Long-Term Straw Returning Enhances Phosphorus Uptake by Zea mays L. through Mediating Microbial Biomass Phosphorus Turnover and Root Functional Traits.

The intensive use of chemical fertilizers in China to maintain high crop yields has led to significant environmental degradation and destabilized crop production. Returning straw to soil presents a potential alternative to reduce chemical fertilizer requirements and enhance soil fertility. This study investigates the effects of different nitrogen (N) input levels and straw additions on crop phosphorus (P) uptake and soil P availability based on a long-term N-fertilizer trial. The treatments included no fertilizer input (CK), conventional (NPK), reduced NPK (0.75NPK), and straw-amended (SNPK) treatments. Results indicate that SNPK significantly enhances shoot P uptake and crop yields by 43.7-61.9% and 29.3-39.6%, respectively. The SNPK treatment improved rhizosphere P availability and increased the phosphorus activation coefficient (PAC) by 1.72-fold compared to NPK alone. The enhanced soil P availability under SNPK was primarily attributed to an abundance of functional microbes, leading to higher P storage in the microbial biomass P pool and its turnover. Additionally, SNPK promoted root exudate and phosphate-mobilizing microbes, enhancing P mobilization and uptake. Nitrogen fertilization primarily influenced root functional traits related to P acquisition. These findings provide valuable insights for developing effective fertilizer management strategies in maize-oilseed rape rotation systems, emphasizing the benefits of integrating straw with chemical fertilizers.

Sub-180-nanometer-thick ultraconformable high-performance carbon nanotube-based dual-gate transistors and differential amplifiers.

There is increased interest in ultrathin flexible devices with thicknesses of <1 micrometers due to excellent conformability toward advanced laminated bioelectronics. However, because of limitations in materials, device structure, and fabrication methodology, the performance of these ultrathin devices and circuits is insufficient to support higher-level applications. Here, we report high-performance carbon nanotube-based thin-film transistors (TFTs) and differential amplifiers on ultrathin polyimide films with a total thickness of <180 nanometers. A dual-gate structure is introduced to guarantee excellent gate control efficiency and mechanical stability of the ultrathin TFTs, which exhibit high transconductance (8.96 microsiemens per micrometer), high mobility (127 square centimeters per volt per second), and steep subthreshold swing (84 millivolts per decade), and can sustain a bending radius of curvature of <10 micrometers. The differential amplifier achieves the highest gain-bandwidth product (1.83 megahertz) among flexible differential amplifiers, enabling higher-gain amplification of weak signals over an extended frequency spectrum that is demonstrated by amplification of electromyography signals in situ.

Autoimmune thyroid disease modifies the clinical expression of hand osteoarthritis in older people: a third National Health and nutrition examination survey study.

Introduction: The risk factors linked to hand osteoarthritis (OA) that contribute to its distinct symptoms and clinical presentation are not thoroughly understood. This study aimed to examine whether the autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) autoantibodies, anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), and anti-thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), associate with hand OA and symptomatic hand OA in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). Materials and methods: We included 2,429 persons from NHANES III ≥60 years of age. Data on hand OA or symptomatic hand OA were examined with respect to their associations with TPOAb and TgAb. Log-binomial and modified Poisson regression models were fit to examine the associations between the anti-thyroid autoantibodies and hand OA or symptomatic hand OA. Results: Higher levels of TPOAb were associated with a higher prevalence of symptomatic hand OA in the unadjusted (PR = 1.182, p = 0.024) and adjusted models after controlling for age, gender, and diabetes (PR = 1.174, p = 0.039). This association was no longer significant when positive TPOAb was considered a categorical variable with four levels and compared with negative TPOAb. TgAb showed a trend toward being positively associated with symptomatic hand OA (p < 0.10). When positive TgAb was considered a categorical variable with four levels and compared with negative TgAb, the highest quartile was associated with a higher prevalence of symptomatic hand OA than negative TgAb in the unadjusted (PR = 2.242, p = 0.008) and adjusted models (PR = 2.045, p = 0.038). There was no significant association between TPOAb or TgAb and hand OA. Conclusion: Higher levels of TPOAb may be associated with the presence of symptomatic hand OA in persons ≥60 years old. Persons ≥60 years old with the highest quartile levels of TgAb may be more likely to present with symptomatic hand OA.

