Distribution and driving mechanisms of antibiotic resistance genes in urbanized watersheds.

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have emerged as a global concern, posing significant threats to human health and safety. Understanding the contamination levels and driving mechanisms behind ARG proliferation is urgently needed. Urban watersheds, influenced by human activities, serve as critical reservoirs for ARGs; however, the impact of urbanization on ARG spread of and the underlying driving mechanisms remain unclear. This study evaluates the diversity and abundance of ARGs in water and sediment samples from the Jialing River watershed in Chongqing City, China. The obtained results indicate that aminoglycoside and multidrug ARGs are the primary contributors to ARG presence in both sediments and water. Additionally, the diversity and abundance of ARGs are higher in water than in sediments. ARGs in watershed show a significant positive correlation with mobile genetic elements (MGEs). While environmental factors in urbanized watersheds affect ARG abundance and distribution to some extent, they are not the primary drivers. Urbanization itself emerges as a prominent factor influencing ARG diversity and abundance in river basins. Specifically, livestock, healthcare, and agriculture are identified as the main social factors influencing ARG proliferation in the highly urbanized areas of the Jialing River watershed. Further investigation into other contributing social factors, such as industrial development, is warranted. This study reveals the factors driving ARG distribution in urbanized watersheds, providing a foundation for future efforts to maintain ecological health in these environments.

DC vs AC Electrokinetics-Driven Nanoplasmonic Raman Monitoring of Charged Analyte Molecules in Ionic Solutions.

Electrokinetic surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (EK-SERS) is an emerging high-order analytical technique that combines the plasmonic sensitivity of SERS with the electrode interfacial molecular control of electrokinetics. However, previous EK-SERS works primarily focused on non-Faradaic direct current (DC) operation, limiting the understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Additionally, developing reliable EK-SERS devices with electrically connected plasmonic hotspots remains challenging for achieving high sensitivity and reproducibility in EK-SERS measurements. In this study, we investigated the use of two-tier nanolaminate nano-optoelectrode arrays (NL-NOEAs) for DC and alternating current (AC) EK-SERS measurements of charged analyte molecules in ionic solutions. The NL-NOEAs consist of Au/Ag/Au multilayered plasmonic nanostructures on conductive nanocomposite nanopillar arrays (NC-NPAs). We demonstrate that the NL-NOEAs exhibit high SERS enhancement factors (EFs) of ∼106 and can be used to modulate the concentration and orientation of Rhodamine 6G (R6G) molecules at the electrode surface by applying DC and AC voltages. We also performed numerical simulations to investigate the ion and R6G dynamics near the electrode surface under DC and AC voltage modulation. Our results show that AC EK-SERS can provide additional insights into the dynamics of molecular transport and adsorption processes compared to DC EK-SERS. This study demonstrates the potential of NL-NOEAs for developing high-performance EK-SERS sensors for a wide range of applications.

Comparison of Superselective Renal Artery Embolization versus Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy in Ruptured Hemorrhagic Renal Angiomyolipoma: A Single-Center Study.

