Transcriptional Regulation and Signaling of Type IV IFN with Identification of the ISG Repertoire in an Amphibian Model, Xenopus laevis.

The type IV IFN (IFN-υ) is reported in vertebrates from fish to primary mammals with IFN-υR1 and IL-10R2 as receptor subunits. In this study, the proximal promoter of IFN-υ was identified in the amphibian model, Xenopus laevis, with functional IFN-sensitive responsive element and NF-κB sites, which can be transcriptionally activated by transcription factors, such as IFN regulatory factor (IRF)1, IRF3, IRF7, and p65. It was further found that IFN-υ signals through the classical IFN-stimulated gene (ISG) factor 3 (ISGF3) to induce the expression of ISGs. It seems likely that the promoter elements of the IFN-υ gene in amphibians is similar to type III IFN genes, and that the mechanism involved in IFN-υ induction is very much similar to type I and III IFNs. Using recombinant IFN-υ protein and the X. laevis A6 cell line, >400 ISGs were identified in the transcriptome, including ISGs homologous to humans. However, as many as 268 genes were unrelated to human or zebrafish ISGs, and some of these ISGs were expanded families such as the amphibian novel TRIM protein (AMNTR) family. AMNTR50, a member in the family, was found to be induced by type I, III, and IV IFNs through IFN-sensitive responsive element sites of the proximal promoter, and this molecule has a negative role in regulating the expression of type I, III, and IV IFNs. It is considered that the current study contributes to the understanding of transcription, signaling, and functional aspects of type IV IFN at least in amphibians.

A new artificial intelligence system for both stomach and small bowel capsule endoscopy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Despite the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) in small bowel (SB) capsule endoscopy (CE) image reading, information on its application in the stomach and SB CE is lacking. METHODS: In this multicenter, retrospective diagnostic study, gastric imaging data were added to the deep learning (DL)-based SmartScan (SS), which has been described previously. A total of 1,069 magnetically controlled gastrointestinal (GI) CE examinations (comprising 2,672,542 gastric images) were used in the training phase for recognizing gastric pathologies, producing a new AI algorithm named SS Plus. 342 fully automated, magnetically controlled CE (FAMCE) examinations were included in the validation phase. The performance of both senior and junior endoscopists with both the SS Plus-Assisted Reading (SSP-AR) and conventional reading (CR) modes was assessed. RESULTS: SS Plus was designed to recognize 5 types of gastric lesions and 17 types of SB lesions. SS Plus reduced the number of CE images required for review to 873.90 (1000) (median, IQR 814.50-1,000) versus 44,322.73 (42,393) (median, IQR 31,722.75-54,971.25) for CR. Furthermore, with SSP-AR, endoscopists took 9.54 min (8.51) (median, IQR 6.05-13.13) to complete the CE video reading. In the 342 CE videos, SS Plus identified 411 gastric and 422 SB lesions, whereas 400 gastric and 368 intestinal lesions were detected with CR. Moreover, junior endoscopists remarkably improved their CE image reading ability with SSP-AR. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that the newly upgraded DL-based algorithm SS Plus can detect GI lesions and help improve the diagnostic performance of junior endoscopists in interpreting CE videos.

UCHL-3 as a potential biomarker of ovarian cancer.

OBJECTIVE: This study explored promising prognostic and immune therapeutic candidate biomarkers for OC and determined the expression, prognostic value, and immune effects of UCHL3. METHODS: UCHL3 expression and clinical data were investigated using bioinformatic analysis. CCK8 and transwell assays were conducted to evaluate the impact of UCHL3 on proliferation and migration, and the effects of UCHL3 were further validated in a mouse model. Univariate and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analyses were performed to construct a novel UCHL3-related prognostic risk model. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and immune analysis were performed to identify the significantly involved functions of UCHL3. Finally, bioinformatic analysis and immunohistochemistry were performed to explore the effect of UCHL3 on chemotherapy. RESULTS: UCHL3 expression was upregulated and associated with worse overall survival (OS) in OC. UCHL3 depletion repressed cell proliferation and migration both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, 237 genes were differentially expressed between the high and low UCHL3 expression groups. Subsequently, a UCHL3-related prognostic signature was built based on six prognostic genes (PI3, TFAP2B, MUC7, PSMA2, PIK3C2G, and NME1). Independent prognostic analysis suggested that age, tumor mutational burden, and RiskScore can be used as independent prognostic factors. The immune infiltration analysis and GSEA suggested that UCHL3 expression was related to the immune response. In addition, UCHL3 expression was higher in platinum-resistant OC patients than in platinum-sensitive patients. UCHL3 overexpression was associated with poorer OS. CONCLUSION: UCHL3 overexpression contributes to aggressive progression, poor survival, and chemoresistance in OC. Therefore, UCHL3 may be a candidate prognostic biomarker and potential target for controlling progression and platinum resistance in OC.

