The association of isocarbophos and isofenphos with different types of glucose metabolism: The role of inflammatory cells.

To investigate the associations between isocarbophos and isofenphos with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and to assess the mediation roles of inflammation cells. There were 2701 participants in the case-control study, including 896 patients with T2DM, 900 patients with IFG, 905 subjects with NGT. Plasma isocarbophos and isofenphos concentrations were measured using gas chromatography and triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry. Generalized linear models were used to calculate the relationships between plasma isofenphos and isocarbophos levels with inflammatory factor levels and T2DM. Inflammatory cell was used as mediators to estimate the mediating effects on the above associations. Isocarbophos and isofenphos were positively related with T2DM after adjusting for other factors. The odds ratio (95% confidence interval) (OR (95%CI)) for T2DM was 1.041 (1.015, 1.068) and for IFG was 1.066 (1.009, 1.127) per unit rise in ln-isocarbophos. The prevalence of T2DM increased by 6.4% for every 1 unit more of ln-isofenphos (OR (95% CI): 1.064 (1.041, 1.087)). Additionally, a 100% rise in ln-isocarbophos was linked to 3.3% higher ln-HOMA2IR and a 0.029 mmol/L higher glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (95% CI: 0.007, 0.051). While a 100% rise in ln-isofenphos was linked to increase in ln-HOMA2 and ln-HOMA2IR of 5.8% and 3.4%, respectively. Furthermore, white blood cell (WBC) and neutrophilic (NE) were found to be mediators in the relationship between isocarbophos and T2DM, and the corresponding proportions were 17.12% and 17.67%, respectively. Isofenphos and isocarbophos are associated with IFG and T2DM in the rural Chinese population, WBC and NE have a significant role in this relationship.

[Research Progress in Complement Receptor of the Immunoglobulin Superfamily in Regulating Liver Immunity].

Kupffer cells (KC),an important subset of immune cells in the liver,are essential for maintaining tissue homeostasis and responding quickly to liver damage.The complement receptor of the immunoglobulin superfamily (CRIg) is a receptor protein on the KC membrane.CRIg can not only capture pathogens in the blood flowing through the liver by complement binding but also mediate immune responses by regulating immune cells in the liver.Recent studies have confirmed the role of CRIg in regulating liver immunity.This article reviews the main modes of action of CRIg and the research progress of CRIg in regulating liver immunity.

Dahuang Zhechong Pill Improves Pulmonary Fibrosis through miR-29b-2-5p/HK2 Mediated Glycolysis Pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the preventive and therapeutic effects of Dahuang Zhechong Pill (DZP) on pulmonary fibrosis and the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: The first key rate-limiting enzyme hexokinase 2 (HK2) of glycolysis was silenced and over-expressed through small interfering RNA and lentivirus using lung fibroblast MRC-5 cell line, respectively. The cell viability, migration, invasion and proliferation were detected by cell counting kit-8, wound healing assay, transwell assay, and flow cytometry. The mRNA and protein expression levels of HK2 were detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. The contents of glucose, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and lactate in MRC-5 cells were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbnent assay (ELISA). Then, the relationship between miR-29b-2-5p and HK2 was explored by luciferase reporter gene assay. Pulmonary fibrosis cell model was induced by transforming growth factor-ß 1 (TGF-ß 1) in MRC-5 cells, and the medicated serum of DZP (DMS) was prepared in rats. MRC-5 cells were divided into control, TGF-ß 1, TGF-ß 1+10% DMS, TGF-ß 1+10% DMS+miR-29b-2-5p inhibitor, TGF-ß 1+10% DMS+inhibitor negative control, TGF-ß 1+10% DMS+miR-29b-2-5p mimic and TGF-ß 1+10% DMS+mimic negative control groups. After miR-29b-2-5p mimics and inhibitors were transfected into MRC-5 cells, all groups except control and model group were treated with DMS. The effect of DMS on MRC-5 cells were detected using aforementioned methods and immunofluorescence. Similarly, the contents of glucose, ATP and lactate in each group were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: The mRNA and protein expressions of HK2 in MRC-5 cells were successfully silenced and overexpressed through si-HK2-3 and lentiviral transfection, respectively. After silencing HK2, the mRNA and protein expressions of HK2 were significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the concentrations of glucose, ATP and lactate were also significantly decreased (P<0.05). The proliferation, migration and invasion of MRC-5 cells were significantly declined (P<0.05 or P<0.01), while the apoptosis of MRC-5 cells was significantly increased (P<0.01). After overexpressing HK2, the mRNA and protein expressions of HK2 were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the concentrations of glucose, ATP and lactate were also significantly increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The proliferation, migration and invasion of MRC-5 cells were significantly increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01), while the apoptosis of MRC-5 cells was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The relative luciferase activity of 3'UTR-WT+hsa-miR-29b-2-5p transfected with HK2 was significantly decreased (P<0.01). After miR-29b-2-5p mimic and inhibitor were transfected into the MRC-5 cells, DMS intervention could significantly reduce the concentration of glucose, ATP and lactate, and the mRNA and proteins expressions of HK2, phosphofructokinase and pyruvate kinase isoform M2 (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The proliferation, migration and invasion of MRC-5 cells were alleviated (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the deposition of fibronectin, α-smooth muscle actin, and collagen I were significantly decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Glycolysis is closely related to pulmonary fibrosis. DZP reduced glycolysis and inhibited fibroblasts' excessive differentiation and abnormal collagen deposition through the miR-29b-2-5p/HK2 pathway, which played a role in delaying the process of pulmonary fibrosis.

