Efficacy of endometrial receptivity testing for recurrent implantation failure in patients with euploid embryo transfers: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Embryo implantation remains a critical barrier in assisted reproductive technologies. One of the main causes of unsuccessful embryo implantation is window of implantation (WOI) displacement, particularly in patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF). Therefore, a reliable diagnostic tool for identifying the optimal WOI is essential. Previous data has suggested that a novel RNA-Seq-based endometrial receptivity testing (ERT) can diagnose WOI, guide personalized embryo transfer (pET), and improve pregnancy outcomes in patients with RIF compared to standard embryo transfer (sET). However, there is still a lack of evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCT) with sufficient power to determine whether pET based on ERT can increase the rate of live births as the primary outcome. METHODS: This trial is a prospective, single-blind, parallel-group RCT (1:1 ratio of pET versus sET). Infertile women with RIF who intend to undergo frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) after preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) with the availability of at least one euploid blastocyst for transfer will be enrolled and assigned into two parallel groups randomly. Participants in the intervention group will undergo ERT and then pET based on the results of ERT, while those in the control group will undergo sET. The primary outcome is live birth rate. DISCUSSION: The findings of this study will provide evidence for the effect of pET guided by ERT on pregnancy outcomes in patients with RIF. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2100049041. Registered on 20 July 2021.

Potential roles of enteric glial cells in Crohn's disease: A critical review.

Enteric glial cells in the enteric nervous system are critical for the regulation of gastrointestinal homeostasis. Increasing evidence suggests two-way communication between enteric glial cells and both enteric neurons and immune cells. These interactions may be important in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease (CD), a chronic relapsing disease characterized by a dysregulated immune response. Structural abnormalities in glial cells have been identified in CD. Furthermore, classical inflammatory pathways associated with CD (e.g., the nuclear factor kappa-B pathway) function in enteric glial cells. However, the specific mechanisms by which enteric glial cells contribute to CD have not been summarized in detail. In this review, we describe the possible roles of enteric glial cells in the pathogenesis of CD, including the roles of glia-immune interactions, neuronal modulation, neural plasticity, and barrier integrity. Additionally, the implications for the development of therapeutic strategies for CD based on enteric glial cell-mediated pathogenic processes are discussed.

A lateral flow immunoassay method for the rapid detection of acetochlor and alachlor in vegetable oil by sensitivity enhancement by using dimethyl-ß-cyclodextrin.

Acetochlor is an endocrine disruptor. The acetochlor residue is strongly lipophilic and can be enriched into products during the manufacturing process. In this study, we found that dimethyl-ß-cyclodextrin (DM-ß-CD) solution could decrease the apparent oil/water partition coefficient (Koil-w) of acetochlor and increase the sensitivity of fluorescence lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) for acetochlor simultaneously. Based on this, a simple LFIA method for the determination of acetochlor and alachlor residues in vegetable oil was established. The detection process only involves vortex mixing of an oil sample and dimethyl-ß-cyclodextrin solution in a 1 : 3 (V/V) ratio, loading the water phase onto the immunoassay strips and reading the results. Under optimized conditions, the LOD for acetochlor in oil was 3.53 ng g-1, and the working range was 12.03-2000.00 ng g-1. The recoveries of spiked samples ranged from 91.69% ± 1.12% to 112.23% ± 2.20%. Meanwhile, the cross reactivity for alachlor was 108.22%, while for other investigated acetochlor analogues it was less than 1%, and the recoveries of alachlor were from 92.90% ± 8.03% to 113.53% ± 3.40%, which indicate that this method can detect acetochlor and alachlor simultaneously. Compared with the traditional detection method, the pre-treatment process of the proposed method is "green" and simple, and can be applied to the on-site rapid detection of acetochlor and alachlor in vegetable oil and can provide inspiration for the detection of other lipophilic pollutants.

Fertilizing-induced alterations of microbial functional profiles in soil nitrogen cycling closely associate with crop yield.

