The public attitude towards ChatGPT on reddit: A study based on unsupervised learning from sentiment analysis and topic modeling.

ChatGPT has demonstrated impressive abilities and impacted various aspects of human society since its creation, gaining widespread attention from different social spheres. This study aims to comprehensively assess public perception of ChatGPT on Reddit. The dataset was collected via Reddit, a social media platform, and includes 23,733 posts and comments related to ChatGPT. Firstly, to examine public attitudes, this study conducts content analysis utilizing topic modeling with the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) algorithm to extract pertinent topics. Furthermore, sentiment analysis categorizes user posts and comments as positive, negative, or neutral using Textblob and Vader in natural language processing. The result of topic modeling shows that seven topics regarding ChatGPT are identified, which can be grouped into three themes: user perception, technical methods, and impacts on society. Results from the sentiment analysis show that 61.6% of the posts and comments hold favorable opinions on ChatGPT. They emphasize ChatGPT's ability to prompt and engage in natural conversations with users, without relying on complex natural language processing. It provides suggestions for ChatGPT developers to enhance its usability design and functionality. Meanwhile, stakeholders, including users, should comprehend the advantages and disadvantages of ChatGPT in human society to promote ethical and regulated implementation of the system.

Effectiveness of Blended Versus Traditional Refresher Training for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: Prospective Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Generally, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills decline substantially over time. By combining web-based self-regulated learning with hands-on practice, blended training can be a time- and resource-efficient approach enabling individuals to acquire or refresh CPR skills at their convenience. However, few studies have evaluated the effectiveness of blended CPR refresher training compared with that of the traditional method. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated and compared the effectiveness of traditional and blended CPR training through 6-month and 12-month refresher sessions with CPR ability indicators. METHODS: This study recruited participants aged ≥18 years from the Automated External Defibrillator Donation Project. The participants were divided into 4 groups based on the format of the CPR training and refresher training received: (1) initial traditional training (a 30-minute instructor-led, hands-on session) and 6-month traditional refresher training (Traditional6 group), (2) initial traditional training and 6-month blended refresher training (an 18-minute e-learning module; Mixed6 group), (3) initial traditional training and 12-month blended refresher training (Mixed12 group), and (4) initial blended training and 6-month blended refresher training (Blended6 group). CPR knowledge and performance were evaluated immediately after initial training. For each group, following initial training but before refresher training, a learning effectiveness assessment was conducted at 12 and 24 months. CPR knowledge was assessed using a written test with 15 multiple-choice questions, and CPR performance was assessed through an examiner-rated skill test and objectively through manikin feedback. A generalized estimating equation model was used to analyze changes in CPR ability indicators. RESULTS: This study recruited 1163 participants (mean age 41.82, SD 11.6 years; n=725, 62.3% female), with 332 (28.5%), 270 (23.2%), 258 (22.2%), and 303 (26.1%) participants in the Mixed6, Traditional6, Mixed12, and Blended6 groups, respectively. No significant between-group difference was observed in knowledge acquisition after initial training (P=.23). All groups met the criteria for high-quality CPR skills (ie, average compression depth: 5-6 cm; average compression rate: 100-120 beats/min; chest recoil rate: >80%); however, a higher proportion (98/303, 32.3%) of participants receiving blended training initially demonstrated high-quality CPR skills. At 12 and 24 months, CPR skills had declined in all the groups, but the decline was significantly higher in the Mixed12 group, whereas the differences were not significant between the other groups. This finding indicates that frequent retraining can maintain high-quality CPR skills and that blended refresher training is as effective as traditional refresher training. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that 6-month refresher training sessions for CPR are more effective for maintaining high-quality CPR skills, and that as refreshers, self-learning e-modules are as effective as instructor-led sessions. Although the blended learning approach is cost and resource effective, factors such as participant demographics, training environment, and level of engagement must be considered to maximize the potential of this approach. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IGOGO NCT05659108; https://www.cgmh-igogo.tw.

