[Rapid determination of 15 N-nitrosamines in air-dried yak meat using one-step QuEChERS-gas chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry].

A method based on gas chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) coupled with one-step QuEChERS technique was developed for the simultaneous determination of 15 N-nitrosamines in air-dried yak meat. The hydration volume, extraction solvent, extracting salt, and cleaning material were optimized according to the characteristics of the N-nitrosamines and sample matrix. The optimized conditions were as follows: 10 mL of purified water for sample hydration, acetonitrile as the extraction solvent for the sample after hydration, 4.0 g of anhydrous MgSO4 and 1.0 g of NaCl as extracting salts, 500 mg of MgSO4+25 mg of C18+50 mg of PSA as cleaning materials. Favorable recoveries of the 15 N-nitrosamines were obtained when the extraction solution was incompletely dried. Thus, the final extract was dried to below 0.5 mL under a mild nitrogen stream and then redissolved to 0.5 mL with acetonitrile. After filtration, 200 µL of the sample was transferred to an autosampler vial for GC-MS/MS analysis. The 15 N-nitrosamines were determined using GC-MS/MS on a DB-HeavyWAX column (30 m×0.25 mm×0.25 µm) with an electron impact ion source in multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) mode, and quantified using an external standard method. Under the optimized experimental conditions, the results showed that the calibration curves exhibited good linearities for the 15 N-nitrosamines, with correlation coefficients (r2) greater than 0.9990. The limits of detection (LODs) and the limits of quantification (LOQs) ranged from 0.05 to 0.20 µg/kg and from 0.10 to 0.50 µg/kg, respectively. At spiked levels of 1LOQ, 2LOQ, and 10LOQ, the average recoveries were 79.4%-102.1%, 80.6%-109.5%, and 83.0%-110.6%, respectively, and the relative standard deviations were in the range of 0.8%-16.0%. The low matrix effects of the 15 N-nitrosamines indicated the high sensitivity of the proposed method. The method was applied to detect representative commercial air-dried yak meat samples obtained using different processing techniques. Seven N-nitrosamines, including N-nitrosodimethylamine, N-nitrosodiisobutylamine, N-nitrosodibutylamine, N-methyl-N-phenylnitrous amide, N-ethyl-N-nitrosoaniline, N-nitrosopyrrolidine, and N-nitrosodiphenylamine were detected in all samples. The average contents of the seven N-nitrosamines was 0.08-20.18 µg/kg. The detection rates and average contents of the N-nitrosamines in cooked air-dried yak meat samples were higher than those in traditional raw air-dried yak meat samples. Compared with the manual QuEChERS method, the one-step QuEChERS method developed integrated the extraction and clean-up procedures into one single run, and the detection efficiency was considerably improved. The developed method is simple, rapid, highly sensitive, and insusceptible to human errors. Thus, it is useful for the determination of N-nitrosamines in air-dried yak meat and can be extended to the qualitative and quantitative analysis of N-nitrosamines in other meat products. It also provides method support and a data reference for the general determination of N-nitrosamines, which is of great significance for food safety.

The Glucose-Succinate Pathway: A Crucial Anaerobic Metabolic Pathway in the Scallop Chlamys farreri Experiencing Heat Stress.

