Review of hydraulic conditions optimization for constructed wetlands.

Hydraulic conditions exert a comprehensive and vital influence on constructed wetlands (CWs). However, research on this subject is relatively limited. Hydraulic parameters can be categorized into design and operational parameters based on their properties. The design parameters are represented by the hydraulic gradient, substrate porosity, and aspect ratio, while operational parameters are represented by the hydraulic retention time, hydraulic loading rate, and water depth. These parameters directly or indirectly affect the operational lifespan and pollutant removal performance of CWs. Currently, the primary measures for optimizing the hydraulic conditions of CWs involve hydraulic structure and numerical simulation optimization methods. In this review, we aimed to elucidate the impact of hydraulic conditions on CW performance and summarize current optimization strategies. By highlighting the significance of hydraulic parameters in enhancing pollutant removal and extending operational lifespan, this review provides valuable insights for improving CW design and management. The findings will be useful for researchers and practitioners seeking to optimize CW systems and advance the application of nature-based solutions for wastewater treatment.

Developmental toxicity and estrogenic activity of antimicrobial phenolic-branched fatty acids using in silico simulations and in vivo and in vitro bioassay.

Due to the growing safety and environmental concerns associated with biocides, phenolic-soy branched chain fatty acids (phenolic-soy BCFAs) are synthesized as new bio-based antimicrobial agents. Safety evaluation is essential before the wide adoption of these new antimicrobial products. This study was initiated to evaluate the safety of four phenolic-soy BCFAs (with phenol, thymol, carvacrol, or creosote branches). Methyl-branched iso-oleic acid, phenol, and creosote were included in the study as controls. In silico toxicity simulation tools predicted that the phenolic BCFAs had much higher toxicities to aquatic organisms than free phenolics did, while the opposite was predicted for rats. The developmental toxicity of four phenolic-soy BCFAs was assessed using an in vivo chicken embryonic assay. Results showed that creosote-soy BCFA had much lower mortality rates than creosote at the same dosages. Additionally, creosote-soy BCFA and methyl-branched iso-oleic acid induced minimal estrogenic activity in the concentration range of 10 nM - 1 µM. Carvacrol-soy BCFA treatments significantly increased (p < 0.05) oxidative stress levels with higher thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in the livers of chicken embryos. Altogether, the phenolic-soy BCFAs, especially creosote-soy BCFA, reported in this study are potentially promising and safer bio-based antimicrobial products.

Ultralow Roll-off Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescent Light-Emitting Diodes Based on Furo[2,3-b]quinoxaline Emitters.

Herein, a Y-type compound (67dMeOTPA-FQ) and a T-type compound (58dMeOTPA-FQ) based on furo[2,3-b]quinoxaline were synthesized. The theory calculation shows the S1 and T1 of both compounds own a charge-transfer feature while their T2 states have a local excitation feature. The calculated kRISC(T2-S1) is one to 2 orders of magnitude larger than kRISC(T1-S1). Thus, the nonadiabatic spin-vibronic mechanism involved in the T2 state is suggested to be responsible for the thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) feature. Meanwhile, when 2-methyl-9,10-bis(naphthalen-2-yl)anthracene is selected as host, the maximum luminance of the device based on 67dMeOTPA-FQ is up to 104215 cd·m-2, and the external quantum efficiency (EQE) keeps in the 8.2-8.0% range with the luminance changed from 55.0 cd·m-2 to 90000 cd·m-2, only 2.4% efficiency roll-off. As for 58dMeOTPA-FQ, a slightly lower EQE of 7.1-6.7% with the luminance range of 1-40000 cd·m-2 was achieved for orange-red emission. Both the reverse intersystem crossing (RISC) and triplet-triplet annihilation mechanisms are supposed to concurrently contribute to the utilization of triplet excitons and suppress the notorious efficiency roll-off observed in TADF-based devices.

Abnormal Serum BDNF and p-mTOR in MDD in Adolescents with Childhood Trauma.

