Clinical evaluation of a novel digital microfluidic based point-of-care test platform for detection of SARS-Cov-2 and influenza A/B.

Respiratory pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A/B, can cause severe illnesses in susceptible individuals. This research evaluated a novel digital microfluidic point-of-care testing platform designed to detect 23 pathogens, comparing its performance to conventional laboratory-based nucleic acid tests. The platform integrates nucleic acid extraction and amplification processes for rapid detection with only 2 min of hands-on time. Performance assays demonstrated that the platform has high sensitivity (87 %-100 %) and specificity (99 %-100 %) for the detection of the evaluated 3 viruses. Additionally, the platform can be adapted for the detection of other respiratory pathogens, aiding in the early diagnosis of respiratory diseases, identifying the source of an outbreak or epidemic, and curbing the spread of the disease.

Are children with IgA nephropathy different from adult patients?

BACKGROUND: Previously, several studies have indicated that pediatric IgA nephropathy (IgAN) might be different from adult IgAN, and treatment strategies might be also different between pediatric IgAN and adult IgAN. METHODS: We analyzed two prospective cohorts established by pediatric and adult nephrologists, respectively. A comprehensive analysis was performed investigating the difference in clinical and pathological characteristics, treatment, and prognosis between children and adults with IgAN. RESULTS: A total of 1015 children and 1911 adults with IgAN were eligible for analysis. More frequent gross hematuria (88% vs. 20%, p < 0.0001) and higher proteinuria (1.8 vs. 1.3 g/d, p < 0.0001) were seen in children compared to adults. In comparison, the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was lower in adults (80.4 vs. 163 ml/min/1.73 m2, p < 0.0001). Hypertension was more prevalent in adult patients. Pathologically, a higher proportion of M1 was revealed (62% vs. 39%, p < 0.0001) in children than in adults. S1 (62% vs. 28%, p < 0.0001) and T1-2 (34% vs. 8%, p < 0.0001) were more frequent in adults. Adjusted by proteinuria, eGFR, and hypertension, children were more likely to be treated with glucocorticoids than adults (87% vs. 45%, p < 0.0001). After propensity score matching, in IgAN with proteinuria > 1 g/d, children treated with steroids were 1.87 (95% CI 1.16-3.02, p = 0.01) times more likely to reach complete remission of proteinuria compared with adults treated with steroids. CONCLUSIONS: Children present significantly differently from adults with IgAN in clinical and pathological manifestations and disease progression. Steroid response might be better in children.

[Study on the antimicrobial effect of new bioactive glass against common bacteria in apical periodontitis of deciduous teeth].

PURPOSE: To study the antimicrobial effect of different concentrations of new bioactive glass(BG) on common bacteria in apical periodontitis of deciduous teeth. METHODS: The diameter (mm) of the inhibitory rings formed after treatment of Enterococcus faecalis, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Clostridium nucleatum with the new bioactive glass was detected and observed by paper diffusion method, and the minimal inhibitory concentration(MIC), minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimal biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) of E. faecalis, P. gingivalis and C. pseudomallei were determined. The mixed plaques of the three bacteria were treated with 20, 40, 60 and 80 mg/mL of the new bioactive glass for 24 h. The results were analyzed by laser confocal microscopy. The antibacterial effect of the new bioactive glass on the mixed plaque was observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Statistical analysis was performed with GraphPad Prism 10.0 software. RESULTS: The new bioactive glass showed strong antibacterial potential against the common bacteria of apical periodontitis; the MBEC of the new bioactive glass on the plaque was significantly greater than MIC and MBC of Enterococcus faecalis, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Clostridium nucleatum, and as the concentration of the new bioactive glass increased, the number of dead bacteria in the mixed plaque increased, and there was significant difference from that of the blank control group (P＜0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The novel bioactive glass shows significant antibacterial efficacy against Enterococcus faecalis, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Clostridium nucleatum, which are the common bacteria in apical periodontitis of deciduous teeth.

