Sleep disorders are closely associated with coronary heart disease in US adults (≥20 years): A cross-sectional study.

The purpose of this research was to assess the association between sleep disorders and coronary heart disease (CHD) using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database. This cross-sectional study included 9886 eligible participants with valid data on sleep disorders and CHD from the NHANES from 2011 to 2014. The complex NHANES sampling led to use of sample weights in analyses. Various statistical methods and covariates were utilized. Significance was set at P < .05. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to assess the diagnostic efficacy of sleep disorders in relation to CHD. Sleep disorders were significantly associated with CHD (P < .001). In the model corrected for age, sex, race, hypertension, diabetes, and uric acid as covariates, sleep disorders and CHD remained significantly associated (P < .001, odds ratio = 1.83 [95% confidence interval: 1.31-2.58]). The correlation between sleep disorders and CHD varies by age and gender. Sleep disorders have some predictive value for CHD (0.5 < area under curve ≤ 0.7). Sleep disorders were associated with and predictive of CHD risk, warranting consideration in clinical assessments.

The effect of digital government on corporate total factor productivity.

This study examines the influence of digital government initiatives on corporate total factor productivity (TFP). Employing a difference-in-differences (DID) methodology and analyzing data from publicly listed companies spanning the period 2010 to 2020, we investigate the impact of digital governance on corporate TFP. Our findings reveal a noteworthy positive effect, with an average TFP increase of 5%. Further exploration through heterogeneity analysis indicates that this impact is particularly pronounced in regions with robust network infrastructure, increased marketization, and decreased economic uncertainty, particularly among privately-owned enterprises. Moreover, we identify key mechanisms through which digital governance fosters this enhancement in TFP, including the facilitation of technological innovation, efficient allocation of high-skilled labor, and improved investment efficiency. Our research underscores the significant role of digital government initiatives in bolstering corporate TFP and contributes to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying this relationship.

"Application of CT radiomics in brain metastasis of lung cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis".

PURPOSE: This study aimed to systematically assess the quality and performance of computed tomography (CT) radiomics studies in predicting brain metastasis (BM) among patients with lung cancer. METHODS: The PubMed, Embase and Web of Science were searched for studies predicting BM in patients with lung cancer using CT-based radiomics features. Information regarding patients, imaging, and radiomics analysis was extracted from eligible studies. We assessed the quality of included studies using the Radiomics Quality Scoring (RQS) tool and the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2). A meta-analysis of studies regarding the prediction of BM in patients with lung cancer was performed. RESULTS: Thirteen studies were identified, with sample sizes ranging from 75 to 602. The mean RQS of the studies was 12 (range 9-16), and the corresponding percentage of the score was 33.55 % (range 25.00-44.44 %). Four studies (30.8 %) were considered as low risk of bias, while the remaining nine studies (69.2 %) were considered to have unclear risks. The meta-analysis included twelve studies. The pooled sensitivity, specificity and Area Under the Curve (AUC) value with 95 % confidence intervals were 0.75 [0.69, 0.80], 0.76 [0.68, 0.82], and 0.81 [0.77-0.84], respectively. CONCLUSION: CT radiomics-based models show promising results as a non-invasive method to predict BM in lung cancer patients. However, multicenter and prospective studies are warranted to enhance the stability and acceptance of radiomics.

ERA-CRISPR/Cas12a system: a rapid, highly sensitive and specific assay for Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Introduction: Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of human tuberculosis, poses a significant threat to global public health and imposes a considerable burden on the economy. However, existing laboratory diagnostic methods for M. tuberculosis are time-consuming and have limited sensitivity levels. Methods: The CRISPR/Cas system, commonly known as the "gene scissors", demonstrates remarkable specificity and efficient signal amplification capabilities. Enzymatic recombinase amplification (ERA) was utilized to rapidly amplify trace DNA fragments at a consistent temperature without relying on thermal cyclers. By integrating of CRISPR/Cas12a with ERA, we successfully developed an ERA-CRISPR/Cas12a detection system that enables rapid identification of M. tuberculosis. Results: The sensitivity of the ERA-CRISPR/Cas12a fluorescence and lateral flow systems was 9 copies/µL and 90 copies/µL, respectively. Simultaneously, the detection system exhibited no cross-reactivity with various of respiratory pathogens and non-tuberculosis mycobacteria, demonstrating a specificity of 100%. The positive concordance rate between the ERA-CRISPR/Cas12a fluorescence system and commercial qPCR was 100% in 60 clinical samples. Meanwhile, the lateral flow system showed a positive concordance rate of 93.8% when compared to commercial qPCR. Both methods demonstrated a negative concordance rate of 100%, and the test results can be obtained in 50 min at the earliest. Discussion: The ERA-CRISPR/Cas12a system offers a rapid, sensitive, and specific method that presents a novel approach to laboratory diagnosis of M. tuberculosis.