Racial distribution of molecularly classified brain tumors.

Background: In many cancers, specific subtypes are more prevalent in specific racial backgrounds. However, little is known about the racial distribution of specific molecular types of brain tumors. Public data repositories lack data on many brain tumor subtypes as well as diagnostic annotation using the current World Health Organization classification. A better understanding of the prevalence of brain tumors in different racial backgrounds may provide insight into tumor predisposition and development, and improve prevention. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the racial distribution of 1709 primary brain tumors classified by their methylation profiles using clinically validated whole genome DNA methylation. Self-reported race was obtained from medical records. Our cohort included 82% White, 10% Black, and 8% Asian patients with 74% of patients reporting their race. Results: There was a significant difference in the racial distribution of specific types of brain tumors. Blacks were overrepresented in pituitary adenomas (35%, P < .001), with the largest proportion of FSH/LH subtype. Whites were underrepresented at 47% of all pituitary adenoma patients (P < .001). Glioblastoma (GBM) IDH wild-type showed an enrichment of Whites, at 90% (P < .001), and a significantly smaller percentage of Blacks, at 3% (P < .001). Conclusions: Molecularly classified brain tumor groups and subgroups show different distributions among the three main racial backgrounds suggesting the contribution of race to brain tumor development.

Development of a NIR Iridium(III) Complex-Based Probe for the Selective Detection of Iron(II) Ions.

As a commonly used metal ion, iron(II) (Fe2+) ions pose a potential threat to ecosystems and human health. Therefore, it is particularly important to develop analytical techniques for the rapid and accurate detection of Fe2+ ions. However, the development of near-infrared (NIR) luminescence probes with good photostability for Fe2+ ions remain challenging. In this work, we report a novel iridium(III) complex-based luminescence probe for the sensitive and rapid detection of Fe2+ ions in a solution based on an Fe2+-mediated reduction reaction. This probe is capable of sensitively detecting Fe2+ ions with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.26 µM. Furthermore, this probe shows high photostability, and its luminescence remains stable under 365 nm irradiation over a time period of 30 min. To our knowledge, this is first iridium(III) complex-based NIR probe for the detection of Fe2+ ions. We believe that this work provides a new method for the detection of Fe2+ ions and has great potential for future applications in water quality testing and human monitoring.

Impact of delirium on acute stroke outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Delirium is a common complication in acute stroke patients. A 2011 meta-analysis showed an increased risk of in-hospital mortality and mortality within 12 months post-stroke, longer hospitalization durations, and increased likelihood of being discharged to a nursing home for patients experiencing post-stroke delirium. There is a need for an updated meta-analysis with several new studies having been since published. The PubMed and Scopus databases were screened for relevant studies. Inclusion criteria were as follows: retrospective or prospective studies reporting on the effects of delirium accompanying acute stroke on mortality, functional outcomes, length of hospital stay and need for re-admission. Strength of association was presented as pooled adjusted relative risk (RR) for categorical outcomes and weighted mean difference (WMD) for continuous outcomes. Statistical analysis was done using STATA version 16.0. The meta-analysis included 22 eligible articles. Eighteen of the 22 studies were prospective follow ups. Included studies were of good quality. Post-stroke delirium was associated with increased risk of in-hospital mortality, as well as mortality within 12 months post-stroke. Patients with delirium experienced increased hospital stay durations, were at greater risk for hospital readmission, and showed elevated risk for poor functional outcome. Compared to those who did not have delirium, stroke patients with delirium were 42% less likely to be discharged to home. Acute stroke patients with delirium are at an increased risk for poor short- and long-term outcomes. More research is needed to identify the best set of interventions to manage such patients and improve outcomes.

