Autoinducer-2 promotes the colonization of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG to improve the intestinal barrier function in a neonatal mouse model of antibiotic-induced intestinal dysbiosis.

BACKGROUND: Human health is seriously threatened by antibiotic-induced intestinal disorders. Herein, we aimed to determine the effects of Autoinducer-2 (AI-2) combined with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) on the intestinal barrier function of antibiotic-induced intestinal dysbiosis neonatal mice. METHODS: An antibiotic-induced intestinal dysbiosis neonatal mouse model was created using antibiotic cocktails, and the model mice were randomized into the control, AI-2, LGG, and LGG + AI-2 groups. Intestinal short-chain fatty acids and AI-2 concentrations were detected by mass spectrometry and chemiluminescence, respectively. The community composition of the gut microbiota was analyzed using 16S rDNA sequencing, and biofilm thickness and bacterial adhesion in the colon were assessed using scanning electron microscopy. Transcriptome RNA sequencing of intestinal tissues was performed, and the mRNA and protein levels of HCAR2 (hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 2), claudin3, and claudin4 in intestinal tissues were determined using quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR and western blotting. The levels of inflammatory factors in intestinal tissues were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). D-ribose, an inhibitor of AI-2, was used to treat Caco-2 cells in vitro. RESULTS: Compared with the control, AI-2, and LGG groups, the LGG + AI-2 group showed increased levels of intestinal AI-2 and proportions of Firmicutes and Lacticaseibacillus, but a reduced fraction of Proteobacteria. Specifically, the LGG + AI-2 group had considerably more biofilms and LGG on the colon surface than those of other three groups. Meanwhile, the combination of AI-2 and LGG markedly increased the concentration of butyric acid and promoted Hcar2, claudin3 and claudin4 expression levels compared with supplementation with LGG or AI-2 alone. The ELISAs revealed a significantly higher tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) level in the control group than in the LGG and LGG + AI-2 groups, whereas the interleukin 10 (IL-10) level was significantly higher in the LGG + AI-2 group than in the other three groups. In vitro, D-ribose treatment dramatically suppressed the increased levels of Hcar2, claudin3, and claudin4 in Caco-2 cells induced by AI-2 + LGG. CONCLUSIONS: AI-2 promotes the colonization of LGG and biofilm formation to improve intestinal barrier function in an antibiotic-induced intestinal dysbiosis neonatal mouse model.

Integrin α5ß1 contributes to cell fusion and inflammation mediated by SARS-CoV-2 spike via RGD-independent interaction.

The Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus infects host cells by engaging its spike (S) protein with human ACE2 receptor. Recent studies suggest the involvement of integrins in SARS-CoV-2 infection through interaction with the S protein, but the underlying mechanism is not well understood. This study investigated the role of integrin α5ß1, which recognizes the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) motif in its physiological ligands, in S-mediated virus entry and cell-cell fusion. Our results showed that α5ß1 does not directly contribute to S-mediated cell entry, but it enhances S-mediated cell-cell fusion in collaboration with ACE2. This effect cannot be inhibited by the putative α5ß1 inhibitor ATN-161 or the high-affinity RGD-mimetic inhibitor MK-0429 but requires the participation of α5 cytoplasmic tail (CT). We detected a direct interaction between α5ß1 and the S protein, but this interaction does not rely on the RGD-containing receptor binding domain of the S1 subunit of the S protein. Instead, it involves the S2 subunit of the S protein and α5ß1 homo-oligomerization. Furthermore, we found that the S protein induces inflammatory responses in human endothelial cells, characterized by NF-κB activation, gasdermin D cleavage, and increased secretion of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-1ß. These effects can be attenuated by the loss of α5 expression or inhibition of the α5 CT binding protein phosphodiesterase-4D (PDE4D), suggesting the involvement of α5 CT and PDE4D pathway. These findings provide molecular insights into the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 mediated by a nonclassical RGD-independent ligand-binding and signaling function of integrin α5ß1 and suggest potential targets for antiviral treatment.

A radio pulsar phase from SGR J1935+2154 provides clues to the magnetar FRB mechanism.

