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BACKGROUND: Accurately predicting the probability of aggressive behavior is crucial for guiding early intervention in patients with mood disorders. METHODS: Cox stepwise regression was conducted to identify potential influencing factors. Nomogram prediction models were constructed to predict the probabilities of aggressive behavior in patients with mood disorders, and their performance was assessed using consistency index (C-index) and calibration plots. RESULTS: Research findings on 321 patients with mood disorders indicated that being older (HR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.86-0.98), single (HR = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.02-0.68), having children (one child, HR = 0.07, 95%CI: 0.01-0.87; more than one child, HR = 0.33, 95%CI: 0.04-2.48), living in dormitory (HR = 0.25, 95%CI: 0.08-0.77), non-student (employee, HR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.07-0.88; non-employee, HR = 0.09, 95% CI: 0.02-0.35), and higher scores in subjective support (HR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.82-0.99) were protective factors. On the contrary, minorities (HR = 5.26, 95% CI: 1.23-22.48), living alone (HR = 4.37, 95% CI: 1.60-11.94), having suicide history (HR = 2.51, 95% CI: 1.06-5.95), and having higher scores in EPQ-E (HR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.00-1.08) and EPQ-P (HR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.00-1.07) were identified as independent risk factors for aggressive behavior in patients with mood disorders. The nomogram prediction model demonstrated high discrimination and goodness-of-fit. CONCLUSIONS: A novel nomogram prediction model for the probability of aggressive behavior in patients with mood disorders was developed, effective in identifying at-risk populations and offering valuable insights for early intervention and proactive measures.
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Co-culturing fungi and microalgae may effectively remediate wastewater containing Cd and harvest microalgae. Nevertheless, a detailed study of the mechanisms underlying the synergistic interactions between fungi and microalgae under Cd(II) exposure is lacking. In this study, Cd(II) exposure resulted in a significant enhancement of antioxidants, such as glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) compared to the control group, suggesting that the cellular antioxidant defense response was activated. Extracellular proteins and extracellular polysaccharides of the symbiotic system were increased by 60.61 % and ,24.29 %, respectively, after Cd(II) exposure for 72 h. The adsorption behavior of Cd(II) was investigated using three-dimensional fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (3D-EEM), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Metabolomics results showed that the TCA cycle provided effective material and energy supply for the symbiotic system to resist the toxicity of Cd(II); Proline, histidine, and glutamine strengthened the synergistic adsorption capacity of the fungus and microalgae. Overall, the theoretical foundation for a deep comprehension of the beneficial interactions between fungi and microalgae under Cd(II) exposure and the role of the fungal-algal symbiotic system in the management of heavy metal pollution is provided by this combined physiological and metabolomic investigation.
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Research on the recovery of rare earth elements from wastewater has attracted increasing attention. Compared with other methods, biosorption is a simple, efficient, and environmentally friendly method for rare earth wastewater treatment, which has greater prospects for development. The objective of this study was to investigate the biosorption behavior and mechanism of Yarrowia lipolytica for five rare earth ions (La3âº, Nd3âº, Er3âº, Y3âº, and Sm3âº) with a particular focus on biosorption behavior, biosorption kinetics, and biosorption isotherm. It was demonstrated that the biosorption capacity of Y. lipolytica at optimal conditions was 76.80 mg/g. It was discovered that the biosorption process complied with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir biosorption isotherm, indicating that Y. lipolytica employed a monolayer chemical biosorption process to biosorb rare earth ions. Characterization analysis demonstrated that the primary functional groups involved in rare earth ion biosorption were amino, carboxyl, and hydroxyl groups. The cooperative biosorption of rare earth ions by Y. lipolytica was facilitated by means of surface complexation, ion exchange, and electrostatic interactions. These findings suggest that Y. lipolytica has the potential to be an effective biosorbent for the removal of rare earth elements from wastewater.
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Aging is a gradual, inevitable physiologic process. The organ aging is related to the persistence of chronic inflammation, but the understanding of inflammatory state during renal aging is lacking currently. Single-cell transcriptome sequencing was performed on aging mouse kidney to reveal the molecular phenotype and composition changes of different cell types. In the early stage of aging, immune cells such as T, B cells and mononuclear macrophages increased in kidney. The molecular state of T cells in aging kidney changed and polarized. Among them, we identified a group of GZMK+ CD8 + T cells with high expression of Eomes, Pdcd1 and Ifng and a group of Il17a+ T cells with high expression of Il17a and Il23r. Moreover, the cytokines and inflammations can aggravate tissue damage eventually. Furthermore, we found the interaction between different types of epithelial cells and T cells increased during the renal aging. These results identify the changes of T cells in the early stage of aging kidney and suggest that GZMK+CD8+ T cells might be a potential target to ameliorate age-associated dysfunctions of kidney(Graphical Abstract).
