Christensenella strain resources, genomic/metabolomic profiling, and association with host at species level.

The gut commensal bacteria Christensenellaceae species are negatively associated with many metabolic diseases, and have been seen as promising next-generation probiotics. However, the cultured Christensenellaceae strain resources were limited, and their beneficial mechanisms for improving metabolic diseases have yet to be explored. In this study, we developed a method that enabled the enrichment and cultivation of Christensenellaceae strains from fecal samples. Using this method, a collection of Christensenellaceae Gut Microbial Biobank (ChrisGMB) was established, composed of 87 strains and genomes that represent 14 species of 8 genera. Seven species were first described and the cultured Christensenellaceae resources have been significantly expanded at species and strain levels. Christensenella strains exerted different abilities in utilization of various complex polysaccharides and other carbon sources, exhibited host-adaptation capabilities such as acid tolerance and bile tolerance, produced a wide range of volatile probiotic metabolites and secondary bile acids. Cohort analyses demonstrated that Christensenellaceae and Christensenella were prevalent in various cohorts and the abundances were significantly reduced in T2D and OB cohorts. At species level, Christensenellaceae showed different changes among healthy and disease cohorts. C. faecalis, F. tenuis, L. tenuis, and Guo. tenuis significantly reduced in all the metabolic disease cohorts. The relative abundances of C. minuta, C. hongkongensis and C. massiliensis showed no significant change in NAFLD and ACVD. and C. tenuis and C. acetigenes showed no significant change in ACVD, and Q. tenuis and Geh. tenuis showed no significant change in NAFLD, when compared with the HC cohort. So far as we know, this is the largest collection of cultured resource and first exploration of Christensenellaceae prevalences and abundances at species level.

Genomic and spatial analysis reveal the transmission dynamics of tuberculosis in areas with high incidence of Zhejiang, China: A prospective cohort study.

In the mountainous, rural regions of eastern China, tuberculosis (TB) remains a formidable challenge; however, the long-term molecular epidemiological surveillance in these regions is limited. This study aimed to investigate molecular and spatial epidemiology of TB in two mountainous, rural counties of Zhejiang Province, China, from 2015 to 2021, to elucidate the recent transmission and drug-resistance profiles. The predominant Lineage 2 (L2) Beijing family accounted for 80.1% of total 532 sequenced Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) strains, showing consistent prevalence over seven years. Gene mutations associated with drug resistance were identified in 19.4% (103/532) of strains, including 47 rifampicin or isoniazid-resistant strains, eight multi-drug-resistant (MDR) strains, and five pre-extensively drug-resistant (pre-XDR) strains. Genomic clustering revealed 53 distinct clusters with an overall transmission clustering rate of 23.9% (127/532). Patients with a history of retreatment and those infected with L2 strains had a higher risk of recent transmission. Spatial and epidemiological analysis unveiled significant transmission hotspots, especially in densely populated urban areas, involving various public places such as medical institutions, farmlands, markets, and cardrooms. The study emphasizes the pivotal role of Beijing strains and urban-based TB transmission in the western mountainous regions in Zhejiang, highlighting the urgent requirement for specific interventions to mitigate the impact of TB in these unique communities.

YAP/TAZ Drive Agrin-Matrix Metalloproteinase-12 Mediated Diabetic Skin Wound Healing.

Macroscopic loss of extracellular matrix (ECM) can lead to chronic defects in skin wound healing, but supplementation of ECM holds promise for facilitating wound closure, particularly in diabetic wound healing. We recently showed that the ECM proteoglycan agrin accelerates cutaneous wound healing by improving mechanoperception of migrating keratinocytes and allowing them to respond to mechanical stresses via matrix metalloproteinase-12 (MMP12). RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that in addition to a disorganized ECM, agrin-depleted skin cells have impaired YAP/TAZ transcriptional outcomes, leading us to hypothesize that YAP/TAZ, as central mechanosensors, drive the functionality of agrin-MMP12 signaling during cutaneous wound repair. Herein, we demonstrate that agrin activates YAP/TAZ during migration of keratinocytes post-wounding in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, YAP/TAZ sustain agrin and MMP12 protein expression during migration post-wounding through positive feedback. YAP/TAZ silencing abolishes agrin-MMP12 mediated force-recognition and geometrical constraints. Importantly, soluble agrin (sAgrin) therapy accelerates wound closure in diabetic mouse models by engaging MMP12-YAP. Because patients with diabetic foot ulcers and impaired wound healing have reduced expression of agrin-MMP12 that correlates with YAP/TAZ inactivation, we propose that timely activation of YAP/TAZ by sAgrin therapy can accentuate mechanobiological microenvironments for efficient wound healing, under normal and diabetic conditions.

