Predicting outcomes of Lung Cancer using the modified glasgow prognostic score: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background & Objective: Previous studies have suggested that the modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) could be a potential biomarker for lung cancer (LC). However, the association between mGPS and overall survival (OS) or progression-free survival (PFS) in lung cancer patients remains unclear. The purpose of our study was to investigate possible correlation between mGPS and OS or PFS in LC patients. Methods: An extensive search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMbase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Trip Database, Worldwide Science, and Google Scholar databases was done for relevant articles, published prior to May 30, 2021, that report correlation between mGPS and OS or PFS in LC patients. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used as the main parameters for evaluation. Results: A total of 28 studies involving 9,748 lung cancer patients were analysed. The pooled analysis revealed that elevated mGPS (≥ 0) was associated with poor OS (HR=1.54; 95% CI, 1.32-1.77) and PFS (HR=1.49; 95% CI, 1.17-1.82). Furthermore, a significant correlation between mGPS (1 or 2) and OS was observed. However, no significant correlation was found between mGPS (1 or 2) and PFS. Subgroup analysis based on ethnicity demonstrated that mGPS ≥ 0 was associated with worse OS compared to mGPS=0 in both Asian (HR=1.46; 95% CI, 1.04-1.89; p<0.05) and Caucasian (HR=1.64; 95% CI, 1.35-1.94; p<0.05) cohorts of LC patients. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that positive mGPS is associated with poor survival results. Therefore, mGPS may be used as a biomarker for predicting prognosis in LC patients.

Role of Gut Microbiome in Immune Regulation and Immune Checkpoint Therapy of Colorectal Cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequent gastrointestinal malignant tumors worldwide. Immune checkpoint therapies (ICTs) have been proven to be a reliable treatment for some subtypes of CRC. Gut microbiome is closely involved in intestinal carcinogenesis through the regulation of local immune and inflammation of colonic mucosa. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the immunotherapeutic efficacy of CRC and other kinds of cancer is influenced by the immunosuppressive microenvironment constituted by intestinal microbiome and their metabolites. This Review will discuss the recent advances in how gut microbiome can modify the immune microenvironment and its potential role in ICTs of CRC.

A self-ratiometric and selective electrochemical sensor for the detection of tyrosinase in mouse brain homogenate.

In this work, we developed a new organic electrochemical probe, 4-(prop-2-yn-1-yloxy)phenol, for the determination of tyrosinase. The designed probe contained a 4-hydroxybenzyloxy moiety for the specific determination of Tyr and a terminal alkyne group for chemical adsorption onto the electrode surface. The oxidation peak of the phenolic group from Pyyp decreased but increased for o-diphenol or o-quinone generated after the reaction between Tyr and Pyyp. The present sensor demonstrated a good linearity with Tyr activity in a dynamic range of 1.0-30 U mL-1. The limit of detection was as low as 0.28 ± 0.12 U mL-1. Moreover, this sensor demonstrated high selectivity for Tyr determination against metal ions, amino acids, ROS and neurotransmitters due to the specific recognition of Tyr. Finally, the developed sensor with high accuracy, high selectivity and long-term stability was successfully applied for evaluating Tyr activity in normal brain homogenate and brain homogenate with Parkinson's disease.

Comprehensive surgical treatment for obstructive rectal endometriosis: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal obstruction caused by endometriosis maybe easily misdiagnosed as a tumor or other occupying disease in emergency condition. How to deal with it depending on the clarity of the preoperative diagnosis and the experience of the surgeon. CASE PRESENTATION: A 47-year-old woman, admitted to our emergency service with abdominal pain and distension for 5 days, anal stop exhausting and defecating for 3 days. Based on imaging and laboratory examination, we made a preoperative diagnosis of rectal endometriosis probably. After 7 days of colon decompression with a intestinal obstruction catheter, an operation of laparoscopic partial rectal and sigmoid resection without protective stoma and total hysterectomy was performed successfully. The patient obtained a smooth postoperative course and doing well after 12-weeks follow up. CONCLUSIONS: Obstruction caused by rectal endometriosis is very rare and easily overlooked by surgeon and gynecologist. Appropriate preoperative diagnosis and preoperative management can reduce the trauma and incidence of complications.

