Prevalence and plasma exosome-derive microRNA diagnostic biomarker screening of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in Yunnan Province, China.

Background: Idiopathic scoliosis significantly affects the physical and mental health of children and adolescents, with varying prevalence rates in different regions. The occurrence of idiopathic scoliosis is associated with genetic regulation and biochemical factors, but the changes in exosome-derived miRNA profiles among idiopathic scoliosis patients remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of idiopathic scoliosis in Yunnan Province, China, and identify key exosome-derived miRNAs in idiopathic scoliosis through a cohort study. Methods: From January 2018 to December 2020, a cross-sectional study on idiopathic scoliosis in children and adolescents was conducted in Yunnan Province. A total of 84,460 students from 13 cities and counties in Yunnan Province participated in a scoliosis screening program, with ages ranging from 7 to 19 years. After confirmation through screening and imaging results, patients with severe idiopathic scoliosis and normal control individuals were selected using propensity matching. Subsequently, plasma exosome-derived miRNA sequencing and RT-qPCR validation were performed separately. Based on the validation results, diagnostic performance analysis and target gene prediction were conducted for differential plasma exosome-derived miRNAs. Results: The overall prevalence of idiopathic scoliosis in children and adolescents in Yunnan Province was 1.10%, with a prevalence of 0.87% in males and 1.32% in females. The peak prevalence was observed at age 13. Among patients diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis, approximately 12.8% had severe cases, and there were more cases of double curvature than of single curvature, with thoracolumbar curvature being the most common in the single-curvature group. Sequencing of plasma exosome-derived miRNAs associated with idiopathic scoliosis revealed 56 upregulated and 153 downregulated miRNAs. Further validation analysis confirmed that hsa-miR-27a-5p, hsa-miR-539-5p, and hsa-miR-1246 have potential diagnostic value. Conclusions: We gained insights into the epidemiological characteristics of idiopathic scoliosis in Yunnan Province and conducted further analysis of plasma exosome-derived miRNA changes in patients with severe idiopathic scoliosis. This study has provided new insights for the prevention and diagnosis of idiopathic scoliosis, paving the way for exploring clinical biomarkers and molecular regulatory mechanisms. However, further validation and elucidation of the detailed biological mechanisms underlying these findings will be required in the future.

A combined model based on radiomics features of Sonazoid contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the Kupffer phase for the diagnosis of well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma and atypical focal liver lesions: a prospective, multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to develop a combined model based on radiomics features of Sonazoid contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) during the Kupffer phase and to evaluate its value in differentiating well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma (w-HCC) from atypical benign focal liver lesions (FLLs). METHODS: A total of 116 patients with preoperatively Sonazoid-CEUS confirmed w-HCC or benign FLL were selected from a prospective multiple study on the clinical application of Sonazoid in FLLs conducted from August 2020 to March 2021. According to the randomization principle, the patients were divided into a training cohort and a test cohort in a 7:3 ratio. Seventy-nine patients were used for establishing and training the radiomics model and combined model. In comparison, 37 patients were used for validating and comparing the performance of the models. The diagnostic efficacy of the models for w-HCC and atypical benign FLLs was evaluated using ROCs curves and decision curves. A combined model nomogram was created to assess its value in reducing unnecessary biopsies. RESULTS: Among the patients, there were 55 cases of w-HCC and 61 cases of atypical benign FLLs, including 28 cases of early liver abscess, 16 cases of atypical hepatic hemangioma, 8 cases of hepatocellular dysplastic nodules (DN), and 9 cases of focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH). The radiomics model and combined model we established had AUCs of 0.905 and 0.951, respectively, in the training cohort, and the AUCs of the two models in the test cohort were 0.826 and 0.912, respectively. The combined model outperformed the radiomics feature model significantly. Decision curve analysis demonstrated that the combined model achieved a higher net benefit within a specific threshold probability range (0.25 to 1.00). A nomogram of the combined model was developed. CONCLUSION: The combined model based on the radiomics features of Sonazoid-CEUS in the Kupffer phase showed satisfactory performance in diagnosing w-HCC and atypical benign FLLs. It can assist clinicians in timely detecting malignant FLLs and reducing unnecessary biopsies for benign diseases.

