Dual-loaded nano pesticide system based on industrial grade scaleable carrier materials with combinatory efficacy and improved safety.

Repeated and widespread use of single chemical pesticides raises concerns about efficiency and safety, developing multi-component synergistic pesticides provides a new route for efficient control of diseases. Most commercial compound formulations are open systems with non-adjustable released rates, resulting in a high frequency of applications. Meanwhile, although nano pesticide delivery systems constructed with different carrier materials have been extensively studied, realizing their actual scale-up production still has important practical significance due to the large-scale field application. In this study, a boscalid and pyraclostrobin dual-loaded nano pesticide system (BPDN) was constructed with industrial-grade carrier materials to facilitate the realization of large-scale production. The optimal industrial-scale preparation mechanism of BPDN was studied with surfactants as key factors. When agricultural emulsifier No.600 and polycarboxylate are used as the ratio of 1:2 in the preparation process, the BPDN has a spherical structure with an average size of 270 nm and exhibits superior physical stability. Compared with commercial formulation, BPDN maintains rate-stabilized release up to 5 times longer, exhibits better dispersion and spreading performance on foliar, has more than 20% higher deposition amounts, and reduces loss. A single application of BPDN could efficiently control tomato gray mold during the growing period of tomatoes due to extended duration and combinatory effectiveness, reducing two application times and labor costs. Toxicology tests on various objects systematically demonstrated that BPDN has improved safety for HepG2 cells, and nontarget organism earthworms. This research provides insight into creating safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly pesticide production to reduce manual operation times and labor costs. Accompanied by production strategies that can be easily scaled up industrially, this contributes to the efficient use of resources for sustainable agriculture.

[Short term follow-up of femoral neck dynamic cross screw system and threaded cannulated screw in the treatment of vertically unstable femoral neck fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze and compare the clinical effects of femoral neck dynamic cross screw system (FNS) and cannulated screws(CS) in the treatment of vertically unstable femoral neck fractures. METHODS: The clinical data and short-term follow-up results of 40 patients with vertically unstable femoral neck fractures admitted from July 2020 to August 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. According to different internal fixation methods, 40 patients were divided into two groups, 20 cases in FNS group included 11 males and 9 females with a median of 58.5(50.3, 62.5) years old, and 20 in CS group included 9 males and 11 females with a median of 52.0(40.5, 58.0) years old. The operation time, knife edge length, blood loss and treatment cost of two gruops were observed and compared. The postoperative fracture healing and internal fixation were evaluated with X-ray imaging data, and the femoral neck shortening of the affected side was measured. The incidence of thigh irritation, the time of partial weight bearing and full weight bearing, early necrosis of femoral head, reoperation revision and Harris scores were compared between two groups. RESULTS: FNS group was followed up for 18.0(15.0, 19.0) months, CS group for 17.0(15.0, 18.8) months. There was no significant difference in operation time, incision length and blood loss between two groups(P>0.05). The cost of diagnosis and treatment in FNS group was higher than that in CS group(P<0.001). In FNS group, there was no irritation sign of the affected side thigh, while in CS group, there were 6 cases with discomfort or irritation sign of the lateral thigh(P<0.05). The average time of partial weight bearing activity in CS group was later than that in FNS group(P<0.05); However, there was no significant difference in the activity time of complete weight bearing between two groups(P=0.011>0.05). At the last follow-up, the shortened length of the affected femoral neck in CS group was greater than that in FNS group(P<0.05). There was no early necrosis of femoral head and reoperation in both groups. There was no significant difference in Harris score between two groups 12 months after operation(P>0.05). CONCLUSION: FNS treatment of vertically unstable femoral neck fractures can significantly reduce the incidence of lateral thigh irritation sign, and effectively reduce the postoperative shortening rate of vertically unstable femoral neck fractures, which can provide a relatively stable anti rotation force and anti cutting force, so that patients can go to the ground relatively early, which is conducive to the recovery of the affected hip joint function after surgery. It is a new option for the surgical treatment of vertically unstable femoral neck fractures. However, due to the high cost of treatment, In clinical practice, appropriate surgical treatment is selected according to the actual situation.