Efficacy and safety of bevacizumab in neoadjuvant and concurrent chemoradiotherapy for refractory cervical cancer patients.

A platinum-based concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) is the standard treatment for refractory cervical cancer (CC). However, the recurrence of disease and the occurrence of metastasis remain prevalent. We observed the long-term efficacy and safety of bevacizumab combined with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and CCRT in refractory CC. A total of 62 patients with refractory CC were enrolled in this study from January 2016 to December 2019. The NACT regimen included bevacizumab (7.5 mg/kg), docetaxel (75 mg/m2), and cisplatin (75 mg/m2), administered tri-weekly for 2 cycles. The CCRT regimen included bevacizumab (7.5 mg/kg) and cisplatin (75 mg/m2), administered tri-weekly for 2 cycles. A dose of 45-50 Gy was prescribed for external beam radiotherapy (EBRT), while 30-35 Gy in 4-5 fractions was prescribed for brachytherapy (BT). Among the patients, 21 patients (33.9%) were at stages IIB-IIIB, 8 patients (12.9%) were at stage IIIC1, 19 patients (30.6%) were at stage IIIC2, and 14 patients (22.6%) were at stage IVB. Pelvic, para-aortic, supraclavicular, and inguinal lymph node metastases were discovered in 41 patients (66.1%). The median follow-up was 49.8 months (12.3-82.7 months). The median tumor volumes pre-treatment, after NACT, and before BT were 84.64 ± 53.15 cm3, 1.64 ± 13.15 cm3, and 0 ± 1.5 cm3, respectively. Complete clinical response (cCR) rates after NACT and EBRT were 35.5% and 66.1%, respectively. Four years after the diagnosis, the overall survival (OS) rate was 78.6%, the local region-free survival (LRFS) rate was 91.3%, the disease-free survival (DFS) rate was 70.6%, and the distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) rate was 81.4%. A total of 29 patients (46.8%) experienced grade 3/4 hematological toxicity, 3 patients (4.8%) experienced grade 3 gastrointestinal toxicities, and none experienced grade 5 adverse events. Bevacizumab combined with NACT and CCRT significantly improved cCR and OS in refractory CC with acceptable toxicity.

[Consistency evaluation of multidimensional quality attributes of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma by fusion of multi-source information].

The quality control of Chinese medicinal decoction pieces is one of the key tasks in the traditional Chinese medicine industry. In this study, multi-source information fusion was employed to fuse the data from near-infrared spectroscopy, electronic tongues, and other tests and establish an overall quality consistency evaluation method for Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, which provided methodological support for the overall quality evaluation of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma. The near-infrared spectroscopy information was measured in both static and dynamic states for 23 batches of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma samples from different sources, and the electronic tongue sensory information, moisture content, and leachate content were measured. The overall quality of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma was evaluated by multi-source information fusion. The results showed that the near-infrared spectroscopy information of 16122103, 801000509, 801000352, 701003656, HX21L01, and 160956 was different from that of other batches of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma powder in the static state, and 701003298, 16122103, 701003656, 701003107, 801000229, and 18090404 were the different batches in the dynamic state. The moisture content showed no significant difference between batches. The leachate content in the batch 801000509 was different from that in other batches. The electronic tongue sensory information of 150721004, 151237, 160703004, HX21M01, HX21K04, HX21K01, and 601003516 was different from that of other batches. Furthermore, data layer fusion was employed to analyze the overall quality of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma. Four batches, 150721004, HX21M01, HX21K04, and HX21K01, showed the parameters exceeding the 95% control limits and differed from the other samples in terms of the overall quality. This study integrated the information of moisture, near-infrared spectroscopy, and other sources to evaluate the quality consistency among 23 batches of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma samples, which provides a reference for the quality consistency evaluation of Chinese medicinal decoction pieces.