Unraveling the obesity paradox in small cell lung cancer immunotherapy: unveiling prognostic insights through body composition analysis.

Background: The advent of immunotherapy has changed the landscape of SCLC treatment, although the identification of reliable prognostic biomarkers remains a formidable challenge. Our objective was to investigate the prognostic implications of obesity and body composition in SCLC immunotherapy while seeking a straightforward anthropometric measure. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed data from patients with SCLC who underwent immunotherapy between 2019 and 2023. Body composition and waist circumference (WC) were analyzed using 3D slicer software on baseline CT images. Quantitative measures, including skeletal muscle index (SMI), total adipose tissue index (TATI), and other indicators at the L3 level, along with body shape index (BSI) and additional indicators based on WC, were obtained. The relationships between these indicators, response, PFS, OS, and their interconnections were examined. Results: A total of 145 SCLC patients who received immunotherapy were identified, of whom 133 met the inclusion criteria. In univariate analysis, a BMI≥28 kg/m2 was associated with a PFS advantage (HR 0.42, p=0.04), but this trend vanished in multivariate analysis. Body measurements exhibited stronger correlations with adipose tissue content, with BSI showing the highest correlation with muscle. In multivariate analysis, lower BSI was associated with poorer OS (HR 1.79, p=0.02). The association between muscle composition and prognosis was robust in univariate analysis but dissipated in multivariate analysis. However, accounting for a high TATI background significantly heightened the adverse effect of SMI on prognosis in the multivariate model. Conclusion: No clear association between BMI and SCLC immunotherapy prognosis was observed. However, high adiposity exacerbated the adverse effects of sarcopenia in SCLC immunotherapy, and BSI demonstrated potential as a straightforward prognostic measure.

Potential utility of ADNP in circulating tumor cells as biomarker for prognostics in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

This study aims to evaluate the prognostic utility of Activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP) expression in Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) inpatients with Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC) undergoing Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT). A prospective cohort of 74 bladder cancer patients and 22 non-cancer controls were enrolled. The expression of ADNP mRNA was detected by immunomagnetic beads-droplet digital PCR. The ADNP mRNA expression was evaluated in patients with high-risk NMIBC and those with indeterminate invasion depth post 2nd TURBT. Primary cultured bladder cancer cells and PBMCs from healthy donors were immunofluorescence stained. Our findings suggest that baseline ADNP mRNA level in CTCs shows potential as a prognostic marker for NMIBC with a sensitivity of 83.33% and a specificity of 73.58%. In comparison to baseline, ADNP mRNA expression increased post 2nd TURBT in 5 patients, where 2 experienced recurrence. Meanwhile, among the 12 patients with decreased levels, only one patient relapsed. A considerable limitation of this study entails the small sample size. The Immuno-magnetic beads-ddPCR technique provided a viable method for ADNP mRNA detection in CTCs from bladder cancer patients. The preoperative ADNP mRNA level in CTCs was identified as a prognostic indicator for NMIBC. Longitudinal monitoring of ADNP mRNA in CTCs of bladder cancer patients shows promise in evaluating treatment responses and predicting prognosis.

Clinical effect of spleen aminopeptide on improving liver function damage and immune function in children with infant hepatitis syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Infant hepatitis syndrome (IHS) is a clinical syndrome in infants less than one year of age with generalized skin jaundice, abnormal liver function, and hepatomegaly due to various etiologies such as infection. AIM: To investigate the effect of IHS patients, after treatment with arsphenamine-based peptides, on patients' liver function damage and immune function. METHODS: Of 110 patients with IHS treated in our hospital from January 2019 to January 2021 were grouped according to the randomized residual grouping method, with 5 cases in each group shed due to transfer, etc. Ultimately, 50 cases remained in each group. The control group was treated with reduced glutathione, and the treatment group was treated with sesquiterpene peptide based on the control group. Observe and compare the differences in indicators after treatment. RESULTS: The comparison of serum total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and serum alanine transferase after treatment was significantly different and lower in the treatment group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The comparison of CD4+, CD3+, CD4+/CD8+ after treatment was significantly different and higher in the treatment group than in the control group, and the comparison was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The complication of the two groups showed that the rash, cough and sputum, elevated platelets, and gastrointestinal reactions in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant by test (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The comparative study of IHS treated with arsphenamine combined with reduced glutathione is more effective.

