The transcription factor DksA prevents conflicts between DNA replication and transcription machinery.

Actively dividing cells perform robust and accurate DNA replication during fluctuating nutrient availability, yet factors that prevent disruption of replication remain largely unknown. Here we report that DksA, a nutrient-responsive transcription factor, ensures replication completion in Escherichia coli by removing transcription roadblocks. In the absence of DksA, replication is rapidly arrested upon amino acid starvation. This arrest requires active transcription and is alleviated by RNA polymerase mutants that compensate for DksA activity. This replication arrest occurs independently of exogenous DNA damage, yet it induces the DNA-damage response and recruits the main recombination protein RecA. This function of DksA is independent of its transcription initiation activity but requires its less-studied transcription elongation activity. Finally, GreA/B elongation factors also prevent replication arrest during nutrient stress. We conclude that transcription elongation factors alleviate fundamental conflicts between replication and transcription, thereby protecting replication fork progression and DNA integrity.

Revealing the Effect of the [CoO]6 Microstructure in Pseudocapacitance by Controlled Delithium of LiCoO2.

Revealing the in-depth structure-property relationship and designing specific capacity electrodes are particularly important for supercapacitors. Despite many efforts made to tune the composition and electronic structure of cobalt oxide for pseudocapacitance, insight into the [CoO]6 octahedron from the microstructure is still insufficient. Herein, we present a tunable [CoO]6 octahedron microstructure in LiCoO2 by a chemical delithiation process. The c-strained strain of the [CoO]6 octahedron is induced to form higher valence Co ions, and the (003) crystalline layer spacing increases to allow more rapid participation of OH- in the redox reaction. Interestingly, the specific capacity of L0.75CO2 is nearly four times higher than that of LiCoO2 at 10 mA g-1. The enhanced activity originated from the asymmetric strain [CoO]6 octahedra, resulting in enhanced electronic conductivity and Co-O hybridization for accelerated redox kinetics. This finding provides new insights into the modification strategy for pseudocapacitive transition metal oxides.

Auxiliary-cavity-enhanced quantum estimation of optorotational-coupling strength.

A scheme is proposed to achieve significantly enhanced quantum estimation of optorotational-coupling (ORC) strength by coupling a driven auxiliary cavity to a Laguerre-Gaussian (L-G) rotational cavity, where the ORC originates from the exchange of orbital angular momentum between a L-G light and rotational mirror. The results indicate that, by appropriately designing the auxiliary-cavity mechanism, the estimation error of the ORC parameter is significantly reduced, and revealing the estimation precision has a much stronger thermal noise and dissipation robustness in comparison with the unassisted case. Our study paves the way toward achieving high-precision quantum sensors.

Pectin demethylation-mediated cell wall Na+ retention positively regulates salt stress tolerance in oilseed rape.

KEY MESSAGE: Integrated phenomics, ionomics, genomics, transcriptomics, and functional analyses present novel insights into the role of pectin demethylation-mediated cell wall Na+ retention in positively regulating salt tolerance in oilseed rape. Genetic variations in salt stress tolerance identified in rapeseed genotypes highlight the complicated regulatory mechanisms. Westar is ubiquitously used as a transgenic receptor cultivar, while ZS11 is widely grown as a high-production and good-quality cultivar. In this study, Westar was found to outperform ZS11 under salt stress. Through cell component isolation, non-invasive micro-test, X-ray energy spectrum analysis, and ionomic profile characterization, pectin demethylation-mediated cell wall Na+ retention was proposed to be a major regulator responsible for differential salt tolerance between Westar and ZS11. Integrated analyses of genome-wide DNA variations, differential expression profiling, and gene co-expression networks identified BnaC9.PME47, encoding a pectin methylesterase, as a positive regulator conferring salt tolerance in rapeseed. BnaC9.PME47, located in two reported QTL regions for salt tolerance, was strongly induced by salt stress and localized on the cell wall. Natural variation of the promoter regions conferred higher expression of BnaC9.PME47 in Westar than in several salt-sensitive rapeseed genotypes. Loss of function of AtPME47 resulted in the hypersensitivity of Arabidopsis plants to salt stress. The integrated multiomics analyses revealed novel insights into pectin demethylation-mediated cell wall Na+ retention in regulating differential salt tolerance in allotetraploid rapeseed genotypes. Furthermore, these analyses have provided key information regarding the rapid dissection of quantitative trait genes responsible for nutrient stress tolerance in plant species with complex genomes.

