Frailty phenotype as mediator between systemic inflammation and osteoporosis and fracture risks: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Systemic inflammation and frailty have been implicated in osteoporosis (OP) and fracture risks; however, existing evidence remains limited and inconclusive. This study aimed to assess the associations of systemic inflammation and frailty phenotype with incident OP and fracture and to evaluate the mediating role of frailty phenotype. METHODS: The present study analysed data from the UK Biobank, a comprehensive and representative dataset encompassing over 500 000 individuals from the general population. Baseline peripheral blood cell counts were employed to calculate the systemic inflammation markers, including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII). Frailty phenotype was assessed using five criteria, defined as frail (≥3 items met), pre-frail (1-2 items met) and non-frail (0 items met). OP and fracture events were confirmed through participants' health-related records. Multivariable linear and Cox regression models were utilized, along with mediation analysis. RESULTS: Increased systemic inflammation was associated with increased risks of OP and fracture. The corresponding hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for OP risk per standard deviation increase in the log-transformed NLR, PLR and SII were 1.113 (1.093-1.132), 1.098 (1.079-1.118) and 1.092 (1.073-1.111), and for fracture risk, they were 1.066 (1.051-1.082), 1.059 (1.044-1.075) and 1.073 (1.058-1.089), respectively. Compared with the non-frail individuals, the pre-frail and frail ones showed an elevated OP risk by 21.2% (95% CI: 16.5-26.2%) and 111.0% (95% CI: 98.1-124.8%), respectively, and an elevated fracture risk by 6.1% (95% CI: 2.8-9.5%) and 38.2% (95% CI: 30.7-46.2%), respectively. The systemic inflammation level demonstrated a positive association with frailty, with ß (95% CI) of 0.034 (0.031-0.037), 0.026 (0.023-0.029) and 0.008 (0.005-0.011) in response to per standard deviation increment in log-transformed SII, NLR and PLR, respectively. The frailty phenotype mediated the association between systemic inflammation and OP/fracture risk. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings. CONCLUSIONS: Systemic inflammation and frailty phenotype are independently linked to increased risks of OP and fracture. The frailty phenotype partially mediates the association between systemic inflammation and osteoporotic traits. These results highlight the significance of interventions targeting systemic inflammation and frailty in OP and fracture prevention and management.

Early-life tobacco smoke elevating later-life osteoporosis risk: Mediated by telomere length and interplayed with genetic predisposition.

INTRODUCTION: The growing prevalence of osteoporosis (OP) in an aging global population presents a significant public health concern. Tobacco smoke negatively affects bone turnover, leading to reduced bone mass and heightened OP and fracture risk. However, the impact of early-life tobacco smoke exposure on later-life OP risk remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: This study was to explore the effects of early-life tobacco smoke exposure on incident OP risk in later life. The mediating role of telomere length (TL) and the interaction with genetic predisposition were also studied. METHODS: Data on in utero tobacco smoke exposure (IUTSE) status and age of tobacco use initiation from the UK Biobank were used to estimate early-life tobacco smoke exposure. Incident OP cases were identified according to health-related records. Linear, Cox, and Laplace regression models were mainly used for data analysis. RESULTS: Individuals with IUTSE showed a higher OP risk [hazard ratio (HR): 1.06, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.01, 1.11] and experienced earlier OP onset by 0.30 years [50th percentile difference = -0.30, 95 % CI: -0.51, -0.09] compared to those without. Participants initiating tobacco smoke in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood had 1.41 times (95 % CI: 1.23, 1.61), 1.17 times (95 % CI:1.10, 1.24), and 1.14 times (95 % CI: 1.07, 1.20) the risk of OP, respectively, compared to never smokers. They also experienced earlier OP onset by 2.16, 0.95, and 0.71 years, sequentially. The TL significantly mediated the early-life tobacco exposure and OP association. Significant joint and interactive effects were detected between early-life tobacco smoke exposure and genetic elements. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings implicate that early-life tobacco smoke exposure elevates the later-life OP risk, mediated by telomere length and interplayed with genetic predisposition. These findings highlight the importance of early-life intervention against tobacco smoke exposure and ageing status for precise OP prevention, especially in individuals with a high genetic risk.

