Diagnostic Value of Serum Amylase and Coagulation Function Indices in Distinguishing Acute Pancreatitis from Aortic Dissection.

BACKGROUND: Due to similar symptoms of abdominal pain, acute pancreatitis (AP) is often difficult to differentiate from acute aortic dissection (AAD) in clinical practice. It is unknown whether serum amylase and coagulation function indices can be used to distinguish AP from AAD. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 114 AP patients (AP group) and 48 cases with AAD (AAD group) admitted for acute abdominal pain were enrolled for a final analysis. The levels of serum amylase and coagulation function indices, including prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen (FIB), and D-dimer (DD), were tested before or on admission and compared between the two groups. Student's t-test was adopted for comparing the mean. Model discrimination was evaluated by using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Comparison of AUC was performed by using the Z-test. RESULTS: Compared with the AAD group, amylase and FIB were both significantly increased, while DD was significantly lower in the AP group (all p < 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences of PT, INR, and APTT between AP and AAD (all p > 0.05). The AUCs in distinguishing AP from AAD were 0.913, 0.854, and 0.837 for amylase, FIB, and DD, respectively, but there were no significant differences observed among amylase, FIB, and DD (all p > 0.05). Finally, the cutoff values (specificity, sensitivity, and Youden index) in distinguishing between AP and AAD were 114 µ/L (80.70%, 95.83%, 0.765) for amylase, 2.62 g/L (76.32%, 85.42%, 0.617) for FIB, and 2.74 mg/L (95.61%, 62.50%, 0.581) for DD, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Amylase, FIB, and DD can demonstrate accurate and reliable diagnostic values, suggesting that they are useful and potential biomarkers in distinguishing AP from AAD.

Attraction of Nicotiana benthamiana to Bemisia tabaci is related to a chemical signal in plant volatile, undecane.

BACKGROUND: The whitefly Bemisia tabaci is one of the world's foremost agricultural pests. Recently, we found that a wild relative of tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana) demonstrates remarkable attractiveness and nearly 100% lethality towards whiteflies. Therefore, it can act as a dead-end trap crop for whitefly control in the field. However, the underlying mechanism of the significant attractiveness of N. benthamiana towards whiteflies is unclear. RESULTS: Binary-choice assays and olfactory experiments showed that compared to common tobacco (N. tabacum), the volatile of N. benthamiana has a greater attraction to whiteflies. Then we analyzed and compared volatiles from these two Nicotiana species by thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS). We identified 16 chemical compounds that are more abundant in N. benthamiana than in N. tabacum. Seven compounds were further tested with olfactometer assays and we found that, among them, undecane strongly attracted whiteflies. Further experiments revealed that even 0.005 µg mL-1 undecane is attractive to whiteflies. We also silenced the genes that may influence the biosynthesis of undecane and found the production of undecane decreased after silencing NbCER3, and that N. benthamiana plants with less undecane lost their attraction to whiteflies. In addition, we found that applying 0.005 µg mL-1 undecane on yellow sticky traps can increase the number of stuck insects on the traps by ≈40%. CONCLUSION: Undecane from the volatile of N. benthamiana is a critical chemical signal that attracts whiteflies and NbCER3 involved in the biosynthesis of undecane. Undecane may be used to improve the efficiency of yellow sticky traps for whitefly control. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Metabolic and Molecular Insights Into Nicotiana benthamiana Trichome Exudates: An Ammunition Depot for Plant Resistance Against Insect Pests.

