CircHIPK2 Contributes Cell Growth in Intestinal Epithelial of Colitis and Colorectal Cancer through Promoting TAZ Translation.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are escalating global health concerns. Despite their distinct clinical presentations, both disorders share intricate genetic and molecular interactions. The Hippo signaling pathway plays a crucial role in regulating cell processes and is implicated in the pathogenesis of IBD and CRC. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have gained attention for their roles in various diseases, including IBD and CRC. However, a comprehensive understanding of specific circRNAs involved in both IBD and CRC, and their functional roles is lacking. Here, it is found that circHIPK2 (hsa_circRNA_104507) is a bona fide circRNA consistently upregulated in both IBD and CRC suggesting its potential as a biomarker. Furthermore, silencing of circHIPK2 suppressed the growth of CRC cells in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, decreased circHipk2 potentiated dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis but alleviated colitis-associated tumorigenesis. Most significantly, mechanistic investigations further unveil that circHIPK2, mediated by FUS, interacting with EIF4A3 to promote the translation of TAZ, ultimately increasing the transcription of downstream target genes CCN1 and CCN2. Taken together, circHIPK2 emerges as a key player in the shared mechanisms of IBD and CRC, modulating the Hippo signaling pathway. CircHIPK2-EIF4A3 axis contributes to cell growth in intestinal epithelial of colitis and CRC by enhancing TAZ translation.

Atypical local and global biological motion perception in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Perceiving biological motion (BM) is crucial for human survival and social interaction. Many studies have reported impaired BM perception in autism spectrum disorder, which is characterised by deficits in social interaction. Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often exhibit similar difficulties in social interaction. However, few studies have investigated BM perception in children with ADHD. Here, we compared differences in the ability to process local kinematic and global configurational cues, two fundamental abilities of BM perception, between typically developing and ADHD children. We further investigated the relationship between BM perception and social interaction skills measured using the Social Responsiveness Scale and examined the contributions of latent factors (e.g. sex, age, attention, and intelligence) to BM perception. The results revealed that children with ADHD exhibited atypical BM perception. Local and global BM processing showed distinct features. Local BM processing ability was related to social interaction skills, whereas global BM processing ability significantly improved with age. Critically, general BM perception (i.e. both local and global BM processing) may be affected by sustained attentional ability in children with ADHD. This relationship was primarily mediated by reasoning intelligence. These findings elucidate atypical BM perception in ADHD and the latent factors related to BM perception. Moreover, this study provides new evidence that BM perception is a hallmark of social cognition and advances our understanding of the potential roles of local and global processing in BM perception and social cognitive disorders.

Construction of dual Z-scheme Ag3VO4-BiVO4/InVO4 photocatalysts using vanadium source from spent catalysts for contaminated water treatment and bacterial inactivation.

Vanadate-based photocatalysts have recently attracted substantial attention owing to their outstanding photocatalytic activity for degrading organic pollutants and generating energy via photocatalytic processes. However, the relatively high price of vanadium has hindered the development of vanadate-based photocatalysts for various applications. Spent catalysts obtained from oil refineries typically contain a significant quantity of vanadium, making them valuable for recovery and utilization as precursors for the production of high-value-added photocatalysts. In this study, we transformed the V present in spent catalysts produced by the petrochemical industry into ternary vanadate-based photocatalysts [BiVO4/InVO4/Ag3VO4 (BVO/IVO/AVO, respectively)] designed for water remediation. The ternary composites revealed an enhanced photocatalytic capability, which was 1.42 and 5.1 times higher than those of the binary BVO/IVO and pristine AVO due to the facilitated charge separation. The ternary photocatalysts not only effectively treated wastewater containing various organic dyes, such as methylene blue (MB), rhodamine 6G (R6G), and brilliant green (BG), but also exhibited remarkable photocatalytic performance in the degradation of antibiotics, reduction of Cr(VI), and bacterial inactivation. This paper proposes a feasible route for recycling industrial waste as a source of vanadium to produce highly efficient vanadate-based photocatalysts.