Outcomes Following Different Management of Mycotic Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to present our experience on managing mycotic infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (MIAAA) through a retrospective cohort study. METHODS: Data of patients with MIAAA managed in our center from July 2016 to October 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The diagnosis of MIAAA was made based on: (1) preoperative clinical signs of infection; (2) elevated serologic infection parameters; (3) para-aneurysmal infection features on enhanced computed tomography; and (4) positive blood or tissue cultures. All the patients received standard antibiotic therapy. Surgical management including endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), initial EVAR followed by open re-operation, and initial open surgical repair (OSR) were conducted according to disease seriosity, physical condition, and patient's will. Infection index and clinical outcome were evaluated during the follow-up time. RESULTS: A total of 23 patients (21 men; averaged=66.3 years, range=49-79 years) were included, with a mean follow-up time of 19.9 months (range=1-75 months). Bacteria culture from blood or tissue specimen was positive in 15 patients (Salmonella, n=8; Escherichia coli, n=3; methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus [MSSA], n=1; Klebsiella pneumoniae, n=1; Staphylococcus epidermidis, n=1; Mycobacterium tuberculosis, n=1). Seven patients received OSR as the initial surgical intervention, whereas 14 patients chose EVAR instead. The 2 conservatively managed patients (refused surgery) died within 30 days. The 7 patients who received initial OSR survived till now. Among the 14 patients who underwent initial EVAR, infection deteriorated without exception (14/14, 100%). Three of these patients refused re-operation and died within 6 months. Eleven patients received secondary surgical intervention (10 cases of aneurysm and endograft resection, thorough debridement, subclavian to bi-femoral artery bypass, or in situ aorta reconstruction; 1 case of laparoscopic debridement) and 7 survived the follow-up time. The overall mortality rate was 39.1% (9/23). The mortality rates differed greatly following different intervention methods (merely antibiotic management, 100%; initial open operation, 0%; initial EVAR without secondary operation, 100%; initial EVAR plus secondary operation, 36.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Open surgical repair is still the first choice for hemodynamically stable and low-risk patients. Merely EVAR is related with disastrous results, which should be reserved as a temporary alternative for patients with ruptured aneurysms, hemodynamic instability or high surgical risk, and followed by timely secondary OSR. CLINICAL IMPACT: The management of mycotic or primary-infected aortic aneurysm is challenging; treatment remains controversial. Our center has reviewed our experience over the past 6 years and found that open surgical repair is still the first choice for hemodynamically stable and low-risk patients. Merely endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is related with disastrous results, which should be reserved as a temporary alternative for patients with ruptured aneurysms, hemodynamic instability or high surgical risk, and followed by timely secondary open surgical repair.

A MnO2 nanosheet-mediated CRISPR/Cas12a system for the detection of organophosphorus pesticides in environmental water.

Nowadays, easy, convenient, and sensitive sensing strategies are still critical for organophosphorus pesticides in environmental water samples. Herein, a novel organophosphorus pesticide (OP) assay based on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and a MnO2 nanosheet-mediated CRISPR/Cas12a reaction is reported. The single-strand DNA (ssDNA) activator of CRISPR/Cas12a was simply adsorbed on the MnO2 nanosheets as the nanoswitches of the assay. In the absence of target OPs, AChE hydrolyzed acetylcholine (ATCh) to thiocholine (TCh), which reduced the MnO2 nanosheets to Mn2+, resulting in the release of the activator followed by activation of the CRISPR/Cas12a system. The activated Cas12a thereafter nonspecifically cleaved the FAM/BHQ1-labeled ssDNA (FQ-reporter), producing a fluorescence signal. Upon the addition of target OPs, the hydrolysis of ATCh by AChE was inhibited owing to OPs combining with AChE, and thus effective quantification of OPs could be achieved by measuring the fluorescence changes of the system. As a proof of concept, dichlorvos (DDVP) was chosen as a model OP analyte to address the feasibility of the proposed method. Attributed to the excellent trans-cleavage activity of Cas12a, the fluorescent biosensor exhibits a satisfactory limit of detection (LOD) for DDVP at 0.135 ng mL-1. In addition, the excellent recoveries for the detection of DDVP in environmental water samples demonstrate the applicability of the proposed assay in real sample research.