Associations of multiple serum metals with the risk of metabolic syndrome among the older population in China based on a community study: A mediation role of peripheral blood cells.

Metal exposure has been reported to be associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS), however, the evidence remains inconclusive, particularly in elderly individuals. From May to July 2016, serum levels of 16 metals were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in 852 elderly individuals (≥65 years) residing in Wuhan, China. Biological detection and disease recognition were based on individual surveys conducted during health check-ups. Spearman's rank correlation analysis was performed to identify the correlation among serum metals. The data were Ln-transformed to fit a normal distribution for further analyses. Linear and logistic regression were applied to explore the associations between metals and diseases. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis was utilized to examine dose-response relationships. The Weighted Quantile Sum (WQS) score was applied to determine the empirical weights of each heavy metal in the context of their combined effect on metabolic diseases. The prevalence of MetS, hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia were 46.36 %, 68.90 %, 24.65 %, and 21.60 %, respectively. Serum metal mixture was positively associated with the prevalence of MetS (OR = 1.92, 95 % CI: 1.30-2.82), hypertension (OR = 1.50, 95 % CI: 1.01-2.23), and diabetes (OR = 2.18, 95 % CI: 1.48-3.22). In single metal models, we found that serum zinc levels were associated with an increased risk of MetS, while rubidium had a protective effect against MetS. Interestingly, different metals had distinct effects on specific diseases in this study: lithium and barium were more likely to influence blood pressure, while selenium had a more significant effect on blood glucose. Lipids were more susceptible to the effects of zinc, selenium, and strontium. Platelet count (PLT) and lymphocyte count (LYM) mediated the association between selenium exposure and hyperlipidemia, while neutrophil count (NEU) mediated the relationship between serum rubidium exposure and MetS. Our findings offer valuable etiological insights into the relationship between serum heavy metals and the prevalence of MetS, suggesting that peripheral blood cells may play a mediating role in this association.

A New Orthonairovirus Associated with Human Febrile Illness.

BACKGROUND: In June 2019, a patient presented with persistent fever and multiple organ dysfunction after a tick bite at a wetland park in Inner Mongolia. Next-generation sequencing in this patient revealed an infection with a previously unknown orthonairovirus, which we designated Wetland virus (WELV). METHODS: We conducted active hospital-based surveillance to determine the prevalence of WELV infection among febrile patients with a history of tick bites. Epidemiologic investigation was performed. The virus was isolated, and its infectivity and pathogenicity were investigated in animal models. RESULTS: WELV is a member of the orthonairovirus genus in the Nairoviridae family and is most closely related to the tickborne Hazara orthonairovirus genogroup. Acute WELV infection was identified in 17 patients from Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning, China, by means of reverse-transcriptase-polymerase-chain-reaction assay. These patients presented with nonspecific symptoms, including fever, dizziness, headache, malaise, myalgia, arthritis, and back pain and less frequently with petechiae and localized lymphadenopathy. One patient had neurologic symptoms. Common laboratory findings were leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and elevated d-dimer and lactate dehydrogenase levels. Serologic assessment of convalescent-stage samples obtained from 8 patients showed WELV-specific antibody titers that were 4 times as high as those in acute-phase samples. WELV RNA was detected in five tick species and in sheep, horses, pigs, and Transbaikal zokors (Myospalax psilurus) sampled in northeastern China. The virus that was isolated from the index patient and ticks showed cytopathic effects in human umbilical-vein endothelial cells. Intraperitoneal injection of the virus resulted in lethal infections in BALB/c, C57BL/6, and Kunming mice. The Haemaphysalis concinna tick is a possible vector that can transovarially transmit WELV. CONCLUSIONS: A newly discovered orthonairovirus was identified and shown to be associated with human febrile illnesses in northeastern China. (Funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences.).