Parastomal Hernia Following Ileal Conduit: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Health-Related Quality of Life.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to measure the incidence of parastomal hernia (PH) after radical cystectomy and ileal conduit. Secondary aims were the identification of risk factors for PH and to compare the health-related quality of life (QOL) between patients with and without PH. DESIGN: Retrospective review of medical records combined with cross-sectional administration of the QOL instrument and telephone follow-up. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: The study sample comprised 219 patients who underwent radical cystectomy and ileal conduit for urothelial cancer between February 2014 and December 2018. The study setting was Peking University First Hospital (Beijing, China). METHODS: Demographic and pertinent clinical data, including development of PH, were gathered via the retrospective review of medical records. Participants were also asked to complete the traditional Chinese language version of the City of Hope Quality of Life-Ostomy Questionnaire (C-COH). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify the effect of PH on C-COH scores. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for PH development. RESULTS: At a median follow-up of 34 months (IQR = 21-48), 43 of 219 (19.63%) patients had developed a PH. A body mass index (BMI) indicating overweight (OR = 3.548; 95% CI, 1.562-8.061; P = .002), a prior history of hernia (OR = 5.147; 95% CI, 1.195-22.159; P = .028), and chronic high abdominal pressure postdischarge (CHAP-pd) (OR = 3.197; 95% CI, 1.445-7.075; P = .004) were predictors of PH after operation. There was no significant difference between C-COH scores of patients with or without PH. No significant differences were found when participants with PH were compared to those without PH on 4 factors of the C-COH: physical scores (ß= .347, P = .110), psychological scores (ß= .316, P = .070), spiritual scores (ß=-.125, P = .714), and social scores (ß= .054, P = .833). CONCLUSION: Parastomal hernia is prevalent in patients undergoing radical cystectomy and ileal conduit urinary diversion. Overweight, hernia history, and CHAP-pd were predictors of PH development. No significant differences in QOL were found when patients with PH were compared to those without PH.

Salvia guidongensis sp. nov.: unraveling a critical evolutionary link in East Asian Salvia from Central China integrating morphology, phylogeny, and plastid genomics.

Introduction: Salvia L., representing the largest genus within the mint family, is noted for its global distribution of approximately 1000 species, with East Asia, and particularly China, recognized as a critical center of diversity for the genus. Methods: Our research was conducted through extensive fieldwork in Guidong County, Hunan Province, China, where we identified a previously undescribed species of Salvia. The identification process involved detailed morphological observations, phylogenetic analyses, and plastid genomics. Results: The newly discovered species, Salvia guidongensis, exhibits unique characteristics not commonly observed in the East Asian lineage of Salvia, including dual floral colors within natural populations-either pale purple or pale yellow. Morphologically, while it shares similarities with members of sect. Glutinaria, S. guidongensis is distinct in its floral morphology, stature, and specific foliar traits. Phylogenetic analysis places S. guidongensis in a unique clade within the East Asian lineage of Salvia, suggesting it may serve as an important evolutionary link. Additionally, we explored the plastome features of S. guidongensis, comparing them with those of closely related species. Discussion: The discovery of S. guidongensis not only entriches the taxonomic tapestry of Salvia but also provides critical insights into the biogeography and evolutionary pathways of the genus in East Asia. By integrating morphological and molecular data, we validate the novel status of S. guidongensis and highlight its significance in bridging taxonomic and evolutionary gaps within Sect. Glutinaria of Salvia.

BN-Isosteres of Nonacene with Antiaromatic B2 C4 and N2 C4 Heterocycles: Synthesis and Strong Luminescence.