Background: Adolescents with major depressive (MDD) episodes associated with childhood trauma have a poorer response to treatment and a higher risk of suicide. The underlying etiology is unclear. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) could improve depressive symptoms by down-regulating mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathways, which was involved in adverse environmental stimuli during neurodevelopment. BDNF and mTOR have not been reported simultaneously in adolescents with major depressive episodes associated with childhood trauma. Methods: Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF), Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) and Children's Depression Rating Scale-Revised (CDRS-R) were used to evaluate the recruited adolescents with major depression episodes. Serum BDNF and p-mTOR levels were measured by ELISA in 31 adolescents with major depression episodes with childhood trauma and 18 matched healthy control. Results: The serum levels of BDNF were significantly lower (p<0.001); and the serum levels of p-mTOR were high (p=0.003) in the adolescents with the first episode of major depressive episode accompanied by childhood trauma. Of the 31 adolescents with major depressive episodes, 17 had suicide or self-injury. Compared with the healthy control group, the serum levels of BDNF in patients with suicide or self-injury were lower than those without suicide or self-injury(p<0.001); the serum levels of p-mTOR were higher than those without suicide or self-injury (p=0.01). While in patients without suicide or self-injury, only serum p-mTOR was significantly higher than that in healthy group (p=0.028). BDNF was negatively correlated with CDRS-R (r=-0.427, p=0.006), p-mTOR was positively correlated with CDI (r=0.364, p=0.048). According to Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (ROC), the combination of serum BDNF and p-mTOR levels have better diagnostic value. Conclusion: Neurotrophic and signaling pathways, involving BDNF and p-mTOR, may play a role in adolescent MDD with a history of childhood trauma, especially patients with suicide and self-injury tendencies.

Emerging investigator series: in-depth chemical profiling of tire and artificial turf crumb rubber: aging, transformation products, and transport pathways.

Crumb rubber generated from end-of-life tires (ELTs) poses a threat to environmental and human health based on its widespread use. Of particular concern is the use of ELT crumb rubber as infill for artificial turf fields, as people are unknowingly exposed to complex mixtures of chemicals when playing on these fields. Additionally, there is concern regarding transport of rubber-related chemicals from artificial turf into the environment. However, existing knowledge does not fully elucidate the chemical profile, transformation products, and transport pathways of artificial turf crumb rubber across different ages. To address these knowledge gaps, we utilized a multi-faceted approach that consisted of targeted quantitation, chemical profiling, and suspect screening via ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS). We collected and processed 3 tire and 11 artificial turf crumb rubber samples via solvent extraction, leaching, and a bioaccessibility-based extraction. Nineteen rubber-derived chemicals were quantified using parallel reaction monitoring and isotope dilution techniques. In solvent extracts, the most abundant analytes were 1,3-diphenylguanidine (0.18-1200 µg g-1), N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD, 0.16-720 µg g-1), 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (0.47-140 µg g-1), and benzothiazole (0.84-150 µg g-1). Chemical profiling assessed changes in sample diversity, abundance, polarity, and molecular mass. Suspect screening identified 81 compounds with different confidence levels (16 at level 1, 53 with level 2, 7 at level 3, and 5 at level 4). The formation rate of transformation products and clustering analysis results identified time-based trends in artificial turf field samples. We found that the first two years of aging may be critical for the potential environmental impact of artificial turf fields. Our analysis provides insight into the chemical complexity of artificial turf crumb rubber samples ranging from 0-14 years in age.

Corrigendum: Translatability of findings from cynomolgus monkey to human suggests a mechanistic role for IL-21 in promoting immunogenicity to an anti-PD-1/IL-21 mutein fusion protein.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1345473.].