Association between Serum Ferritin Levels and Metabolic-associated Fatty Liver Disease in Adults: a Cross-sectional Study Based on the NHANES.

OBJECTIVE: Ferritin, initially acting as an iron-storage protein, was found to be associated with metabolic diseases. Our study was designed to investigate the association between serum ferritin and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) of the United State of America. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted, enrolling a total of 2145 participants from the NHANES in the 2017-2018 cycles. Hepatic steatosis and liver fibrosis were assessed by ultrasound images and several non-invasive indexes. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine the associations between serum ferritin concentration and MAFLD and liver fibrosis. RESULTS: The analysis revealed that participants with higher serum ferritin levels (Q3 and Q4 groups) had a higher prevalence of MAFLD than those with the lowest serum ferritin levels [Q3 vs. Q1: OR=2.17 (1.33, 3.53), P<0.05 in fatty liver index (FLI); Q4 vs. Q1: OR=3.13 (1.91, 5.13), P<0.05 in FLI]. Additionally, participants with the highest serum ferritin levels (Q4 group) displayed a higher prevalence of liver fibrosis [Q4 vs. Q1: OR=2.59 (1.19, 5.62), P<0.05 in liver stiffness measurement; OR=5.06 (1.12, 22.94), P<0.05 in fibrosis-4 index], with significantly increased risk observed in participants with concomitant diabetes [OR=7.45 (1.55, 35.72), P=0.012]. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that elevated serum ferritin levels are associated with a higher prevalence of MAFLD and advanced liver fibrosis in patients. Elevated serum ferritin levels combined with diabetes are important risk factors for liver fibrosis.

Pollination Syndrome, Florivory, and Breeding System of Satyrium nepalense var. ciliatum (Orchidaceae) in Central Yunnan, China.

Research on Satyrium nepalense var. ciliatum (Lindl.) Hook. f. has primarily focused on populations in Northwestern Yunnan, with limited studies on pollination syndromes and insect behavior. In addition, it is geographically limited in its breeding system studies. Here, pollination syndromes, florivory, and breeding systems of S. nepalense var. ciliatum from Liangwang Mountain (Central Yunnan, China) were investigated through field work, microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and parafin section. It was revealed that the pollination syndrome was possessing out-crossing, such as bright color, a developed rostellum, nectar glands in the spur, and food hairs at the lip base. The color and nectar attracted flower visitors, and florivory was observed. Some flower visitors pollinated their companion species. Ants were identified as floral visitors for the first time in Satyrium, although substantial pollination was not observed. Ants might be potential pollinators. S. nepalense var. ciliatum possessed a mixed breeding system, including selfing, out-crossing, and apomixis, with apomixis being predominant in nature. It is suggested that the pollination syndrome, florivory, and pollination competition would contribute to its mixed breeding systems, particularly leading to the occurrence of apomixis.

Telephone follow-up based on empowerment theory to improve resilience and quality of life among patients after coronary artery stent implantation: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Coronary heart disease has a high incidence rate, a high mortality rate, a high recurrence rate, and a high medical cost. In addition, some patients need to undergo percutaneous coronary artery stent implantation (CASI), which is a kind of traumatic treatment. Patients can easily experience negative emotions such as anxiety and depression after surgery, which seriously affects quality of life. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an empowerment-based telephone follow-up intervention on resilience and quality of life in patients who underwent CASI. Design: The design of the study is a randomized controlled trial. Methods: A total of 92 patients were recruited after CASI from the Internal Medicine Cardiovascular Department of a Grade A tertiary hospital in Xi'an, China. The patients were randomly divided into a control group and an intervention group. The control group performed routine care, whereas the intervention group developed a telephone follow-up program based on empowerment theory while carrying out routine care. Patients were investigated using the coronary heart disease-related knowledge questionnaire, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), and the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) to compare the effects of the intervention before and after 1 month of intervention. Results: After a 1-month telephone follow-up intervention based on the empowerment theory for patients after CASI, the variations in knowledge related to coronary heart disease and all of its subscale scores were greater in the intervention group than in the control group. Except for the three dimensions of risk factor, induction factor, and rehabilitation-related knowledge, the variations in knowledge related to coronary heart disease and the other subscale scores were significantly different between the two groups (p < 0.05). The variations in resilience and scores on the three subscales in the intervention group were greater than those in the control group, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The variations in the quality of life and overall health, emotional functions, and social functions were significantly greater in the intervention group than in the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: A telephone follow-up intervention based on the empowerment theory can effectively improve the resilience and quality of life of patients after CASI. This follow-up approach can provide a theoretical basis and practical reference for hospitals and communities to carry out targeted continuing nursing for patients after CASI. The long-term effects of the intervention and its underlying mechanisms require further study. Clinical trial registration: http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=173682, identifier ChiCTR2200064950.

