Conjugation of TLR7 and TLR7/8 agonists onto weak protein antigen via versatile oxime ligation for enhanced vaccine efficacy.

Protein-based subunit vaccines are weakly immunogenic, and developing self-adjuvanting vaccines with adjuvant conjugated to antigen is a promising approach for generating optimal immune responses. Here, we report a novel adjuvant-protein conjugate vaccine based on versatile oxime ligation technique. Firstly, the adjuvant properties of a series of TLR7 and TLR7/8 small molecule agonists in self-adjuvanting vaccines were systematically compared by coupling them to proteins in consistent ratio via p-carboxybenzaldehyde (p-CBA) for the first time. All conjugate vaccines induced cytokine secretion in murine and human macrophages in vitro, and promoted specific antibody production in vivo. Notably, a conjugate containing imidazoquinoline TLR7/8 agonist (TLR7/8a1) showed the greatest enhancement in Th1/2 balanced antibody response. To minimize the interference with the protein antigenic integrity, we further developed a systematic glycoconjugation strategy to conjugate this TLR7/8a1 onto the glycan chains of SARS-CoV-2 S1 glycoprotein via oxime ligation, in which S1 containing different numbers of aldehyde groups were obtained by differential periodate oxidation. The resulting TLR7/8a1-S1 conjugate triggered a potent humoral and cellular immunity in vivo. Together these data demonstrate the promise of these TLR7 and TLR7/8 agonists as effective built-in adjuvants, and the versatile oxime ligation strategy might broaden potential applications in designing different conjugate vaccines.

A comparative study of the physical activity guidelines for children and adolescents from five countries and WHO.

This study presented a narrative review of the six latest sets of guidelines on physical activity for children and adolescents from Australia, Canada, China, the United Kingdom, the United States and WHO, and analysed the history of the development of the guidelines; the policy context in which the guidelines were developed; and the main subjects of the guidelines. The core elements of the latest guidelines were identified and compared, including frequency, intensity, duration (time), and type of physical activity, assessment intensity of physical activity, and risk prevention for physical activity participation. There is an urgent need for obtaining the latest scientific evidence to support and update the contents of the Chinese guidelines. We therefore make the following recommendations for future revisions of the Chinese guidelines based on the findings of this study: (1) to update the recommended frequency, intensity, duration, and type of physical activities that meet the needs for Chinese children and adolescents; (2) to update the methods for assessing physical activity intensity, and identifying and managing the risk factors in participating in physical activity; and (3) to incorporate analyses and reviews of school physical education curriculum for effectively achieving the adequate levels of physical activity.

Programmed cell death 1 inhibitor sintilimab plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma, a malignancy that arises in the cells of the pancreas, is a devastating disease with unclear etiology and often poor prognosis. Locally advanced pancreatic cancer, a stage where the tumor has grown significantly but has not yet spread to distant organs, presents unique challenges in treatment. This article aims to discuss the current strategies, challenges, and future directions in the management of locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma (LAPC). AIM: To investigate the feasibility and efficacy of programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) inhibitor sintilimab plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy for LAPC. METHODS: Eligible patients had LAPC, an Eastern cooperative oncology group performance status of 0 or 1, adequate organ and marrow functions, and no prior anticancer therapy. In the observation group, participants received intravenous sintilimab 200 mg once every 3 wk, and received concurrent chemoradiotherapy (concurrent conventional fractionated radiotherapy with doses planning target volume 50.4 Gy and gross tumor volume 60 Gy in 28 fractions and oral S-1 40 mg/m2 twice daily on days 1-14 of a 21-d cycle and intravenous gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8 of a 21-d cycle for eight cycles until disease progression, death, or unacceptable toxicity). In the control group, participants only received concurrent chemoradiotherapy. From April 2020 to November 2021, 64 participants were finally enrolled with 34 in the observation group and 30 in the control group. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients completed the scheduled course of chemoradiotherapy, while 32 (94.1%) received sintilimab plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy with 2 patients discontinuing sintilimab in the observation group. Thirty patients completed the scheduled course of chemoradiotherapy in the control group. Based on the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors guidelines, the analysis of the observation group revealed that a partial response was observed in 11 patients (32.4%), stable disease was evident in 19 patients (55.9%), and 4 patients (11.8%) experienced progressive disease; a partial response was observed in 6 (20.0%) patients, stable disease in 18 (60%), and progressive disease in 6 (20%) in the control group. The major toxic effects were leukopenia and nausea. The incidence of severe adverse events (AEs) (grade 3 or 4) was 26.5% (9/34) in the observation group and 23.3% (7/30) in the control group. There were no treatment-related deaths. The observation group demonstrated a significantly longer median overall survival (22.1 mo compared to 15.8 mo) (P < 0.05) and progression-free survival (12.2 mo vs 10.1 mo) (P < 0.05) in comparison to the control group. The occurrence of severe AEs did not exhibit a statistically significant difference between the observation group and the control group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Sintilimab plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy was effective and safe for LAPC patients, and warrants further investigation.