Preparation of W-N-C single atom catalyst and Cu3(HHTP)2 metal-organic framework dual-decorated graphene nanoplatelet flexible electrode arrays for the rapid detection of carbendazim in vegetables.

It is highly desirable to develop a low-cost and rapid detection method for trace levels of carbendazim fungicide residues, which would be beneficial for improving human health and mitigating environmental issues. Herein, isolated single tungsten atoms were implanted onto well-organized metal-organic framework (MOF)-derived N-doped carbons to form W-N-C single-site heterojunctions with ultrahigh electrocatalytic activity. The coupling of W-N-C with Cu3(HHTP)2, an electronically conductive MOF with a large surface area and porous structure, exhibited enhanced electrocatalytic performance for the oxidation of carbendazim (CBZ) when they were used for decorating graphene nanoplatelet flexible electrode arrays fabricated via template-assisted scalable filtration. A wide linear range (3.0 nM-50 µM) with an ultra-low detection limit of 0.97 nM and fast response was achieved for CBZ analysis. Moreover, the sensing platform has been utilised to monitor CBZ levels in vegetable samples with satisfactory recovery rates of 97.2-102% and a low relative standard deviation of 1.9%.

Machine learning based prediction models for analyzing risk factors in patients with acute abdominal pain: a retrospective study.

Background: Acute abdominal pain (AAP) is a common symptom presented in the emergency department (ED), and it is crucial to have objective and accurate triage. This study aims to develop a machine learning-based prediction model for AAP triage. The goal is to identify triage indicators for critically ill patients and ensure the prompt availability of diagnostic and treatment resources. Methods: In this study, we conducted a retrospective analysis of the medical records of patients admitted to the ED of Wuhan Puren Hospital with acute abdominal pain in 2019. To identify high-risk factors, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used with thirty-one predictor variables. Evaluation of eight machine learning triage prediction models was conducted using both test and validation cohorts to optimize the AAP triage prediction model. Results: Eleven clinical indicators with statistical significance (p < 0.05) were identified, and they were found to be associated with the severity of acute abdominal pain. Among the eight machine learning models constructed from the training and test cohorts, the model based on the artificial neural network (ANN) demonstrated the best performance, achieving an accuracy of 0.9792 and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.9972. Further optimization results indicate that the AUC value of the ANN model could reach 0.9832 by incorporating only seven variables: history of diabetes, history of stroke, pulse, blood pressure, pale appearance, bowel sounds, and location of the pain. Conclusion: The ANN model is the most effective in predicting the triage of AAP. Furthermore, when only seven variables are considered, including history of diabetes, etc., the model still shows good predictive performance. This is helpful for the rapid clinical triage of AAP patients and the allocation of medical resources.

Regulatory Mechanism of Proanthocyanidins in Grape Peels Using vvi-miR828a and Its Target Gene VvMYBPA1.

Anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins are considered to be essential secondary metabolites in grapes and are used to regulate metabolic processes, while miRNAs are involved in their synthesis of anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins to regulate metabolic processes. The present research work was carried out to investigate the underlying regulatory mechanism of target genes in the grape cultivars 'Italia' and 'Benitaka'. miRNA and transnscriptomic sequencing technology were employed to characterize both the profiles of miRNAs and the transcripts of grape peels at 10 and 11 weeks post flowering (10 wpf and 11 wpf). The results revealed that the expression level of vvi-miR828a in 'Italia' at 10 and 11 wpf was significantly higher than that in 'Benitaka'. miRNA-seq analysis predicted MYBPA1 to be the target gene of vvi-miR828a. In transcriptome analysis, the expression level of the VvMYBPA1 gene in 'Benitaka' was significantly higher than that in 'Italia'; in addition, the TPM values (expression levels) of VvMYBPA1 and miR828a also showed an evident negative correlation. The determination of the proanthocyanidin (PA) content in 'Italia' and 'Benitaka' peels at 11 wpf demonstrated that the PA content of 'Benitaka' was significantly higher than that of 'Italia'. The outcomes of RT-qRCR analysis exhibited that the expression levels of the VdPAL, VdCHS, VdCHI, VdDFR, VdMYB5b, VdANR, and VdMYBPA1 genes related anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin pathways were reduced, while the expression levels of all of the above genes were increased after the transient expression of the VvMYBPA1 vector into grape leaves. The results of the transient overexpression experiment of vvi-miR828a before the veraison period of strawberry fruits showed that vvi-miR828a can significantly slow down the coloration of strawberries. The vvi-miR828a negatively regulates the accumulation of proanthocyanidins in grape fruits by inhibiting the expression of VvMYBPA1.