C1QBP is a critical component in the immune response of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) against visceral white spot disease caused by Pseudomonas plecoglossicida.

The large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) stands as a cornerstone of mariculture in China due to its significant value. However, the threat of Pseudomonas plecoglossicida infection looms large, capable of triggering "visceral white spot disease" and subsequently inflicting severe economic ramifications. Through a prior genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) aimed at understanding the resistance of the large yellow croaker to this ailment, a pivotal player emerged: the complement component 1q binding protein, aptly named LcC1qbp. This protein assumes a crucial role in the activation of the complement system. This study delves deeper into the immune response by examining the expression patterns of LcC1QBP when confronted with P. plecoglossicida. The investigation into gene expression patterns reveals LcC1qbp's widespread presence, with its highest transcriptional abundance identified in the kidney tissues. Upon infection by P. plecoglossicida, the up-regulation of LcC1qbp in major immune organs manifests at both the transcriptional and translational levels. In the context of RNA interference, transcriptome analysis of C1qbp in HEK 293T cells uncovers 1327 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), featuring 41 significant immune genes. This includes pivotal components such as C1S and C3 of the complement system, along with IL11, IL12RB2, and Myd88, among others. The outcomes of enrichment analysis spotlight the prevalence of DEGs within key pathways like immune system development, myeloid leukocyte-mediated immunity, MAPK signaling, and other immune-related routes. By unveiling the immune response mechanisms of the large yellow croaker to P. plecoglossicida infection, this study bolsters our understanding. Furthermore, it lays the groundwork for pursuing effective strategies in both preventing and treating "visceral white spot disease" in the large yellow croaker.

Impacts of climate warming and atmospheric deposition on recent shifts in chironomid communities in two alpine lakes, eastern China.

Climate warming and atmospheric deposition are altering alpine lake ecosystems at unprecedented rates, whereas their direct and indirect effects on primary consumer communities are unclear. This study presents sedimentary multi-proxy records including chironomids, diatoms, elements and stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen in 210Pb-dated cores from two alpine lakes located above the timberline in the Taibai Mountain, eastern China. Before ∼2000 CE, chironomid communities were co-dominated by Heterotrissocladius marcidus-type and Micropsectra atrofasciata-type in the two lakes. Thereafter, Tanytarsus glabrescens-type increased rapidly to be a dominant species. Redundancy analyses (RDAs) revealed that chironomid fauna shifts were significantly correlated with rising diatom concentrations in both lakes, declining Ti content in the upstream lake and δ13C depletion in the downstream lake. Although temperature, precipitation and δ15N were not significant explanatory variables in RDAs, climate warming and atmospheric deposition likely promoted terrestrial and aquatic primary production, indicated by synchronous increases in organic matter contents and diatom concentrations in the two sediment cores. Since diatoms contain essential polyunsaturated fatty acids that are essential for chironomids, rising diatom concentrations can promote food quantity and quality. In addition, increased primary production would create organic substrates for chironomid larvae. Recent shifts in chironomid fauna driven by indirect effects of global warming and atmospheric deposition might be a widespread phenomenon in alpine lakes, probably triggering regime shifts in headwater lake ecosystems.