Association between serum uric acid levels and diabetic peripheral neuropathy in type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The evidence supporting a connection between elevated serum uric acid (SUA) levels and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is controversial. The present study performed a comprehensive evaluation of this correlation by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of relevant research. Method: PubMed, Web of Science (WOS), Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for published literature from the establishment of each database to January 8, 2024. In total, 5 cohort studies and 15 cross-sectional studies were included, and 2 researchers independently screened and extracted relevant data. R 4.3.0 was used to evaluate the included literature. The present meta-analysis evaluated the relationship between SUA levels and the risk of DPN in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) by calculating the ratio of means (RoM) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using the method reported by JO Friedrich, and it also analyzed continuous outcome measures using standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% CIs to compare SUA levels between DPN and non-DPN groups. Funnel plot and Egger's test were used to assess publication bias. Sensitivity analysis was conducted by sequentially removing each study one-by-one. Results: The meta-analysis included 20 studies, with 12,952 T2DM patients with DPN and 16,246 T2DM patients without DPN. There was a significant correlation between SUA levels and the risk of developing DPN [odds ratio (OR) = 1.23; 95% CI: 1.07-1.41; p = 0.001]. Additionally, individuals with DPN had higher levels of SUA compared to those without DPN (SMD = 0.4; 95% CI: -0.11-0.91; p < 0.01). Conclusion: T2DM patients with DPN have significantly elevated SUA levels, which correlate with a heightened risk of peripheral neuropathy. Hyperuricemia (HUA) may be a risk indicator for assessing the risk of developing DPN in T2DM patients. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier CRD42024500373.

Integrating genomics, molecular docking, and protein expression to explore new perspectives on polystyrene biodegradation.

Faced with the escalating challenge of global plastic pollution, this study specifically addresses the research gap in the biodegradation of polystyrene (PS). A PS-degrading bacterial strain was isolated from the gut of Tenebrio molitor, and genomics, molecular docking, and proteomics were employed to thoroughly investigate the biodegradation mechanisms of Pseudomonas putida H-01 against PS. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), and contact angle analysis, significant morphological and structural changes in the PS films under the influence of the H-01 strain were observed. The study revealed several potential degradation genes and ten enzymes that were specifically upregulated in the PS degradation environment. Additionally, a novel protein with laccase-like activity, LacQ1, was purified from this strain for the first time, and its crucial role in the PS degradation process was confirmed. Through molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, the interactions between the enzymes and PS were detailed, elucidating the binding and catalytic mechanisms of the degradative enzymes with the substrate. These findings have deepened our understanding of PS degradation.

Lignin-derivable alternatives to bisphenol A with potentially undetectable estrogenic activity and minimal developmental toxicity.

Lignin-derivable bisguaiacols/bissyringols are viable alternatives to commercial bisphenols; however, many bisguaiacols/bissyringols (e.g., bisguaiacol F [BGF]) have unsubstituted bridging carbons between the aromatic rings, making them more structurally similar to bisphenol F (BPF) than bisphenol A (BPA) - both of which are suspected endocrine disruptors. Herein, we investigated the estrogenic activity (EA) and developmental toxicity of dimethyl-substituted bridging carbon-based lignin-derivable bisphenols (bisguaiacol A [BGA] and bissyringol A [BSA]). Notably, BSA showed undetectable EA at seven test concentrations (from 10-12 M to 10-6 M) in the MCF-7 cell proliferation assay, whereas BPA had detectable EA at five concentrations (from 10-10 M to 10-6 M). In silico results indicated that BSA had the lowest binding affinity with estrogen receptors. Moreover, in vivo chicken embryonic assay results revealed that lignin-derivable monomers had minimal developmental toxicity vs. BPA at environmentally relevant test concentrations (8.7-116 µg/kg). Additionally, all lignin-derivable compounds showed significantly lower expression fold changes (from ∼1.81 to ∼4.41) in chicken fetal liver tests for an estrogen-response gene (apolipoprotein II) in comparison to BPA (fold change of ∼11.51), which was indicative of significantly reduced estrogenic response. Altogether, the methoxy substituents on lignin-derivable bisphenols appeared to be a positive factor in reducing the EA of BPA alternatives.

Identification of a Novel Homozygous Mutation in MTMR2 Gene Causes Very Rare Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Type 4B1.