A Pilot Study on a Possible Mechanism behind Olfactory Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease: The Association of TAAR1 Downregulation with Neuronal Loss and Inflammation along Olfactory Pathway.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized not only by motor symptoms but also by non-motor dysfunctions, such as olfactory impairment; the cause is not fully understood. Our study suggests that neuronal loss and inflammation in brain regions along the olfactory pathway, such as the olfactory bulb (OB) and the piriform cortex (PC), may contribute to olfactory dysfunction in PD mice, which might be related to the downregulation of the trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) in these areas. In the striatum, although only a decrease in mRNA level, but not in protein level, of TAAR1 was detected, bioinformatic analyses substantiated its correlation with PD. Moreover, we discovered that neuronal death and inflammation in the OB and the PC in PD mice might be regulated by TAAR through the Bcl-2/caspase3 pathway. This manifested as a decrease of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and an increase of the pro-apoptotic protein cleaved caspase3, or through regulating astrocytes activity, manifested as the increase of TAAR1 in astrocytes, which might lead to the decreased clearance of glutamate and consequent neurotoxicity. In summary, we have identified a possible mechanism to elucidate the olfactory dysfunction in PD, positing neuronal damage and inflammation due to apoptosis and astrocyte activity along the olfactory pathway in conjunction with the downregulation of TAAR1.

Hepatitis C virus subtype diversity and transmission clusters characteristics among drug users in Zhuhai, South China.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection poses a major public health challenge globally, especially among injecting drug users. China has the world's largest burden of HCV infections. However, little is known about the characteristics of transmission networks among drug user populations. This study aims to investigate the molecular epidemiology and transmission characteristics of HCV infections among drug users in Zhuhai, a bustling port city connecting Mainland China and its Special Administrative Regions. METHODS: Participants enrolled in this study were drug users incarcerated at Zhuhai's drug rehabilitation center in 2015. Their sociodemographic and behavioral information, including gender, promiscuity, drug use method, and so forth, was collected using a standardized questionnaire. Plasmas separated from venous blood were analyzed for HCV infection through ELISA and RT-PCR methods to detect anti-HCV antibodies and HCV RNA. The 5'UTR fragment of the HCV genome was amplified and further sequenced for subtype identifications and phylogenetic analysis. The phylogenetic tree was inferred using the Maximum Likelihood method based on the Tamura-Nei model, and the transmission cluster network was constructed using Cytoscape3.8.0 software with a threshold of 0.015. Binary logistic regression models were employed to assess the factors associated with HCV infection. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of HCV infection among drug users was 44.37%, with approximately 19.69% appearing to clear the HCV virus successfully. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that those aged over 40, engaging in injecting drug use, and being native residents were at heightened risk for HCV infection among drug user cohorts. The predominant HCV subtypes circulating among those drug users were 6a (60.26%), followed by 3b (16.7%), 3a (12.8%), 1b (6.41%) and 1a (3.85%), respectively. Molecular transmission network analysis unveiled the presence of six transmission clusters, with the largest propagation cluster consisting of 41 individuals infected with HCV subtype 6a. Furthermore, distinct transmission clusters involved eight individuals infected with subtype 3b and seven with subtype 3a were also observed. CONCLUSION: The genetic transmission networks revealed a complex transmission pattern among drug users in Zhuhai, emphasizing the imperative for a targeted and effective intervention strategy to mitigate HCV dissemination. These insights are pivotal for shaping future national policies on HCV screening, treatment, and prevention in port cities.

Akkermansia muciniphila Is Beneficial to a Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease, via Alleviated Neuroinflammation and Promoted Neurogenesis, with Involvement of SCFAs.

