The characteristics of fungal responses to uranium mining activities and analysis of their tolerance to uranium.

The influence of uranium (U) mining on the fungal diversity (FD) and communities (FC) structure was investigated in this work. Our results revealed that soil FC richness and FD indicators obviously decreased due to U, such as Chao1, observed OTUs and Shannon index (P<0.05). Moreover, the abundances of Mortierella, Gibberella, and Tetracladium were notably reduced in soil samples owing to U mining activities (P<0.05). In contrast, the abundances of Cadophora, Pseudogymnoascus, Mucor, and Sporormiella increased in all soil samples after U mining (P<0.05). Furthermore, U mining not only dramatically influenced the Plant_Pathogen guild and Saprotroph and Pathotroph modes (P<0.05), but also induced the differentiation of soil FC and the enrichment of the Animal_Pathogen-Soil_Saprotroph and Endophyte guilds and Symbiotroph and Pathotroph Saprotroph trophic modes. In addition, various fungal populations and guilds were enriched to deal with the external stresses caused by U mining in different U mining areas and soil depths (P<0.05). Finally, nine U-tolerant fungi were isolated and identified with a minimum inhibitory concentration range of 400-600 mg/L, and their adsorption efficiency for U ranged from 11.6% to 37.9%. This study provides insights into the impact of U mining on soil fungal stability and the response of fungi to U mining activities, as well as aids in the screening of fungal strains that can be used to promote remediation of U mining sites on plateaus.

Tandem Repeat Generation and Novel Isothermal Amplification Based on Nonspecific Tailing and Replication Slippage.

BACKGROUND: Isothermal amplification is considered to be one of the most promising tools for point-of-care testing molecular diagnosis. However, its clinical application is severely hindered by nonspecific amplification. Thus, it is important to investigate the exact mechanism of nonspecific amplification and develop a high-specific isothermal amplification assay. METHODS: Four sets of primer pairs were incubated with Bst DNA polymerase to produce nonspecific amplification. Gel electrophoresis, DNA sequencing, and sequence function analysis were used to investigate the mechanism of nonspecific product generation, which was discovered to be nonspecific tailing and replication slippage mediated tandem repeats generation (NT&RS). Using this knowledge, a novel isothermal amplification technology, bridging primer assisted slippage isothermal amplification (BASIS), was developed. RESULTS: During NT&RS, the Bst DNA polymerase triggers nonspecific tailing on the 3'-ends of DNAs, thereby producing sticky-end DNAs over time. The hybridization and extension between these sticky DNAs generate repetitive DNAs, which can trigger self-extension via replication slippage, thereby leading to nonspecific tandem repeats (TRs) generation and nonspecific amplification. Based on the NT&RS, we developed the BASIS assay. The BASIS is carried out by using a well-designed bridging primer, which can form hybrids with primer-based amplicons, thereby generating specific repetitive DNA and triggering specific amplification. The BASIS can detect 10 copies of target DNA, resist interfering DNA disruption, and provide genotyping ability, thereby offering 100% accuracy for type 16 human papillomavirus detection. CONCLUSION: We discovered the mechanism for Bst-mediated nonspecific TRs generation and developed a novel isothermal amplification assay (BASIS), which can detect nucleic acids with high sensitivity and specificity.