Cytokine release syndrome was an independent risk factor associated with hypoalbuminemia for patients with relapsed/refractory hematological malignancies after CAR-T cell therapy.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: This study aims to assess the nutritional status of patients during the different phases of the Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy and to identify prominent risk factors of hypoalbuminemia in patients after CAR-T treatment. The clinical consequences of malnutrition in cancer patients have been highlighted by growing evidence from previous clinical studies. Given CAR-T cell therapy's treatment intensity and possible side effects, it is important to provide patients with sufficient medical attention and support for their nutritional well-being. METHODS: This study was conducted from May 2021 to December 2021 among patients undergoing CAR-T cell therapy at the Bone Marrow Transplantation Center in The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine. Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the risk factors associated with hypoalbuminemia. Participants were divided into the cytokine release syndrome (CRS) group (n = 60) and the non-CRS group (n = 11) to further analyze the relationship between hypoalbuminemia and CRS. RESULTS: CRS (OR = 13.618; 95% CI = 1.499-123.709; P = 0.013) and baseline albumin (ALB) (OR = 0.854; 95% CI = 0.754-0.967; P = 0.020) were identified as the independent clinical factors associated with post-CAR-T hypoalbuminemia. According to the nadir of serum albumin, hypoalbuminemia occurred most frequently in patients with severe CRS (78.57%). The nadir of serum albumin (r = - 0.587, P < 0.001) and serum albumin at discharge (r = - 0.315, P = 0.01) were negatively correlated for the duration of CRS. Furthermore, patients with hypoalbuminemia deserved longer hospitalization (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: CRS was identified as a significant risk factor associated with post-CAR-T hypoalbuminemia. An obvious decline in serum albumin was observed as the grade and duration of CRS increase. However, further research is still needed to elucidate the mechanisms of CRS-associated hypoalbuminemia.

Effect of hip dysplasia on the development of the femoral head growth plate.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to observe whether developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) affects the development of the femoral head growth plate and to analyze the risk factors. Methods: We selected female patients aged between 11 and 20 years with unilateral DDH and unclosed femoral head growth plate (s). The selected patients underwent anteroposterior radiography of the hip joint to compare the degree of development of the femoral head growth plate on both sides and to identify risk factors that affect the development of the growth plate in the femoral head. Results: We included 48 female patients with unilateral DDH, with an average age of 14 years (range: 11.1-18.5 years) and an average BMI of 20.4 kg/m² (range: 15.5 kg/m²-27.9 kg/m²). Among them, 23 patients had earlier development of the femoral head growth plate on the affected side than on the healthy side, while the degree of development of the femoral head growth plate in 25 patients was the same as that on the contralateral side. When the Tönnis angle was greater than 29.5°C and/or the Reimers migration index was greater than 48.5%, there was a statistically significant difference in the acceleration of femoral head growth plate development. Conclusion: An abnormal relative position of the acetabulum-femoral head caused by DDH can accelerate closure of the femoral head growth plate in immature female patients. The risk factors are a Tönnis angle greater than 29.5°C and/or Reimers migration index greater than 48.5%.

En Bloc Resection for Spinal Cord Hemangioblastomas: Surgical Technique and Clinical Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Spinal cord hemangioblastomas are rare benign and highly vascular tumors that develop either sporadically or as part of von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease. Generally, complete resection without significant neurologic deficit remains considerably challenging due to the risk of massive bleeding. The current study therefore aimed to describe en bloc resection of spinal cord hemangioblastomas according to the typical anatomical structures of peripheral lesions and evaluate the neurofunctional prognosis of this technique. METHODS: A total of 39 spinal cord hemangioblastomas from a series of 19 patients who underwent en bloc resection were retrospectively analyzed. In all cases, clinical and radiologic characteristics, as well as surgical tenets, were retrospectively determined and analyzed. Short- and long-term outcomes were analyzed using the McCormick grade and Odom's criteria. Factors significantly associated with poor neurologic function after en bloc resection were also determined. RESULTS: All 39 spinal cord hemangioblastomas, including 28 intramedullary, 2 intramedullary-extramedullary, and 9 extramedullary lesions, were located dorsally or dorsolaterally (100.0%). The most common lesion location was the thoracic segment (53.8%), with most of the lesions being accompanied by syringomyelia (94.7%). Long-term follow-up (mean: 103 ± 50.4 months) for prognosis determination revealed that 88.2% (15/17) of all cases had stable or improved neurofunctional outcomes according to the McCormick grade and Odom's criteria. Only one case with VHL disease developed recurrence 4 years after surgery. Additionally, statistical analysis showed that VHL disease was an independent prognostic factor associated with deteriorating neurologic function (p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: En bloc resection facilitated satisfactory long-term functional outcomes in patients with spinal cord hemangioblastomas. Given that VHL disease was identified as a predictor of poor long-term outcomes, regular long-term follow-up of patients with VHL-associated spinal cord hemangioblastoma seems necessary.