Increasing evidence suggests that the gut microbiota may represent potential strategies for Parkinson's disease (PD) treatment. Our previous research revealed a decreased abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila (Akk) in PD mice; however, whether Akk is beneficial to PD is unknown. To answer this question, the mice received MPTP intraperitoneally to construct a subacute model of PD and were then supplemented with Akk orally for 21 consecutive days. Motor function, dopaminergic neurons, neuroinflammation, and neurogenesis were examined. In addition, intestinal inflammation, and serum and fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) analyses, were assessed. We found that Akk treatment effectively inhibited the reduction of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and partially improved the motor function in PD mice. Additionally, Akk markedly alleviated neuroinflammation in the striatum and hippocampus and promoted hippocampal neurogenesis. It also decreased the level of colon inflammation. Furthermore, these aforementioned changes are mainly accompanied by alterations in serum and fecal isovaleric acid levels, and lower intestinal permeability. Our research strongly suggests that Akk is a potential neuroprotective agent for PD therapy.

Multifunctional nanocomposites mediated novel hydrogel for diabetic wound repair.

The regeneration and repair of diabetic wounds, especially those including bacterial infection, have always been difficult and challenging using current treatment. Herein, an effective strategy is reported for constructing glucose-responsive functional hydrogels using nanocomposites as nodes. In fact, tannic acid (TA)-modified ceria nanocomposites (CNPs) and a zinc metal-organic framework (ZIF-8) were employed as nodes. Subsequent crosslinking with 3-acrylamidophenylboronic acid achieved functional nanocomposite-hydrogels (TA@CN gel, TA@ZMG gel) by radical-mediated polymerization. Compared with a simple physically mixed hydrogel system, the mechanical properties of TA@CN gel and TA@ZMG gel are significantly enhanced due to the intervention of the nanocomposite nodes. In addition, this kind of nanocomposite hydrogel can realize the programmed loading of drugs and release of drugs in response to glucose/PH, to coordinate and promote its application in the regeneration and repair of diabetic wounds and infected diabetic wounds. Specifically, TA@CN gel can remove reactive oxygen species and generate oxygen through its various enzymatic activities. At the same time, it can effectively promote neovascularization, thus promoting the regeneration and repair of diabetic wounds. Furthermore, glucose oxidase-loaded TA@ZMG gel exhibits glucose response and pH-regulating functions, triggering programmed metformin (Met) release by degrading the metal-organic framework (MOF) backbone. It also exhibited additional synergistic effects of antibacterial activity, hair regeneration and systemic blood glucose regulation, which make it suitable for the repair of more complex infected diabetic wounds. Overall, this novel nanocomposite-mediated hydrogel holds great potential as a biomaterial for the healing of chronic diabetic wounds, opening up new avenues for further biomedical applications.

Polymer-Clay Nanocomposites for the Uptake of Hazardous Anions.

Polymer intercalated clay nanocomposites were prepared from various montmorillonites (Mt) and a polymer, polydiallyldimethylammonim (PDDA) chloride. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of the above polymer intercalated nanocomposites showed either no crystalline peaks or very broad peaks with the intercalation of PDDA polymer in the interlayers, probably as a result of exfoliation of the clay layers. Infrared spectroscopy revealed the presence of PDDA in all the clay nanocomposite materials. The maximum adsorption capacities of nitrate, perchlorate, and chromate by one of the polymer intercalated nanocomposite materials prepared from montmorillonite, Kunipea were 0.40 mmol·g-1, 0.44 mmol·g-1 and 0.299 mmol·g-1, respectively. The other two polymer intercalated nanocomposites prepared with montmorillonites from Wyoming and China showed very good adsorption capacities for perchlorate but somewhat lower uptake capacities for chromate and nitrate compared to the nanocomposite prepared from montmorillonite from Kunipea. The uptake of nitrate, perchlorate and chromate by the polymer intercalated nanocomposites could be well described using the Freundlich isotherm while their uptake kinetics fitted well to the pseudo-second-order model. The uptake kinetics of nitrate, perchlorate, and chromate were found to be fast as equilibrium was reached within 4 h. Moreover, the uptakes of chromate by polymer intercalated nanocomposites were found to be highly selective in the presence of Cl-, SO42- and CO32-, the most abundant naturally occurring anions.

