Optimizing Soil Sampling for Accurately Prediction of the Potential Remediation-Effective Area in a Contaminated Agricultural Land.

To achieve food security in a contaminated agricultural land, the remediation areas usually need more samples to obtain accurate contamination information and implement appropriate measures. In this study, we propose an optimal encryption sampling design to instead of the detailed survey, which is determined by the variation of heavy metals and the technology capability of remediation, to guide soil sampling for accurately remediation in the potential remediation-effective areas (PRA). The coefficient of screening variation threshold (CSVT), considering spatial variation, technology capacity and acceptable error of sampling, together with the spatial cyclic statistics method of neighbourhood analysis, is introduced to identify and delineate the PRA. Both of the hypothetical analysis and application case studies are conducted to illustrate the advantages and disadvantages of the optimization. The results show that, compared with the detailed survey, the optimal design shows a lower overall accuracy due to its sparsely sampling at the clean area, but it exhibits a similar effect of accurately prediction in boundary delineation and further classification in the PRA in both simulation and application studies. This work provides an effective method for subsequent accurate remediation at the investigation stage and valuable insights into application combination of technology capacity and contaminated agricultural land investigation.

Recent advances in small molecule Nav 1.7 inhibitors for cancer pain management.

The dorsal root ganglion (DRG) is the primary neuron responsible for transmitting peripheral pain signals to the central nervous system and plays a crucial role in pain transduction. Modulation of DRG excitability is considered a viable approach for pain management. Neuronal excitability is intricately linked to the ion channels on the neurons. The small and medium-sized DRG neurons are chiefly engaged in pain conduction and have high levels of TTX-S sodium channels, with Nav1.7 accounting for approximately 80% of the current. Voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC or Nav) blockers are vital targets for the management of central nervous system diseases, particularly chronic pain. VGSCs play a key role in controlling cellular excitability. Clinical research has shown that Nav1.7 plays a crucial role in pain sensation, and there is strong genetic evidence linking Nav1.7 and its encoding gene SCN9A gene to painful disorders in humans. Many studies have shown that Nav1.7 plays an important role in pain management. The role of Nav1.7 in pain signaling pathways makes it an attractive target for the potential development of new pain drugs. Meanwhile, understanding the architecture of Nav1.7 may help to develop the next generation of painkillers. This review provides updates on the recently reported molecular inhibitors targeting the Nav1.7 pathway, summarizes their structure-activity relationships (SARs), and discusses their therapeutic effects on painful diseases. Pharmaceutical chemists are working to improve the therapeutic index of Nav1.7 inhibitors, achieve better analgesic effects, and reduce side effects. We hope that this review will contribute to the development of novel Nav1.7 inhibitors as potential drugs.

Response of petroleum-contaminated soil to chemical oxidation combined with biostimulation.

In this study, a microcosm experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of Na2S2O8 preoxidation combined with biostimulation on petroleum-contaminated soil remediation. The response of microbial community during this process was explored using BIOLOG ECO microplate carbon utilization method and 16 s rDNA high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that use of 10 mg/g Na2S2O8 removed 19.8 % of the petroleum hydrocarbons, reduced soil biotoxicity and did not affect soil microbial activity compared to other concentrations. Therefore, sodium persulfate of ca. 10 mg/g was used to oxidize petroleum in soil before the biostimulation experiment with organic and inorganic fertilizers. Our finding showed that the content of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) in soil was reduced by 43.3 % in inorganic fertilizer treatment after 60 days. The results of BIOLOG ECO microplate carbon utilization analysis and 16 S rDNA high-throughput sequencing further confirmed that biostimulation quickly restored the microbial activities in oxidant treated soil. The main marker bacteria in chemical oxidation combined with biostimulation remediation were Arthrobacter and Paenarthrobacter, and their relative abundances were both significantly negatively correlated with the content of petroleum hydrocarbons in soil.

Design and validation of a novel 3D-printed glenohumeral fusion prosthesis for the reconstruction of proximal humerus bone defects: a biomechanical study.