[Correlation analysis of serum MMP-1 and MMP-2 levels with lower extremity deep venous thrombosis after operation for lower limb fracture].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between serum matrix metalloproteinase-1(MMP-1) and matrix metalloproteinase-2(MMP-2) and the formation of deep venous thrombosis(LDVT) in lower extremity patients after surgery for lower extremity fracture, and to analyze the value of MMP-1 and MMP-2 in predicting the occurrence of LDVT after lower extremity fracture. METHODS: From June 2018 to December 2021, 352 patients who planned to receive surgical treatment of lower limb fracture in our hospital were selected as the research objects. Venous blood was collected at 1, 2 and 3 days after surgery, respectively, and serum MMP-1 and MMP-2 levels were detected. The incidence of LDVT during hospitalization was analyzed, and the risk factors of postoperative LDVT in patients with lower limb fracture surgery and the predictive value of MMP-1 and MMP-2 for LDVT were analyzed. RESULTS: LDVT occurred in 40 patients (LDVT group), the incidence of LDVT was 11.36%, and 312 patients did not occurred(no occurred group). The serum levels of MMP-1 and MMP-2 in LDVT group increased gradually after surgery; the serum levels of MMP-1 and MMP-2 in the no occurred group increased slightly after surgery at 2 days and then decreased at 3 days after surgery (P<0.01);the serum levels of MMP-1 and MMP-2 in LDVT group were higher than those in the no occurred group at 2 days and 3 days after surgery (P<0.05). Serum levels of MMP-1 and MMP-2 were positively correlated with serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor -α (TNF-α) in LDVT patients at 2 days and 3 days postoperatively (P<0.05). Operative time, MMP-1 and MMP-2 postoperative 3 days were related to the occurrence of LDVT after lower limb fracture (P<0.01). The area under the curve(AUC) predicted by MMP-1 and MMP-2 postoperative 3 days for LDVT after lower limb fracture was 0.738 and 0.744 respectively, and the AUC predicted by combined MMP-1 and MMP-2 was 0.910, which was higher than that predicted by single indicator(Z=2.819 and 2.025, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: High levels of MMP-1 and MMP-2 after lower extremity fracture are closely related to the occurrence of LDVT, and 3 d mMP-1 and MMP-2 after surgery maybe used as evaluation indexes for LDVT risk prediction.

A Modified Purse-String Stapling Technique for Intracorporeal Circular Stapled Esophagojejunostomy During Laparoscopic Total Gastrectomy: Comparison with Extracorporeal Reconstruction Technique.

Background: Intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy (EJ) in the context of laparoscopic total gastrectomy remains a complex and technically demanding procedure. We have previously introduced a novel method of intracorporeal circular stapled EJ utilizing a conventional purse-string suture instrument. Since May 2018, we have refined this technique, and the aim of this study was to assess its safety and efficacy. Methods: Between May 2018 and June 2022, we enrolled 92 patients who underwent laparoscopic total gastrectomy with the modified intracorporeal reconstruction method. In addition, between March 2014 and June 2022, we enrolled 121 patients who underwent the procedure with the extracorporeal reconstruction method. We retrospectively collected and compared the clinical data of these 2 patient cohorts. Results: Intracorporeal reconstruction group experienced lower postoperative pain scores (2.7 ± 1.3 versus 4.5 ± 1.4, P = .032), reduced administration of analgesics (3.1 ± 2.2 versus 5.0 ± 3.5, P = .041), and shorter postoperative hospital stays (4.9 ± 2.3 versus 6.3 ± 3.5, P = .045) compared with the extracorporeal reconstruction group. In addition, anastomotic time and postoperative pain score were not increased in the overweight patients in the intracorporeal reconstruction group. Anastomotic leakage occurred in 2 (2.2%) patients in the intracorporeal reconstruction group and 4 (3.3%) patients in the extracorporeal reconstruction group. Anastomotic stricture occurred in 1 (1.1% and 0.8%) patient in each group. There was no significant difference in the overall postoperative complication rate between the 2 groups. Conclusions: The modified intracorporeal purse-string stapling technique for EJ during laparoscopic total gastrectomy is a safe and viable option, exhibiting less invasiveness and comparable outcomes to the extracorporeal reconstruction method, especially suitable for obese patients.

Role of lifestyle factors in mediating the effect of educational attainment on bone mineral density: a Mendelian randomization study.