Ghrelin Alleviates Inflammation, Insulin Resistance, and Reproductive Abnormalities in Mice with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome via the TLR4-NF-κB Signaling Pathway.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) commonly impacts fertile females with potentially severe effects on fertility and metabolism. Blood ghrelin levels are lower in PCOS patients, and exogenous supplements have been proposed for their potential to trigger anti-inflammatory effects at the cellular level. This study aimed to investigate whether pretreatment with ghrelin reduced inflammation, insulin resistance, and reproductive abnormalities in PCOS and the underlying mechanism of this disorder. METHODS: Ghrelin supplementation was first tested in an inflammation model using human ovarian granulosa cells (KGN cells) that were built by treated with Lipolyaccharide. KGN cells were pretreated with ghrelin and exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Inflammatory gene expression and cytokine production were analyzed by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Based on these results, the PCOS mice model was built with Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and a high-fat diet. The mRNA and protein expressions of inflammatory factors including Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor kappa-B-p65 (NF-κB-p65), Phospho-NF-κB-p65 (p-NF-κB-p65) and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MYD88) related to the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway were evaluated in KGN cells and mouse ovarian tissues using Real-Time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot, respectively. Lipid metabolism was quantified via an automated biochemical analyzer. RESULTS: The mRNA and protein expressions of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in ghrelin pretreated KGN cells were lower than the LPS group (p < 0.05). Protein expression was reduced for TLR4, NF-κB-p65, and MYD88 within KGN cells of ghrelin groups compared to the LPS group (p < 0.05). Ghrelin treatment restored the estrous cycle and slowed weight gain and abdominal fat weight of PCOS mice (p < 0.05). Ghrelin treatment decreased the serum concentrations of testosterone, luteinizing hormone, insulin, IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-α compared to the PCOS group (p < 0.05). Estradiol concentrations of mice treated with ghrelin were higher than the PCOS group (p < 0.05). The concentrations of low and high-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, and cholesterol in mice treated with ghrelin were lower than in the PCOS mice (p < 0.05). Inflammatory gene expression for IL-6, IL-1ß, TNF-α, TLR4, NF-κB-p65, and MYD88 decreased in the ovarian tissues of ghrelin-treated mice compared to the PCOS group (p < 0.05), along with reduced protein expression of TLR4, p-NF-κB-p65, and MYD88 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, ghrelin treatment effectively reduced inflammation in vitro, and attenuated insulin resistance and reproductive abnormalities in PCOS mice through the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, highlighting potential therapeutic avenues for future PCOS treatments and research directions.

The effectiveness of virtual reality technology in student nurse education: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of virtual reality technology in nursing education. BACKGROUND: Virtual reality technology is regarded as one of the advanced and significant instructional tools in contemporary education. However, its effectiveness in nursing education remains a subject of debate, and there is currently limited comprehensive research discussing the impact of varying degrees of virtual technology on the educational effectiveness of nursing students. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: The present systematic review and meta-analysis were applied according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. The PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, ProQuest, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched for relevant articles in the English language. The methodologies of the studies evaluated were assessed using Cochrane Risk of Bias2 (ROB 2) tool and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) assessment tool. We took the learning satisfaction, knowledge, and skill performance of nursing students as the primary outcomes, and nursing students' self-efficacy, learning motivation, cognitive load, clinical reasoning, and communication ability were assessment as secondary outcomes. The meta-analysis was performed using R 4.3.2 software according to PRISMA guidelines. Heterogeneity was assessed by I2 and P statistics. Standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were used as effective indicators. RESULTS: Twenty-six studies were reviewed, which involved 1815 nursing students. The results showed that virtual reality teaching, especially immersive virtual reality, was effective in improving nursing students' learning satisfaction (SMD: 0.82, 95%CI: 0.53-1.11, P < 0.001), knowledge (SMD: 0.56, 95%CI: 0.34-0.77, P < 0.001), skill performance (SMD: 1.13, 95 % CI: 0.68-1.57, P < 0.001), and self-efficacy (SMD: 0.64, 95%CI: 0.21,1.07, P < 0.001) compared to traditional teaching methods. However, the effects of virtual reality technology on nursing students' motivation, cognitive load, clinical reasoning, and communication ability were not significant and require further research. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that virtual reality technology has a positive impact on nursing students. Nonetheless, it is crucial not to underestimate the effectiveness of traditional education methods, and future research could analyze the impact of different populations on nursing education while improving virtual reality technology, to more comprehensively explore how to improve the quality of nursing education. Moreover, it is imperative to emphasize the integration of virtual education interventions with real-world experiences promptly. This integration is essential for bridging the gap between the virtual learning environment and real-life scenarios effectively. REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42023420497 (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#recordDetails).