Evaluating the metropolitan public health preparedness for pandemics using entropy-TOPSIS-IF.

Introduction: Metropolitan governance's efficacy is regularly gauged by its capability for public health preparedness, a critical component, particularly in the post-pandemic climate, as global cities reassess their mitigation abilities. This process has broader implications, curbing mortality rates and amplifying sustainability. Current methodologies for preparedness assessment lean primarily on either Subjective Evaluation-Based Assessment (SBA), predicated on experts' input on various capacity indicators, or they opt for Data-Based quantitative Assessments (DBA), chiefly utilizing public statistic data. Methods: The manuscript discusses an urgent need for integrating both SBA and DBA to adequately measure Metropolitan Public Health Pandemics Preparedness (MPHPP), thus proposing a novel entropy-TOPSIS-IF model for comprehensive evaluation of MPHPP. Within this proposed model, experts' subjective communication is transformed into quantitative data via the aggregation of fuzzy decisions, while objective data is collected from public statistics sites. Shannon's entropy and TOPSIS methods are enacted on these data sets to ascertain the optimal performer after normalization and data isotropy. Results and discussion: The core contribution of the entropy-TOPSIS-IF model lies in its assessment flexibility, making it universally applicable across various contexts, regardless of the availability of expert decisions or quantitative data. To illustrate the efficacy of the entropy-TOPSIS-IF model, a numerical application is presented, examining three Chinese metropolises through chosen criteria according to the evaluations of three experts. A sensitivity analysis is provided to further affirm the stability and robustness of the suggested MPHPP evaluation model.

Design and Synthesis of a Water-Based Nanodelivery Pesticide System for Improved Efficacy and Safety.

Developing an environmentally friendly and safe nanodelivery system is crucial to improve the efficacy of pesticides and minimize environmental and health risks. However, preparing a completely water-based nanopesticide without using harmful solvents is a technical challenge. In this study, a water-based nanodelivery pesticide system was constructed to improve the efficacy and safety of Emamectin Benzoate (EB). A specific surfactant, 29-(4-(5-hydroxynonan-5-yl)phenoxy)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxanonacosan-1-ol (SurEB) was designed and synthesized to form a water-based nanodelivery system (EBWNS) with EB. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed the self-assembly and interaction forces between SurEB and EB in water, providing insights into the formation mechanism of EBWNS nanoparticles. The nanodelivery system showed the prolonged effectivity of EB with reduced degradation and demonstrated a good control efficacy for multiple target pests, such as red spider mite, beet armyworm larvae (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), and rice stem borers (Chilo suppressalis). Toxicology tests on various objects demonstrated that the EBWNS has low toxicity for seeds, HaCaT cells, zebrafish, earthworm, and E. coli. This study provides a distinctive perspective for developing environmentally friendly nanopesticide formulations, which clarified a water-based treatment method for specific lipid-soluble pesticides. The water-based nanodelivery pesticide system has the potential to improve the efficacy and safety of pesticides in the process of field applications.

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) can lead to right heart dysfunction. Inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter is an essential parameter of the right-heart function, but the relationship between scoliosis and the IVC diameter has not been established. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the IVC diameter and the severity of AIS. Methods: This retrospective study examined the data from patients admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital between January 2000 and June 2014 with a diagnosis of AIS. A preoperative spine full-length standing X-ray was collected. The IVC diameter was measured during the expiration phase as a routine examination. Results: Among the 339 included patients, 269 had thoracic curves, and 311 had at least a thoracic or thoracolumbar curve. Significant correlations between the diameter of IVC and the coronal Cobb angle of main thoracic curves (r=0.142, P = .015) and thoracolumbar curves (r=0.580, P = .015) were observed. Regarding the possible confounding factors, the IVC diameter was also significantly correlated to body weight (r=0.327, P < .001) and body height (r=0.134, P = .014). In the partial correlation analysis correcting for body weight and height, the IVC inner diameter was correlated to the Cobb angle of the thoracic curve (r=0.172, P = .003) and the larger curve of either the thoracic or thoracolumbar curve (r=0.190, P = .001). Discussion: The result of this study implies that even in patients with mild scoliosis, there might already be underlying right heart function changes. Heart function should be taken into more consideration for AIS paitents. For patients with higher IVC diameters, a more throught cardiology assessment should be performed. Conclusion: The IVC diameter is positively correlated with the Cobb angle of thoracic curves or the larger one of thoracic or thoracolumbar curves in patients with AIS.