Embedding both boron and nitrogen into the backbone of acenes to generate their isoelectronic structures has significantly enriched the acene chemistry to offer appealing properties. However, only small BN-heteroacenes have been extensively investigated, with BN-heptacenes as the hitherto longest homologue. Herein, we report the synthesis of three new nonacene BN-isosteres via incorporating a pair of antiaromatic B2 C4 and N2 C4 heterocycles, representing a new length record for BN-heteroacenes. The distance between the B2 C4 and N2 C4 rings affects the contribution of the charge-separated resonance forms, leading to tunable antiaromaticity of the two heterocycles. The adjusted local antiaromaticity manifests substantial influence on the molecular orbital arrangement, and consequently, the radiative transition rate of BN-3 is greatly enhanced compared with BN-1 and BN-2, realizing a high fluorescence quantum yield of 92 %. This work provides a novel design concept of large acene BN-isosteres and reveals the importance of BN/CC isosterism on their luminescent properties.

Multiomics analyses of two Leonurus species illuminate leonurine biosynthesis and its evolution.

The Lamiaceae family is renowned for its terpenoid-based medicinal components, but Leonurus, which has traditional medicinal uses, stands out for its alkaloid-rich composition. Leonurine, the principal active compound found in Leonurus, has demonstrated promising effects in reducing blood lipids and treating strokes. However, the biosynthetic pathway of leonurine remains largely unexplored. Here, we present the chromosome-level genome sequence assemblies of Leonurus japonicus, known for its high leonurine production, and Leonurus sibiricus, characterized by very limited leonurine production. By integrating genomics, RNA sequencing, metabolomics, and enzyme activity assay data, we constructed the leonurine biosynthesis pathway and identified the arginine decarboxylase (ADC), uridine diphosphate glucosyltransferase (UGT), and serine carboxypeptidase-like (SCPL) acyltransferase enzymes that catalyze key reactions in this pathway. Further analyses revealed that the UGT-SCPL gene cluster evolved by gene duplication in the ancestor of Leonurus and neofunctionalization of SCPL in L. japonicus, which contributed to the accumulation of leonurine specifically in L. japonicus. Collectively, our comprehensive study illuminates leonurine biosynthesis and its evolution in Leonurus.

Evolution and chemical diversity of the volatile compounds in Salvia species.

INTRODUCTION: The plant essential oils are composed of volatile compounds and have significant value in preventing and treating neurological diseases, anxiety, depression, among others. The genus Salvia has been shown to be an important medicinal resource, especially the aerial parts of genus Salvia, which are rich in volatile compounds; however, the chemical diversity and distribution patterns of volatile compounds in Salvia species are still unknown. OBJECTIVE: The work is performed to analyse the chemical diversity and distribution patterns of volatile compounds in genus Salvia. METHODS: The genomic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were used to explore the evolution and chemical diversity of Salvia volatile compounds. Initially, the genetic relationship of genus Salvia was revealed by phylogenetic tree that was constructed based on SNPs. And then, GC-MS was applied to explore the chemical diversity of volatile compounds. RESULTS: The results indicated that the volatile compounds were mainly monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, and aliphatic compounds. The genomic SNPs divided species involved in this work into four branches. The volatile compounds in the first and second branches were mainly sesquiterpenoids and monoterpenoids, respectively. Species in the third branch contained more aliphatic compounds and sesquiterpenoids. And those in the fourth branch were also rich in monoterpenoids but had relatively simple chemical compositions. CONCLUSION: This study offered new insights into the phylogenetic relationships besides chemistry diversity and distribution pattern of volatile compounds of genus Salvia, providing theoretical guidance for the investigations and development of secondary metabolites.