Comparison of nutritional supplements in improving glycolipid metabolism and endocrine function in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Objective: To explore the comparative effectiveness of nutritional supplements in improving glycolipid metabolism and endocrine function in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Method: Randomized controlled clinical trials on the effects of nutritional supplements in PCOS patients were searched in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from their establishments to March 15, 2023. Then, literature screening, data extraction, and network meta-analysis were performed. This study was registered at PROSPERO (registration number CRD 42023441257). Result: Forty-one articles involving 2,362 patients were included in this study. The network meta-analysis showed that carnitine, inositol, and probiotics reduced body weight and body mass index (BMI) compared to placebo, and carnitine outperformed the other supplements (SUCRAs: 96.04%, 97.73%, respectively). Omega-3 lowered fasting blood glucose (FBG) (SUCRAs: 93.53%), and chromium reduced fasting insulin (FINS) (SUCRAs: 72.90%); both were superior to placebo in improving insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), and chromium was more effective than Omega-3 (SUCRAs: 79.99%). Selenium was potent in raising the quantitative insulin sensitivity index (QUICKI) (SUCRAs: 87.92%). Coenzyme Q10 was the most effective in reducing triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels (SUCRAs: 87.71%, 98.78%, and 98.70%, respectively). Chromium and probiotics decreased TG levels, while chromium and vitamin D decreased TC levels. No significant differences were observed in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total testosterone (TT), sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and C-reactive protein (CRP) between nutritional supplements and placebo. Conclusion: Carnitine was relatively effective in reducing body mass, while chromium, Omega-3, and selenium were beneficial for improving glucose metabolism. Meanwhile, coenzyme Q10 was more efficacious for improving lipid metabolism. However, publication bias may exist, and more high-quality clinical randomized controlled trials are needed.

Curative effect of medicine cake sticking ultrasound drug penetration combined with body training on hemiplegia after stroke: An in vitro ultrasound targeted drug controlled release technology.

To explore the efficacy of ultrasound drugs in the treatment of hemiplegia after stroke. The evaluation included clinical symptoms and signs, the Stroke Scale, activities of daily living, sensory disorder Fugl-Meyer and Lindmark, electromyography sensory nerve amplitude, and conduction velocity indexes in both groups. There was no significant difference in the improved Fugl-Meyer and Lindmark score between treatment (26.97 ± 2.78) and the control group (27.45 ± 3.1) (t = 14.528, P = 0.593). After treatment, the observation group (37.10 ± 4.2) was significantly different from the control group (34.76 ± 4.36) (t = 11.259, P = 0.005) and (t = 10.15 ± 1.69), (40.87 ± 6.58) (t = 7.943,9.538, P = 0.564,0.826). After treatment, the observation group the Stroke Scale (4.27 ± 0.57), activities of daily living score (76.15 ± 12.38) and the control group (5.36 ± 0.89), (58.41 ± 9.69) (t = 16.274,5.379, P = 0.035,0.000) after treatment and F wave and M wave. The cure rate of the observation group was 77.50% (31/40), which was significantly better than that of the control group, 47.50% (19/40), with a significant difference (χ2 = 11.724,P = 0.000). After comparison, the total response rate of the observed group reached 92.500% (37 / 40), which was significantly higher than the 80.00% (32 / 40) of the control group. This difference was statistically significant (χ 2 = 9.458, P = 0.015). This therapy closely links the theoretical knowledge of modern medicine with the theoretical knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine, and uses the meridian theory to give full play to the unique advantages of traditional Chinese medicine.

Antioxidant Peptides from Monkfish Swim Bladders: Ameliorating NAFLD In Vitro by Suppressing Lipid Accumulation and Oxidative Stress via Regulating AMPK/Nrf2 Pathway.