Nicotiana benthamiana, a widely acknowledged laboratory model plant for molecular studies, exhibits lethality to certain insect pests and can serve as a dead-end trap plant for pest control in the field. However, the underlying mechanism of N. benthamiana's resistance against insects remains unknown. Here, we elucidate that the lethal effect of N. benthamiana on the whitefly Bemisia tabaci arises from the toxic glandular trichome exudates. By comparing the metabolite profiles of trichome exudates, we found that 51 metabolites, including five O-acyl sugars (O-AS) with medium-chain acyl moieties, were highly accumulated in N. benthamiana. Silencing of two O-AS biosynthesis genes, branched-chain keto acid dehydrogenase (BCKD) and Isopropyl malate synthase-C (IPMS-C), significantly reduced the O-AS levels in N. benthamiana and its resistance against whiteflies. Additionally, we demonstrated that the higher expression levels of BCKD and IPMS-C in the trichomes of N. benthamiana contribute to O-AS synthesis and consequently enhance whitefly resistance. Furthermore, overexpression of NbBCKD and NbIPMS-C genes in the cultivated tobacco Nicotiana tabacum enhanced its resistance to whiteflies. Our study revealed the metabolic and molecular mechanisms underlying the lethal effect of N. benthamiana on whiteflies and presents a promising avenue for improving whitefly resistance.

Comprehensive analysis of gene mutations and mismatch repair in Chinese colorectal cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: RAS, BRAF, and mismatch repair (MMR)/microsatellite instability (MSI) are crucial biomarkers recommended by clinical practice guidelines for colorectal cancer (CRC). However, their characteristics and influencing factors in Chinese patients have not been thoroughly described. AIM: To analyze the clinicopathological features of KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, and PIK3CA mutations and the DNA MMR status in CRC. METHODS: We enrolled 2271 Chinese CRC patients at the China-Japan Friendship Hospital. MMR proteins were tested using immunohistochemical analysis, and the KRAS/NRAS/BRAF/PIK3CA mutations were determined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Microsatellite status was determined using an MSI detection kit. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS software and logistic regression. RESULTS: The KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, and PIK3CA mutations were detected in 44.6%, 3.4%, 3.7%, and 3.9% of CRC patients, respectively. KRAS mutations were more likely to occur in patients with moderate-to-high differentiation. BRAF mutations were more likely to occur in patients with right-sided CRC, poorly differentiated, or no perineural invasion. Deficient MMR (dMMR) was detected in 7.9% of all patients and 16.8% of those with mucinous adenocarcinomas. KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, and PIK3CA mutations were detected in 29.6%, 1.1%, 8.1%, and 22.3% of patients with dMMR, respectively. The dMMR was more likely to occur in patients with a family history of CRC, aged < 50 years, right-sided CRC, poorly differentiated histology, no perineural invasion, and with carcinoma in situ, stage I, or stage II tumors. CONCLUSION: This study analyzed the molecular profiles of KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA, and MMR/MSI in CRC, identifying key influencing factors, with implications for clinical management of CRC.

CLCuMuV subverts the processing of hydroxyproline-rich systemin to suppress tobacco defenses against insect vectors.

The interactions of insect vector-virus-plant have important ecological and evolutionary implications. The constant struggle of plants against viruses and insect vectors has driven the evolution of multiple defense strategies in the host as well as counter-defense strategies in the viruses and insect vectors. Cotton leaf curl Multan virus (CLCuMuV) is a major causal agent of cotton leaf curl disease in Asia and is exclusively transmitted by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci. Here, we report that plants infected with CLCuMuV and its betasatellite, cotton leaf curl Multan betasatellite (CLCuMuB) enhance the performance of B. tabaci vector, and ßC1 encoded by CLCuMuB plays an important role in begomovirus-whitefly-tobacco tripartite interactions. We showed that CLCuMuB ßC1 suppresses the jasmonic acid signaling pathway by interacting with the subtilisin-like protease 1.7 (NtSBT1.7) protein, thereby enhancing whitefly performance on tobacco plants. Further studies revealed that in the wild type plants, NtSBT1.7 could process tobacco preprohydroxyproline-rich systemin B (NtpreproHypSysB). After CLCuMuB infection, CLCuMuB ßC1 could interfere with the processing of NtpreproHypSysB by NtSBT1.7, thereby impairing plant defenses against whitefly. These results contribute to our understanding of the tripartite interactions among virus, plant, and whitefly, thus offering ecological insights into the spread of vector insect populations and the prevalence of viral diseases.

Outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection versus esophagectomy for poorly differentiated superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: A 10-year cohort study.

BACKGROUNDS: The efficacy of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) to treat poorly differentiated superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SESCC) is unclear. AIMS: To exploring the efficacy and prognosis of ESD treatment poorly differentiated SESCC compared with esophagectomy. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, the data of poorly differentiated SESCC patients who received ESD or esophagectomy from Jan 2011 to Jan 2021 were analyzed. Overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and procedure-related variables were compared between ESD and esophagectomy group. RESULTS: 95 patients underwent ESD, while 86 underwent esophagectomy. No significant differences were found between the two groups in OS (P = 0.587), DSS (P = 0.172), and RFS (P = 0.111). Oncologic outcomes were also similar between the two groups in propensity score-matched analysis. For T1a ESCC, the rates of R0 resection, LVI or nodal metastasis and additional therapy were similar between ESD and esophagectomy groups. But for T1b ESCC, the rates of positive resection margin and additional therapy were significantly higher in ESD group than those in esophagectomy group. CONCLUSIONS: ESD is a minimally invasive procedure that has comparable oncologic outcomes with esophagectomy for treatment poorly differentiated T1a ESCC. However, ESD is not suitable for poorly differentiated T1b ESCC, additional surgery or radiochemotherapy should be required.

A comprehensive framework for the delimitation of species within the Bemisia tabaci cryptic complex, a global pest-species group.

Identifying cryptic species poses a substantial challenge to both biologists and naturalists due to morphological similarities. Bemisia tabaci is a cryptic species complex containing more than 44 putative species; several of which are currently among the world's most destructive crop pests. Interpreting and delimiting the evolution of this species complex has proved problematic. To develop a comprehensive framework for species delimitation and identification, we evaluated the performance of distinct data sources both individually and in combination among numerous samples of the B. tabaci species complex acquired worldwide. Distinct datasets include full mitogenomes, single-copy nuclear genes, restriction site-associated DNA sequencing, geographic range, host speciation, and reproductive compatibility datasets. Phylogenetically, our well-supported topologies generated from three dense molecular markers highlighted the evolutionary divergence of species of the B. tabaci complex and suggested that the nuclear markers serve as a more accurate representation of B. tabaci species diversity. Reproductive compatibility datasets facilitated the identification of at least 17 different cryptic species within our samples. Native geographic range information provides a complementary assessment of species recognition, while the host range datasets provide low rate of delimiting resolution. We further summarized different data performances in species classification when compared with reproductive compatibility, indicating that combination of mtCOI divergence, nuclear markers, geographic range provide a complementary assessment of species recognition. Finally, we represent a model for understanding and untangling the cryptic species complexes based on the evidence from this study and previously published articles.

Nitrate-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation coupled to Fe(III) reduction as a source of ammonium and nitrous oxide.

'Candidatus Methanoperedens nitroreducens' is an archaeal methanotroph with global importance that links carbon and nitrogen cycles and great potential for sustainable operation of wastewater treatment. It has been reported to mediate the anaerobic oxidation of methane through a reverse methanogenesis pathway while reducing nitrate to nitrite. Here, we demonstrate that 'Ca. M. nitroreducens' reduces ferric iron forming ammonium (23.1 %) and nitrous oxide (N2O, 46.5 %) from nitrate. These results are supported with the upregulation of genes coding for proteins responsible for dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (nrfA), N2O formation (norV, cyt P460), and multiple multiheme c-type cytochromes for ferric iron reduction. Concomitantly, an increase in the N2O-reducing SJA-28 lineage and a decrease in the nitrite-reducing 'Candidatus Methylomirabilis oxyfera' are consistent with the changes in 'Ca. M. nitroreducens' end products. These findings demonstrate the highly flexible physiology of 'Ca. M. nitroreducens' in anaerobic ecosystems with diverse electron acceptor conditions, and further reveals its roles in linking methane oxidation to global biogeochemical cycles. 'Ca. M. nitroreducens' could significantly affect the bioavailability of nitrogen sources as well as the emission of greenhouse gas in natural ecosystems and wastewater treatment plants.