Mechanism of KLF2 in young mice with pneumonia induced by Streptococcus pneumoniae.

BACKGROUND: Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn) is a major causative agent of pneumonia, which can disseminate to the bloodstream and brain. Pneumonia remains a leading cause of death among children aged 1-59 months worldwide. This study aims to investigate the role of Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) in lung injury caused by Spn in young mice. METHODS: Young mice were infected with Spn to induce pneumonia, and the bacterial load in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was quantified. KLF2 expression in lung tissues was analyzed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting assays. Following KLF2 overexpression, lung tissues were assessed for lung wet-to-dry weight ratio and Myeloperoxidase activity. The effects of KLF2 on lung injury and inflammation were evaluated through hematoxylin and eosin staining and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase assay were conducted to examine the binding of KLF2 to the promoter of microRNA (miR)-222-3p and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B (CDKN1B), as well as the binding of miR-222-3p to CDKN1B. Levels of miR-222-3p and CDKN1B in lung tissues were also determined. RESULTS: In young mice with pneumonia, KLF2 and CDKN1B were downregulated, while miR-222-3p was upregulated in lung tissues. Overexpression of KLF2 reduced lung injury and inflammation, evidenced by decreased bacterial load, reduced lung injury, and lower levels of proinflammatory factors. Co-transfection of miR-222-3p-WT and oe-KLF2 significantly reduced luciferase activity, suggesting that KLF2 binds to the promoter of miR-222-3p and suppresses its expression. Transfection of CDKN1B-WT with miR-222-3p mimics significantly reduced luciferase activity, indicating that miR-222-3p binds to CDKN1B and downregulates its expression. Overexpression of miR-222-3p or downregulation of CDKN1B increased bacterial load in BALF, lung wet/dry weight ratio, MPO activity, and inflammation, thereby reversing the protective effect of KLF2 overexpression on lung injury in young mice with pneumonia. CONCLUSIONS: KLF2 alleviates lung injury in young mice with Spn-induced pneumonia by transcriptional regulation of the miR-222-3p/CDKN1B axis.

Adipose stem cell-derived exosomes in the treatment of wound healing in preclinical animal models: a meta-analysis.

Background: Wound healing has always been a serious issue for doctors and primary health care systems. In addition, adipose stem cell-derived exosomes have been proven to play a positive and effective role in tissue repair and regeneration. A systematic review of these preclinical studies was performed to assess the efficacy of adipose stem cell-derived exosomes (ADSC-Exos) in treating wounds. This article aimed to study the effectiveness of ADSC-Exos for the treatment of animal skin wounds and includes a meta-analysis of exosomes from general wounds and diabetic ulcer wounds in in vitro models of animals to provide a theoretical basis for clinical translation. Methods: A total of 19 studies with 356 animals were identified by searching the PubMed, Cochrane, MEDLINE Complete, Web of Science, CNKI and Wanfang databases from inception to 15 November 2022. No language or time restrictions were applied. Stata17 was used for all the data analyses. Results: The meta-analysis showed that ADSC-Exo therapy significantly improved the wound healing rate in the control group, except in the diabetes group on day 7. Day 7 of general wounds [standard mean difference (SMD) 2.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.91-3.83)] and day 14 (SMD 2.89, 95%CI 1.47-4.30). Day 14 (SMD 3.43, 95%CI 1.28-5.58) of diabetic wounds. Other outcomes, such as blood vessel density, collagen deposition and wound re-epithelization, improved with the administration of ADSC-Exos. Conclusions: A meta-analysis showed that ADSC-Exo therapy applied to general and diabetic wounds can promote neovascularization, improve epithelization and collagen fiber deposition, promote healing, and reduce scar formation. ADSC-Exos have broad potential in preclinical research and clinical fields.