The adenosine-A2a receptor regulates the radioresistance of gastric cancer via PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway.

BACKGROUND: Radiotherapy is a key strategy in gastric cancer (GC) treatment. However, radioresistance remains a serious concern. It is unclear whether the accumulation of adenosine A2a receptor (ADO-A2aR) is related to radioresistance in GC. In this study, the molecular role of ADO-A2aR in GC radioresistance was investigated. METHODS: Colony formation assays were used to assess the role of ADO-A2aR on radioresistance. GC stem cell surface marker expression (including Nanog, OCT-4, SOX-2 and CD44) and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway associated protein levels (including phosphorylated PI3K, phosphorylated AKT and phosphorylated mTOR) were determined via western blotting, flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. In addition, the role of ADO-A2aR on radioresistance was explored in vivo using murine xenograft models. RESULTS: ADO-A2aR regulated GC cell stemness both in vitro and in vivo. This was shown to induce radioresistance in GC. ADO-A2aR was revealed to significantly induce cell cycle arrest and promote GC cell apoptosis. These activities were closely linked to activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. CONCLUSION: This study identified that ADO enhances GC cell stemness via interaction with A2aR and subsequent activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Ultimately, this resulted in radioresistance. A2aR is a potential target to improve GC radiosensitivity.

Phylogenetic position of the enigmatic deep-sea nematode order Rhaptothyreida: A molecular analysis.

The placement of the rare deep-sea nematode order Rhaptothyreida remains unclear due to the unique morphology of this group, an unknown life cycle with morphologically distinct juvenile stages which may or may not be parasitic, and lack of molecular sequences. Here, we investigate the phylogenetic placement and status of the Rhaptothyreida based on SSU and D2-D3 of LSU rDNA sequences of Rhaptothyerus typicus specimens obtained from the continental slope of New Zealand. Molecular sequences of three adults and a late stage juvenile were identical, confirming that they belong to the same species despite pronounced morphological differences. We observed the presence of the rare nucleotide transition A → G and transversion G → Y in the loops of Hairpin 35 and 48 regions, which is consistent with the placement of R. typicus within the order Enoplida. Rhaptothyreus typicus was consistently recovered as a long branch clade in SSU and D2-D3 of LSU analyses, which can have a destabilising effect on tree topology. After Gblocks were used to remove sites of questionable alignment, R. typicus was placed in a clade comprising Trissonchulus, Dolicholaimus and Ironus sequences (family Ironidae, order Enoplida) in both Bayesian and Maximum Likelihood SSU topologies. Depending on which alignment algorithm was used, analyses of LSU sequences focusing on enoplid taxa either suggested a relationship between R. typicus and Halalaimus (family Oxystominidae) or did not identify any clear relationships. Overall, our results provide strong evidence for placing R. typicus and the family Rhaptothyreidae within the order Enoplida, although further work is required to clarify relationships between rhaptothyreids and other enoplid taxa. A parasitic lifestyle could explain the unique morphology of this group, their highly divergent SSU and LSU rDNA molecular sequences, and the marked morphological differences between late juveniles and adults. Further molecular investigations targeting both free-living and parasitic early juvenile life stages in potential deep-sea hosts are needed to better understand the evolution of this unusual nematode taxon.

Antiproliferative Effect of Androgen Receptor Inhibition in Mesenchymal Stem-Like Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Androgen receptor (AR), a steroid hormone receptor, has recently emerged as prognostic and treatment-predictive marker in breast cancer. Previous studies have shown that AR is widely expressed in up to one-third of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, the role of AR in TNBC is still not fully understood, especially in mesenchymal stem-like (MSL) TNBC cells. METHODS: MSL TNBC MDA-MB-231 and Hs578T breast cancer cells were exposed to various concentration of agonist 5-α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) or nonsteroidal antagonist bicalutamide or untreated. The effects of AR on cell viability and apoptosis were determined by MTT assay, cell counting, flow cytometry analysis and protein expression of p53, p73, p21 and Cyclin D1 were analyzed by western blotting. The bindings of AR to p73 and p21 promoter were detected by ChIP assay. MDA-MB-231 cells were transplanted into nude mice and the tumor growth curves were determined and expression of AR, p73 and p21 were detected by Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining after treatment of DHT or bicalutamide. RESULTS: We demonstrate that AR agonist DHT induces MSL TNBC breast cancer cells proliferation and inhibits apoptosis in vitro. Similarly, activated AR significantly increases viability of MDA-MB-231 xenografts in vivo. On the contrary, AR antagonist, bicalutamide, causes apoptosis and exerts inhibitory effects on the growth of breast cancer. Moreover, DHT-dependent activation of AR involves regulation in the cell cycle related genes, including p73, p21 and Cyclin D1. Further investigations indicate the modulation of AR on p73 and p21 mediated by direct binding of AR to their promoters, and DHT could make these binding more effectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates the tumorigenesis role of AR and the inhibitory effect of bicalutamide in AR-positive MSL TNBC both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that AR inhibition could be a potential therapeutic approach for AR-positive TNBC patients.