Safety and effectiveness of remdesivir for the treatment of COVID-19 patients with end-stage renal disease: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Remdesivir has been used to treat severe coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19); however, its safety and effectiveness in patients remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the safety and effectiveness of remdesivir in patients with COVID-19 with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). METHODS: This retrospective study used the Chang Gung Research Database (CGRD) and extracted data from 21,621 adult patients with COVID-19 diagnosed between April 2021 and September 2022. The patients were divided into groups based on their remdesivir use and the presence of ESRD. The adverse effects of remdesivir and their outcomes were analyzed after propensity score matching. RESULTS: To compare the adverse effects of remdesivir, propensity scores were used for one-to-one matching between patients with and without ESRD treated with remdesivir (N = 110). There were no statistically significant differences in heart rates, blood glucose levels, variations in hemoglobin levels before and after remdesivir use, or liver function between the two groups after remdesivir use. A comparison was made between patients with ESRD using remdesivir and those not using remdesivir after propensity score matching (N = 44). Although a shorter length of stay (LOS), lower intensive care unit (ICU) admission rate, and lower intubation rate were noted in the ESRD group treated with remdesivir, the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Remdesivir is safe for use in patients with COVID-19 and ESRD; no increased adverse effects were noted compared with patients without ESRD. However, the effectiveness of remdesivir use in patients with COVID-19 and ESRD remains uncertain.

Miltiradiene Production by Cytoplasmic Metabolic Engineering in Nicotiana benthamiana.

Plant natural products are important sources of innovative drugs, but the extraction and isolation of medicinal natural products from plants is challenging as these compounds have complex structures that are difficult to synthesize chemically. Therefore, utilizing heterologous expression systems to produce medicinal natural products in plants is a novel, environmentally friendly, and sustainable method. In this study, Nicotiana benthamiana was used as the plant platform to successfully produce miltiradiene, the key intermediate of tanshinones, which are the bioactive constituents of the Chinese medicinal plant Salvia miltiorrhiza. The yield of miltiradiene was increased through cytoplasmic engineering strategies combined with the enhancement of isoprenoid precursors. Additionally, we discovered that overexpressing SmHMGR alone accelerated apoptosis in tobacco leaves. Due to the richer membrane systems and cofactors in tobacco compared to yeast, tobacco is more conducive to the expression of plant enzymes. Therefore, this study lays the foundation for dissecting the tanshinone biosynthetic pathway in tobacco, which is essential for subsequent research. Additionally, it highlights the potential of N. benthamiana as an alternative platform for the production of natural products in plants.

Metabolomic and antioxidant analyses of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge and Salvia prattii Hemsl. seeds.

Salvia miltiorrhiza and Salvia prattii seeds are rich in metabolites that are beneficial to human health and can be utilised as nutritional supplements. In this study, UPLC-MS and GC-MS based on extensively focused metabolomics were used to compare the seed metabolomics of the two species. LC-MS detected 118 metabolites, primarily Lipids and phenylpropanoids. GC- MS detected a total of 188 metabolites, mainly organic acids and their derivatives, of which Salvia prattii seeds contain high levels of nutrients. In addition, we experimentally determined antioxidant activity of two Salvia species, and the results showed that the antioxidant activity of Salvia prattii seeds was about twice as high as that of Salvia miltiorrhiza seeds. We used WGCNA to group the metabolites, and found the central metabolites in the focal modules including flavonoids and terpenoids. Our study contributes valuable knowledge for future research on the chemical makeup of Salvia prattii seeds.

Projection of Sediment Loading from Pearl River Basin, Mississippi into Gulf of Mexico under a Future Climate with Afforestation.

Sediment load in rivers is recognized as both a carrier and a potential source of contaminants. Sediment deposition significantly changes river flow and morphology, thereby affecting stream hydrology and aquatic life. We projected sediment load from the Pearl River basin (PRB), Mississippi into the northern Gulf of Mexico under a future climate with afforestation using the SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool)-based HAWQS (Hydrologic and Water Quality System) model. Three simulation scenarios were developed in this study: (1) the past scenario for estimating the 40-year sediment load from 1981 to 2020; (2) the future scenario for projecting the 40-year sediment load from 2025 to 2064, and (3) the future afforestation scenario that was the same as the future scenario, except for converting the rangeland located in the middle section of the Pearl River watershed of the PRB into the mixed forest land cover. Simulations showed a 16% decrease in sediment load for the future scenario in comparison to the past scenario due to the decrease in future surface runoff. Over both the past and future 40 years, the monthly maximum and minimum sediment loads occurred, respectively, in April and August; whereas the seasonal sediment load followed the order: spring > winter > summer > fall. Among the four seasons, winter and spring accounted for about 86% of sediment load for both scenarios. Under the future 40-year climate conditions, a 10% reduction in annual average sediment load with afforestation was observed in comparison to without afforestation. This study provides new insights into how a future climate with afforestation would affect sediment load into the northern Gulf of Mexico.