PURPOSE: To analyze the clinical efficacy of superselective renal artery embolization and retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for the treatment of ruptured hemorrhagic renal angiomyolipoma and to provide a reference for the selection of treatment methods for ruptured hemorrhagic renal angiomyolipoma. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 24 patients who were diagnosed with ruptured hemorrhagic renal angiomyolipoma at the Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University between January 2019 and December 2021. Among them, 10 patients were treated with superselective arterial embolization (SAE), and 14 patients were treated with retroperitoneal laparoscopic part nephrectomy (RLPN). The differences between the two treatment methods in terms of hospital stay, hospital costs, anesthesia method, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative bed rest time, antibiotic dosage, postoperative complication rate, tumor diameter changes, creatinine value changes, hemoglobin value changes, tumor recurrence rate, and reoperation rate were compared. RESULTS: All patients completed the treatment and were discharged. There were no significant differences in length of hospital stay, hospital costs, creatinine change values, or postoperative complication rates between the two groups (p > 0.05). However, there were statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in surgical time (85.50 ± 19.94 min vs. 141.07 ± 76.33 min), intraoperative blood loss (21.50 ± 14.72 mL vs. 153.57 ± 97.00 mL), postoperative bed rest time (22.7 ± 1.56 h vs. 41.21 ± 3.57 h), preoperative hemoglobin levels (94.7 ± 23.62 g/L vs. 113.79 ± 17.83 g/L), and hemoglobin changes (-6.60 ± 10.36 g/L vs. -15.21 ± 8.79 g/L) between the two groups. Both groups of patients had an average follow-up period of 22 months, and patients in the SAE group had a mean reduction of 3.33 cm in tumor diameter within the follow-up period compared with the pre-embolization period (p < 0.05). None of the patients in the SAE group experienced rebleeding, and there was no tumor recurrence in either group. CONCLUSION: SAE and RLPN are effective treatments for ruptured renal angiomyolipoma with good outcomes. Furthermore, compared to RLPN, SAE offers advantages such as simplicity of operation, minimal trauma, shorter surgical time, minimal impact on hemoglobin levels, shorter bed rest time, faster postoperative recovery, and maximal preservation of renal units.

Multi-Omics Integrative Analyses Identified Two Endotypes of Hip Osteoarthritis.

(1) Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a heterogeneous disorder, and subgroup classification of OA remains elusive. The aim of our study was to identify endotypes of hip OA and investigate the altered pathways in the different endotypes. (2) Methods: Metabolomic profiling and genome-wide genotyping were performed on fasting blood. Transcriptomic profiling was performed on RNA extracted from cartilage samples. Machine learning methods were used to identify endotypes of hip OA. Pathway analysis was used to identify the altered pathways between hip endotypes and controls. GWAS was performed on each of the identified metabolites. Transcriptomic data was used to examine the expression levels of identified genes in cartilage. (3) Results: 180 hip OA patients and 120 OA-free controls were classified into three clusters based on metabolomic data. The combination of arginine, ornithine, and the average value of 7 lysophosphatidylcholines had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.97 (95% CI: 0.96-0.99) to discriminate hip OA from controls, and the combination of γ-aminobutyric acid, spermine, aconitic acid, and succinic acid had an AUC of 0.96 (95% CI: 0.94-0.99) to distinguish two hip OA endotypes. GWAS identified 236 SNPs to be associated with identified metabolites at GWAS significance level. Pro-inflammatory cytokine levels were significantly different between two endotypes (all p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions: Hip OA could be classified into two distinct molecular endotypes. The primary differences between the two endotypes involve changes in pro-inflammatory factors and energy metabolism.

Targeting ALDOA to modulate tumorigenesis and energy metabolism in retinoblastoma.

This study aims to elucidate the pivotal role of aldolase A (ALDOA) in retinoblastoma (RB) and evaluate the potential of the ALDOA inhibitor itaconate in impeding RB progression. Utilizing single-cell RNA sequencing, ALDOA consistently exhibits overexpression across diverse cell types, particularly in cone precursor cells, retinoma-like cells, and retinoblastoma-like cells. This heightened expression is validated in RB tissues and cell lines. ALDOA knockdown significantly diminishes RB cell viability, impedes colony formation, and induces notable metabolic alterations. RNA-seq analysis identifies SUSD2, ARHGAP27, and CLK2 as downstream genes associated with ALDOA. The application of itaconate demonstrates efficacy in inhibiting RB cell proliferation, validated through in vitro and in vivo models. This study emphasizes ALDOA as a promising target for innovative RB therapies, with potential implications for altering tumor energy metabolism.

Moxibustion pre-treatment attenuates seizure severity during status epilepticus and counteracts the proconvulsant function of the purinergic P2X7 receptor.