SIRT6 positively regulates antiviral response in a bony fish, the Chinese perch Siniperca chuatsi.

SIRT6, a key member of the sirtuin family, plays a pivotal role in regulating a number of vital biological processes, including energy metabolism, oxidative stress, and immune system modulation. Nevertheless, the function of SIRT6 in bony fish, particularly in the context of antiviral immune response, remains largely unexplored. In this study, a sirt6 was cloned and characterized in a commercial fish, the Chinese perch (Siniperca chuatsi). The SIRT6 possesses conserved SIR2 domain with catalytic core region when compared with other vertebrates. Tissue distribution analysis indicated that sirt6 was expressed in all detected tissues, and the sirt6 was significantly induced following infection of infectious haemorrhagic syndrome virus (IHSV). The overexpression of SIRT6 resulted in significant upregulation of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), such as viperin, mx, isg15, irf3 and ifp35, and inhibited viral replication. It was further found that SIRT6 was located in nucleus and could enhance the expression of ISGs induced by type I and II IFNs. These findings may provide new information in relation with the function of SIRT6 in vertebrates, and with viral prevention strategy development in aquaculture.

Integrative genomic analysis of early neurogenesis reveals a temporal genetic program for differentiation and specification of preplate and Cajal-Retzius neurons.

Neurogenesis in the developing neocortex begins with the generation of the preplate, which consists of early-born neurons including Cajal-Retzius (CR) cells and subplate neurons. Here, utilizing the Ebf2-EGFP transgenic mouse in which EGFP initially labels the preplate neurons then persists in CR cells, we reveal the dynamic transcriptome profiles of early neurogenesis and CR cell differentiation. Genome-wide RNA-seq and ChIP-seq analyses at multiple early neurogenic stages have revealed the temporal gene expression dynamics of early neurogenesis and distinct histone modification patterns in early differentiating neurons. We have identified a new set of coding genes and lncRNAs involved in early neuronal differentiation and validated with functional assays in vitro and in vivo. In addition, at E15.5 when Ebf2-EGFP+ cells are mostly CR neurons, single-cell sequencing analysis of purified Ebf2-EGFP+ cells uncovers molecular heterogeneities in CR neurons, but without apparent clustering of cells with distinct regional origins. Along a pseudotemporal trajectory these cells are classified into three different developing states, revealing genetic cascades from early generic neuronal differentiation to late fate specification during the establishment of CR neuron identity and function. Our findings shed light on the molecular mechanisms governing the early differentiation steps during cortical development, especially CR neuron differentiation.

Neural correlates of valence-dependent belief and value updating during uncertainty reduction: An fNIRS study.

Selective use of new information is crucial for adaptive decision-making. Combining a gamble bidding task with assessing cortical responses using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), we investigated potential effects of information valence on behavioral and neural processes of belief and value updating during uncertainty reduction in young adults. By modeling changes in the participants' expressed subjective values using a Bayesian model, we dissociated processes of (i) updating beliefs about statistical properties of the gamble, (ii) updating values of a gamble based on new information about its winning probabilities, as well as (iii) expectancy violation. The results showed that participants used new information to update their beliefs and values about the gambles in a quasi-optimal manner, as reflected in the selective updating only in situations with reducible uncertainty. Furthermore, their updating was valence-dependent: information indicating an increase in winning probability was underweighted, whereas information about a decrease in winning probability was updated in good agreement with predictions of the Bayesian decision theory. Results of model-based and moderation analyses showed that this valence-dependent asymmetry was associated with a distinct contribution of expectancy violation, besides belief updating, to value updating after experiencing new positive information regarding winning probabilities. In line with the behavioral results, we replicated previous findings showing involvements of frontoparietal brain regions in the different components of updating. Furthermore, this study provided novel results suggesting a valence-dependent recruitment of brain regions. Individuals with stronger oxyhemoglobin responses during value updating was more in line with predictions of the Bayesian model while integrating new information that indicates an increase in winning probability. Taken together, this study provides first results showing expectancy violation as a contributing factor to sub-optimal valence-dependent updating during uncertainty reduction and suggests limitations of normative Bayesian decision theory.