We performed two-step multivariable Mendelian randomization analysis to explore the mediating role of lifestyle factors in educational attainment (EA) and bone mineral density (BMD). Summary statistics from genome-wide association studies of European lineages were used. Coffee intake and processed-meat intake mediated the association between EA and BMD. PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore the causal relationship between educational attainment (EA) and bone mineral density (BMD), as well as the potential mediating roles of lifestyle factors in the expected EA-BMD relationship. By identifying modifiable lifestyle factors, we hope to provide relevant information to prevent osteoporosis or low BMD in the less educated population. METHODS: Using summary statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of major European lineages, one- and two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were performed to estimate the association between EA (in the social sciences genetic association consortium (SSGAC) involving 766,345 individuals and in the UK Biobank (UKB) involving 293,723 individuals) and BMD (in the Genetic Factors for Osteoporosis Consortium involving 426,824 individuals selected from the UKB). The EA variable in both consortia were expressed by years of schooling completed. Two-step multivariable MR was used to assess the mediating roles of eight lifestyle-related factors (moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, watching television, computer using, smoking initiation, coffee intake, alcohol intake frequency, tea intake, and processed-meat intake) in the EA and BMD association, and the corresponding mediating proportion was calculated. Meta-analysis was used to present a pooled estimate. RESULTS: A total of 317 and 73 independent single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of GWAS significance (P < 5.0 × 10-8) were selected as instrumental variables (IVs) for EA in the SSGAC and UKB, respectively. A total of 513 SNPs were selected as IVs for the BMD. The results of one- and two-sample MR revealed that the genetically predicted BMD increased by 0.094 and 0.047 g/cm2, respectively, in response to each SD increment of genetically predicted schooling years. Among the eight candidate mediators, coffee intake and processed-meat intake were potential mediators revealed by the two-step multivariable MR analysis, mediating 26.87% and 23.92% of EA's effect on BMD, respectively. Meta-analysis showed consistent findings. Results of sensitivity analysis indicated the robustness of our findings. CONCLUSION: We elucidated the causal protective effect of EA on BMD and the mediating roles of coffee intake and processed-meat intake. Intervening with these factors can potentially reduce the burden of bone density loss or osteoporotic fractures among the less educated population.

Icariin Promotes Osteogenic Differentiation in a Cell Model with NF1 Gene Knockout by Activating the cAMP/PKA/CREB Pathway.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder, with up to 50% of patients clinically displaying skeletal defects. Currently, the pathogenesis of bone disorders in NF1 patients is unclear, and there are no effective preventive and treatment measures. In this study, we found that knockout of the NF1 gene reduced cAMP levels and osteogenic differentiation in an osteoblast model, and icariin activated the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway to promote osteoblast differentiation of the NF1 gene knockout cell model by increasing intracellular cAMP levels. The PKA selective inhibitor H89 significantly impaired the stimulatory effect of icariin on osteogenesis in the NF1 cell model. In this study, an osteoblast model of NF1 was successfully constructed, and icariin was applied to the cell model for the first time. The results will help to elucidate the molecular mechanism of NF1 bone disease and provide new ideas for the clinical prevention and treatment of NF1 bone disease and drug development in the future.

Can we determine anterior hip coverage from pelvic anteroposterior radiographs? A study of patients with hip dysplasia.

PURPOSE: Insufficient coverage causes hip joint instability and results in hip pain. Anterior hip coverage can be determined on both pelvic anteroposterior (AP) radiographs and false profile (FP) radiographs. Four parameters are commonly used to determine the anterior coverage on pelvic AP radiographs: the crossover index, crossover sign, anterior wall index (AWI), and rule of thirds. This study aims to clarify the relationship between these 4 parameters on AP radiographs and the anterior center edge angle (ACEA) on FP radiographs. METHODS: In this study, 53 patients who underwent periacetabular osteotomy for hip dysplasia at our center between July 2020 and October 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Four parameters on AP radiographs and the ACEA on FP radiographs before surgery and 6 months after surgery were measured and compared for each hip. RESULTS: Upon examining the 53 hips in this study, there was no correlation between either the crossover index and the ACEA (P = 0.66) or the crossover sign before surgery. The postoperative correlation between the crossover index and the ACEA was weak (r = 0.36, P = 0.007), and that between the crossover sign and the ACEA was moderate (r = 0.41, P = 0.003). There was a weak correlation between the AWI and ACEA both before (r = 0.288, P = 0.036) and after (r = 0.349, P = 0.011) the operation. Evaluation of the anterior coverage by the rule of thirds was also not consistent when determining the anterior coverage with the ACEA. CONCLUSION: Anterior coverage on AP radiographs is largely inconsistent with ACEA on FP radiographs, especially before the surgery. It is recommended to take FP radiographs routinely for determining anterior hip coverage.

