Effects of simulated multi-sensory stimulation integration on physiological and psychological restoration in virtual urban green space environment.

Virtual urban green environment images and audio stimuli had been proven to have restorative effects on subjects' physical and mental health. In this area, researchers predominantly focused on visual, auditory and olfactory aspects, while tactile and gustatory senses have been minimally explored. However, the optimal combination of sensory stimuli for promoting physical and mental recovery remains unclear. Therefore, a simulated sensory stimulation approach involving 240 participants was employed, with 30 individuals included in each of the eight experimental groups: the visual-auditory (VA), visual-auditory-olfactory (VAO), visual-auditory-tactile (VAT), visual-auditory-gustatory(VAG), visual-auditory-olfactory-tactile (VAOT), visual-auditory-olfactory-gustatory (VAOG), visual-auditory-tactile-gustatory (VATG), and visual-auditory-olfactory-tactile-gustatory (VAOTG) groups. This study aimed to explore the differences in participants' physiological and psychological health recovery after exposure to different combinations of simulated sensory stimuli in virtual UGSs. The results indicated that the following: (1) In terms of physiological recovery, the blood pressure of the 8 experimental groups decreased significantly after the experiment, indicating that the virtual urban green space environment has a certain recovery effect on physiological state. The combination of VAOTG stimuli in the multisensory group resulted in the best blood pressure recovery (p < 0.05). Tactile is an important sense to enhance the physiological recovery effect. Olfactory-tactile or tactile-gustatory stimuli interactions significantly enhance physiological recovery, emphasizing the importance of tactile stimulation in improving physiological recovery. (2) In terms of psychological recovery, the common trigger of olfactory-gustatory is the most key element to enhance psychological recovery through multi-sensory stimulation of virtual urban green space environment. VAOG stimulation had the best effect on psychological recovery (p < 0.05), followed by VAOTG stimulation (p < 0.05). Gustatory is an important sense to enhance the psychological recovery effect, and both the tactile-gustatory interaction and the olfactory-gustatory interaction significantly enhance the recovery effect. At the same time, the psychological recovery effect obtained by four or more sensory combinations was higher than that obtained by two or three sensory stimulation groups. This study confirms more possibilities for ways to restore physical and mental health through virtual natural environments. It expands the research on the benefits of virtual nature experience and provides theoretical support for the application of this method.

Effect of Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing on Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Severe Community-Acquired Pneumonia in ICU: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) was previously established as a method that can increase the pathogen identification rate in patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia (SCAP). RESEARCH QUESTION: What is the impact on clinical outcomes of mNGS of BALF in ICU patients with SCAP? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A multicenter, randomized, open-label clinical trial was conducted in 10 ICUs. Patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to undergo BALF with the conventional microbiological tests (CMTs) only (CMT group) or both BALF with mNGS and CMTs (mNGS group). The primary outcome was the time to clinical improvement, defined as the time from randomization to either an improvement of two points on a six-category ordinal scale or discharge from the ICU, whichever occurred first. RESULTS: A total of 349 patients were randomized between January 1, 2021, to November 18, 2022, of whom 170 were assigned to the CMT group and 179 to the mNGS group. In the intention-to-treat analysis, the time to clinical improvement was better in the mNGS group than that in the CMT group (10 d vs. 13 d, difference: -2.0 [95% CI = -3.0 to 0.0]). Similar results were obtained in the per-protocol analysis. The proportion of patients with clinical improvement within 14 d was significantly higher in the mNGS group (62.0%) than that in the CMT group (46.5%). There was no significant difference in other secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION: MNGS combined with CMTs reduced the time to clinical improvement for patients with SCAP, compared to the use of CMTs alone.

Lead Tolerance and Remediation Potential of Four Indocalamus Species in Lead-Contaminated Soil.