Identification of Immune Infiltration and Iron Metabolism-Related Subgroups in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder with a broad spectrum of symptoms and prognoses. Effective therapy requires understanding this variability. ASD children's cognitive and immunological development may depend on iron homoeostasis. This study employs a machine learning model that focuses on iron metabolism hub genes to identify ASD subgroups and describe immune infiltration patterns. A total of 97 control and 148 ASD samples were obtained from the GEO database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and an iron metabolism gene collection achieved the intersection of 25 genes. Unsupervised cluster analysis determined molecular subgroups in individuals with ASD based on 25 genes related to iron metabolism. We assessed gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment, gene set variation analysis (GSVA), and immune infiltration analysis to compare iron metabolism subtype effects. We employed machine learning to identify subtype-predicting hub genes and utilized both training and validation sets to assess gene subtype prediction accuracy. ASD can be classified into two iron-metabolizing molecular clusters. Metabolic enrichment pathways differed between clusters. Immune infiltration showed that clusters differed immunologically. Cluster 2 had better immunological scores and more immune cells, indicating a stronger immune response. Machine learning screening identified SELENBP1 and CAND1 as important genes in ASD's iron metabolism signaling pathway. These genes express in the brain and have AUC values over 0.8, implying significant predictive power. The present study introduces iron metabolism signaling pathway indicators to predict ASD subtypes. ASD is linked to immune cell infiltration and iron metabolism disorders.

Cutaneous ulceration in juvenile dermatomyositis with anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5.

This report presents the case of an 11-year-old girl with juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM), anti-MDA5 antibodies and multiple skin ulcers. Treatment with traditional immunomodulators and tofacitinib resulted in healing of the skin ulcers and normalization of muscle enzyme markers. This case highlights the significance of recognizing the association between anti-MDA5 antibodies and cutaneous ulceration in JDM and supports the use of Janus kinase inhibitors as a management option.

The role of Chinese-style fiscal decentralization in promoting synergistic carbon and haze governance: insights from technological innovation.

The reduction of haze and carbon emissions is extremely important for promoting sustainable development, improving air quality, enhancing health, and mitigating climate change. However, there is not enough research available on the impact of fiscal decentralization in China on the management of carbon and haze reduction. In order to thoroughly examine the effects of Chinese-style fiscal decentralization on the synergy between haze reduction and carbon reduction in different provinces, this study utilizes a dynamic spatial panel Durbin model using Han-Phillips Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimation and a multi-scale geographically and temporally weighted regression model. Our findings indicate that the eastern region consistently takes the lead in reducing haze and achieving carbon synergy. Fiscal technology decentralization has a direct positive impact and spatial spillover effect on carbon haze synergy with significant inverted U-shaped characteristics. These effects primarily arise from the promotion of technological innovation through fiscal technology decentralization. Furthermore, the influence of decentralizing fiscal technology expenditures on the degree of synergy between haze mitigation and carbon reduction varies significantly across China's provinces, both spatially and temporally. This entails promoting coordination between fiscal decentralization and policies related to haze and carbon emission reduction and encouraging information sharing, technology exchange, and collaborative projects between different regions to create a synergistic linkage effect. This will help achieve joint development and environmental protection goals in all regions. The discoveries carry significant consequences for directing the synchronized administration of haze and carbon and can serve as a solid basis for governmental decision-making aimed at enhancing air quality and attaining carbon neutrality through collaborative actions and policies.

A multicenter study on the application of artificial intelligence radiological characteristics to predict prognosis after percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

