Anaerolentibacter hominis gen. nov. sp. nov., Diplocloster hominis sp. nov. and Pilosibacter fragilis gen. nov. sp. nov., isolated from human faeces.

Three Gram-positive, obligately anaerobic bacterial strains, namely CSJ-1T, CSJ-3T, and CSJ-4T, were isolated from faeces of healthy persons. They were characterized through a combination of whole-genome sequencing, phenotypic traits, and metabolomic analysis. The genome sizes of CSJ-1T, CSJ-4T, and CSJ-3T were 3.3, 3.8, and 6.1 Mbp, with DNA G+C contents of 47.2, 48.3, and 48.8 mol%, respectively. Strain CSJ-3T was identified as representing a novel species, Diplocloster hominis (type strain CSJ-3T=CGMCC 1.18033T=JCM 36512T) of the genus Diplocloster. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity and whole genome average nucleotide identity (gANI) of CSJ-4T to its closest related species, Diplocloster modestus ASD 4241T, were 98.3 and 91.4 %, respectively. Comparative analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed 91.6 % similarity between CSJ-1T and its closest phylogenetic neighbour, Catenibacillus scindens DSM 106146T, and 93.3 % similarity between CSJ-4T and its closest relative strain, Clostridium fessum SNUG30386T. Based on the polyphasic taxonomic results, we proposed two novel genera and three novel species. Strain CSJ-1T was identified as representing a novel species of novel genus, Anaerolentibacter hominis gen. nov. sp. nov. (type strain CSJ-1T=CGMCC 1.18046T=JCM 36511T) of the family Lachnospiraceae, and strain CSJ-4T was identified as representing a novel species of novel genus Pilosibacter fragilis gen. nov. sp. nov. (type strain CSJ-4T=CGMCC 1.18026T= JCM 36513T) of the family Clostridiaceae.

Status quo and influencing factors of multiprofessional and multidisciplinary teamwork for early mobilization in mechanically ventilated patients in ICUs: A multi-centre survey study.

AIM: To understand the status quo of multiprofessional and multidisciplinary collaboration for early mobilization of mechanically ventilated patients in Chinese ICUs and identify any factors that may influence this practice. DESIGN: A multi-centre cross-sectional survey. METHODS: From October to November 2022, the convenience sampling method was used to select ICU multiprofessional and multidisciplinary early mobility members (including physicians, nurses and physiotherapists) from 27 tertiary general hospitals in 14 provinces, cities and autonomous regions of China. They were asked to complete an author-developed questionnaire on the status of collaboration and the Assessment of Inter-professional Team Collaboration Scale. A multiple linear regression model was used to analyse the factors associated with the level of collaboration. RESULTS: Physicians, nurses and physiotherapists mostly suffered from the lack of normative protocols, unclear division of responsibilities and unclear multiprofessional and multidisciplinary teams when using a collaborative approach to early activities. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the number of ICU patients managed, the existence of norms and processes, the attitude of colleagues around them, the establishment of a team, communication methods and activity leaders were significant influences on the level of collaboration among members of the multiprofessional and multidisciplinary early activities. CONCLUSION: The collaboration of multiprofessional and multidisciplinary early activity members for mechanically ventilated patients in the ICU remains unclear, and the collaboration strategy needs to be constructed and improved, taking into account China's human resources and each region's economic development level. IMPACT: This study investigates the collaboration status of multiprofessional and multidisciplinary activity members from the perspective of teamwork, analyses the reasons affecting the level of collaboration and helps to develop better teamwork strategies to facilitate the implementation of early activities. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: The participants in this study were multiprofessional and multidisciplinary medical staff who performed early activities for ICU patients.

Interleukin-19 in Bone Marrow Contributes to Bone Loss Via Suppressing Osteogenic Differentiation Potential of BMSCs in Old Mice.