Unveiling the spatial distribution and molecular mechanisms of terpenoid biosynthesis in Salvia miltiorrhiza and S. grandifolia using multi-omics and DESI-MSI.

Salvia miltiorrhiza and S. grandifolia are rich in diterpenoids and have therapeutic effects on cardiovascular diseases. In this study, the spatial distribution of diterpenoids in both species was analyzed by a combination of metabolomics and mass spectrometry imaging techniques. The results indicated that diterpenoids in S. miltiorrhiza were mainly abietane-type norditerpenoid quinones with a furan or dihydrofuran D-ring and were mainly distributed in the periderm of the roots, e.g. cryptotanshinone and tanshinone IIA. The compounds in S. grandifolia were mainly phenolic abietane-type tricyclic diterpenoids with six- or seven-membered C-rings, and were widely distributed in the periderm, phloem, and xylem of the roots, e.g. 11-hydroxy-sugiol, 11,20-dihydroxy-sugiol, and 11,20-dihydroxy-ferruginol. In addition, the leaves of S. grandifolia were rich in tanshinone biosynthesis precursors, such as 11-hydroxy-sugiol, while those of S. miltiorrhiza were rich in phenolic acids. Genes in the upstream pathway of tanshinone biosynthesis were highly expressed in the root of S. grandifolia, and genes in the downstream pathway were highly expressed in the root of S. miltiorrhiza. Here, we describe the specific tissue distributions and mechanisms of diterpenoids in two Salvia species, which will facilitate further investigations of the biosynthesis of diterpenoids in plant synthetic biology.

Chemical Constituents of Euphorbia stracheyi Boiss (Euphorbiaceae).

Euphorbia stracheyi Boiss was used for hemostasis, analgesia, and muscular regeneration in traditional Chinese medicine. To study the chemical constituents of E. stracheyi, the ethyl acetate part of the methanol extract of the whole plant was separated by silica gel, sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, and semi-preparative HPLC. The isolation led to the characterization of a new lathyrane type diterpenoid, euphostrachenol A (1), as well as eleven known compounds (2-11), including a lathyrane, three ingenane-type and two abietane-type diterpenoids, two ionones, and two flavonoids. The structures of these compounds were established using 1D- and 2D-NMR experiments, mass spectrometry, and X-ray crystallographic experiments. The MTT method was used to determine the cytotoxic activity of five cancer cell lines (Leukemia HL-60, lung cancer A-549, liver cancer SMMC-7721, breast cancer MCF-7, and colon cancer SW480) on the isolated compounds. However, only compound 4 showed moderate cytotoxicity against these cell lines, with IC50 values ranging from 10.28 to 29.70 µM, while the others were inactive. Our chemical investigation also confirmed the absence of jatrophane-type diterpenoids in the species, which may be related to its special habitat.

Effect of Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) on Intestinal Morphology, Digestion Activity and Microbiome of Chinese Pond Turtle (Mauremys reevesii) during Aeromonas hydrophila Infection.