Background: A model to predict preoperative outcomes after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) with renal staghorn stones is developed to be an essential preoperative consultation tool. Objective: In this study, we constructed a predictive model for one-time stone clearance after PCNL for renal staghorn calculi, so as to predict the stone clearance rate of patients in one operation, and provide a reference direction for patients and clinicians. Methods: According to the 175 patients with renal staghorn stones undergoing PCNL at two centers, preoperative/postoperative variables were collected. After identifying characteristic variables using PCA analysis to avoid overfitting. A predictive model was developed for preoperative outcomes after PCNL in patients with renal staghorn stones. In addition, we repeatedly cross-validated their model's predictive efficacy and clinical application using data from two different centers. Results: The study included 175 patients from two centers treated with PCNL. We used a training set and an external validation set. Radionics characteristics, deep migration learning, clinical characteristics, and DTL+Rad-signature were successfully constructed using machine learning based on patients' pre/postoperative imaging characteristics and clinical variables using minimum absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithms. In this study, DTL-Rad signal was found to be the outstanding predictor of stone clearance in patients with renal deer antler-like stones treated by PCNL. The DTL+Rad signature showed good discriminatory ability in both the training and external validation groups with AUC values of 0.871 (95% CI, 0.800-0.942) and 0.744 (95% CI, 0.617-0.871). The decision curve demonstrated the radiographic model's clinical utility and illustrated specificities of 0.935 and 0.806, respectively. Conclusion: We found a prediction model combining imaging characteristics, neural networks, and clinical characteristics can be used as an effective preoperative prediction method.

Risk factors for renal outcomes in children with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis: a nationwide retrospective study in China.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a life-threatening systemic vasculitis featured by liability to renal involvement. However, there are few studies on the risk factors and predictive models for renal outcomes of AAV in children. METHODS: Data from 179 AAV children in multiple centers between January 2012 and March 2020 were collected retrospectively. The risk factors and predictive model of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in AAV were explored. RESULTS: Renal involvement was the most typical manifestation (95.5%), and the crescent was the predominant pathological lesion (84.9%). The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was evaluated in 114 patients, of whom 59.6% developed ESRD, and the median time to ESRD was 3.20 months. The eGFR [P = 0.006, odds ratio (OR) = 0.955, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.924-0.987] and the percentages of global glomerulosclerosis (pGGS; P = 0.018, OR = 1.060, 95% CI = 1.010-1.112) were independent risk factors for ESRD of renal biopsy. Based on the pGGS and eGFR at renal biopsy, we developed three risk grades of ESRD and one predictive model. The Kaplan‒Meier curve indicated that renal outcomes were significantly different in different risk grades (P < 0.001). Compared with serum creatinine at baseline, the predictive model had higher accuracy (0.86 versus 0.58, P < 0.001) and a lower coefficient of variation (0.07 versus 0.92) in external validation. CONCLUSIONS: Renal involvement is the most common manifestation of pediatric AAV in China, of which more than half deteriorates into ESRD. The predictive model based on eGFR at renal biopsy and the pGGS may be stable and accurate in speculating the risk of ESRD in AAV children. Supplementary file 2 (MP4 18937 KB).

High Genetic Diversity of HIV-1 and Active Transmission Clusters among Male-to-Male Sexual Contacts (MMSCs) in Zhuhai, China.

Monitoring genetic diversity and recent HIV infections (RHIs) is critical for understanding HIV epidemiology. Here, we report HIV-1 genetic diversity and RHIs in blood samples from 190 HIV-positive MMSCs in Zhuhai, China. MMSCs with newly reported HIV were enrolled from January 2020 to June 2022. A nested PCR was performed to amplify the HIV polymerase gene fragments at HXB2 positions 2604-3606. We constructed genetic transmission network at both 0.5% and 1.5% distance thresholds using the Tamura-Nei93 model. RHIs were identified using a recent infection testing algorithm (RITA) combining limiting antigen avidity enzyme immunoassay (LAg-EIA) assay with clinical data. The results revealed that 19.5% (37/190) were RHIs and 48.4% (92/190) were CRF07_BC. Two clusters were identified at a 0.5% distance threshold. Among them, one was infected with CRF07_BC for the long term, and the other was infected with CRF55_01B recently. We identified a total of 15 clusters at a 1.5% distance threshold. Among them, nine were infected with CRF07_BC subtype, and RHIs were found in 38.8% (19/49) distributed in eight genetic clusters. We identified a large active transmission cluster (n = 10) infected with a genetic variant, CRF79_0107. The multivariable logistic regression model showed that clusters were more likely to be RHIs (adjusted OR: 3.64, 95% CI: 1.51~9.01). The RHI algorithm can help to identify recent or ongoing transmission clusters where the prevention tools are mostly needed. Prompt public health measures are needed to contain the further spread of active transmission clusters.