A Catalytic Alkylation of Ketones via sp3 C-H Bond Activation.

We identified a ternary hybrid catalyst system composed of an acridinium photoredox catalyst, a thiophosphoric imide (TPI) catalyst, and a titanium complex catalyst that promoted an intermolecular addition reaction of organic molecules with various ketones through sp3 C-H bond activation. The thiyl radical generated via single-electron oxidation of TPI by the excited photoredox catalyst abstracted a hydrogen atom from organic molecules such as toluene, benzyl alcohol, alkenes, aldehydes, and THF. The thus-generated carbon-centered radical species underwent addition to ketones and aldehydes. This intrinsically unfavorable step was promoted by single-electron reduction of the intermediate alkoxy radical by catalytically generated titanium(III) species. This reaction provided an efficient and straightforward route to a broad range of tertiary alcohols and was successfully applied to late-stage functionalization of drugs or their derivatives. The proposed mechanism was supported by both experimental and theoretical studies.

Three-dimensional pelvic ultrasound is a practical tool for the assessment of anal fistula.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the diagnostic value of three-dimensional pelvic ultrasound in the preoperative assessment of anal fistula compared with findings of MRI and surgery. METHODS: A total of 67 patients (62 males) with suspected anal fistula were analyzed retrospectively. Preoperative three-dimensional pelvic ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging were performed in all patients. The number of internal openings and the type of fistula were recorded. The accuracy of three-dimensional pelvic ultrasound was determined by comparing these parameters with surgical outcomes. RESULTS: At surgery, 5 (6%) were extrasphincteric, 10 (12%) were suprasphincteric, 11 (14%) were intersphincteric, and 55 (68%) were transsphincteric. There was no significant difference in the accuracy of pelvic 3D US and MRI, based on internal openings (97.92%, 94.79%), anal fistulas (97.01%, 94.03%), and those under Parks classification (97.53%, 93.83%). CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional pelvic ultrasound is a reproducible and accurate method for determining the type of fistula and detecting internal openings and anal fistulas.

Empirical validation of the information-motivation-behavioral skills model of gestational weight management behavior: a framework for intervention.

BACKGROUND: Unhealthy gestational weight gain is a modifiable risk factor for adverse maternal and child health. Appropriate and effective intervention strategies that focus on behavioral change or maintenance are critical in weight management during pregnancy. Our aim was to uncover the influencing factors and psychosocial mechanisms of gestational weight control behavior, and to construct a behavioral model suitable for intervention based on Information-Motivation-Behavioral skills (IMB) model. METHODS: A sample of 559 pregnant women from a municipal maternal and child healthcare facility in Jiangsu Province, China was enrolled in this cross-sectional empirical study. Partial least square structural equation modelling was used to verify the hypothesized model, and post hoc analyses was used to test the effect of parity and pre-pregnancy BMI on the model. RESULTS: The IMB model elements can predict gestational weight management (GWM) behavior well, with information being the most influential factor. As predicted, information affects GWM directly (ß = 0.325, p < 0.05) and indirectly (ß = 0.054, p < 0.05) through behavioral skills. Likewise, motivation has direct (ß = 0.461, p < 0.05) effects on GWM, and has indirect (ß = 0.071, p < 0.05) effects through behavioral skills. Behavioral skills have a direct impact (ß = 0.154, p < 0.05). The model had a goodness of fit (GOF = 0.421) and was robust when tested in subgroups of different parity or pre-pregnancy BMI. CONCLUSION: Findings from this study supported the predictions of the IMB model for GWM behavior, and identified its modifiable determinants. The tested behavior model for GWM can serve as a new validated intervention strategy in weight management among pregnant women.

Molecular characterization and immunological properties of Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (G1) ADK1 and ADK8.