BACKGROUND: Cellular senescence is an important process related to the pathogenic mechanism of different disorders, especially bone loss. During senescence, bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) lose their self-renewal and functional differentiation abilities. Therefore, finding signals opposing the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs within bone marrow microenvironment is the important for elucidating these above-mentioned mechanisms. Inflammatory cytokines affect bone physiology and remodeling. However, the function of interleukin-19 (IL-19) in skeletal system remains unclear. METHODS: The mouse model of IL-19 knockout was established through embryonic stem cell injection for analyzing how IL-19 affected bone formation. Micro-CT examinations were performed to evaluate bone microstructures. We performed a three-point bending test to measure bone stiffness and the ultimate force. Antibody arrays were performed to detect interleukin family members in bone marrow aspirates. BMSCs were cultured and induced for osteogenic differentiation. RESULTS: According to our findings, there was increased IL-19 accumulation within bone marrow in old mice relative to that in their young counterparts, resulting in bone loss via the inhibition of BMSCs osteogenic differentiation. Among Wnt/ß-catenin pathway members, IL-19 strongly upregulated sFRP1 via STAT3 phosphorylation. The inhibition of STAT3 and sFRP1 abolished IL-19's inhibition against the BMSCs osteogenic differentiation. CONCLUSION: To sum up, IL-19 inhibited BMSCs osteogenic differentiation in old mice. Our findings shed novel lights on pathogenic mechanism underlying age-related bone loss and laid a foundation for further research on identifying novel targets to treat senile osteoporosis.

DNA Demethylation of Promoter Region Facilitates Atoh-1-Induced Interleukin-19 Expression Activation in Bone Marrow Monocytes of Old Mice.

With increasing age, there is a notable increase in the differentiation of bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells (BMMs) into osteoclasts, accompanied by a concurrent rise in both osteoclast quantity and activity. This escalation in osteoclastic activity accelerates bone resorption, which in turn contributes to age-related bone loss and metabolic bone disorders, notably osteoporosis. Our study confirms that elevated IL-19 expression promotes aging-induced bone loss in aged mice and sheds light on the regulatory mechanisms upstream of IL-19 expression and secretion. Primarily, it is the methylation status of the IL-19 gene's promoter region that impacts Atonal BHLH Transcription Factor 1 (Atoh1)'s ability to bind to the promoter. We found that this specific mechanism involves reduced expression and binding affinity of Dnmt1 to the IL-19 promoter region. The findings of our study suggest that targeting IL-19 could be a potential strategy for managing bone loss-related conditions and enhance the current understanding of how DNA methylation levels contribute to age-related bone loss.

Facilitators and barriers to the implementation of dietary nutrition interventions for community-dwelling older adults with physical frailty and sarcopenia: A qualitative meta-synthesis.

Objectives: With the acceleration of an aging society, the prevalence of age-related chronic diseases such as physical frailty and sarcopenia is gradually increasing with numerous adverse effects. Dietary nutrition is an important modifiable risk factor for the management of physical frailty and sarcopenia, but there are many complex influences on its implementation in community settings. This study aimed to summarize the facilitators and barriers to the implementation of dietary nutrition interventions for community-dwelling older adults with physical frailty and sarcopenia, and to provide a reference for the formulation of relevant health management programs. Methods: Searches were conducted in databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Medline (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), and Cochrane Library from inception to January 2023. Searches were completed for a combination of MeSH terms and free terms. The Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) instrument was used to appraise quality. Coding and analysis of the extracted information were performed using the socio-ecological modeling framework. The study protocol for this review was registered on the PROSPERO ( CRD42022381339). Results: A total of 10 studies were included. Of these, four were nutrition-only focused interventions, and six were dietary nutrition and exercise interventions. The facilitators and barriers were summarized based on the socio-ecological model that emerged at three levels: individual trait level, external environment level, and intervention-related level, containing ten subthemes. Conclusion: Individual internal motivation and external support should be integrated with the implementation of diet- and nutrition-related interventions in community-living aged people with physical frailty and sarcopenia. Develop "tailored" interventions for participants and maximize available human and physical resources.

Contribution of rumination and psychological resilience to post-traumatic growth of front-line healthcare workers in mobile cabin hospitals under Normalized epidemic Prevention and Control Requirements.

To understand the level of post-traumatic growth (PTG) and influencing factors among front-line healthcare workers (HCWs) working in mobile cabin hospitals treating patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) under the Normalized Epidemic Prevention and Control Requirements adopted in China. A random sampling method was used to select 540 HCWs of the Chongqing-aid-Shanghai medical team from April to May 2022 as the study participants. Participants completed a general information questionnaire, the Post-traumatic Growth Inventory-Chinese version (PTGI-C), the Chinese version of the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) and the Chinese Event Related Rumination Inventory (C-ERRI). Among the 540 included HCWs, 83.15 % were nurses and 78.89 % were women. The average scores for PTG (62.25 ± 16.73) and psychological resilience (64.22 ± 15.38) were at moderate levels, and the average score for rumination was low (21.62 ± 10.77). Pearson correlation analysis showed that CD-RISC and C-ERRI scores were positive with the PTGI-C score (r = 0.528, 0.316, P < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis identified psychological training or intervention during the COVID-19 epidemic (ß = 2.353, P = 0.044), psychological resilience (ß = 0.525, P < 0.001) and deliberate rumination (ß = 0.732, P < 0.001) as factors significantly associated with the PTG of front-line HCWs, which together explained 36.8 % of the total variance in PTG (F[5,539] = 63.866, P < 0.001). In general, psychological resilience and deliberate rumination can promote PTG among HCWs and can be improved by strengthening psychological training and interventions for HCWs working under the Normalized Epidemic Prevention and Control Requirements.