Carbonate uranium isotopes record global expansion of marine anoxia during the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event.

The Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event (T-OAE; ~183 Mya) was a globally significant carbon-cycle perturbation linked to widespread deposition of organic-rich sediments, massive volcanic CO2 release, marine faunal extinction, sea-level rise, a crisis in carbonate production related to ocean acidification, and elevated seawater temperatures. Despite recognition of the T-OAE as a potential analog for future ocean deoxygenation, current knowledge on the severity of global ocean anoxia is limited largely to studies of the trace element and isotopic composition of black shales, which are commonly affected by local processes. Here, we present the first carbonate-based uranium isotope (δ238U) record of the T-OAE from open marine platform limestones of the southeastern Tethys Ocean as a proxy for global seawater redox conditions. A significant negative δ238U excursion (~0.4‰) is recorded just prior to the onset of the negative carbon isotope excursion comprised within the T-OAE, followed by a long-lived recovery of δ238U values, thus confirming that the T-OAE represents a global expansion of marine anoxia. Using a Bayesian inverse isotopic mass balance model, we estimate that anoxic waters covered ~6 to 8% of the global seafloor during the peak of the T-OAE, which represents 28 to 38 times the extent of anoxia in the modern ocean. These data, combined with δ238U-based estimates of seafloor anoxic area for other CO2-driven Phanerozoic OAEs, suggest a common response of ocean anoxia to carbon release, thus improving prediction of future anthropogenically induced ocean deoxygenation.

Impact of sequential (first- to third-generation) EGFR-TKI treatment on corrected QT interval in NSCLC patients.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of sequential (first- to third-generation) epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) treatment on top-corrected QT interval (top-QTc) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of NSCLC patients undergoing sequential EGFR-TKI treatment at Shanghai Chest Hospital between October 2016 and August 2021. The heart rate (HR), top-QT interval, and top-QTc of their ECGs were extracted from the institutional database and analyzed. Logistic regression was performed to identify predictors for top-QTc prolongation. Results: Overall, 228 patients were enrolled. Compared with baseline (median, 368 ms, same below), both first-generation (376 ms vs. 368 ms, p < 0.001) and sequential third-generation EGFR-TKIs (376 ms vs. 368 ms, p = 0.002) prolonged top-QT interval to a similar extent (p = 0.635). Top-QTc (438 ms vs. 423 ms, p < 0.001) and HR (81 bpm vs.79 bpm, p = 0.008) increased after first-generation EGFR-TKI treatment. Further top-QTc prolongation (453 ms vs. 438 ms, p < 0.001) and HR increase (88 bpm vs. 81 bpm, p < 0.001) occurred after treatment advanced. Notably, as HR elevated during treatment, top-QT interval paradoxically increased rather than decreased, and the top-QTc increased rather than slightly fluctuated. Moreover, such phenomena were more significant after treatment advanced. After adjusting for confounding factors, pericardial effusion and lower serum potassium levels were independent predictors of additional QTc prolongation during sequential third-generation EGFR-TKI treatment. Conclusion: First-generation EGFR-TKI could prolong top-QTc, and sequential third-generation EGFR-TKI induced further prolongation. Top-QT interval paradoxically increased and top-QTc significantly increased as HR elevated, which was more significant after sequential EGFR-TKI treatment. Pericardial effusion and lower serum potassium levels were independent predictors of additional QTc prolongation after sequential EGFR-TKI treatment.

Overexpression of Calcineurin B-like Interacting Protein Kinase 31 Promotes Lodging and Sheath Blight Resistance in Rice.