Adenylate kinases (ADKs) are one of the important enzymes regulating adenosine triphosphate (ATP) metabolism in Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato. The objective of the present study was to explore the molecular characteristics and immunological properties of E. granulosus sensu stricto (G1) adenylate kinase 1 (EgADK1) and adenylate kinase 8 (EgADK8). EgADK1 and EgADK8 were cloned and expressed, and the molecular characteristics of EgADK1 and EgADK8 were analyzed through different bioinformatics tools. Western blotting was used to examine the reactogenicity of recombinant adenylate kinase 1 (rEgADK1) and recombinant adenylate kinase 8 (rEgADK8) and to evaluate their diagnostic value. The expression profiles of EgADK1 and EgADK8 in 18-day-old strobilated worms and protoscoleces were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR, and their distribution in 18-day-old strobilated worms, the germinal layer, and protoscoleces was determined by immunofluorescence localization. EgADK1 and EgADK8 were successfully cloned and expressed. Bioinformatics analysis predicted that EgADK1 and EgADK8 have multiple phosphorylation sites and B-cell epitopes. Compared with EgADK8, EgADK1 and other parasite ADKs have higher sequence similarity. In addition, both cystic echinococcosis (CE)-positive sheep sera and Cysticercus tenuicollis-infected goat sera could recognize rEgADK1 and rEgADK8. EgADK1 and EgADK8 were localized in protoscoleces, the germinal layer, and 18-day-old strobilated worms. EgADK1 and EgADK8 showed no significant difference in their transcription level in 18-day-old strobilated worms and protoscoleces, suggesting that EgADK1 and EgADK8 may play an important role in the growth and development of E. granulosus sensu lato. Since EgADK1 and EgADK8 can be recognized by other parasite-positive sera, they are not suitable as candidate antigens for the diagnosis of CE.

Aluminum phytotoxicity induced structural and ultrastructural changes in submerged plant Vallisneria natans.

Aluminum (Al) is a concentration-dependent toxic metal found in the crust of earth that has no recognized biological use. Nonetheless, the mechanism of Al toxicity to submerged plants remains obscure, especially from a cell/subcellular structure and functional group perspective. Therefore, multiple dosages of Al3+ (0, 0.3, 0.6, 1.2, and 1.5 mg/L) were applied hydroponically to the submerged plant Vallisneria natans in order to determine the accumulation potential of Al at the subcellular level and their ultrastructural toxicity. More severe structural and ultrastructural damage was determined when V. natans exposed to ≥ 0.6 mg/L Al3+. In 1.2 and 1.5 mg/L Al3+ treatment groups, the total chlorophyll content of leaves significantly reduced 3.342, 3.838 mg/g FW, some leaves even exhibited chlorosis and fragility. Under 0.3 mg/L Al3+ exposure, the middle-age and young leaves were potent phytoexcluders, whereas at 1.5 mg/L Al3+, a large amount of Al could be transferred from the roots to other parts, among which the aged leaves were the most receptive tissues (7.306 mg/g). Scanning/Transmission electron microscopy analysis displayed the Al-mediated disruption of vascular bundle structure in leaf cells, intercellular space and several vegetative tissues, and demonstrated that Al in vacuole and chloroplast subcellular segregation into electron dense deposition. Al and P accumulation in the roots, stolons and leaves varied significantly among treatments and different tissues (P < 0.05). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of plant biomass also indicated possible metabolites (amine, unsaturated hydrocarbon, etc.) of V. natans that may bind Al3+. Conclusively, results revealed that Al3+ disrupts the cellular structure of leaves and roots or binds to functional groups of biological tissues, thereby affecting plant nutrient uptake and photosynthesis. Findings might have scientific and practical significance for the restoration of submerged vegetation in Al-contaminated lakes.

