Population-level exploration of alternative splicing and its unique role in controlling agronomic traits of rice.

Alternative splicing (AS) plays crucial roles in regulating various biological processes in plants. However, the genetic mechanisms underlying AS and its role in controlling important agronomic traits in rice (Oryza sativa) remain poorly understood. In this study, we explored AS in rice leaves and panicles using the rice minicore collection. Our analysis revealed a high level of transcript isoform diversity, with approximately one fifth of potential isoforms acting as major transcripts in both tissues. Regarding the genetic mechanism of AS, we found that the splicing of 833 genes in the leaf and 1,230 genes in the panicle was affected by cis-genetic variation. Twenty-one percent of these AS events could only be explained by large structural variations. Approximately 77.5% of genes with significant splicing quantitative trait loci (sGenes) exhibited tissue-specific regulation, and AS can cause 26.9% (leaf) and 23.6% (panicle) of sGenes to have altered, lost or gained functional domains. Additionally, through splicing-phenotype association analysis, we identified phosphate-starvation induced RING-type E3 ligase (OsPIE1; LOC_Os01g72480), whose splicing ratio was significantly associated with plant height. In summary, this study provides an understanding of AS in rice and its contribution to the regulation of important agronomic traits.

Isolation of SARS-CoV-2-related coronavirus from Malayan pangolins.

The current outbreak of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) poses unprecedented challenges to global health1. The new coronavirus responsible for this outbreak-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-shares high sequence identity to SARS-CoV and a bat coronavirus, RaTG132. Although bats may be the reservoir host for a variety of coronaviruses3,4, it remains unknown whether SARS-CoV-2 has additional host species. Here we show that a coronavirus, which we name pangolin-CoV, isolated from a Malayan pangolin has 100%, 98.6%, 97.8% and 90.7% amino acid identity with SARS-CoV-2 in the E, M, N and S proteins, respectively. In particular, the receptor-binding domain of the S protein of pangolin-CoV is almost identical to that of SARS-CoV-2, with one difference in a noncritical amino acid. Our comparative genomic analysis suggests that SARS-CoV-2 may have originated in the recombination of a virus similar to pangolin-CoV with one similar to RaTG13. Pangolin-CoV was detected in 17 out of the 25 Malayan pangolins that we analysed. Infected pangolins showed clinical signs and histological changes, and circulating antibodies against pangolin-CoV reacted with the S protein of SARS-CoV-2. The isolation of a coronavirus from pangolins that is closely related to SARS-CoV-2 suggests that these animals have the potential to act as an intermediate host of SARS-CoV-2. This newly identified coronavirus from pangolins-the most-trafficked mammal in the illegal wildlife trade-could represent a future threat to public health if wildlife trade is not effectively controlled.

Pathogenicity, tissue tropism and potential vertical transmission of SARSr-CoV-2 in Malayan pangolins.

Malayan pangolin SARS-CoV-2-related coronavirus (SARSr-CoV-2) is closely related to SARS-CoV-2. However, little is known about its pathogenicity in pangolins. Using CT scans we show that SARSr-CoV-2 positive Malayan pangolins are characterized by bilateral ground-glass opacities in lungs in a similar manner to COVID-19 patients. Histological examination and blood gas tests are indicative of dyspnea. SARSr-CoV-2 infected multiple organs in pangolins, with the lungs the major target, and histological expression data revealed that ACE2 and TMPRSS2 were co-expressed with viral RNA. Transcriptome analysis indicated that virus-positive pangolins were likely to have inadequate interferon responses, with relative greater cytokine and chemokine activity in the lung and spleen. Notably, both viral RNA and viral proteins were detected in three pangolin fetuses, providing initial evidence for vertical virus transmission. In sum, our study outlines the biological framework of SARSr-CoV-2 in pangolins, revealing striking similarities to COVID-19 in humans.

mRNA cleavage by 21-nucleotide phasiRNAs determines temperature-sensitive male sterility in rice.