Functional molecule-mediated assembled copper nanozymes for diabetic wound healing.

BACKGROUND: The complex hyperglycemic, hypoxic, and reactive oxygen species microenvironment of diabetic wound leads to vascular defects and bacterial growth and current treatment options are relatively limited by their poor efficacy. RESULTS: Herein, a functional molecule-mediated copper ions co-assembled strategy was constructed for collaborative treatment of diabetic wounds. Firstly, a functional small molecule 2,5-dimercaptoterephthalic acid (DCA) which has symmetrical carboxyl and sulfhydryl structure, was selected for the first time to assisted co-assembly of copper ions to produce multifunctional nanozymes (Cu-DCA NZs). Secondly, the Cu-DCA NZs have excellent multicatalytic activity, and photothermal response under 808 nm irradiation. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that it not only could efficiently inhibit bacterial growth though photothermal therapy, but also could catalyze the conversion of intracellular hydrogen peroxide to oxygen which relieves wound hypoxia and improving inflammatory accumulation. More importantly, the slow release of copper ions could accelerate cellular proliferation, migration and angiogenesis, synergistically promote the healing of diabetic wound furtherly. CONCLUSIONS: The above results indicate that this multifunctional nanozymes Cu-DCA NZs may be a potential nanotherapeutic strategy for diabetic wound healing.

Longitudinal investigation of factors influencing mental health during centralized quarantine for COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Centralized quarantine was applied in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak. The present study aimed to investigate changes in psychological status of isolated individuals before and after quarantine. METHODS: Between August 2020 and July 2021, 648 participants completed the following psychometric evaluations before and after centralized quarantine: 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire for depression, 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder for anxiety, the Chinese version of the Connor Davidson Resilience Scale for psychological resilience, the Chinese version of the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire for coping style, Jiang's revised Chinese version of the Perceived Social Support Scale for social support and the Chinese version of the Impact of Events Scale for stress. RESULTS: At the beginning of centralized quarantine, 83.2% (n=539) of participants had no depressive mood, 11% (n=71) had mild depressive mood and 5.8% (n=38) had moderate-severe depressive mood. At the end of quarantine, 80.8% (n=524) of participants had no depressive mood, 13% (n=84) had mild depressive mood and 6.2% (n=41) had moderate-severe depressive mood. At the beginning of the centralized quarantine, 86.7% (n=562) of participants had no anxiety, 9.6% (n=62) had mild anxiety and 3.7% (n=24) had moderate-severe anxiety. At the end of quarantine, 85.8% (n=556) of participants had no anxiety, 11.6% (n=75) had mild anxiety and 2.6% (n=17) had moderate-severe anxiety. After 2 weeks of centralized quarantine, anxiety (t=2.175, p<0.05), stress (t=7.453, p<0.01) and three stress subscale scores (p<0.01) decreased significantly; psychology resilience (t=-3.63, p<0.01), tenacity (t=-4.747, p<0.01), active coping style (t=-3.83, p<0.01) and support outside family (t=-3.07, p<0.05) all increased significantly. No significant change was observed in depression, strength, optimism, passive coping style or support inside family. Depression and anxiety scores associated significantly with resilience, stress, coping styles and social support scores. Anxiety (B=0.488, ß=0.413, p<0.01), psychological resilience (B=-0.047, ß=-0.203, p<0.01) and stress (B=1.475, ß=0.167, p<0.1) scores before centralized quarantine were associated with depression after quarantine. Depression (B=0.323, ß=0.422, p<0.01), psychological resilience (B=-0.022, ß=-0.123, p<0.01) and stress (B=1.408, ß=0.207, p<0.01) scores before quarantine also influenced anxiety levels after quarantine. A cross-lagged panel model indicated that depression, anxiety, resilience and stress scores at the first assessment were predictive of depression and anxiety levels at the second assessment. CONCLUSIONS: Good mental health during centralized quarantine was associated with high scores of psychological resilience, impact of events, coping styles and social support and did not become worse in settings where adequate support was available.