Background: Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a heterogeneous group of disorders involving peripheral nervous system. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease 4B1 (CMT4B1) is a rare subtype of CMT. CMT4B1 is an axonal demyelinating polyneuropathy with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. Patients with CMT4B1 usually manifested with dysfunction of the motor and sensory systems which leads to gradual and progressive muscular weakness and atrophy, starting from the peroneal muscles and finally affecting the distal muscles. Germline mutations in MTMR2 gene causes CMT4B1. Material and Methods: In this study, we investigated a 4-year-old Chinese boy with gradual and progressive weakness and atrophy of both proximal and distal muscles. The proband's parents did not show any abnormalities. Whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were performed. Results: Whole-exome sequencing identified a novel homozygous nonsense mutation (c.118A>T; p.Lys40*) in exon 2 of MTMR2 gene in the proband. This novel mutation leads to the formation of a truncated MTMR2 protein of 39 amino acids instead of the wild- type MTMR2 protein of 643 amino acids. This mutation is predicted to cause the complete loss of the PH-GRAM domain, phosphatase domain, coiled-coil domain, and PDZ-binding motif of the MTMR2 protein. Sanger sequencing revealed that the proband's parents carried the mutation in a heterozygous state. This mutation was absent in 100 healthy control individuals. Conclusion: This study reports the first mutation in MTMR2 associated with CMT4B1 in a Chinese population. Our study also showed the importance of whole-exome sequencing in identifying candidate genes and disease-causing variants in patients with CMT4B1.

Optimization of "sulfur-iron-nitrogen" cycle in constructed wetlands by adjusting siderite/sulfur (Fe/S) ratio.

Sulfur-siderite autotrophic denitrification (SSAD) has been proved to solve the key problem of low nitrogen removal efficiency caused by the shortage of carbon source in constructed wetlands (CWs). In this study, five vertical flow constructed wetlands (VFCWs) were constructed with different Fe/S ratios (0/0, 0/1, 1/1, 2/1 and 1/2) to optimizing SSAD process, labeled S.0, S.1, S.2, S.3 and S.4. The results showed that the best NO3--N and TN removal rates were achieved with a Fe/S ratio of 2:1 (S.3), which were 96.26 ± 1.40% and 93.63 ± 3.12%, respectively. The abundance of denitrification genes (nirS, nirK and nosZ) in S.3 was significantly increased. Illumina high-throughput sequencing analysis indicated that the abundance and diversity of microorganisms involved in the "Sulfur-Iron-Nitrogen" cycle were enriched in S.3. The current study provided that the "Sulfur-Iron-Nitrogen" cycle in CWs was optimized by adjusting Fe/S ratio, and more types of denitrifying bacteria could be enriched, thereby enhancing nitrogen removal.

Highly Stable Silver Nanowire Plasmonic Electrodes for Flexible Polymer Light-Emitting Devices.

Silver nanowire (AgNW) transparent electrodes are considered as a promising candidate for applications in flexible optoelectronic devices. However, it remains a great challenge to obtain flexible AgNW electrodes with excellent optoelectrical properties and mechanical flexibility. Here, highly stable Ag nanoparticle (AgNP)-enhanced plasmonic AgNW electrodes are demonstrated via the controllable in situ growth of AgNPs at the AgNW junctions and introduction of an l-histidine (l-His) wrapping layer. The flexible transparent electrodes of AgNW-AgNP/l-His possess a low sheet resistance (Rsh) of ∼17.5 Ω sq-1, a high transmittance of ∼92.5% (550 nm), and a robust mechanical stability (100,000 bending cycles). Benefiting from plasmon-coupling effects, flexible polymer light-emitting devices (FPLEDs) with AgNW-AgNP/l-His electrodes present a current efficiency (CE) of ∼14.8 cd A-1 and an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of ∼5.6%, constituting ∼80% and ∼75% increases compared to those of the reference devices with AgNW electrodes, respectively. Additionally, the laminated flexible transparent PLEDs (FT-PLEDs) are demonstrated by integrating polydimethylsiloxane/AgNW-AgNP anodes by a soft lamination process. The FT-PLEDs present a CE of ∼7.1 cd A-1 (cathode side: ∼3.9 cd A-1; anode side: ∼3.2 cd A-1) and an EQE of ∼2.7% (cathode side: ∼1.5%; anode side: ∼1.2%). Furthermore, the FPLEDs and FT-PLEDs exhibit robust mechanical durability, maintaining ∼89% and ∼86% of their initial luminance after 1000 bending cycles at a bending radius of 2 mm, respectively. This work opens up a new avenue for the development of high performance and stable flexible optoelectronic devices.