Star1 gene mutation reveals the essentiality of 11-ketotestosterone and glucocorticoids for male fertility in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (Star) plays an essential role in the biosynthesis of corticosteroids and sex steroids by mediating the transport of cholesterol from the outer to the inner membrane of mitochondria. Two duplicated Star genes, namely star1 and star2, have been identified in non-mammalian vertebrates. To investigate the roles of star genes in fish steriodogenesis, we generated two mutation lines of star1-/- and star1-/-/star2-/- in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Previous studies revealed that deficiency of star2 gene caused delayed spermatogenesis, sperm apoptosis and sterility in male tilapia. Our present data revealed that mutation of star genes impaired male fertility. Disordered seminiferous lobules and spermatic duct obstruction were found in the testis of both types of mutants. Moreover, significant decline in semen volume, sperm abnormality and impaired fertility were also detected in star1-/- and star1-/-/star2-/- males. In star1-/- male fish, lipid accumulation, up-regulation of steroidogenic enzymes, and significant decline of androgens were found. Additionally, hyperplasic interrenal cells, elevated steroidogenic gene expression level and decline of serum glucocorticoids were detected in star1 mutants. Intriguingly, either 11-KT or cortisol supplementation successfully rescued the impaired fertility of the star1-/- mutants. Taken together, these results further indicate that Star1 might play critical roles in the production of both 11-KT and glucocorticoids, which are indispensable for the maintenance of male fertility in fish.

Molecular characterization and induced changes of histone acetyltransferases in the tick Haemaphysalis longicornis in response to cold stress.

BACKGROUND: Epigenetic modifications of histones play important roles in the response of eukaryotic organisms to environmental stress. However, many histone acetyltransferases (HATs), which are responsible for histone acetylation, and their roles in mediating the tick response to cold stress have yet to be identified. In the present study, HATs were molecularly characterized and their associations with the cold response of the tick Haemaphysalis longicornis explored. METHODS: HATs were characterized by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based on published genome sequences, followed by multiple bioinformatic analyses. The differential expression of genes in H. longicornis under different cold treatment conditions was evaluated using reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). RNA interference was used to explore the association of HATs with the cold response of H. longicornis. RESULTS: Two HAT genes were identified in H. longicornis (Hl), a GCN5-related N-acetyltransferase (henceforth HlGNAT) and a type B histone acetyltransferase (henceforth HlHAT-B), which are respectively 960 base pairs (bp) and 1239 bp in length. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that HlGNAT and HlHAT-B are unstable hydrophilic proteins characterized by the presence of the acetyltransferase 16 domain and Hat1_N domain, respectively. RT-qPCR revealed that the expression of HlGNAT and HlHAT-B decreased after 3 days of cold treatment, but gradually increased with a longer period of cold treatment. The mortality rate following knockdown of HlGNAT or HlHAT-B by RNA interference, which was confirmed by RT-qPCR, significantly increased (P < 0.05) when H. longicornis was treated at the lowest lethal temperature (- 14 °C) for 2 h. CONCLUSIONS: The findings demonstrate that HATs may play a crucial role in the cold response of H. longicornis. Thus further research is warranted to explore the mechanisms underlying the epigenetic regulation of the cold response in ticks.