Driving the implementation of hospital examination reservation system through hospital management.

BACKGROUND: Hospital Examination Reservation System (HERS) was designed for reducing appointment examination waiting time and enhancing patients' medical satisfaction in China, but implementing HERS would encounter many difficulties. This study would investigate the factors that influence patients' utilization of HERS through UTAUT2, and provide valuable insights for hospital managements to drive the effective implementation of HERS. It is helpful for improving patients' medical satisfaction. METHODS: We conducted a survey through the Sojump platform, targeting patients were who have already used HERS. We collected questionnaire information related to factors behavior intention, performance expectancy, and effort expectancy. Subsequently, we employed a structural equation model to analyze the factors influencing patients' utilization of HERS. RESULTS: A total of 394 valid questionnaires were collected. Habit was the main direct positive factor influencing the behavioral intention of HERS (ß = 0.593; 95%CI: 0.072, 1.944; P = 0.002), followed by patient innovation (ß = 0.269; 95%CI: 0.002, 0.443; P < 0.001), effort expectancy (ß = 0.239; 95%CI: -0.022, 0.478; P = 0.048). Patient innovation and facilitating conditions also have an indirect effect on behavioral intention. Perceived privacy exposure has a significantly negative effect on behavioral intention (ß=-0.138; 95%CI: -0.225, -0.047; P < 0.001). The above variables explained 56.7% of the variation in behavioral intention. CONCLUSIONS: When HERS is implemented in hospitals, managements should arrange volunteers to guide patients to bring up the habit and solve the using difficulties, and managements could invite patients with high innovation to recommend HERS to others, what's more, it is a valid way to retain the old form of appointment to pass the transition period to the new system. HERS utilization and patients' medical satisfaction will be enhanced through the guidance of hospital management means.

Telomere-to-telomere genome of the allotetraploid legume Sesbania cannabina reveals transposon-driven subgenome divergence and mechanisms of alkaline stress tolerance.

Alkaline soils pose an increasing problem for agriculture worldwide, but using stress-tolerant plants as green manure can improve marginal land. Here, we show that the legume Sesbania cannabina is very tolerant to alkaline conditions and, when used as a green manure, substantially improves alkaline soil. To understand genome evolution and the mechanisms of stress tolerance in this allotetraploid legume, we generated the first telomere-to-telomere genome assembly of S. cannabina spanning ∼2,087 Mb. The assembly included all centromeric regions, which contain centromeric satellite repeats, and complete chromosome ends with telomeric characteristics. Further genome analysis distinguished A and B subgenomes, which diverged approximately 7.9 million years ago. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that the chromosome homoeologs underwent large-scale inversion events (>10 Mb) and a significant, transposon-driven size expansion of the chromosome 5A homoeolog. We further identified four specific alkali-induced phosphate transporter genes in S. cannabina; these may function in alkali tolerance by relieving the deficiency in available phosphorus in alkaline soil. Our work highlights the significance of S. cannabina as a green tool to improve marginal lands and sheds light on subgenome evolution and adaptation to alkaline soils.

Measuring care-related regret intensity: Reliability and validation of a 10-item scale among Chinese nursing interns.

AIM: The 10-item care-related regret intensity scale (RIS-10) assesses the experience and intensity of care-related regrets. The aim of this study was to validate a Chinese version of the RIS and examine its reliability and validity when applied to Chinese nursing interns. BACKGROUND: Nursing students, the future healthcare workforce, often face clinical errors and adverse events due to limited knowledge and experience. Assessing care-related regret during their internships is crucial for their development. METHODS: Through a process involving translation, back-translation and cross-cultural adaptation, a Chinese version of the RIS-10 was developed. A convenience sampling method was employed to survey 529 nursing interns to validate the reliability and validity of the scale. RESULTS: The Chinese version of the scale, consisting of 10 items, demonstrated a single dimension, explaining 66.77% of the total variance according to exploratory factor analysis. Content validity for the 10 items ranged from 0.800 to 1.000, with a scale-level content validity of 0.980. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated a well-fitting model (CFI = 0.968, GFI = 0.921, NFI = 0.952, IFI = 0.969, TLI = 0.957, RMSEA = 0.088). Convergent validity was supported by an Average Variance Extracted of 0.636 and a Composite Reliability of 0.946. The scale also exhibited strong reliability with a Cronbach's α coefficient of 0.945, a split-half reliability coefficient of 0.903 and a test-retest reliability of 0.901. CONCLUSIONS: This comprehensive translation and validation process confirms the suitability of the Chinese version of the RIS-10 for use among Chinese nursing interns.