A breakthrough "Green Revolution" in rice enhanced lodging resistance by using gibberellin-deficient semi-dwarf varieties. However, the gibberellic acid (GA) signaling regulation on rice disease resistance remains unclear. The resistance test showed that a positive GA signaling regulator DWARF1 mutant d1 was more susceptible while a negative GA signaling regulator Slender rice 1 (SLR1) mutant was less susceptible to sheath blight (ShB), one of the major rice diseases, suggesting that GA signaling positively regulates ShB resistance. To isolate the regulator, which simultaneously regulates rice lodging and ShB resistance, SLR1 interactors were isolated. Yeast two-hybrid (Y2H), bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC), and Co-IP assay results indicate that SLR1 interacts with Calcineurin B-like-interacting protein kinase 31 (CIPK31). cipk31 mutants exhibited normal plant height, but CIPK31 OXs showed semi-dwarfism. In addition, the SLR1 level was much higher in CIPK31 OXs than in the wild-type, suggesting that CIPK31 OX might accumulate SLR1 to inhibit GA signaling and thus regulate its semi-dwarfism. Recently, we demonstrated that CIPK31 interacts and inhibits Catalase C (CatC) to accumulate ROS, which promotes rice disease resistance. Interestingly, CIPK31 interacts with Vascular Plant One Zinc Finger 2 (VOZ2) in the nucleus, and expression of CIPK31 accumulated VOZ2. Inoculation of Rhizoctonia solani AG1-IA revealed that the voz2 mutant was more susceptible to ShB. Thus, these data prove that CIPK31 promotes lodging and ShB resistance by regulating GA signaling and VOZ2 in rice. This study provides a valuable reference for rice ShB-resistant breeding.

Psychological and Brain Responses to Artificial Intelligence's Violation of Community Ethics.

Human moral reactions to artificial intelligence (AI) agents' behavior constitute an important aspect of modern-day human-AI relationships. Although previous studies have mainly focused on autonomy ethics, this study investigates how individuals judge AI agents' violations of community ethics (including betrayals and subversions) compared with human violations. Participants' behavioral responses, event-related potentials (ERPs), and individual differences were assessed. Behavioral findings reveal that participants rated AI agents' community-violating actions less morally negative than human transgressions, possibly because AI agents are commonly perceived as having less agency than human adults. The ERP N1 component showed the same pattern with moral rating scores, indicating the modulation effect of human-AI differences on initial moral intuitions. Moreover, the level of social withdrawal correlated with a smaller N1 in the human condition but not in the AI condition. The N2 and P2 components were sensitive to the difference between the loyalty/betrayal and authority/subversion domains but not human/AI differences. Individual levels of moral sense and autistic traits also influenced behavioral data, especially on the loyalty/betrayal domain. In our opinion, these findings offer insights for predicting moral responses to AI agents and guiding ethical AI development aligned with human moral values.

Successful allogeneic fecal microbiota transplantation for severe diversion colitis: a case report.

Ileostomy diverts the flow of feces, which can result in malnutrition in the distal part of the intestine. The diversity of the gut microbiota consequently decreases, ultimately leading to intestinal dysbiosis and dysfunction. This condition can readily result in diversion colitis (DC). Potential treatment strategies include interventions targeting the gut microbiota. In this case study, we effectively treated a patient with severe DC by ileostomy and allogeneic fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). A 69-year-old man presented with a perforated malignant tumor in the descending colon and an iliac abscess. He underwent laparoscopic radical sigmoid colon tumor resection and prophylactic ileostomy. Follow-up colonoscopy 3 months postoperatively revealed diffuse intestinal mucosal congestion and edema along with granular inflammatory follicular hyperplasia, leading to a diagnosis of severe DC. After two rounds of allogeneic FMT, both the intestinal mucosal bleeding and edema significantly improved, as did the diversity of the gut microbiota. The positive outcome of allogeneic FMT in this case highlights the potential advantages that this procedure can offer patients with DC. However, few studies have focused on allogeneic FMT, and more in-depth research is needed to gain a better understanding.

Rotating Sonotrode Design for Ultrasonic-Assisted Arc Welding of Metal Materials.

In the process of the ultrasonic-assisted arc welding of metal materials, traditional ultrasonic application methods, such as the low-frequency impact of ultrasonic horns on a base material, can easily cause the non-fusion defect. In order to solve this problem, a rotating sonotrode with a groove and double thin ends was designed in this study. The ultrasonic vibration is transmitted into the weld pool by the rolling of the sonotrode on both sides of the weld. The resonant frequency was set at 50 kHz. Firstly, based on the Mindlin theory, a rotating sonotrode without a groove was designed by solving the frequency equation and by conducting a finite element simulation. Secondly, the effects of the groove, perforation, and transition mode on the resonant frequency, stress distribution, and amplification factor were investigated by finite element simulation. Finally, the optimum rotating sonotrode with a groove was obtained. The results show that the size of a rotating sonotrode that has a small frequency error can be obtained by using the discrete interval solver method combined with finite element simulation. The groove can significantly reduce the resonant frequency. The stress concentration can be effectively reduced by using the elliptical transition mode. The resonant frequency and amplification factor of a rotating sonotrode with a groove could be effectively adjusted by a method of double-position joint perforation. The final resonant frequency was 49.721 kHz and the amplification factor was 3.02. This study provides an effective design method for a sonotrode with double thin ends and a groove structure.