Efficient co-stabilization of arsenic and cadmium in farmland soil by schwertmannite under long-term flooding-drying condition.

Simultaneously stabilizing of arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) in co-contaminated soil presents substantial challenges due to their contrasting chemical properties. Schwertmannite (Sch) is recognized as a potent adsorbent for As pollution, with alkali modification showing promising results in the simultaneous immobilization of both As and Cd. This study systematically investigated the long-term stabilization efficacy of alkali-modified Sch in Cd-As co-contaminated farmland soil over a 200-day flooding-drying period. The results revealed that As showed significant mobility in flooded conditions, whereas Cd exhibited increased soil availability under drying phases. The addition of Sch did not affect the trends in soil pH and Eh fluctuations; nonetheless, it led to an augmentation in the levels of amorphous iron oxides and SO42- concentration in soil pore water. At a dosage of 0.5% Sch, there was a notable decrease in the mobility and soil availability of As and Cd under both flooding (34.5% and 53.6% at Day 50) and drying conditions (27.0% and 29.4% at Day 130), primarily promoting the transformation of labile metal(loid) fraction into amorphous iron oxide-bound forms. Throughout the flooding-drying treatment period, Sch maintained stable mineral morphology and mineralogical phase, highlighting its long-term stabilization effect. The findings of this study emphasize the promising application of Sch-based soil remediation agents in mitigating the challenges arising from As-Cd co-contamination. Further research is warranted to explore their application in real farmland settings and their impact on the uptake of toxic metal(loid)s by plants.

Associations between pregnancy loss and common mental disorders in women: a large prospective cohort study.

Background: Increasing evidence suggests that pregnancy loss can lead to negative emotional outcomes, such as anxiety and depression, for women. However, limited knowledge exists regarding the long-term risk of mental disorders among individuals who have experienced pregnancy loss. Objective: To investigate the associations between pregnancy loss and the risk of common mental disorders. Methods: In the UK Biobank, a total of 218,990 women without any mental disorder at baseline were enrolled between 2006 and 2010 and followed until October 2022. Information on the history of pregnancy loss was obtained through self-reported questionnaires at baseline. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations between pregnancy loss and common mental disorders. Results: During a median follow-up time of 13.36 years, there were 26,930 incident cases of common mental disorders. Incidence rates of common mental disorders were elevated among women with a history of stillbirth (HR 1.15, 95% CI: 1.07-1.23), miscarriage (HR 1.06, 95% CI: 1.02-1.10), or pregnancy termination (HR 1.21, 95% CI: 1.17-1.25) compared to those without such experiences. Furthermore, the risk of common mental disorders significantly increased in women with two or more miscarriages (HR 1.14, 95% CI: 1.08-1.19) or two or more pregnancy terminations (HR 1.39, 95% CI: 1.30-1.48). Conclusions: Pregnancy loss is associated with an increased risk of common mental disorders in women later in life. These findings may contribute to the enhancement of long-term monitoring and prevention of common mental disorders for women with such a history.

Prognostic implication of Vasoactive Inotropic Score in adult patients with cardiogenic shock on veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Background: Vasopressors and inotropes are crucial in managing cardiogenic shock (CS) as they enhance microcirculation in patients. Numerous studies have demonstrated the adverse outcomes associated with excessive use of vasoactive drugs and the vasoactive drug scoring system has emerged as a valuable prognostic tool, particularly in pediatric patients. This study aimed to examine the prognostic significance of the Vasoactive Inotropic Score (VIS) in adult patients with CS receiving veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) treatment. Methods: This retrospective multi-center study involved 2,453 adult patients who underwent VA-ECMO in China between 2015 and 2021. Among them, 1,742 adult patients with CS following VA-ECMO were finally included. The maximum VIS (VISmax) was determined by considering the highest doses of vasoactive and inotropic drugs administered within the first 6 hours before ECMO initiation. Based on the VISmax, patients were classified into two groups: 0-20 and >20. The primary outcome of this study was in-hospital mortality. Results: A total of 1,146 patients were included in the high VISmax group, while 596 patients were assigned to the low VISmax group. Overall, 882 (50.6%) patients experienced in-hospital mortality, with significantly higher rates observed among those with higher VISmax scores (41.4% for VIS ≤20 versus 68.3% for VIS >20; P<0.001). Similar trends were observed for 30-day mortality (40.7% for VIS ≤20 versus 64.9% for VIS >20; P<0.001). Multivariable regression analysis demonstrated that a VIS score exceeding 20 independently predicted in-hospital mortality [odds ratio (OR) 2.64; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.10-3.33; P<0.001]. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed that VIS had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.65 (95% CI: 0.63-0.68; P<0.001) as a predictor of in-hospital mortality, with an optimal cutoff value of 20.1. Moreover, the VIS exhibited good predictive ability for in-hospital mortality in patients with acute myocarditis (AUC 0.70; 95% CI: 0.63-0.78; P<0.001). Conclusions: Firstly, higher maximum level of VIS within the first 6 hours before ECMO initiation independently predicted poorer clinical outcomes in patients supported with ECMO for CS. Secondly, VIS exceeding 20 was significantly associated with increased risks of in-hospital mortality and 30-day mortality. Thirdly, when categorized by the cause of CS, a high VIS exhibited good predictive ability in patients with acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, and acute myocarditis.