Recently, the increase in marine temperatures has become an important global marine environmental issue. The ability of energy supply in marine animals plays a crucial role in avoiding the stress of elevated temperatures. The investigation into anaerobic metabolism, an essential mechanism for regulating energy provision under heat stress, is limited in mollusks. In this study, key enzymes of four anaerobic metabolic pathways were identified in the genome of scallop Chlamys farreri, respectively including five opine dehydrogenases (CfOpDHs), two aspartate aminotransferases (CfASTs) divided into cytoplasmic (CfAST1) and mitochondrial subtype (CfAST2), and two phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinases (CfPEPCKs) divided into a primitive type (CfPEPCK2) and a cytoplasmic subtype (CfPEPCK1). It was surprising that lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), a key enzyme in the anaerobic metabolism of the glucose-lactate pathway in vertebrates, was absent in the genome of scallops. Phylogenetic analysis verified that CfOpDHs clustered according to the phylogenetic relationships of the organisms rather than substrate specificity. Furthermore, CfOpDHs, CfASTs, and CfPEPCKs displayed distinct expression patterns throughout the developmental process and showed a prominent expression in muscle, foot, kidney, male gonad, and ganglia tissues. Notably, CfASTs displayed the highest level of expression among these genes during the developmental process and in adult tissues. Under heat stress, the expression of CfASTs exhibited a general downregulation trend in the six tissues examined. The expression of CfOpDHs also displayed a downregulation trend in most tissues, except CfOpDH1/3 in striated muscle showing significant up-regulation at some time points. Remarkably, CfPEPCK1 was significantly upregulated in all six tested tissues at almost all time points. Therefore, we speculated that the glucose-succinate pathway, catalyzed by CfPEPCK1, serves as the primary anaerobic metabolic pathway in mollusks experiencing heat stress, with CfOpDH3 catalyzing the glucose-opine pathway in striated muscle as supplementary. Additionally, the high and stable expression level of CfASTs is crucial for the maintenance of the essential functions of aspartate aminotransferase (AST). This study provides a comprehensive and systematic analysis of the key enzymes involved in anaerobic metabolism pathways, which holds significant importance in understanding the mechanism of energy supply in mollusks.

The involvement of decomposition and composition processes in restructuring during problem solving.

Decomposition of chunks has been widely accepted as a critical proxy of restructuring, but the role of composition in forming new representations has been largely neglected. This study aims to investigate the roles of both decomposition and composition processes in chunk restructuring, as well as their relationships with "aha" experiences during problem-solving. Participants were asked to move a part of a character to another character to create two new characters. Across three experiments, the characters to be decomposed or composed were varied in terms of tight or loose chunks. The results showed that decomposition or composition of tight chunks led to lower success rates, longer response times, and significantly stronger "Aha!" emotional experiences (mainly in terms of surprise and suddenness). This study provides evidence for the contribution of both decomposition and composition processes to restructuring in creative insight.

Intranational synergies and trade-offs reveal common and differentiated priorities of sustainable development goals in China.

Accelerating efforts for the Sustainable Development Goals requires understanding their synergies and trade-offs at the national and sub-national levels, which will help identify the key hurdles and opportunities to prioritize them in an indivisible manner for a country. Here, we present the importance of the 17 goals through synergy and trade-off networks. Our results reveal that 19 provinces show the highest trade-offs in SDG13 (Combating Climate Change) or SDG5 (Gender Equality) consistent with the national level, with other 12 provinces varying. 24 provinces show the highest synergies in SDG1 (No Poverty) or SDG6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) consistent with the national level, with the remaining 7 provinces varying. These common but differentiated SDG priorities reflect that to ensure a coordinated national response, China should pay more attention to the provincial situation, so that provincial governments can formulate more targeted policies in line with their own priorities towards accelerating sustainable development.

A case of endocardial dissection caused by Micra implantation.

BACKGROUND: Leadless pacemakers are a recent technological advancement. It has many advantages, but there are still a few serious complications. CASE PRESENTATION: This article reports the case of a patient with an endocardial tear and dissection caused by contact with the tip of the Micra cup during surgery and summarises the relevant data. CONCLUSIONS: This case report details the occurrence and management of the incident and provides some guidance for future clinical management.

Rapid classification of whole milk powder and skimmed milk powder by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy combined with feature processing method and logistic regression.

Whole milk powder and skimmed milk powder are suitable for different groups of people due to their differences in composition. Therefore, a rapid classification method for whole milk powder and skimmed milk powder is urgently needed. In this paper, a novel strategy based on laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and feature processing methods combined with logistic regression (LR) was constructed for the classification of milk powder. A LR classification model based on mini-batch gradient descent (MGD) was employed first. As indicated by the research results, the accuracy of the MGD-LR model for the milk powder samples in the test set is 96.33% and the modeling time is 33.07 s. The modeling efficiency is low and needs to be improved. Principal components analysis (PCA) and mutual information (MI) were used as feature processing methods to reduce the high dimensional LIBS data into fewer features for improving the modeling efficiency of the classification model. The research results indicate that the accuracy of the PCA-MGD-LR model and the MI-MGD-LR model for the test set of milk powder samples was 99.33% and 99.67%, respectively. Compared with MGD-LR model, the modeling efficiency of PCA-MGD-LR and MI-MGD-LR models has increased by 89.7% and 74.8%, respectively. The results fully demonstrate the feasibility of rapid milk powder classification based on LIBS and feature processing methods combined with LR, and it will provide a new technology for the identification and classification of milk powder.