Changes in brain functional networks in remitted major depressive disorder: a six-month follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with remitted major depressive disorder (rMDD) show abnormal functional connectivity of the central executive network (CEN), salience networks (SN) and default mode network (DMN). It is unclear how these change during remission, or whether changes are related to function. METHODS: Three spatial networks in 17 patients with rMDD were compared between baseline and the six-month follow-up, and to 22 healthy controls. Correlations between these changes and psychosocial functioning were also assessed. RESULTS: In the CEN, patients at baseline had abnormal functional connectivity in the right anterior cingulate, right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and inferior parietal lobule (IPL) compare with HCs. There were functional connection differences in the right DLPFC and left IPL at baseline during follow-up. Abnormal connectivity in the right DLPFC and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) were found at follow-up. In the SN, patients at baseline had abnormal functional connectivity in the insula, left anterior cingulate, left IPL, and right precuneus; compared with baseline, patients had higher connectivity in the right DLPFC at follow-up. In the DMN, patients at baseline had abnormal functional connectivity in the right mPFC. Resting-state functional connectivity of the IPL and DLPFC in the CEN correlated with psychosocial functioning. CONCLUSIONS: At six-month follow-up, the CEN still showed abnormal functional connectivity in those with rMDD, while anomalies in the SN and DMN has disappeared. Resting-state functional connectivity of the CEN during early rMDD is associated with psychosocial function. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: Pharmacotherapy and Psychotherapy for MDD after Remission on Psychology and Neuroimaging. https://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov/ , registration number: NCT01831440 (15/4/2013).

Serum RGC-32 in children with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can be more severe than adult patients. Early diagnosis and accurate evaluation of the disease are very important for the patients. Response gene to complement-32 (RGC-32) protein is the downstream regulator of C5b-9 complex which is the terminal pathway of complement activation. Complement system plays a very important role in the pathogenesis of SLE. RGC-32 in patients with SLE has not been reported yet. We aimed to examine the clinical value of RGC-32 in children with SLE. A total of 40 children with SLE and another 40 healthy children were enrolled for this study. Clinical data were obtained prospectively. Serum RGC-32 was determined by ELISA. We found that serum RGC-32 was significantly elevated in children with SLE than that in the healthy group. Serum RGC-32 was significantly higher in the children with moderately/severely active SLE than that in the children with no/mildly active SLE. Furthermore, serum RGC-32 level correlated positively with C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and ferritin and correlated negatively with white blood cell counts and C3. RGC-32 may be involved in the pathogenesis of SLE. RGC-32 might become a good biomarker in the diagnosis and evaluation of SLE.

The impact of carbon-biased technological progress on carbon haze coordinated governance: insights from China.

Superficial or cosmetic measures are unlikely to solve the complex challenges of carbon haze governance. Carbon-biased technological progress plays a significant role in low-carbon technology and economic sustainable development. This study introduces carbon resources as a production factor in the transcendental logarithmic function to calculate the biased technological progress index of 30 provinces in China between 2010 and 2020. Subsequently, this study constructs the spatial Durbin model to empirically investigate the spatial spillover effect of carbon-biased technology progress on carbon haze coordinated governance. The findings reveal that China's technological progress is primarily characterized by carbon bias, particularly in terms of labor-using carbon-saving technological progress and capital-using carbon-saving technological progress. Additionally, both levels of carbon haze coordinated governance and carbon-biased technological progress have significant spatial agglomeration characteristics. Moreover, the carbon-biased technological progress can facilitate synergy degree of carbon haze governance through energy-saving effects but can also hinder the carbon haze coordinated governance through rebound effects. Therefore, it is imperative to improve labor productivity, augment green capital investment, and stimulate the induction of technological progress towards carbon saving to achieve sustainable and high-quality economic development. The primary contribution is identifying the uncertainty surrounding the impact of carbon-biased technological progress on coordinated governance of carbon haze, while also providing theoretical explanations for the influence channels of carbon-biased technological progress.