Corrigendum: Cardiovascular magnetic resonance findings in Danon disease: a case series of a family.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1159576.].

mPPTMP195 nanoparticles enhance fracture recovery through HDAC4 nuclear translocation inhibition.

Delayed repair of fractures seriously impacts patients' health and significantly increases financial burdens. Consequently, there is a growing clinical demand for effective fracture treatment. While current materials used for fracture repair have partially addressed bone integrity issues, they still possess limitations. These challenges include issues associated with autologous material donor sites, intricate preparation procedures for artificial biomaterials, suboptimal biocompatibility, and extended degradation cycles, all of which are detrimental to bone regeneration. Hence, there is an urgent need to design a novel material with a straightforward preparation method that can substantially enhance bone regeneration. In this context, we developed a novel nanoparticle, mPPTMP195, to enhance the bioavailability of TMP195 for fracture treatment. Our results demonstrate that mPPTMP195 effectively promotes the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts while inhibiting the differentiation of bone marrow mononuclear macrophages into osteoclasts. Moreover, in a mouse femur fracture model, mPPTMP195 nanoparticles exhibited superior therapeutic effects compared to free TMP195. Ultimately, our study highlights that mPPTMP195 accelerates fracture repair by preventing HDAC4 translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, thereby activating the NRF2/HO-1 signaling pathway. In conclusion, our study not only proposes a new strategy for fracture treatment but also provides an efficient nano-delivery system for the widespread application of TMP195 in various other diseases.

Ultrasonic controllable synthesis of sulfur-functionalized metal-organic frameworks (S-MOFs) and their application in piezo-photocatalytic rapid reduction of hexavalent chromium (Cr).

The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are significant in guiding modern scientific research. In recent years, scholars have paid much attention to MOFs materials as green materials. However, piezo catalysis of MOFs materials has not been widely studied. Piezoelectric materials can convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, while MOFs are effective photocatalysts for removing pollutants. Therefore, it is crucial to design MOFs with piezoelectric properties and photosensitivity. In this study, sulfur-functionalized metal-organic frameworks (S-MOFs) were prepared using organic sulfur-functionalized ligand (H2TDC) ultrasonic synthesis to enhance their piezoelectric properties and visible light absorption. The study demonstrated that the S-MOFs significantly enhanced the reduction of a 10 mg/L solution of hexavalent chromium to 99.4 % within 10 min, using only 15 mg of catalyst. The orbital energy level differences of the elements were analyzed using piezo response force microscopy (PFM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results showed that MOFs functionalized with sulfur atom ligands have a built-in electric field that facilitates charge separation and migration. This study presents a new approach to enhance the piezoelectric properties of MOFs, which broadens their potential applications in piezo catalysis and piezo-photocatalysis. Additionally, it provides a sustainable method for reducing hexavalent chromium, contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals, specifically SDG-6, SDG-7, SDG-9, and SDG-12.

Lamprey--an excellent model for iron metabolism.

After 500 million years of evolution, lamprey is in a natural environment characterized by low temperature and high iron content, and its unique adaptive evolution mode has developed its organizational structure and life mechanism in the process of metamorphosis, which provides a new direction for people to further study the origin and evolution of life. Iron is one of the essential nutrients for the human body and plays an important role in metabolic processes, but when exceeded, it can lead to iron toxicity. For example, the serum iron concentration of pre-metamorphosis larvae is 149 times that of normal males, and the iron content in the liver of juveniles is about 2-3 times that of normal humans. Lamprey has a complete biochemical system to tolerate high concentrations of free iron in the body, and high expression of important genes for iron homeostasis, such as transferrin, ferritin heavy chain, superoxide dismutase, etc., improves iron transport, iron storage and antioxidant capacity. Lamprey has an IRE/IRP regulatory system, which is an important protection mechanism for lamprey to adapt to the high iron content environment in the organization. In addition, lampreys gradually form oral glands during metamorphosis and development, which become the unique iron metabolism organs of lampreys. In this review, we mainly summarize the distribution of iron in various tissues of lamprey and the potential mechanism of adapting to the content of iron in the body, so as to provide a theoretical basis for the subsequent search for the molecular mechanism of iron metabolism.