Autophagy of OTUD5 destabilizes GPX4 to confer ferroptosis-dependent kidney injury.

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent programmed cell death associated with severe kidney diseases, linked to decreased glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). However, the spatial distribution of renal GPX4-mediated ferroptosis and the molecular events causing GPX4 reduction during ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) remain largely unknown. Using spatial transcriptomics, we identify that GPX4 is situated at the interface of the inner cortex and outer medulla, a hyperactive ferroptosis site post-I/R injury. We further discover OTU deubiquitinase 5 (OTUD5) as a GPX4-binding protein that confers ferroptosis resistance by stabilizing GPX4. During I/R, ferroptosis is induced by mTORC1-mediated autophagy, causing OTUD5 degradation and subsequent GPX4 decay. Functionally, OTUD5 deletion intensifies renal tubular cell ferroptosis and exacerbates acute kidney injury, while AAV-mediated OTUD5 delivery mitigates ferroptosis and promotes renal function recovery from I/R injury. Overall, this study highlights a new autophagy-dependent ferroptosis module: hypoxia/ischemia-induced OTUD5 autophagy triggers GPX4 degradation, offering a potential therapeutic avenue for I/R-related kidney diseases.

Feasibility study of cryoballoon ablation for atrial fibrillation with KODEX-EPD: a single center experience.

To evaluate the feasibility of cryoballoon (CB) ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) under the guidance of a new three-dimensional (3D) mapping system KODEX-EPD. 40 patients scheduled for CB ablation of AF in the first affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from August 2021 to July 2022 were randomly divided into two groups: KODEX-EPD 3D mapping system guidance group (KODEX group, n = 20) and conventional two-dimensional perspective group (standard group, n = 20). The ablation time, operation time, fluoroscopy time, fluoroscopy dose, contrast agent dosage and follow-up data were compared between the two groups. Besides, the feasibility and accuracy of the dielectric sensing system in evaluating pulmonary vein (PV) occlusion in patients with AF during CB ablation were verified. All pulmonary veins were being isolated. The ablation time (36.40 ± 6.72 min vs 35.15 ± 6.29 min, P > 0.05) and the operation time (64.20 ± 11.82 min vs 66.00 ± 13.18 min, P > 0.05) were not statistically different in the two groups. The standard group has longer fluoroscopy time, dose and contrast medium dosage. There were significant differences in fluoroscopy time (532.30 ± 72.83 s vs 676.25 ± 269.33 s, P < 0.05), fluoroscopy dose (110.00 ± 28.64 mGy vs 144.68 ± 66.66 mGy, P < 0.05), and contrast medium dosage (71.90 ± 5.97 ml vs 76.05 ± 5.93 ml, P < 0.05) between the two groups. The learning curves of the first 5 patients and the last 15 patients in the KODEX group were compared. There was no statistical difference in the ablation time (36.80 ± 8.56 min vs 36.27 ± 6.34 min, P > 0.05) or the operation time (69.00 ± 5.00 min vs 62.60 ± 13.10 min, P > 0.05); however, compared to the first 5 patients, fluoroscopy time (587.40 ± 38.34 s vs 513.93 ± 73.02 s, P < 0.05), fluoroscopy dose (147.85 ± 35.19 mGy vs 97.39 ± 8.80 mGy, P < 0.05) and contrast medium dosage (79.60 ± 1.14 ml vs 69.33 ± 4.45 ml, P < 0.05) were significantly decreased. Using pulmonary venography as the gold standard, the sensitivity, specificity of the completely occlusion in KODEX group was 93.6% (95% CI 85-97.6%) and 69.6% (95% CI 54-81.8%); and the sensitivity, specificity of the small leak in KODEX group was 93.1% (95% CI 82.4-97.8%) and 82.0% (95% CI 65.9-91.9%). During an average follow-up of (9.90 ± 1.06) months, there was no statistical difference in arrhythmia recurrence and antiarrhythmic drugs taking after CB ablation between the two groups (P > 0.05). Using the KODEX-EPD system, the CB ablation procedure can correctly evaluate the PV occlusion, and significantly reduce fluoroscopy exposure and contrast medium without significantly increasing the operation time.