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Envelhecimento , Linfócitos T CD8-Positivos , Rim , Análise de Célula Única , Transcriptoma , Animais , Envelhecimento/imunologia , Envelhecimento/genética , Camundongos , Rim/imunologia , Transcriptoma/genética , Análise de Célula Única/métodos , Linfócitos T CD8-Positivos/imunologia , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Masculino , Linfócitos T/imunologia , Perfilação da Expressão Gênica/métodosRESUMO
Fibrocartilaginous entheses consist of tendons, unmineralized and mineralized fibrocartilage, and subchondral bone, each exhibiting varying stiffness. Here we examined the functional role of sclerostin, expressed in mature mineralized fibrochondrocytes. Following rapid mineralization of unmineralized fibrocartilage and concurrent replacement of epiphyseal hyaline cartilage by bone, unmineralized fibrocartilage reexpanded after a decline in alkaline phosphatase activity at the mineralization front. Sclerostin was co-expressed with osteocalcin at the base of mineralized fibrocartilage adjacent to subchondral bone. In Scx-deficient mice with less mechanical loading due to defects of the Achilles tendon, sclerostin+ fibrochondrocyte count significantly decreased in the defective enthesis where chondrocyte maturation was markedly impaired in both fibrocartilage and hyaline cartilage. Loss of the Sost gene, encoding sclerostin, elevated mineral density in mineralized zones of fibrocartilaginous entheses. Atomic force microscopy analysis revealed increased fibrocartilage stiffness. These lines of evidence suggest that sclerostin in mature mineralized fibrochondrocytes acts as a modulator for mechanical tissue integrity of fibrocartilaginous entheses.
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Introduction: Cultural factors were shown to be particularly relevant for the development and expression of posttraumatic stress. Recently, the concept of cultural scripts of trauma has been introduced, which proposes that trauma sequelae elements may be sequentially linked and specifically associated with cultural factors. Furthermore, a cascade model is proposed, including trauma exposure, demographic characteristics, cultural affiliation, and trauma-related value orientations as influencing factors of posttraumatic development. The purpose of this Network Project is to investigate cultural psychological factors that contribute to the expression of posttraumatic stress.Methods: The present Network Project implements a mixed methods approach and will be conducted in 5 different study sites, including Switzerland, Israel, Georgia, China, and East Africa. In sub-study I, the cultural scripts of traumatic stress inventories (CSTIs) will be developed. These scales provide a pool of trauma sequelae elements for each cultural group. For this purpose, focus groups with trauma survivors and trauma experts will be conducted and analysed using qualitative research methods. Sub-study II implements a validation analysis of the CSTIs and the empirical investigation of a cultural cascade model. This quantitative approach will include a larger sample of individuals who experienced traumatic life events.Discussion: This contribution is timely and enriches the knowledge of trauma and culture. Future publications of this Network Project will address trauma sequelae from a cultural perspective and provide diagnostic and psychotherapeutic implications.
This paper presents a Network Project that investigates cultural factors in posttraumatic sequelae.The Network Project encompasses an innovative research design with both qualitative and quantitative methods.New developments in the field of cultural clinical psychology are introduced, including cultural scripts of trauma and a cascade model of cultural factors in posttraumatic symptom expression.