Exploring the efficacy and mechanism of Bailing capsule to improve polycystic ovary syndrome in mice based on intestinal-derived LPS-TLR4 pathway.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder associated with reproductive dysfunction and metabolic abnormalities, particularly characterized by insulin resistance and chronic low-grade inflammation. Multiple clinical studies have clearly demonstrated the significant efficacy and safety of the combination of Bailing capsules (BL) in the treatment of PCOS, but its pharmacological effects and mechanisms still require further study. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the effect of BL on improving PCOS in mice and explore the mechanism. METHODS: In this study, Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) injection was administered alone and in combination with a high-fat and high-sugar diet to induce PCOS-like mouse. They were randomly divided into five groups: normal group (N), PCOS group (P), Bailing capsule low-dose group (BL-L), Bailing capsule high-dose group (BL-H) and Metformin + Daine-35 group (M + D). Firstly, the effects of BL on ovarian lesions, serum hormone levels, HOMA-IR, intestinal barrier function, inflammation levels, along with the expression of IRS1, PI3K, AKT, TLR4, Myd88, NF-κB p65, TNF-α, IL-6, and Occludin of the ovary, liver and colon were investigated. Finally, the composition of the gut microbiome of fecal was tested. RESULTS: The administration of BL significantly reduced body weight, improved hormone levels, improved IR, and attenuated pathological damage to ovarian tissues, up-regulated the expression of IRS1, PI3K, and AKT in liver. It also decreased serum LPS, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels, while downregulating the expression of Myd88, TLR4, and NF-κB p65. Additionally, BL improved intestinal barrier damage and upregulated the expression of Occludin. Interestingly, the abundance of norank_f__Muribaculacea and Lactobacillus was down-regulated, while the abundance of Akkermansia was significantly up-regulated. CONCLUSION: The results of the study showed that BL exerts a treatment PCOS effect, which may be related to the modulation of the gut microbiota, the improvement of insulin resistance and the intestinal-derived LPS-TLR4 inflammatory pathway. Our research will provide a theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of PCOS.

Immediate versus delayed single blastocyst transfer following the first stimulated IVF cycle in the freeze-all strategy: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, the use of frozen embryo transfers (FET) has rapidly increased following the freeze-all strategy due to the advantages of increased maternal safety, improved pregnancy rates, lower ectopic pregnancy rates and better obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Currently, there is still no good scientific evidence to support when to perform FET following a stimulated in vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycle in the freeze-all strategy. METHODS/ANALYSIS: This will be a randomised controlled trial. A total of 828 women undergoing their first FET following their first stimulated IVF cycle in the freeze-all strategy will be enrolled and randomised into one of the following groups according to a computer-generated randomisation list: (1) the immediate group, in which FET will be performed in the first menstrual cycle following the stimulated IVF cycle; or (2) the delayed group, in which FET will be performed at least in the second menstrual cycle following the stimulated IVF cycle. The primary outcome will be live birth, which is defined as the delivery of any infants at ≥22 gestational weeks with heartbeat and breath. ETHICS/DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval was granted by the Ethics Committee of Assisted Reproductive Medicine at the Shanghai JiAi Genetics & IVF Institute (JIAI E2019-15). Written informed consent will be obtained from each woman before any study procedure is performed, according to good clinical practice. The results of this trial will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04371783.