Kasugamycin Is a Novel Chitinase 1 Inhibitor with Strong Antifibrotic Effects on Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Pulmonary fibrosis is a devastating lung disease with few therapeutic options. CHIT1 (chitinase 1), an 18 glycosyl hydrolase family member, contributes to the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis through the regulation of TGF-ß (transforming growth factor-ß) signaling and effector function. Therefore, CHIT1 is a potential therapeutic target for pulmonary fibrosis. This study aimed to identify and characterize a druggable CHIT1 inhibitor with strong antifibrotic activity and minimal toxicity for therapeutic application to pulmonary fibrosis. Extensive screening of small molecule libraries identified the aminoglycoside antibiotic kasugamycin (KSM) as a potent CHIT1 inhibitor. Elevated concentrations of CHIT1 were detected in the lungs of patients with pulmonary fibrosis. In in vivo bleomycin- and TGF-ß-stimulated murine models of pulmonary fibrosis, KSM showed impressive antifibrotic effects in both preventive and therapeutic conditions. In vitro studies also demonstrated that KSM inhibits fibrotic macrophage activation, fibroblast proliferation, and myofibroblast transformation. Null mutation of TGFBRAP1 (TGF-ß-associated protein 1), a recently identified CHIT1 interacting signaling molecule, phenocopied antifibrotic effects of KSM in in vivo lungs and in vitro fibroblasts responses. KSM inhibits the physical association between CHIT1 and TGFBRAP1, suggesting that the antifibrotic effect of KSM is mediated through regulation of TGFBRAP1, at least in part. These studies demonstrate that KSM is a novel CHIT1 inhibitor with a strong antifibrotic effect that can be further developed as an effective and safe therapeutic drug for pulmonary fibrosis.

Expansion of granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells in patients with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome.

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), caused by novel bunyavirus (SFTSV), is a hemorrhagic fever with a high mortality rate of over 10%. We have previously shown that granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cell (gMDSC) might affect arginine metabolism, which was associated with decreased platelet count and T lymphocyte dysfunction in this disease. The study was designed to investigate the expression of the gMDSCs subsets in SFTS patients, and to evaluate its association with disease severity. A prospective study was performed on 166 confirmed SFTSV infected patients. Sequential blood samples were collected during hospitalization and after recovery. SFTSV RNA was quantified by real-time RT-PCR. The gMDSCs and NK cells were determined by flow cytometry analysis, which were associated with disease severity. Elevation of the activated gMDSC was observed in SFTS patients at the acute phase, with a significantly higher level of gMDSC attained in 79 severe and 29 fatal SFTS patients than in the mild patients. The NK cells were depleted at the early infection and not restored to normal level until 4 months after the disease. The expansion of gMDSC was accompanied by the elevated expressions of CD3-ζ of NK and Arginase-1, in contrast with the decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) in gMDSC. The levels of NK, CD3-ζ of NK, viral load, and platelet count were significantly associated with the level of gMDSC. Expansion of gMDSC was demonstrated in SFTS, which was associated with severe disease and suppressed antiviral NK cell via other mechanisms than Arginase-1 or ROS.

Effectiveness of Vitamin C Solution in Reducing Adverse Reactions Caused by Painless Lugol Chromoendoscopy: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

GOAL: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of vitamin C solution (VCS) in reducing adverse reactions caused by painless Lugol chromoendoscopy. BACKGROUND: Lugol chromoendoscopy is an effective method for screening superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, although Lugol iodine solution (LIS) causes mucosal irritation. STUDY: In 4 hospitals in China, patients were randomized and divided into a distilled water (DW) group, an sodium thiosulfate solution (STS) group and a VCS group. Patients' esophageal mucosal surfaces were stained with either 1.2% or 0.5% LIS and then sprayed with DW, STS, or VCS at various concentrations. For the current randomized study, 1610 patients were enrolled in the 1.2% LIS group and 1355 patients were enrolled in the 0.5% LIS group. In addition, 150 patients were enrolled to assess the discoloration effect. The primary outcome for evaluation was the incidence of acute or late adverse reactions after Lugol iodine staining. The secondary outcome for evaluation was the discoloration effect on esophageal iodine-stained mucosa. RESULTS: VCS significantly reduced the occurrence of acute adverse reactions due to staining from 1.2% LIS. The effect of VCS was similar to that of STS but better than that of DW ( P <0.05). Regarding 0.5% LIS staining, VCS reduced the incidence of acute adverse reactions and heartburn within 1 week ( P <0.05). Both VCS and STS had similar effects. In addition, compared with spraying NS, VCS caused rapid decolorization of iodine-stained esophageal mucosa. After 120 seconds of deiodination, the color of the esophageal mucosa faded by 90%, which is similar to the results seen in the STS group. This contrasts with the results seen in the DW group, which showed fading by only 50.97% ( P <0.05). CONCLUSION: VCS can effectively reduce adverse reactions caused by different concentrations of LIS, indicating its important clinical application in the screening of superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Lawesson's reagent promoted deoxygenation of azlactones for the syntheses of 2,4-disubstituted thiazoles.