[Long-term outcomes of Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation for treating refractory glaucoma].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the efficacies and complications of Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation for treating refractory glaucoma. METHODS: A retrospective study of case series was conducted for 24 patients (26 eyes) with refractory glaucoma from February 2001 to July 2008 at our hospital. Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation was performed. Pre- and post-operative best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), number of medications and complications were recorded and analyzed. The follow-up period was 58-159 months. RESULTS: The post-operative values of IOP were 13.02+/-6.79, 11.43+/-5.24 and 18.56+/-6.43 mmHg at 1 day, 1 month and the last follow-up respectively. There were significant difference when compared with pre-operative IOP (37.59+/-10.76 mmHg, P < 0.01). And 65.38% of eyes maintained or gained ≥ 1 line of BSCVA. But there was no significant difference with pre-operative BSCVA (P = 0.110). Twenty eyes required anti-glaucoma drugs after glaucoma valve implantation and the average number of medication was 1.72+/-0.98. There was significant difference with the pre-operative medication number 2.7 ± 0.7 (P = 0.001). The surgical success rate was 73.1%. And the causes of failure were endophthalmitis, corneal endothelial decompensation, persistent conjunctival wound non-healing, glaucoma valve exposure and loss of light perception.Early postoperative complications were ocular hypotony, shallow anterior chamber, hyphema, transient high IOP and tube occlusion. And long-term complications included encapsulated cyst formation, tube exposure, corneal endothelial decompensation and endophthalmitis. CONCLUSIONS: Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation is efficacious for refractory glaucoma.However, clinicians should pay attention to the prevention and treatment of complications.

[Effect of compound qingqin liquid on the expression levels of ang II and COX-2 mRNA transcription and protein expression in the renal tissue of uric acid nephropathy rats: an experimental study].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Compound Qingqin Liquid (CQL) on the expression level of angiotensin II (Ang II) and COX-2 mRNA transcription and protein expression in the renal tissue of rats with uric acid nephropathy. METHODS: SD rats were randomly divided into the blank control group, the model group, the positive drug group, the high, moderate, and low dose CQL group according to number randomization principle. The model was established by gastrogavage of adenine, accompanied with yeast feeding. Distilled water was given by gastrogavage to rats in the blank control group and the model group. Allopurinol at the daily dose of 9.33 mg/kg was given by gastrogavage to rats of the positive control group. CQL at the daily dose of 3.77 g/kg, 1.89 g/kg, and 0.09 g/kg was respectively given by gastrogavage to rats in the high, moderate, and low dose CQL groups. All treatment lasted for 6 weeks. Rats were randomly divided at week 4 (3 in the blank control group, and 6 in the rest groups), and the rest rats were killed at week 6. The renal tissue was extracted. The expression level of Ang II and COX-2 mRNA transcription were detected by RT-PCR. The expression level of Ang II was detected by ELISA. The expression level of COX-2 protein was detected by Western blot and immunohistochemical assay. RESULTS: Compared with the blank control group, except the mRNA expression of Ang II at week 4, the mRNA and protein expression of Ang II and COX-2 obviously increased at week 4 and 6 in the model group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). The COX-2 protein expression at week 4 was obviously lower in the high and moderate dose CQL groups than in the model group and the low dose CQL group (P < 0.05); the average integral of optical density value was obviously lower in the positive control group than in the model group. Except the mRNA expression of Ang II in the high dose CQL group at week 6, the mRNA and protein expression of Ang II obviously decreased in the positive control group and each dose CQL group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). Of them, the effects were better in the high and moderate dose CQL groups than in the positive control group and the low dose CQL group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Besides, the mRNA expression of COX-2, the average integral of optical density value were obviously lower in the positive control group and each dose CQL group than in the model group (P < 0.05). The protein expression of COX-2 was obviously lower in the high and moderate dose CQL groups than in the model group (P < 0.05). Of them, the mRNA expression of COX-2 was better in the moderate dose CQL group than in the positive control group (P < 0.05); the protein expression of COX-2 was better in the high dose CQL group than in the low dose CQL group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: CQL was capable of lowering the expression level of Ang II, COX-2 mRNA transcription and protein expression, thus suppressing the inflammatory pathological injury of the renal tissue.