Level and influencing factors of transition shock among new nurses in China: A multicenter cross-sectional study.

Background and Aims: New nurses are an important part of nursing teams. The failure of new nurses to successfully transition seriously affects personal career development and nursing work quality, and important influencing factors deserve the attention of nursing managers. At present, multicenter, large-sample investigations of transition shock among new nurses are lacking in China. This study aims to investigate the current level and influencing factors of transition shock among new nurses in China. Methods: We conducted a multicenter, cross-sectional study with 3414 new nurses from 16 provinces in 7 regions in China from October 22, 2021, to November 8, 2021. We used the snowball sampling method and an online questionnaire produced by the researchers to collect data; the questionnaire included questions on demographic information, a transition shock scale for new nurses and open-ended questions. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24. Results: The effective response rate of this study was 97.89%, with 3342 effective participants from 189 hospitals in China, most of whom were female (94.88%). The study showed that the transition shock of new nurses in China was at a moderate level, with pre-job anxiety, unsatisfactory welfare treatment, resignation intention, adverse events, poor sleep quality, 1 or fewer exercise sessions per week, inability to balance work and life, and gluttony negatively affecting the transition shock of new nurses in China. Psychological shock was the strongest among the four dimensions of transition shock. Conclusions: The transition shock of new nurses, especially their psychological shock, deserves more attention from international society. Nursing managers should continue to take supportive measures to intervene in the factors influencing transition shock, with the aim of reducing the level of transition for new nurses, promoting their personal thriving, improving the quality of nursing work and increasing the retention rate of nurses.

Rare Trichilemmal Cyst Localized in the Pulp of the Middle Finger.

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Effectiveness of the Stress Process Model-Based Program in Dementia Caregiving (DeCare-SPM) for Family Caregivers: A Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

This paper aims to describe a randomized controlled trial protocol evaluating the effectiveness, cost, and process of a stress process model-based program in dementia caregiving (DeCare-SPM) for family caregivers. Family caregivers of individuals with dementia will be recruited from memory clinics and community settings and randomly assigned to either DeCare-SPM or usual care. DeCare-SPM comprises three face-to-face sessions (ie, problem-based coping, emotion-based coping, meaning-based coping), and a fourth session (ie, social support) including weekly telephone-based consultation for four weeks and then monthly face-to-face boosters. Outcomes will be measured at baseline (T0), and at one (T1), three (T2), and six months (T3). The primary outcome is positive aspects of caregiving and secondary outcomes are caregiving (ie, sense of competence, caregiver burden, social support, anxiety, depression, and quality of life), dementia-related (ie, care dependency, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and quality of life), and stress-related biomarkers of blood and saliva. In addition, process and economic evaluations will be performed. Mixed-effects models will be used to assess intervention effects. Content analysis will be performed on the qualitative data. This paper described the protocol for comprehensive evaluation of the effectiveness, cost, and process of the theory-driven DeCare-SPM to inform how and why interventions work. It highlights the need to reduce challenges and enhance the positive aspects of dementia care. The DeCare-SPM will provide evidence-based insights into how to support and empower family caregivers in their important roles, thereby, leading to improved dementia care.

N-Halamine-Based Polypropylene Melt-Blown Nonwoven Fabric with Superhydrophilicity and Antibacterial Properties for Face Masks.

Polypropylene melt-blown nonwoven fabric (PP MNF) masks can effectively block pathogens in the environment from entering the human body. However, the adhesion of surviving pathogens to masks poses a risk of human infection. Thus, embedding safe and efficient antibacterial materials is the key to solving pathogen infection. In this study, stable chlorinated poly(methacrylamide-N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide) polypropylene melt-blown nonwoven fabrics (PP-P(MAA-MBAA)-Cl MNFs) have been fabricated by a simple UV cross-link and chlorination process, and the active chlorine content can reach 3500 ppm. The PP-P(MAA-MBAA)-Cl MNFs show excellent hydrophilic and antibacterial properties. The PP-P(MAA-MBAA)-Cl MNFs could kill all bacteria (both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) with only 5 min of contact. Therefore, incorporating PP-P(MAA-MBAA)-Cl MNF as a hydrophilic antimicrobial layer into a four-layer PP-based mask holds great potential for enhancing protection and comfort.