Temperature-sensitive male sterility is one of the core components for hybrid rice (Oryza sativa) breeding based on the 2-line system. We previously found that knockout of ARGONAUTE 1d (AGO1d) causes temperature-sensitive male sterility in rice by influencing phased small interfering RNA (phasiRNA) biogenesis and function. However, the specific phasiRNAs and their targets underlying the temperature-sensitive male sterility in the ago1d mutant remain unknown. Here, we demonstrate that the ago1d mutant displays normal female fertility but complete male sterility at low temperature. Through a multiomics analysis of small RNA (sRNA), degradome, and transcriptome, we found that 21-nt phasiRNAs account for the greatest proportion of the 21-nt sRNA species in rice anthers and are sensitive to low temperature and markedly downregulated in the ago1d mutant. Moreover, we found that 21-nt phasiRNAs are essential for the mRNA cleavage of a set of fertility- and cold tolerance-associated genes, such as Earlier Degraded Tapetum 1 (EDT1), Tapetum Degeneration Retardation (TDR), OsPCF5, and OsTCP21, directly or indirectly determined by AGO1d-mediated gene silencing. The loss of function of 21-nt phasiRNAs can result in upregulation of their targets and causes varying degrees of defects in male fertility and grain setting. Our results highlight the essential functions of 21-nt phasiRNAs in temperature-sensitive male sterility in rice and suggest their promising application in 2-line hybrid rice breeding in the future.

A rice variation map derived from 10 548 rice accessions reveals the importance of rare variants.

Detailed knowledge of the genetic variations in diverse crop populations forms the basis for genetic crop improvement and gene functional studies. In the present study, we analyzed a large rice population with a total of 10 548 accessions to construct a rice super-population variation map (RSPVM), consisting of 54 378 986 single nucleotide polymorphisms, 11 119 947 insertion/deletion mutations and 184 736 presence/absence variations. Assessment of variation detection efficiency for different population sizes revealed a sharp increase of all types of variation as the population size increased and a gradual saturation of that after the population size reached 10 000. Variant frequency analysis indicated that ∼90% of the obtained variants were rare, and would therefore likely be difficult to detect in a relatively small population. Among the rare variants, only 2.7% were predicted to be deleterious. Population structure, genetic diversity and gene functional polymorphism of this large population were evaluated based on different subsets of RSPVM, demonstrating the great potential of RSPVM for use in downstream applications. Our study provides both a rich genetic basis for understanding natural rice variations and a powerful tool for exploiting great potential of rare variants in future rice research, including population genetics and functional genomics.

A novel HMGA2::KITLG fusion in a dedifferentiated liposarcoma with amplification of MDM2 and HMGA2.

High-mobility group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2) is rearranged in various types of mesenchymal tumors, particularly lipomas. HMGA2 is also co-amplified with mouse double minute 2 (MDM2) in well-differentiated liposarcoma/dedifferentiated liposarcoma (WDLPS/DDLPS). We report a case of relapsed DDLPS with a novel in-frame fusion between HMGA2 and KITLG, which encodes the ligand for KIT kinase, a critical protein involved in gametogenesis, hematopoiesis, and melanogenesis. The HMGA2 breakpoint is in intron 3, a commonly observed location for HMGA2 rearrangements, while the KITLG breakpoint is in intron 2, leading to a fusion protein that contains almost the entire coding sequence of KITLG. By immunohistochemical staining, tumor cells expressed KIT and showed phosphorylated MAPK, a major KIT downstream target. We suggest an oncogenic mechanism that involves the overexpression of KITLG caused by its rearrangement with HMGA2, leading to the constitutive activation of KIT kinase. While MDM2 amplification was observed in both the primary tumor and the relapsed tumor, the HMGA2::KITLG was only present in the relapsed tumor, indicating the role of HMGA2::KITLG in disease progression.

Hydrogen Bonding-Induced Aggregation of Chiral Functionalized AuNS@Ag NPs for Photothermal Enantioanalysis.