Background: All available methods for reconstruction after proximal humerus tumor resection have disadvantages, and the optimal reconstruction method remains uncertain. This study aimed to design a novel 3D-printed glenohumeral fusion prosthesis and verify its feasibility and safety using biomechanical methods. Methods: We verified the feasibility and safety of the 3D-printed glenohumeral fusion prosthesis by finite element analysis and biomechanical experimentation. In the finite element analysis, three reconstruction methods were used, and displacement and von Mises stress were observed; on this basis, in the biomechanical experiment, models constructed with sawbones were classified into two groups. The force‒displacement curve of the 3D-printed prosthesis was evaluated. Results: In terms of displacement, the finite element analysis showed greater overall stability for the novel prosthesis than traditional glenohumeral joint arthrodesis. There was no obvious stress concentration in the internal part of the 3D-printed glenohumeral fusion prosthesis; the stable structure bore most of the stress, and the force was well distributed. Adding lateral plate fixation improved the stability and mechanical properties of the prosthesis. Furthermore, the biomechanical results showed that without lateral plate fixation, the total displacement of the prosthesis doubled; adding lateral plate fixation could reduce and disperse strain on the glenoid. Conclusion: The design of the 3D-printed glenohumeral fusion prosthesis was rational, and its stability and mechanical properties were better than those of traditional glenohumeral joint arthrodesis. Biomechanical verification demonstrated the feasibility and safety of this prosthesis, indicating its potential for proximal humerus bone defect reconstruction after tumor resection.

Exploration of the Existence Forms and Patterns of Dissolved Oxygen Molecules in Water.

The structure of liquid water is primarily composed of three-dimensional networks of water clusters formed by hydrogen bonds, and dissolved oxygen is one of the most important indicators for assessing water quality. In this work, distilled water with different concentration of dissolved oxygen were prepared, and a clear negative correlation between the size of water clusters and dissolved oxygen concentration was observed. Besides, a phenomenon of rapid absorption and release of oxygen at the water interfaces was unveiled, suggesting that oxygen molecules predominantly exist at the interfaces of water clusters. Oxygen molecules can move rapidly through the interfaces among water clusters, allowing dissolved oxygen to quickly reach a saturation level at certain partial pressure of oxygen and temperature. Further exploration into the mechanism by molecular dynamics simulations of oxygen and water clusters found that oxygen molecules can only exist stably at the interfaces among water clusters. A semi-empirical formula relating the average number of water molecules in a cluster (n) to 17O NMR half-peak width (W) was summarized: n = 0.1 W + 0.85. These findings provide a foundation for exploring the structure and properties of water.

Effects of plants-associated microbiota on cultivation and quality of Chinese herbal medicines.

Microbial resource influences the life activities of medicinal plants from several perspectives. Endophytes, rhizosphere microorganisms, and other environmental microorganisms play essential roles in medicinal plant growth and development, plant yield, and clinical efficacy. The microbiota can influence the biosynthesis of active compounds in medicinal plants by stimulating specific metabolic pathways. They induce host plants to improve their resistance to environmental stresses by accumulating secondary metabolites. Microorganisms can interact with their host plants to produce long-term, targeted selection results and improve their ability to adapt to the environment. Due to the interdependence and interaction between microorganisms and medicinal plants, Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) quality is closely related to the associated microorganisms. This review summarizes the relationship between medicinal plants and their associated microorganisms, including their species, distribution, life activities, and metabolites. Microorganisms can aid in quality control, improve the efficacy of medicinal plants, and provide markers for identifying the origin and storage time of CHMs. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between microorganisms and medicinal plants will help to control the quality of CHMs from different perspectives.

Relationship between intervertebral disc height and post operative dysphagia secondary to single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion- a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: One goal of Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) is to restore the loss of intervertebral disc height (IDH) results from the degenerative process. However, the effects of IDH on postoperative dysphagia after ACDF remain unclear. METHODS: Based on the results of a one-year telephone follow-up, A total of 217 consecutive patients after single-level ACDF were enrolled. They were divided into dysphagia and non-dysphagia groups. The age, BMI, operation time and blood loss of all patients were collected from the medical record system and compared between patients with and without dysphagia. Radiologically, IDH, spinous process distance (SP) of the operated segment, and C2-7 angle (C2-7 A) were measured preoperatively and postoperatively. The relationship between changes in these radiological parameters and the development of dysphagia was analyzed. RESULTS: Sixty-three (29%) cases exhibited postoperative dysphagia. The mean changes in IDH, SP, and C2-7 A were 2.84 mm, -1.54 mm, and 4.82 degrees, respectively. Changes in IDH (P = 0.001) and changes in C2-7 A (P = 0.000) showed significant differences between dysphagia and non-dysphagia patients. Increased IDH and increased C2-7 A (P = 0.037 and 0.003, respectively) significantly and independently influenced the incidence of postoperative dysphagia. When the change in IDH was ≥ 3 mm, the chance of developing postoperative dysphagia for this patient was significantly greater. No significant relationship was observed between the change in spinous process distance (SP) and the incidence of dysphagia. The age, BMI, operation time and blood loss did not significantly influence the incidence of postoperative dysphagia. CONCLUSION: The change in IDH could be regarded as a predictive factor for postoperative dysphagia after single-level ACDF.