Azlactones and thiazoles are common structural motifs and possess diverse applications. A new method for the efficient and straightforward syntheses of 2,4-disubstituted thiazoles from azlactones has been developed. The reaction proceeded via deoxygenation of azlactones by Lawesson's reagent without metal or external additives. A variety of 2,4-disubstituted thiazoles were synthesized with up to 92% yield. Furthermore, the importance of this methodology was also justified by a gram-scale synthesis.

A systematic meta-analysis of immune signatures in patients with COVID-19.

Currently severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission has been on the rise worldwide. Predicting outcome in COVID-19 remains challenging, and the search for more robust predictors continues. We made a systematic meta-analysis on the current literature from 1 January 2020 to 15 August 2020 that independently evaluated 32 circulatory immunological signatures that were compared between patients with different disease severity was made. Their roles as predictors of disease severity were determined as well. A total of 149 distinct studies that evaluated ten cytokines, four antibodies, four T cells, B cells, NK cells, neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils were included. Compared with the non-severe patients of COVID-19, serum levels of Interleukins (IL)-2, IL-2R, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor α were significantly up-regulated in severe patients, with the largest inter-group differences observed for IL-6 and IL-10. In contrast, IL-5, IL-1ß and Interferon (IFN)-γ did not show significant inter-group difference. Four mediators of T cells count, including CD3+ T, CD4+ T, CD8+ T, CD4+ CD25+ CD127- Treg, together with CD19+ B cells count and CD16+ CD56+ NK cells were all consistently and significantly depressed in severe group than in non-severe group. SARS-CoV-2 specific IgA and IgG antibodies were significantly higher in severe group than in non-severe group, while IgM antibody in the severe patients was slightly lower than those in the non-severe patients, and IgE antibody showed no significant inter-group differences. The combination of cytokines, especially IL-6 and IL-10, and T cell related immune signatures can be used as robust biomarkers to predict disease severity following SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Biodegradation of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid by Acinetobacter johnsonii FZ-5 and Klebsiella oxytoca FZ-8 under anaerobic conditions.

4-Hydroxybenzoic acid (4-HBA) is a common organic compound that is prevalent in the environment, and the persistence of 4-HBA residues results in exertion of pollution-related detrimental effects. Bioremediation is an effective method for the removal of 4-HBA from the environment. In this study, two bacterial strains FZ-5 and FZ-8 capable of utilizing 4-HBA as the sole carbon and energy source under anaerobic conditions were isolated from marine sediment samples. Phylogenetic analysis identified the two strains FZ-5 and FZ-8 as Acinetobacter johnsonii and Klebsiella oxytoca, respectively. The strains FZ-5 and FZ-8 degraded 2000 mg·L-1 4-HBA in 72 h with degradation rates of 71.04% and 80.10%, respectively. The optimum culture conditions for degradation by the strains and crude enzymes were also investigated. The strains FZ-5 and FZ-8 also exhibited the ability to degrade other lignin-derived compounds, such as protocatechuic acid, cinnamic acid, and vanillic acid. Immobilization of the two strains showed that they could be used for the bioremediation of 4-HBA in an aqueous environment. Soils inoculated with the strains FZ-5 and FZ-8 showed higher degradation of 4-HBA than the uninoculated soil, and the strains could survive efficiently in anaerobic soil. This is the first report of 4-HBA-degrading bacteria, belonging to the two genera, which showed degradation ability under anaerobic conditions. This study expound the strains could efficiently degrade 4-HBA in anaerobic soil and will help in the development of 4-HBA anaerobic bioremediation systems.

Potential effects of Cladophora oligoclora Decomposition: Microhabitat variation and Microcystis aeruginosa growth response.