Toward the challenges of signaling transduction amplified in enantioselective recognition, we herein devised an innovative strategy for highly selective recognition of amino acids and their derivatives, leveraging photothermal effects. In this approach, bifunctional l-ascorbic acid is employed to reduce silver ions in situ on Au nanostars. Simultaneously, its oxidate (l-dehydroascorbic acid) is bonded to the silver shell as a chiral selector to prepare chiral nanoparticles (C-AuNS@Ag NPs) with the ability to recognize stereoisomers and sensitively modulate the photothermal effect. l-Dehydroascorbic acid can selectively capture one of the enantiomers of the two forms through hydrogen bonding and drive aggregation of the nanoparticles, which sharply enhances the photothermal effect. Consequently, the two forms of the system exhibit a significant temperature difference, which enables the discrimination and quantification of enantiomers. Our strategy verifies that six chiral amino acids and their derivatives can be discriminated with enantioselective response values of up to 79. Additionally, the chiral recognition mechanism was revealed through density functional theory (DFT) calculations, providing a paradigm shift in the development of enantiomeric recognition strategies.

Acclimation of intertidal macroalgae Ulva prolifera to UVB radiation: the important role of alternative oxidase.

BACKGROUND: Solar radiation is primarily composed of ultraviolet radiation (UVR, 200 - 400 nm) and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR, 400 - 700 nm). Ultraviolet-B (UVB) radiation accounts for only a small proportion of sunlight, and it is the primary cause of plant photodamage. The use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as refrigerants caused serious ozone depletion in the 1980s, and this had led to an increase in UVB. Although CFC emissions have significantly decreased in recent years, UVB radiation still remains at a high intensity. UVB radiation increase is an important factor that influences plant physiological processes. Ulva prolifera, a type of macroalga found in the intertidal zone, is intermittently exposed to UVB. Alternative oxidase (AOX) plays an important role in plants under stresses. This research examines the changes in AOX activity and the relationships among AOX, photosynthesis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis in U. prolifera under changes in UVB and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). RESULTS: UVB was the main component of solar radiation impacting the typical intertidal green macroalgae U. prolifera. AOX was found to be important during the process of photosynthesis optimization of U. prolifera due to a synergistic effect with non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) under UVB radiation. AOX and glycolate oxidase (GO) worked together to achieve NADPH homeostasis to achieve photosynthesis optimization under changes in PAR + UVB. The synergism of AOX with superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) was important during the process of ROS homeostasis under PAR + UVB. CONCLUSIONS: AOX plays an important role in the process of photosynthesis optimization and ROS homeostasis in U. prolifera under UVB radiation. This study provides further insights into the response of intertidal macroalgae to solar light changes.

Risk analysis of the association between different hemoglobin glycation index and poor prognosis in critical patients with coronary heart disease-A study based on the MIMIC-IV database.

BACKGROUND: The hemoglobin glycation index (HGI) is the difference between the observed and predicted values of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), which is closely associated with a variety of poor prognoses. However, there are still no studies on the correlation between HGI and poor prognosis in patients with critical coronary artery disease. The purpose of this study was to analyze the correlation between HGI and all-cause mortality in patients with critical coronary artery disease using the MIMIC-IV database. METHODS: The HGI was calculated by constructing a linear regression equation between HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose (FPG). A Kaplan‒Meier survival analysis model was constructed based on the HGI quartiles to clarify the differences in all-cause mortality rates between groups, and the log-rank test was used to assess the differences between groups. The hazard ratio (HR) of HGI as a risk factor for outcome events was assessed using the Cox proportional risk model and restricted cubic spline (RCS), with the Q2 group serving as the reference group. RESULTS: A total of 5260 patients were included in this study. The 30-day mortality rate of the patients was 4.94% and the mortality rate within 365 days was 13.12%. A low HGI was significantly associated with 30-day mortality (HR, 1.96; 95% CI, (1.38, 2.78); P < 0.001) and 365-day mortality (HR, 1.48; 95% CI, (1.19, 1.85); P < 0.001) in patients with critical coronary artery disease in the completely adjusted Cox proportional risk model. In addition, high levels of HGI were associated with 365-day mortality (HR, 1.31; 95% CI, (1.02, 1.69); P < 0.05). RCS analysis revealed a U-shaped relationship between HGI and outcome events. According to the stratified analysis, the interaction test revealed that the correlation between HGI and outcome events remained stable. CONCLUSION: There was a significant correlation between HGI and all-cause mortality in patients with critical coronary artery disease, particularly in those with low HGI. HGI can be used as a potential indicator for assessing the short- and long-term risk of mortality in such patients.