Analysis of the efficacy of drilling decompression autologous bone marrow and allogeneic bone grafting in the treatment of HIV-positive patients with early osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of treating patients with HIV-positive osteonecrosis of the femoral head using drilled decompression autologous bone marrow and allogeneic bone grafting. METHODS: 40 patients (44 hips) with early osteonecrosis of the femoral head treated by drilling decompression autologous bone marrow and allogeneic bone grafting since October 2015 were retrospectively analyzed, among which 20 patients (24 hips) were HIV-positive patients with early osteonecrosis of the femoral head, 16 males and 4 females, age 22-43 years, average 39.6 ± 10.18 years, and 20 patients (20 hips) in the same period HIV-negative early osteonecrosis of the femoral head patients, 13 males and 7 females, aged 48-78 years, mean 63.50 ± 7.94 years were negative controls. General information including ARCO stage, Harris score, VAS score, hematological indexes including CD4+ T lymphocyte count, and HIV viral load was recorded for all patients before surgery. All patients were operated on by drilling and decompression of the necrotic area, harvesting autologous iliac bone marrow with allogeneic bone, and bone grafting through the decompression channel. The patients were followed up regularly at 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery and annually thereafter, and the repair of the necrotic femoral head was observed by reviewing the frontal and lateral X-ray, CT or MRI of the hip joint, and the complications and functional recovery of the hip joint was counted and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: All patients were followed up, and the ARCO stages in the HIV-positive group were stage I 2 hips, stage IIA 6 hips, stage IIB 8 hips, stage IIC 6 hips, and stage III 2 hips, with a follow-up time of 12 to 60 months and a mean of 24.6 months. In the negative control group, there were 3 hips in ARCO stage I, 7 hips in stage IIA, 5 hips in stage IIB, 3 hips in stage IIC, and 2 hips in stage III, and the follow-up time ranged from 13 to 62 months, with an average of 24.8 months. The Harris score and VAS score of the hip in both groups improved significantly at 6 months postoperatively compared with those before surgery (P < 0.001). The difference between the Harris score of the hip in the positive group at 24 months postoperatively compared with that at 6 months postoperatively was statistically significant, but the VAS score at 24 months postoperatively compared with that at 6 months postoperatively was not statistically significant. In the negative group, there was no statistically significant difference in the Harris score and VAS score of the hip at 24 months postoperatively compared with those at 6 months postoperatively. In the positive group, there was a trend of continuous increase in hip BMD from the beginning of the postoperative period (P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between the negative group and the positive group at the 24 months postoperatively follow-up except for the Harris score, which was statistically significant (P < 0.001), and the VAS score, which was statistically insignificant. At the 24 months postoperatively follow-up, patients in both groups had good recovery of hip function, and no complications such as vascular and nerve injury and fracture occurred during the perioperative period and follow-up period, and no complications related to incisional infection and pulmonary infection occurred during hospitalization. CONCLUSION: The treatment of early HIV-positive osteonecrosis of the femoral head patients with autologous bone marrow and allogeneic bone grafting by drilling and decompression to remove the tissue in the necrotic area of the femoral head can effectively stop the process of osteonecrosis of the femoral head and promoting femoral head repair in HIV-positive patients is a safe and effective method for treating HIV-positive patients with early osteonecrosis of the femoral head, and can effectively delay or postpone total hip replacement in patients.

Efficacy of single-stage posterior surgery for HIV-positive patients with thoracolumbar tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to observe the clinical effect of single-stage posterior surgery on HIV-positive patients with thoracolumbar tuberculosis. METHODS: From October 2015 to October 2019, 13 HIV-positive patients with thoracolumbar tuberculosis who underwent single-stage posterior surgery were retrospectively analyzed (observation group), and 13 HIV-negative patients with thoracolumbar tuberculosis who were matched with the gender, age, operative site, and surgical approach during the same period were selected as the control group. Postoperative complications, hemoglobin, albumin, CD4+T lymphocyte count, operative site, operative time, and blood loss were recorded between the two groups. The clinical efficacy was evaluated by the visual analog scale (VAS), American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scale, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), kyphotic angle, correction rate of kyphosis, angle loss, and bone graft fusion time. RESULTS: In the observation group, 7 patients had postoperative complications, including 1 patient with cerebrospinal fluid leakage, 1 patient with nerve root irritation, 1 patient with an opportunistic infection, and 4 with delayed wound healing. In the control group, 2 patients developed postoperative complications, including 1 with nerve root irritation and 1 with delayed wound healing. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups (P > 0.05). CD4+T lymphocyte count, hemoglobin, and albumin in HIV-positive patients with postoperative complications were statistically different from those without postoperative complications (P all < 0.05). No tuberculosis recurrence was found at the last follow-up, ESR and CRP returned to normal, and there were no statistically significant differences in bone graft fusion time, VAS score, ASIA scale, correction rate of kyphosis, and angle loss between two groups (P all > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Single-stage posterior surgery for HIV-positive patients with thoracolumbar tuberculosis could achieve satisfactory clinical efficacy through comprehensive preoperative evaluation, standardized perioperative antiviral and anti-tuberculosis treatments, and prevention of postoperative complications.