One-step ethylene purification from ternary mixtures by an ultramicroporous material with synergistic binding centers.

Developing advanced porous materials with industrial potential to separate multicomponent gas mixtures that are structurally similar is a crucial but challenging task. Here, we report the efficient one-step separation of ethylene (C2H4) from acetylene (C2H2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) using an ultramicroporous metal-organic framework UTSA-16. The synergistic effect of the polarized carboxyl groups and coordinated water molecules in its pore channel enables the material to have high uptakes for C2H2 and CO2 due to electrostatic potential matching, as well as excellent separation selectivity against C2H4. Breakthrough experiments suggest that UTSA-16 can efficiently separate 99.9% pure C2H4 from ternary mixtures with a high productivity of 403 L kg-1. Moreover, the preparation cost of UTSA-16 is significantly lower than other related adsorbents by 40-2000 times, indicating its unique potential for industrial applications.

Vitellogenin Facilitates Associations between the Whitefly and a Bacteriocyte Symbiont.

Integration between animal reproduction and symbiont inheritance is fundamental in symbiosis biology, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. Vitellogenin (Vg) is critical for oogenesis, and it is also a pathogen pattern recognition molecule in some animals. Previous studies have shown that Vg is involved in the regulation of symbiont abundance and transmission. However, the mechanisms by which an insect and its symbiont contribute to the function of Vg and how Vg impacts the persistence of insect-microbe symbiosis remain largely unclear. Symbionts are transovarially transmitted via maternal inheritance of the bacteriocytes in the whitefly Bemisia tabaci. Surprisingly, Vg is localized in bacteriocytes of whiteflies. Vg could be synthesized in whitefly bacteriocytes by the gene Vg expressed in these cells or exported into bacteriocytes from hemolymph via the Vg receptor. We further found that the juvenile hormone and "Candidatus Portiera aleyrodidarum" (here termed Portiera) control the level and localization of Vg in whiteflies. Immunocapture PCR revealed interactions between Vg and Portiera. Suppressing Vg expression reduced Portiera abundance as well as whitefly oogenesis and fecundity. Thus, we reveal that Vg facilitated the persistence of whitefly-bacteriocyte symbiont associations. This study will provide insight into the key role of Vg in the coevolution of insect reproduction and symbiont inheritance. IMPORTANCE Intracellular heritable symbionts have been incorporated into insect reproductive and developmental biology by various mechanisms. All Bemisia tabaci species harbor the obligate symbiont Portiera in specialized insect cells called bacteriocytes. We report that the whitefly juvenile hormone and Portiera determined vitellogenin (Vg) localization in bacteriocytes of whiteflies. In turn, Vg affected whitefly fecundity as well as fitness and transmission of the symbiont. Our findings show that Vg, a multifunctional protein, is indispensable for symbiont integration into the reproduction and development of insects. This reflects the outcome of long-term coevolution of the insect-microbe symbiosis.

Temperature-Dependent Nanogel for Pesticide Smart Delivery with Improved Foliar Dispersion and Bioactivity for Efficient Control of Multiple Pests.