The megajansky radio burst, FRB 20200428, and other bright radio bursts detected from the Galactic source SGR J1935+2154 suggest that magnetars can make fast radio bursts (FRBs), but the emission site and mechanism of FRB-like bursts are still unidentified. Here, we report the emergence of a radio pulsar phase of the magnetar 5 months after FRB 20200428. Pulses were detected in 16.5 hours over 13 days using the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope, with luminosities of about eight decades fainter than FRB 20200428. The pulses were emitted in a narrow phase window anti-aligned with the x-ray pulsation profile observed using the x-ray telescopes. The bursts, conversely, appear in random phases. This dichotomy suggests that radio pulses originate from a fixed region within the magnetosphere, but bursts occur in random locations and are possibly associated with explosive events in a dynamically evolving magnetosphere. This picture reconciles the lack of periodicity in cosmological repeating FRBs within the magnetar engine model.

Changes of gut microbiota and tricarboxylic acid metabolites may be helpful in early diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis: A pilot study.

Purpose: We aimed to explore the value of gut microbiota and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) metabolites in early diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) among infants with abdominal manifestations. Methods: Thirty-two preterm infants with abdominal manifestations at gestational age ≤ 34 weeks were included in the study and were divided into non-NEC (n = 16) and NEC (n = 16) groups. Faecal samples were collected when the infants were enrolled. The gut microbiota was analysed with high-throughput sequencing, and TCA metabolites were measured with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) targeted metabolomics. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to explore the predictive value of the obtained data. Results: There was no significant difference in alpha diversity or beta diversity between the two groups (p > 0.05). At the phylum level, Proteobacteria increased, and Actinomycetota decreased in the NEC group (p < 0.05). At the genus level, Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillaceae decreased significantly, and at the species level, unclassified Staphylococcus, Lactobacillaceae and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis decreased in the NEC group (p < 0.05). Further Linear discriminant analysis effect sizes (LEfSe) analysis showed that the change in Proteobacteria at the phylum level and Lactobacillaceae and Bifidobacterium at the genus level scored higher than 4. The concentrations of succinate, L-malic acid and oxaloacetate in the NEC group significantly increased (p < 0.05), and the areas under the ROC curve for these metabolites were 0.6641, 0.7617, and 0.7344, respectively. Conclusion: Decreased unclassified Staphylococcus, Lactobacillaceae and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis at the species level as well as the increase in the contents of some TCA metabolites, including succinate, L-malic acid and oxaloacetate, have potential value for the early diagnosis of NEC.

Gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids may be new biomarkers for predicting neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis: A pilot study.

Background: Dysbacteriosis is thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). We aimed to identify new biomarkers among gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) for the early prediction of NEC. Materials and methods: Thirty-four preterm infants with gestational ages of ≤ 34 weeks who developed gastrointestinal symptoms were divided into the NEC group (n = 17) and non-NEC group (n = 17). In the NEC group, the gut microbiota and SCFAs in feces were assessed when the infants were enrolled (Group P) and when they were diagnosed with NEC (Group N). In the non-NEC group, samples were assessed when the infants were enrolled (Group C). Results: The Ace and Chao1 indices were higher in Group P than in Group C (P < 0.05), and there was no difference between Groups C and N or between Groups P and N (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the Simpson and Shannon indices among Groups C, P and N (P > 0.05). The four main phyla showed no differences (P > 0.05) in composition, while at the genus level, compared with Group C, in Group P, Clostridioides, Blautia and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 were increased, while Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium were decreased (P < 0.05). At the species level, Streptococcus salivarius and Rothia mucilaginosa increased, while Bifidobacterium animals subsp. lactis decreased (P < 0.05). In Group N, at the genus level, Stenotrophomonas, Streptococcus and Prevotella increased (P < 0.05). Compared with those in Group C, the levels of acetic acid, propanoic acid and butyric acid decreased significantly in Groups P and N (P < 0.05), and the areas under the curves (AUCs) of these three SCFAs between groups C and P were 0.73, 0.70, and 0.68, respectively. Conclusion: The increase in Streptococcus salivarius and Rothia mucilaginosa and decrease in Bifidobacterium_animals_subsp._lactis, as well as the decrease in acetic, propionic and butyric acids, may help in the early prediction of NEC.

Effect and Safety of ALA-PDT Combined with 1550 nm Fractional Therapy Laser in Treating Rosacea.