Exploring the experiences of peer support participation for HIV peer volunteers: A meta-synthesis of qualitative research.

BACKGROUND: Gaining insights and feedback from HIV peer volunteers about their peer support practice is crucial for optimizing and enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of peer support for people with HIV. There is a dearth of systematic reviews that explore the experiences of HIV peer volunteers about their peer support experience. This study aims to consolidate qualitative research on the experiences of peer support participation for HIV peer volunteers, to provide inspiration and reference for HIV peer support practice. METHODS: A meta-aggregation approach was employed to synthesize qualitative studies. Electronic databases were searched for peer-reviewed and gray literature published in English and Chinese between 1996 and September 2022. Two independent reviewers assessed the methodological quality and extracted data from the included studies. The meta-aggregation approach developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) was utilized to synthesize the findings. RESULTS: A total of 2610 studies were initially identified through the database search, and twenty-two eligible studies were included in the meta-synthesis. Among the included studies, five presented synthesized findings on the following topics: firstly, taking people with HIV as HIV peer volunteers shows specific motivations and advantages when engaging in peer support practice. Secondly, HIV peer volunteers reinforce the connections between people with HIV and medical institutions, ensuring continuity of care and compensating for the limited availability of medical resources. Thirdly, HIV peer volunteers are capable of providing people with HIV with a higher level of support. Additionally, participating in peer support practice can also yield personal benefits for HIV peer volunteers. Finally, HIV peer support programs face both opportunities and challenges. CONCLUSION: It is necessary to take more flexible and effective approaches to address resource allocation and social support for people with HIV. Peer support presents a mutually beneficial option that holds significant implications for public health systems, clinical healthcare providers, people with HIV, and HIV peer volunteers. It is imperative to develop effective models for HIV peer support practice. Collaborative efforts between relevant departments and personnel, alongside HIV peer volunteers, should be undertaken to formulate support strategies. Additionally, efforts should be made to identify and guide people with HIV into the healthcare system, facilitating comprehensive treatment and care continuity. These measures aim to further reduce HIV transmission, improve the quality of life for people with HIV, and advance the "normalization" of HIV.

Long-term air pollutants exposure and respiratory mortality: A large prospective cohort study.

Ambient air pollution is a major global health concern. Yet, no study has thoroughly assessed its link to respiratory mortality. Our research evaluated the combined and individual effects of air pollutants on respiratory mortality risks based on the UK Biobank. A total of 366,478 participants were studied. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the respiratory mortality risk from combined long-term exposure to five pollutants, summarized as a weighted air pollution score. During a median of 13.6 years of follow-up, 6113 deaths due to respiratory diseases were recorded. The hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of respiratory diseases were 2.64 (2.05-3.39), 1.62 (1.23-2.12), 2.06 (1.73-2.45), 1.20 (1.16-1.25), and 1.07 (1.05-1.08) per 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5, PM2.5-10, PM10, NO2, and NOx, respectively. The air pollution score showed a dose-response association with an elevated respiratory mortality risk. The highest versus lowest quartile air pollution score was linked to a 44% increase in respiratory mortality risk (HR 1.44, 95% CI: 1.33-1.57), with consistent findings in subgroup and sensitivity analyses. Long-term individual and joint air-pollutant exposure showed a dose-response association with an increased respiratory mortality risk, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive air-pollutant assessment to protect public health.