IR808@MnO nano-near infrared fluorescent dye's diagnostic value for malignant pleural effusion.

BACKGROUND: Malignant pleural effusion is mostly a complication of advanced malignant tumors. However, the cancer markers such as carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA 125), carbohydrate antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9), and cytokeratin fragment 21-1 (CYFRA 21-1) have low sensitivity and organ specificity for detecting malignant pleural effusion. RESEARCH QUESTION: Is IR808@MnO nano-near infrared fluorescent dye worthy for the diagnosis in differentiating benign and malignant pleural effusions. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This experiment was carried out to design and characterize the materials for in vitro validation of the new dye in malignant tumor cells in the A549 cell line and in patients with adenocarcinoma pleural effusion. The dye was verified to possess tumor- specific targeting capabilities. Subsequently, a prospective hospital-based observational study was conducted, enrolling 106 patients and excluding 28 patients with unknown diagnoses. All patients underwent histopathological analysis of thoracoscopic biopsies, exfoliative cytological analysis of pleural fluid, and analysis involving the new dye. Statistical analyses were performed using Microsoft Excel, GraphPad Prism, and the R language. RESULTS: The size of IR808@MnO was 136.8 ± 2.9 nm, with peak emission at 808 nm, and it has near-infrared fluorescence properties. Notably, there was a significant difference in fluorescence values between benign and malignant cell lines (p < 0.0001). The malignant cell lines tested comprised CL1-5, A549, MDA-MB-468, U-87MG, MKN-7, and Hela, while benign cell lines were BEAS-2B, HUVEC, HSF, and VE. The most effective duration of action was identified as 30 min at a concentration of 5 µl. This optimal duration of action and concentration were consistent in patients with lung adenocarcinoma accompanied by pleural effusion and 5 µl. Of the 106 patients examined, 28 remained undiagnosed, 39 were diagnosed with malignant pleural effusions, and the remaining 39 with benign pleural effusions. Employing the new IR808@MnO staining method, the sensitivity stood at 74.4%, specificity at 79.5%, a positive predictive value of 69.2%, and a negative predictive value of 82.1%. The area under the ROC curve was recorded as 0.762 (95% CI: 0.652-0.872). The confusion matrix revealed a positive predictive value of 75.7%, a negative predictive value of 75.6%, a false positive rate of 22.5%, and a false negative rate of 26.3%. INTERPRETATION: The IR808@MnO fluorescent probe represents an efficient, sensitive, and user-friendly diagnostic tool for detecting malignant pleural fluid, underscoring its significant potential for clinical adoption.

Identifying Target Molecule and Trace Amount of the Byproduct by Two-Dimensional Self-Assembly with Different Solution Concentrations.

Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) is a powerful way to realize the recognition of self-assembled nanostructures on the atomic scale. In this article, dihexadecyl 6,9-bis((4-(hexadecyloxy)phenyl)ethynyl) phenanthro[9,10-c]thiophene-1,3-dicarboxylate (D-PT) and dihexadecyl 6-bromo-9-((4-(hexadecyloxy) phenyl)ethynyl)phenanthrol[9,10-c]thiophene-1,3-dicarboxylate (S-BrPT) with different substituents were chosen as the target system. D-PT with four side chains as the target molecule and S-BrPT with three side chains and a bromine substituent as the byproduct were mixed in a molar concentration ratio of 20:1. The effect of solution concentration on the molecular self-assembly of the mixture was investigated by STM at the hexadecane/HOPG interface. At high concentrations, only D-PT molecules formed a dimer pattern resulting from the intermolecular van der Waals force and self-adaption. Further diluting the solution, D-PT formed the coexisting dimer and linear structures, in which the linear pattern was formed via solvent coadsorption. At low concentrations, S-BrPT molecules forming N-shaped dimers appeared and filled the linear structure fabricated by D-PT molecules. With further decrease in the concentration, S-BrPT molecules formed N-shaped dimers covering almost half of the surface area, resulting from the C-Br···π and Br···H-C bonds. At very low concentrations, S-BrPT molecules formed N-shaped dimers to arrange the matrix architecture due to the coadsorption of more hexadecane molecules. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrated that the stronger intermolecular C-Br···π and Br···H-C bonds were significant factors in determining the formation of N-shaped dimers and the stability of this nanostructure. This work enriches the diversity of self-assembled motifs and provides a strategy to characterize different symmetric molecules with trace amounts in a mixed system by STM.

Biomimetic NO Scavenging Hyaluronic Acid Nanoparticles Enable Targeted Delivery of MTX and Integrated Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complicated chronic disorder of the immune system, featured with severe inflammatory joints, synovium hyperplasia, articular cartilage, and bone damage. In the RA microenvironment, RA-involved cells, overproduced nitric oxide (NO), and pro-inflammatory cytokines are highly interplayed and mutually reinforced, which form a vicious circle and play crucial roles in the formation and progression of RA. To comprehensively break the vicious circle and obtain the maximum benefits, we have developed neutrophil membrane-camouflaged NO scavenging nanoparticles based on an NO-responsive hyaluronic acid derivative for delivery of MTX. These multifunctional nanoparticles (NNO-NPs/MTX), by inheriting the membrane functions of the source cells, possess prolonged circulation and specific localization at the inflamed sites when administrated in the body. Remarkably, NNO-NPs/MTX can neutralize the pro-inflammatory cytokines via the outer membrane receptors, scavenge NO, and be responsively disassociated to release MTX for RA-involved cell regulation and HA for lubrication in the RA sites. In a collagen-induced arthritis mouse model, NNO-NPs/MTX exhibits a significant anti-inflammation effect and effectively alleviates the characteristic RA symptoms such as synovial hyperplasia and cartilage destruction, realizing the synergistic and boosted therapeutic outcome against intractable RA. Thus, NNO-NPs/MTX provides a promising and potent platform to integrately treat RA.

An Axially Chiral Quinoline-2-Carboxylic Acid-Cu Catalyst for Enantioselective Synthesis of C2- and C1-Symmetric BINOLs.

The in situ dimeric coordination of two chiral ligands bearing quinoline-2-carboxylic acid units and substituted BINOL backbones with a copper ion generates a new chiral catalyst for oxidative homo- and cross-coupling of various 2-naphthols, enabling enantioselective synthesis of a broad range of highly useful diversely substituted C2- and C1-symmetric BINOLs in up to 96% yield with good to excellent enantioselectivities (up to 98:2 e.r.).

Garnet Structure-Activated Warm White Light Phosphors Ca3Al2Ge3O12: Dy3+, Eu3+ with Ultrahigh Thermal Stability and Tunable Luminescence.