METTL3 Promotes Osteosarcoma Metastasis via an m6A-dependent Epigenetic Activity of CBX4.

BACKGROUND: Osteosarcoma cells are prone to metastasis, and the mechanism of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation modification in this process is still unclear. Methylation modification of m6A plays an important role in the development of osteosarcoma, which is mainly due to abnormal expression of enzymes related to methylation modification of m6A, which in turn leads to changes in the methylation level of downstream target genes messenger RNA (mRNA) leading to tumor development. METHODS: We analyzed the expression levels of m6A methylation modification-related enzyme genes in GSE12865 whole-genome sequencing data. And we used shRNA (short hairpin RNA) lentiviral interference to interfere with METTL3 (Methyltransferase 3) expression in osteosarcoma cells. We studied the cytological function of METTL3 by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8), flow cytometry, migration and other experiments, and the molecular mechanism of METTL3 by RIP (RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation), Western blot and other experiments. RESULTS: We found that METTL3 is abnormally highly expressed in osteosarcoma and interferes with METTL3 expression in osteosarcoma cells to inhibit metastasis, proliferation, and apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells. We subsequently found that METTL3 binds to the mRNA of CBX4 (chromobox homolog 4), a very important regulatory protein in osteosarcoma metastasis, and METTL3 regulates the mRNA and protein expression of CBX4. Further studies revealed that METTL3 inhibited metastasis of osteosarcoma cells by regulating CBX4. METTL3 has been found to be involved in osteosarcoma cells metastasis by CBX4 affecting the protein expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), MMP9, E-Cadherin and N-Cadherin associated with osteosarcoma cells metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the combined action of METTL3 and CBX4 plays an important role in the regulation of metastasis of osteosarcoma, and therefore, the METTL3-CBX4 axis pathway may be a new potential therapeutic target for osteosarcoma.

Deep insights into the biofilm formation mechanism and nitrogen-transformation network in a nitrate-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation biofilm.

Nitrate/nitrite-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation (n-DAMO) process offers a promising solution for simultaneously achieving methane emissions reduction and efficient nitrogen removal in wastewater treatment. Although nitrogen removal at a practical rate has been achieved by n-DAMO biofilm process, the mechanisms of biofilm formation and nitrogen transformation remain to be elucidated. In this study, n-DAMO biofilms were successfully developed in the membrane aerated moving bed biofilm reactor (MAMBBR) and removed nitrate at a rate of 159 mg NO3--N L-1 d-1. The obvious increase in the content of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) indicated that EPS production was important for biofilm development. n-DAMO microorganisms dominated the microbial community, and n-DAMO bacteria were the most abundant microorganisms. However, the expression of biosynthesis genes for proteins and polysaccharides encoded by n-DAMO archaea was significantly more active compared to other microorganisms, suggesting the central role of n-DAMO archaea in EPS production and biofilm formation. In addition to nitrate reduction, n-DAMO archaea were revealed to actively express dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium and nitrogen fixation. The produced ammonium was putatively converted to dinitrogen gas through the joint function of n-DAMO archaea and n-DAMO bacteria. This study revealed the biofilm formation mechanism and nitrogen-transformation network in n-DAMO biofilm systems, shedding new light on promoting the application of n-DAMO process.

Role of aminopeptidase N-like in the acquisition of begomoviruses by Bemisia tabaci, the whitefly vector.