Decoding the RNA viromes in shrew lungs along the eastern coast of China.

Shrews being insectivores, serve as natural reservoirs for a wide array of zoonotic viruses, including the recently discovered Langya henipavirus (LayV) in China in 2018. It is crucial to understand the shrew-associated virome, viral diversity, and new viruses. In the current study, we conducted high-throughput sequencing on lung samples obtained from 398 shrews captured along the eastern coast of China, and characterized the high-depth virome of 6 common shrew species (Anourosorex squamipes, Crocidura lasiura, Crocidura shantungensis, Crocidura tanakae, Sorex caecutiens, and Suncus murinus). Our analysis revealed numerous shrew-associated viruses comprising 54 known viruses and 72 new viruses that significantly enhance our understanding of mammalian viruses. Notably, 34 identified viruses possess spillover-risk potential and six were human pathogenic viruses: LayV, influenza A virus (H5N6), rotavirus A, rabies virus, avian paramyxovirus 1, and rat hepatitis E virus. Moreover, ten previously unreported viruses in China were discovered, six among them have spillover-risk potential. Additionally, all 54 known viruses and 12 new viruses had the ability to cross species boundaries. Our data underscore the diversity of shrew-associated viruses and provide a foundation for further studies into tracing and predicting emerging infectious diseases originated from shrews.

[Testis-sparing microsurgery for benign testis tumor: A report of 16 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety and clinical effect of testis-sparing microsurgery (TSMS) in the treatment of benign testis tumor (BTT). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data on 16 cases of BTT treated in the Department of Andrology of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from October 2020 to February 2023. The median age of the patients was 23 years. All the tumors were unilateral, 7 in the left and 9 in the right side, with a median diameter of 1.85 cm (1.0－3.5 cm). The patients all underwent color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI), MRI, semen analysis and examination of serum T, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), followed by TSMS. The boundaries between the tumors and normal testis tissue were accurately identified under the microscope, and the tumors and the adjacent normal testis tissue 2 mm from their margins were excised completely. Bipolar coagulation forceps were used for wound hemostasis to maximally preserve the normal testis tissue. The resected specimens were subjected to fast frozen pathology intraoperatively, and the patients were followed up for 14－40 months by regular scrotal CDFI, MRI and examinations of serum T and semen parameters. RESULTS: The levels of serum T, AFP, HCG and LDH and semen parameters were all within the normal range preoperatively. TSMS were successfully completed in all the cases, and all were pathologically confirmed as BTT according to the latest edition of WHO Classification of Tumors: Urinary and Male Genital Tumors. CDFI showed normal blood supply within the testis tissue at 1 month after surgery. No signs of intra-testicular tumor residue, recurrence or metastasis, nor significant changes in the levels of serum T, AFP, HCG or LDH or semen parameters were observed during the follow-up as compared with the baseline. Natural conception was achieved in 2 cases at 16 and 18 months respectively after surgery. CONCLUSION: BTT can be differentially diagnosed by CDFI and MRI before surgery and confirmed by histopathology. TSMS can achieve complete excision of the tumor, maximal sparing of the normal testis tissue and thereby effective preservation of male fertility.

Ultrasensitive pH-switchablenitrogen doped carbon dots for MnO4- detection and fluorescent anti-counterfeiting.

Herein, high-efficiency green fluorescence nitrogen doped CDs (G-CDs) were prepared using acetaminophen and ethylenediamine as precursors. The G-CDs exhibited good anti-photobleaching, salttolerance and low cytotoxicity. Interestingly, the G-CDs revealed excellent fluorescence stability in the pH range of 6-12, however, the intensity of the G-CDs was almost completely quenched in other pH values. The MnO4- demonstrated strong fluorescence quenching capability on our G-CDs with the mechanism involving dynamic quenching caused by energy transfer. G-CDs exhibited a strong linear relationship with MnO4- concentration in the range of 0-75 µmol/L, with a low limit detection of 7.6 nmol/L. What was even more interesting was that the G-CDs displayed bright green solid-state fluorescence, and exhibited potential application in anti-counterfeiting.