A series of Ca3Al2Ge3O12: xDy3+, yEu3+ phosphors were successfully prepared by the high-temperature solid-phase method. The phase and morphology of the phosphors were studied by means of Rietveld refinement and scanning electron microscopy. The results show that the phase is pure, and the crystal structure is the Ia3̅d space group. In the Ca3Al2Ge3O12: xDy3+ phosphors, using 380 nm excitation, phosphors showed blue (4F9/2 → 6H15/2) and yellow (4F9/2 → 6H13/2) emission peaks at 481 and 581 nm, respectively. In Ca3Al2Ge3O12: xDy3+, yEu3+ phosphors, the energy transfer was inferred by the spectrum overlap of Dy3+ and Eu3+, and the lifetime attenuation was analyzed from the perspective of dynamics; finally, the band gap structure of the phosphors was analyzed by combining diffuse reflection spectra with the first principle, and the energy transfer mechanism and luminescence mechanism were elaborated by combining theory and practice. The transition from blue white light to red light can be achieved by tuning the range of y in Ca3Al2Ge3O12: 0.015Dy3+, yEu3+. Wherein, when y = 0.07, phosphors, the chromaticity coordinate of warm white CIE is (0.3932, 0.3203), the color temperature is 3093 K, and the warm white light is synthesized. The thermal stability of the synthesized warm white phosphors is 90.1% (423 K), the thermal sensing factors are Samax = 5.51 × 10-4 K-1 (303 K) and Srmax = 0.0359% K-1 (303 K), and the actual quantum efficiency is IQE = 52.48%. These results prove that Ca3Al2Ge3O12: Dy3+, Eu3+ have good application prospects as single-component warm w-LED devices.

Sequential Reductive Dechlorination of Triclosan by Sediment Microbiota Harboring Organohalide-Respiring Dehalococcoidia.

Aquatic ecosystems represent a prominent reservoir of xenobiotic compounds, including triclosan (TCS), a broad-spectrum biocide extensively used in pharmaceuticals and personal care products. As a biogeochemical hotspot, the potential of aquatic sediments for the degradation of TCS remains largely unexplored. Here, we demonstrated anaerobic biotransformation of TCS in a batch microcosm established with freshwater sediment. The initial 43.4 ± 2.2 µM TCS was completely dechlorinated to diclosan, followed by subsequent conversion to 5-chloro-2-phenoxyphenol, a monochlorinated TCS (MCS) congener. Analyses of community profile and population dynamics revealed substrate-specific, temporal-growth of Dehalococcoides and Dehalogenimonas, which are organohalide-respiring bacteria (OHRB) affiliated with class Dehalococcoidia. Dehalococcoides growth was linked to the formation of diclosan but not MCS, yielding 3.6 ± 0.4 × 107 cells per µmol chloride released. A significant increase in Dehalogenimonas cells, from 1.5 ± 0.4 × 104 to 1.5 ± 0.3 × 106 mL-1, only occurred during the reductive dechlorination of diclosan to MCS. Dehalococcoidia OHRB gradually disappeared following consecutive transfers, likely due to the removal of sediment materials with strong adsorption capacity that could alleviate TCS's antimicrobial toxicity. Consequently, a solid-free, functionally stable TCS-dechlorinating consortium was not obtained. Our results provide insights into the microbial determinants controlling the environmental fate of TCS.

Analysis of Variable Frequency Stimulation Sacral Neuromodulation for Different Genders: A Chinese Multicentric Prospective Clinical Study.

