was comprehensively viewed and regarded as anatomical adaptions to ensure the properties of rays in xylem. Spatial organization and connectivity of wood rays are essential for understanding the wood hierarchical architecture, but the spatial information is ambiguous due to small cell size. Herein, 3D visualization of rays in Pinus massoniana was performed using high-resolution µCT. We found brick-shaped rays were 6.5% in volume fractions, nearly twice the area fractions estimated by 2D levels. Uniseriate rays became taller and wider during the transition from earlywood to latewood, which was mainly contributed from the height increment of ray tracheids and widened ray parenchyma cells. Furthermore, both volume and surface area of ray parenchyma cells were larger than ray tracheids, so ray parenchyma took a higher proportion in rays. Moreover, three different types of pits for connectivity were segmented and revealed. Pits in both axial tracheids and ray tracheids were bordered, but the pit volume and pit aperture of earlywood axial tracheids were almost tenfold and over fourfold larger than ray tracheids. Contrarily, cross-field pits between ray parenchyma and axial tracheids were window-like with the principal axis of 31.0 µm, but its pit volume was approximately one-third of axial tracheids. Additionally, spatial organization of rays and axial resin canal was analyzed by a curved surface reformation tool, providing the first evidence of rays close to epithelial cells inward through the resin canal. Epithelial cells had various morphologies and large variations in cell size. Our results give new insights into the organization of radial system of xylem, especially the connectivity of rays with adjacent cells.