Visible-Light Cross-Linkable Multifunctional Hydrogels Loaded with Exosomes Facilitate Full-Thickness Skin Defect Wound Healing through Participating in the Entire Healing Process.

The management of severe full-thickness skin defect wounds remains a challenge due to their irregular shape, uncontrollable bleeding, high risk of infection, and prolonged healing period. Herein, an all-in-one OD/GM/QCS@Exo hydrogel was prepared with catechol-modified oxidized hyaluronic acid (OD), methylacrylylated gelatin (GM), and quaternized chitosan (QCS) and loaded with adipose mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (Exos). Cross-linking of the hydrogel was achieved using visible light instead of ultraviolet light irradiation, providing injectability and good biocompatibility. Notably, the incorporation of catechol groups and multicross-linked networks in the hydrogels conferred strong adhesion properties and mechanical strength against external forces such as tensile and compressive stress. Furthermore, our hydrogel exhibited antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties along with wound-healing promotion effects. Our results demonstrated that the hydrogel-mediated release of Exos significantly promotes cellular proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis, thereby accelerating skin structure reconstruction and functional recovery during the wound-healing process. Overall, the all-in-one OD/GM/QCS@Exo hydrogel provided a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of full-thickness skin defect wounds through actively participating in the entire process of wound healing.

KLF5 promotes the ossification process of ligamentum flavum by transcriptionally activating CX43.

BACKGROUND: Ossification of ligamentum flavum (OLF) is a prevalent degenerative spinal disease, typically causing severe neurological dysfunction. Kruppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) plays an essential role in the regulation of skeletal development. However, the mechanism KLF5 plays in OLF remains unclear, necessitating further investigative studies. METHODS: qRT-PCR, immunofluorescent staining and western blot were used to measure the expression of KLF5. Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) staining, Alizarin red staining (ARS), and the expression of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), osteopontin (OPN), and osteocalcin (OCN) were used to evaluate the osteogenic differentiation. Luciferase activity assay and ChIP-PCR were performed to investigate the molecular mechanisms. RESULTS: KLF5 was significantly upregulated in OLF fibroblasts in contrast to normal ligamentum flavum (LF) fibroblasts. Silencing KLF5 diminished osteogenic markers and mineralized nodules, while its overexpression had the opposite effect, confirming KLF5's role in promoting ossification. Moreover, KLF5 promotes the ossification of LF by activating the transcription of Connexin 43 (CX43), and overexpressing CX43 could reverse the suppressive impact of KLF5 knockdown on OLF fibroblasts' osteogenesis. CONCLUSION: KLF5 promotes the OLF by transcriptionally activating CX43. This finding contributes significantly to our understanding of OLF and may provide new therapeutic targets.

Prognostic Nutritional Index and the Risk of Postoperative Complications After Spine Surgery: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: A low prognostic nutritional index (PNI) may reflect malnutrition, which has been associated with poor prognosis in patients with various clinical conditions. The aim of the systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the association between preoperative PNI and risk of postoperative complications in adult patients after spine surgery. METHODS: An extensive search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science to identify relevant cohort studies. Random-effects models were employed to combine the findings, taking into account the potential influence of heterogeneity. RESULTS: Ten cohort studies involving 3,249 patients receiving spine surgeries were included. Pooled results showed that a low preoperative prognostic nutritional index (PNI) was associated with an increased risk of overall postoperative complications in these patients (odds ratio [OR]: 1.82, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.42 to 2.34, P < 0.001; I2 = 49%). Specifically, a preoperative malnutrition as evidenced by a low PNI was associated with a higher incidence of postoperative delirium (OR: 2.36, 95% CI: 1.52 to 3.66, P < 0.001; I2 = 38%) and surgical site infection (OR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.15 to 1.73, P = 0.001; I2 = 0%). Sensitivity analyses by excluding one study at a time did not significantly change the results (P all <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A preoperative low prognostic nutritional index (PNI) may be a risk factor of increased incidence of overall postoperative complications, postoperative delirium, and surgical site infection in adult patients after spine surgeries.

Application of augmented reality models of canine skull in veterinary anatomical education.