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Transtornos de Estresse Pós-Traumáticos , Humanos , Transtornos de Estresse Pós-Traumáticos/psicologia , Israel , China , Suíça , Georgia , Grupos Focais , Cultura , Feminino , Masculino , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) based on peracetic acid (PAA) displayed great potential in removing emerging contaminants by generating HO⢠and organic radicals. Performic and perpropionic acids (PFA and PPA) also act as disinfectants, but their application potential has not been investigated yet. Here, we investigated the degradation mechanism and kinetics of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) by HOâ¢, RC(O)O⢠species (including HC(O)Oâ¢, CH3C(O)O⢠and CH3CH2C(O)Oâ¢) and RC(O)OO⢠species (including HC(O)OOâ¢, CH3C(O)OO⢠and CH3CH2C(O)OOâ¢). The results show that the calculated reaction rate constants of SMX follow the order of HC(O)O⢠> CH3C(O)O⢠> CH3CH2C(O)O⢠> HO⢠> HC(O)OO⢠> CH3C(O)OO⢠> CH3CH2C(O)OOâ¢. The reactivity towards SMX is strongly correlated with the redox potentials of reactive radicals. Hence, the RCOO⢠species play dominant roles in the purification of SMX in PFA/PAA/PPA-based AOPs. The degradation of SMX mainly proceeds via addition at the benzene ring, the hydrogen abstraction from the -NH2 group as well as the single electron transfer reaction. This study highlights the fundamental aspects of PFA, PAA, and PPA in the purification of sulfamethoxazole and enhances the role of organic radicals in the AOPs based on organic peracetic acids.
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The co-cultivation of fungi with microalgae facilitates microalgae harvesting and enhances heavy metal adsorption. However, the mechanisms of fungal tolerance to cadmium (Cd) have not yet been studied in detail. In this study, functional groups of fungi were analyzed under Cd stress using Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and transmission electron microscope (TEM) to explore their morphology. Confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) was used to characterize the changes in the content of extracellular polysaccharides and proteins, and a decrease in the ratio of glutathione (GSH) to oxidized glutathione (GSSG) was monitored. The GSH and GSSG contents in mycelium were 7.4 and 7.9 times higher than that in the control, respectively. After 72 h of Cd treatment, the fungal extracellular polysaccharide and extracellular protein contents increased by 16 and 11.4 mg/g, respectively, compared to the control. This provided several functional groups for the complexation of Cd ions to enhance fungal Cd tolerance. The metabolomic and transcriptomic results revealed a total of 358 differential metabolites after 20, 48, and 72 h in the positive and negative ion modes, and the number of differential metabolites specific to each group was 104, 14, and 89, respectively. There were 927, 1167, and 1287 up-regulated genes, and 1301, 1480, and 1683 down-regulated genes at 20, 48, and 72 h, respectively. Energy metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and the ABC transport system are the key metabolic pathways for tolerance enhancement and heavy metal detoxification in fungi. The expression of S-cysteinosuccinic acid was significantly up-regulated after Cd stress and associated with enhanced fungal tolerance and resistance to Cd.
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Aspergillus fumigatus , Cádmio , Metabolômica , Cádmio/toxicidade , Cádmio/metabolismo , Aspergillus fumigatus/efeitos dos fármacos , Aspergillus fumigatus/metabolismo , Aspergillus fumigatus/genética , Transcriptoma/efeitos dos fármacos , Estresse FisiológicoRESUMO
Mechanical force-mediated bone remodeling is crucial for various physiological and pathological processes involving multiple factors, including stem cells and the immune response. However, it remains unclear how stem cells respond to mechanical stimuli to modulate the immune microenvironment and subsequent bone remodeling. Here, we found that mechanical force induced increased expression of CD109 on periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) in vitro and in periodontal tissues from the force-induced tooth movement rat model in vivo, accompanied by activated alveolar bone remodeling. Under mechanical force stimulation, CD109 suppressed the osteogenesis capacity of PDLSCs through the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway, whereas it promoted PDLSC-induced osteoclast formation and M1 macrophage polarization through paracrine. Moreover, inhibition of CD109 in vivo by lentivirus-shRNA injection increased the osteogenic activity and bone density in periodontal tissues. On the contrary, it led to decreased osteoclast numbers and pro-inflammatory factor secretion in periodontal tissues and reduced tooth movement. Mechanistically, mechanical force-enhanced CD109 expression via the repression of miR-340-5p. Our findings uncover a CD109-mediated mechanical force response machinery on PDLSCs, which contributes to regulating the immune microenvironment and alveolar bone remodeling during tooth movement.