The use of nanomaterials and nanotechnology to construct a smart pesticide delivery system with target-oriented and controlled-release functions is important to increase the effective utilization rate and minimize environmental residue pollution. A temperature-dependent delivery system can modulate the release of pesticide with temperature to improve the efficacy and precision targeting. A series of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM)-based nanogels with high deformability and tunable structure were successfully constructed for smart pesticide delivery and effective pest control. A lambda-cyhalothrin (LC)-loaded Pickering emulsion (LC@TNPE) with a stable gel-like network structure was further formed by the temperature-dependent nanogel to encapsule the pesticide. The foliar wettability, photostability, and controlled-release property of LC@TNPE were effectively enhanced compared to the commercial formulation because of the encapsulation and stabilization of nanogel. The release rate of LC positively correlated with temperature changes and thereby adapted to the trend of pest population increase at higher temperature. The LC@TNPE displayed improved control efficacy on multiple target pests including Plutella xylostella, Aphis gossypii, and Pieris rapae compared with the commercial suspension concentrate and microcapsule suspension, and it showed marked efficacy to control Pieris rapae for an extended duration even at a 40% reduced dosage. Furthermore, the safety was evaluated systematically on cells in vitro and with a nontarget organism. Studies confirmed that the system was relatively safe for HepG2 cells and aquatic organism zebrafish. This research provides an insight into creating an efficient and environmentally friendly pesticide nanoformulation for sustainable agriculture production.

The new ceRNA crosstalk between mRNAs and miRNAs in intervertebral disc degeneration.

Degeneration of the intervertebral disc has been linked to lower back pain. To date, pathophysiological mechanisms of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) remain unclear; it is meaningful to find effective diagnostic biomarkers and new therapeutic strategies for IDD. This study aimed to reveal the molecular mechanism of IDD pathogenesis from the multidimensional transcriptomics perspective. Here, we acquired IDD bulk omics datasets (GSE67567 and GSE167199) including mRNA, microRNA expression profiles, and single-cell RNA sequencing (GSE199866) from the public Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Through principal component analysis and Venn analysis, we found different expression patterns in the IDD transcription level and identified 156 common DEGs in both bulk datasets. GO and KEGG functional analyses showed these dysregulators were mostly enriched in the collagen-containing extracellular matrix, cartilage development, chondrocyte differentiation, and immune response pathways. We also constructed a potentially dysregulated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network between mRNAs and miRNAs related to IDD based on microRNA target information and co-expression analysis of RNA profiles and identified 36 ceRNA axes including ZFP36/miR-155-5p/FOS, BTG2/hsa-miR-185-5p/SOCS3, and COL9A2/hsa-miR-664a-5p/IBA57. Finally, in integrating bulk and single-cell transcriptome data analyses, a total of three marker genes, COL2A1, PAX1, and ZFP36L2, were identified. In conclusion, the key genes and the new ceRNA crosstalk we identified in intervertebral disc degeneration may provide new targets for the treatment of IDD.

Acupuncture for treating chronic spinal pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

BACKGROUND: Chronic spinal pain is one of the most leading causes of disability among adults worldwide and is associated with significant health care use. The effect of acupuncture on chronic spinal pain seems controversial based on evidence-based perspective. Thus, we performed a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture for treatment of chronic spinal pain. METHODS: This systematic review has been registered in PROSPERO (CRD42019120665), which will be conducted in accordance with preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols 2015 statement. We will search 7 electronic databases to identify relevant studies from inception to November, 2022, which includes PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Clinical Trials Database, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database. Cochrane "bias risk" tool is used to assess the bias risk of the quality of the included literature. RevMan V.5.3 software will be used to analyze all data. RESULTS: A synthesis of current evidence of acupuncture for treating chronic spinal pain will be provided in this protocol. CONCLUSION: This review will provide directions and recommendations for future research and clinical practices of acupuncture for treating chronic spinal pain.