Exposure to phenols, chlorophenol pesticides, phthalate and PAHs and mortality risk: A prospective study based on 6 rounds of NHANES.

OBJECTIVES: Human exposure to various endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is widespread and long-lasting. The primary objective of this study was to prospectively evaluate the association of combined exposure of phenols, chlorophenol pesticides, phthalate and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and mortality risk in a representative US population. METHODS: The data on urinary levels of phenols, chlorophenol pesticides, phthalates, and PAH metabolites, were collected from participants aged ≥20 years in six rounds of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2003-2014). NHANES-linked death records up to December 31, 2015 were used to ascertain mortality status and cause of death. Cox proportional hazards and competing risk models were mainly used for chemical and mortality risk association analysis. The weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression were employed to estimate the association between EDC co-exposure and mortality risk. RESULTS: High levels of mono-n-butyl phthalate, monobenzyl phthalate, and 1-napthol were significantly associated with increased risk of all cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer mortality among all participants. WQS index was associated with the risks of all-cause (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.389, 95%CI: 1.155-1.669) and CVD mortality (HR = 1.925, 95%CI: 1.152-3.216). High co-exposure scores were associated with elevated all-cause (HR = 2.842, 95% CI: 1.2.094-3.858), CVD (HR = 1.855, 95% CI: 1.525-2.255), and cancer mortality risks (HR = 2.961, 95% CI: 1.468-5.972). The results of subgroup analysis, competing risk model, and sensitivity analysis were generally consistent with the findings from the main analyses, indicating the robustness of our findings. CONCLUSIONS: This study provided the first epidemiological evidence that co-exposure to EDC at fairly low levels contributed to elevated mortality risk among US adults. The underlying mechanisms for the effects of EDC co-exposure on human health are worthy of future exploration.

Antarcticirhabdus aurantiaca gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from Antarctic gravel soil.

Strain R10T was isolated from a gravel soil sample obtained from Deception Island, Antarctica. The isolate was a Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, motile, short-rod-shaped bacterium, and its colonies were orange yellow in colour. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain R10T belonged to the family Aurantimonadaceae and shared highest sequence similarity with Jiella aquimaris LZB041T (96.3 % sequence similarity), Aurantimonas aggregata R14M6T (96.0 %) and Aureimonas frigidaquae JCM 14755T (96.0 %). Phylogenetic analysis showed that strain R10T affiliated with members of the family Aurantimonadaceae and represented an independent lineage. Growth occurred at 10-37 °C (optimum, 28-32 °C), up to 1.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0 %) and pH 5.5-9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0). The major respiratory quinone of strain R10T was Q-10. Its major fatty acids were C18 : 1 ω7c and C16 : 0. The polar lipid profile of strain R10T comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, two unknown phospholipids and two unknown aminophospholipids. The genome of strain R10T was 5.92 Mbp with a G+C content of 69.1 % based on total genome calculations. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) values between R10T and other related species of the family Aurantimonadaceae were found to be low (ANIm <87.0 %, ANIb <75.0 % and OrthoANIu <77.0 %). Furthermore, digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) and average amino acid identity (AAI) values between strain R10T and the closely related species ranged from 19.5-20.6% and from 60.6-64.0 %, respectively. Based on the results of our phylogenetic, phenotypic, genotypic and chemotaxonomic analyses, it is concluded that strain R10T represents a novel genus and species of the family Aurantimonadaceae, for which the name Antarcticirhabdus aurantiaca gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is R10T (=KCTC 72466T=CGMCC 1.17155T).

Ether-based electrolytes enable the application of nitrogen and sulfur co-doped 3D graphene frameworks as anodes in high-performance sodium-ion batteries.