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Remodelação Óssea , Osteoclastos , Osteogênese , Ligamento Periodontal , Células-Tronco , Ligamento Periodontal/metabolismo , Ligamento Periodontal/citologia , Osteogênese/efeitos dos fármacos , Animais , Osteoclastos/metabolismo , Células-Tronco/metabolismo , Células-Tronco/citologia , Ratos , Masculino , Humanos , Antígenos CD/metabolismo , Ratos Sprague-DawleyRESUMO
To investigate the effect of rosuvastatin on gait and balance disorder progression and elucidate the role of cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) on this effect. From April 2008 to November 2010, 943 hypertensive patients aged ≥60 years were enrolled from the Shandong area of China. Patients were randomized into rosuvastatin and placebo groups. Gait, balance, CVR, fall and stroke were assessed. During an average 72 months of follow-up, the decreasing trends for step length, step speed, and Berg balance scale scores and the increasing trends for step width and chair rising test were slower in the rosuvastatin group when compared to the placebo group. The hazard ratio of incident balance impairment and falls was 0.542 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.442-0.663] and 0.532 (95% CI 0.408-0.694), respectively, in the rosuvastatin group compared with placebo group. For CVR progression, the cerebrovascular reserve capacity and breath-holding index were increased and the pulsatility index decreased in the rosuvastatin group, while the cerebrovascular reserve capacity and breath-holding index were decreased, and pulsatility index increased in the placebo group. The changes in gait stability and balance function were independently associated with the changes in the CVR. The odds risks of balance impairment and falls were 2.178 (95% CI: 1.491-3.181) and 3.227 (95% CI: 1.634-6.373), respectively, in the patients with CVR impairment and patients without CVR impairment. Rosuvastatin ameliorated gait and balance disorder progression in older patients with hypertension. This effect might result from the improvement in the CVR. This double-blind clinical trial recruited 943 hypertensive patients aged ≥60 years who were randomly administered rosuvastatin and placebo interventions. The data indicates that rosuvastatin significantly ameliorated the progressions of gait and balance disorders in older hypertensive patients. The cerebrovascular reactivity might play an important mediating role in this amelioration.
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INTRODUCTION: Cardiorenal syndrome encompasses a range of disorders involving both the heart and kidneys, wherein dysfunction in one organ may induce dysfunction in the other, either acutely or chronically. METHODS: This study conducted a literature search on cardiorenal syndrome from January 1, 2003, to September 8, 2023. Meanwhile, a quantitative analysis of the developmental trajectory, research hotspots and evolutionary trends in the field of cardiorenal syndrome through bibliometric analysis and knowledge mapping was carried out. RESULTS: The annual publication trend analysis revealed a consistent annual increase in cardiorenal syndrome literature over the last 20 years. The IL6, REN, and INS genes were identified as the current research hotspots. CONCLUSION: The field of cardiorenal syndrome exhibits promising potential to grow and is emerging as a prominent research area. Future endeavours should prioritise a comprehensive understanding of the field and foster multi-centre co-operation among different countries and regions.
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Bibliometria , Síndrome Cardiorrenal , Síndrome Cardiorrenal/fisiopatologia , Humanos , Pesquisa Biomédica/tendênciasRESUMO
Two new meroterpenoids, hyrtamide A (1) and hyrfarnediol A (2), along with two known ones, 3-farnesyl-4-hydroxybenzoic acid methyl ester (3) and dictyoceratin C (4), were isolated from a South China Sea sponge Hyrtios sp. Their structures were elucidated by NMR and MS data. Compounds 2-4 exhibited weak cytotoxicity against human colorectal cancer cells (HCT-116), showing IC50 values of 41.6, 45.0, and 37.3 µM, respectively. Furthermore, compounds 3 and 4 significantly suppressed the invasion of HCT-116 cells while also downregulating the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR-1) and vimentin proteins, which are key markers associated with angiogenesis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Our findings suggest that compounds 3 and 4 may exert their anti-invasive effects on tumor cells by inhibiting the expression of VEGFR-1 and impeding the process of EMT.