Surgical Treatment for Type A Aortic Dissection after Endovascular Aortic Repair: A 12-year, Single-Center Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the clinical manifestations, operative techniques, and outcomes of patients who undergo open repair after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). METHODS: From January 2010 to June 2022, 113 consecutive type A aortic dissection (TAAD) patients underwent secondary open operation after TEVAR at our institution, and the median interval from primary intervention to open surgery was 12 (1.9-48.0) months. We divided the patients into two groups (RTAD (retrograde type A dissection) group, N = 56; PNAD (proximal new aortic dissection) group, N = 57) according to their anatomical features. Survival analysis during the follow-up was evaluated using a Kaplan-Meier survival curve and a log-rank test. RESULTS: The 30-day mortality was 6.2% (7/113), the median follow-up period was 31.7 (IQR 14.7-65.6) months, and the overall survival at 1 year, 5 years, and 10 years was 88.5%, 88.5%, and 87.6%, respectively. Fourteen deaths occurred during the follow-up, but there were no late aorta-related deaths. Three patients underwent total thoracoabdominal aortic replacement 1 year after a second open operation. The RTAD group had a smaller ascending aorta size (42.5 ± 7.7 mm vs 48.4 ± 11.4 mm; P < .01) and a closer proximal landing zone (P < .01) compared to the PNAD group. However, there were no differences in survival between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: TAAD can present as an early or a late complication after TEVAR due to stent-grafting-related issues or disease progression. Open operation can be performed to treat TAAD, and this has acceptable early and mid-term outcomes. Follow-up should become mandatory for patients after TEVAR because these patients are at increased risk for TAAD.

Comparative experimental study of the biomechanical properties of retrograde tibial nailing and distal tibia plate in distal tibia fracture.

Objective: A biomechanical comparative analysis was conducted to evaluate the retrograde tibial nailing (RTN) and distal tibia plate techniques for the treatment of distal tibia fractures. Methods: Fourteen fresh adult tibia specimens were selected, consisting of seven males and seven females aged 34-55 years. The specimens were randomly divided into two groups (Group A and Group B) using a numerical table method, with seven specimens in each group. Group A underwent internal fixation of distal tibial fractures using RTN, while Group B received internal fixation using a plate. The axial compression properties of the specimens were tested in the neutral positions under pressures of 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 N. Additionally, the torsional resistance of the two groups was assessed by subjecting the specimens to torques of 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0 N m. Results: At pressures of 400 and 500 N, the axial compression displacement in Group A (1.11 ± 0.06, 1.24 ± 0.05) mm was significantly smaller than that in Group B (1.21 ± 0.08, 1.37 ± 0.11) mm (p = 0.023, 0.019). Moreover, at a pressure of 500 N, the axial compression stiffness in Group A (389.24 ± 17.79) N/mm was significantly higher than that of the control group (362.37 ± 14.44) N/mm (p = 0.010). When subjected to torques of 4 and 5 N m, the torsion angle in Group A (2.97° ± 0.23°, 3.41° ± 0.17°) was significantly smaller compared to Group B (3.31° ± 0.28°, 3.76° ± 0.20°) (p = 0.035, 0.004). Furthermore, at a torque of 5 N m, the torsional stiffness in Group A (1.48 ± 0.07) N m/° was significantly higher than that in Group B (1.36 ± 0.06) N·m/° (p = 0.003). Conclusion: The results obtained from the study demonstrate that the biomechanical performance of RTN outperforms that of the distal tibial plate, providing valuable biomechanical data to support the clinical implementation of RTN.

Evaluation of nucleotide MALDI-TOF-MS for the identification of Mycobacterium species.