Fertilization and rhizosphere selection are key regulators for soil nitrogen (N) cycling and microbiome. Thus, clarifying how the overall N cycling processes and soil microbiome respond to these factors is a prerequisite for understanding the consequences of high inputs of fertilizers, enhancing crop yields, and formulating reasonable nitrogen management strategies under agricultural intensification scenarios. To do this, we applied shotgun metagenomics sequencing to reconstruct N cycling pathways on the basis of abundance and distribution of related gene families, as well as explored the microbial diversity and interaction via high throughput sequencing based on a two-decade fertilization experiment in Loess Plateau of China semiarid area. We found that bacteria and fungi respond divergent to fertilization regimes and rhizosphere selection, in terms of community diversity, niche breadth, and microbial co-occurrence networks. Moreover, organic fertilization decreased the complexity of bacterial networks but increased the complexity and stability of fungal networks. Most importantly, rhizosphere selection exerted more strongly influences on the soil overall nitrogen cycling than the application of fertilizers, accompanied by the increase in the abundance of nifH, NIT-6, and narI genes and the decrease in the abundance of amoC, norC, and gdhA genes in the rhizosphere soil. Furthermore, keystone families screening from soil microbiome (e.g., Sphingomonadaceae, Sporichthyaceae, and Mortierellaceae), which were affected by the edaphic variables, contributed greatly to crop yield. Collectively, our findings emphasize the pivotal roles of rhizosphere selection interacting with fertilization regimes in sustaining soil nitrogen cycling processes in response to decades-long fertilization, as well as the potential importance of keystone taxa in maintaining crop yield. These findings significantly facilitate our understanding of nitrogen cycling in diverse agricultural soils and lay a foundation for manipulating specific microorganisms to regulate N cycling and promote agroecosystem sustainability.

SPP1 as a risk factor for patients with acute on chronic liver failure undergoing liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) is characterized by systemic inflammation and significant mortality, calling for accurate assessment due to the diverse prognosis of liver transplantation (LT). METHODS: 8 patients with ACLF and 4 normal controls (NC) underwent peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) transcriptomics, whereas 9 patients with ACLF and 3 NC had hepatic CD45+ T cells transcriptomics. Thecandidateindicatorfoundinthetranscriptomicswas confirmedbya retrospective cohort (n = 137) and one prospective cohort (n = 68). RESULTS: Transcriptomics revealed significant differentially expression genes (DEGs) and bioprocesses related to the PBMCs and hepatic CD45+ T cells. Secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) was identified as a potential indicator for ACLF patients receiving LT, which was supported by evidence from the cross-sectional cohorts. As the condition of ACLF got worse, so did SPP1 levels, which were associated with liver failure and coagulation failure. SPP1 levels prior to LT were considerably greater in non-survivors of ACLF within 90 days than that in survivors. In the derivation cohort and validation cohort, ACLF patients with elevated SPP1 levels had significantly shorter cumulative survival durations than those with low SPP1 levels, P = 0.02 and P < 0.001, respectively. The SPP1-MELD and SPP1-chronic liver failure consortium (CLIF-C) ACLF scores had comparatively larger areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) than MELD (P = 0.0388) and CLIF-C ACLF (P = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: The circulating SPP1 showed promise as a predictor for ACLF patients receiving LT, which demonstrated the need for tracking the clinical outcome of LT.

Computational screening of effective g-C3N4 based single atom electrocatalysts for the selective conversion of CO2.

Two-dimensional (2D) material-based single-atom catalysts (SACs) have demonstrated their potential in electrochemical reduction reactions but exploring suitable 2D material-based SACs for the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) by experiments is still a formidable task. In this study, theoretical screening of transition metal (TM)-doped graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) materials as catalysts for the CO2RR was systematically performed based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations. An indicator for the selective formation of one carbon (C1) products was developed to screen catalysts that are active and selective in the CO2RR. The results indicated that Ti- and Ag-g-C3N4 demonstrate excellent catalytic activity and selectivity for the formation of CO and HCOOH, with limiting potentials of -0.330 and -0.096 V, respectively, while Cr-g-C3N4 exhibits the highest catalytic activity for yielding CH3OH and CH4 (-0.355 and -0.420 V, respectively), but none of the screened catalysts have been identified as ideal candidates for the selective production of CH3OH and CH4. Furthermore, Bader charge analysis suggested that excessive electron transfer from TM leads to stronger adsorption of intermediates and high limiting potentials, which subsequently result in lower catalytic activity. This work provides theoretical insights into the effective screening of active and selective 2D material-based SACs which has the potential to significantly reduce the time and resources required for the discovery of novel electrocatalysts for the controlled formation of various products.

Recent Advances in Graphitic Carbon Nitride Based Electro-Catalysts for CO2 Reduction Reactions.

The electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction reaction is an effective means of combating the greenhouse effect caused by massive carbon dioxide emissions. Carbon nitride in the graphitic phase (g-C3N4) has excellent chemical stability and unique structural properties that allow it to be widely used in energy and materials fields. However, due to its relatively low electrical conductivity, to date, little effort has been made to summarize the application of g-C3N4 in the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2. This review focuses on the synthesis and functionalization of g-C3N4 and the recent advances of its application as a catalyst and a catalyst support in the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2. The modification of g-C3N4-based catalysts for enhanced CO2 reduction is critically reviewed. In addition, opportunities for future research on g-C3N4-based catalysts for electrocatalytic CO2 reduction are discussed.

TNFα-induced IDH1 hyperacetylation reprograms redox homeostasis and promotes the chemotherapeutic sensitivity.