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Antineoplásicos , Neoplasias Colorretais , Transição Epitelial-Mesenquimal , Poríferos , Terpenos , Humanos , Animais , Antineoplásicos/farmacologia , Antineoplásicos/química , Antineoplásicos/isolamento & purificação , Poríferos/química , Neoplasias Colorretais/tratamento farmacológico , Neoplasias Colorretais/patologia , Terpenos/farmacologia , Terpenos/isolamento & purificação , Terpenos/química , Transição Epitelial-Mesenquimal/efeitos dos fármacos , Células HCT116 , Receptor 1 de Fatores de Crescimento do Endotélio Vascular/metabolismo , Vimentina/metabolismo , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , ChinaRESUMO
Shore power (SP) is widely recognized as an efficient strategy for reducing air pollution in port areas. Unfortunately, the adoption of SP has been relatively low, resulting in limited emission reductions and financial losses. To address these challenges, this paper focuses on enhancing the utilization rate of SP, which is meaningful for emission control and environmental protection. This paper combines system dynamics with a study of the benefits of SP, which bridges the research gap to some extent. We propose a system dynamics model that assesses the impact of various incentive policies on the economic and environmental benefits of SP. The model considers the life cycle cost and comprises four subsystems. By conducting a case study on Nansha Port, we find that price subsidies are more effective than construction subsidies in overcoming economic barriers. Furthermore, we observe that the overall economic benefits only increase when the electricity price decreases. This is because lowering the electricity price enhances the profitability of ships without negatively affecting port revenue. Additionally, it is the proportion of the electricity price and service price that determines the overall economic benefits, rather than the SP price itself. Hence, it is recommended to provide preferential subsidies for the electricity price.
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Navios , China , Poluição do Ar/prevenção & controle , Custos e Análise de Custo , Eletricidade , População do Leste AsiáticoRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: An association exists between immune checkpoint inhibitors and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Therefore, the main objective of this study was to collect data on this rare but potentially life-threatening immune-related adverse reaction to identify the medications that cause it, the clinical characteristics, and effective treatments. METHODS: Literature in English and Chinese on immune checkpoint inhibitors causing HLH published from August 2014 to March 2024 was analyzed. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, immunotherapy, anti-PD-1, PD-L1 inhibitors, HLH, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, hemophagocytic syndrome keywords were used to find the literature on China Knowledge Network, Wanfang, PubMed and Emabase Databases. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Twenty-four studies were included, with a total of 27 patients (18 males and 9 females) with a mean age of 58 years (range 26-86). The mean time to the onset of symptoms was 10.3 weeks (7 days-14 months). The main clinical characteristics were fever, cytopenia, splenomegaly, methemoglobinemia, hypofibrinogenemia, and bone marrow biopsy showed phagocytosis. Twenty-two patients improved after the treatment with steroids, cytokine blocking therapy and symptomatic treatment, four patients died, and one patient was not described. CONCLUSION: HLH should be not underestimated as a potentially serious adverse effect of immune checkpoint inhibitors since appropriate treatments may save the life of patients.
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Linfo-Histiocitose Hemofagocítica , Masculino , Feminino , Humanos , Adulto , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Linfo-Histiocitose Hemofagocítica/induzido quimicamente , Linfo-Histiocitose Hemofagocítica/diagnóstico , Inibidores de Checkpoint Imunológico/efeitos adversos , Biópsia , Medula Óssea/patologia , ImunoterapiaRESUMO
Host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) is an inherent mechanism of plant resistance to fungal pathogens, resulting from cross-kingdom RNA interference (RNAi) mediated by small RNAs (sRNAs) delivered from plants into invading fungi. Introducing artificial sRNA precursors into crops can trigger HIGS of selected fungal genes, and thus has potential applications in agricultural disease control. To investigate the HIGS of apple (Malus sp.) during the interaction with Botryosphaeria dothidea, the pathogenic fungus causing apple ring rot disease, we evaluated whether apple miRNAs can be transported into and target genes in B. dothidea. Indeed, miR159a from Malus hupehensis, a wild apple germplasm with B. dothidea resistance, silenced the fungal sugar transporter gene BdSTP. The accumulation of miR159a in extracellular vesicles (EVs) of both infected M. hupehensis and invading B. dothidea suggests that this miRNA of the host is transported into the fungus via the EV pathway. Knockout of BdSTP caused defects in fungal growth and proliferation, whereas knockin of a miR159a-insensitive version of BdSTP resulted in increased pathogenicity. Inhibition of miR159a in M. hupehensis substantially enhanced plant sensitivity to B. dothidea, indicating miR159a-mediated HIGS against BdSTP being integral to apple immunity. Introducing artificial sRNA precursors targeting BdSTP and BdALS, an acetolactate synthase gene, into M. hupehensis revealed that double-stranded RNAs were more potent than engineered MIRNAs in triggering HIGS alternative to those natural of apple and inhibiting infection. These results provide preliminary evidence for cross-kingdom RNAi in the apple-B. dothidea interaction and establish HIGS as a potential disease control strategy in apple.