The Effectiveness and Safety of Intrapartum or Postpartum Catheterization in the Prevention of Postpartum Urinary Retention: A Scoping Review.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Catheterization is a common treatment for postpartum urinary retention (PUR); however, its application before diagnosis of PUR remains unclear. The aim was to give an overview of the existing literature on the effectiveness and safety of intrapartum or postpartum catheterization in the prevention of PUR. METHODS: This scoping review followed a methodological framework. PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang, the China Science and Technology Journal Database, and the China Biomedical Literature Database were searched from the inception of each database to 21 May 2023. RESULTS: The search revealed 16 studies examining three different catheterization methodologies, including 12 intrapartum studies. Ten studies concluded that intrapartum or postpartum catheterization prevented PUR, two of which were only for overt or covert PUR. In 4 out of 13 experimental studies, no significant difference was found: one for intrapartum catheterization versus routine nursing, the other for intrapartum or postpartum intermittent versus indwelling catheterization. However, one found that postpartum disposable catheterization after ineffective targeted care reduced the incidence of PUR compared with indwelling catheterization. One out of the 3 case-control studies concluded that prenatal catheterization ≥2 times was a risk factor for PUR. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings in this scoping review, catheterization prior to the diagnosis of PUR appears to play a role in preventing PUR and is safe. Preliminary evidence is accumulating on the effectiveness of three types of catheterization methods in preventing PUR, but more comprehensive studies are needed to establish these findings.

Super-enhancer-controlled positive feedback loop BRD4/ERα-RET-ERα promotes ERα-positive breast cancer.

Estrogen and estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)-induced gene transcription is tightly associated with ERα-positive breast carcinogenesis. ERα-occupied enhancers, particularly super-enhancers, have been suggested to play a vital role in regulating such transcriptional events. However, the landscape of ERα-occupied super-enhancers (ERSEs) as well as key ERα-induced target genes associated with ERSEs remain to be fully characterized. Here, we defined the landscape of ERSEs in ERα-positive breast cancer cell lines, and demonstrated that bromodomain protein BRD4 is a master regulator of the transcriptional activation of ERSEs and cognate ERα target genes. RET, a member of the tyrosine protein kinase family of proteins, was identified to be a key ERα target gene of BRD4-regulated ERSEs, which, in turn, is vital for ERα-induced gene transcriptional activation and malignant phenotypes through activating the RAS/RAF/MEK2/ERK/p90RSK/ERα phosphorylation cascade. Combination therapy with BRD4 and RET inhibitors exhibited additive effects on suppressing ERα-positive breast cancer both in vitro and in vivo, comparable with that of standard endocrine therapy tamoxifen. Furthermore, combination therapy re-sensitized a tamoxifen-resistant ERα-positive breast cancer cell line to tamoxifen treatment. Taken together, our data uncovered the critical role of a super-enhancer-associated positive feedback loop constituting BRD4/ERα-RET-ERα in ERα-positive breast cancer, and suggested that targeting components in this loop would provide a new therapeutic avenue for treating ERα-positive breast cancer in the clinic.

Clinical outcomes following direct anterior approach during total hip arthroplasty without hip extension: a retrospective comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Traditional total hip arthroplasty (THA) using the direct anterior approach (DAA) requires a hip extension. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing THA with DAA using either the no hip extension (NHE) or the traditional hip extension (THE) strategy. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of demographics, clinical and radiological outcomes, and occurrence of complications was performed using data from 123 patients treated between January 2020 and November 2021. The patients were categorised into two groups: NHE (84 patients) and THE (39 patients). RESULTS: The NHE group exhibited shorter operative time and had more male participants with higher ages. Comparable outcomes were observed in the visual analogue scale, Harris Hip, and Oxford Hip scores at the final follow-up. Furthermore, complications were observed in the NHE and THE groups, including two and one greater trochanteric fractures and three and one transfusions, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the THE, employing the NHE strategy during THA with DAA in elderly and young female patients resulted in comparable clinical outcomes with several advantages, such as favourable surgical time. The NHE method also exhibited good safety and effectiveness. Therefore, the NHE strategy may be a favourable option for elderly and young female patients.