Veterinary anatomy plays a crucial role in the curriculum for veterinary medicine and surgery. The integration of modern information technology in veterinary education can greatly benefit from innovative tools such as augmented reality (AR) applications. The aim of this study was to develop an accurate and interactive three-dimensional (3D) digital model of an animal skull using AR technology, aiming to enhance the learning of skull anatomy in veterinary anatomy education. In this study, a canine skull specimen was isolated, and the skull bones were scanned using a structured light scanner to create a 3D digital model of the canine skull, which was found to be indistinguishable from the original specimen by measurement of skull proportions. Furthermore, the interactive AR model of the canine skull, displayed using Unity3D, was subjected to testing and evaluation by 60 first-year veterinary medical students attending the gross anatomy of the animal. The students were divided into two groups: the traditional group and AR group. Both groups completed an objective test and a questionnaire. The evaluation of learning effectiveness in the test revealed no significant difference between the traditional group (which learned using textbooks and a canine skull specimen) and AR group (which learned using AR tools). However, in the questionnaire, students displayed high enthusiasm and interest in using the AR tool. Therefore, the application of AR tools can improve students' motivation for learning and enhance the comprehension of anatomical structures in three dimensions. Furthermore, this study exemplifies the use of AR as an auxiliary tool for teaching and learning in veterinary anatomy education.

Mass Spectrometry-Based Proteomics Identifies Serpin B9 as a Key Protein in Promoting Bone Metastases in Lung Cancer.

Bone metastasis (BM) is one of the most common complications of advanced cancer. Immunotherapy for bone metastasis of lung cancer (LCBM) is not so promising and the immune mechanisms are still unknown. Here, we utilized a model of BM by injecting cancer cells through caudal artery (CA) to screen out a highly bone metastatic derivative (LLC1-BM3) from a murine lung cancer cell line LLC1. Mass spectrometry-based proteomics was performed in LLC1-parental and LLC1-BM3 cells. Combining with prognostic survival information from patients with lung cancer, we identified serpin B9 (SB9) as a key factor in BM. Molecular characterization showed that SB9 overexpression was associated with poor prognosis and high bone metastatic burden in lung cancer. Moreover, SB9 could increase the ability of lung cancer cells to metastasize to the bone. The mechanistic studies revealed that tumor-derived SB9 promoted BM through an immune cell-dependent way by inactivating granzyme B, manifesting with the decreased infiltration of cytotoxic T cells and increased expression level of exhausted markers. A specific SB9-targeting inhibitor [1,3-benzoxazole-6-carboxylic acid (BTCA)] significantly suppressed LCBM in the CA mouse model. This study reveals that SB9 may serve as a therapeutic target and potential prognostic marker for patients with LCBM. IMPLICATIONS: SB9 as a therapeutic target for LCBM.

The Impact of Preoperative Adaptive Training on Postoperative Outcomes in Lumbar Spine Fusion Surgery for Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Retrospective Analysis.

Purpose: Lumbar disc herniation, often treated with surgical decompression when conservative measures fail, presents challenges due to prolonged prone positioning in surgeries. This retrospective study evaluates the benefits of preoperative adaptive training to mitigate post-surgical physiological changes. Patients and Methods: A review of medical records from June 2021 to March 2023 identified 170 patients unresponsive to conservative treatments. Grouped into adaptive training and control groups based on historical data, the former had undergone exercises to prepare for surgery and postoperative changes. Vital signs and VAS scores were extracted from patient records to assess training impact. Results: The adaptive training group demonstrated stabilized vital signs intraoperatively, with a notable improvement in surgical exposure compared to the control group. However, there were no significant differences in operative time or blood loss between the groups. Additionally, postoperative VAS scores showed no significant improvement in the adaptive training group at follow-up intervals of 14 days, 1 month, and 3 months post-operation, compared to the control group. Conclusion: Our study reveals that preoperative adaptive training stabilizes intraoperative blood pressure fluctuations in lumbar disc herniation surgeries. However, this stabilization does not significantly impact long-term postoperative pain management. This highlights the need for further research to explore comprehensive strategies that effectively combine preoperative training with postoperative care.

Establishment of a multicomponent quality control method and the transfer characteristics of five markers from Qidongning Formula to rat tissues by HPLC-QQQ-MS/MS.

Introduction: Traditional Chinese medicine compound preparations have become an increasingly utilized strategy for tumour treatment. Qidongning Formula (QDN) is a kind of antitumour compound preparation used in hospitals, and it can inhibit the growth of lung cancer cells. However, due to the complexity of botanical drugs, the quality evaluation of QDN is inconsistent, affecting clinical efficacy and posing potential safety risks for clinical application. Additionally, tissue distribution is an integral part of the drug development process. Methods: To study the distribution characteristics of markers in compound preparations and rat tissues, a novel HPLC-QQQ-MS/MS quantitative analytical method was established to determine five markers in QDN simultaneously, and the method was verified. Results and discussion: The analytical results showed that the contents of salidroside (51.6 ± 5.75 µg/g), calycosin-7-O-ß-D-glucoside (94.2 ± 15.4 µg/g), specnuezhenide (371 ± 72.5 µg/g), formononetin (23.8 ± 5.39 µg/g), and polyphyllin I (87.7 ± 10.6 µg/g) were stable in different batches of QDN. After intragastric administration (13.5 g/kg) in rats for 1 h, four markers in the QDN, except polyphyllin I, were distributed in most tissues. QDN was distributed chiefly in the stomach and small intestine, followed by the liver or kidney. The study also found that specnuezhenide had the highest concentration in both QDN and rat tissues (102 ± 22.1 µg/g in the stomach), while formononetin had the highest transfer rate (0.351%) from QDN to rat intestines. The above research lays a quality research foundation for the antitumour application of QDN and provides a scientific reference for the quality control of Chinese medicine compound preparations.