Association of radiotherapy with thoracic vertebral fractures in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: A retrospective cohort study.

To investigate the association between radiotherapy (RT) and thoracic vertebral fractures in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and explore the risk factors of thoracic vertebral fracture in ESCC who underwent RT. This retrospective cohort study including 602 consecutive ESCC patients examined the association between RT and thoracic vertebral fractures using multivariable Cox proportional hazard models and relevant risk factors of thoracic vertebral fractures based on clinical and RT parameters in patients with ESCC. Followed for a median follow-up of 24 months, 54 patients had thoracic vertebral fractures. The multivariable analysis revealed RT as an independent risk factor after adjusting for clinical risk factors. Univariable analyses associated a 5-Gy increase in vertebral dose to single vertebrae and a 1-time increase in RT fraction with higher risk of vertebral fracture. Adding RT factors (vertebral dose and fraction) and mean vertebral hounsfield unit to the Cox models containing conventional clinical risk factors significantly improved the χ2 value for predicting vertebral fractures (all P < .001). This study revealed RT, as well as increased vertebral dose and RT fractions, as a significant, consistent, and strong vertebral fracture predictor in ESCC. Combined vertebral dose, RT fractions, and vertebral hounsfield unit provided optimal risk stratification for ESCC patients.

FlyDetector-Automated Monitoring Platform for the Visual-Motor Coordination of Honeybees in a Dynamic Obstacle Scene Using Digital Paradigm.

Vision plays a crucial role in the ability of compound-eyed insects to perceive the characteristics of their surroundings. Compound-eyed insects (such as the honeybee) can change the optical flow input of the visual system by autonomously controlling their behavior, and this is referred to as visual-motor coordination (VMC). To analyze an insect's VMC mechanism in dynamic scenes, we developed a platform for studying insects that actively shape the optic flow of visual stimuli by adapting their flight behavior. Image-processing technology was applied to detect the posture and direction of insects' movement, and automatic control technology provided dynamic scene stimulation and automatic acquisition of perceptual insect behavior. In addition, a virtual mapping technique was used to reconstruct the visual cues of insects for VMC analysis in a dynamic obstacle scene. A simulation experiment at different target speeds of 1-12 m/s was performed to verify the applicability and accuracy of the platform. Our findings showed that the maximum detection speed was 8 m/s, and triggers were 95% accurate. The outdoor experiments showed that flight speed in the longitudinal axis of honeybees was more stable when facing dynamic barriers than static barriers after analyzing the change in geometric optic flow. Finally, several experiments showed that the platform can automatically and efficiently monitor honeybees' perception behavior, and can be applied to study most insects and their VMC.

Feasibility, safety and effectiveness of mapping system assisted conduction system pacing: a single-center prospective study.

To assess pacing and electrophysiological parameters, as well as mid-term outcomes, among patients undergoing His bundle pacing (HBP) guided by KODEX-EPD (a novel mapping system). Consecutive patients undergoing conduction system pacing (CSP) for bradycardia indications were evaluated. Procedural and fluoroscopic times and pacing characteristics were compared between conventional fluoroscopy (the standard group, N = 20 cases) and KODEX-EPD mapping system guided group (the KODEX group, N = 20cases) at CSP implantation and all patients were followed at 6-month. HBP was achieved in all patients (the standard group 20/20 and the KODEX group 20/20). There was no difference in the mean procedure time between the two groups (63.7 ± 9.3 vs. 78.2 ± 25.1 min, p = 0.33). Compared with the standard group, the KODEX group significantly reduced the intraoperative X-ray exposure time (3.8 ± 0.5 vs. 19.3 ± 5.1 min, p < 0.05) and X-ray dose (23.6 ± 5.4 vs. 120.2 ± 38.3 mGy, p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in atrial impedance (643.0 ± 98.8 vs. 591.5 ± 92.1 Ω, p = 0.09), atrial sensing (2.9 ± 0.8 vs. 2.5 ± 0.8 mV, p = 0.08), ventricular sensing (12.8 ± 2.4 vs. 13.3 ± 3.3 mV, p = 0.63),atrial pacing threshold (1.0 ± 0.2 vs. 1.0 ± 0.1 V/0.4 ms, p = 0.81) and ventricular pacing threshold (1.0 ± 0.2 vs. 0.9 ± 0.1 V/0.4 ms, p = 0.63) between two groups, There were statistical differences in ventricular impedance (640.0 ± 80.3 vs. 702.0 ± 86.1 Ω, p < 0.05). There was no statistical significance in pacing parameters between the two groups at 6 months after procedure (p > 0.05). During the 6-months follow-up period, no adverse events occurred in the two groups. It can be concluded that KODEX-EPD can safely guide His bundle branch pacing lead implantation with reduced fluoroscopic time and dose without lengthening the procedure time.