MicroRNA-205-5p targets E2F1 to promote autophagy and inhibit pulmonary fibrosis in silicosis through impairing SKP2-mediated Beclin1 ubiquitination.

Silicosis is an occupational disease characterized by extensive pulmonary fibrosis, and the underlying pathological process remains uncertain. Herein, we explored the molecular mechanism by which microRNA-205-5p (miR-205-5p) affects the autophagy of alveolar macrophages (AMs) and pulmonary fibrosis in mice with silicosis through the E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1)/S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (SKP2)/Beclin1 axis. Alveolar macrophages (MH-S cells) were exposed to crystalline silica (CS) to develop an in vitro model, and mice were treated with CS to establish an in vivo model. Decreased Beclin1 and increased SKP2 and E2F1 were identified in mice with silicosis. We silenced or overexpressed miR-205-5p, E2F1, SKP2 and Beclin1 to investigate their potential roles in pulmonary fibrosis in vivo and autophagy in vitro. Recombinant adenovirus mRFP-GFP-LC3 was transduced into the MH-S cells to assay autophagic flow. Knocking down Beclin1 promoted pulmonary fibrosis and suppressed the autophagy. Co-immunoprecipitation and ubiquitination assays suggested that SKP2 induced K48-linked ubiquitination of Beclin1. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation-PCR revealed the site where E2F1 bound to the SKP2 promoter between 1638 bp and 1645 bp. As shown by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay, the transfection with miR-205-5p mimic inhibited the luciferase activity of the wild-type E2F1 3'untranslated region, suggesting that miR-205-5p targeted E2F1. Additionally, miR-205-5p overexpression increased autophagy and reduced the pulmonary fibrosis, while overexpression of E2F1 or SKP2 or inhibition of Beclin1 could annul this effect. The current study elucidated that miR-205-5p targeted E2F1, thereby inhibiting SKP2-mediated Beclin1 ubiquitination to promote macrophage autophagy and inhibit pulmonary fibrosis in mice with silicosis.

Reconstruction and repair, using mini-plate and bone graft for persons living with HIV with giant cell tumor of long bone: retrospective analysis of a single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effect of reconstruction and repair, using a mini-plate and bone graft for HIV -positive patients with giant cell tumor of long bone. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 12 HIV positive patients with giant cell tumor of long bone. A non-HIV-positive cohort of patients, matched for age, sex, and disease type, was selected as the control group. From June 2012 to August 2020, curettage by ultrasonic scalpel was performed in all patients, combined with min- plate and bone graft treatment. All patients were followed- up for 18 to 60 months. Limb function was evaluated, using the MSTS93 scoring system, and any examples of postoperative recurrence, distant metastasis, complications, MSTS93 score, and fracture prognosis were recorded. RESULTS: The mean age of HIV group was 43.5 years. The ratio of men to women was 11: 1. In all cases the histopathological diagnosis was clear, except the patients with primary malignant giant cell tumor of bone, including five, three, two, and two cases in the proximal tibia, distal femur, distal tibia, and talus, respectively. Following their surgery, all patients were followed up with an average of 31.24 ± 11.84 months. No local recurrence or pulmonary metastases were observed. Post-surgery, all the 12 patients showed good bone morphologic repair and reconstruction, good bone healing, good joint function, and no pathological fractures around their lesion. In the HIV group, one case of giant cell tumor in the proximal tibia showed mild articular surface collapse and mild valgus deformity of the knee joint but retained good joint function. The MSTS scores of excellent or good in the two groups comprised 83.3%, thus, there was no significant difference between them (P > 0.05). Compared with preoperatively, the MSTS scores in the HIV group were significantly improved, ranging from 7 to 11 points preoperatively to 24 to 27 points postoperatively; this difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Reconstruction and repair, using a mini-plate and bone graft for HIV -positive patients with giant cell tumor of long bone can achieve satisfactory results. The mini- plate requires little space and is flexible during reconstruction and fixation, significantly reducing complications such as surgical site infection, as well as preserving joint function and avoiding amputation; therefore, it is a safe and effective treatment method.