In this study, we investigate the ameliorating functions of QDYD (MSP2), ARW (MSP8), DDGGK (MSP10), YPAGP (MSP13) and DPAGP (MSP18) from monkfish swim bladders on an FFA-induced NAFLD model of HepG2 cells. The lipid-lowering mechanisms revealed that these five oligopeptides can up-regulate the expression of phospho-AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK) proteins to inhibit the expression of the sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) proteins on increasing lipid synthesis and up-regulating the expression of the PPAP-α and CPT-1 proteins on promoting the ß-oxidation of fatty acids. Moreover, QDYD (MSP2), ARW (MSP8), DDGGK (MSP10), YPAGP (MSP13) and DPAGP (MSP18) can significantly inhibit reactive oxygen species' (ROS) production, promote the activities of intracellular antioxidases (superoxide dismutase, SOD; glutathione peroxidase, GSH-PX; and catalase, CAT) and bring down the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) derived from lipid peroxidation. Further investigations revealed that the regulation of these five oligopeptides on oxidative stress was achieved through activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway to raise the expression levels of the heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) protein and downstream antioxidant proteases. Therefore, QDYD (MSP2), ARW (MSP8), DDGGK (MSP10), YPAGP (MSP13) and DPAGP (MSP18) could serve as candidate ingredients to develop functional products for treating NAFLD.

The P-body component DECAPPING5 and the floral repressor SISTER OF FCA regulate FLOWERING LOCUS C transcription in Arabidopsis.

Flowering is the transition from vegetative to reproductive growth and is critical for plant adaptation and reproduction. FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) plays a central role in flowering time control, and dissecting its regulation mechanism provides essential information for crop improvement. Here, we report that DECAPPING5 (DCP5), a component of processing bodies (P-bodies), regulates FLC transcription and flowering time in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). DCP5 and its interacting partner SISTER OF FCA (SSF) undergo liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) that is mediated by their prion-like domains (PrDs). Enhancing or attenuating the LLPS of both proteins using transgenic methods greatly affects their ability to regulate FLC and flowering time. DCP5 regulates FLC transcription by modulating RNA polymerase II enrichment at the FLC locus. DCP5 requires SSF for FLC regulation, and loss of SSF or its PrD disrupts DCP5 function. Our results reveal that DCP5 interacts with SSF, and the nuclear DCP5-SSF complex regulates FLC expression at the transcriptional level.

Association of the anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody with chronic hand pain in older adults in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) is the commonest autoimmune disease. Although viewed as a classic form of single-organ autoimmunity, AITD is increasingly associated with non-thyroid sequelae including musculoskeletal manifestations and chronic pain syndromes. However, large population-based studies are needed. Objectives: To examine the relationships between chronic hand pain and the AITD autoantibodies, anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), and anti-thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). Design: This is a cross-sectional study. Methods: We examined data from NHANES III on 4820 persons aged 60 years or older with respect to hand pain and its association with TPOAb and TgAb. Log-binomial regressions were fit to examine the associations between the anti-thyroid autoantibodies and hand pain. Results: Positive TPOAb was associated with a higher prevalence of hand pain than negative TPOAb [prevalence ratio (PR) = 1.158, p = 0.048] in the unadjusted model. This association was no longer significant after controlling for age, body mass index, gender, and diabetes (p = 0.313). When positive TPOAb was considered as a categorical variable with four levels, the highest quartile was associated with hand pain in the unadjusted (PR = 1.489, p = 0.005) and adjusted models (PR = 1.325, p = 0.042). There was no significant association between TgAb and hand pain when covariates were controlled for. Conclusion: TPOAb may be associated with the presence of chronic hand pain in persons aged over 60 years, especially at higher serum levels.

Eighteen Novel Bioactive Peptides from Monkfish (Lophius litulon) Swim Bladders: Production, Identification, Antioxidant Activity, and Stability.