Objective: To explore the clinical effect and safety of 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) combined with 1550 nm fractional laser therapy in the treatment of rosacea. Methods: 114 patients with type I and type II rosacea treated in our hospital from March 2018 to April 2020 were recruited. They were randomly assigned (1 : 1 : 1) to receive ALA-PDT (photodynamic group), 1550 nm fractional laser (laser group), or ALA-PDT and 1550 nm fractional laser therapy (combination group). Outcome measures included skin lesion scores, efficacy, and adverse reactions. Results: After treatment, patients in the three groups showed lower skin lesion scores than before treatment, and the combination group showed significantly lower results than the other groups (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the total efficacy among the three groups (P > 0.05), but the combination group outperformed the other groups in the comparison of the efficacy levels (P < 0.05). Edema with lupus erythematosus, pain, and burning sensation was found in some cases but disappeared within 2 to 4 days after symptomatic treatment without interference with subsequent treatment. No patients had pigmentation, hypopigmentation, scars, or other serious adverse reactions. Conclusion: In the treatment of rosacea, ALA-PDT combined with a 1550 nm fractional laser can reduce redness and facilitate skin remodeling, with high efficacy and safety, so it is worthy of clinical promotion and application.

Differences in the Gut Microbiota Composition and Metabolites Associated With Feeding Intolerance in VLBW Infants With a Gestational Age of ≤ 30 Weeks: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the main variations in gut microbiota compositions, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) concentrations and autoinducer-2 (AI-2) levels in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants with feeding intolerance (FI). METHODS: Twenty-seven VLBW infants with gestational ages of ≤30 weeks were divided into the FI group (n=14) and feeding tolerance (FT) group (n=13). The gut microbiota composition and SCFAs concentrations and AI-2 levels in feces were detected at 2 and 4 weeks after birth. RESULTS: There was no difference in alpha diversity between the two groups at 2 and 4 weeks after birth (P>0.05). Although the Chao index decreased (P<0.05), there was no difference in the Shannon index from 2 weeks to 4 weeks in either the FI or FT group (P>0.05). Additionally, there was no difference in beta diversity between the FI and FT groups at 2 weeks (P>0.05), but there was a significant difference in beta diversity between the two groups at 4 weeks (P<0.05) and a large difference from 2 weeks to 4 weeks in both the FI and FT groups (P<0.05). Furthermore, the composition of the microbiota at 4 weeks was significantly different from that at 2 weeks in the FI group (P<0.05). The Veillonella abundance was lower at 4 weeks in the FI group (P<0.05), but there were no differences in the compositions of the other main microbes between the two groups (P>0.05). Proteobacteria and Firmicutes were dominant in both the FI and FT groups. The concentrations of propanoic, valeric and hexanoic acids were lower in the FI group at 2 weeks, and the levels of isobutyric and valeric acids were lower at 4 weeks after birth (P<0.05). The areas under the curves (AUCs) of propanoic, butanoic and valeric acids in predicting FI were 0.878, 0.816 and 0.744, respectively. Compared with that in the FT group, the relative bioluminescence of AI-2 was lower in the FI group at 2 weeks (P<0.05), and the AUC was 0.736. CONCLUSIONS: The main composition of the microbiota was not obviously different in infants with FI. Some SCFAs and AI-2 have moderate value in predicting FI.

Effect of the course of treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics on intestinal flora and short-chain fatty acids in feces of very low birth weight infants: a prospective study. / å¹¿è°±æŠ—ç”Ÿç´ ç–—ç¨‹å¯¹æžä½Žå‡ºç”Ÿä½“é‡å„¿ç²ªä¾¿è‚ é“èŒç¾¤å’ŒçŸ­é“¾è„‚è‚ªé ¸å½±å“çš„å‰çž»æ€§ç ”ç©¶.