Efficacy of Bacillus subtilis probiotic in preventing necrotic enteritis in broilers: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Probiotics can enhance broiler chicken health by improving intestinal microbiota, potentially replacing antibiotics. They protect against bacterial diseases like necrotic enteritis (NE) in poultry. Understanding their role is crucial for managing bacterial diseases, including NE. This study conducted a meta-analysis to assess the effects of Bacillus subtilis probiotic supplementation on feed conversion ratio (FCR), NE lesion score, and mortality. Additionally, a systematic review analysed gut microbiota changes in broilers challenged with Clostridium perfringens with or without the probiotic supplementation. Effect sizes from the studies were estimated in terms of standardized mean difference (SMD). Random effect models were fitted to estimate the pooled effect size and 95% confidence interval (CI) of the pooled effect size between the control [probiotic-free + C. perfringens] and the treatment [Bacillus subtilis supplemented + C. perfringens] groups. Overall variance was computed by heterogeneity (Q). The meta-analysis showed that Bacillus subtilis probiotic supplementation significantly improved FCR and reduced NE lesion score but had no effect on mortality rates. The estimated overall effects of probiotic supplementation on FCR, NE lesion score and mortality percentage in terms of SMD were -0.91 (CI = -1.34, -0.49; P < 0.001*); -0.67 (CI = -1.11, -0.22; P = 0.006*), and -0.32 (CI = -0.70, 0.06; P = 0.08), respectively. Heterogeneity analysis indicated significant variations across studies for FCR (Q = 69.66; P < 0.001*) and NE lesion score (Q = 42.35; P < 0.001*) while heterogeneity was not significant for mortality (Q = 2.72; P = 0.74). Bacillus subtilis probiotic supplementation enriched specific gut microbiota including Streptococcus, Butyricicoccus, Faecalibacterium, and Ruminococcus. These microbiotas were found to upregulate expression of various genes such as TJ proteins occluding, ZO-1, junctional adhesion 2 (JAM2), interferon gamma, IL12-ß and transforming growth factor-ß4. Moreover, downregulated mucin-2 expression was involved in restoring the intestinal physical barrier, reducing intestinal inflammation, and recovering the physiological functions of damaged intestines. These findings highlight the potential benefits of probiotic supplementation in poultry management, particularly in combating bacterial diseases and promoting intestinal health.

A novel Bayesian generative approach for estimating tumor dynamics from published studies.

Tumor growth inhibition (TGI) modeling attempts to describe the time course changes in tumor size for patients undergoing cancer therapy. TGI models present several advantages over traditional exposure-response models that are based explicitly on clinical end points and have become a popular tool in the pharmacometrics community. Unfortunately, the data required to fit TGI models, namely longitudinal tumor measurements, are sparse or often not available in literature or publicly accessible databases. On the contrary, common end points such as progression-free survival (PFS) and objective response rate (ORR) are directly derived from longitudinal tumor measurements and are routinely published. To this end, a Bayesian generative model relating underlying tumor dynamics to summary PFS and ORR data is introduced to learn TGI model parameters using only published summary data. The parameterized model can describe the tumor dynamics, quantify treatment effect, and account for differences in the study population. The utility of this model is shown by applying it to several published studies, and learned parameters are combined to simulate an in silico trial of a novel combination therapy in a novel setting.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Radiofrequency Therapy and Manual Pelvic Fascial Release in Treating Myofascial Pelvic Pain.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Myofascial pelvic pain (MFPP), characterized by sensitive trigger points in the pelvic floor muscles, leads to chronic pain and affects various aspects of life. Despite the availability of different treatment modalities, there is limited comparative research on their effectiveness. This study compares radiofrequency (RF) therapy and myofascial manual therapy (MMT) in treating MFPP. We aimed to evaluate pelvic floor muscle strength changes, clinical symptoms, and patient comfort during treatment. METHODS: The study involved 176 participants, divided equally into RF and MMT groups. We assessed pelvic floor pain using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), muscle strength using the Modified Oxford Scale (MOS) and surface electromyography (sEMG), clinical symptom improvement through questionnaires, and patient discomfort during treatment. RESULTS: Both RF and MMT groups significantly reduced pelvic floor and paraurethral muscle pain (VAS scores, p < 0.001). RF treatment significantly decreased vaginal laxity in its group (p < 0.001), with no notable change in the MMT group (p = 0.818). RF therapy also resulted in greater patient comfort than MMT (p < 0.001). Although both treatments improved clinical symptoms, there was no significant difference between the two (p = 0.692). MOS scores and pelvic floor sEMG values showed no significant differences between the groups before and after treatment (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both RF and MMT effectively alleviate pelvic floor pain and improve clinical symptoms in MFPP patients. RF therapy, however, offers additional benefits in reducing vaginal laxity and enhancing treatment comfort.