Contradictions in human-nature relationships threaten coastal resilience and sustainability in the Bohai Rim Region, China.

Under the challenge of global environmental change and rapid development, tremendous risks brought about by natural disasters and human activities have increased environmental pressures for sustainable development. How to improve coastal resilience in the process of urban development has become an important topic in academia. In this study, a variable fuzzy recognition model was used to measure the level of coastal resilience in 17 cities in the Bohai Rim region, and then the kernel density, thiel index, and random forest model were used to explore the spatiotemporal characteristics and influencing factors of coastal resilience. The results show that (1) The overall resilience level of the Bohai Rim region is increasing over time, but at a relatively slow rate. (2) Coastal resilience has significant spatial unevenness, with high-level cities dominated by Tianjin, Qingdao, Yantai, etc. and low-level cities dominated by Cangzhou, Panjin, Yingkou, Binzhou, etc. (3) The influence of economic development, infrastructure, innovation ability, technology investment, and government regulation on coastal resilience decreases in order. Based on the research findings, the study can not only make suggestions for the actual regulation strategy but also provide empirical and theoretical experience for other coastal countries.

Life quality improvement of patients with non-small cell lung cancer undergoing targeted therapy: A case study of continuous care.

To investigate the improvement effect of targeted therapy on non-small cell carcinoma patients life quality after the continuous nursing intervention. 104 non-small cell lung cancer patients in our hospital from July 2017 to November 2019 were allocated evenly and randomly into the control group (C) and the study group (S). By using clinical baseline data, quality of life questionnaire core 30 for cancer patients, evaluation of patient compliance behavior, the MOS item short-form health survey (SF-36), self rating depression scale (SDS), self rating anxiety scale (SAS), Overall Survival (OS) progression-free survival and adverse reaction symptoms were evaluated for the life quality of patients. There was comparability between the 2 sets of basic data. There was no significant difference in quality of life questionnaire core 30, SF-36, SAS, or SDS scores before treatment. After 3 months, there was a significant difference in the scores of various scales before treatment. At the same time, there was significant statistical significance before and after treatment in Group S. Their compliance rates were 84.62% and 98.08%. Adverse reactions incidence in Group S was lower. Taking a 2-year follow-up period as an example, significant statistical differences existed in OS and progression-free survival rates between adenocarcinoma and squamous carcinoma. SDS and SAS had high consistency in scoring with QLQ-30 and SF-36 scales. Targeted treatment for non-small cell carcinoma patients significantly improves their life quality and reduces the incidence of adverse reactions after continuous nursing intervention.

Biomarkers of obesity-mediated insulin resistance: focus on microRNAs.

Obesity and metabolic syndromes are becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide. Insulin resistance (IR) is a common complication of obesity. However, IR occurrence varies across individuals with obesity and may involve epigenetic factors. To rationalize the allocation of healthcare resources, biomarkers for the early risk stratification of individuals with obesity should be identified. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are closely associated with metabolic diseases and involved in epigenetic regulation. In this review, we have summarized the changes in miRNA expression in the peripheral circulation and tissues of patients and animals with obesity-associated IR over the last 5 years and identified several candidate biomarkers that predict obesity-related IR. There are areas for improvement in existing studies. First, more than the predictive validity of a single biomarker is required, and a biomarker panel needs to be formed. Second, miRNAs are often studied in isolation and do not form a network of signaling pathways. We believe that early biomarkers can help clinicians accurately predict individuals prone to obesity-related IR at an early stage. Epigenetic regulation may be one of the underlying causes of different clinical outcomes in individuals with obesity. Future studies should focus on objectively reflecting the differences in miRNA profile expression in individuals with obesity-related IR, which may help identify more reliable biomarkers. Understanding the metabolic pathways of these miRNAs can help design new metabolic risk prevention and management strategies, and support the development of drugs to treat obesity and metabolic disorders.