Nomogram prediction of surgical site infection of HIV-infected patients following orthopedic surgery: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infection (SSI) is a devastating complication of orthopedic surgery, related with increased morbidity and mortality. This study was performed with the aim to compare the SSI rate in human immunodeficiency virus HIV-positive patients, to identify other risk factors for SSI and to establish a nomogram model to predict the risk of SSI. METHODS: A total of 101 HIV-positive individuals following orthopedic surgery patients admitted to Beijing Ditan Hospital. Their characteristics were gathered. The univariate and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed to explore the risk factors of SSI. And the Nomogram prediction model was constructed and verified. RESULTS: The independent predictive factors of SSI included CD4 (Odds ratio [OR], 0.041; P = 0.040), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (OR, 89.773; P = 0.030), and procalcitonin (PCT) (OR, 220.746; P = 0.006). The scoring nomogram model was as follows: Logit (SSI) = - 2.63589-0.00314*CD4 < 430.75 = 1) + 0.04695*(ESR < 17.46 = 1) + 2.93694*(PCT < 0.22 = 1). The area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.946. The cutoff score was - 2.1026 with a sensitivity of 93.33% and a specificity of 84.88%. CONCLUSIONS: CD4, ESR, PCT might affect the occurrence of SSI after orthopedic surgery. The nomogram model constructed in this study is helpful for predicting the probability of SSI.

Preliminary application of a multi-level 3D printing drill guide template for pedicle screw placement in severe and rigid scoliosis.

PURPOSE: Accurate implantation of pedicle screw in spinal deformity correction surgeries is always challenging. We have developed a method of pedicle screw placement in severe and rigid scoliosis with a multi-level 3D printing drill guide template. METHODS: From November 2011 to March 2015, ten patients (4 males and 6 females) with severe and rigid scoliosis (Cobb angle >70° and flexibility <30%)were included. Multi-level template was designed and manufactured according to the part (two or three levels) of the most severe deformity. The drill template was then placed on the corresponding vertebral surface. Then, pedicle screws were carefully inserted along the trajectories. The other screws were placed in free hand. After surgery, the positions of the pedicle screws were evaluated by CT scan and graded for validation. RESULTS: 48 screws were implanted using templates, other 104 screws in free hand, and the accuracies were 93.8 and 78.8%, respectively, with significant difference. The deformity correction ratio was 67.1 and 41.2% in coronal and sagittal plane post-operatively, respectively. The average operation time was 234.0 ± 34.1 min, and average blood loss was 557 ± 67.4 ml. CONCLUSIONS: With the application of multi-level template, the incidence of cortex perforation in severe and rigid scoliosis decreased and this technology is, therefore, potentially applicable in clinical practice.

[Surgical application of pedicle drill template navigation technology for complicated scoliosis].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the surgical efficacy and significance of pedicle drill template navigation technology for severe complicated scoliosis. METHODS: Retrospective analyses were performed for 8 patients with complicated spinal scoliosis during 2010-2013. There were 5 males and 3 females with an average age of 18 (9-23) years. There were congenital (n = 5) and idiopathic (n = 3) scoliosis. A three-dimensional spinal computed tomography (CT) scan was performed. And the data were acquired and transferred via a DICOM network to a computer workstation. Three-dimensional reconstruction and rapid prototype were obtained. The navigation drill template was manufactured by rapid prototyping for clinical operation. Eight matched patients without navigation drill template were selected into a control group. RESULTS: Eight patients were successfully operated as planned without any complication of spinal cord, nerve or blood vessel injury. And their post-operative outcomes were satisfactory. The intra-operative findings were the same as pre-operative impressions and measurements by digital spinal three dimensional reconstructions. The results of pedicle drill template navigation were excellent and the position of pedicle screws was accurate as evaluated by postoperative radiology and CT scan. The correction rate of scoliosis was 60%. Navigation drill template group: the average operating duration was 186 min, average volume of blood loss 460 ml and frequency of radiation by C arm 4 times. CONTROL GROUP: the average operating duration was 225 min, average volume of blood loss 550 ml and frequency of radiation by C arm 30 times. The average operative duration between two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.01, t-test). And so were average volume of blood loss and frequency of radiation. CONCLUSION: The rapid prototyping of pedicle drill template navigation technology is a new method for accurate intra-operative insertion of pedicle screws. It has a high surgical accuracy and safety for spinal scoliosis. The application of pedicle drill template navigation is simple without special experience requirements for operators. It can shorten the operative duration and reduce blood lose. The exposure of operators to radiation may be reduced or avoided during fluoroscopy.