Sri Lankan cassava mosaic virus (SLCMV) is a prominent causative agent of cassava mosaic disease in Asia and relies on the whitefly Bemisia tabaci cryptic complex for its transmission. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in SLCMV transmission by B. tabaci have yet to be understood. In this study, we identified an aminopeptidase N-like protein (BtAPN) in B. tabaci Asia II 1, an efficient vector of SLCMV, which is involved in the SLCMV transmission process. Through the use of glutathione S-transferase pull-down assay and LC-MS/MS analysis, we demonstrated the interaction between BtAPN and the coat protein (CP) of SLCMV. This interaction was further confirmed in vitro, and we observed an induction of BtAPN gene expression following SLCMV infection. By interfering with the function of BtAPN, the quantities of SLCMV were significantly reduced in various parts of B. tabaci Asia II 1, including the whole body, midgut, hemolymph, and primary salivary gland. Furthermore, we discovered that BtAPN is conserved in B. tabaci Middle East-Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1) and interacts with the CP of tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), a begomovirus known to cause severe damage to tomato production. Blocking BtAPN with antibody led to a significant reduction in the quantities of TYLCV in whitefly whole body and organs/tissues. These results demonstrate that BtAPN plays a generic role in interacting with the CP of begomoviruses and positively regulates their acquisition by the whitefly.

Efficacy and safety of gastroscopic hemostasis in the treatment of acute gastric hemorrhage: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer (GC) is a malignant tumor with a high incidence and mortality rate worldwide for which acute bleeding is a common clinical complication. Gastroscopic hemostasis is an important method for treating acute bleeding in GC; however, its efficacy and safety remain controversial. AIM: To systematically analyze the efficacy and safety of gastroscopic hemostasis for the treatment of acute gastric hemorrhage. METHODS: The PUBMED, Web of Science, Wiley Library, EMBASE, Wanfang, CNKI, and VIP databases were searched for studies related to gastroscopic hemostatic treatment for acute GC published through February 20, 2023. The literature was screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, data were extracted, and literature quality was evaluated. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan software (version 5.3), while Begg's test for publication bias was performed using Stata 13.0 software. RESULTS: Six randomized controlled trials and two retrospective analyses were retrieved. Five studies had a low, two had an uncertain, and one had a high risk of bias. Compared with the control group, the hemostatic rate of gastroscopic hemostasis was increased [relative risk (RR) = 1.24; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08 to 1.43; P = 0.003]; the rate of rebleeding (RR = 0.27; 95%CI: 0.09 to 0.80; P = 0.02), rate of surgery transfer (RR = 0.16; 95%CI: 0.06 to 0.43; P = 0.0003), serum C-reactive protein level [mean difference (MD) = -5.16; 95%CI: -6.11 to 4.21; P < 0.00001], interleukin-6 level (MD = -6.37; 95%CI: -10.33 to -2.42; P = 0.002), and tumor necrosis factor-α level (MD = -2.29; 95%CI: -4.06 to -0.52; P = 0.01) were decreased; and the quality of life improvement rate was increased (RR = 1.95; 95%C I= 1.41-2.71; P < 0.0001). Begg's test revealed no significant publication bias. CONCLUSION: The efficacy and safety of endoscopic hemostasis were higher than those of the control group, suggesting that it is an effective treatment for acute GC hemorrhage.

Effects of different intervention methods on psychological flexibility, negative emotions and sleep quality in chronic hepatitis B.

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) experience various problems, including low psychological flexibility, negative emotions, and poor sleep quality. Therefore, effective nursing interventions are required to reduce adverse events. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) combined with enabling cognitive-behavioral education (ECBE) can improve patients' psychological and sleep. Therefore, we speculate that this may also be effective in patients with CHB. AIM: To investigate the effects of different intervention methods on psychological flexibility, negative emotions, and sleep quality in patients with CHB. METHODS: This retrospective study examined clinical and evaluation data of 129 patients with CHB. Intervention methods were divided into a conventional group (routine nursing, n = 69) and a combination group (ACT combined with ECBE, n = 60). We observed changes in psychological flexibility, negative emotions, sleep quality, and self-care ability in both groups. Observation items were evaluated using the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-2nd Edition (AAQ-II), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Exercise of Self-Care Agency Scale (ESCA). RESULTS: Compared with the conventional group, the AAQ-II score of the combined group was lower (Fbetween-group effect = 8.548; Ftime effects = 25.020; Finteraction effects = 52.930; all P < 0.001), the SAS score (t = 5.445) and SDS score (t = 7.076) were lower (all P < 0.001), as were the PSQI dimensions (tsleep quality = 4.581, tfall sleep time = 2.826, tsleep time = 2.436, tsleep efficiency = 5.787, tsleep disorder = 5.008, thypnotic drugs = 3.786, tdaytime dysfunction = 4.812); all P < 0.05). The ESCA scores for all dimensions were higher (thealth knowledge level = 6.994, tself-concept = 5.902, tself-responsibility = 19.820, tself-care skills = 8.470; all P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: ACT combined with ECBE in patients with CHB can improve psychological flexibility and sleep quality, alleviate negative emotions, and improve self-care.