A highly selective ratio-metric fluorescent sensor for visualizing nitroreductase in hypoxic cells.

Herein, we have developed a novel single-molecular probe (NORP) for selective and accurate determination of NTR in living cells. It was discovered that up-regulation of endogenous NTR occurred in response to hypoxic stimulation, and there was a dependence between the NTR levels and the degree of hypoxia.

Procedural Promotion of Wound Healing by Graphene-Barium Titanate Nanosystem with White Light Irradiation.

Background: Wound healing is a continuous and complex process that comprises multiple phases including hemostasis, inflammation, multiplication (proliferation) and remodeling. Although a variety of nanomaterials have been developed to control infection and accelerate wound healing, most of them can only promote one phase but not multiple phases, resulting in lower efficient healing. Although various formulations such as nitric oxide releasing wound dressings were developed for dual action, the nanostructure synthesis and the encapsulation process were complex. Materials and Methods: Here, we report on the design of graphene-barium titanate nanosystem to procedural promote the wound healing process. The antibacterial effect was assessed in Gram-negative Escherichia coli bacteria (E. coli) and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus bacteria (S. aureus), the cell proliferation and migration experiment was investigated in mouse embryonic fibroblast (NIH-3T3) cells, and the wound healing effect was analyzed in female BALB/c mice with infected skin wound on the back. Results: Results showed that graphene-barium titanate nanosystem could generate abundant ROS to kill both E. coli and S. aureus. The growth curves, bacterial viability, colony number formation and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of E. coli and S. aureus all confirmed the antibacterial effect. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay displayed that GBT possesses great biocompatibility. EdU assay showed that GBT plus white light irradiation significantly promoted the proliferation and migration of NIH-3T3 cells. Scratch assay found that GBT could achieve a fast scratch closure compared to the control. In vivo wound healing effect indicates that GBT can accelerate wound repair procedure. Conclusion: GBT nanocomposite is capable of programmatically accelerating wound healing through multiple stages, including production of a large amount of ROS after white light exposure to effectively kill E. coli and S. aureus to prevent wound infection and as a scaffold to accelerate fibroblast proliferation and migration to the wound to accelerate wound healing.

Cerium End-Deposited Gold Nanorods-Based Photoimmunotherapy for Boosting Tumor Immunogenicity.

BACKGROUND: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) was closely related to high metastatic risk and mortality and has not yet found a targeted receptor for targeted therapy. Cancer immunotherapy, especially photoimmunotherapy, shows promising potential in TNBC treatment because of great spatiotemporal controllability and non-trauma. However, the therapeutic effectiveness was limited by insufficient tumor antigen generation and the immunosuppressive microenvironment. METHODS: We report on the design of cerium oxide (CeO2) end-deposited gold nanorods (CEG) to achieve excellent near-infrared photoimmunotherapy. CEG was synthesized through hydrolyzing of ceria precursor (cerium acetate, Ce(AC)3) on the surface of Au nanorods (NRs) for cancer therapy. The therapeutic response was first verified in murine mammary carcinoma (4T1) cells and then monitored by analysis of the anti-tumor effect in xenograft mouse models. RESULTS: Under near-infrared (NIR) light irradiation, CEG can efficiently generate hot electrons and avoid hot-electron recombination to release heat and form reactive oxygen species (ROS), triggering immunogenic cell death (ICD) and activating part of the immune response. Simultaneously, combining with PD-1 antibody could further enhance cytotoxic T lymphocyte infiltration. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with CBG NRs, CEG NRs showed strong photothermal and photodynamic effects to destroy tumors and activate a part of the immune response. Combining with PD-1 antibody could reverse the immunosuppressive microenvironment and thoroughly activate the immune response. This platform demonstrates the superiority of combination therapy of photoimmunotherapy and PD-1 blockade in TNBC therapy.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of ginsenoside Rg1 for hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus: systematic reviews and meta-analyses of animal studies.