[Healing status of surgical incisions in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients with fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the healing status of surgical incisions in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients with fractures and explore the factors related with poor wound healing, treatment and preventive measures. METHODS: Retrospective analyses were performed for the clinical data of 61 HIV-positive patients with fractures. And the influencing factors, treatment and outcomes of poor wound healing were analyzed. RESULTS: Among them, the healing status was good (n = 50) and poor (n = 11). And the outcomes included redness (n = 10), oozing (n = 8), split (n = 3), infection (n = 2), hematoma (n = 1), fat liquefaction (n = 2) and delayed healing (n = 2). All healed well after treatment. There was no infection or death during the follow-up period. Compared with HIV-negative patients, it was not statistically significant in wound infection. However, poor healing rates were significantly different (P < 0.05). The risk factors included advanced age, low body mass index, low albumin, low hemoglobin, low total lymphocyte count, low CD4⁺ T lymphocyte count, high HIV infection clinical stage, long operative duration, emergency surgery and incision contamination. CONCLUSION: In HIV-positive patients with fractures, the healing of surgical incision is generally good. However few have poor wound healing due to multiple factors. If poor healing is identified early and handled timely and correctly, good healing ensues.

[Effect of wound healing of orthopedic surgery in human immunodeficiency virus infected patients with perioperative adjuvant treatments].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the early wound healing of orthopedic surgery in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) carrier patients treated with optimized auxiliary treatments. METHODS: During a period of 48 months, according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria plus CD4⁺ T lymphocyte count, the patients scheduled for orthopedic surgery (including HIV positive and negative) were divided into group A (HIV positive, CD4<500/ml) with optimized auxiliary treatments, group B (HIV positive, CD4 ≥ 500/ml) and group C (HIV negative) on prophylactic antibiotic therapy alone. Wound healing of 3 groups were observed postoperatively. The rates of clinical wound infection were compared among 3 groups. RESULTS: A total of 471 cases (n = 79, HIV+; n = 392, HIV-) were selected due to fresh fracture (n = 544, 77.28%), fracture of spine (n = 57, 12.31%), mal-union (n = 13, 2.76%), aseptic necrosis (n = 15, 3.18%) and osteoarthritis (n = 21, 4.46%). During surgery, early open reduction and plate screw internal fixation (group A, n = 23; group B, n = 21; group C, n = 274); pedicle screw internal fixation (group A, n = 5; group B, n = 6; group C, n = 47); total joint replacement (group A, n = 3; group B, n = 4; group C, n = 8); interlocking intramedullary nail fixation (group A, n = 7; group B, n = 4; group C, n = 35) and other operations (group A, n = 3; group B, n = 3; group C, n = 28). For infections, 2 cases (4.88%) were observed in group A, 3 (5.26%) in group B and 26 (6.63%) in group C. The differences were statistically insignificant. CONCLUSION: Reasonable perioperative adjuvant treatments, including use of antibiotic, nutritional supports, immunomodulators and anti-retroviral drugs, are offered to HIV infected patients undergoing orthopedic surgery. Their risks of postoperative wound infection may be controlled.

Real-time polymerase chain reaction detection and surgical treatment of thoracic and lumbar spondylitis due to Brucella infection: two typical case reports.