[Risk factors and prognosis of preoperative herat failure after hip fracture].

OBJECTIVE: To explore incidence, risk factors and the relationship between preoperative heart failure and prognosis in elderly patients with hip fracture. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 1 569 elderly patients with hip fracture treated from January 2012 to December 2019, including 522 males and 1 047 females, aged 81.00 (75.00, 90.00) years old;896 intertrochanteric fractures and 673 femoral neck fractures. Patients were divided into heart failure and non-heart failure groups according to whether they developed heart failure before surgery, and heart failure was set as the dependent variable, with independent variables including age, gender, fracture type, comorbidities and hematological indicators, etc. Univariate analysis was performed at first, and independent variables with statistical differences were included in multivariate Logistic regression analysis. Independent risk factors for preoperative heart failure were obtained. The length of hospital stay, perioperative complications, mortality at 30 days and 1 year after surgery were compared between heart failure and non-heart failure groups. RESULTS: There were 91 patients in heart failure group, including 40 males and 51 females, aged 82.00 (79.00, 87.00) years old;55 patients with intertrochanteric fracture and 36 patients with femoral neck fracture. There were 1 478 patients in non-heart failure groups, including 482 males and 996 females, aged 81.00(75.00, 86.00) years old;841 patients with intertrochanteric fracture and 637 patients with femoral neck fracture. There were significant differences in age, sex, coronary heart disease, arrhythmia and dementia between two groups(P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic analysis of statistically significant factors showed that males(OR=1.609, P=0.032), age(OR=1.032, P=0.031), arrhythmia(OR=2.045, P=0.006), dementia (OR=2.106, P=0.014) were independent risk factor for preoperative heart failure. The 30-day and 1-year mortality rates were 9.9% and 26.4% in heart failure group and 3.6% and 13.8% in non-heart failure group, respectively;and had statistical significance between two groups (P<0.05). There were significant differences in pulmonary infection, cerebrovascular complications and cardiovascular complications between two groups (P<0.05). The duration of hospitalization in heart failure group was (16.21±10.64) d compared with that in non-heart failure group (13.26±8.00) d, and the difference was statistically significant (t=2.513, P=0.012). CONCLUSION: Male, old age, arrhythmia and dementia are independent risk factors for heart failure after hip fracture in elderly patients. Patients with preoperative heart failure have a higher incidence of postoperative pulmonary infection, cerebrovascular and cardiovascular complications, higher mortality at 30 d and 1 year after surgery, and longer hospital stay.

Bipolar Molecular Torque Wrench Modulates the Stacking of Two-Dimensional Metal-Organic Framework Nanosheets.