Fructus Jujubae cooperated with water-expelling members in Shizao decoction alleviated intestinal injury and malignant ascites by modulating gut microbiota and metabolic homeostasis.

BACKGROUND: Shizao decoction (SZD) consisted of Euphorbia kansui (EK), Euphorbia pekinensis (EP), Daphne genkwa (DG), and Fructus Jujubae (FJ) is a classic Chinese herbal medicine formula for treating malignant ascites, which is closely related to the modulation of gut microbiota by our previous study. For water-expelling members (WEM) including EK, EP, and DG may have side effects on the intestine, FJ is employed for detoxification and effectivity enhancement of WEM. However, the underlying mechanism for the compatibility of WEM and FJ is still unknown. PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of the compatibility of WEM with FJ in SZD on malignant ascites and elucidate the potential mechanism from the perspective of the modulation of gut microbiota and related metabolic function. METHODS: Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of main components was conducted for comprehensive characterization of SZD and WEM. The effect of WEM and SZD was compared on malignant ascites effusion (MAE) rats. The intestinal injury was evaluated by HE staining and oxidative damage. Ascites weight, urine amount, fecal water content, the expression of aquaporins, and cytokines in ascites (IL-6, VEGF, and TNF-α) were measured to estimate the water-expelling activity. The intestinal flora was detected by 16S rDNA sequencing and the content of fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Pseudo-germ-free (PGF) and fecal bacteria transplantation animal experiments were subsequently employed to validate this finding. The fecal metabolomics and correlation analysis were finally conducted to explore the related metabolic changes. RESULTS: 51 and 33 components were identified in SZD and WEM, respectively. Compared to WEM alone, the compatibility with FJ remarkably reduced intestinal oxidative damage in MAE rats. Ascites was also relieved by downregulating the expression of AQP3 in the colon and decreasing the levels of IL-6, TNF-α and VEGF in ascites. The diversity of gut microbiota was reversed with an increase in Lactobacillus and Clostridia_UCG-014 while a decrease in Colidextribacter. Under the PGF condition, compatibility of WEM with FJ failed to reduce intestinal injury and alleviate MA significantly, but this effect was further enhanced after FMT. 23 potential fecal metabolites were finally identified. Correlation analysis further showed that Lactobacillus and Clostridia_UCG-014 were positively correlated with SCFAs and l-tryptophan. Colidextribacter was negatively correlated with thymidine but positively correlated with ursodeoxycholic acid and deoxycholic acid. CONCLUSION: FJ cooperated with WEM reduced intestinal injury and alleviated malignant ascites by modulating gut microbiota, short-chain fatty and tryptophan metabolism. These findings provide a scientific basis for the clinical application of FJ from SZD and the safe usage of SZD.

Performance analysis of non-invasive prenatal testing for trisomy 13, 18, and 21: A large-scale retrospective study (2018-2021).