Design and evaluation of a multi-epitope DNA vaccine against HPV16.

Cervical cancer, among the deadliest cancers affecting women globally, primarily arises from persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). To effectively combat persistent infection and prevent the progression of precancerous lesions into malignancy, a therapeutic HPV vaccine is under development. This study utilized an immunoinformatics approach to predict epitopes of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and helper T lymphocytes (HTLs) using the E6 and E7 oncoproteins of the HPV16 strain as target antigens. Subsequently, through meticulous selection of T-cell epitopes and other necessary elements, a multi-epitope vaccine was constructed, exhibiting good immunogenic, physicochemical, and structural characteristics. Furthermore, in silico simulations showed that the vaccine not only interacted well with toll-like receptors (TLR2/TLR3/TLR4), but also induced a strong innate and adaptive immune response characterized by elevated Th1-type cytokines, such as interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin-2 (IL2). Additionally, our study investigated the effects of different immunization intervals on immune responses, aiming to optimize a time-efficient immunization program. In animal model experiments, the vaccine exhibited robust immunogenic, therapeutic, and prophylactic effects. Administered thrice, it consistently induced the expansion of specific CD4 and CD8 T cells, resulting in substantial cytokines release and increased proliferation of memory T cell subsets in splenic cells. Overall, our findings support the potential of this multi-epitope vaccine in combating HPV16 infection and signify its candidacy for future HPV vaccine development.

Through the stringent selection of T-cell epitopes and other necessary elements, a novel multi-epitope vaccine targeting HPV 16 E6 and E7 oncoproteins was constructed using an immunoinformatics approach.The vaccine designed can induce both cellular and humoral immune responses, encompassing all the required immunogenic, physicochemical, and structural characteristics for an ideal vaccine design. Moreover, it offers decent worldwide coverage.In animal studies, the vaccine demonstrated strong immune responses, including expansion of CD4 and CD8 T cells, cytokine release, and enhanced memory T cell proliferation, resulting in long-term anti-tumor effects, inhibition of tumor growth, and prolonged survival in tumor-bearing mice.The immunological evaluation of the designed vaccine suggests its potential as a novel vaccine candidate against HPV 16.

CH4 control and nitrogen removal from constructed wetlands by plant combination.

Global warming trend is accelerating. This study proposes a green and economical methane (CH4) control strategy by plant combination in constructed wetlands (CWs). In this study, a single planting of Acorus calamus L. hybrid constructed wetland (HCW-A) and a mixed planting of Acorus calamus L. and Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms hybrid constructed wetland (HCW-EA) were constructed. The differences in nitrogen removal performance and CH4 emissions between HCW-A and HCW-EA were compared and analyzed. The findings indicated that HCW-EA demonstrated significant improvements over HCW-A, with NH4+-N and TN removal rates increasing by 21.61% and 16.38% respectively, and CH4 emissions decreased by 43.36%. The microbiological analysis results showed that plant combination promoted the enrichment of Proteobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria and Bacillus. More nitrifying bacteria carrying nxrA genes and denitrifying bacteria carrying nirK genes accelerated the nitrogen transformation process. In addition, the absolute abundance ratio of pmoA/mcrA increased, reducing the release of CH4.