Prospective study on the joint effect of persistent organic pollutants and glucose metabolism on chronic kidney disease: Modifying effects of lifestyle interventions.

There is no evidence on the associations between persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and the incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the Chinese rural population. We aimed to investigate the individual and mixed effects of 22 POPs on the prevalence and incidence of CKD, and the joint effects of POPs and abnormal glucose metabolism as well as the modification effects of healthy lifestyle on these associations. A total of 2775 subjects, including 925 subjects with normal plasma glucose (NPG) and 925 subjects with prediabetes (PDM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), were enrolled from the Henan Rural Cohort Study. Logistic regression and quantile g-computation were performed to assess the individual and mixed effects of POPs on the risk of CKD. Joint effects of POPs and abnormal glucose metabolism status, as well as the modification effects of lifestyle on CKD were assessed. After 3-year follow-up, an increment of ln-o,p'-DDT was related to an elevated risk of CKD prevalence. Positive associations of p,p'-DDE and ß-BHC with CKD incidence were observed (P < 0.05). In addition, participants with high levels of ∑POPs were associated elevated incidence risk of CKD (OR: 1.217, 95%CI: 1.008-1.469). One quartile increase in POPs mixture was associated with the increased incidence of CKD among T2DM patients (P < 0.05). Further, a higher risk of CKD was observed among PDM and T2DM patients with high levels of o,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDE, ß-BHC, and ∑POPs than NPG subjects with low levels of pollutants. In addition, interactive effects of ∑POPs and lifestyle score on CKD incidence were found. Individual and mixed exposure to POPs increased the prevalence and incidence of CKD, and glucose metabolic status exacerbated the risk of CKD resulting from such exposures. Further, the modifying effects of lifestyle were observed, highlighting the importance of precision prevention for high-risk CKD population and healthy lifestyle intervention measures.

Seasonal variations and the prevalence of phenolic profiles in ambient fine particulate matter and their impact on oxidative potential.

Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) poses numerous health risks, with oxidative potential (OP) serving as a critical marker of its toxicity. Synthetic phenolic antioxidants (SPAs) and bisphenols (BPs) influence reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in PM2.5, and exposure to these compounds induces oxidative stress in organisms, thereby potentially affecting the OP of PM2.5. We detected 26 phenols (including 12 SPAs, 5 transformation products (TPs), and 9 BPs) in PM2.5 sample collected from October 2018 to September 2021 in Wuhan, China. Among them, 19 substances were detected at a detection frequency greater than 50 % in PM2.5 sample. AO 2246 and BHT were the main components of SPAs, and BHT-Q and BPA had the highest concentrations in TPs and BPs, respectively. PM2.5 mass concentrations and phenolic levels were higher in winter and autumn. Substances within groups were strongly correlated, suggesting the same or similar source of exposure. This finding aid in more precise pollution source identification and is crucial for comprehensively evaluating their combined health effects. Furthermore, we determined the OP of PM2.5 and found that BPs were related to increased OP and ROS. This suggests that the toxicity of PM2.5 is influenced not only by its concentration but also by its chemical composition, with BPs potentially enhancing its toxic effects. These factors should be fully considered when assessing the health impacts of PM2.5.

Genetic predisposition to impaired beta-cell function modifies the association between serum pyrethroid levels and the risk of type 2 diabetes: A gene-environment interaction study.

Previous studies suggested that pyrethroid exposure was associated with elevated type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk, while it remains uncertain whether genetic predisposition modifies this association. A nested case-control study within the prospective Dongfeng-Tongji cohort comprised 1832 T2D cases, age- (±5 years) and sex-matched controls with qualified genotyping data. Serum pyrethroids were measured by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Overall diabetes-related genetic risk score (GRS) or pathway-specific GRS, including unweighted GRSs (uGRS) and weighted GRSs (wGRS), was developed by genetic variants identified in Asian populations. Higher overall diabetes-related GRS and GRS specific to the pathway of impaired beta cell function (Beta-cell GRS) were associated with a higher incident T2D risk. Beta-cell uGRS significantly modified the association of serum permethrin (Pinteraction=0.04) and deltamethrin (Pinteraction=0.01) with T2D. Specifically, for each doubling increase in serum deltamethrin, the odds ratios (ORs) (95 % confidence intervals [CIs]) for T2D were 1.23 (0.98-1.56) and 0.91 (0.77-1.07) in the highest and lowest Beta-cell uGRS group, as well as 1.23 (1.02-1.47) and 0.95 (0.78-1.15) for Beta-cell wGRS group, respectively. When considering jointly, those with the highest deltamethrin levels and highest Beta-cell GRS had a substantially higher T2D risk, compared with the reference group (OR for uGRS: 3.79 [95 % CI: 2.03-7.07], Pinteraction=0.03 and 3.23 [95 % CI: 1.78-5.87], Pinteraction=0.05 for wGRS). Our findings suggested that genetic susceptibility to impaired beta-cell function should be considered for T2D prevention targeting pyrethroid exposure, particularly deltamethrin.