Indocalamus plants are low-growing shrubby bamboos with growth advantages, such as high biomass and strong resistance, and they are rich in germplasm resources in southern China. This study conducted soil lead (Pb) stress experiments on Indocalamus latifolius (Keng) McClure (LA), Indocalamus hunanensis B.M. Yang (HU), Indocalamus chishuiensis Y.L. Yang and Hsueh (CH) and Indocalamus lacunosus Wen (LC). Five Pb treatments (0, 500, 1000, 1500 mg·kg-1 Pb, and 1000 mg·kg-1 Pb + 1000 mg·kg-1 ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA)) were established. EDTA was applied to explore the tolerance mechanism of different Indocalamus species after absorbing large amounts of heavy metals. The results were as follows: (1) under Pb treatment, the total relative biomass of LA, HU and LC was <100%, whereas the total relative biomass of CH was >100%; (2) after applying EDTA, the bioconcentration coefficient, translocation factor, and free proline content of the four Indocalamus species increased; and (3) the Pb mobility and distribution rates of the underground parts of the four Indocalamus species were consistently greater than those of the aboveground parts. The Pb mobility and distribution rates in the stems increased after applying EDTA, while those in the leaves decreased, as the plants tended to transfer Pb to their stems, which have lower physiological activity than their leaves.

Integrated cell wall and transcriptomic analysis revealed the mechanism underlying zinc-induced alleviation of cadmium toxicity in Cosmos bipinnatus.

Plant growth is severely harmed by cadmium (Cd) contamination, while the addition of zinc (Zn) can reduce the toxic effects of Cd. However, the interaction between Cd and Zn on the molecular mechanism and cell wall of Cosmosbipinnatus is unclear. In this study, a transcriptome was constructed using RNA-sequencing. In C. bipinnatus root transcriptome data, the expression of 996, 2765, and 3023 unigenes were significantly affected by Cd, Zn, and Cd + Zn treatments, respectively, indicating different expression patterns of some metal transporters among the Cd, Zn, and Cd + Zn treatments. With the addition of Zn, the damage to the cell wall was reduced, both the proportion and content of polysaccharides in the cell wall were changed, and Cd accumulation was decreased by 32.34%. In addition, we found that Cd and Zn mainly accumulated in pectins, the content of which increased by 30.79% and 61.4% compared to the CK treatment. Thus, Zn could alleviate the toxicity of Cd to C. bipinnatus. This study revealed the interaction between Cd and Zn at the physiological and molecular levels, broadening our understanding of the mechanisms of tolerance to Cd and Zn stress in cosmos.

Wnt signaling and tumors (Review).

Wnt signaling is a highly conserved evolutionary pathway that plays a key role in regulation of embryonic development, as well as tissue homeostasis and regeneration. Abnormalities in Wnt signaling are associated with tumorigenesis and development, leading to poor prognosis in patients with cancer. However, the pharmacological effects and mechanisms underlying Wnt signaling and its inhibition in cancer treatment remain unclear. In addition, potential side effects of inhibiting this process are not well understood. Therefore, the present review outlines the role of Wnt signaling in tumorigenesis, development, metastasis, cancer stem cells, radiotherapy resistance and tumor immunity. The present review further identifies inhibitors that target Wnt signaling to provide a potential novel direction for cancer treatment. This may facilitate early application of safe and effective drugs targeting Wnt signaling in clinical settings. An in-depth understanding of the mechanisms underlying inhibition of Wnt signaling may improve the prognosis of patients with cancer.

Case Report: A rare infection of multidrug-resistant Aeromonas caviae in a pediatric case with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and review of the literature.

Aeromonas caviae infection of the bloodstream and intestine is a rare and severe opportunistic infection in immunocompromised people. In Southwest China, we first reported a case of bloodstream and intestinal infection with multidrug-resistant (MDR) Aeromonas caviae in a 4-year-old child with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Blood and stool cultures were used to identify the infection. The selection of antibiotics was based on clinical expertise and medication sensitivity tests. We used linezolid, levofloxacin, and polymyxin B to treat the patient aggressively. Aeromonas caviae infection is uncommon in juvenile acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Doctors should be aware of the likelihood of opportunistic infection during the post-chemotherapy bone marrow suppression period. We further conducted a review of the literature and performed a detailed analysis of Aeromonas infection in pediatric leukemia. It is becoming increasingly apparent that antibiotic is abused domestically and abroad, resulting in the sharp increase of MDR bacteria. In general, most of the Aeromonas isolates are susceptible to third- or fourth-generation cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, quinolones, and carbapenem, but drug-resistant strains are being reported increasingly. We summarized the drug resistance rate of Aeromonas caviae and Aeromonas hydrophila in China in the last 10 years. Early recognition and effective treatment will improve prognosis and reduce mortality.