The precise modulation of nanosheet stacking modes introduces unforeseen properties and creates momentous applications but remains a challenge. Herein, we proposed a strategy using bipolar molecules as torque wrenches to control the stacking modes of 2-D Zr-1,3,5-(4-carboxylphenyl)-benzene metal-organic framework (2-D Zr-BTB MOF) nanosheets. The bipolar phenyl-alkanes, phenylmethane (P-C1) and phenyl ethane (P-C2), predominantly instigated the rotational stacking of Zr-BTB-P-C1 and Zr-BTB-P-C2, displaying a wide angular distribution. This included Zr-BTB-P-C1 orientations at 0, 12, 18, and 24° and Zr-BTB-P-C2 orientations at 0, 6, 12, 15, 24, and 30°. With reduced polarity, phenyl propane (P-C3) and phenyl pentane (P-C5) introduced steric hindrance and facilitated alkyl hydrophobic interactions with the nanosheets, primarily resulting in the modulation of eclipsed stacking for Zr-BTB-P-C3 (64.8%) and Zr-BTB-P-C5 (93.3%) nanosheets. The precise angle distributions of four Zr-BTB-P species were in agreement with theoretical calculations. The alkyl induction mechanism was confirmed by the sequential guest replacement and 2-D 13C-1H heteronuclear correlation (HETCOR). In addition, at the single-particle level, we first observed that rotational stacked pores exhibited similar desorption rates for xylene isomers, while eclipsed stacked pores showed significant discrepancy for xylenes. Moreover, the eclipsed nanosheets as stationary phases exhibited high resolution, selectivity, repeatability, and durability for isomer separation. The universality was proven by another series of bipolar acetate-alkanes. This bipolar molecular torque wrench strategy provides an opportunity to precisely control the stacking modes of porous nanosheets.

[Ultrasound-guided continuous fascia iliaca compartment block for perioperative pain management in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of ultrasound-guided fascia iliaca compartment block on perioperative analgesia and postoperative complications in geriatric patients with hip fractures. METHODS: A total of 127 elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery from January 2021 to September 2021 were randomized to receive ultrasound-guided continuous fascia iliaca compartment block(group F) either intravenous analgesia control group(group C). There were 62 cases in group F, including 19 males and 43 females with an average age of (82.4±7.2) years old ranging from 66 to 95 years old, involving 25 femoral neck fractures and 37 femoral intertrochanteric fractures. There were 65 cases in control group, including 18 males and 47 females, with an average age of (81.4±8.7) years old ranging from 65 to 94 years old, involving 29 femoral neck fractures and 36 femoral intertrochanteric fractures. The visual analogue scale(VAS), minimental state examination (MMSE), observer's assessment of alertness/sedation(OAA/S) scale, modified Bromage score, postoperative complications and general conditions during hospitalization in two groups were observed. RESULTS: The resting and exercise VAS at 30 min after block, anesthesia placement and 6, 24 and 48 h after surgery were lower than those in group C(P<0.05). In group F, MMSE scores at 12 h before surgery, and 1, 3 d after surgery and OAA/S scores at 3 d after surgery were higher than those in group C(P<0.05). The incidence of adverse effects and the number requiring additional analgesia were lower than those in group C(P<0.05). Group F had better perioperative analgesia satisfaction and hospital stay than group C(P<0.05). But there was no significant difference regarding Bromage score and 30-day mortality between two group(P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided continuous fascia iliacus space block was safe and effective for elderly patients with hip fracture, and could significantly reduce perioperative pain, improve postoperative cognitive function, and reduce postoperative complications, thereby shortening hospital stay and improving the quality of life during hospitalization.

The essential role of clathrin-mediated endocytosis and early endosomes in the trafficking of begomoviruses through the primary salivary glands of their whitefly vectors.

IMPORTANCE: Many plant viruses are transmitted by insect vectors in a circulative manner. For efficient transmission, the entry of the virus from vector hemolymph into the primary salivary gland (PSG) is a step of paramount importance. Yet, vector components mediating virus entry into PSG remain barely characterized. Here, we demonstrate the role of clathrin-mediated endocytosis and early endosomes in begomovirus entry into whitefly PSG. Our findings unravel the key components involved in begomovirus transport within the whitefly body and transmission by their whitefly vectors and provide novel clues for blocking begomovirus transmission.

Evidence for Nitrous Oxide Emissions by Nitrite-Dependent Anaerobic Methane Oxidizing Bacteria.