In the study, papain was chosen from five proteases to hydrolyze proteins of monkfish swim bladders for effectively utilizing monkfish (Lophius litulon) processing byproducts, and the hydrolysis conditions of papain were optimized as hydrolysis temperature of 65 °C, pH 7.5, enzyme dose 2.5% and time 5 h using single-factor and orthogonal experiments. Eighteen peptides were purified from the swim bladder hydrolysate of monkfish by ultrafiltration and gel permeation chromatography methods and identified as YDYD, QDYD, AGPAS, GPGPHGPSGP, GPK, HRE, GRW, ARW, GPTE, DDGGK, IGPAS, AKPAT, YPAGP, DPT, FPGPT, GPGPT, GPT and DPAGP, respectively. Among eighteen peptides, GRW and ARW showed significant DPPH· scavenging activities with EC50 values of 1.053 ± 0.003 and 0.773 ± 0.003 mg/mL, respectively; YDYD, QDYD, GRW, ARW and YPAGP revealed significantly HO· scavenging activities with EC50 values of 0.150 ± 0.060, 0.177 ± 0.035, 0.201 ± 0.013, 0.183 ± 0.0016 and 0.190 ± 0.010 mg/mL, respectively; YDYD, QDYD, ARW, DDGGK and YPAGP have significantly O2-· scavenging capability with EC50 values of 0.126 ± 0.0005, 0.112 ± 0.0028, 0.127 ± 0.0002, 0.128 ± 0.0018 and 0.107 ± 0.0002 mg/mL, respectively; and YDYD, QDYD and YPAGP showed strong ABTS+· scavenging ability with EC50 values of 3.197 ± 0.036, 2.337 ± 0.016 and 3.839 ± 0.102 mg/mL, respectively. YDYD, ARW and DDGGK displayed the remarkable ability of lipid peroxidation inhibition and Ferric-reducing antioxidant properties. Moreover, YDYD and ARW can protect Plasmid DNA and HepG2 cells against H2O2-induced oxidative stress. Furthermore, eighteen isolated peptides had high stability under temperatures ranging from 25-100 °C; YDYD, QDYD, GRW and ARW were more sensitive to alkali treatment, but DDGGK and YPAGP were more sensitive to acid treatment; and YDYD showed strong stability treated with simulated GI digestion. Therefore, the prepared antioxidant peptides, especially YDYD, QDYD, GRW, ARW, DDGGK and YPAGP from monkfish swim bladders could serve as functional components applied in health-promoting products because of their high-antioxidant functions.

Nurses' experience with chronic foot pain and their job-the national science foundation foot health survey.

Background: Chronic foot pain (CFP) impacts nurses' ability to provide care at the bedside. Treatment options for CFP were insufficient to address foot pain for nurses who stand or walk for prolonged periods while providing care to patients. Aims: This study aimed to explore nurses' experience with CFP, current treatment options for foot pain, and the impact of foot pain on nurses' job performance. Methods: This is secondary data from Individual interviews (n = 122) involving open-ended questions. Data were collected between April 2019-September 2020 while attending the National Science Foundation (NSF) I-Corps program comprising faculty and students among others in the United States. Multiple linear regression and multinomial/binary logistic regressions were conducted to assess what factors were associated with the pain and pain relief solutions. Results: Nurses who worked at the bedside predominantly switched jobs and reported higher levels of foot pain than those who did not switch jobs (ß = 0.19, p = .044). Longer working hours (ß = 0.35, p < .001) were associated with higher levels of pain. Nurses who worked longer time were more likely to purchase new work shoes and socks (OR = 1.177, p = .025) to alleviate foot pain than changing shoes only. Conclusions: Most nurses expressed interest in new products to relieve their CFP. Innovations are urgently needed to address CFP. Future longitudinal studies are required to further elucidate appropriate preventative strategies to prevent and treat CFP in nurses.

Inactivation of RPX1 in Arabidopsis confers resistance to Plutella xylostella through the accumulation of the homoterpene DMNT.