Genome-wide analysis of transmembrane 9 superfamily genes in wheat (Triticum aestivum) and their expression in the roots under nitrogen limitation and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens PDR1 treatment conditions.

Introduction: Transmembrane 9 superfamily (TM9SF) proteins play significant roles in plant physiology. However, these proteins are poorly characterized in wheat (Triticum aestivum). The present study aimed at the genome-wide analysis of putative wheat TM9SF (TraesTM9SF) proteins and their potential involvement in response to nitrogen limitation and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens PDR1 treatments. Methods: TraesTM9SF genes were retrieved from the wheat genome, and their physiochemical properties, alignment, phylogenetic, motif structure, cis-regulatory element, synteny, protein-protein interaction (PPI), and transcription factor (TF) prediction analyses were performed. Transcriptome sequencing and quantitative real-time polymerase reaction (qRT-PCR) were performed to detect gene expression in roots under single or combined treatments with nitrogen limitation and B. amyloliquefaciens PDR1. Results and discussion: Forty-seven TraesTM9SF genes were identified in the wheat genome, highlighting the significance of these genes in wheat. TraesTM9SF genes were absent on some wheat chromosomes and were unevenly distributed on the other chromosomes, indicating that potential regulatory functions and evolutionary events may have shaped the TraesTM9SF gene family. Fifty-four cis-regulatory elements, including light-response, hormone response, biotic/abiotic stress, and development cis-regulatory elements, were present in the TraesTM9SF promoter regions. No duplication of TraesTM9SF genes in the wheat genome was recorded, and 177 TFs were predicted to target the 47 TraesTM9SF genes in a complex regulatory network. These findings offer valued data for predicting the putative functions of uncharacterized TM9SF genes. Moreover, transcriptome analysis and validation by qRT-PCR indicated that the TraesTM9SF genes are expressed in the root system of wheat and are potentially involved in the response of this plant to single or combined treatments with nitrogen limitation and B. amyloliquefaciens PDR1, suggesting their functional roles in plant growth, development, and stress responses. Conclusion: These findings may be vital in further investigation of the function and biological applications of TM9SF genes in wheat.

Tannase application in secondary enzymatic processing of inferior Tieguanyin oolong tea

Background: Inferior Tieguanyin oolong tea leaves were treated with tannase. The content and bioactivity of catechins in extracts from the treated tea leaves were investigated to assess the improvement in the quality of inferior Tieguanyin oolong tea. Results: Analysis showed that after treatment, the esterified catechin content decreased by 23.5%, whereas non-galloylated catechin and gallic acid contents increased by 15.3% and 182%, respectively. The extracts from tannase-treated tea leaves showed reduced ability to bind to BSA and decreased tea cream levels. The extracts also exhibited increased antioxidant ability to scavenge OH and DPPH radicals, increased ferric reducing power, and decreased inhibitory effects on pancreatic α-amylase and lipase activities. Conclusions: These results suggested that tannase treatment could improve the quality of inferior Tieguanyin oolong tea leaves.

Statistical optimization for tannase production by Aspergillus tubingensis in solid-state fermentation using tea stalks

Background A sequential statistical strategy was used to optimize tannase production from Aspergillus tubingensis using tea stalks by solid-state fermentation. Results First, using a Plackett-Burman design, inoculum size and incubation time (among seven tested variables) were identified as the most significant factors for tannase yield. The effects of significant variables were further evaluated through a single steepest ascent experiment and central composite design with response surface analysis. Under optimal conditions, the experimental value of 84.24 units per gram of dry substrate (U/gds) closely matched the predicted value of 87.26 U/gds. Conclusions The result of the statistical approach was 2.09 times higher than the basal medium (40.22 U/gds). The results were fitted onto a second-order polynomial model with a correlation coefficient (R²) of 0.9340, which implied an adequate credibility of the model.