Learning adaptability facilitates self-regulated learning at school: the chain mediating roles of academic motivation and self-management.

Studies have demonstrated that learning adaptability has emerged as an important factor for students' utilization of self-regulated learning for successful learning, but how this association occurred is not clear yet. This study aimed to clarify the mechanism of the relationship between learning adaptability and self-regulated learning by investigating the chain mediating roles of academic motivation and self-management of 787 junior high school students under the "double reduction" background. The results showed that (1) learning adaptability had significant positive effects on junior high school students' self-regulated learning and (2) academic motivation and self-management played independent and accumulative mediating roles in the relationship between learning adaptability and self-regulated learning. These findings help to understand how to support students in successfully coping with the new challenges brought by educational reform and promote effective adjustment to challenges, including the "double reduction." The key contribution of this study is to provide new insights into the literature that academic motivation and self-management separately and sequentially mediate the learning adaptability, self-regulated learning links, and learning adaptability is effective driver of self-regulated learning in the population of junior high school students.

Cardiac performance and heart gene network provide dynamic responses of bay scallop Argopecten irradians irradians exposure to marine heatwaves.

The increased frequency of marine heat waves (MHWs) caused by global climate change is predicted to threaten the survival of economic bivalves, therefore having severely adverse effects on local ecological communities and aquaculture production. However, the study of scallops facing MHWs is still scarce, particularly in the scallop Argopecten irradians irradians, which has a significant share of "blue foods" in northern China. In the present study, bay scallop heart was selected to detect its cardiac performance, oxidative impairment and dynamic molecular responses, accompanied by assessing survival variations of individuals in the simulated scenario of MWHs (32 °C) with different time points (0 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 3 d, 6 d and 10 d). Notably, cardiac indices heart rate (HR), heart amplitude (HA), rate-amplitude product (RAP) and antioxidant enzyme activities superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) all peaked at 24 h but sharply dropped on 3 d, coinciding with mortality. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the heart actively defended against heat stress at the acute stage (<24 h) via energy supply, misfolded proteins correction and enhanced signal transduction, whereas regulation of the defense response and apoptotic process combined with twice transcription initiation were the dominant responses at the chronic stage (3-10 d). In particular, HSP70 (heat shock protein 70), HSP90 and CALR (calreticulin) in the endoplasmic reticulum were identified as the hub genes (top 5 %) in the HR-associated module via WGCNA (weighted gene co-expression network analysis) trait-module analysis, followed by characterization of their family members and diverse expression patterns under heat exposure. Furthermore, RNAi-mediated knockdown of CALR expression (after 24 h) significantly weakened the thermotolerance of scallops, as evidenced by a drop of 1.31 °C in ABT (Arrhenius break temperature) between the siRNA-injected group and the control group. Our findings elucidated the dynamic molecular responses at the transcriptome level and verified the cardiac functions of CALR in bay scallops confronted with stimulated MHWs.

Parent-Adolescent Conflict, Peer Victimization, and Internet Gaming Disorder Among Chinese Adolescents: The Moderating Effect of OXTR Gene rs53576 Polymorphism.

Despite growing evidence that parent-adolescent conflict positively correlates with Internet gaming disorder (IGD) among adolescents, its underlying mediating and moderating mechanisms have yet to be thoroughly examined. Based on the social development model and gene-environment interaction perspective, this study investigates whether the indirect association of parent-adolescent conflict, which impacts adolescent IGD through peer victimization, was moderated by the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene rs53576 polymorphism. Overall, 673 Chinese adolescents (Meanage = 12.81 years; SD = 0.48 years; 54% boys) were included in this study. The participants completed questionnaires concerning parent-adolescent conflict, peer victimization, and IGD, and genomic DNA was extracted from each participant's saliva and buccal cells. The findings indicated that peer victimization mediated the link between parent-adolescent conflict and IGD among adolescents. The OXTR gene rs53576 polymorphism also moderated this indirect link. Specifically, the indirect effect of parent-adolescent conflict on adolescent IGD through peer victimization was significant for adolescents with AA homozygotes. However, it was non-significant for adolescents with GA and GG genotypes. This research simultaneously considers the roles of family, peers, and genetics in adolescent IGD. Furthermore, it provides beneficial information to customize interventions for adolescent IGD prevention.