Background: Non-invasive prenatal tests (NIPT) are used to screen for trisomy 21, 18, and 13. This study investigated NIPT performance and the clinical significance of its results. Methods: Pregnant women (n = 282,911) participating in a free NIPT (April 2018-December 2021) were screened for common trisomies, and the results were retrospectively analyzed. NIPT performance was evaluated by its positive predictive value (PPV), sensitivity, and specificity. Results were analyzed using number, percentage, and chi-squared/t-test analyses. Results: After NIPT screening, patients with common trisomies (n = 746) included 457 with T21, 160 with T18, and 129 with T13. Seven false negative cases were identified. High PPV (86.81 %, 56.81 %, 18.18 %), sensitivity (99.25 %, 98.33 %, 100.00 %), and specificity (99.98 %, 99.98 %, 99.97 %) values were detected for trisomy 21, 18, and 13, respectively. The PPVs of common trisomies were significantly different between pregnant women older than 35 (85.53 %, 136/159) and those aged 35 or younger (58.90 %, 311/528) (χ2 = 125.02, P = 2.20e-16). As the NIPT uptake increased from 2018 to 2021, live-born birth defect incidence decreased. Conclusion: NIPT performed well in screening for T21, T18, and T13. Our discoveries offer an important and useful guideline in laboratory and clinical genetic counseling.

Case report: Pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma demonstrating rapid growth on follow-up CT.

Background: The tumor growth rate and tumor volume doubling time are crucial parameters in diagnosing and managing lung lesions. Pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma (PSC) is a unique and highly malignant subtype of lung cancer, with limited documentation on its growth feature. This article aims to address the gap in knowledge regarding a PSC's growth patterns by describing the characteristics of a confirmed case using computed tomography, thereby enhancing the understanding of this rare disease. Case presentation: A 79-year-old man was transferred to our center presenting with a mild cough, blood-tinged sputum, and a malignant nodule in the left upper lobe. Chest CT revealed a solid nodule in the left upper lobe. A follow-up CT ten days later showed a significant increase in the size of the nodule, accompanied by ground-glass opacity in the surrounding lung. The rapid preoperative growth of the nodule suggested a non-neoplastic lesion, and intraoperative frozen pathology also considered the possibility of tuberculosis. Subsequently, a left upper apical-posterior segment (S1 + 2) resection was performed. Postoperative tumor pathology confirmed the diagnosis of pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma with extensive giant cell carcinoma and necrosis. Immunohistochemistry indicated approximately 60% PD-L1 positive and genetic testing revealed a MET mutation. The patient was discharged with oral crizotinib targeted therapy, and his condition remained stable postoperatively. The patient is currently undergoing regular follow-up at our hospital, with no evidence of distant metastasis or recurrence. Conclusion: Pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma can exhibit rapid tumor growth on imaging, and PSC should be considered in the differential diagnosis for lesions that present with a fast growth rate. Timely and appropriate treatment for PSC may lead to a good prognosis.

LncRNA DERCNC in Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Cirrhosis Aggravates Tumor Proliferation by Targeting SOX9.

PURPOSE: This study aims to understand the role of cirrhosis in promoting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression by analyzing the differential expression of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) between cirrhotic hepatocellular carcinoma (CHCC) and noncirrhotic hepatocellular carcinoma (NCHCC). METHODS: A transcriptional profile array was used to identify differentially expressed lncRNAs. Subsequently, a specific lncRNA was selected to evaluate the clinical significance, potential functions, regulatory targets, and pathways through both in vitro and in vivo experiments. RESULTS: The study identified a lncRNA, which we termed DERCNC, an acronym for Differentially Expressed RNA between Cirrhotic and Non-Cirrhotic HCC. DERCNC was significantly more highly expressed in CHCC than in NCHCC. Clinically, elevated levels of DERCNC expression were positively correlated with both the cirrhotic state and tumor stage and inversely correlated with tumor differentiation. Furthermore, high expression of DERCNC was associated with a poor prognosis for patients. Conditioned medium from the hepatic stellate cell (LX2) was found to enhance DERCNC expression, SOX9 expression, and tumor proliferation. Overexpression of DERCNC similarly promoted tumor proliferation and increased SOX9 levels. Conversely, DERCNC silencing resulted in the opposite effects. Moreover, the pro-proliferative function of DERCNC was reversible through the modulation of SOX9 expression. Further mechanistic studies revealed that DERCNC upregulated SOX9 by increasing the enrichment of H3K27ac modifications near the SOX9 promoter. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, DERCNC expression in CHCC has significant clinical implications and can aggravate tumor proliferation by targeting SOX9. This represents a novel mechanism by which cirrhosis promotes tumor progression.