Early adenocarcinoma mixed with a neuroendocrine carcinoma component arising in the gastroesophageal junction: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Early adenocarcinoma mixed with a neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) component arising in the gastroesophageal junctional (GEJ) region is rare and even rarer in young patients. Here, we report such a case in a 29-year-old Chinese man. CASE SUMMARY: This patient presented to our hospital with a 3-mo history of dysphagia and regurgitation. Upper endoscopy revealed an elevated nodule in the distal esophagus 1.6 cm above the GEJ line, without Barrett's esophagus or involvement of the gastric cardia. The nodule was completely resected by endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Pathological examination confirmed diagnosis of intramucosal adenocarcinoma mixed with an NEC component, measuring 1.5 cm. Immunohistochemically, both adenocarcinoma and NEC components were positive for P53 with a Ki67 index of 90%; NEC was positive for synaptophysin and chromogranin. Next-generation sequencing of 196 genes demonstrated a novel germline mutation of the ERCC3 gene in the DNA repair pathway and a germline mutation of the RNF43 gene, a common gastric cancer driver gene, in addition to pathogenic somatic mutations in P53 and CHEK2 genes. The patient was alive without evidence of the disease 36 mo after ESD. CONCLUSION: Early adenocarcinoma with an NEC component arising in the distal esophageal side of the GEJ region showed evidence of gastric origin.

Application of lecture-and-team-based learning in stomatology: in-class and online.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate stomatological students' learning efficacy and their attitude towards Lecture-Team-Based Learning (LTBL) on topics regarding the design of removable partial dentures via in-class, online, and both in combination. METHODS: Students from seven distinct grades participated in the course in their fourth academic year (Years 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021). Students of Years 2015-2019 attended in-class LTBL, students of Year 2020 attended online LTBL, and students of Year 2021 attended the combination mode. The scores of three examinations were compared, namely, individual readiness assessment test, team readiness assurance test, and individual application test. Visual Analog Scales (VAS) were used for students to self-assess their mastery of prosthodontics knowledge before and after the course. Anonymous questionnaires were delivered to evaluate their satisfaction with LTBL via a Likert scale. RESULTS: In each academic year, the three exam scores were significantly improved as the course progressed and VAS-post scores were significantly higher than VAS-pre scores. The three examination and VAS scores of students in Year 2020 were significantly lower than those in Years 2019 and 2021. Students were highly satisfied with the LTBL course based on the three parameters of knowledge acquisition, teamwork, and classroom atmosphere. CONCLUSION: Students were highly satisfied with the LTBL course and their learning performance was improved as the course progressed both in-class and online. Online LTBL could be adopted when students have to study online, while in-class LTBL could perform better when combined with video records of an online LTBL course.

Factors Associated With Perception of Stigma Among Parents of Children With Cleft Lip and Palate: Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Parents of children with cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P) often face stigmatization, which has a significant impact on their quality of life and mental health. However, to date, there is a lack of comprehensive, multicenter empirical research on parents of children with CL/P in China, particularly those with large-scale samples. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify major factors that contribute to the perception of stigma experienced by parents of children with CL/P. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted. A total of 104 parents of children diagnosed with CL/P in 2 hospitals were selected by convenience sampling. Demographics and disease information, the Chinese Perception of Stigma Questionnaire, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, and the Social Anxiety Scale were used in this study. Descriptive statistics, t tests, and one-way ANOVA were used to compare the differences between participants' demographic information and perception of stigma. Multivariable linear regression was performed to assess associations between demographic factors, social anxiety, depression, and perception of stigma. RESULTS: The mean scores for the dimensions of perception of stigma, depression, and social anxiety were 22.97 (SD 9.21), 38.34 (SD 8.25), and 22.86 (SD 6.69), respectively. Depression and social anxiety were positively associated with discrimination, while surgery status was a negatively associated variable. Parents with a college education or higher had significantly lower levels of perceived stigma compared to parents with a junior high school education (all P values <.05). These 4 factors explained 40.4% of the total model variance (F8=9.726; P<.001; R2=0.450; adjusted R2=0.404). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight a concerning trend of diminished quality of life among parents of children with CL/P. Factors such as parents' education level, surgery status, depression, and social anxiety are shown to influence the level of stigma experienced. Implementing comprehensive nursing care and providing presurgical support are effective strategies for alleviating parents' social anxiety, reducing perceived stigma, and preventing depression.