The development of graphitic carbon materials as anodes of sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) is greatly restricted by their inherent low specific capacity. Herein, nitrogen and sulfur co-doped 3D graphene frameworks (NSGFs) were successfully synthesized via a simple and facile one-step hydrothermal method and exhibited high Na storage capacity in ether-based electrolytes. A systematic comparison was made between NSGFs, undoped graphene frameworks (GFs) and nitrogen-doped graphene frameworks (NGFs). It is demonstrated that the high specific capacity of NSGFs can be attributed to the free diffusion of Na ions within the graphene layer and reversible reaction between -C-Sx-C- covalent chains and Na ions thanks to the large interplanar distance and the dominant -C-Sx-C- covalent chains in NSGFs. NSGF anodes, therefore, exhibit a high initial coulombic efficiency (ICE) (92.8%) and a remarkable specific capacity of 834.0 mA h g-1 at 0.1 A g-1. Kinetic analysis verified that the synergetic effect of N/S co-doping not only largely enhanced the Na ion diffusion rate but also reduced the electrochemical impedance of NSGFs. Postmortem techniques, such as SEM, ex situ XPS, HTEM and ex situ Raman spectroscopy, all demonstrated the extremely physicochemically stable structure of the 3D graphene matrix and ultrathin inorganic-rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) films formed on the surface of NSGFs. Yet it is worth noting that the Na storage performance and mechanism are exclusive to ether-based electrolytes and would be inhibited in their carbonate ester-based counterparts. In addition, the corrosion of copper foils under the synergetic effect of S atoms and ether-based electrolytes was reported for the first time. Interestingly, by-products derived from this corrosion could provide additional Na storage capacity. This work sheds light on the mechanism of improving the electrochemical performance of carbon-based anodes by heteroatom doping in SIBs and provides a new insight for designing high-performance anodes of SIBs.

Longitudinal Change of Serum Inter-α-Trypsin Inhibitor Heavy Chain H4 and its Relation with Inflammation, Disease Recurrence, and Mortality in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients.

Inter-α-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain H4 (ITIH4) modulates atherosclerosis, lipid, and inflammation, which is involved in the development of acute ischemic stroke. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the longitudinal change and prognostic role of ITIH4 in acute ischemic stroke. In 267 patients with acute ischemic stroke, serum ITIH4 after admission (baseline), the 1st day after admission (D1), D3, D7, and D30, and inflammatory cytokines at baseline were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Additionally, serum ITIH4 of 30 controls after enrollment was detected by ELISA. ITIH4 was reduced in acute ischemic stroke patients than controls [median (interquartile range, IQR): 131.0 (95.5-194.3) vs. 418.6 (241.5-506.8) ng/mL] (P < 0.001). Among acute ischemic stroke patients, ITIH4 was negatively associated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (r = -0.211, P = 0.001), interleukin (IL)-1ß (r = -0.164, P = 0.007), IL-6 (r = -0.121, P = 0.049), and IL-17A (r = -0.188, P = 0.002). ITIH4 presented a decreased trend from admission to D3, then increased from D3 to D30 (P < 0.001). The 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year cumulative recurrence rate was 7.5%, 18.0%, and 19.1%, respectively; meanwhile, 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year cumulative death rate was 2.2%, 7.1%, and 7.1%, accordingly. The further analysis presented that ITIH4 at baseline (P = 0.002), D1 (P = 0.049), D3 (P = 0.003), D7 (P < 0.001), and D30 (P < 0.001) was decreased in recurrent patients than non-recurrent patients; besides, ITIH4 at D3 (P = 0.017), D7 (P = 0.004), and D30 (P = 0.002), but not at baseline (P = 0.151) or D1 (P = 0.013), was decreased in deaths than survivors. Serum ITIH4 declines at first and then elevates with time, and its reduction is correlated with higher inflammation, increased risk of recurrence and mortality in acute ischemic stroke patients.

The modified capsular arthroplasty for young patients with developmental dislocation of the hip.

The present study aimed to investigate the clinical results of the modified Codivilla-Hey Groves-Colonna capsular arthroplasty in the treatment of young patients with developmental dislocation of the hip. We retrospectively evaluated 90 patients (92 hips) who underwent the modified capsular arthroplasty from June 2012 to June 2021. Hips were evaluated using the modified hip Harris score (mHHS), the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score and the 12-item International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12). The Tönnis osteoarthritis grade and the Severin classification system were used to assess the radiographic outcomes. The average age was 15.7 years (range: 8-26 years). The mean pre-operative mHHS, the WOMAC score and the iHOT-12 score were 83.03, 14.05 and 52.79, respectively. The patients were followed for a mean of 41.1 months (range: 12.1-120.9 months). The patients had a mean mHHS of 83.61 (range: 31.2-97), a WOMAC score of 16.41 (range: 0-51) and an iHOT-12 score of 64.81 (range: 12.9-98.2) at the final follow-up. Capsular thickness had a positive predication on the final functional outcomes. The excellent/good rate of radiological reduction was 79.3%. More than 60% of patients had no/slight osteoarthritis. A total of 54 hips (58.7%) had superior radiographic outcomes. The risk factors for inferior radiographic outcomes were capsular quality (odds ratio [OR]: 0.358, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.113-0.931) and capsular thickness (OR: 0.265, 95% CI: 0.134-0.525). Joint stiffness was the most common complication (14.1%). We confirmed the efficacy of this procedure in the treatment of developmental hip dislocation. Patients with poor capsular quality are not suitable for this procedure. With suitable selection according to indications, this procedure can restore the hip rotation center with a low incidence of femoral head necrosis or severe osteoarthritis.