FTO mediates bisphenol F-induced blood-testis barrier impairment through regulating ferroptosis via YTHDF1/TfRc and YTHDF2/SLC7A11 signal axis.

Bisphenol F (BPF) has been extensively utilized in daily life, which brings new hazards to male reproductive health. However, the specific functional mechanism is still unclear. Both cell and animal models were utilized for exploring the role of RNA methylation and ferroptosis and its underlying mechanisms in male reproductive injury induced by BPF. In animal model, BPF severely destroyed the integrity of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) and induced ferroptosis. Furthermore, BPF significantly affected the barrier function of TM4 cells and promoted ferroptosis. Importantly, ChIP assays revealed that BPF inhibited AR transcriptional regulation of FTO and FTO expression was downregulated in TM4 cells. Overexpression of FTO prevented the impairment of BTB by inhibiting ferroptosis in TM4 cells. Mechanistically, FTO could significantly down-regulate the m6A modification level of TfRc and SLC7A11 mRNA through MeRIP experiment. RIP experiments showed that YTHDF1 can bind to TfRc mRNA and promote its translation while YTHDF2 could bind to SLC7A11 mRNA and reduce its mRNA stability. Therefore, our results suggest that FTO plays a key role in BPF induced male reproductive toxicity through YTHDF1-TfRc axis and YTHDF2-SLC7A11 axis and may provide new ideas and methods for the prevention and treatment of male reproductive diseases associated with environmental pollutants.

Highly extensile approach for comminuted ulna coronoid process fractures with mini-plate fixation: a case series of 31 patients.

BACKGROUND: For the treatment of coronoid process fractures, medial, lateral, anterior, anteromedial, and posterior approaches have been increasingly reported; however, there is no general consensus on the method of fixation of coronal fractures. Here, we present a highly-extensile minimally invasive approach to treat coronoid process fractures using a mini-plate that can achieve anatomic reduction, stable fixation, and anterior capsular repair. Further, the study aimed to determine the complication rate of the anterior minimally invasive approach and to evaluate functional and clinical patient-reported outcomes during follow-up. METHODS: Thirty-one patients diagnosed with coronoid fractures accompanied with a "terrible triad" or posteromedial rotational instability between April 2012 and October 2018 were included in the analysis. Anatomical reduction and mini-plate fixation of coronoid fractures were performed using an anterior minimally invasive approach. Patient-reported outcomes were evaluated using the Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) score, range of motion (ROM), and the visual analog score (VAS). The time of fracture healing and complications were recorded. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 26.7 months (range, 14-60 months). The average time to radiological union was 3.6 ± 1.3 months. During the follow-up period, the average elbow extension was 6.8 ± 2.9° while the average flexion was 129.6 ± 4.6°. According to Morrey's criteria, 26 (81%) elbows achieved a normal desired ROM. At the last follow-up, the mean MEPI score was 98 ± 3.3 points. There were no instances of elbow instability, elbow joint stiffness, subluxation or dislocation, infection, blood vessel complications, or nerve palsy. Overall, 10 elbows (31%) experienced heterotopic ossification. CONCLUSION: An anterior minimally invasive approach allows satisfactory fixation of coronoid fractures while reducing incision complications due to over-dissection of soft tissue injuries. In addition, this incision does not compromise the soft tissue stability of the elbow joint and allows the patient a more rapid return to rehabilitation exercises.

A network of acetyl phosphate-dependent modification modulates c-di-AMP homeostasis in Actinobacteria.