Background: According to existing laboratory data, ginsenoside Rg1 may help cure diabetes and its complications by reducing oxidative stress (OS) and managing inflammation. However, this conclusion lacks reliability and is unclear. As a result, the purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of ginsenoside Rg1 in the treatment of diabetes and its complications. Methods: We searched for relevant studies published through December 2022, including electronic bibliographic databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wanfang. The SYstematic Review Center for Laboratory Animal Experimentation Risk of Bias (SYRCLE RoB) tool was used to conduct a meta-analysis to assess the methodological quality of animal research. The meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan5.4 software, following the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. This study is registered in the International Systems Review Prospective Registry (PROSPERO) as CRD42023386830. Results: Eighteen eligible studies involving 401 animals were included. Ginsenoside Rg1 was significantly correlated with blood glucose (BG), insulin levels, body weight, superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels. In addition, according to subgroup analysis, the hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects of ginsenoside Rg1 in type 2 diabetic animals were not affected by experimental species, modeling, experimental drug dosage, or course of treatment. Conclusion: This meta-analysis presents a summary of the hypoglycemic effects of ginsenoside Rg1, which are achieved through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms. These findings provide evidence-based support for the medical efficacy of ginsenoside Rg1. Specifically, ginsenoside Rg1 reduced MDA levels and restored SOD activity to exert its antioxidant activity. It had a positive effect on the reduction of IL-6 and TNF-α levels. However, the inclusion of studies with low methodological quality and the presence of publication bias may undermine the validity of the results. Further investigation with a more rigorous experimental design and comprehensive studies is necessary to fully understand the specific glycemic mechanisms of ginsenosides. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier https://CRD42023386830.

Metagenomic identification of pathogens and antimicrobial-resistant genes in bacterial positive blood cultures by nanopore sequencing.

Nanopore sequencing workflows have attracted increasing attention owing to their fast, real-time, and convenient portability. Positive blood culture samples were collected from patients with bacterial bloodstream infection and tested by nanopore sequencing. This study compared the sequencing results for pathogen taxonomic profiling and antimicrobial resistance genes to those of species identification and phenotypic drug susceptibility using traditional microbiology testing. A total of 37 bacterial positive blood culture results of strain genotyping by nanopore sequencing were consistent with those of mass spectrometry. Among them, one mixed infection of bacteria and fungi was identified using nanopore sequencing and confirmatory quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The amount of sequencing data was 21.89 ± 8.46 MB for species identification, and 1.0 MB microbial strain data enabled accurate determination. Data volumes greater than or equal to 94.6 MB nearly covered all the antimicrobial resistance genes of the bacteria in our study. In addition, the results of the antimicrobial resistance genes were compared with those of phenotypic drug susceptibility testing for Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus. Therefore, the nanopore sequencing platform for rapid identification of causing pathogens and relevant antimicrobial resistance genes complementary to conventional blood culture outcomes may optimize antimicrobial stewardship management for patients with bacterial bloodstream infection.

Etiology analysis and G6PD deficiency for term infants with jaundice in Yangjiang of western Guangdong.