Evolution of a chordate-specific mechanism for myoblast fusion.

Vertebrate myoblast fusion allows for multinucleated muscle fibers to compound the size and strength of mononucleated cells, but the evolution of this important process is unknown. We investigated the evolutionary origins and function of membrane-coalescing agents Myomaker and Myomixer in various groups of chordates. Here, we report that Myomaker likely arose through gene duplication in the last common ancestor of tunicates and vertebrates, while Myomixer appears to have evolved de novo in early vertebrates. Functional tests revealed a complex evolutionary history of myoblast fusion. A prevertebrate phase of muscle multinucleation driven by Myomaker was followed by the later emergence of Myomixer that enables the highly efficient fusion system of vertebrates. Evolutionary comparisons between vertebrate and nonvertebrate Myomaker revealed key structural and mechanistic insights into myoblast fusion. Thus, our findings suggest an evolutionary model of chordate fusogens and illustrate how new genes shape the emergence of novel morphogenetic traits and mechanisms.

Adoption of Magnetic Resonance Image Features under Segmentation Algorithm in Effect Evaluation of Ginkgo Diterpenoid Lactone Glucamine Injection in Treatment of Cerebral Infarction.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) image segmentation based on a segmentation algorithm was performed to assess neurological function in patients with acute cerebral infarction, to investigate the efficacy evaluation of Ginkgo diterpene lactones meglumine injection (GDLI) in the treatment of cerebral infarction and the efficiency of MRI image segmentation algorithm. First, the results of the fast semisupervised segmentation algorithm (algorithm group) and traditional processing (control group) were compared and analyzed. The recall rate, accuracy, recognition accuracy, and segmentation time of the two groups were compared. The control group was given conventional treatment, while the algorithm group was given GDLI based on conventional treatment. Finally, the difference in serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hypoxia-inducible factor-la (HIF-la), angiotensin (Ang)-1, Ang-2, and interleukin (IL)-6 protein concentration was analyzed after treatment. The algorithm evaluation results showed that the accuracy and recall rate of MRI images recognized by the algorithm group fluctuate at 90%. In the control group, the accuracy and recall rate of MRI image results fluctuated at 80%, and the data were statistically different (p < 0.05). The clinical index test results showed that the serum VEGF content of the test group was higher than that of the control group, and the data was statistically different (p < 0.05). In addition, the cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral blood volume (CBV) of the lesion side of the algorithm group were greatly higher than those of the control group on the 30th day, and the differences were significant (p < 0.05). There was little difference between the method presented in this study and the manual delineation by a physician. Compared with traditional manual segmentation, this method greatly reduced the time required for the segmentation of lesions. The diagnostic specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy of the images segmented by the fast semisupervised algorithm were higher than those of the conventional method, and the diagnostic accuracy of acute cerebral infarction was high. In addition, it was sensitive and accurate to detect acute cerebral infarction, which provided a reliable reference for early diagnosis and condition judgment of patients.

Description and genome analysis of Luteimonas viscosa sp. nov., a novel bacterium isolated from soil of a sunflower field.