Characterizing human postprandial metabolic response using multiway data analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Analysis of time-resolved postprandial metabolomics data can improve our understanding of the human metabolism by revealing similarities and differences in postprandial responses of individuals. Traditional data analysis methods often rely on data summaries or univariate approaches focusing on one metabolite at a time. OBJECTIVES: Our goal is to provide a comprehensive picture in terms of the changes in the human metabolism in response to a meal challenge test, by revealing static and dynamic markers of phenotypes, i.e., subject stratifications, related clusters of metabolites, and their temporal profiles. METHODS: We analyze Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy measurements of plasma samples collected during a meal challenge test from 299 individuals from the COPSAC2000 cohort using a Nightingale NMR panel at the fasting and postprandial states (15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 240 min). We investigate the postprandial dynamics of the metabolism as reflected in the dynamic behaviour of the measured metabolites. The data is arranged as a three-way array: subjects by metabolites by time. We analyze the fasting state data to reveal static patterns of subject group differences using principal component analysis (PCA), and fasting state-corrected postprandial data using the CANDECOMP/PARAFAC (CP) tensor factorization to reveal dynamic markers of group differences. RESULTS: Our analysis reveals dynamic markers consisting of certain metabolite groups and their temporal profiles showing differences among males according to their body mass index (BMI) in response to the meal challenge. We also show that certain lipoproteins relate to the group difference differently in the fasting vs. dynamic state. Furthermore, while similar dynamic patterns are observed in males and females, the BMI-related group difference is observed only in males in the dynamic state. CONCLUSION: The CP model is an effective approach to analyze time-resolved postprandial metabolomics data, and provides a compact but a comprehensive summary of the postprandial data revealing replicable and interpretable dynamic markers crucial to advance our understanding of changes in the metabolism in response to a meal challenge.

Liberating C-H Bond Activation: Achieving 56% Quantum Efficiency in Photocatalytic Cyclohexane Dehydrogenation.

The technology of liquid organic hydrogen carriers presents great promise for large-scale hydrogen storage. Nevertheless, the activation of inert C(sp3)-H bonds in hydrocarbon carriers poses formidable challenges, resulting in a sluggish dehydrogenation process and necessitating high operating temperatures. Here, we break the shackles of C-H bond activation under visible light irradiation by fabricating subnanometer Pt clusters on defective Ce-Zr solid solutions. We achieved an unprecedented hydrogen production rate of 2601 mmol gcat.-1 h-1 (turnover frequency >50,000 molH2 molPt-1 h-1) from cyclohexane, surpassing the most advanced thermo- and photocatalysts. By optimizing the temperature-dominated hydrogen transfer process, achievable by harnessing hitherto wasted infrared light in sunlight, an astonishing 56% apparent quantum efficiency and a 5.2% solar-to-hydrogen efficiency are attained at 353 K. Our research stands as one of the most effective photocatalytic processes to date, holding profound practical significance in the utilization of solar energy and the exploitation of alkanes.

Genome comparison of long-circulating field CnmeGV isolates from the same region.

Cnaphalocrocis medinalis granulovirus (CnmeGV), belonging to Betabaculovirus cnamedinalis, can infect the rice pest, the rice leaf roller. In 1979, a CnmeGV isolate, CnmeGV-EP, was collected from Enping County, China. In 2014, we collected another CnmeGV isolate, CnmeGV-EPDH3, at the same location and obtained the complete virus genome sequence using Illumina and ONT sequencing technologies. By combining these two virus isolates, we updated the genome annotation of CnmeGV and conducted an in-depth analysis of its genome features. CnmeGV genome contains abundant tandem repeat sequences, and the repeating units in the homologous regions (hrs) exhibit overlapping and nested patterns. The genetic variations within EPDH3 population show the high stability of CnmeGV genome, and tandem repeats are the only region of high genetic variation in CnmeGV genome replication. Some defective viral genomes formed by recombination were found within the population. Comparison analysis of the two virus isolates collected from Enping showed that the proteins encoded by the CnmeGV-specific genes were less conserved relative to the baculovirus core genes. At the genomic level, there are a large number of SNPs and InDels between the two virus isolates, especially in and around the bro genes and hrs. Additionally, we discovered that CnmeGV acquired a segment of non-ORF sequence from its host, which does not provide any new proteins but rather serves as redundant genetic material integrated into the viral genome. Furthermore, we observed that the host's transposon piggyBac has inserted into some virus genes. Together, dsDNA viruses could acquire non-coding genetic material from their hosts to expand the size of their genomes. These findings provide new insights into the evolution of dsDNA viruses.

Gut microbiota affects mPXR agonist PCN-induced hepatomegaly by regulating PXR and YAP activation.