Background: Spondylitis caused by Brucella infection is a rare but challenging condition, and its successful management depends on timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment. This study reports two typical cases of thoracic and lumbar brucellosis spondylitis, highlighting the pivotal roles of real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) detection and surgical intervention. Case presentation: Case 1 involved a 49-year-old male shepherd who presented with a 6-month history of fever (40°C), severe chest and back pain, and 2-week limited lower limb movement with night-time exacerbation. Physical examination revealed tenderness and percussion pain over the T9 and T10 spinous processes, with grade 2 muscle strength in the lower limbs. CT showed bone destruction of the T9 and T10 vertebrae with narrowing of the intervertebral space, whereas MRI demonstrated abnormal signals in the T9-T10 vertebrae, a spinal canal abscess, and spinal cord compression. The Rose Bengal plate agglutination test was positive. Case 2 was a 59-year-old man who complained of severe thoracolumbar back pain with fever (39.0°C) and limited walking for 2 months. He had a 2.5 kg weight loss and a history of close contact with sheep. The Rose Bengal test was positive, and the MRI showed inflammatory changes in the L1 and L2 vertebrae. Diagnosis and treatment: real-time PCR confirmed Brucella infection in both cases. Preoperative antimicrobial therapy with doxycycline, rifampicin, and ceftazidime-sulbactam was administered for at least 2 weeks. Surgical management involved intervertebral foraminotomy-assisted debridement, decompression, internal fixation, and bone grafting under general anesthesia. Postoperative histopathological examination with HE and Gram staining further substantiated the diagnosis. Outcomes: both patients experienced significant pain relief and restored normal lower limb movement at the last follow-up (4-12 weeks) after the intervention. Conclusion: Real-time PCR detection offers valuable diagnostic insights for suspected cases of brucellosis spondylitis. Surgical treatment helps in infection control, decompression of the spinal cord, and restoration of stability, constituting a necessary and effective therapeutic approach. Prompt diagnosis and comprehensive management are crucial for favorable outcomes in such cases.

The Easily Overlooked Effect of Global Warming: Diffusion of Heavy Metals.

Since industrialization, global temperatures have continued to rise. Human activities have resulted in heavy metals being freed from their original, fixed locations. Because of global warming, glaciers are melting, carbon dioxide concentrations are increasing, weather patterns are shifting, and various environmental forces are at play, resulting in the movement of heavy metals and alteration of their forms. In this general context, the impact of heavy metals on ecosystems and organisms has changed accordingly. For most ecosystems, the levels of heavy metals are on the rise, and this rise can have a negative impact on the ecosystem as a whole. Numerous studies have been conducted to analyze the combined impacts of climate change and heavy metals. However, the summary of the current studies is not perfect. Therefore, this review discusses how heavy metals affect ecosystems during the process of climate change from multiple perspectives, providing some references for addressing the impact of climate warming on environmental heavy metals.

The Diversity and Community Composition of Three Plants' Rhizosphere Fungi in Kaolin Mining Areas.

Mining activities in the kaolin mining area have led to the disruption of the ecological health of the mining area and nearby soils, but the effects on the fungal communities in the rhizosphere soils of the plants are not clear. Three common plants (Conyza bonariensis, Artemisia annua, and Dodonaea viscosa) in kaolin mining areas were selected and analyzed their rhizosphere soil fungal communities using ITS sequencing. The alpha diversity indices (Chao1, Shannon, Simpson, observed-species, pielou-e) of the fungal communities decreased to different extents in different plants compared to the non-kauri mining area. The ß-diversity (PCoA, NMDS) analysis showed that the rhizosphere soil fungal communities of the three plants in the kaolin mine area were significantly differentiated from those of the control plants grown in the non-kaolin mine area, and the extent of this differentiation varied among the plants. The analysis of fungal community composition showed that the dominant fungi in the rhizosphere fungi of C. bonariensis and A. annua changed, with an increase in the proportion of Mycosphaerella (genus) by about 20% in C. bonariensis and A. annua. An increase in the proportion of Didymella (genus) by 40% in D. viscosa was observed. At the same time, three plant rhizosphere soils were affected by kaolin mining activities with the appearance of new fungal genera Ochrocladosporium and Plenodomus. Predictive functional potential analysis of the samples revealed that a significant decrease in the potential of functions such as biosynthesis and glycolysis occurred in the rhizosphere fungal communities of kaolin-mined plants compared to non-kaolin-mined areas. The results show that heavy metals and plant species are the key factors influencing these changes, which suggests that selecting plants that can bring more abundant fungi can adapt to heavy metal contamination to restore soil ecology in the kaolin mining area.