[Prenatal diagnosis of a fetus with Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical characteristics and variant of CREBBP gene in a fetus with Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome (RSTS). METHODS: A fetus with RSTS diagnosed at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University in August 2022 was selected as the study subject. Clinical data, amniotic fluid sample of the fetus and peripheral blood samples of its parents were collected for whole exome sequencing (WES). Candidate variant was verified by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: Foot malformation, cerebellar vermis agenesis, brain agenesis, polysyndactyly of the big toes and other phenotypes were found by prenatal ultrasound. WES revealed that the fetus has harbored a heterozygous c.4684G>T (p.E1562*) variant in exon 28 of the CREBBP gene (NM_004380.3), which was de novo in origin. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the variant was predicted to be pathogenic (PVS1+PS2_Moderate+PM2_Supporting). After genetic counseling, the couple had opted to terminate the pregnancy and refused autopsy of the fetus. CONCLUSION: The c.4684G>T (p.E1562*) variant of the CREBBP gene probably underlay the RSTS in this fetus. The newly discovered variant has enriched the mutational spectrum of the CREBBP gene and illustrated that WES is an efficient tool for the prenatal diagnosis of RSTS.

Modular Access to meta-Substituted Benzenes via Mo-Catalyzed Intermolecular Deoxygenative Benzene Formation.

The substituted benzene derivatives are essential to organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and material science. However, the 1,3-di- and 1,3,5-trisubstituted benzenes are far less prevalent in small-molecule drugs than other substitution patterns, likely due to the lack of robust, efficient, and convenient synthetic methods. Here, we report a Mo-catalyzed intermolecular deoxygenative benzene-forming reaction of readily available ynones and allylic amines. A wide range of unsymmetric and unfunctionalized 1,3-di- and 1,3,5-trisubstituted benzenes were obtained in up to 88% yield by using a commercially available molybdenum catalyst. The synthetic potential of the method was further illustrated by synthetic transformations, a scale-up synthesis, and derivatization of bioactive molecules. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggested that this benzene-forming process might proceed through a Mo-catalyzed aza-Michael addition/[1,5]-hydride shift/cyclization/aromatization cascade. This strategy not only provided a facile, robust, and modular approach to various meta-substituted benzene derivatives but also demonstrated the potential of molybdenum catalysis in the challenging intermolecular deoxygenative cross-coupling reactions.

Catalytic Asymmetric Deoxygenative Cyclopropanation Reactions by a Chiral Salen-Mo Catalyst.

The catalytic asymmetric cyclopropanation reaction of alkenes with diazo compounds is a direct and powerful method to construct chiral cyclopropanes that are essential to drug discovery. However, diazo compounds are potentially explosive and often require hazardous reagents for their preparation. Here, we report on the use of 1,2-dicarbonyl compounds as safe and readily available surrogates for diazo compounds in the direct catalytic asymmetric deoxygenative cyclopropanation reaction. Enabled by a class of simple and readily accessible chiral salen-Mo catalysts, the reaction proceeded with generally good enantioselectivities and yields toward a wide range of substrates (80 examples). Preliminary mechanistic studies suggested that the proposed µ-oxo bridged dinuclear Mo(III)-species was the catalytically active species. This strategy not only provides a promising route for the synthesis of chiral cyclopropanes but also opens a new window for the potential applications of chiral salen-Mo complexes in asymmetric catalysis.