OBJECTIVES: To study the effect of the course of treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics on intestinal flora and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in feces of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. METHODS: A total of 29 VLBW infants who were admitted to the Neonatal Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Children's Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University from June to December 2020 were enrolled as subjects for this prospective study. According to the course of treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics, they were divided into two groups: ≤7 days (n=9) and >7 days (n=20). Fecal samples were collected on days 14 and 28 of hospitalization, and 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were used to analyze the flora and SCFAs in fecal samples. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in Chao index of the intestinal flora in the ≤7 days group and the >7 days group from week 2 to week 4 (P<0.05). In the ≤7 days group, there were significant increases in the proportions of Firmicutes and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 and a significant reduction in the proportion of Proteobacteria from week 2 to week 4 (P<0.05). At week 4, compared with the ≤7 days group, the >7 days group had significant reductions in the proportions of Firmicutes and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 and a significant increase in the proportion of Proteobacteria (P<0.05), as well as significant reductions in the content of isobutyric acid and valeric acid (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The course of treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics can affect the abundance, colonization, and evolution of intestinal flora and the content of their metabolites SCFAs in VLBW infants. The indication and treatment course for broad-spectrum antibiotics should be strictly controlled in clinical practice.

Complete mitochondrial genome of Rusa unicolor cambojensis (Artiodactyla: Cervidae).

Rusa unicolor has been listed as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources because of human activities. In recent years, population numbers have decreased due to heavy hunting and habitat loss, and little genetic data on this species exists; thus, our knowledge of range distribution and population size remains limited. In the current study, the complete R. u. cambojensis mitochondrial genome was sequenced using polymerase chain reaction followed by direct sequencing. The complete mitochondrial genome was determined to be circular and contain 16,557 bp, including 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, and 1 control region, the gene composition and order were similar to those of most other vertebrates reported to date. Most mitochondrial genes, except for ND6 and eight tRNAs, were encoded on the heavy strand. The overall base composition of the heavy strand was 33.6% A, 28.9% T, 24.2% C, and 13.3% G, with a strong AT bias of 62.5%. There were 13 regions of gene overlap totaling 96 bp and 12 intergenic spacer regions totaling 70 bp. The phylogenetic analyses (maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference) of R. unicolor based on the mitochondrial genome four subspecies of R. unicolor were clustered into a well-supported single clade, and R. u. cambojensis was most closely related to R. u. dejeani. This study will assist in the exploration of the evolutionary history and taxonomic status of the sambar, as well as its protection as a genetic resource.

Sodium Butyrate Alleviates Intestinal Inflammation in Mice with Necrotizing Enterocolitis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the role of sodium butyrate in intestinal inflammation via regulation of high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1), we analyzed the potential mechanism in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in a neonatal mouse model. METHODS: A NEC model was created with hypoxia and cold exposure and artificial overfeeding. C57BL/6 neonatal mice were randomized into three groups: the control, untreated NEC, and sodium butyrate (150 mM)-pretreated NEC groups. Pathological variations in ileocecal intestinal tissue were observed by HE staining and scored in a double-blind manner. The mRNA expression levels of HMGB1, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and inflammatory cytokines in intestinal tissues were determined by quantitative real-time PCR. The protein levels of HMGB1 and associated cytokines in intestinal tissues were evaluated using ELISA. The relative protein expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB in intestinal tissues were quantified by western blot. RESULTS: Sodium butyrate administration improved the body weight and survival rate of NEC mice; relieved intestinal pathological injury; reduced the intestinal expression of HMGB1, TLR4, NF-κB, interleukin- (IL-) 1ß, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α; and increased the intestinal expression of IL-10 (P < 0.05). Treatment with butyrate decreased the proportion of opportunistic Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 and Enterococcus and increased the proportion of beneficial Firmicutes and Lactobacillus in the NEC model. CONCLUSIONS: Sodium butyrate intervention relieves intestinal inflammation and partially corrects the disrupted intestinal flora in mice with NEC.

Structural determinants of the integrin transmembrane domain required for bidirectional signal transmission across the cell membrane.

Studying the tight activity regulation of platelet-specific integrin αIIbß3 is foundational and paramount to our understanding of integrin structure and activation. αIIbß3 is essential for the aggregation and adhesion function of platelets in hemostasis and thrombosis. Structural and mutagenesis studies have previously revealed the critical role of αIIbß3 transmembrane (TM) association in maintaining the inactive state. Gain-of-function TM mutations were identified and shown to destabilize the TM association leading to integrin activation. Studies using isolated TM peptides have suggested an altered membrane embedding of the ß3 TM α-helix coupled with αIIbß3 activation. However, controversies remain as to whether and how the TM α-helices change their topologies in the context of full-length integrin in native cell membrane. In this study, we utilized proline scanning mutagenesis and cysteine scanning accessibility assays to analyze the structure and function correlation of the αIIbß3 TM domain. Our identification of loss-of-function proline mutations in the TM domain suggests the requirement of a continuous TM α-helical structure in transmitting activation signals bidirectionally across the cell membrane, characterized by the inside-out activation for ligand binding and the outside-in signaling for cell spreading. Similar results were found for αLß2 and α5ß1 TM domains, suggesting a generalizable mechanism. We also detected a topology change of ß3 TM α-helix within the cell membrane, but only under conditions of cell adhesion and the absence of αIIb association. Our data demonstrate the importance of studying the structure and function of the integrin TM domain in the native cell membrane.