Large-scale mortality due to Aeromonas hydrophila (A. hydrophila) infection has considerably decreased the yield of the Chinese pond turtle (Mauremys reevesii). Purslane is a naturally active substance with a wide range of pharmacological functions, but its antibacterial effect on Chinese pond turtles infected by A. hydrophila infection is still unknown. In this study, we investigated the effect of purslane on intestinal morphology, digestion activity, and microbiome of Chinese pond turtles during A. hydrophila infection. The results showed that purslane promoted epidermal neogenesis of the limbs and increased the survival and feeding rates of Chinese pond turtles during A. hydrophila infection. Histopathological observation and enzyme activity assay indicated that purslane improved the intestinal morphology and digestive enzyme (α-amylase, lipase and pepsin) activities of Chinese pond turtle during A. hydrophila infection. Microbiome analysis revealed that purslane increased the diversity of intestinal microbiota with a significant decrease in the proportion of potentially pathogenic bacteria (such as Citrobacter freundii, Eimeria praecox, and Salmonella enterica) and an increase in the abundance of probiotics (such as uncultured Lactobacillus). In conclusion, our study uncovers that purslane improves intestinal health to protect Chinese pond turtles against A. hydrophila infection.

Functional properties and formation mechanisms of dialdehyde polysaccharides crosslinked gliadin-films enforced by alkaline condition.

BACKGROUND: The usage of natural polysaccharides is attractive to researchers around the world. At the same time, non-/low-toxic crosslinkers prepared by polysaccharides are expected to fabricate protein-based films in many fields. Herein, different dialdehyde polysaccharides (DPs) were successfully synthesized and applied to prepare gliadin-films under alkaline conditions. The functional properties and formation mechanisms of the films were fully investigated. RESULTS: The results showed that the mechanical properties, water-resistant properties, thermal stability, and antibacterial properties of the gliadin-films were improved by DPs and alkali treatment. Particularly dialdehyde dextrin (DAD) crosslinked gliadin-films showed the highest tensile strength, but no additional effect on their elongation, or advancement on the other functional properties. The film-forming mechanisms indicated that Schiff base bonds, hydrophobic interactions, electrostatic interactions, and hydrogen bonds were the main forces in the films, supporting their improvement in functional properties. CONCLUSION: DPs, especially DAD, can be a promising crosslinker in fabricating gliadin-films. These findings have shown great promise to seek an effective crosslinker for fabricating gliadin/protein-based packaging. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Salvia chienii E.Peter, 1936 (Lamiaceae).

Salvia chienii E.Peter is a medicinal herb mainly distributed in Huangshan Mountain of Anhui province, China. In this study, the first complete chloroplast genome of S. chienii was sequenced and assembled. The genome length was 151,530 bp and encoded 143 genes (91 protein-coding genes, eight rRNA genes, and 37 tRNA genes). The phylogenomic analysis showed that S. chienii was closely related to S. miltiorrhiza. Further evolutionary studies of the genus Salvia could benefit from the complete chloroplast genome of S. chienii present in this study.

Isoliensinine suppresses bone loss by targeted inhibition of RANKL-RANK binding.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis, a systemic metabolic bone disease, is often caused by the disruption of dynamic equilibrium between osteoclasts and osteoblasts. Overactive bone resorption, in which osteoclasts play a major role, is one of the most common and major causes of osteoporosis. Less costly and more effective drug treatments for this disease are needed. Based on the combination of molecular docking techniques and in vitro cell assays, this study aimed to explore the mechanism by which Isoliensinine (ILS) protects the bone loss by inhibiting osteoclast differentiation. METHODS: A virtual docking model based on molecular docking technology was used to investigate the interactions between ILS and the Receptor Activator of Nuclear Kappa-B (RANK)/Receptor Activator of Nuclear Kappa-B Ligand (RANKL).In this study, we determined the effective dose of action of ILS to inhibit osteoclast differentiation in vitro and, using bone resorption experiments, RT-CPR and Western Blot investigated the effects of ILS on bone resorption function and normal expression of osteoclast-associated genes and proteins, and validated potential mechanistic pathways. In vivo experiments revealed that ILS could inhibit bone loss through Micro-CT results. Finally, the molecular interaction between ILS and RANK/RANKL was investigated using biomolecular interaction experiments to verify the correctness and accuracy of the computational results. RESULTS: ILS binds to RANK and RANKL proteins, respectively, through virtual molecular docking. The Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) experiment results revealed that phosphorylated JNK, ERK, P38, and P65 expression was significantly downregulated when ILS were targeted to inhibit RANKL/RANK binding. At the same time, the expression of IKB-a was significantly increased under the stimulation of ILS, which rescued the degradation of IKB-a. ILS can significantly inhibit the levels of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and Ca2 + concentration in vitro. Finally, the results of Micro-CT showed that ILS can significantly inhibit bone loss in vivo, indicating that ILS has a potential role in the treatment of osteoporosis. CONCLUSION: ILS inhibits osteoclast differentiation and bone loss by preventing the normal binding of RANKL/RANK, affecting downstream signaling pathways, including MAPK.NF-KB, ROS, Ca2+, genes, and proteins.