Moxibustion, traditional Chinese medicine treatment, involves the warming of specific acupuncture points of the body using ignited herbal materials. Evidence suggests beneficial effects of moxibustion in several brain diseases including epilepsy, however, whether moxibustion pretreatment impacts on seizures and what are the underlying mechanisms remains to be established. Evidence has suggested the purinergic ATP-gated P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) to be involved in the actions of moxibustion. Moreover, P2X7R signalling is now well established to contribute to long-lasting brain hyperexcitability underlying epilepsy development. Whether P2X7R signalling is involved in the seizure-reducing actions of moxibustion has not been investigated to date. For our studies we used C57BL/6 male mice that received moxibustion pre-treatments at the acupoints Zusanli (ST36) and Dazhui (GV14) once daily for either 7, 14, or 21 days. This was followed by an intraperitoneal injection of kainic acid (KA, 30 mg/kg) to induce status epilepticus. Behavioral changes during KA-induced status epilepticus were analyzed according to the Racine scale. Changes in electrographic seizures were analyzed via cortical implanted electroencephalogram (EEG) electrodes. While no effect on seizure severity was observed following 7 days of moxibustion pre-treatment, moxibustion pre-treatment at both ST36 and GV14 for 14 or 21 days significantly reduced KA-induced behavior seizures at a similar rate. Cortical EEG recordings showed that 14 days of moxibustion pre-treatments also reduced electrographic seizures, confirming the anticonvulsant actions of moxibustion pre-treatment. To determine whether moxibustion impacts the pro-convulsant actions of P2X7R signaling, mice were treated with the P2X7R agonist BzATP or P2X7R antagonist A438079. While treatment with the P2X7R agonist BzATP exacerbated seizure severity, treatment with the P2X7R antagonist reduced seizure severity. We further found that moxibustion pre-treatment attenuated epileptic seizures by counteracting the effects of BzATP. These results suggest that moxibustion pre-treatment at the acupoints ST36 and GV14 for 14 days has anti-epileptic effects, which may counteract the proconvulsant functions of the P2X7R.

Bone scaffolds-based localized drugs delivery for osteosarcoma: current status and future perspective.

A common malignant bone neoplasm in teenagers is Osteosarcoma. Chemotherapy, surgical therapy, and radiation therapy together comprise the usual clinical course of treatment for Osteosarcoma. While Osteosarcoma and other bone tumors are typically treated surgically, however, surgical resection frequently fails to completely eradicate tumors, and in turn becomes the primary reason for postoperative recurrence and metastasis, ultimately leading to a high rate of mortality. Patients still require radiation and/or chemotherapy after surgery to stop the spread of the tumor and its metastases, and both treatments have an adverse influence on the body's organ systems. In the postoperative management of osteosarcoma, bone scaffolds can load cargos (growth factors or drugs) and function as drug delivery systems (DDSs). This review describes the different kinds of bone scaffolds that are currently available and highlights key studies that use scaffolds as DDSs for the treatment of osteosarcomas. The discussion also includes difficulties and perspectives regarding the use of scaffold-based DDSs. The study may serve as a source for outlining efficient and secure postoperative osteosarcoma treatment plans.

Electric-magnetic dual-gradient structure design of thin MXene/Fe3O4 films for absorption-dominated electromagnetic interference shielding.

The challenge of achieving high-performance electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding films, which focuses on electromagnetic waves absorption while maintaining thin thickness, is a crucial endeavor in contemporary electronic device advancement. In this study, we have successfully engineered hybrid films based on MXene nanosheets and Fe3O4 nanoparticles, featuring intricate electric-magnetic dual-gradient structures. Through the collaborative influence of a unique dual-gradient structure equipped with transition and reflection layers, these hybrid films demonstrate favorable impedance matching, abundant loss mechanisms (Ohmic loss, interfacial polarization and magnetic loss), and an "absorb-reflect-reabsorb" process to achieve absorption-dominated EMI shielding capability. Compared with the single conductive gradient structure, the dual-gradient structure effectively enhances the absorption intensity per unit thickness, and thus reduces the thickness of the film. The optimized film demonstrates a remarkable EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) of 49.98 dB alongside an enhanced absorption coefficient (A) of 0.51 with a thickness of only 180 µm. The thin films with a dual-gradient structure hold promise for crafting absorption-dominated electromagnetic shielding materials, highlighting the potential for advanced electromagnetic protection solutions.

m6A-Dependent ITIH1 Regulated by TGF-ß Acts as a Target for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression.