The lepidopteran crop pest Plutella xylostella causes severe constraints on Brassica cultivation. Here, we report a novel role for RPX1 (resistance to P. xylostella) in resistance to this pest in Arabidopsis thaliana. The rpx1-1 mutant repels P. xylostella larvae, and feeding on the rpx1-1 mutant severely damages the peritrophic matrix structure in the midgut of the larvae, thereby negatively affecting larval growth and pupation. This resistance results from the accumulation of defence compounds, including the homoterpene (3E)-4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene (DMNT), due to the upregulation of PENTACYCLIC TRITERPENE SYNTHASE 1 (PEN1), which encodes a key DMNT biosynthetic enzyme. P. xylostella infestation and wounding induce RPX1 protein degradation, which may confer a rapid response to insect infestation. RPX1 inactivation and PEN1 overexpression are not associated with negative trade-offs for plant growth but have much higher seed production than the wild-type in the presence of P. xylostella infestation. This study offers a new strategy for plant molecular breeding against P. xylostella.

A novel strategy to reduce the recirculation of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: Inferior vena cava closure technology.

The recirculation of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) will decrease the efficiency of respiratory support. We report a patient with refractory severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Even with the support of ECMO and mechanical ventilation (MV), it is still difficult to correct hypoxemia. In this case, we placed a balloon catheter above the ECMO drainage cannula in inferior vena cava (IVC), and then occlusion the IVC with the water-filled balloon. After the occlusion, the patient's hypoxemia was quickly improved, and angiography proved that the recirculation has been significantly reduced. In this case, IVC occlusion technology greatly reduces recirculation. Its advantages lie in simple operation, low cost, short term safety, which probably act as an innovative method to reduce recirculation.

Development and validation of a short-term breast health measure as a supplement to screening mammography.

BACKGROUND: There is a growing body of evidence to support tears as a non-traditional biological fluid in clinical laboratory testing. In addition to the simplicity of tear fluid processing, the ability to access key cancer biomarkers in high concentrations quickly and inexpensively is significantly enhanced. Tear fluid is a dynamic environment rich in both proteomic and genomic information, making it an ideal medium for exploring the potential for biological testing modalities. METHODS: All protocols involving human subjects were reviewed and approved by the University of Arkansas IRB committee (13-11-289) prior to sample collection. Study enrollment was open to women ages 18 and over from October 30, 2017-June 19, 2019 at The Breast Center, Fayetteville, AR and Bentonville, AR. Convenience sampling was used and samples were age/sex matched, with enrollment open to individuals at any point of the breast health continuum of care. Tear samples were collected using the Schirmer strip method from 847 women. Concentration of selected tear proteins were evaluated using standard sandwich ELISA techniques and the resulting data, combined with demographic and clinical covariates, was analyzed using logistic regression analysis to build a model for classification of samples. RESULTS: Logistic regression analysis produced three models, which were then evaluated on cases and controls at two diagnostic thresholds and resulted in sensitivity ranging from 52 to 90% and specificity from 31 to 79%. Sensitivity and specificity variation is dependent on the model being evaluated as well as the selected diagnostic threshold providing avenues for assay optimization. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The work presented here builds on previous studies focused on biomarker identification in tear samples. Here we show successful early classification of samples using two proteins and minimal clinical covariates.

The functional lumbar index: Validation of a novel clinical assessment tool for individuals with low back pain.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective Diagnostic Cohort Study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3b. OBJECTIVES: To examine the concurrent and predictive validity of a novel clinical assessment tool, the Functional Lumbar Index (FLI). BACKGROUND: Lumbar surgeries have increased exponentially in the past decade, adding to healthcare costs without improving outcomes. Limitations in clinicians' abilities to identify those individuals who are most likely to benefit from surgery may be enhanced with an effective physical assessment tool. METHODS: The FLI was assessed on 291 individuals (179 conservative and 113 pre-surgical) seeking care for low-back pain (LBP) over a 2.5-year period. The FLI consists of several physical performance tests (PPT) with a novel criterion-based scoring system. Pearson correlations and Poisson regression analysis were used to establish concurrent and predictive validity at alpha = 0.05. RESULTS: The subscale FLI components showed good to excellent inter-rater reliability with intraclass correlation coefficient values as follows: front plank = .993, right side plank = .824, left side plank .861, Sorensen = 0.836, overhead squat = 0.937. A statistically significant, moderate negative correlation was observed between FLI and modified Oswestry Disability Index (r = -0.540, p < .001). Regression analysis showed the FLI as the only significant predictor (p = .004) of failed conservative management for individuals with LBP. An ROC curve showed significant group prediction of the FLI with an AUC of 0.788 (p < .001) and cut-off score of 7.5. CONCLUSION: The FLI is a reliable and valid measure for predicting failed conservative care management in patients with LBP. Clinicians are encouraged to use the FLI as part of their physical assessment when screening individuals with LBP who might need surgical intervention. Further research is needed to determine validity of the FLI in other patient populations. PUBLIC TRIAL REGISTRY: N/A.