Pregnane X receptor (PXR) is essential in the regulation of liver homeostasis and the gut microbiota is closely linked to liver physiological and pathological status. We previously found that activation of PXR significantly promotes liver enlargement through interaction with yes-associated protein (YAP). However, whether gut microbiota is contributed to PXR-induced hepatomegaly and the involved mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, C57BL/6 mice were administered the mouse-specific agonist PCN for 5 days. Depletion of gut microbiota was achieved using broad-spectrum antibiotics (ABX) and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was performed to restore the gut microbial. The composition of gut microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing, while the expression of PXR, YAP and their downstream target genes and proteins were assessed. The results indicated that PCN treatment altered the composition and abundance of specific bacterial taxa. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota using ABX significantly attenuated PCN-induced hepatomegaly. FMT experiment further demonstrated that the fecal microbiota from PCN-treated mice could induce liver enlargement. Mechanistic studies revealed that ABX treatment impeded the PXR and YAP activation induced by PCN, as evidenced by decreased expression of PXR, YAP, and their downstream targets. Moreover, alterations in PXR and YAP activation were likely contributing to hepatomegaly in recipient mice following FMT from PCN-treated mice. Collectively, the current study demonstrated that gut microbiota is involved in PCN-induced hepatomegaly via regulating PXR and YAP activation, providing potential novel insights into the involvement of gut microbiota in PXR-mediated hepatomegaly. Significance Statement This work describes that the composition of gut microbiota is altered in mPXR agonist PCN-induced hepatomegaly. The treatment with an antibiotic cocktail (ABX) depletes the intestinal microbiota, leading to the impairment of liver enlargement caused by PCN. Besides, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from PCN-treated mice induces liver enlargement. Further study revealed that gut microbiota is involved in hepatomegaly via regulating PXR and YAP activation.

The efficacy of electroacupuncture for cervical nerve edema and movement disorder caused by the brachial plexus injury: a case report.

The brachial plexus injury (BPI) is one of the most severe types of peripheral nerve injuries, often caused by upper limb traction injury. In clinic, the surgery is widely used to treat the BPI. However, surgery may need to be performed multiple times at different stages, which carries risks and brings heavy economic burden. In non-surgical treatment, splinting, local injection of corticosteroids, and oral corticosteroids can achieve significant short-term benefits, but they are prone to recurrence and may cause complications of mechanical or chemical nerve damage. In this report, we present a case of a 46-year-old female patient with BPI. The patient had difficulty in raising, flexing and extending of the left upper limb, and accompanied with the soreness and pain of neck and shoulder. After 3 months of EA treatment, a significant reduction in the inner diameter of the left C5 to C7 root at the outlet of brachial plexus nerve was detected by musculoskeletal ultrasound, and the soreness and pain in the left neck and shoulder were significantly reduced. The soreness and pain in the left neck and shoulder did not recur for 2 years. Case summary: The patient is a 46-year-old female with BPI. She experienced difficult in lifting, flexing and extending of the left upper limb, which accompanied by soreness and pain in the left neck and shoulder. After 3 months of EA treatment, the patient's pain and limb's movement disorder was improved. After 2 years of follow-up, the patient's left neck and shoulder showed no further pain. Conclusion: EA has shown satisfied efficacy in BPI, improving limb restrictions and relieving pain in patients for at least 2 years.

A fresh-cut papaya freshness prediction model based on partial least squares regression and support vector machine regression.

This study investigated the physicochemical and flavor quality changes in fresh-cut papaya that was stored at 4 °C. Multivariate statistical analysis was used to evaluate the freshness of fresh-cut papaya. Aerobic plate counts were selected as a predictor of freshness of fresh-cut papaya, and a prediction model for freshness was established using partial least squares regression (PLSR), and support vector machine regression (SVMR) algorithms. Freshness of fresh-cut papaya could be well distinguished based on physicochemical and flavor quality analyses. The aerobic plate counts, as a predictor of freshness of fresh-cut papaya, significantly correlated with storage time. The SVMR model had a higher prediction accuracy than the PLSR model. Combining flavor quality with multivariate statistical analysis can be effectively used for evaluating the freshness of fresh-cut papaya.