Decoding plant-induced transcriptomic variability and consistency in two related polyphagous mites differing in host ranges.

The diet breadth of generalist herbivores when compared to specialists tends to be associated with greater transcriptional plasticity. Here, we consider whether it may also contribute to variation in host range among two generalists with different levels of polyphagy. We examined two related polyphagous spider mites with different host ranges, Tetranychus urticae (1200 plants) and Tetranychus truncatus (90 plants). Data from multiple populations of both species domesticated on common beans and transferred to new plant hosts (cotton, cucumber, eggplant) were used to investigate transcriptional plasticity relative to population-based variation in gene expression. Compared to T. truncatus, T. urticae exhibited much higher transcriptional plasticity. Populations of this species also showed much more variable expression regulation in response to a plant host, particularly for genes related to detoxification, transport, and transcriptional factors. In response to the different plant hosts, both polyphagous species showed enriched processes of drug/xenobiotics metabolism, with T. urticae orchestrating a relatively broader array of biological pathways. Through co-expression network analysis, we identified gene modules associated with host plant response, revealing shared hub genes primarily involved in detoxification metabolism when both mites fed on the same plants. After silencing a shared hub CYP gene related to eggplant exposure, the performance of both species on the original bean host improved, but the fecundity of T. truncatus decreased when feeding on eggplant. The extensive transcriptomic variation shown by T. urticae might serve as a potential compensatory mechanism for a deficiency of hub genes in this species. This research points to nuanced differences in transcriptomic variability between generalist herbivores.

Discrete unified gas kinetic scheme for the solution of electron Boltzmann transport equation with Callaway approximation.

Electrons are the carriers of heat and electricity in materials and exhibit abundant transport phenomena such as ballistic, diffusive, and hydrodynamic behaviors in systems with different sizes. The electron Boltzmann transport equation (eBTE) is a reliable model for describing electron transport, but it is a challenging problem to efficiently obtain the numerical solutions of the eBTE within one unified scheme involving ballistic, hydrodynamics, and/or diffusive regimes. In this work, a discrete unified gas kinetic scheme (DUGKS) in the finite-volume framework is developed based on the eBTE with the Callaway relaxation model for electron transport. By reconstructing the distribution function at the cell interface, the processes of electron drift and scattering are coupled together within a single time step. Numerical tests demonstrate that the DUGKS can be adaptively applied to multiscale electron transport, across different regimes.

Long-term effects of fecal microbiota transplantation on gut microbiota after Helicobacter pylori eradication with bismuth quadruple therapy: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Eradicating Helicobacter pylori infection by bismuth quadruple therapy (BQT) is effective. However, the effect of BQT and subsequent fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) on the gut microbiota is less known. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted at a tertiary hospital in China from January 2019 to October 2020, with the primary endpoints the effect of BQT on the gut microbiota and the effect of FMT on the gut microbiota after bismuth quadruple therapy eradication therapy. A 14-day BQT with amoxicillin and clarithromycin was administered to H. pylori-positive subjects, and after eradication therapy, patients received a one-time FMT or placebo treatment. We then collected stool samples to assess the effects of 14-day BQT and FMT on the gut microbiota. 16 s rDNA and metagenomic sequencing were used to analyze the structure and function of intestinal flora. We also used Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) to evaluate gastrointestinal symptom during treatment. RESULTS: A total of 30 patients were recruited and 15 were assigned to either FMT or placebo groups. After eradication therapy, alpha-diversity was decreased in both groups. At the phylum level, the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes decreased, while Proteobacteria increased. At the genus level, the abundance of beneficial bacteria decreased, while pathogenic bacteria increased. Eradication therapy reduced some resistance genes abundance while increased the resistance genes abundance linked to Escherichia coli. While they all returned to baseline by Week 10. Besides, the difference was observed in Week 10 by the diarrhea score between two groups. Compared to Week 2, the GSRS total score and diarrhea score decreased in Week 3 only in FMT group. CONCLUSIONS: The balance of intestinal flora in patients can be considerably impacted by BQT in the short term, but it has reverted back to baseline by Week 10. FMT can alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms even if there was no evidence it promoted restoration of intestinal flora.