Cyclic purine nucleotides are important signal transduction molecules across all domains of life. 3',5'-cyclic di-adenosine monophosphate (c-di-AMP) has roles in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, while the signals that adjust intracellular c-di-AMP and the molecular machinery enabling a network-wide homeostatic response remain largely unknown. Here, we present evidence for an acetyl phosphate (AcP)-governed network responsible for c-di-AMP homeostasis through two distinct substrates, the diadenylate cyclase DNA integrity scanning protein (DisA) and its newly identified transcriptional repressor, DasR. Correspondingly, we found that AcP-induced acetylation exerts these regulatory actions by disrupting protein multimerization, thus impairing c-di-AMP synthesis via K66 acetylation of DisA. Conversely, the transcriptional inhibition of disA was relieved during DasR acetylation at K78. These findings establish a pivotal physiological role for AcP as a mediator to balance c-di-AMP homeostasis. Further studies revealed that acetylated DisA and DasR undergo conformational changes that play crucial roles in differentiation. Considering the broad distribution of AcP-induced acetylation in response to environmental stress, as well as the high conservation of the identified key sites, we propose that this unique regulation of c-di-AMP homeostasis may constitute a fundamental property of central circuits in Actinobacteria and thus the global control of cellular physiology.IMPORTANCESince the identification of c-di-AMP is required for bacterial growth and cellular physiology, a major challenge is the cell signals and stimuli that feed into the decision-making process of c-di-AMP concentration and how that information is integrated into the regulatory pathways. Using the bacterium Saccharopolyspora erythraea as a model, we established that AcP-dependent acetylation of the diadenylate cyclase DisA and its newly identified transcriptional repressor DasR is involved in coordinating environmental and intracellular signals, which are crucial for c-di-AMP homeostasis. Specifically, DisA acetylated at K66 directly inactivates its diadenylate cyclase activity, hence the production of c-di-AMP, whereas DasR acetylation at K78 leads to increased disA expression and c-di-AMP levels. Thus, AcP represents an essential molecular switch in c-di-AMP maintenance, responding to environmental changes and possibly hampering efficient development. Therefore, AcP-mediated posttranslational processes constitute a network beyond the usual and well-characterized synthetase/hydrolase governing c-di-AMP homeostasis.

Benzo(a)pyrene promotes the malignant progression of malignant-transformed BEAS-2B cells by regulating YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein 1 to inhibit ferroptosis.

Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is associated with the development of lung cancer, but the underlying mechanism has not been completely clarified. Here, we used 10 µM BaP to induce malignant transformation of human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells, named BEAS-2B-T. Results indicated that BaP (6.25, 12.5 and 25 µM) treatment significantly promoted the migration and invasion of BEAS-2B-T cells. Meanwhile, BaP exposure inhibited ferroptosis in BEAS-2B-T, ferroptosis-related indexes Fe2+, malondialdehyde (MDA), lipid peroxidation (LPO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) decreased significantly. The protein level of ferroptosis-related molecule transferrin receptor (TFRC) decreased significantly, while solute carrier family 7 membrane 11 (SLC7A11), ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) increased significantly. The intervention of ferroptosis dramatically effected the migration and invasion of BEAS-2B-T induced by BaP. Furthermore, the expression of YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein 1 (YTHDF1) was markedly increased after BaP exposure. YTHDF1 knockdown inhibited BEAS-2B-T migration and invasion by promoting ferroptosis. In the meantime, the contents of Fe2+, MDA, LPO and ROS increased significantly, TFRC was markedly increased, and SLC7A11, FTH1, and GPX4 were markedly decreased. Moreover, overexpression of YTHDF1 promoted BEAS-2B-T migration and invasion by inhibiting ferroptosis. Importantly, knockdown of YTHDF1 promoted ferroptosis and reduced BEAS-2B-T migration and invasion during BaP exposure, and overexpression of YTHDF1 increased migration and invasion of BEAS-2B-T by inhibiting ferroptosis during BaP exposure. RNA immunoprecipitation assays indicated that the binding of YTHDF1 to SLC7A11 and FTH1 markedly increased after YTHDF1 overexpression. Therefore, we concluded that BaP promotes the malignant progression of BEAS-2B-T cells through YTHDF1 upregulating SLC7A11 and FTH1 to inhibit ferroptosis. This study reveals new epigenetic and ferroptosis markers for preventing and treating lung cancer induced by environmental carcinogens.