Exogenous Autoinducer-2 Rescues Intestinal Dysbiosis and Intestinal Inflammation in a Neonatal Mouse Necrotizing Enterocolitis Model.

Autoinducer-2 (AI-2) is believed to be a bacterial interspecies signaling molecule that plays an important role in the regulation of the physiological behaviors of bacteria. The effect of AI-2 on the process of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is unknown, and the aim of this study was to study the effect of AI-2 in a mouse NEC model. C57BL/6 mouse pups were randomly divided into three groups: the control group, the NEC group, and the NEC+AI-2 (NA) group. Exogenous AI-2 (500 nM) was added to the formula milk of the NA group. The concentrations of fecal AI-2 and flora were tested. The expression of cytokines, TLR4 and NF-κB in intestinal tissue was detected. The AI-2 level was significantly decreased in the NEC group (P<0.05). Compared with the NEC group, the intestinal injury scores, expression of TLR4, NF-kB, and proinflammatory factors (IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α) were reduced, and expression of anti-inflammatory factor (IL-10) was increased in the NA group mice (P<0.05). At the phylum level, the Proteobacteria abundance in the NA group was significantly increased, while the Bacteroidota abundance in the control group was significantly increased (P<0.05). At the genus level, Helicobacter and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 exhibited significantly greater abundance in the NEC group than in the other two groups, while Lactobacillus had the opposite trend (P<0.05). In addition, the abundances of Klebsiella, Rodentibacter and Enterococcus were significantly higher in the NA group than in the NEC and control groups (P < 0.05). Exogenous AI-2 partially reverses flora disorder and decreases inflammation in an NEC mouse model.

Incorporating multiple congestion levels into spatiotemporal analysis for the impact of a traffic incident.

Traffic incidents occurring on the road interrupt the smooth mobility of traffic flow and lead to traffic congestion. Although there has been a proliferation of studies that attempt to estimate the spatiotemporal impact of a traffic incident, most, if not all, of them focus exclusively on the differentiation of bi-level traffic status. In this research, we propose to incorporate multiple congestion levels in the spatiotemporal analysis for the impact of a traffic incident, which is new to the literature. The input to our model includes the historical speed on a given road and the occurrence time and location of the incident. The model then outputs the spatiotemporal impact region with multiple congestion levels. We first use a discriminant indicator to initially indicate the traffic status according to the travelling speed of probe vehicles. We then develop an integer programming model with a set of novel constraints to estimate the spatiotemporal region impacted by the incident. Unlike existing studies that only distinguish between uncongested and congested status, our model allows us to determine the impact region with diverse congestion levels. We validate our model using both simulation and real data. Results demonstrate that our approach can not only ensure the consistency of the propagation of shockwaves even when multiple congestion levels are incorporated, but also produce more accurate estimation of the delay caused by the incident when compared to the current state-of-the-art approach.

A Review: Microbial Diversity and Function of Fermented Meat Products in China.

Fermented meat products have a long history in China. These products exhibit a characteristic unique flavor, compact meat quality, clear color, long shelf life and wide variety and are easy to transport. During the processing and storage of fermented meat products, microorganisms are present and exhibit diverse characteristics. Microorganisms can accelerate the degradation of proteins and fats to produce flavor compounds, inhibit the growth and reproduction of heterozygous bacteria, and reduce the content of chemical pollutants. This paper reviews the microbial diversity of Chinese ham, sausage, preserved meat, pressed salted duck, preserved fish and air-dried meat and provides analyses of the microbial compositions of various products. Due to the differences in raw materials, technology, auxiliary materials, and fermentation technology, the microbial species found in various fermented meat products in China are different. However, most fermented meat products in China are subjected to pickling and fermentation, so their microbial compositions also have similarities. Microorganisms in fermented meat products mainly include staphylococci, lactobacilli, micrococci, yeasts, and molds. The study of microbial diversity is of great significance for the formation of quality flavor and the safety control of fermented meat products, and it provides some theoretical reference for the study of fermented meat products in China.