Development and Validation of a Machine Learning Algorithm to Predict the Risk of Blood Transfusion after Total Hip Replacement in Patients with Femoral Neck Fractures: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains the primary treatment option for femoral neck fractures in elderly patients. This study aims to explore the risk factors associated with allogeneic blood transfusion after surgery and to develop a dynamic prediction model to predict post-operative blood transfusion requirements. This will provide more accurate guidance for perioperative humoral management and rational allocation of medical resources. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from 829 patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty for femoral neck fractures at three third-class hospitals between January 2017 and August 2023. Patient data from one hospital were used for model development, whereas data from the other two hospitals were used for external validation. Logistic regression analysis was used to screen the characteristic subsets related to blood transfusion. Various machine learning algorithms, including logistic regression, SVA (support vector machine), K-NN (k-nearest neighbors), MLP (multilayer perceptron), naive Bayes, decision tree, random forest, and gradient boosting, were used to process the data and construct prediction models. A 10-fold cross-validation algorithm facilitated the comparison of the predictive performance of the models, resulting in the selection of the best-performing model for the development of an open-source computing program. RESULTS: BMI (body mass index), surgical duration, IBL (intraoperative blood loss), anticoagulant history, utilization rate of tranexamic acid, Pre-Hb, and Pre-ALB were included in the model as well as independent risk factors. The average area under curve (AUC) values for each model were as follows: logistic regression (0.98); SVA (0.91); k-NN (0.87) MLP, (0.96); naive Bayes (0.97); decision tree (0.87); random forest (0.96); and gradient boosting (0.97). A web calculator based on the best model is available at: (https://nomo99.shinyapps.io/dynnomapp/). CONCLUSION: Utilizing a computer algorithm, a prediction model with a high discrimination accuracy (AUC > 0.5) was developed. The logistic regression model demonstrated superior differentiation and reliability, thereby successfully passing external validation. The model's strong generalizability and applicability have significant implications for clinicians, aiding in the identification of patients at high risk for postoperative blood transfusion.

Suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among students aged 12 to 24 after the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in China: prevalence and associated factors.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and associated factors of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among adolescent and young adults in China from December 14, 2022 to February 28, 2023, when COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. Methods: Students in middle and high schools and colleges and universities in the province of Sichuan, China were asked to complete on-line cross-sectional surveys. Information was collected about sociodemographics, experiences related to the COVID-19 pandemic, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Participants also filled out the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 and the Social Support Rate Scale surveys. Factors associated with suicidal ideation or suicide attempts were explored using logistic regression. Results: Of the 82,873 respondents (aged 12 to 24 years), 21,292 (25.7%) reported having thought of suicide at least once in their lifetime, 10,382 (12.5%) reported having thought about suicide within the previous 12 months, and 1,123 (1.4%) reported having attempted it within the previous 12 months. Risk of lifetime suicidal ideation was higher among middle school students than among older students. Risk of suicidal ideation and risk of suicide attempts correlated directly with severity of symptoms of depression and anxiety, and inversely with level of social support. Greater risk of suicidal ideation and suicidal attempts was associated with: being female, living in an urban environment, attending a boarding school, currently being in love, having parents who divorced or remarried, having parents who exhibit non-authoritative parenting behavior, having higher family income, having been COVID-19 infected, having been quarantined for a long time, and being dissatisfied with one's education. Conclusions: Suicidal ideation and suicide attempts remain prevalent among young people in China. The potential associated factors identified in our study may be useful for targeting appropriate psychosocial interventions and developing mental health policies.

The metabolic consequences of 'yo-yo' dieting are markedly influenced by genetic diversity.

BACKGROUND: Weight loss can improve the metabolic complications of obesity. However, it is unclear whether insulin resistance persists despite weight loss and whether any protective benefits are preserved following weight regain (weight cycling). The impact of genetic background on weight cycling is undocumented. We aimed to investigate the effects of weight loss and weight cycling on metabolic outcomes and sought to clarify the role of genetics in this relationship. METHOD: Both C57BL/6 J and genetically heterogeneous Diversity Outbred Australia (DOz) mice were alternately fed high fat Western-style diet (WD) and a chow diet at 8-week intervals. Metabolic measures including body composition, glucose tolerance, pancreatic beta cell activity, liver lipid levels and adipose tissue insulin sensitivity were determined. RESULTS: After diet switch from WD (8-week) to chow (8-week), C57BL/6 J mice displayed a rapid normalisation of body weight, adiposity, hyperinsulinemia, liver lipid levels and glucose uptake into adipose tissue comparable to chow-fed controls. In response to the same dietary intervention, genetically diverse DOz mice conversely maintained significantly higher fat mass and insulin levels compared to chow-fed controls and exhibited much more profound interindividual variability than C57BL/6 J mice. Weight cycled (WC) animals were re-exposed to WD (8-week) and compared to age-matched controls fed 8-week WD for the first time (LOb). In C57BL/6 J but not DOz mice, WC animals had significantly higher blood insulin levels than LOb controls. All WC animals exhibited significantly greater beta cell activity than LOb controls despite similar fat mass, glucose tolerance, liver lipid levels and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in adipose tissue. CONCLUSION: Following weight loss, metabolic outcomes return to baseline in C57BL/6 J mice with obesity. However, genetic diversity significantly impacts this response. A period of weight loss does not provide lasting benefits after weight regain, and weight cycling is detrimental and associated with hyperinsulinemia and elevated basal insulin secretion.