The efficacy and safety of apatinib plus capecitabine in platinum-refractory metastatic and/or recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a prospective, phase II trial.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that monotherapy with apatinib, an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has promising efficacy for treating recurrent or metastatic (RM) nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients. In this study, we aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of apatinib combined with capecitabine as a second-line therapy or beyond for treating RM-NPC patients who failed the first-line platinum-based chemotherapy. METHODS: In this single-arm, phase II study, we enrolled RM-NPC patients who had at least one measurable lesion according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST v1.1). The sample size was determined using Simon's two-stage design. All patients were administered with apatinib 500 mg once daily and capecitabine 1000 mg/m2 twice per day on days 1-14 of each 21-day cycle. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR), and the secondary endpoints comprised disease control rate (DCR), duration of response (DoR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety. RESULTS: We enrolled 64 patients from September 2018 to August 2020. The ORR and DCR were 39.1% (95% CI, 27.1-52.1) and 85.9% (95% CI, 75.0-93.4), respectively. The median DoR was 14.4 months (95% CI, 7.8-21.0). As of April 20, 2021, the median follow-up duration was 12.0 months. The median PFS was 7.5 months (95% CI, 5.0-10.0) and the median OS was 15.7 months (95% CI, 11.3-20.1). The most common toxicities of any grade were anemia (75.0%), hand-foot syndrome (65.6%), and proteinuria (64.0%). Grade 3-4 toxicities were observed in 36 (56.3%) patients, with hypertension (14.1%), mucositis (12.4%), and fatigue (10.9%) most commonly observed. CONCLUSIONS: Apatinib plus capecitabine shows promising efficacy as a second-line treatment option in pretreated platinum-refractory RM-NPC patients. Dose selection of this combination needs further investigation considering the toxicity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chi-CTR1800017229.

Key mutations in the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 affecting neutralization resistance and viral internalization.

To control the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a variety of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines have been developed. However, the rapid mutations of SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein may reduce the protective efficacy of the existing vaccines which is mainly determined by the level of neutralizing antibodies targeting S. In this study, we screened prevalent S mutations and constructed 124 pseudotyped lentiviral particles carrying these mutants. We challenged these pseudoviruses with sera vaccinated by Sinovac CoronaVac and ZF2001 vaccines, two popular vaccines designed for the initial strain of SARS-CoV-2, and then systematically assessed the susceptivity of these SARS-CoV-2 variants to the immune sera of vaccines. As a result, 14 S mutants (H146Y, V320I + S477N, V382L, K444R, L455F + S477N, L452M + F486L, F486L, Y508H, P521R, A626S, S477N + S698L, A701V, S477N + T778I, E1144Q) were found to be significantly resistant to neutralization, indicating reduced protective efficacy of the vaccines against these SARS-CoV-2 variants. In addition, F486L and Y508H significantly enhanced the utilization of human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, suggesting a potentially elevated infectivity of these two mutants. In conclusion, our results show that some prevalent S mutations of SARS-CoV-2 reduced the protective efficacy of current vaccines and enhance the infectivity of the virus, indicating the necessity of vaccine renewal and providing direction for the development of new vaccines.

Low iron ameliorates the salinity-induced growth cessation of seminal roots in wheat seedlings.

Wheat plants are ubiquitously simultaneously exposed to salinity and limited iron availability caused by soil saline-alkalisation. Through this study, we found that both low Fe and NaCl severely inhibited the growth of seminal roots in wheat seedlings; however, sufficient Fe caused greater growth cessation of seminal roots than low Fe under salt stress. Low Fe improved the root meristematic division activity, not altering the mature cell sizes compared with sufficient Fe under salt stress. Foliar Fe spray and split-root experiments showed that low Fe-alleviating the salinity-induced growth cessation of seminal roots was dependent on local low Fe signals in the roots. Ionomics combined with TEM/X-ray few differences in the root Na+ uptake and vacuolar Na+ sequestration between two Fe levels under salt stress. Phytohormone profiling and metabolomics revealed salinity-induced overaccumulation of ACC/ethylene and tryptophan/auxin in the roots under sufficient Fe than under low Fe. Differential gene expression, pharmacological inhibitor addition and the root growth performance of transgenic wheat plants revealed that the rootward auxin efflux and was responsible for the low Fe-mediated amelioration of the salinity-induced growth cessation of seminal roots. Our findings will provide novel insights into the modulation of crop root growth under salt stress.

Diet-Related Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer: Data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2018.