Statistical Inferences of HIVRNA and Fracture Based on the PAK1 Expression via Neural Network Model.

BACKGROUND: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome and fracture are all serious hazards to human health that create a widespread alarm. Biomarkers that are closely linked to HIVRNA and fracture are unknown. METHODS: 48 cases with HIV and fracture and 112 normal cases were recruited. Blood neutrophil count (NEU), white blood cell count (WBC), PAK1 and HIVRNA were measured. Pearson's chisquared test was used to evaluate the association between HIVRNA with fracture and NEU, WBC, PAK1. BP neural network model was constructed to analyze the predictive power of the combined effects of NEU, WBC, PAK1 for HIV RNA with fracture. RESULTS: There exist strong correlations between PAK1, NEU, WBC and HIVRNA with fracture. The neural network model was successfully constructed. The overall determination coefficients of the training sample, validation sample, and test sample were 0.7235, 0.4795, 0.6188, 0.6792, respectively, indicating that the fitting effect between training sample and overall was good. Statistical determination coefficient of the goodness of fit R2 ≈ 0.82, it can be considered that degree of fit between the estimate and corresponding actual data is good. CONCLUSION: HIVRNA with fracture could be predicted using a neural network model based on NEU, WBC, PAK1. The neural network model is an innovative algorithm for forecasting HIVRNA levels with fracture.

A novel bacterial combination for efficient degradation of polystyrene microplastics.

This study aimed to investigate the combined decomposition of polystyrene (PS) microplastics using three bacterial cultures: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Bacillus velezensis, and Acinetobacter radioresistens. The ability of all three strains to grow on medium containing PS (Mn 90,000 Da, Mw 241,200 Da) microplastics as the sole carbon source was examined. After 60 days of A. radioresistens treatment, the maximum weight loss of the PS microplastics was found to be 16.7 ± 0.6% (half-life 251.1 d). After 60 days of treatment with S. maltophilia and B. velezensis, the maximum weight loss of PS microplastics was 43.5 ± 0.8% (half-life 74.9 d). After 60 days of treatment with S. maltophilia, B. velezensis, and A. radioresistens, the weight loss of the PS microplastics was 17.0 ± 0.2% (half-life 224.2 d). The S. maltophilia and B. velezensis treatment showed a more significant degradation effect after 60 days. This result was attributed to interspecific assistance and interspecific competition. Biodegradation of PS microplastics was confirmed using scanning electron microscopy, water contact angle, high-temperature gel chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. This study is the first to explore the degradation ability of different bacterial combinations on PS microplastics, providing a reference for future research on the biodegradation technology of mixed bacteria.

Better Predictive Value of Lymphocyte Count and Hemoglobin for CD4 Level of HIV Patients.

OBJECTIVE: HIV patients are prone to infection and difficult to treat, which mainly manifests itself in decreased CD4+ T cells in the body. Therefore, the predictive value of lymphocyte count and hemoglobin for CD4+ levels in HIV patients was discussed in the prospective study. METHODS: 125 HIV patients (aged >18 or < 80 years) were recruited. Pearson chi-square test was used to explore the correlation between CD4+ content and blood-related parameters in HIV patients. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to calculate ORs for each variable. In addition, receiver ROC curves were constructed to assess each factor's accuracy and sensitivity in diagnosing CD4+. RESULTS: Lymphocyte count and hemoglobin were significantly correlated with CD4+. In terms of multivariate logistic regression level, there was a significant correlation between lymphocyte count (OR = 3.170, 95% CI: 1.442-6.969, P = 0.004), hemoglobin (OR = 2.545, 95% CI: 1.148- 5.646, P = 0.022) and CD4+ content in HIV patients. Based on the neural network model, the level of lymphocyte and hemoglobin might be the predictive indexes of CD4+ level. We find the high-risk warning indicator of CD4+ level: 3 < lymphocyte (109/L) < 3.6, and 150 < hemoglobin (g/L) < 200. CONCLUSION: Better predictive value of lymphocyte count and hemoglobin for CD4+ level of HIV patients.

Comparative Study on the Efficacy of Two Perioperative Chemotherapy Regimens for Lumbar Brucellosis.