Rationally Designed Highly Potent NKT Cell Agonists with Different Cytokine Selectivity through Hydrogen-Bond Interaction.

Synthetic α-galactosylceramide (αGalCer) and its analogues as powerful agonists for natural killer T (NKT) cell manipulation have received significant attention in immunotherapy and adjuvant development. However, identifying new potent NKT cell agonists, especially those with Th1 selectivity that promote anticancer effects, remains a challenging task. In this work, we introduced a sulfonamide group into the acyl chain of αGalCer to form additional hydrogen bonds to intensify the glycolipid/CD1d interaction. Two compounds GCS-11 and GCS-12 demonstrated remarkable potency while exhibiting different cytokine induction patterns. Compared to αGalCer, the Th1-biased GCS-11 exhibited a 6-fold increase in IFN-γ but not IL-4, while the Th1/2-balanced GCS-12 elicited 7- and 5-fold increase in IFN-γ and IL-4, respectively, in vivo. These findings place them among the most potent NKT cell agonists, with superior antitumor effects. Therefore, hydrogen-bond-involved derivatization could be a powerful strategy to develop potent and polarized NKT cell agonists for various immunotherapies.

Mechanisms of gastrointestinal toxicity in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder patients treated with mycophenolate mofetil: insights from a mouse model and human study.

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is commonly utilized for the treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD). However, a subset of patients experience significant gastrointestinal (GI) adverse effects following MMF administration. The present study aims to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of MMF-induced GI toxicity in NMOSD. Utilizing a vancomycin-treated mouse model, we compiled a comprehensive data set to investigate the microbiome and metabolome in the GI tract to elucidate the mechanisms of MMF GI toxicity. Furthermore, we enrolled 17 female NMOSD patients receiving MMF, who were stratified into non-diarrhea NMOSD and diarrhea NMOSD (DNM) groups, in addition to 12 healthy controls. The gut microbiota of stool samples was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Vancomycin administration prevented weight loss and tissue injury caused by MMF, affecting colon metabolomes and microbiomes. Bacterial ß-glucuronidase from Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes was linked to intestinal tissue damage. The DNM group showed higher alpha diversity and increased levels of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria. The ß-glucuronidase produced by Firmicutes may be important in causing gastrointestinal side effects from MMF in NMOSD treatment, providing useful information for future research on MMF. IMPORTANCE: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) patients frequently endure severe consequences like paralysis and blindness. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) effectively addresses these issues, but its usage is hindered by gastrointestinal (GI) complications. Through uncovering the intricate interplay among MMF, gut microbiota, and metabolic pathways, this study identifies specific gut bacteria responsible for metabolizing MMF into a potentially harmful form, thus contributing to GI side effects. These findings not only deepen our comprehension of MMF toxicity but also propose potential strategies, such as inhibiting these bacteria, to mitigate these adverse effects. This insight holds broader implications for minimizing complications in NMOSD patients undergoing MMF therapy.

[Dynamic Response of Aerobic Denitrification Bacteria to Water Quality in Baiyangdian Lake Under Different Hydrological Scenarios].