Excessive proliferation of filamentous green algae (FGA) is a new ecological problem in lake systems that have not yet reached a steady state. However, knowledge on how FGA decomposition affects the physical and chemical properties of microhabitats, and whether FGA decomposition stimulates the growth of harmful microalgae in the same niche and promotes the formation of harmful algal blooms remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the decomposing effect of a typical FGA, Cladophora oligoclora, on the density and photosynthetic capacity of Microcystis aeruginosa. C. oligoclora decomposition was characterized under different conditions, namely, unshaded and aerobic, unshaded and anoxic, shaded and anaerobic, and shaded and anoxic, which represented different environmental states in the sedimentation process of decaying C. oligoclora mats from water surface to sediment. The shaded and anaerobic treatment significantly decreased the dissolved oxygen and pH of the culture medium by 66.48 % and 7.21 %, respectively, whereas the conductivity and total organic carbon increased by 71.17 and 70.19 times compared with the control group, respectively. This indicated that the decomposing C. oligoclora deposited at the bottom under dark and anaerobic conditions in natural waters had the greatest impact on the lake environment. Further, the cell density of M. aeruginosa was higher than that in the control group with low concentration (10 % of decomposing solution), whereas the cell density and photosynthetic activity decreased significantly at high concentration of the decomposing solution. Fatty acids and phenolic acids were identified as the main Cyanobacteria-inhibiting active substances in the organic acid components of the decomposing solution. Furthermore, phenol, 4-methyl- and indole compounds were active organic lipophilic compounds in the residue and solution of decomposing C. oligoclora were difficult to degrade. Our findings will be valuable for understanding the succession relationships between FGA and cyanobacteria, which have the same niche in lake ecosystems.

Is Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Associated with Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment or Dementia?

BACKGROUND: Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is a significant protease required for synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory. Yet, the role of MMP-9 in the occurrence and development of cognitive decline after ischemic stroke is not fully understood. In this study, we used clinical data experiments to further investigate whether MMP-9 and genetic polymorphism are associated with post-stroke cognitive impairment or dementia (PSCID). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 148 patients with PSCID confirmed by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) 3 months after onset (PSCID group) were included in the study. The MMP-9 rs3918242 polymorphisms were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction coupled with restriction fragment length polymorphism, and the serum level of MMP-9 was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The same manipulations have been done on 169 ischemic stroke patients without cognitive impairment (NCI group) and 150 normal controls (NC group). RESULTS: The expression level of serum MMP-9 in the PSCID group and NCI group was higher compared to the NC group, and the levels in the PSCID group were higher than that in the NCI group (all p < 0.05). Diabetes mellitus, hyperhomocysteinemia, and increased serum MMP-9 levels were the main risk factors of cognitive impairment after ischemic stroke. The serum level of MMP-9 was negatively correlated with the MoCA score, including visual-spatial executive, naming, attention, language, and delayed recall. Genetic polymorphism showed that TC genotype with MMP-9 rs3918242 and CC genotype were associated with a significantly increased risk of PSCID; moreover, the TC genotype significantly increased the risk of cognitive impairment. In the TCCC genotype of MMP-9 rs3918242, diabetes mellitus and hyperhomocysteinemia were associated with the increased risk of PSCID; also, hyperhomocysteinemia could increase the risk of cognitive impairment. CONCLUSIONS: MMP-9 level and MMP-9 rs3918242 polymorphism have an important role in the occurrence and development of post-stroke cognitive impairment or dementia (PSCID).

A survey of resident physicians' perceptions of competency-based education in standardized resident training in China: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Understanding resident physicians' perceptions of competency-based medical education(CBME) may help improve approaches for implementing such education in standardized resident training (SRT). We conducted surveys of residents in China to identify their perceptions of CBME and determine the degree to which such education impacts their career plans. METHODS: Questionnaire contained a total of 24 questions, which were answered using multiple choice or yes/no, was distributed to residents who were undergoing SRT, regardless of specialty, at 7 accredited training bases located across six provinces of China. The survey aimed to investigate residents' reasons for participating in SRT, perceptions of CBME, interest in receiving CBME-associated courses, and attitudes towards CBME. RESULTS: Overall, 441 residents completed the questionnaire.17.7% (78/441) responded "no clear objective" before the participated in SRT. Only 3.9% (17/441) fully understood the objectives, training contents, and assessment system of the current "competency-based" standardized training program for residents in China. Residents ranked clinical skills and patient care, interpersonal communication, and professionalism, as the three most important competencies. Most were interested in the CBME residency programs. 90.7% felt that implementing CBME could help them clarify their professional direction and improve their career planning. CONCLUSION: Residents had positive perceptions of the incorporation of CBME into SRT. Administrators, educational leaders, and clinical faculty should seek to further publicize and increase the popularity of CBME.