Background: The accurate identification of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) and different nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) species is crucial for the timely diagnosis of NTM infections and for reducing poor prognoses. Nucleotide matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) has been extensively used for microbial identification with high accuracy and throughput. However, its efficacy for Mycobacterium species identification has been less studied. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of nucleotide MALDI-TOF-MS for Mycobacterium species identification. Methods: A total of 933 clinical Mycobacterium isolates were preliminarily identified as NTM by the MPB64 test. These isolates were identified by nucleotide MALDI-TOF-MS and Sanger sequencing. The performance of nucleotide MALDI-TOF MS for identifying various Mycobacterium species was analyzed based on Sanger sequencing as the gold standard. Results: The total correct detection rate of all 933 clinical Mycobacterium isolates using nucleotide MALDI-TOF-MS was 91.64% (855/933), and mixed infections were detected in 18.65% (174/933) of the samples. The correct detection rates for Mycobacterium intracellulare, Mycobacterium abscessus, Mycobacterium kansasii, Mycobacterium avium, MTBC, Mycobacterium gordonae, and Mycobacterium massiliense were 99.32% (585/589), 100% (86/86), 98.46% (64/65), 94.59% (35/37), 100.00% (34/34), 95.65% (22/23), and 100% (19/19), respectively. For the identification of the MTBC, M. intracellulare, M. abscessus, M. kansasii, M. avium, M. gordonae, and M. massiliense, nucleotide MALDI-TOF-MS and Sanger sequencing results were in good agreement (k > 0.7). Conclusion: In conclusion, nucleotide MALDI-TOF-MS is a promising approach for identifying MTBC and the most common clinical NTM species.

Psychometric and Circumplex Properties Evaluation of the International Personality Item Pool-Interpersonal Circumplex (IPIP-IPC) in Chinese People Living with HIV (PLWH).

Background and Purpose: With the improved life expectancy of people living with HIV (PLWH) due to widespread use of antiretroviral therapy (ART), there is a greater emphasis on enhancing long-term well-being and overall quality of life for PLWH. Understanding interpersonal personalities of PLWH can gain further insight into how to improve the overall quality of life in this population. The International Personality Item Pool-Interpersonal Circumplex (IPIP-IPC) scale has been developed to assess interpersonal personalities of individuals, and this scale has been translated into Chinese. However, the Chinese version of IPIP-IPC has not been tested among PLWH in China. In this study, we aimed to test the psychometric properties and circumplex structure of this scale. Methods: This study was based on cross-sectional, multi-center, large sample data. We employed the Chinese version of IPIP-IPC scale on 3040 PLWH from April 2022 to April 2023 in China to test its psychometric as well as circumplex properties. The structural summary method (SSM) was employed to analyze the circumplex structure of the scale. Results: The total scale exhibited a Cronbach's alpha of 0.85 and McDonald's omega of 0.91. Out of the 288 possible relationships, 275 relationships satisfy the circular properties hypothesis. The scale demonstrates good reliability and validity, meeting the requirements of psychometrics. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that the Chinese version of the IPIP-IPC scale is a reliable tool for evaluating interpersonal personalities in this population. These results highlight the validity and applicability of the IPIP-IPC scale specifically in the Chinese context, providing valuable insights into the intricacies of interpersonal traits among PLWH.

Associations of genetic variants within TYK2 with pulmonary tuberculosis among Chinese population.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is a common infectious disease caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and the present study aims to explore the associations of genetic variants within tyrosine kinases 2 (TYK2) with PTB incidence. METHODS: A population-based case control study including 168 smear-positive PTB cases and 251 controls was conducted. Five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) including rs280520, rs91755, rs2304256, rs12720270, rs280519 located within TYK2 gene were selected and MassARRAY® MALDI-TOF system was employed for genotyping. SPSS 19.0 was adopted for statistical analysis, non-conditional logistic regression was conducted. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were computed to estimate their contributions to PTB incidence. RESULTS: In the overall study population, rs91755 TT and rs280519 AA genotypes were found to be associated with reduced PTB risk (OR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.16-0.72; OR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.18-0.79, respectively). After stratification for sex, we found that among the male population, rs91755TG/TT, rs12720270AG/GG and rs280519AG/AA genotypes were associated with reduced PTB risk (OR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.21-0.80; OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.21-0.94; OR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.21-0.82, respectively). After stratification for age, we found that among those aged <60 years, rs91755TT and rs280519AA genotype were associated with reduced PTB risk (OR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.09-0.90; OR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.11-1.08, respectively); while rs2304256AC/AA genotype was associated with increased PTB risk (OR = 2.68, 95% CI: 1.05-6.85). Haplotype analysis revealed that AGAAG and ATCGA (Combined with rs280520, rs91755, rs2304256, rs12720270 and rs280519) were associated with increased (OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.01-2.37) and decreased PTB risk (OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.52-0.94), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The genetic variants located within TYK2 including rs91755, rs12720270 and rs280519 were found to be associated with modified PTB risk and the SNPs had potential to be the biomarkers to predict PTB incidence risk.