Both the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) signaling pathway and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification for mRNA play an important role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. However, the relationship between TGF-ß and m6A in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. Here, it is found that TGF-ß can promote the liquid phase separation of METTL3, which further leads to the reduction of mRNA stability of ITIH1. As a secreted protein, ITIH1 can act as a ligand of integrin α5ß1 to antagonize fibronectin, induce the inhibition of focal adhesion kinase signaling pathway, and inhibit the progression of HCC. In the preclinical model (mouse model, patient-derived organoid, patient-derived xenografts), purified recombinant ITIH1 (r-ITIH1) protein can be targeted for HCC. More importantly, r-ITIH1 can play a synergistic role in targeting HCC with TGF-ß inhibitor. The downstream ITIH1 regulatory mechanism of TGF-ß and m6A modification is revealed, and ITIH1 can be translational as a potential target for HCC.

Changes of structural characteristics, functional properties and volatile compounds of Tenebrio molitor larvae protein after sustainable defatting process: Influence of the different volume ratios of n-hexane to ethanol.

This work aimed to study the effect of defatting via the mixture of n-hexane and ethanol under different volume ratio on the changes of structural characteristics, functional properties and volatile compounds of Tenebrio molitor larvae protein (TMLP). The results showed that 1:0.6 vol ratio of n-hexane to ethanol rendered the highest defatting rate (P < 0.05), as well as led to the highest EAA/AA contents, sulfhydryl contents, surface hydrophobicity, solubility, water/oil holding capacities and emulsifying properties of TMLP (P < 0.05). However, higher volume ratio of n-hexane to ethanol led to negative impacts on functionalities of TMLP. Moreover, the contents of aldehydes and hydrocarbons which rendered off-flavour to TMLP significantly decreased with the increasing volume ratio of n-hexane to ethanol (P < 0.05), while the contents of pleasure flavour (hydrocarbons and ester compounds) were obviously enhanced. This study provides an eco-friendly defatting method on the processing of TMLP with superior quality attributes.

Dispersion network-transition entropy: A metric for characterizing the complexity of nonlinear signals.

Extracting meaningful information from signals has always been a challenge. Due to the influence of environmental noise, collected signals often exhibit nonlinear characteristics, rendering traditional metrics inadequate in capturing the dynamic properties and complex structures of signals. To address this challenge, this study proposes an innovative metric for quantifying signal complexity-dispersion network-transition entropy (DNTE), which integrates the concepts of complex networks and information entropy. Specifically, we assign single cumulative distribution function values to network nodes and utilize Markov chains to represent links, transforming nonlinear signals into weighted directed complex networks. Subsequently, we assess the importance of network nodes and links, and employ the mathematical expression of information entropy to calculate the DNTE value, quantifying the complexity of the original signal. Next, through extensive experiments on simulated chaotic models and real underwater acoustic signals, we confirm the outstanding performance of DNTE. The results indicate that, compared to Lempel-Ziv complexity, permutation entropy, and dispersion entropy, DNTE not only more accurately reflects changes in signal complexity but also exhibits higher computational efficiency. Importantly, DNTE demonstrates optimal performance in distinguishing different categories of chaotic models, ships, and modulation signals, showcasing its significant potential in extracting effective information from signals.

Exchange of CO2 with CO as Reactant Switches Selectivity in Photoreduction on Co-ZrO2 from C1-3 Paraffin to Small Olefins.

Photocatalytic reduction of CO2 into C2,3 hydrocarbons completes a C-neutral cycle. The reaction pathways of photocatalytic generation of C2,3 paraffin and C2H4 from CO2 are mostly unclear. Herein, a Co0-ZrO2 photocatalyst converted CO2 into C1-3 paraffin, while selectively converting CO into C2H4 and C3H6 (6.0 ± 0.6 µmol h-1 gcat-1, 70 mol%) only under UV-visible light. The photocatalytic cycle was conducted under 13CO and H2, with subsequent evacuation and flushing with CO. This iterative process led to an increase in the population of C2H4 and C3H6 increased up to 61-87 mol%, attributed to the accumulation of CH2 species at the interface between Co0 nanoparticles and the ZrO2 surface. CO2 adsorbed onto the O vacancies of the ZrO2 surface, with resulting COH species undergoing hydrogenation on the Co0 surface to yield C1-3 paraffin using either H2 or H2O (g, l) as the reductant. In contrast, CO adsorbed on the Co0 surface, converted to HCOH species, and then split into CH and OH species at the Co and O vacancy sites on ZrO2, respectively. This comprehensive study elucidates intricate photocatalytic pathways governing the transformation of CO2 into paraffin and CO to olefins.