Objective: The clinical efficacy of perioperative chemotherapy regimen (rifampicin, doxycycline, levofloxacin, ceftriaxone) was evaluated for lumbar brucellosis spondylitis patients with neurological injury. Methods: In Beijing Ditan Hospital affiliated with Capital Medical University, 32 patients with lumbar brucellosis spondylitis underwent surgery and triple perioperative chemotherapy (rifampicin, doxycycline, levofloxacin) between 2011 and 2021 due to neurological injury, and 34 patients matched up with the triple group underwent rifampicin, doxycycline, levofloxacin, and ceftriaxone. Both groups were compared in terms of changes in inflammation index, low back/leg pain, lumbar function, neurological function, and adverse drug reactions. Results: There was no significant difference in erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), low back pain visual analogue scale (VAS), leg pain VAS, lumbar Oswestry disability index (ODI) and nerve function injury rate between the two groups before chemotherapy (P>0.05). The ESR, CRP at 1 week and 2 weeks after chemotherapy and 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month postoperatively in the quadruple group were significantly lower than those in the triple group, which is the same to ESR 3 months postoperatively (P<0.05). The low back pain VAS, leg pain VAS and lumbar ODI in the quadruple group were significantly lower than those in the triple group at 1 month and 3 months postoperatively (P<0.05). The recovery rate of neurological function in the quadruple group was significantly higher than that in the triple group at 3 and 6 months postoperatively (P<0.05). Both groups did not experience significantly different perioperative and postoperative adverse reactions (P>0.05). Conclusion: For lumbar brucellosis spondylitis with neurological injury, quadruple perioperative chemotherapy of rifampicin, doxycycline, levofloxacin and ceftriaxone can significantly reduce perioperative inflammation, and improve low back/leg pain, as well as promoting neurological function recovery in the short term.

Extracellular biomineralization of uranium and its toxicity alleviation to Bacillus thuringiensis X-27.

Uranium biomineralization can slow uranium migration in the environment and thus prevent it from further contaminating the surroundings. Investigations into the uranium species, pH, inorganic phosphate (Pi) concentration, and microbial viability during biomineralization by microorganisms are crucial for understanding the mineralization mechanism. In this study, Bacillus thuringiensis X-27 was isolated from soil contaminated with uranium and was used to investigate the formation process of uranium biominerals induced by X-27. The results showed that as biomineralization proceeded, amorphous uranium-containing deposits were generated and transformed into crystalline minerals outside cells, increasing the overall concentration of uramphite. This is a cumulative rather than abrupt process. Notably, B. thuringiensis X-27 precipitated uranium outside the cell surface within 0.5 h, while the release of Pi into the extracellular environment and the change of pH to alkalescence further promoted the formation of uramphite. In addition, cell viability determination showed that the U(VI) biomineralization induced by B. thuringiensis X-27 was instrumental in alleviating the toxicity of U(VI) to cells. This work offers insight into the mechanism of U(VI) phosphate biomineralization and is a reference for bioremediation-related studies.

Femoral Head Necrosis Due to Brucella Infection in China: Case Series and Literature Review.

Introduction: The causes of femoral head necrosis mainly include trauma, corticosteroid, and alcohol, among which Brucella is highly unusual. Patients and Methods: This paper reported three rare cases of femoral head necrosis due to Brucella, summarizing and analyzing the epidemiological history, clinical manifestations, laboratory examinations, imaging findings, individualized therapy, and biopsy results of patients with this disease. A literature review related to brucellosis and femoral head necrosis was conducted. Results: All three patients had an epidemic history of brucellosis. They suffered from hip pain and limitation of movement for months, and femoral head necrosis was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Pathological Giemsa staining or real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) confirmed Brucella melitensis (B. melitensis) as the cause of osteonecrosis. Each patient received individualized therapy according to the degree of osteonecrosis, which was based on anti-brucellosis medications and hip puncture and irrigation decompression. They were followed up for more than two years and rehabilitated well. Conclusion: Brucella infection should always be considered the cause of femoral head necrosis for patients with hip pain, especially for those with an epidemic history; early diagnosis and individual stepwise therapy can prevent the progression of osteonecrosis.