Molecular level unveils anion exchange membrane fouling induced by natural organic matter via XDLVO and molecular simulation.

Membrane fouling, critically determined by the interplay of interfacial interaction between foulant and membrane, is a critical impediment that limits application extension of electrodialysis (ED) process. In this study, the extended Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (XDLVO) model and molecular simulation were performed to quantify the interaction energy barrier for revealing anion exchange membranes (AEMs) fouling mechanisms of calcium ions coexisted with natural organic matter (NOM) (sodium alginate, humic acid, and bovine serum albumin). The insight gained from DMol3 module was also utilized to interpret the adhesion process of NOM at the molecular level. The interaction energy suggested that the presence of Ca-NOM complex magnify the adhesion on the surface cavities of AEMs structures. The molecular simulation and XDLVO presented a good agreement in predicting the fouling trajectory based on the experimental findings. The short-path acid-base interaction exerted a predominant influence on exploring the fouling formation process. In addition, the sodium alginate displayed more stable adhesion behavior through calcium ions bridges stimuli than humic acid and bovine serum albumin. In particular, the molecular simulation calculations exhibited a superior level of concurrence with colloid growth of membrane fouling. Combined XDLVO theory with DMol3 model proposed a new approach to understand membrane fouling mechanisms in ED process.

Association of changes in waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio and weight-adjusted-waist index with multimorbidity among older Chinese adults: results from the Chinese longitudinal healthy longevity survey (CLHLS).

BACKGROUND: The association of changes in waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and weight-adjusted-waist index (WWI) with subsequent risk of multimorbidity remains unclear among older Chinese adults. Therefore, we aimed to assess this association by utilizing data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). METHODS: Our study was based on the 2011/2012 wave of the CLHLS whose follow-up surveys were conducted in 2014 and 2017/2018. A total of 2900 participants aged 65 and above at baseline were enrolled. WC, WHtR, and WWI were calculated from measured height, weight, and waist circumference. Multimorbidity refers to the coexistence of two or more of 18 chronic diseases. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) to evaluate the effect of three-year changes in WC, WHtR, and WWI on the risk of multimorbidity. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up time of 4.2 (2.0) years, 906 multimorbidity cases were identified. Compared to participants in the persistently low WC group, those in the WC gain group and the persistently high WC group had a higher multimorbidity risk with adjusted HRs (95%CI) of 1.23 (1.01-1.50) and 1.34(1.14-1.58), respectively. Participants in the WHtR gain group and the persistently high WHtR group also had higher risks of multimorbidity with HRs (95%CI) of 1.35 (1.08-1.67) and 1.27 (1.05-1.53), respectively, relative to the persistently low WHtR group. Compared to the persistently low WWI group, those in the WWI loss group had a lower risk of multimorbidity with HRs (95%CI) of 0.80 (0.66-0.98). For every standard deviation increase in WC, WHtR, and WWI over three years, the risk of multimorbidity was higher by 12% (95%CI: 1.05-1.19), 13% (95%CI: 1.06-1.20), and 12% (95%CI: 1.05-1.20), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Associations of changes in WC, WHtR and WWI with multimorbidity are significant among older Chinese adults. The findings highlight the importance of evaluating changes in WC, WHtR, and WWI in screening and prevention of multimorbidity in older adults.

Depth-dependent microbial metagenomes sampled in the northeastern Indian Ocean.

The northeastern Indian Ocean exhibits distinct hydrographic characteristics influenced by various local and remote forces. Variations in these driving factors may alter the physiochemical properties of seawater, such as dissolved oxygen levels, and affect the diversity and function of microbial communities. How the microbial communities change across water depths spanning a dissolved oxygen gradient has not been well understood. Here we employed both 16S rDNA amplicon and metagenomic sequencing approaches to study the microbial communities collected from different water depths along the E87 transect in the northeastern Indian Ocean. Samples were collected from the surface, Deep Chlorophyll Maximum (DCM), Oxygen Minimum Zone (OMZ), and bathypelagic layers. Proteobacteria were prevalent throughout the water columns, while Thermoproteota were found to be abundant in the aphotic layers. A total of 675 non-redundant metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) were constructed, spanning 21 bacterial and 5 archaeal phyla. The community structure and genomic information provided by this dataset offer valuable resources for the analysis of microbial biogeography and metabolism in the northeastern Indian Ocean.