Effects of cadmium and zinc interactions on the physiological biochemistry and enrichment characteristics of Iris pseudacorus.

Compound pollution with cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) is common in nature. The effects of compounded Cd and Zn on the growth and development of Iris pseudacorus in the environment and the plant's potential to remediate heavy metals in the environment remain unclear. In this study, the effects of single and combined Cd and Zn stress on I. pseudacorus growth and the enrichment of heavy metals in I. pseudacorus seedlings were investigated. The results showed that under Cd (160 µM) and Zn (800 µM) stress, plant growth was significantly inhibited and photosynthetic performance was affected. Cd+Zn200 (160 µM + 200 µM) reduced the levels of malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and non-protein thiols by 31.29%, 53.20%, and 13.29%, respectively, in the aboveground tissues compared with levels in the single Cd treatment. However, Cd+Zn800 (160 µM + 800 µM) had no effect. Cd and Zn800 inhibited the absorption of mineral elements, while Zn200 had little effect on plants. Compared with that for Cd treatment alone, Cd + Zn200 and Cd+Zn800 reduced the Cd content in aboveground tissues by 54.15% and 49.92%, respectively, but had no significant effect on Cd in the root system. Zn significantly reduced the Cd content in subcellular components and limited the content and proportion of Cd extracted using water and ethanol. These results suggest that a low supply of Zn reduces Cd accumulation in aboveground tissues by promoting antioxidant substances and heavy metal chelating agents, thus protecting the photosynthetic systems. The addition of Zn also reduced the mobility and bioavailability of Cd to alleviate its toxicity in I. pseudacorus.

Why Female Smokers Have Poorer Long-Term Health Outcomes than Male Smokers: The Role of Cigarette Smoking During Pregnancy.

Objectives: Women's health status is better than men but the opposite is true for female smokers who usually have poorer long-health outcomes than male smokers. The objectives of this study were to thoroughly reviewed and analyzed relevant literature and to propose a hypothesis that may explain this paradox phenomenon. Methods: We conducted a search of literature from three English databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar) from inception to 13 November 2023. A combination of key words and/or subject headings in English was applied, including relevant terms for cigarette smoking, sex/gender, pregnancy, and health indicators. We then performed analysis of the searched literature. Results: Based on this review/analysis of literature, we proposed a hypothesis that may explain this paradox phenomenon: female smokers have worse long-term health outcomes than male smokers because some of them smoke during pregnancy, and the adverse effects of cigarette smoking during pregnancy is much stronger than cigarette smoking during non-pregnancy periods. Conclusion: Approval of our pregnancy-amplification theory could provide additional evidence on the adverse effect on women's long-term health outcomes for cigarette smoking during pregnancy.

Methyl jasmonate regulation of pectin polysaccharides in Cosmos bipinnatus roots: A mechanistic insight into alleviating cadmium toxicity.

Methyl jasmonate (MeJA), a crucial phytohormone, which plays an important role in resistance to Cadmium (Cd) stress. The cell wall (CW) of root system is the main location of Cd and plays a key role in resistance to Cd toxicity. However, the mechanism effect of MeJA on the CW composition and Cd accumulation remain unclear. In this study, the contribution of MeJA in regulating CW structure, pectin composition and Cd accumulation was investigated in Cosmos bipinnatus. Phenotypic results affirm MeJA's significant role in reducing Cd-induced toxicity in C. bipinnatus. Notably, MeJA exerts a dual impact, reducing Cd uptake in roots while increasing Cd accumulation in the CW, particularly bound to pectin. The molecular structure of pectin, mainly uronic acid (UA), correlates positively with Cd content, consistent in HC1 and cellulose, emphasizing UA as pivotal for Cd binding. Furthermore, MeJA modulates pectin methylesterase (PME) activity under Cd stress, influencing pectin's molecular structure and homogalacturonan (HG) content affecting Cd-binding capacity. Chelate-soluble pectin (CSP) within soluble pectins accumulates a substantial Cd proportion, with MeJA regulating both UA content and the minor component 3-deoxy-oct-2-ulosonic acid (Kdo) in CSP. The study delves into the intricate regulation of pectin monosaccharide composition under Cd stress, revealing insights into the CW's physical defense and Cd binding. In summary, this research provides novel insights into MeJA-specific mechanisms alleviating Cd toxicity in C. bipinnatus, shedding light on complex interactions between MeJA, and Cd accumulation in CW pectin polysaccharide.