In order to explore the evolution law and driving mechanism of aerobic denitrification bacteria in Baiyangdian Lake under different hydrological scenarios, based on water quality survey and high-throughput sequencing technology, this study conducted a water quality factor analysis and aerobic denitrification bacteria α-diversity analysis, species composition, and network analysis. The results showed that the water body of Baiyangdian Lake was weakly alkaline, with the highest T and the lowest DO in the rainy season and the lowest T and the highest DO in the freezing season. There were significant differences between NH4+-N, NO2--N, NO3--N, TN, permanganate index, Fe, and Mn in Baiyangdian water under different hydrological scenarios (P < 0.01), and there was no significant difference in TP under different hydrological scenarios (P > 0.05). The largest category in water bodies under different hydrological scenarios was Proteobacteria, and the genera with a higher relative abundance were Magnetospirillum, Aeromonas, Pseudomonas, Azospirillum, and Bradyrhizobium. In addition, within the aerobic denitrifying bacteria community, there were significant differences in α-diversity (P < 0.001), with the highest abundance of microbial communities occurring during the freezing period, and the highest diversity and evenness of microbial communities during the dry and freezing periods. According to the RDA and Mantel analyses, the water quality driving factors of flora were different under different hydrological scenarios. The water quality driving factors of flora in the dry season were pH, NO3--N, NO2--N, and permanganate index; the driving factors of flora in the rainy season were pH, T, DO, NO2--N, and TP; the driving factors of flora in the normal season were NO2--N, Fe, and permanganate index; and the driving factors of flora in the freezing season were NO3--N and NONO2--N. Network analysis showed that there were temporal differences in species related to water quality driving factors. The genera related to water quality driving factors during the dry season were Magnetospirillum, Aeromonas, and Azoarcus, whereas the genera related to the rainy season were Magnetospirillum, Pseudomonas, and Aeromonas. The genera related to the normal season were Magnetospirillum, Pseudomonas, and Limnohabitans, and the genera related to the freezing period were Magnetospirillum, Azoarcus, and Pseudomonas. The relationship between key water quality factors (mainly T, DO, NO3--N, and permanganate index) and aerobic denitrification flora in different hydrological scenarios was gradually changing with time. In conclusion, the study on the evolution characteristics of aerobic denitrification bacteria in Baiyangdian Lake under different hydrological scenarios and the driving mechanism of environmental factors could provide a basis for understanding the evolution mechanism of aerobic denitrification bacteria in the natural environment.

Innovative Delivery System Combining CRISPR-Cas12f for Combatting Antimicrobial Resistance in Gram-Negative Bacteria.

Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant global challenge, demanding innovative approaches, such as the CRISPR-Cas-mediated resistance plasmid or gene-curing system, to effectively combat this urgent crisis. To enable successful curing of antimicrobial genes or plasmids through CRISPR-Cas technology, the development of an efficient broad-host-range delivery system is paramount. In this study, we have successfully designed and constructed a novel functional gene delivery plasmid, pQ-mini, utilizing the backbone of a broad-host-range Inc.Q plasmid. Moreover, we have integrated the CRISPR-Cas12f system into the pQ-mini plasmid to enable gene-curing in broad-host of bacteria. Our findings demonstrate that pQ-mini facilitates the highly efficient transfer of genetic elements to diverse bacteria, particularly in various species in the order of Enterobacterales, exhibiting a broader host range and superior conjugation efficiency compared to the commonly used pMB1-like plasmid. Notably, pQ-mini effectively delivers the CRISPR-Cas12f system to antimicrobial-resistant strains, resulting in remarkable curing efficiencies for plasmid-borne mcr-1 or blaKPC genes that are comparable to those achieved by the previously reported pCasCure system. In conclusion, our study successfully establishes and optimizes pQ-mini as a broad-host-range functional gene delivery vector. Furthermore, in combination with the CRISPR-Cas system, pQ-mini demonstrates its potential for broad-host delivery, highlighting its promising role as a novel antimicrobial tool against the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.

Predictive models of Alzheimer's disease dementia risk in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review and critical appraisal.