The mediating role of resilience in the relationship between social support and quality of life among patients after radical cystectomy: A structural equation model analysis.

AIM: This study aimed to examine the relationship between social support and quality of life in urostomy patients and identify the mediating role of resilience in that relationship. DESIGN: A cross-sectional design. METHODS: Participants included 232 patients who were recruited from a tertiary hospital in Beijing during March 2020 and August 2020. They completed questionnaires about perceived social support, resilience and ostomy-related quality of life. Structural equation modelling was performed to analyse the data. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 65.79 (SD = 8.67) years, and the mean length of time after surgery was 42.14 (SD = 15.76) months. Urostomy patients' quality of life, social support and resilience were all above moderate. Social support had a positive direct effect on the quality of life and a positive indirect effect on the quality of life through the mediating role of resilience.

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL), anxiety and depression in patients with ureteral stricture: a multi-institutional study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL), anxiety and depression levels in patients with ureteral stricture (US) and to further investigate factors independently affecting this. METHODS: We prospectively recruited a cohort of 275 consecutive patients with US between June 2020 and April 2021. The participants were required to provide complete sociodemographic, clinical and pathologic information. All patients were administered questionnaires to evaluate HRQoL, anxiety and depression. Multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to assess the contribution of covariates on HRQoL, anxiety and depression. RESULTS: Patients with US, particularly iatrogenic US, scored significantly lower than the Chinese general population in all domains of the SF-36 (all p < 0.001), except SF. Increased age, female and high education attainment were independently associated with poor HRQoL. Interestingly, iatrogenic US, nephrostomy tube placement, urinary symptoms, high anxiety and depression level independently predicted poor HRQoL. Furthermore, the percentages of anxiety and depression cases in patients with US were 31.3% and 20.7%, respectively. Iatrogenic US and urinary symptoms, specifically waist discomfort, were the strongest predictors of increased levels of anxiety and depression. CONCLUSION: Patients with US exhibited poor quality of life and emotional status. Various factors independently predicted worse HRQoL and emotion, which provide potential targets for medical, lifestyle-related, psychological interventions.

Butelase 1-Mediated Enzymatic Cyclization of Antimicrobial Peptides: Improvements on Stability and Bioactivity.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have broad-spectrum antibacterial properties and safety as food preservatives, whereas the stability and antibacterial activity require improvement. Here, the "head-to-tail" cyclization of linear AMP GKE was catalyzed by butelase 1, which resulted in an improved pronouncedly antibacterial effect. Cell morphology and propidium iodide uptake revealed that the increased membrane permeability was one of the bacteriostatic mechanisms of GKE and could be enhanced after cyclization. As cyclic GKE (cGKE) exhibited more stability than the linear counterpart under the microorganism culture environment, the increase in effective bacteriostatic concentration should be a reason for the superior antibacterial effect. Moreover, cGKE exhibited the ordered secondary structure, while GKE possessed a similar structure only in sodium dodecyl sulfate micelles. The structure was also beneficial to improve the antibacterial activity caused by the increased affinity of cGKE to the membranes. Overall, butelase 1-mediated cyclization is a promising strategy for enhancing the antibacterial activity of linear AMPs.