Interleukin-19 promotes bone resorption by suppressing osteoprotegerin expression in BMSCs in a lipopolysaccharide-induced bone loss mouse model.

Aims: Osteoporosis is characterized by decreased trabecular bone volume, and microarchitectural deterioration in the medullary cavity. Interleukin-19 (IL-19), a member of the IL-10 family, is an anti-inflammatory cytokine produced primarily by macrophages. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of IL-19 on osteoporosis. Methods: Blood and femoral bone marrow suspension IL-19 levels were first measured in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced bone loss model. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was applied to knock down IL-19 for further validation. Thereafter, osteoclast production was stimulated with IL-19 in combination with mouse macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL). The effect of IL-19 was subsequently evaluated using tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The effect of IL-19 on osteoprotegerin (OPG) was then assessed using in vitro recombinant IL-19 treatment of primary osteoblasts and MLO-Y4 osteoblast cell line. Finally, transient transfection experiments and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) experiments were used to examine the exact mechanism of action. Results: In the LPS-induced bone loss mouse model, the levels of IL-19 in peripheral blood serum and femoral bone marrow suspension were significantly increased. The in vivo results indicated that global IL-19 deletion had no significant effect on RANKL content in the serum and bone marrow, but could increase the content of OPG in serum and femoral bone marrow, suggesting that IL-19 inhibits OPG expression in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and thus increases bone resorption. Conclusion: IL-19 promotes bone resorption by suppressing OPG expression in BMSCs in a LPS-induced bone loss mouse model, which highlights the potential benefits and side effects of IL-19 for future clinical applications.

A Comprehensive Genomic Analysis of Chinese Indigenous Ningxiang Pigs: Genomic Breed Compositions, Runs of Homozygosity, and Beyond.

Ningxiang pigs are a renowned indigenous pig breed in China, known for their meat quality, disease resistance, and environmental adaptability. In recent decades, consumer demand for meats from indigenous breeds has grown significantly, fueling the selection and crossbreeding of Ningxiang pigs (NXP). The latter has raised concerns about the conservation and sustainable use of Ningxiang pigs as an important genetic resource. To address these concerns, we conducted a comprehensive genomic study using 2242 geographically identified Ningxiang pigs. The estimated genomic breed composition (GBC) suggested 2077 pigs as purebred Ningxiang pigs based on a ≥94% NXP-GBC cut-off. The remaining 165 pigs were claimed to be crosses, including those between Duroc and Ningxiang pigs and between Ningxiang and Shaziling pigs, and non-Ningxiang pigs. Runs of homozygosity (ROH) were identified in the 2077 purebred Ningxiang pigs. The number and length of ROH varied between individuals, with an average of 32.14 ROH per animal and an average total length of 202.4 Mb per animal. Short ROH (1-5 Mb) was the most abundant, representing 66.5% of all ROH and 32.6% of total ROH coverage. The genomic inbreeding estimate was low (0.089) in purebred Ningxiang pigs compared to imported western pig breeds. Nine ROH islands were identified, pinpointing candidate genes and QTLs associated with economic traits of interest, such as reproduction, carcass and growth traits, lipid metabolism, and fat deposition. Further investigation of these ROH islands and candidate genes is anticipated to better understand the genomics of Ningxiang pigs.

Pharmacokinetic study and preliminary evaluation of safety and efficacy of the recombinant human monoclonal antibodies against rabies virus (rhRIG) in Chinese healthy population: A randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled phase Ia clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Passive immune agents play an important role in the prevention of rabies following exposure. This trial investigated the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of recombinant human monoclonal antibodies against rabies virus (rhRIG). METHOD: This clinical trial was conducted on healthy Chinese adults. The subjects were enrolled into three dosage groups. The safety of the drug was assessed, and the blood concentration of the monoclonal antibody (NM57) and the neutralizing antibody levels were measured. RESULTS: The rhRIG presented favorable safety and tolerability.The subjects in the low(10 IU/kg), medium(20 IU/kg), and high(40 IU/kg) dosage groups reported the Cmax of 87.15 ± 18.86, 210.92 ± 77.5, and 394.11 ± 134.98 ng/ml, respectively, and the AUC0-t of 2115.8 ± 791.3, 6064 ± 1890, and 10735.6 ± 4090 ng/mL*d, and the T1/2 z of 15.82 ± 3.03, 15.96 ± 2.37, and 14.34 ± 3.84 d. The Tmax of neutralizing antibody levels in the serum was about 10d (5-14d). The detectable rate of neutralizing antibody levels in the medium dosage group was close to that in the high dosage group and higher than that in the low dosage group. CONCLUSIONS: The 10-40IU/kg rhRIG was well tolerated by the participants. The results of the pharmacokinetic analysis were consistent with the characteristics of linear elimination. The neutralizing antibody levels was positively correlated with the dosage of rhRIG.