The heterogeneity and drug resistance of colorectal cancer (CRC) often lead to treatment failure. Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1), a rate-limiting enzyme in the tricarboxylic acid cycle, regulates the intracellular redox environment and mediates tumor cell resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs. The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanism underlying the involvement of IDH1 acetylation in the development of CRC drug resistance under induction of TNFα. We found TNFα disrupted the interaction between SIRT1 and IDH1 and increased the level of acetylation at K115 of IDH1. Hyperacetylation of K115 was accompanied by protein ubiquitination, which increased its susceptibility to degradation compared to IDH1 K115R. TNFα-mediated hyperacetylation of K115 sensitized the CRC cells to 5FU and reduced the NADPH/NADP ratio to that of intracellular ROS. Furthermore, TNFα and 5FU inhibited CRC tumor growth in vivo, while the K115R-expressing tumor tissues developed 5FU resistance. In human CRC tissues, K115 acetylation was positively correlated with TNFα infiltration, and K115 hyperacetylation was associated with favorable prognosis compared to chemotherapy-induced deacetylation. Therefore, TNFα-induced hyperacetylation at the K115 site of IDH1 promotes antitumor redox homeostasis in CRC cells, and can be used as a marker to predict the response of CRC patients to chemotherapy.

Research on the Professional Mentality of Hengdian Drifter's.

Background: Hengdian drifters refer to outsiders who participate in shooting film and television dramas in Hengdian. It is a special group. Single access to information, precarious nature of work, unequal treatment of gender, constraints on development, and inadequate guarantee mechanisms are all to blame. Purpose: This paper proposes to improve the ecology of the different actor industries by implementing a precise assessme. Patients and methods: This study combines qualitative and quantitative research, adopts the questionnaire survey and semi-structured interview, and carries out fieldwork by personally experiencing the life of extras to study the ecological environment of the different actor industries and the professional mentality of extras. Before participating in the study, every participant would be offered an Informed Consent Form and all particpants were guaranteed anonymity and their response will be used for a specific academic study. The Ethics Committee of the Zhejiang Normal University's, Specific academic study that will be published online. College of Teacher Education approved the study and participation of concents under 18 and the study followed the Declaration of Helsinki. Results: There are gaps in social support.Little relevant policy support and financial support have not been implemented. Industry assessment criteria are not standardized.The level of digital management is low.It is difficult to guarantee the rights of mass actors. Conclusion: Implement a precise assessment system,develop a refined talent evaluation mechanism,Ensure the accuracy and transparency of the evaluation process.Establish digital service platforms,provide a new channel for the employment of artistic talents.Strengthen media publicity,strengthen policy support,raise social awareness.

Comparison of lateral flow immunoassays based on oriented and nonoriented immobilization of antibodies for the detection of aflatoxin B1.

In recent years, some studies have found that oriented immobilization of antibodies to microspheres can fully expose the antigen binding sites of antibodies, which can improve the sensitivity of sandwich immunoassays for the detection of proteins. Can this antibody immobilization strategy also improve the sensitivity of competitive immunoassays for the detection of small molecules? To answer this question, the conjugate MS-SPG-Ab (oriented immobilization of aflatoxin B1 antibody to time-resolved fluorescent microspheres via streptococcal protein G) and the conjugate MS-Ab (nonoriented immobilization of aflatoxin B1 antibody to time-resolved fluorescent microspheres) were prepared, and a lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) for the detection of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) was established. The detection performance of the two methods was compared. The results showed that under the condition that the number of "effective" antibodies immobilized on TRF-MS was similar, compared with the nonoriented immobilization strategy (IC50 = 0.21 ng mL-1), the LFIA method established by the oriented immobilization strategy reduced the sensitivity of AFB1 detection (IC50 = 0.37 ng mL-1). However, this method can obtain higher detection precision for AFB1, the CV values were all below 8%. And it has stronger tolerance to the matrix of maize and peanut samples. The bias of LFIAs based on oriented immobilization technology (-14.93%-7.92%) was lower than nonoriented immobilization technology (28.16%-34.19%) for AFB1 detection in the two sample extracts. This study suggests that the LFIA method based on the oriented immobilization of antibodies can improve the accuracy of the detection results when performing rapid screening of small molecules.

A time-resolved fluorescence lateral flow immunochromatographic assay based on oriented immobilized antibodies for the ultrasensitive detection of C-peptides in human serum.