Effect of Tai Chi versus aerobic exercise on blood pressure in prehypertension patients (TCOBPP): a study protocol for a 12-month single-blind randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Compared with optimal blood pressure (BP), the prehypertension increases the risk of incident hypertension, cardiovascular (CV) events, and death. Moderate intensity of regular physical activity can reduce BP. However, aerobic exercise has some limitations. As a safe, low-impact, enjoyable, and inexpensive form of exercise that requires minimal equipment and space, Tai Chi is expected as a viable alternative to aerobic exercise. The study aimed to assess the effect of Tai Chi intervention program, compared with aerobic exercise, on the BP in prehypertension patients. METHODS: This study is a 12-month, two-center, single-blind, parallel, randomized controlled trial. Three hundred forty-two patients with prehypertension [with a systolic blood pressure (SBP) in the range of 120 mmHg to 139 mmHg and/or a diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in the range of 80 mmHg to 89 mmHg] are randomized to one of two intervention groups in a 1:1 ratio: Tai Chi or aerobic exercise. BP monitoring methods of office blood pressure, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), and home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) are used at the same time to detect BP in multiple dimensions. The primary outcome is the comparison of SBP change from baseline to 12 months in Tai Chi group and SBP change from baseline to 12 months in aerobic exercise group. The secondary endpoints are as following: (1) the comparison of DBP of office blood pressure change from baseline to 12 months between Tai Chi group and aerobic exercise group, (2) the comparison of BP and the variability of BP assessed through ABPM change from baseline to 12 months between Tai Chi group and aerobic exercise group, (3) the comparison of BP assessed through HBPM change from baseline to 12 months between Tai Chi group and aerobic exercise group. DISCUSSION: This will be the first randomized controlled trial to specifically study the benefits of Tai Chi on the blood pressure control in patients with prehypertension. The successful completion of this study will help to provide evidence for whether Tai Chi is more desirable than aerobic exercise. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial registration number: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900024368. Registered on 7 July 2019, http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=39478&htm=4.

Construction and characterization of ethyl cellulose-based nano-delivery system for phenamacril.

Fungicide-resistant Fusarium has become a threaten to wheat production. Novel fungicide formulations can improve the efficacy of active ingredient and minimize the emergence of resistance. Encapsulation of fungicides in biodegradable carriers, especially, in polysaccharide, is a feasible approach to develop environment-friendly and efficient formulation. This study focused on the synthesis of ethyl cellulose-based phenamacril nano-delivery system by combining emulsion-solvent evaporation and high-pressure homogenization technology to improve the control of fusarium head blight in wheat. Emulsifier 125 and Tersperse 2500 were screened from eleven commonly used surfactants. Emulsifier 125 and Tersperse 2500 in a ratio of 2:1 and phenamacril nanocapsules with the mean particle size of 152.5 ± 1.3 nm were prepared. These showed excellent storage stability and wettability on crop leaves. A bioassay comparing the nanocapsules with a commercial preparation against Fusarium graminearum showed significantly improved biological activity. This formulation could be used to effectively not only to control fusarium head blight but also delay the occurrence of resistance.

Erratum: A novel probe for measuring tissue bioelectrical impedance to enhance pedicle screw placement in spinal surgery.

[This corrects the article on p. 2205 in vol. 10, PMID: 30093957.].

Nano-EMB-SP improves the solubility, foliar affinity, photostability and bioactivity of emamectin benzoate.

BACKGROUND: Emamectin benzoate (EMB), a frequently used biopesticide, is poorly soluble in water, making it difficult to wet the leaf surface, is prone to degrade in sunlight and readily loses its bioactivity. Traditional methods such as organic solvent application, pH adjustment and addition of photoprotectants either increase the economic and environmental costs or barely achieve the desired goal. We hypothesized that nanotechnology could improve the solubility, foliar affinity, photostability and bioactivity of EMB. This research set out to prepare a nano-EMB solid powder (nano-EMB-SP) and test this hypothesis. RESULTS: Nano-EMB-SP was prepared using a self-emulsifying method combined with carrier solidification. The mean particle size and Polydispersity index (PDI) of nano-EMB-SP were 14.64 nm and 0.24, respectively. A scanning electron microscopy image showed that EMB nanoparticles were mainly spherical or ellipsoidal in shape. Without organic solvent, the aqueous solubility of EMB in nano-EMB-SP was 4500 mg L-1 , at least 14-fold that of the EMB soluble granule (EMB-SG), which is solubilized by pH adjustment. Excellent foliar affinity of EMB was achieved by nano-EMB-SP, which completely wet and penetrated the superhydrophobic surface of cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) leaf. Without photoprotectants, up to 82% of EMB content can be protected from ultraviolet (UV) damage in nano-EMB-SP. The combined effects of excellent photostability and foliar affinity of nano-EMB-SP led to the bioactivity of EMB being almost unchanged before and after UV radiation. CONCLUSION: Nano-EMB-SP is an eco-friendly and efficient way to improve the solubility, foliar affinity, photostability and bioactivity of EMB. This research provides a good approach to improving the efficacy of poorly soluble and UV-sensitive pesticides. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Polylactic acid nanoparticles for co-delivery of dinotefuran and avermectin against pear tree pests with improved effective period and enhanced bioactivity.