Glutathione metabolism rewiring protects renal tubule cells against cisplatin-induced apoptosis and ferroptosis.

Renal proximal tubular cells are highly vulnerable to different types of assaults during filtration and reabsorption, leading to acute renal dysfunction and eventual chronic kidney diseases (CKD). The chemotherapeutic drug cisplatin elicits cytotoxicity causing renal tubular cell death, but its executing mechanisms of action are versatile and elusive. Here, we show that cisplatin induces renal tubular cell apoptosis and ferroptosis by disrupting glutathione (GSH) metabolism. Upon cisplatin treatment, GSH metabolism is impaired leading to GSH depletion as well as the execution of mitochondria-mediated apoptosis and lipid oxidation-related ferroptosis through activating IL6/JAK/STAT3 signaling. Inhibition of JAK/STAT3 signaling reversed cell apoptosis and ferroptosis in response to cisplatin induction. Using a cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (CAKI) mouse model, we found that inhibition of JAK/STAT3 significantly mitigates cisplatin nephrotoxicity with a reduced level of serum BUN and creatinine as well as proximal tubular distortion. In addition, the GSH booster baicalein also reclaims cisplatin-induced renal tubular cell apoptosis and ferroptosis as well as the in vivo nephrotoxicity. In conclusion, cisplatin disrupts glutathione metabolism, leading to renal tubular cell apoptosis and ferroptosis. Rewiring glutathione metabolism represents a promising strategy for combating cisplatin nephrotoxicity.

Right ventriculography improves the accuracy of leadless pacemaker implantation in right ventricular mid-septum.

BACKGROUND: Implanting leadless pacemakers in the right ventricular (RV) apex is prone to causing pericardial tamponade and myocardial perforation. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility and safety of right ventriculography-guided implantation of Micra™ leadless pacemaker (Micra™, Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA) in the RV mid-septum. METHODS: One hundred eight consecutive patients who underwent Micra™ implantation intended in the mid-septum were enrolled and randomized (3:1) into the radiography group (n = 81) with assistance of right ventriculography to illustrate the RV septum and the non-radiography group (n = 27). All subjects underwent a postoperative computed tomography (CT) scan to determine the Micra™ location. The Micra™ location assessed by CT image was compared between the two groups to confirm the accuracy of the intended pacing site. The duration of the procedure, X-ray radiation dose, and time were also compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Reconstructed CT 3-D cardiac images found the Micra™ location in the intended mid-septum in 13 patients (48.1%, 13/27) in the non-radiography group and 76 patients (93.8%, 76/81) in the radiography group (P < 0.0001 between two groups). There was no significant difference in procedure interval between the two groups while the X-ray radiation dose (564.86 ± 112.44 vs. 825.85 ± 156.12 mGy, P < 0.0001), X-ray exposure time (7.79 ± 1.43 vs. 12.03 ± 2.86 min, P < 0.0001), and the number of fluoroscopy re-positioning (2.79 ± 1.03 vs. 6.41 ± 1.82, P < 0.0001) were significantly less in the radiography group than in the non-radiography group. No implantation-related complications were observed in both groups. CONCLUSION: Right ventriculography increases the accuracy of Micra™ implantation in the mid-septum and reduces X-ray exposure. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial registration number (ChiCTR2100051374) and date (09/22/2021).

The Psychometric Properties of the Chinese Version of the Encouragement Character Strength Scale in Selected Undergraduate Students and Teachers.