Nitrite-dependent anaerobic methane oxidizing (n-DAMO) bacteria generally convert nitrite to dinitrogen and bypass the nitrous oxide (N2O) formation step. However, N2O is often detected in n-DAMO bacteria dominated cultures and it remains an open question as to the microbial origin of N2O in these enrichments. Using a stable nitrite consuming microbial community enriched for n-DAMO bacteria, we demonstrated that N2O production was coupled to methane oxidation and the higher initial nitrite concentrations led to increased quantities of N2O being formed. Moreover, continuous exposure of the enrichment culture to about 5 mg of N L-1 nitrite resulted in constant N2O being produced (12.5% of nitrite was reduced to N2O). Metatranscriptomic analyses revealed that nitrite reductase (nirS) and nitric oxide reductase (norZ) transcripts from n-DAMO bacteria increased in response to nitrite exposure. No other bacteria significantly expressed nor genes under these conditions, suggesting n-DAMO bacteria are responsible for N2O being produced. In a 35-day bioreactor experiment, N2O produced by the n-DAMO bacteria accumulated when nitrite was in excess; this was found to be up to 3.2% of the nitrogen that resulted from nitrite removal. Together, these results suggested that excess nitrite is an important driver of N2O production by n-DAMO bacteria. To this end, proper monitoring and control of nitrite levels in wastewater treatment plants would be effective strategies for mitigating N2O emissions to the atmosphere.

Association of caesarean delivery with offspring health outcomes in full-cohort versus sibling-comparison studies: a comparative meta-analysis and simulation study.

BACKGROUND: Full-cohort and sibling-comparison designs have yielded inconsistent results about the impacts of caesarean delivery on offspring health outcomes, with the effect estimates from the latter being more likely directed towards the null value. We hypothesized that the seemingly conservative results obtained from the sibling-comparison design might be attributed to inadequate adjustment for non-shared confounders between siblings, particularly maternal age at delivery. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was first conducted. PubMed, Embase, and the Web of Science were searched from database inception to April 6, 2022. Included studies (1) examined the association of caesarean delivery, whether elective or emergency, with offspring health outcomes; (2) simultaneously conducted full-cohort and sibling-comparison analyses; and (3) reported adjusted effect estimates with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). No language restrictions were applied. Data were extracted by 2 reviewers independently. Three-level meta-analytic models were used to calculate the pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs for caesarean versus vaginal delivery on multiple offspring health outcomes separately for full-cohort and sibling-comparison designs. Subgroup analyses were performed based on the method of adjustment for maternal age at delivery. A simulation study was then conducted. The simulated datasets were generated with some key parameters derived from the meta-analysis. RESULTS: Eighteen studies involving 21,854,828 individuals were included. The outcomes assessed included mental and behavioral disorders; endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases; asthma; cardiorespiratory fitness; and multiple sclerosis. The overall pooled OR for estimates from the full-cohort design was 1.14 (95% CI: 1.11 to 1.17), higher than that for estimates from the sibling-comparison design (OR = 1.08; 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.14). Stratified analyses showed that estimates from the sibling-comparison design varied considerably across studies using different methods to adjust for maternal age at delivery in multivariate analyses, while those from the full-cohort design were rather stable: in studies that did not adjust maternal age at delivery, the pooled OR of full-cohort vs. sibling-comparison design was 1.10 (95% CI: 0.99 to 1.22) vs. 1.06 (95% CI: 0.85 to 1.31), in studies adjusting it as a categorical variable, 1.15 (95% CI: 1.11 to 1.19) vs. 1.07 (95% CI: 1.00 to 1.15), and in studies adjusting it as a continuous variable, 1.12 (95% CI: 1.05 to 1.19) vs. 1.12 (95% CI: 0.98 to 1.29). The severe underestimation bias related to the inadequate adjustment of maternal age at delivery in sibling-comparison analyses was fully replicated in the simulation study. CONCLUSIONS: Sibling-comparison analyses may underestimate the association of caesarean delivery with multiple offspring health outcomes due to inadequate adjustment of non-shared confounders, such as maternal age at delivery. Thus, we should be cautious when interpreting the seemingly conservative results of sibling-comparison analyses in delivery-related studies.