Pesticide compounding technology for disease and pest control emerges as an effective way to increase the effectiveness of pesticides while reducing pesticides resistance. Nanomaterials and encapsulation technology have offered a new insight into preparing efficient pesticide formulations, especially constructing a co-delivery nanoparticle for synergistic pesticides. In this study, a dinotefuran/avermectin co-delivery nanoparticles (DACNPs) against pear tree pests with polylactic acid (PLA) as the wall material were constructed by double-emulsion method combined with high-pressure homogenization technique. The drug content of the DACNPs was 39.1% with an average size of 245.7 ± 4.2 nm and the mean polymer dispersity index (PDI) value was 0.123. The DACNPs showed high foliar retention and good spread performance on target leaves due to the nanoscale effect. The obtained DACNPs showed a better control effect on Grapholitha molesta Busck and Psylla chinensis Yang et Li compared with the commercial formulations, which could significantly prolong the effective duration and enhance the bioactivity with lower amounts and application frequency of pesticides. This study may provide new insights into developing novel pesticide formulations to improve the utilization rate of pesticides, reduce environmental pollution and minimize the cost of farming.

Syntheses of Anthracene-Centered Large PAH Diimides and Conjugated Polymers.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) structures with suitable electron-withdrawing groups are useful building blocks for developing optical and electron-transporting materials. Here, we report the application of a double benzannulation process to the syntheses of PAH diimides with enlarged π-frameworks featuring a central anthracene moiety. The preparations are realized by copper-catalyzed [4+2] cycloaddition of ethynyl-substituted aromatic dicarboximide to 2,5-bis(phenylethynyl)terephthalaldehyde, followed by intramolecular photocyclization or direct arylation via Heck cross coupling. A central symmetric benzo[1,2-k:4,5-k']-bis(fluoranthene)-3,4,12,13-tetracarboxyl diimide (BFDI) is acquired, with the single crystal structure revealing its completely planar polycyclic skeleton. Such a shape-persistent PAH expectedly exhibits a tendency to stack face-to-face and forms J-aggregates. Moreover, BFDI can be difunctionalized site-selectively at the reactive 9 and 10 positions of the anthracene unit and then applied to prepare conjugated polymers. When coupled with 1,4-diketopyrrolo[3,4-c]-pyrrole (DPP) via thiophene and dithiophene linkers, two polymers with significantly broadened absorption bands extended to the near-infrared regime are obtained, evidencing the effective π-conjugative extension ability of BFDI unit.

Nanomaterials and nanotechnology for the delivery of agrochemicals: strategies towards sustainable agriculture.

Nanomaterials (NMs) have received considerable attention in the field of agrochemicals due to their special properties, such as small particle size, surface structure, solubility and chemical composition. The application of NMs and nanotechnology in agrochemicals dramatically overcomes the defects of conventional agrochemicals, including low bioavailability, easy photolysis, and organic solvent pollution, etc. In this review, we describe advances in the application of NMs in chemical pesticides and fertilizers, which are the two earliest and most researched areas of NMs in agrochemicals. Besides, this article concerns with the new applications of NMs in other agrochemicals, such as bio-pesticides, nucleic acid pesticides, plant growth regulators (PGRs), and pheromone. We also discuss challenges and the industrialization trend of NMs in the field of agrochemicals. Constructing nano-agrochemical delivery system via NMs and nanotechnology facilitates the improvement of the stability and dispersion of active ingredients, promotes the precise delivery of agrochemicals, reduces residual pollution and decreases labor cost in different application scenarios, which is potential to maintain the sustainability of agricultural systems and improve food security by increasing the efficacy of agricultural inputs.