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells-induced exhaustion of CD8 + T-cell participates in rejection after liver transplantation.

Liver transplantation (LT) rejection remains the most pervasive problem associated with this procedure, while the mechanism involved is still complicated and undefined. One promising solution may involve the use of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC). However, the immunological mechanisms underlying the effects of MDSC after LT remain unclear. This study is meant to clarify the role MDSCs play after liver transplantation. In this study, we collected liver tissue and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from LT patients showing varying degrees of rejection, as well as liver and spleen tissue samples from mice LT models. These samples were then analyzed using flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry and multiple immunofluorescence. M-MDSCs and CD8 + T-cells extracted from C57/BL6 mice were enriched and cocultured for in vitro experiments. Results, as obtained in both LT patients and LT mice model, revealed that the proportion and frequency of M-MDSC and PD-1 + T-cells increased significantly under conditions associated with a high degree of LT rejection. Within the LT rejection group, our immunofluorescence results showed that a close spatial contiguity was present between PD-1 + T-cells and M-MDSCs in these liver tissue samples and the proportion of CD84/PD-L1 double-positive M-MDSC was greater than that of G-MDSC. There was a positive correlation between the activity of CD84 and immunosuppressive function of M-MDSCs including PD-L1 expression and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, as demonstrated in our in vitro model. M-MDSCs treated with CD84 protein were able to induce co-cultured CD8 + T-cells to express high levels of exhaustion markers. We found that CD84 regulated M-MDSC function via expression of PD-L1 through activation of the Akt/Stat3 pathway. These results suggest that the capacity for CD84 to regulate M-MDSC induction of CD8 + T-cell exhaustion may play a key role in LT rejection. Such findings provide important, new insights into the mechanisms of tolerance induction in LT.

Resolution of anti-LGI1-associated autoimmune encephalitis in a patient after treatment with efgartigimod.

BACKGROUND: Anti leucine-rich, glioma inactivated 1 (LGI1) antibody-associated autoimmune encephalitis (AE) is the second most common AE, where the trafficking and recycling of the pathogenic immunoglobulin (IgG) can be controlled by the neonatal crystallizable fragment receptor (FcRn), making the latter as a candidate therapeutic target. Efgartigimod is an antagonist of FcRn, its ability to increase the degradation of IgGs and improve the health and quality of life of patients. ADAPT trail indicated its rapid efficacy and safety on myasthenia gravis. However, there is currently no case reported using efgartigimod for the treatment of anti-LGI1-associated AE. CASE DESCRIPTION: The patient presented with five episodes of generalized tonic-clonic seizures in the past 2 weeks. The patient had no abnormal signs on magnetic resonance imaging. Electroencephalogram examinations showed an increase in bilateral symmetric or asymmetric slow activity, without any clear epileptic waves. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination results indicated a slight increase in protein (47 mg/dL). The anti-LGI1 antibody titer in serum was 1:100 and that in CSF was 1:3.2. The treatment with intravenous methylprednisolone 1000 mg once a day combined with levetiracetam tablets failed to completely control the patient's seizures. Thus, 10 mg/kg efgartigimod was administered intravenously once a week for 2 weeks. After 2 weeks of treatment, serum levels of anti-LGI1 antibody and IgG decreased and the patient's epilepsy did not recur in the next 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first case report of using efgartigimod to treat anti-LGI1-associated AE. The combination of efgartigimod and methylprednisolone resulted in favorable outcomes, indicating that this is an optional treatment plan.

Hyperuricemia May Increase Risk of Achilles Tendon Rupture: A Case Control Study.

It has been demonstrated in a number of studies that high levels of uric acid can cause crystal deposition in the tendons of the lower extremities, which in turn can impair the Achilles tendon. This study aimed to interpret whether hyperuricemia is relevant with Achilles tendon rupture. Patients diagnosed with Achilles tendon rupture at the same institution between 2013 and 2022 were included in the case group. Healthy subjects who had physical examinations during the same period were included in the control group. Propensity score matching was used to match in a 1:1 ratio. Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients in both groups were compared. Five hundred and fourteen patients were included in the study (ATR=257; Control group=257). The proportion of individuals with hyperuricemia varied significantly between the two groups (Achilles tendon rupture group=43.6%; control group=27.6%; p<0.001). The Achilles tendon rupture and hyperuricemia were linked by conditional logistic regression (p<0.001; OR=2.036; 95CI%=1.400-2.961). Compared with healthy subjects, patients with hyperuricemia have a higher risk of Achilles tendon rupture. Further studies are required to verify the effects of hyperuricemia and monosodium urate crystals on Achilles tendon structure.