Diverse dietary constituents, encompassing both macro- and micronutrient intakes, have established connections with various cancers, though their specific roles in cervical cancer remain unclear. This study explores dietary intake correlations among women aged 30 yrs and above diagnosed with cervical cancer (n = 215), contrasted with women without (n = 860). These populations were selected from the 1999-2018 cycle of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The research implemented the univariate analysis and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression to estimate the association of 29 variables with cervical cancer, subsequently identifying the most pertinent variables linked to cervical cancer. Six covariates emerged as significantly associated with cervical cancer in univariate analyses (age, race, fiber, magnesium, caffeine, vitamin C) (p < 0.05). In LASSO regression, with the escalating penalty factor (λ), it was discerned that specific covariates, including age, race, fiber, and Vitamin C, consistently remained in the model. Univariate analysis and logistic LASSO regression findings suggested that diets deficient in fiber and vitamin C were related to cervical cancer.

Serum glycolipids mediate the relationship of urinary bisphenols with NAFLD: analysis of a population-based, cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Bisphenol A (BPA) and its substitutes bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF) are endocrine-disrupting chemicals widely used in consumer products, which have been proposed to induce various human diseases. In western countries, one of the most common liver diseases is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, studies on the associations of the three bisphenols with NAFLD in human beings are scarce. METHODS: We included 960 participants aged ≥ 20 years from the NHANES 2013-16 who had available data on levels of urinary BPA, BPS and BPF. The hepatic steatosis index (HSI) > 36 was used to predict NAFLD. Logistic regression analysis and mediation effect analysis were used to evaluate the associations among bisphenols, glycolipid-related markers and NAFLD. RESULTS: A total of 540 individuals (56.3%) were diagnosed with NAFLD, who had higher concentrations of BPA and BPS but not BPF than those without NAFLD. An increasing trend in NAFLD risks and HSI levels was observed among BPA and BPS tertiles (p for trend < 0.05). After adjustment for confounders, elevated levels of BPA or BPS but not BPF were significantly associated with NAFLD. The odds ratio for NAFLD was 1.581 (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.1-2.274, p = 0.013) comparing the highest with the lowest tertile of BPA and 1.799 (95%CI: 1.2462.597, p = 0.002) for BPS. Mediation effect analysis indicated that serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and glucose had a mediating effect on the relationships between bisphenols and NAFLD. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that high exposure levels of BPA and BPS increased NAFLD incidence, which might be mediated through regulating glycolipids metabolism. Further studies on the role of bisphenols in NAFLD are warranted.

A meta-analysis of treatment for early-stage cervical cancer: open versus minimally invasive radical trachelectomy.

BACKGROUND: In previous systematic reviews, meta-analysis was lacking, resulting in the statistical difference between the data of different surgeries being impossible to judge. This meta-analysis aims to contrast the fertility results and cancer outcomes between open and minimally invasive surgery. METHOD: We systematically searched databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Scopus to collect studies that included open and minimally invasive radical trachelectomy. A random-effect model calculated the weighted average difference of each primary outcome via Review Manager V.5.4. RESULT: Eight studies (1369 patients) were incorporated into our study. For fertility results, the Open group excels MIS group in pregnancies-Third trimester delivery [OR = 2.68; 95% CI (1.29, 5.59); P = 0.008]. Nevertheless, there is no statistical difference in clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, and second-trimester rate. Concerning cancer outcomes, no difference was detected in the overall survival [OR = 1.56; 95% CI (0.70, 3.45); P = 0.27] and recurrence [OR = 0.63; 95% CI (0.35, 1.12); P = 0.12]. Concerning surgery-related outcomes, the comprehensive effects revealed that the estimated blood loss of the Open group was higher than that of the MIS group[MD = 139.40; 95% CI (79.05, 199.75); P < 0.0001]. However, there was no difference between the postoperative complication rate in the two groups [OR = 1.52; 95% CI (0.89, 2.60); P = 0.12]. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis suggested that the fertility result of the Open group may be better than the MIS group, while the MIS group has better surgery-related outcomes. Owing to the poor cases of our study, a more robust conclusion requires more relevant articles in the future. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42022352999.