Analysis of influencing factors of job demands of healthcare workers working in mobile cabin hospitals in China.

AIM: To explore the job demands of healthcare workers (HCWs) working in mobile cabin hospitals in Shanghai and identify the influencing factors. DESIGN: The study had a cross-sectional design. METHODS: Using the convenience sampling method, we selected 1223 HCWs (medical team members) working in these mobile cabin hospitals during April-May 2022. The findings of the general information questionnaire and the hierarchy scale of job demands of HCWs working in mobile cabin hospitals were used for the investigation. RESULTS: The total score of job demands of the included HCWs was 132.26 ± 9.53; the average score of the items was 4.73 ± 0.34. Multivariate linear regression analyses showed that the following HCWs had significantly higher job demands: female HCWs and HCWs who received psychological training or intervention during the COVID-19 pandemic, were satisfied with the doctor/nurse-patient relationship, received support from family members/friends/colleagues, believed that the risk of working in mobile cabin hospitals was high, had adapted to the working environment of mobile cabin hospitals and had college/undergraduate level of education. They would benefit from increased social support and better training in terms of psychological coping mechanisms(both theoretical knowledge and applicable skills) and COVID-19 prevention,control and treatment abilities.

Efficient CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing in sheepgrass (Leymus chinensis).

The lack of genome editing platforms has hampered efforts to study and improve forage crops that can be grown on lands not suited to other crops. Here, we established efficient Agrobacterium-mediated clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated nuclease 9 (Cas9) genome editing in a perennial, stress-tolerant forage grass, sheepgrass (Leymus chinensis). By screening for active single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs), accessions that regenerate well, suitable Agrobacterium strains, and optimal culture media, and co-expressing the morphogenic factor TaWOX5, we achieved 11% transformation and 5.83% editing efficiency in sheepgrass. Knocking out Teosinte Branched1 (TB1) significantly increased tiller number and biomass. This study opens avenues for studying gene function and breeding in sheepgrass.

Clinical outcomes of indwelling needle-delivered urokinase thrombolysis in the treatment of thrombosed arteriovenous grafts.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the clinical outcomes of indwelling needle-delivered local urokinase thrombolysis, a cost-saving thrombolytic approach, in the treatment of thrombosed arteriovenous grafts (AVGs). METHODS: The clinical data of 71 patients with a first episode of thrombosed AVG were analyzed. Among them, 49 patients underwent urokinase thrombolysis and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), and 22 patients underwent thrombectomy and PTA. The operation success rate, operation time, perioperative and postoperative complications, primary patency, and secondary patency were compared. RESULTS: Clinical success was achieved in all 71 PTAs. After thrombolysis, 29 patients achieved complete lysis, and 20 patients achieved partial lysis. All patients achieved thrombus clearance after PTA. The operating room usage time was 37.48 ± 5.33 min for the complete thrombolysis group and 41.70 ± 6.16 min for the incomplete thrombolysis group, and these values were not significantly different (p = 0.853). The operating room usage time of the thrombectomy group was 124.73 ± 5.08 min, which was significantly longer than that of the other groups (p < 0.001). The log-rank test indicated no significant difference in the 90-, 180-, and 360-day primary patency and corresponding secondary patency (all p > 0.05). The Cox regression showed that no significant difference was noted in the changing rate of primary or secondary patency among the groups (all p > 0.05). No major complications occurred in any of the groups, and the difference in the complication incidence was not significant (p = 0.336). CONCLUSIONS: Indwelling needle-delivered urokinase thrombolysis is an acceptable method for the treatment of thrombosed AVGs. Compared with thrombectomy and PTA, thrombolysis and PTA can significantly shorten the time to use the operating room without reducing primary and secondary patency or increasing complications.