Aggravating effect of abnormal low-density protein cholesterol level on coronary atherosclerotic plaque in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients assessed by coronary computed tomography angiography.

BACKGROUND: The abnormal low-density protein cholesterol (LDL-C) level in the development of atherosclerosis is often comorbid in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM). This study aimed to investigate the aggravating effect of abnormal LDL-C levels on coronary artery plaques assessed by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in T2DM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study collected 3439 T2DM patients from September 2011 to February 2022. Comparative analysis of differences in coronary plaque characteristics was performed for the patients between the normal LDL-C level group and the abnormal LDL-C level group. Factors with P < 0.1 in the univariable linear regression analyses were included in the multivariable linear stepwise regression. RESULTS: A total of 2820 eligible T2DM patients were included and identified as the normal LDL-C level group (n = 973) and the abnormal LDL-C level group (n = 1847). Compared with the normal LDL-C level group, both on a per-patient basis and per-segment basis, patients with abnormal LDL-C level showed more calcified plaques, partially calcified plaques, low attenuation plaques, positive remodellings, and spotty calcifications. Multivessel obstructive disease (MVD), nonobstructive stenosis (NOS), obstructive stenosis (OS), plaque involvement degree (PID), segment stenosis score (SSS), and segment involvement scores (SIS) were likely higher in the abnormal LDL-C level group than that in the normal LDL-C level group (P < 0.001). In multivariable linear stepwise regression, the abnormal LDL-C level was validated as an independent positive correlation with high-risk coronary plaques and the degree and extent of stenosis caused by plaques (low attenuation plaque: ß = 0.116; positive remodelling: ß = 0.138; spotty calcification: ß = 0.091; NOS: ß = 0.427; OS: ß = 0.659: SIS: ß = 1.114; SSS: ß = 2.987; PID: ß = 2.716, all P value < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal LDL-C levels aggravate atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in patients with T2DM. Clinical attention deserves to be caught by the tailored identification of cardiovascular risk categories in T2DM individuals and the achievement of the corresponding LDL-C treatment goal.

Bi-parental graph strategy to represent and analyze hybrid plant genomes.

Hybrid plants are found extensively in the wild, and they often demonstrate superior performance of complex traits over their parents and other selfing plants. This phenomenon, known as heterosis, has been extensively applied in plant breeding for decades. However, the process of decoding hybrid plant genomes has seriously lagged due to the challenges associated with genome assembly and the lack of appropriate methodologies for their subsequent representation and analysis. Here, we present the assembly and analysis of two hybrids, an intraspecific hybrid between two maize (Zea may ssp. mays) inbred lines and an interspecific hybrid between maize and its wild relative teosinte (Zea may ssp. parviglumis), utilizing a combination of PacBio High Fidelity (HiFi) sequencing and chromatin conformation capture sequencing data. The haplotypic assemblies are well-phased at chromosomal scale, successfully resolving the complex loci with extensive parental structural variations (SVs). By integrating into a bi-parental genome graph, the haplotypic assemblies can facilitate downstream short-reads-based SV calling and allele-specific gene expression analysis, demonstrating outstanding advantages over a single linear genome. Our work offers a comprehensive workflow that aims to facilitate the decoding of numerous hybrid plant genomes, particularly those with unknown or inaccessible parentage, thereby enhancing our understanding of genome evolution and heterosis.

Co-mutation of OsLPR1/3/4/5 provides a promising strategy to minimize Cd contamination in rice grains.

Minimizing cadmium (Cd) contamination in rice grains is crucial for ensuring food security and promoting sustainable agriculture. Utilizing genetic modification to generate rice varieties with low Cd accumulation is a promising strategy due to its cost-effectiveness and operational simplicity. Our study demonstrated that the CRISPR-Cas9-mediated quadruple mutation of the multicopper oxidase genes OsLPR1/3/4/5 in the japonica rice cultivar Tongjing 981 had little effect on yields. However, a notable increase was observed in the cell wall functional groups that bind with Cd. As a result, the quadruple mutation of OsLPR1/3/4/5 enhanced Cd sequestration within the cell wall while reducing Cd concentrations in both xylem and phloem sap, thereby inhibiting Cd transport from roots to shoots. Consequently, Cd concentrations in brown rice and husk in oslpr1/3/4/5 quadruple mutants (qm) decreased by 52% and 55%, respectively, compared to the wild-type. These findings illustrate that the quadruple mutation of OsLPR1/3/4/5 is an effective method for minimizing Cd contamination in rice grains without compromising yields. Therefore, the quadruple mutation of OsLPR1/3/4/5 via biotechnological pathways may represent a valuable strategy for the generation of new rice varieties with low Cd accumulation.