Construction of a quality of life scale for older individuals with neuro-co-cardiological diseases.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to develop a Quality of Life (QOL) assessment scale for older patients with Neuro-co-Cardiological Diseases (NCCD) and to evaluate the reliability and validity of the scale. METHOD: The study participants were derived from the Elderly Individuals with NCCD Registered Cohort Study (EINCCDRCS), a multicenter registry of patients with NCCD. The preliminary testing of the questionnaire was conducted among 10 older individuals aged 65 years and older who had NCCD and were recruited from the registry. Other patients who met the inclusion criteria participated in the field testing. After verifying the unidimensionality, local independence, and monotonicity assumptions of the scale, we employed the Rasch model within Item Response Theory framework to assess the quality of the scale through methods including internal consistency, criterion validity, Wright map, and item functioning differential. Subsequently, we assessed the construct validity of the scale by combining exploratory factor analysis with confirmatory factor analysis. RESULTS: Based on well-validated scales such as the short-form WHOQOL-OLD, HeartQOL, IQCODE, and SF-36, an original Neuro-co-Cardiological Diseases Quality of Life scale (NCCDQOL) was developed. 196 individuals from the EINCCDRCS were included in the study, with 10 participating in the preliminary testing and 186 in the field testing. Based on the results of the preliminary testing, the original questionnaire was refined through item deletion and adjustment, resulting in an 11-item NCCDQOL questionnaire. The Rasch analysis of the field testing data led to the removal of 21 misfitting individuals. The NCCDQOL demonstrated a four-category structure, achieved by combining two response categories. This structure aligned with the assumptions of unidimensionality, local independence, and monotonicity. The NCCDQOL also exhibited good validity and reliability. CONCLUSION: The revised NCCDQOL questionnaire demonstrated good reliability and validity in the Rasch model, indicating promising potential for clinical application.

Prospective applications of bioactive materials in orthopedic therapies: A review.

The biomedical application of biodegradable polymers for addressing bone-related diseases has garnered considerable attention in recent years. Advances in material technology have expanded the repertoire of materials suitable for orthopedic implants, with nanomaterials playing a pivotal role in replicating crucial surface properties akin to natural tissues. This comprehensive review explores the evaluation of bioactive glass ceramics, shedding light on their properties and applications. The synthesis of composites through composite manufacturing has emerged as a strategy to enhance biocompatibility and biomechanical characteristics. They are addressing challenges associated with conventional implants and nanomaterials, whether in the form of functional nano coatings or nanostructured surfaces, present opportunities to refine implant techniques. Novel developments in orthopedic biomaterials, such as smart biomaterials, porous structures, and 3D implants, offer stimuli-responsive behavior to achieve desired implant shapes and characteristics. Bioactive and biodegradable porous polymer/inorganic composite materials are explored for bone tissue engineering scaffolds, aiming to promote bone formation and regeneration. As a prospective direction, the integration of stem cells into scaffolds hints at the creation of next-generation synthetic/living hybrid biomaterials, displaying high adaptability in biological settings. This review establishes a foundation for nanotechnology-driven biomaterials by elucidating fundamental design factors crucial for orthopedic implant performance and their response to cell differentiation, proliferation, and adhesion.

Distribution of microplastics in Lanzhou section of the Yellow River: Characteristics, ecological risk assessment, and factors analysis.