Direct flipping dynamics and quantized enrichment of chirality at single-molecule resolution.

Chirality is an important aspect of nature, and numerous macroscopic methods have been developed to understand and control chirality. For the chiral tertiary amines, their flexible flipping process makes it possible to achieve high chiral controllability without bond formation and breaking. Here, we present a type of stable chiral single-molecule devices formed by tertiary amines, using graphene-molecule-graphene single-molecule junctions. These single-molecule devices allow real-time, in situ, and long-time measurements of the flipping process of an individual chiral nitrogen center with high temporal resolution. Temperature- and bias voltage-dependent experiments, along with theoretical investigations, revealed diverse chiral intermediates, indicating the regulation of the flipping dynamics by energy-related factors. Angle-dependent measurements further demonstrated efficient enrichment of chiral states using linearly polarized light by a symmetry-related factor. This approach offers a reliable means for understanding the chirality's origin, elucidating microscopic chirality regulation mechanisms, and aiding in the design of effective drugs.

Unraveling the pesticide-diabetes connection: A case-cohort study integrating Mendelian randomization analysis with a focus on physical activity's mitigating effect.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: There is no evidence on the longitudinal and causal associations between multiple pesticides and the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the Chinese rural population, and whether physical activity (PA) modified these associations remains unclear. Here, we aimed to investigate the longitudinal and causal associations between pesticides mixture and T2DM, and determine whether PA modified these associations. METHODS: A total of 925 subjects with normal glucose and 925 subjects with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) were enrolled in this case-cohort study. A total of 51 targeted pesticides were quantified at baseline. Logistic regression, quantile g-computation, and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were used to assess the individual and combined effects of pesticides on IFG and T2DM. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was employed to obtain the causal association between pesticides and T2DM. RESULTS: After 3-year follow-up, one-unit increment in ln-isofenphos, ln-malathion, and ln-deltamethrin were associated with an increase conversion of IFG to T2DM (FDR-P<0.05). One quartile increment in organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), organophosphorus pesticides (OPs), herbicides and pyrethroids mixtures were related to a higher incidence of T2DM among IFG patients (P<0.05). The BKMR results showed a positive trend between exposure to pesticides mixture and T2DM. The MR analysis indicated a positive association between exposure to pesticides and T2DM risk (P<0.05). No any significant association was found between pesticides and IFG. In addition, compared to subjects with high levels of PA, those with low levels of PA were related to increased risk of T2DM with the increased levels of pesticides among IFG patients. CONCLUSIONS: Individual and combined exposure to pesticides increased the incidence of T2DM among IFG patients. MR analysis further supported the causal association of pesticides exposure with T2DM risk. Our study furtherly indicated that high levels of PA attenuated the diabetogenic effect of pesticides exposure.

Development of a highly sensitive ultra-small ratiometric fluorescence nanosphere probe for Sunset Yellow detection.

A highly sensitive ultra-small ratiometric fluorescence nanosphere probe was successfully manufactured to detect Sunset Yellow (SY). The probe, CMCS@N, S-CDs/Rh6G, was formed through the encapsulation of N, S-CDs and Rh6G within carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) through in situ cross-linking. Remarkably, our nanosphere probe had an average grain diameter of 6.80 nm and exhibited excellent dispersibility without the need for additional solvents. The probe exhibited a strong linear relationship with SY concentration in the range of 0.26-100 µM, with a low detection limit of 0.078 µM. Furthermore, SY demonstrated strong fluorescence quenching capability on our nanosphere probe, with the fluorescence quenching mechanism involving a combined effects of inner filter effect (IFE) and static quenching. Notably, our nanosphere probe retained the bacteriostatic properties of CMCS, with a substantial bacteriostasis rate of 77.58 %, introducing novel potential applications.