Growing-rod implantation improves nutrition status of early-onset scoliosis patients: a case series study of minimum 3-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Early onset scoliosis (EOS) may cause malnutrition in affected patients. Growing-rod treatment has been an effective protocol for treating EOS. The objective of this study is to demonstrate whether growing-rod treatment improves nutritional status of EOS patients. METHODS: Fifty-two EOS patients who had dual growing-rod surgery was enrolled. The minimum follow-up was 3-years. Their body weights were normalized based on the data of two National Population Census of China. Z-scores were used to indicate the standard deviation from the median body weight-for-age. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 6 years. Preoperatively, the prevalence of malnutrition (Z < - 2) was 21.2%, and reduced to 9.6% at the end of the follow-up. Preoperatively, the average Z-score was - 0.94, and it increased to - 0.65 at the latest follow-up (p < 0.05). Patients with preoperative Z-score below - 1 had more significant increase of Z-scores (- 2.15 vs - 1.26, p < 0.001). A significant negative correlation between the change of Z-score and the preoperative Z-score (correlation coefficient - 0.65, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The growing rod surgery and lengthening procedures significantly improves the nutrition status of EOS patients. The body weight gains are more significant in patients with lower body weights.

Miller Fisher syndrome associated with COVID-19: an up-to-date systematic review.

Recently, during the pandemic infection of the novel SARS-CoV-2, some cases of Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) have been reported. We want to summarize the main features of patients with MFS and COVID-19. A PubMed search was performed on 8 October to identify references reporting cases with MFS associated with COVID-19 from the first report of COVID-19 to 8 October 2020 using the following keywords: "Miller Fisher syndrome" AND "COVID-19" OR "SARS-CoV-2". A systematic review from the first report of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to 8 October 2020 revealed 7 cases with Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) associated with COVID-19. The 7 cases came from 5 countries but most of these patients were from Europe (85.7%), especially Spain. There are 5 cases of MFS diagnosed after the laboratory confirmation of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The mean onset time of MFS-associated neurological symptoms was 14.75 days after the diagnosis of COVID-19. However, the two remaining cases presented initially with MFS-associated neurological symptoms followed by the diagnosis of COVID-19. The most common symptoms of COVID-19-associated MFS were perioral paresthesias (57.1%), ataxia (57.1%), blurred vision (42.9), ophthalmoplegia (42.9), and generalized areflexia (42.9). However, more cohort and case-control studies are required to establish the epidemiological linkage.

Bioinformatic analyses hinted at augmented T helper 17 cell differentiation and cytokine response as the central mechanism of COVID-19-associated Guillain-Barré syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) results from autoimmune attack on the peripheral nerves, causing sensory, motor and autonomic abnormalities. Emerging evidence suggests that there might be an association between COVID-19 and GBS. Nevertheless, the underlying pathophysiological mechanism remains unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed bioinformatic analyses to delineate the potential genetic crosstalk between COVID-19 and GBS. RESULTS: COVID-19 and GBS were associated with a similar subset of immune/inflammation regulatory genes, including TNF, CSF2, IL2RA, IL1B, IL4, IL6 and IL10. Protein-protein interaction network analysis revealed that the combined gene set showed an increased connectivity as compared to COVID-19 or GBS alone, particularly the potentiated interactions with CD86, IL23A, IL27, ISG20, PTGS2, HLA-DRB1, HLA-DQB1 and ITGAM, and these genes are related to Th17 cell differentiation. Transcriptome analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with COVID-19 and GBS further demonstrated the activation of interleukin-17 signalling in both conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Augmented Th17 cell differentiation and cytokine response was identified in both COVID-19 and GBS. PBMC transcriptome analysis also suggested the pivotal involvement of Th17 signalling pathway. In conclusion, our data suggested aberrant Th17 cell differentiation as a possible mechanism by which COVID-19 can increase the risk of GBS.