Microplastic (MP) is an emerging pollutant that has attracted attention in the environmental field, and the research of MPs in freshwater systems needs to be strengthened. To characterize the MPs in surface water and sediments of the western urban river network, water and sediment samples were collected. The results showed that the abundance of MPs in the water body of the river network ranged from 7 to 172 n/L, whereas the abundance of MPs in the sediments ranged from 7 to 144 n/kg, and the average abundance in the dry season was significantly higher than that in the rainy season. The majority of MPs (83.67 %) were < 1 mm and fibrous. The most commonly identified types of MPs were PET and PP, while the color blue was frequently observed. MPs have the potential to vertically migrate in sediments, with size, shape, density, and hydrodynamic forces being the main factors that contribute to this process. Correlation analysis results revealed that anthropogenic and meteorological factors, including precipitation, atmospheric conditions, and population density, had a discernible impact on the abundance, size, and shape of MPs. The ecological risk of MPs was assessed using the Polymer Hazardous Index (PHI), Pollution Load Index (PLI), and Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI) methods, and the results showed that the overall ecological risk of the Lanzhou section of the Yellow River was low. This study can provide a scientific basis for monitoring and risk assessment of emerging contaminants such as MPs in the river environment.

Validation of Scales for Researching Stakeholders' Attitudes Toward Domestic Violence in China.

Domestic violence (DV) is a significant concern within China. Currently, there are few standardized measurement tools to gauge Chinese stakeholders' perceptions and beliefs concerning DV. This research sought to validate tools to be used with such stakeholders. Factor analyses were utilized on cross-sectional, survey data from a purposive sample of 683 Chinese DV professionals working in four institutions in Guangdong. Analyses developed three scales for measuring DV Definitions, DV Attitudes, and DV Policing. The development of these scales is beneficial to advance the already growing research related to DV in China in ways that are relevant to the Chinese context.

Effectiveness of onsite and online education in enhancing knowledge and use of human immunodeficiency virus pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis.

BACKGROUND: Enhancing awareness and use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is vital to curb human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) spread. High-risk behaviors prevalent among sexually transmitted infection clinic outpatients underscore the need for increased PrEP/PEP education in this group. AIM: To investigate the effects of both onsite and online health education on the knowledge of, and willingness to use, PrEP and PEP among individuals receiving PEP services. METHODS: Participants were drawn from a cohort study on PEP service intervention at an STD/AIDS outpatient clinic in designated HIV/AIDS hospitals in Beijing, conducted from January 1 to June 30, 2022. Health education was provided both onsite and online during follow-up. Surveys assessing knowledge of, and willingness to use, PrEP/PEP were administered at baseline and again at 24 wk post-intervention. RESULTS: A total of 112 participants were enrolled in the study; 105 completed the follow-up at week 24. The percentage of participants with adequate knowledge of, and willingness to use, PrEP significantly increased from 65.2% and 69.6% at baseline to 83.8% and 82.9% at the end of the intervention (both P < 0.05). Similarly, those with adequate knowledge of, and willingness to use, PEP increased from 74.1% and 77.7% at baseline to 92.4% and 89.5% at week 24 (P < 0.05). Being between 31 years and 40 years of age, having a postgraduate degree or higher, and reporting a monthly expenditure of RMB 5000 or more were found to be significantly associated with knowledge of PrEP and PEP (both P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings show that both onsite and online health education significantly improved the knowledge of, and increased willingness to use, PrEP and PEP in individuals utilizing PEP services.

Treatment of intracranial inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor with PD-L1 inhibitor and novel oncolytic adenovirus Ad-TD-nsIL12: a case report and literature review.

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a rare pathological entity first described in 1939. This lesion is most commonly found in the lungs, but cases involving other systems, such as the central nervous system known as intracranial IMT (IIMT), have also been reported. Diagnosis currently relies on pathological results due to the lack of characteristic imaging changes. Surgical resection is an effective treatment, though the disease is invasive and may recur. Previous literature has reported a high level of programmed death 1 (PD-1) expression in IMT tissues, suggesting that immunotherapy may be effective for this condition. In this case report, we present a middle-aged male who received PD-1 inhibitor and oncolytic adenovirus (Ad-TD-nsIL12) treatment after IIMT resection surgery. This successful approach provides a new direction for the treatment of IIMT.