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Ascomicetos , Resistência à Doença , Inativação Gênica , Malus , MicroRNAs , Doenças das Plantas , Malus/microbiologia , Malus/genética , Malus/imunologia , Ascomicetos/patogenicidade , Ascomicetos/fisiologia , Doenças das Plantas/microbiologia , Doenças das Plantas/genética , Doenças das Plantas/imunologia , Resistência à Doença/genética , MicroRNAs/genética , Interações Hospedeiro-Patógeno , Interferência de RNARESUMO
Falls constitute a leading cause of unintentional injury deaths among older adults. This study aimed to examine the comprehensive characteristics of fatal falls among older individuals in Yunnan Province, China, to highlight the challenges faced in elderly care. A total of 22,798 accidental fall-related deaths were extracted from China's National Disease Surveillance Points System aged 60 and above between 2015 and 2019. Quantitative and textual data were analyzed to assess the incidence rates of initiating factors, locations, symptoms, and overall survival (OS) outcomes after falling. Hypertension emerged as the most significant intrinsic factor, especially among individuals aged between 70 and 79, female older adults, and urban residents (P < 0.001). Home was identified as the most common location where fatal falls occurred (61.19%). The head was the most commonly injured body region (58.75%). The median of OS for all fatal falls was 2 days (0.13, 30), of which deaths occurred within 24 h [9287 (49.36%)]. There were instances where timely discovery after falling did not occur in 625 cases; their median of OS was significantly shorter compared to those discovered promptly after falling (P < 0.001). Targeted interventions focusing on fall prevention and post-fall care are equally crucial for the well-being of older adults.
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Acidentes por Quedas , Humanos , Feminino , Idoso , Acidentes por Quedas/prevenção & controle , China/epidemiologia , Fatores de Risco , População Urbana , IncidênciaRESUMO
Heat shock protein 20 (HSP20) serves as a chaperone and plays roles in numerous biological processes, but the codon usage bias (CUB) of its genes has remained unexplored. This study identified 140 HSP20 genes from four cruciferous species, Arabidopsis thaliana, Brassica napus, Brassica rapa, and Camelina sativa, that were identified from the Ensembl plants database, and we subsequently investigated their CUB. As a result, the base composition analysis revealed that the overall GC content of HSP20 genes was below 50%. The overall GC content significantly correlated with the constituents at three codon positions, implying that both mutation pressure and natural selection might contribute to the CUB. The relatively high ENc values suggested that the CUB of the HSP20 genes in four cruciferous species was relatively weak. Subsequently, ENc exhibited a negative correlation with gene expression levels. Analyses, including ENc-plot analysis, neutral analysis, and PR2 bias, revealed that natural selection mainly shaped the CUB patterns of HSP20 genes in these species. In addition, a total of 12 optimal codons (ΔRSCU > 0.08 and RSCU > 1) were identified across the four species. A neighbor-joining phylogenetic analysis based on coding sequences (CDS) showed that the 140 HSP20 genes were strictly and distinctly clustered into 12 subfamilies. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis based on relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) values supported the fact that the CUB pattern was consistent with the genetic relationship at the gene level and (or) species levels. These results will not only enrich the HSP20 gene resource but also advance our understanding of the CUB of HSP20 genes, which may underlie the theoretical basis for exploration of their genetic and evolutionary pattern.
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rs2736098 is a synonymous polymorphism in TERT (telomerase reverse transcriptase), an enzyme involved in tumor onset of multiple tissues, and should play no roles in carcinogenesis. However, a search in cancer somatic mutation database indicated that the mutation frequency at rs2736098 is much higher than the average one for TERT. Moreover, there are significant H3K4me1 and H3K27Ac signals, two universal histone modifications for active enhancers, surrounding rs2736098. Therefore, we hypothesized that rs2736098 might be within an enhancer region, regulate TERT expression and influence cancer risk. Through luciferase assay, it was verified that the enhancer activity of rs2736098C allele is significantly higher than that of T in multiple tissues. Transfection of plasmids containing TERT coding region with two different alleles indicated that rs2736098C allele can induce a significantly higher TERT expression than T. By chromatin immunoprecipitation, it was observed that the fragment spanning rs2736098 can interact with USF1 (upstream transcription factor 1). The two alleles of rs2736098 present evidently different binding affinity with nuclear proteins. Database and literature search indicated that rs2736098 is significantly associated with carcinogenesis in multiple tissues and count of multiple cell types. All these facts indicated that rs2736098 is also an oncogenic polymorphism and plays important role in cell proliferation.