Organophosphate Esters in Foodstuffs from Multiple Provinces in China: Possible Sources during Food Processing and Implications for Human Exposure.

With increasing application of organophosphate esters (OPEs) as flame retardants and plasticizers in the world, the health and ecological risks posed by these chemicals have raised people's concern over the years. Despite the fact that dietary intake is an important pathway for human exposure to OPEs, monitoring on OPEs in foodstuffs is scarce. In this study, we measured 14 OPEs in both packaged (n = 229) and fresh (n = 58) foodstuffs collected across China with a new method that was developed by two-stage solid-phase extraction. The total concentrations of OPEs (ΣOPEs) in 12 categories of packaged foodstuffs and 5 categories of fresh foodstuffs were in the range of 0.212-273 ng/g wet weight (ww) [geometric mean (GM): 5.06 ng/g ww] and 0.189-2.82 ng/g ww (GM: 0.618 ng/g ww), respectively. Significantly higher levels of ΣOPEs were found in packaged food categories of fruits and meat than those in the corresponding fresh ones, implying the extra introduction of OPEs during the processing and storage of foodstuffs. Correlation analysis showed that the GM concentrations of individual OPEs in animal-derived foods with few industrial processing were positively correlated with their annual production volumes in China in 2020, emphasizing the significance of natural sources of OPEs in these food samples. Elevated levels of ΣOPEs (range: 8.94-4120 and GM: 274 ng/g) were found in food-packaging materials, and the predominant OPE analogues were consistent with those found in packaged food samples. The result implies that the food-packaging material can be an important contamination source of OPEs in packaged foodstuffs, which is in particular true for triphenyl phosphate, tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate, tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate, and 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate. The median daily intake of ΣOPEs via food was estimated as 65.4 ng/kg bw/day for adults in China, and the category of cereals was the major contributor (72.7%) of the dietary exposure to OPEs. The exposure risk of OPEs via food intake was generally low for the Chinese population. Overall, this study establishes a baseline concentration for OPEs in Chinese foodstuffs and uncovers food contact material as a potential source of OPEs in foods. It is expected that the research in terms of food safety and OPE contamination will benefit from this work.

Linkage mapping combined with GWAS revealed the genetic structural relationship and candidate genes of maize flowering time-related traits.

BACKGROUND: Flowering time is an important agronomic trait of crops and significantly affects plant adaptation and seed production. Flowering time varies greatly among maize (Zea mays) inbred lines, but the genetic basis of this variation is not well understood. Here, we report the comprehensive genetic architecture of six flowering time-related traits using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population obtained from a cross between two maize genotypes, B73 and Abe2, and combined with genome-wide association studies to identify candidate genes that affect flowering time. RESULTS: Our results indicate that these six traits showed extensive phenotypic variation and high heritability in the RIL population. The flowering time of this RIL population showed little correlation with the leaf number under different environmental conditions. A genetic linkage map was constructed by 10,114 polymorphic markers covering the whole maize genome, which was applied to QTL mapping for these traits, and identified a total of 82 QTLs that contain 13 flowering genes. Furthermore, a combined genome-wide association study and linkage mapping analysis revealed 17 new candidate genes associated with flowering time. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, by using genetic mapping and GWAS approaches with the RIL population, we revealed a list of genomic regions and candidate genes that were significantly associated with flowering time. This work provides an important resource for the breeding of flowering time traits in maize.