AIM: Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is widely recognized as the essential treatment modality for patients suffering from various lower urinary tract disorders, particularly overactive bladder (OAB). This prospective study recruited patients who underwent variable frequency SNM treatment at six Chinese medical centers, aiming to evaluate the gender-specific effects of this intervention and provide precise guidance on its application for clinical management. METHODS: This prospective study was managed by Beijing Hospital, and six Chinese medical centers participated in this prospective research. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were established to screen patients based on the indication for SNM. During the research, all patients were required to record 72-h voiding diaries, urgency scores, and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores to reflect their disease symptoms. Additionally, subjective questionnaire surveys such as OAB symptom score (OABSS) and quality-of-life (Qol) score were recorded to reflect the patients' quality of life and treatment satisfaction. RESULTS: In this study, 52 patients (male patients: 25; female patients: 27) with OAB symptoms agreed to undergo variable frequency stimulation SNM therapy and finally convert to Stage II. Regarding the baseline outcomes, no significant differences were observed between the male and female groups. In terms of postoperative indicators, male patients showed a greater improvement in Qol scores compared to their female counterparts (20.06 ± 13.12 vs. 40.83 ± 26.06, p = 0.005). The results from VAS scores indicated that pain remission was more pronounced in male patients than in female patients (0.31 ± 0.87 vs. 1.67 ± 2.16, p = 0.02). Importantly, there was a statistically significant disparity in urinary urgency between males and females (male patients: 1.19 ± 1.56; female patients: 2.17 ± 1.52, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, we found that variable frequency SNM treatment yielded sex-specific differences in therapeutic effects, with male patients having a better outcome in some metrics. This suggests that a patient's sex may influence when variable frequency SNM is used, and in the patient's follow-up. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: ChiCTR2000036677.

A novel single-phase color tunable LiYGeO4:Dy3+, Eu3+ phosphor exhibiting warm white light and excellent thermal stability.

LiYGeO4 phosphors doped with Dy3+ and Eu3+ ions were synthesized using the solid phase method, and their color characteristics were adjustable. The bandgap value of LiYGeO4 calculated by diffuse reflection data is very close to the theoretical value of 3.669 eV, indicating that LiYGeO4 is an ideal candidate for doped rare earth activated ions. The analysis of the emission spectra and fluorescence attenuation curves of Dy3+ and Eu3+ co-doped LiYGeO4 phosphors revealed a clear energy transfer process: energy transfer from Dy3+ to Eu3+. Analysis of emission spectra and fluorescence attenuation curves revealed a transfer of energy from Dy3+ to Eu3+. This transfer mechanism is attributed to the dipole-dipole interactions. In addition, by constantly adjusting the doping levels of Dy3+ and Eu3+, a warm white phosphor with a color temperature of 3881 K was obtained. Finally, the emission intensity of the LiYGeO4:0.015Dy3+,0.02Eu3+ phosphor at 423 K was 86%, indicating that the phosphor has excellent thermal stability and 40% internal quantum efficiency, which proves the potential application of the LiYGeO4 phosphor in white light-emitting diodes (w-LEDs).

Efficacy and safety of VEGFR inhibitors for recurrent ovarian cancer: a systematic review.

Aim: Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibitors (VEGFRIs) have been common used for recurrent ovarian cancer (ROC), but insufficient high-level evidence on verifying its efficacy and safety. Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were searched under eight electronic databases. Stata 14.0 and Review Manager 5.3 were used for data analysis. Certainty of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE profiler. This systematic review (SR) was registered under INPLASY (INPLASY202120019). Conclusion: Totally 23 RCTs involving 2810 patients were included in this SR. Current evidence revealed that VEGFRIs had better efficacy, survival and quality of life in the treatment of ROC. Though VEGFRIs increase some drug-related adverse events (AEs), all the AEs could be manageable in the clinical practice.

The expression of VEGF/VEGF receptors (VEGFRs) in ovarian cancer (OC) tissue was found to be higher than in benign or normal ovarian tissue. Therefore angiogenesis inhibitors play an essential role in OC treatment. Many anti-angiogenic agents have been developed in recent years. The role of small-molecule inhibitors of VEGFRs for recurrent OC (ROC) has demonstrated significant antitumor efficacy. These drugs include Nintedanib, Axitinib, Pazopanib, Sorafenib, Vandetanib, Sunitinib, Cediranib, Ramucirumab and Apatinib, and more are in the way. However, insufficient high-level evidence from systematic reviews (SRs) focused on VEGFRIs for ROC. Therefore, we performed an SR to investigate the efficacy and safety of VEGFRIs for patients with ROC. This SR was registered under INPLASY (INPLASY202120019). Totally 23 RCTs involving 2810 patients were included in this SR. The results indicate that VEGFRIs have better efficacy and survival in the treatment of ROC. Though VEGFRIs increase some drug-related adverse events, all the adverse events could be manageable in clinical practice.