Strain XBU10T was isolated from a soil sample of a sunflower plot in Inner Mongolia, China. The isolate was a Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterium, and its colonies were bright yellow in colour. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain XBU10T belonged to the genus Luteimonas of the family Lysobacteraceae and was most closely related to Luteimonas panaciterrae Gsoil 068T (97.8%), Luteimonas marina FR1330T (97.6%), Luteimonas aquatica RIB1-20T (97.4%) and Luteimonas huabeiensis HB2T (97.2%). Growth occurred at 4-40 °C (optimum, 28-30 °C), with 0-5.0% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0.5%) and at pH 6.0-10.0 (optimum, pH 7.0 - 8.0). The chemotaxonomic characteristics of strain XBU10T, which had Q-8 as its predominant quinone and iso-C17:1 ω9c, iso-C15:0, iso-C17:0 and iso-C16:0 as its major fatty acids, were consistent with classification in the genus Luteimonas. The polar lipid profile of strain XBU10T comprised phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified phospholipid, two unidentified aminophospholipids and three unidentified polar lipids. The genome of strain XBU10T was 4.17 Mbp with a G + C content of 69.9%. Its genome sequence showed genes encoding alkaline phosphatase and catalase. Protein-coding genes related to carbohydrate-active enzymes were also observed. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) values between XBU10T and other species of the genus Luteimonas were found to be low (ANIm < 88.0%, ANIb < 85.0% and OrthoANIu < 85.0%). Furthermore, digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) and average amino acid identity (AAI) values between strain XBU10T and the closely related species ranged from 20.3 to 28.9% and from 64.2 to 82.3%, respectively. Based on the results of our phylogenetic, phenotypic, genotypic and chemotaxonomic analyses, it is concluded that strain XBU10T represents a novel species within the genus Luteimonas, for which the name Luteimonas viscosa sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is XBU10T (= CGMCC 1.12158T = KCTC 23878T).

Clinical value of serum JKAP in acute ischemic stroke patients.

BACKGROUND: Jun N-terminal kinase pathway-associated phosphatase (JKAP) regulates neuronal function, T helper (Th) 1/2/17 cell differentiation, and inflammatory process, but its clinical role in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients remains unclear. Hence, this study intended to evaluate JKAP level and its relationship with disease severity, Th1, 2, 17 secreted cytokines, adhesion molecules, and prognosis of AIS patients. METHODS: Serum JKAP of 122 AIS patients and 50 controls was detected by ELISA. For AIS patients only, Th1, 2, 17 secreted cytokines IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-17; TNF-α, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 were also detected by ELISA. RESULTS: JKAP was decreased in AIS patients compared with controls (46.350 (interquartile range (IQR): 34.250-59.875) pg/ml vs. 84.500 (IQR: 63.175-113.275) pg/ml, p < 0.001), which could distinguish AIS patients from controls (area under curve (AUC): 0.810, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.732-0.888). In AIS patients, JKAP negatively linked with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (rs  = -0.342, p < 0.001); besides, it was positively related to IL-4 (rs  = 0.213, p = 0.018) and negatively associated with IL-17 (rs  = -0.270, p = 0.003) but not related to IFN-γ (rs  = -0.146, p = 0.109). Furthermore, elevated JKAP associated with declined TNF-α (rs  = -0.219, p = 0.015) and ICAM-1 (rs  = -0.235, p = 0.009) but not related to VCAM-1 (rs  = -0.156, p = 0.085). Besides, declined JKAP was linked with 2-year recurrence (p = 0.027) and 3-year recurrence (p = 0.010) in AIS patients; while JKAP was not related to 1-year recurrence or death risk (both p > 0.050). CONCLUSION: JKAP may sever as a candidate prognostic biomarker in AIS patients, indicating its potency for AIS management.

Sutcliffiella deserti sp. nov., isolated from desert soil.

A Gram-stain-positive, facultative anaerobic, motile and rod-shaped bacterial strain, DG-18T, was isolated from desert soil sampled at the Kubuqi Desert in Inner Mongolia, China. Strain DG-18T grew at 4-40 °C (optimum, 25-30 °C), at pH 8.0-10.0 (optimum, pH 9.0) and with 0-8.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 2.0%). 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis placed strain DG-18T within the genus Sutcliffiella of the family Bacillaceae with Sutcliffiella halmapala DSM 8723T (98.2%), Sutcliffiella zhanjiangensis JSM 099021T (97.6%), Sutcliffiella horikoshii DSM 8719T (97.4%), Sutcliffiella catenulata 18CT (96.6 %) and Sutcliffiella cohnii NBRC 15565T (96.5%) as its closest relatives. The major respiratory quinone of strain DG-18T was MK-7 and the major polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. Its major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 1 ω10c. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain DG-18T was 38.7 mol% based on total genome calculations. The average nucleotide identity score between the genomic sequence of strain DG-18T and that of S. halmapala DSM 8723T was 76.7 %. The Genome-to-Genome Distance Calculator showed that the DNA-DNA hybridization value for strain DG-18T and S. halmapala DSM 8723T was 21.8%. Based on the polyphasic taxonomic data, strain DG-18T represents a novel species of the genus Sutcliffiella, for which the name Sutcliffiella deserti sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is DG-18T (=GDMCC 1.17773T=KCTC 43170T).