Cadmium subcellular distribution and chemical form in Festuca arundinacea in different intercropping systems during phytoremediation.

Intercropping with Cicer arietinum L has been suggested to improve the Cd decontamination capacity of Festuca arundinacea. However, the mechanisms stimulating this effect have not been revealed. The current study was designed to evaluate the changes in the subcellular distribution and chemical forms of Cd in different leaf types of F. arundinacea intercropped with C. arietinum L under different schemes. The results indicated that more than half of the Cd was bound in the cell wall in plant organs under all planting schemes, showing that cell wall deposition is an important detoxication pathway for the metal. Relative to the monoculture scheme, coordinate and malposed intercropping schemes increased the Cd concentration deposited in the cytoplasm of below-ground tissues from 37.6% to 45.2% and 45.1%, respectively. Additionally, the proportion of inorganic and water-soluble Cd in the below-ground parts of F. arundinacea increased from 73.6% in the monoculture scheme to 80.6% and 84.7%, in the coordinate and malposed intercropping schemes, respectively. The results exhibited that intercropping schemes can activate the metal in below-ground tissues and move it to aerial parts. The present study revealed the promoting mechanism of intercropping schemes on the phytoremediation efficiency of F. arundinacea for Cd at a subcellular level.

Impacts of root pruning and magnetized water irrigation on the phytoremediation efficiency of Celosia argentea.

Pot experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of magnetized water irrigation (100 mT) and root cutting (three pruning intensities) on phytoremediation efficiency of Celosia argentea. In the absence of magnetic field treatment, low root cutting intensity increased the dry weight of the below-ground and aerial parts of C. argentea. Moderate and severe cutting intensities decreased the biomass yield of the plant roots by 11.3% and 31.0%, and increased the dry weight of aerial parts by 75.9% and 27.6%, respectively, alleviating the detrimental effects of these pruning treatments on the plant roots. In the presence of magnetic field treatment, 10% and 25% of pruning treatments increased the dry weight of plant roots by 52.1% and 33.8%, and 33% pruning treatment decreased it by 14.1%. Under both irrigation treatments, low and moderate root cutting strategies did not affect the take up of Cd by the plant roots, while severe cutting decreased it significantly. Enzyme activities decreased with the increment of pruning intensity, and magnetic field can alleviate the negative impact, increasing the capacity of the root pruned species to scavenge the excessive ROS induced by the accumulated Cd. The results showed that root pruning enhanced the phytoremediation efficiency of C. argentea, and this effect was enhanced when combined with magnetized water irrigation.

Survey on antibiotic regimens for necrotizing enterocolitis prescribed by Chinese pediatricians in 2020.

Background: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious intestinal inflammatory disease in neonates, and intravenous antibiotics constitute the main therapeutic strategy. Studies have shown that substantial variation in the selection of antibiotic regimens for NEC remains in many countries. The variability in antibiotic therapy selection in China is unclear. Methods: A cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire regarding antibiotic regimens for NEC was conducted among pediatricians working in tertiary hospitals in China. Results: A total of 284 pediatricians from 29 provinces completed the survey; 37.9% of them administered one antibiotic, 56.7% administered two antibiotics and 2.4% administered three antibiotics. The top three single-antibiotic regimens for NEC were beta-lactamase inhibitors (n=66, 41.5%), carbapenems (n=46, 28.9%) and cephalosporins (n=33, 20.8%). Twenty combinations of two antibiotics were identified, and the top three combinations were beta-lactamase inhibitors and antianaerobic agents (n=49, 19.6%), carbapenems and glycopeptides (n=42, 16.8%), and cephalosporins and antianaerobic agents (n=37, 14.8%). Regarding the therapeutic duration of antibiotic treatment, 77.5% (n=220) of the pediatricians chose 5-10 days for stage II NEC, and 79.6% (n=226) chose 7-14 days for stage III NEC. Forty-three percent (n=122) of the respondents preferred to use carbapenems when NEC was diagnosed, and 83.3% (n=135) adjusted the antibiotics to carbapenems if a patient's medical condition deteriorated or if the therapeutic efficacy was poor. Conclusion: This survey revealed that carbapenems were the most common antibiotics selected when NEC was diagnosed or a patient's condition deteriorated, but the duration of the course of treatment for NEC varied substantially among doctors.