Hypertension status and its risk factors in highlanders living in Ganzi Tibetan Plateau: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The updated status of hypertension and its risk factors are poorly evaluated in Tibetan highland areas. We initiated a large-scale cross-sectional survey to provide updated status of hypertension and its risk factors (especially salt intake) in the Ganzi Tibetan Plateau, China. METHODS: Stratified multistage random sampling was performed to obtain a representative sample of 4,036 adult residents from 4 counties in the Ganzi Tibetan area. The whole survey population was used to present the epidemiology and risk factors of hypertension. The participants with blood and urine biochemistry data were used to analyze the relationship between salt intake parameters and hypertension. RESULTS: Stratified multistage random sampling was performed to obtain a representative sample of 4,036 adult residents. The overall prevalence rate of hypertension was 33.5% (the age-adjusted prevalence rate was 28.9%). A total of 50.9% of the hypertensive patients knew their conditions; 30.1% of them received antihypertensive treatment; and 11.2% of them had their blood pressure controlled. Age, male sex, living altitude ≥ 3500 m, overweight and abdominal obesity were positively correlated with hypertension. In addition, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for hypertension was 1.33 (95% CI: 1.01-1.74) for drinking tea with salt, and 1.51 (95% CI: 1.32-1.72) for per SD increase in the estimation of 24-hour urinary sodium excretion (e24hUSE). Furthermore, per 100mmol/day increase in e24hUSE was associated with elevation of blood pressure (+ 10.16, 95% CI: 8.45-11.87 mmHg for SBP; +3.83, 95% CI: 2.74-4.93 mmHg for DBP) in this population. CONCLUSIONS: Our survey suggests a heavy disease burden of hypertension in the Ganzi Tibetan Plateau. Age, male sex, altitude of residence ≥ 3500 m, overweight, abdominal obesity, and excessive salt intake (shown as drinking tea with adding salt and a higher level of e24hUSE) all increased the risk of hypertension in this highland area.

Research progress on degradation of biodegradable micro-nano plastics and its toxic effect mechanism on soil ecosystem.

Biodegradable plastics (BPs) are known to decompose into micro-nano plastics (BMNPs) more readily than conventional plastics (CPs). Given the environmental risks posed by BMNPs in soil ecosystems, their impact has garnered increasing attention. However, research focusing on the toxic effects of BMNPs on soils remains relatively limited. The degradation process and duration of BMNPs in soil are influenced by numerous factors, which directly impact the toxic effects of BMNPs. This highlights the urgent need for further research. In this context, this review delineates the classification of BPs, investigates the degradation processes of BPs along with their influencing factors, summarizes the toxic effects on soil ecosystems, and explores the potential mechanisms that underlie these toxic effects. Finally, it provides an outlook on related research concerning BMNPs in soil. The results indicate that specific BMNPs release additives at a faster rate during decomposition, degradation, and aging, with certain compounds exhibiting increased bioavailability. Importantly, a substantial body of research has shown that BMNPs generally manifest more pronounced toxic effects in comparison to conventional micro-nano plastics (CMNPs). The toxic effects associated with BMNPs encompass a decline in soil quality and microbial biomass, disruption of nutrient cycling, inhibition of plant root growth, and negative impacts on invertebrate reproduction, survival, and fertilization rates. The rough and complex surfaces of BMNPs contribute to increased mechanical damage to tested organisms, enhance absorption by microorganisms, and disrupt normal physiological functions. Notably, the toxic effects of BMNPs on soil ecosystems are influenced by factors including concentration, type of BMNPs, exposure conditions, degradation products, and the nature of additives used. Therefore, it is crucial to standardize detection technologies and toxicity testing conditions for BMNPs. In conclusion, this review provides scientific evidence that supports effective prevention and management of BMNP pollution, assessment of its ecological risks, and governance of BMNPs-related products.