The Encouragement Character Strength Scale (ECSS) is a self-report measure of encouragement, which refers to a tendency to enjoy and perceive oneself as being accomplished in communicating affirmations to motivate others. Although it is theoretically assumed as an overarching construct consisting of two domain-specific factors (i.e., perceived ability and enjoyment), there is inconclusive evidence regarding the most optimal factor structure of the encouragement construct. This study evaluated the factor structure, measurement invariance, and criterion-related validity of the Chinese version of the ECSS among teachers and undergraduate students in mainland China. Results showed that the bifactor model of encouragement demonstrated the best fit among undergraduate students and teachers. There was evidence supporting the measurement invariance of this factor structure across type of samples (i.e., teachers and undergraduate students) and gender. Ancillary bifactor indices indicate the superiority of using the ECSS's overall or general factor over subscale scores. The ECSS total score also showed internal consistency and temporal stability. A review of correlations between encouragement and criterion variables (i.e., kindness, hope, agreeableness, and extraversion) indicates that effect sizes ranged from moderate to large. Furthermore, the encouragement general factor was positively correlated with both psychological well-being and work engagement after controlling for the aforementioned criterion variables and demographic covariates.

Delphian lymph node metastasis predicts occult contralateral carcinoma for unilateral papillary thyroid carcinoma patients with contralateral benign nodules.

BACKGROUND: For unilateral PTC patients with benign nodules in the contralateral lobe evaluated preoperatively, the necessity of total thyroidectomy remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the predictive factors for occult contralateral carcinoma and whether DLN metastasis could predict it. METHODS: A total of 148 patients with unilateral PTC and contralateral benign nodules who were treated with a near-total thyroidectomy or TT at a single institution between August 2018 and April 2020 were enrolled. Clinicopathological features such as age, sex, TgAb or TPOAb level, primary tumor location, nodule number in contralateral lobe, carcinoma number in primary lobe, tumor size, capsular invasion, central lymph node metastasis, DLN metastasis were analyzed to investigate the rate and predictive factors of occult contralateral carcinoma. RESULTS: 44.6% patients were diagnosed with occult contralateral thyroid carcinoma. Univariate analysis showed that sex (P = 0.008), mulifocality of primary carcinoma (P < 0.001), tumor size (P = 0.033), capsular invasion (P = 0.042), CLN metastasis (P = 0.004), DLN metastasis (P = 0.001) were associated with occult contralateral carcinoma. Multivariate analysis showed that multifocality of primary carcinoma (p = 0.000, OR = 9.729), DLN metastasis (p = 0.042, OR = 4.701), capsular invasion (p = 0.022, OR = 2.909), and male patients (p = 0.006, OR = 3.926) were all independent predictive factors. CONCLUSION: For unilateral PTC patients with benign nodules in the contralateral lobe evaluated preoperatively, multifocality of primary carcinoma, DLN metastasis, capsular invasion, and male patients are independent predictors of occult contralateral carcinoma. We suggest separate excision and frozen section of DLN intraoperatively, if DLNs were confirmed metastasized, a TT was highly recommended.

Interactive responses of root and shoot of camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora L.) to asymmetric disturbance treatments.

Plant root and shoot growth are closely interrelated, though the connotation of root-shoot balance should not be limited to their connectivity in biomass and physiological indicators. Their directional distribution of mass in architecture and the resulting root-shoot interactions are the keys to understanding the dynamic balance of the below- and above-ground organs related to tree anchorage. This study focuses on the 4-year-old camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora L.) as a system to observe the biomass distribution in response to the asymmetric disturbance treatments of biased root (BRT), inclined trunk (ITT), and half-crown (HCT) in a controlled cultivation experiment using the minirhizotron technique. We found an inverse relationship of biomass distribution of crowns to roots in BRT and opposite asymmetries of roots with crowns in response to the ITT and HCT treatments. We also observed higher net photosynthesis rate (Pn ), water use efficiency, and chlorophyll content in the leaves on the side opposite the lean in ITT, and higher Pn , transpiration rate, and chlorophyll content on the root-bias side in BRT, which is consistent with the nutrient allocation strategies of allocating nutrients across plant organs in an optimal way to obtain 'functional equilibrium' and adapt to the stressed environment. Furthermore, the asymmetrical growth transformation of first-level branch length from the root-bias side to the opposite side in BRT, and a similar transformation of root length from the crown-bias side to the opposite side in HCT, imbues further theoretical support of the nutrient allocation strategy and the biomechanical stability principle, respectively. In summary, this study is the first to identify opposite interaction between below- and above-ground biomass distributions of the camphor tree. The findings enrich the connotation of root-shoot interactions and help to realize root design for the silviculture management of urban forests.