Circulating Immune Landscape Profiling in Psoriasis Vulgaris and Psoriatic Arthritis by Mass Cytometry.

Background: Psoriasis, a systemic disorder mediated by the immune system, can appear on the skin, joints, or both. Individuals with cutaneous psoriasis (PsC) have an elevated risk of developing psoriatic arthritis (PsA) during their lifetime. Despite this known association, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying this progression remain unclear. Methods: We performed high-dimensional, in-depth immunophenotyping of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in patients with PsA and psoriasis vulgaris (PsV) by mass cytometry. Blood samples were collected before and after therapy for a longitudinal study. Then three sets of comparisons were made here: active PsA vs. active PsV, untreated PsV vs. treated PsV, and untreated PsA vs. treated PsA. Results: Marked differences were observed in multiple lymphocyte subsets of PsA related to PsV, with expansion of CD4+ T cells, CD16- NK cells, and B cells. Notably, two critical markers, CD28 and CD127, specifically differentiated PsA from PsV. The expression levels of CD28 and CD127 on both Naïve T cells (TN) and central memory CD4+ T cells (TCM) were considerably higher in PsA than PsV. Meanwhile, after treatment, patients with PsV had higher levels of CD28hi CD127hi CD4+ TCM cells, CD28hi CD127hi CD4+ TN cells, and CD16- NK cells. Conclusion: In the circulation of PsA patients, the TN and CD4+ TCM are characterized with more abundant CD28 and CD127, which effectively distinguished PsA from PsV. This may indicate that individuals undergoing PsV could be stratified at high risk of developing PsA based on the circulating levels of CD28 and CD127 on specific cell subsets.

Progress of uric acid in cardiovascular disease.

Due to the global prevalence of hyperuricemia (HUA), there is growing interest in research on uric acid (UA). HUA is a common condition that has various adverse consequences, including gout and kidney disease. However, recent studies have also implicated UA in the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) such as atrial fibrillation (AF) and coronary heart disease (CHD). Experimental and clinical research has extensively demonstrated the detrimental effects of elevated serum UA levels on cardiovascular health. Furthermore, serum UA levels have been identified as predictors of CVD outcomes following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and catheter ablation. Additionally, the use of UA-lowering therapy holds important implications for the management of CVD. This review aims to consolidate the current evidence on the relationship between serum UA and CVD.

A peptide selectively recognizes Gram-negative bacteria and forms a bacterial extracellular trap (BET) through interfacial self-assembly.

An innate immune system intricately leverages unique mechanisms to inhibit colonization of external invasive Bacteria, for example human defensin-6, through responsive encapsulation of bacteria. Infection and accompanying antibiotic resistance stemming from Gram-negative bacteria aggregation represent an emerging public health crisis, which calls for research into novel anti-bacterial therapeutics. Herein, inspired by naturally found host-defense peptides, we design a defensin-like peptide ligand, bacteria extracellular trap (BET) peptide, with modular design composed of targeting, assembly, and hydrophobic motifs with an aggregation-induced emission feature. The ligand specifically recognizes Gram-negative bacteria via targeting cell wall conserved lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and transforms from nanoparticles to nanofibrous networks in situ to trap bacteria and induce aggregation. Importantly, treatment of the BET peptide was found to have an antibacterial effect on the Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain, which is comparable to neomycin. Animal studies further demonstrate its ability to trigger aggregation of bacteria in vivo. This biomimetic self-assembling BET peptide provides a novel approach to fight against pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria.

Can green funds improve corporate environmental, social, and governance performance? Evidence from Chinese-listed companies.

Green funds play pivotal roles in driving corporate sustainable development. Utilizing data from Chinese publicly listed companies from 2010 to 2021, we examine the impact of green funds on corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance and the underlying mechanisms. The research findings claim that green funds positively affect corporate ESG performance. Mechanism analysis systematically demonstrates that green funds contribute to elevated corporate ESG performance by alleviating financial constraints, enhancing managerial efficiency, and fostering green innovation. Heterogeneity analysis further underscores that the effect of green funds is particularly potent in companies with high external attention. Furthermore, green funds also play significant roles in production capabilities and economic value. This research enriches the micro-level evidence on the development of green funds and furnishes substantial implications for sustainable development.