BACKGROUND: Mild cognitive impairment has received widespread attention as a high-risk population for Alzheimer's disease, and many studies have developed or validated predictive models to assess it. However, the performance of the model development remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review was to provide an overview of prediction models for the risk of Alzheimer's disease dementia in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. METHOD: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and MEDLINE were systematically searched up to October 19, 2023. We included cohort studies in which risk prediction models for Alzheimer's disease dementia in older adults with mild cognitive impairment were developed or validated. The Predictive Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool (PROBAST) was employed to assess model bias and applicability. Random-effects models combined model AUCs and calculated (approximate) 95% prediction intervals for estimations. Heterogeneity across studies was evaluated using the I2 statistic, and subgroup analyses were conducted to investigate sources of heterogeneity. Additionally, funnel plot analysis was utilized to identify publication bias. RESULTS: The analysis included 16 studies involving 9290 participants. Frequency analysis of predictors showed that 14 appeared at least twice and more, with age, functional activities questionnaire, and Mini-mental State Examination scores of cognitive functioning being the most common predictors. From the studies, only two models were externally validated. Eleven studies ultimately used machine learning, and four used traditional modelling methods. However, we found that in many of the studies, there were problems with insufficient sample sizes, missing important methodological information, lack of model presentation, and all of the models were rated as having a high or unclear risk of bias. The average AUC of the 15 best-developed predictive models was 0.87 (95% CI: 0.83, 0.90). DISCUSSION: Most published predictive modelling studies are deficient in rigour, resulting in a high risk of bias. Upcoming research should concentrate on enhancing methodological rigour and conducting external validation of models predicting Alzheimer's disease dementia. We also emphasize the importance of following the scientific method and transparent reporting to improve the accuracy, generalizability and reproducibility of study results. REGISTRATION: This systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (Registration ID: CRD42023468780).

A multifactorial screening model based on the Graves ophthalmopathy quality of life scores in dysthyroid optic neuropathy.

PURPOSE: To validate the Graves ophthalmopathy quality of life (GO-QOL) questionnaire in screening DON and to construct an effective model. METHODS: A total of 194 GO patients were recruited and divided into DON and non-DON (mild and moderate-to-severe) groups. Eye examinations were performed, and quality of life was assessed by the GO-QOL questionnaire. The random forest, decision tree model, receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve, accuracy and Brier score were determined by R software. RESULTS: In GO-QOL, age, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), exophthalmos, CAS, severity, and Gorman score were found to be factors related to visual function scores. On the appearance scale, gender, duration of GO, BCVA, exophthalmos, CAS and severity of GO were relevant. Both the visual function scores and appearance scores were significantly lower in DON groups than in non-DON groups (33.18 ± 24.54 versus 81.26 ± 17.39, 60.08 ± 24.82 versus 76.14 ± 27.56). The sensitivity, specificity, and AUC of the visual function scores were 91.1%, 81.7% and 0.939, respectively Visual function scores were used to construct a decision tree model. The sensitivity, specificity, and AUC of the model were 92.9%, 88.0% and 0.941, respectively, with an accuracy of 89.7% and a Brier score of 0.024. CONCLUSIONS: Visual function scores were qualified as a screening method for DON, with a cutoff point of 58. A multifactorial screening model based on visual function scores was constructed.

Anterior segment optical coherence tomography for superficial keratectomy.

PURPOSE: To report the use of anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) for superficial keratectomy (SK) in anterior corneal opacity. METHODS: The characteristics of 43 eyes (39 patients) with various lesions responsible for anterior corneal opacity were included in this retrospective non-comparative study. AS-OCT was performed on all eyes before surgery. The thickness of corneal opacity and the underlying healthy stroma were measured. SK was performed on each individual. RESULTS: Four types of anterior corneal opacity were evaluated, including corneal degeneration (26/43), Reis-Bücklers corneal dystrophy (8/43), alkali burn (1/43) and corneal tumors (8/43). Based on AS-OCT images, all eyes showed abnormal hyper-reflective signals in the superficial cornea to less than one-third of the normal corneal thickness in the deepest corneal opacity. All 43 eyes underwent an SK procedure. In addition, 1 eye with alkali burns and 7 eyes with corneal tumors were combined with amniotic membrane transplantation. All eyes restored transparency without significant complications. CONCLUSION: AS-OCT is a valuable method for objective preoperative and noninvasive assessments of anterior corneal opacities and is useful for guiding SK.