Measurement of Integrin Activation and Conformational Changes on the Cell Surface by Soluble Ligand and Antibody Binding Assays.

Soluble ligand and conformation-dependent antibody binding assay of integrins on the cell surface is an effective approach to evaluate the activation status of integrins in live cells. The ligands or antibodies are usually labeled with biotin or a fluorescent dye and incubated with integrin-expressing cells in suspension. The cell-bound ligands and antibodies are then detected by flow cytometry. Here we describe the detailed protocols of soluble ligand or antibody binding assay for αIIbß3, αVß3, α5ß1, and αLß2 integrins that are transiently or stably expressed in the model cell lines such as HEK293 or CHO-k1 cells.

Risk factors of necrotizing enterocolitis in neonates with sepsis: A retrospective case-control study.

Sepsis, a severe infectious disease in the neonatal period, is considered a risk factor for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). To investigate the specific risk factors for NEC in septic infants, septic infants admitted to our center from January 2010 to April 2018 were included. Septic neonates with proven NEC (Bell's stage ⩾II) were enrolled in the NEC group, and those without NEC were enrolled in the control group. Demographics, clinical characteristics, and risk factors were compared between the two groups. Univariate and logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the potential risk factors for NEC. A total of 610 septic neonates were included, of whom 78 (12.8%) had complicated NEC. The univariate analysis indicated that infants with NEC had a lower birth weight, a lower gestational age, and older age on admission than those without NEC (P < 0.05). Higher rates of anemia, prolonged rupture of membranes (PROM) (⩾18 h), pregnancy-induced hypertension, late-onset sepsis (LOS), red blood cell transfusion and hypoalbuminemia were observed in the NEC group than in the non-NEC group (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed LOS (P = 0.000), red blood cell transfusion (P = 0.001) and hypoalbuminemia (P = 0.001) were associated with the development of NEC. Among NEC infants, those who needed red blood cell transfusion had a longer hospitalization duration than those who did not need transfusion (P < 0.05). LOS, red blood cell transfusion and hypoalbuminemia were independent risk factors for the development of NEC in infants with sepsis. Taking measures to reduce the occurrence of hypoproteinemia and severe anemia may help to reduce the occurrence of NEC in septic neonates.

Caseload is increased by resequencing cases before and on the day of surgery at ambulatory surgery centers where initial patient recovery is in operating rooms and cleanup times are longer than typical.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic impacts operating room (OR) management in regions with high prevalence (e.g., >1.0% of asymptomatic patients testing positive). Cases with aerosol producing procedures are isolated to a few ORs, initial phase I recovery of those patients is in the ORs, and multimodal environmental decontamination applied. We quantified the potential increase in productivity from also resequencing these cases among those 2 or 3 ORs. DESIGN: Computer simulation provided sample sizes requiring >100 years experimentally. Resequencing was limited to changes in the start times of surgeons' lists of cases. SETTING: Ambulatory surgery center or hospital outpatient department. MAIN RESULTS: With case resequencing applied before and on the day of surgery, there were 5.6% and 5.5% more cases per OR per day for the 2 ORs and 3 ORs, respectively, both standard errors (SE) < 0.1%. Resequencing cases among ORs to start cases earlier permitted increases in the hours into which cases could be scheduled from 10.5 to 11.0 h, while assuring >90% probability of each OR finishing within the prespecified 12-h shift. Thus, the additional cases were all scheduled before the day of surgery. The greater allocated time also resulted in less overutilized time, a mean of 4.2 min per OR per day for 2 ORs (SE 0.5) and 6.3 min per OR per day for 3 ORs (SE 0.4). The benefit could be achieved while limiting application of resequencing to days when the OR with the fewest estimated hours of cases has ≤8 h. CONCLUSIONS: Some ambulatory surgery ORs have unusually long OR times and/or room cleanup times (e.g., infection control efforts because of the pandemic). Resequencing cases before and on the day of surgery should be considered, because moving 1 or 2 cases occasionally has little to no cost with substantive benefit.