Objective: Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency increases the risk of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. The aim of this study is to evaluate the risk factors associated with hyperbilirubinemia in infants from the western part of Guangdong Province, and to assess the contribution of G6PD deficiency to neonatal jaundice. Methods: The term infants with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in People's Hospital of Yangjiang from June 2018 to July 2022 were recruited for the retrospective analysis. All the infants underwent quantitative detection of the G6PD enzyme. The etiology was determined through laboratory tests and clinical manifestations. Results: Out of 1,119 term infants, 435 cases presented with jaundice. For the etiology analysis, infection was responsible for 16.09% (70/435), G6PD deficiency accounted for 9.66% (42/435), of which 3 were complicated with acute bilirubin encephalopathy), bleeding accounted for 8.05% (35/435), hemolytic diseases accounted for 3.45% (15/435), and breast milk jaundice accounted for 2.53% (11/435). One case (0.23%) was attributed to congenital hypothyroidism, multiple etiologies accounted for 22.3% (97/435), and 35.63% (155/435) were of unknown etiology. Of the jaundiced infants, 19.54% (85/435) had G6PD deficiency, while only 10.23% (70/684) of non-jaundiced infants had G6PD deficiency; this difference was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the hemoglobin levels in the jaundiced infants with G6PD deficiency (146.85 ± 24.88 g/L) were lower than those without G6PD deficiency (156.30 ± 22.07 g/L) (P = 0.001). 65 jaundiced infants with G6PD deficiency underwent G6PD mutation testing, and six different genotypes were identified, including c.95A > G, c.392G > T, c.1024C > T, c.1311C > T, c.1376G > T, c.1388G > A, c.871G > A/c.1311C > T, c.392G > T/c.1388G > A, and c.1376G > T/c.1311C > T.65iciency. Conclusion: In newborns in Yangjiang, G6PD deficiency, infection, and neonatal hemolytic disease were identified as the main causes of hyperbilirubinemia and acute bilirubin encephalopathy. Specifically, Hemolytic factors in infants with G6PD deficiency may lead to reduced hemoglobin and increased bilirubin levels in jaundiced infants.

Comparative transcriptome profiling analysis provides insight into the mechanisms for sugar change in Chinese jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) under rain-proof cultivation.

Chinese jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) is a globally popular and economically important fruit that is rich in bioactive compounds with strong anti-cancer effects. Rain-proof cultivation is widely used to cultivate Chinese jujube, as it helps avoid rainfall damage during fruit harvest. Although the sugar content of jujube fruits differs between rain-proof and open-field cultivation, the underlying molecular mechanisms are unknown. Here, we analyzed the levels of sugar content, sugar accumulation pattern, and transcriptome profiles of jujube fruits at five developmental stages grown under rain-proof and open-field cultivation modes. The sugar content of jujube fruits was significantly higher under rain-proof cultivation than under open-field cultivation, although the sugar composition and sugar accumulation patterns were comparable. Comparative analysis of transcriptomic profiles showed that rain-proof cultivation enhanced the intrinsic metabolic activity of fruit development. Gene expression and correlation analyses suggested that ZjSPS, ZjSS, ZjHXK, and ZjINV regulate the development-related changes in sugar content in jujube fruits grown under rain-proof cultivation. Temperature, humidity, and moisture conditions were key climatic factors affecting sugar accumulation. Our results provide insights into the molecular mechanisms regulating sugar content and sugar accumulation in Chinese jujube fruits grown under rain-proof cultivation, and we provide genetic resources for studying the development mechanism of Chinese jujube fruit.

Covid-19 omicron variant infection in neonates of Guangdong province-a report of 52 cases.

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics of neonatal infection during the outbreak of COVID-19 omicron variant in Guangdong province of China. Method: The clinical data of neonates infected with COVID-19 omicron variant were collected from three hospitals of Guangdong province, their epidemiological history, clinical manifestation and prognosis were summarized. Results: From December 12, 2022 to January 15, 2023, a total of 52 neonates with COVID-19 infection were identified across three hospitals in Guangdong Province, including 34 males and 18 females. The age of diagnosis was 18.42 ± 6.32 days. 24 cases had clear contact history with adults who were suspected to be infected with COVID-19. The most common clinical manifestation was fever (43/52, 82.7%), the duration of fever was 1-8 days. The other clinical manifestations were cough (27/52, 51.9%), rales (21/52, 40.4%), nasal congestion (10/52, 19.2%), shortness of breath (2/52, 3.8%), and vomiting (4/52, 7.7%). C-reactive protein was only increased in 3 cases. Chest radiological examination was performed in 42 neonates, twenty-three cases showed abnormal chest radiographic findings, including ground-glass opacity and consolidation. Fifty cases were admitted with COVID-19 presentation, two cases were admitted for jaundice. The hospital stay was 6.59 ± 2.77 days. The clinical classification included 3 cases of severe COVID-19 and one critical case. Fifty-one cases were cured and discharged after general treatment, and one critical case with respiratory failure was intubated and transferred to another hospital. Conclusion: The COVID-19 omicron variant infection in neonates is usually mild. The clinical manifestation and laboratory results are not specific, and the short-term prognosis is good.