C-peptide is a biomarker that has clinical implications for the diagnosis of a variety of diseases. In this study, an ultrasensitive time-resolved fluorescence lateral flow immunochromatographic assay (TRF-LFIA) method was established for the detection of C-peptides in human serum. The key to this method is the oriented immobilization of antibodies anti C-peptide on TRF microspheres that can sufficiently expose the antigen binding site. The limit of detection (LOD) of this method for C-peptide was 0.005 ng mL-1, which is 10-fold less than that of TRF-LFIA method based on nonoriented immobilizing antibodies. The working range of this method was 0.005-250 ng mL-1, and the spiked recoveries of C-peptide in human serum were 106.85%-116.40% with a CV value less than 10%. The test results of actual serum samples had good consistency (R2 > 0.97) with the Roche Cobas 8000 automatic chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer. This method can be utilized for the point-of-care testing (POCT) of C-peptide, and the oriented immobilizing method can also be used to construct highly sensitive probes to improve the sensitivity of other analytes in the POCT platform.

A mix-and-detect method based on colloidal gold immunochromatographic assay for on-site detection of zearalenone in edible oils.

The common methods to detect zearalenone (ZEN) in edible oils need organic solvents to extract ZEN and then some sample purification process before detection, so, it is not convenient for on-site use. Here a simple method without organic solvents and a sample purification process was developed for the determination of ZEN in edible oils. The detection process only needs mixing oil with a surfactant solution in the indicated ratio and then loading the mixture onto a colloidal gold immunochromatographic (CGI) strip for detection. The optimized surfactant was AEO15 among the seven surfactants studied in this paper. The ZEN residue in edible oil could be quantitatively determined with a detection limit of 44.3 ng g-1, and the working range of the standard curve was from 50 to 800 ng g-1. This method has been successfully applied to the detection of ZEN in plant oils with recoveries ranging from 81 ± 7% to 129 ± 9% for spiked samples. The detection results for the ZEN residue in oil samples from a local market by this method were in good agreement with those obtained by the national standard method.

Downward trend in the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infections and corresponding frequent upper gastrointestinal diseases profile changes in Southeastern China between 2003 and 2012.

This present study aims to determine trends in the prevalence of H. pylori infections in Southeastern China between 2003 and 2012, and investigate corresponding changes in the prevalence of upper gastrointestinal diseases. This retrospective study screened 196,442 patients with a mean age of 47.49 ± 14.47 years (age range 5-100 years) in Southeastern China, and a total of 134,812 cases of an endoscopy-referral patient population with digestive symptoms between 2003 and 2012 were enrolled. Based on esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy and pathology, patients diagnosed with chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, gastric cancer or reflux esophagitis were included in this study. Basic demographic and clinical characteristics such as H. pylori infection status and endoscopic findings were collected and analyzed. Among the 134,812 subjects, mean prevalence of H. pylori infection was 31.97 %; which demonstrated a linear downward trend from 42.40 to 23.82 % (P < 0.001) at an annual rate of 2 % from 2003 to 2012. Similarly, the prevalence of duodenal and gastric ulcer rapidly decreased from 12.65 to 6.57 % and from 7.51 to 3.78 %, respectively; while the prevalence of gastric cancer (from 3.76 to 2.34 %) did not significantly change in the same time period. In contrast, the prevalence of reflux esophagitis increased from 6.19 to 12.80 %. The progressively decreasing prevalence of H. pylori infections from 2003 to 2012 in Southeastern China appears to be linked with the decline of related upper gastrointestinal diseases and increase of some gastrointestinal motility diseases.

Anatomical predilection of intestinal metaplasia based on 78,335 endoscopic cases.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Gastric intestinal metaplasia (IM) is an important risk factor for intestinal-type gastric carcinoma, and successful treatment critically depends on its timely detection. In order to guide appropriate endoscopic surveillance, objective knowledge on the anatomical predilection of intestinal metaplasia development is urgently needed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 78,335 cases who underwent gastroduodenoscopy from 2008 to 2013 in Jiangsu and Anhui provinces in China, were studied. Demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as biopsy location and histological results, were analyzed. RESULTS: This study revealed that intestinal metaplasia incidence was 28.5% in angulus, 20.24% in lesser curvature of the antrum, and 25.48% in corpus; and all these were significantly higher than those observed in other sites (P < 0.01). Histological grading of intestinal metaplasia in the lesser curvature of the antrum and angulus was generally worse than the grading observed in the greater curvature of the antrum. For Helicobacter pylori-positive patients, acute inflammation was more severe in the lesser curvature of the antrum compared with the greater curvature. In the H. Pylori-negative group, both acute and chronic inflammations were more severe in the lesser curvature of the antrum. CONCLUSIONS: The angulus, lesser curvature in the antrum, and corpus are most prone to the development of intestinal metaplasia. Inflammation is most severe in the lesser curvature of the antrum, which corresponds to a higher predilection to develop intestinal metaplasia at this site. The lesser curvature of the antrum and corpus require the most attention during endoscopic biopsy surveillance.