Sasa argenteostriata - A potential plant for phytostabilization remediation of lead-zinc tailing-contaminated soil.

Phytoremediation is an effective way to remediate metal-contaminated soils. During phytoremediation, plants immobilize heavy metals through the roots to reduce the mobility, toxicity and dispersal of the metals, and the changes in the activity of the roots are often accompanied by changes in the rhizosphere ecosystems, in which rhizobacteria are essential components and interact with roots to maintain the stability of the rhizosphere ecosystem and improve soil health. In this study, the phytoremediation potential of Sasa argenteostriata (Regel) E.G. Camu and the response of rhizobacteria were revealed with different levels of lead-zinc tailing contamination (Pb, Zn, and Cd concentrations of 1197.53, 3243.40, and 185.44 mg/kg for M1 and 2301.71, 6087.95, and 364.00 mg/kg for M2, respectively). The BCF of Sasa argenteostriata increased with increasing soil pollution, and the BCFPb, BCFZn, and BCFCd were 0.19, 0.27, and 0.08, respectively, under the M2 treatment; in contrast, the TF decreased with increasing soil pollution, and the TFPb, TFZn, and TFCd were 0.39, 0.85, and 0.07, respectively, under the M1 treatment. The mobility of Pb in the rhizosphere was higher than that of Zn and Cd, and the percentage of residual (Res) Zn and Cd in the rhizosphere increased, while the acid-soluble (Aci) Pb was significantly higher, leading to obvious uptake of Pb by the roots. Correlation analysis showed that Sasa argenteostriata affected the rhizobacterial community by changing the rhizosphere soil pH, the contents of organic matter and NRFM, and bacteria such as Proteobacteria and MND1, which are highly resistant to heavy metals (HMs), became the dominant species in the community. Further PICRUSt2 analysis showed that reducing metal transport across the membranes and increasing the efficiency of cellular reproduction were the main metabolic mechanisms of bacterial tolerance to HMs. Overall, the roots of Sasa argenteostriata were able to immobilize more heavy metals in PbZn tailing-contaminated soil, reducing the toxicity of HMs in the soil, and then influencing the rhizobacteria to change the community structure and metabolism mechanism to adapt to the HM-contaminated environment, and the soil fertility was increased, which together promoted the health and stability of the soil. This study is the first to illustrate the phytoremediation potential and response of the rhizobacterial community of Sasa argenteostriata under multimetal contamination of PbZn tailings. The results of the study provide some guidance for the practice of lead-zinc tailing-phytoremediation and soil health.

A novel missense mutation in the MECOM gene in a Chinese boy with radioulnar synostosis with amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia.

Radioulnar synostosis with amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia (RUSAT) type 2, caused by MDS1 and EVI1 complex locus (MECOM) gene mutations, is a rare inherited bone marrow failure syndrome (IBMFS) with skeletal anomalies, characterized by varying presentation of congenital thrombocytopenia (progressing to pancytopenia), bilateral proximal radioulnar synostosis, and other skeletal abnormalities. Due to limited knowledge and heterogenous manifestations, clinical diagnosis of the disease is challenging. Here we reported a novel MECOM mutation in a Chinese boy with typical clinical features for RUSAT-2. Trio-based whole exome sequencing of buccal swab revealed a novel heterozygous missense mutation in exon 11 of the MECOM gene (chr3:168818673; NM_001105078.3:c.2285G > A). The results strongly suggest that the variant was a germline mutation and disease-causing mutation. The patient received matched unrelated donor hematopoetic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). This finding was not only expanded the pathogenic mutation spectrum of MECOM gene, but also provided key information for clinical diagnosis and treatment of RUSAT-2.