Structural basis of tethered agonism and G protein coupling of protease-activated receptors.

Protease-activated receptors (PARs) are a unique group within the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily, orchestrating cellular responses to extracellular proteases via enzymatic cleavage, which triggers intracellular signaling pathways. Protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1) is a key member of this family and is recognized as a critical pharmacological target for managing thrombotic disorders. In this study, we present cryo-electron microscopy structures of PAR1 in its activated state, induced by its natural tethered agonist (TA), in complex with two distinct downstream proteins, the Gq and Gi heterotrimers, respectively. The TA peptide is positioned within a surface pocket, prompting PAR1 activation through notable conformational shifts. Contrary to the typical receptor activation that involves the outward movement of transmembrane helix 6 (TM6), PAR1 activation is characterized by the simultaneous downward shift of TM6 and TM7, coupled with the rotation of a group of aromatic residues. This results in the displacement of an intracellular anion, creating space for downstream G protein binding. Our findings delineate the TA recognition pattern and highlight a distinct role of the second extracellular loop in forming ß-sheets with TA within the PAR family, a feature not observed in other TA-activated receptors. Moreover, the nuanced differences in the interactions between intracellular loops 2/3 and the Gα subunit of different G proteins are crucial for determining the specificity of G protein coupling. These insights contribute to our understanding of the ligand binding and activation mechanisms of PARs, illuminating the basis for PAR1's versatility in G protein coupling.

Unconscious and Conscious Gaze-Triggered Attentional Orienting: Distinguishing Innate and Acquired Components of Social Attention in Children and Adults with Autistic Traits and Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Typically developing (TD) individuals can readily orient attention according to others' eye-gaze direction, an ability known as social attention, which involves both innate and acquired components. To distinguish between these two components, we used a critical flicker fusion technique to render gaze cues invisible to participants, thereby largely reducing influences from consciously acquired strategies. Results revealed that both visible and invisible gaze cues could trigger attentional orienting in TD adults (aged 20 to 30 years) and children (aged 6 to 12 years). Intriguingly, only the ability to involuntarily respond to invisible gaze cues was negatively correlated with autistic traits among all TD participants. This ability was substantially impaired in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and in children with high autistic traits. No such association or reduction was observed with visible gaze cues. These findings provide compelling evidence for the functional demarcation of conscious and unconscious gaze-triggered attentional orienting that emerges early in life and develops into adulthood, shedding new light on the differentiation of the innate and acquired aspects of social attention. Moreover, they contribute to a comprehensive understanding of social endophenotypes of ASD.

Predictive value of dynamic changes in peripheral blood inflammation and blood lipid-related indices for the lung cancer treatment efficacy.

To investigate the dynamics of inflammation and lipid-related indicators in lung cancer patients and their impact on treatment efficacy. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 133 lung cancer patients who seek for primary treatment at Wujin Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University from January 2019 to August 2022. The inflammation and blood lipid-related indicators were collected 1 week before treatment and after 2 cycles of treatment. We compared the changes in these indicators among patients with different treatment methods and outcomes. The diagnostic value of the dynamic changes in each index for disease progression was calculated using the ROC curve. The risk factors influencing disease development were identified using multifactorial logistic regression analysis. After 2 cycles of treatment, the white blood cell count (WBC, P<0.001), neutrophil count (NC, P<0.001), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR, P<0.001) in the disease progression (PD) group were significantly increased, triglyceride (TG, P=0.023), apolipoprotein A1 (APO-A1, P=0.009) was significantly decreased. The results showed that ∆NC had the highest sensitivity (88.24%) in predicting disease progression, and ∆WBC had the best specificity (77.78%). Multivariate regression analysis showed that ΔWBC (P<0.001), ΔTG (P=0.041), and treatment method (P=0.010) were independent risk factors for disease progression (PD). The changes of WBC and TG before and after treatment are promising indicators for predicting the progression of lung cancer and may offer a new direction for lung cancer treatment.

Optimizing the compression resistance of low-nickel stainless steel coronary stents using finite element and response surface methodology.

Considering the high strength and excellent biocompatibility of low-nickel stainless steel, this paper focused on optimizing the design of a vascular stent made from this material using finite element analysis (FEA) combined with the response surface methodology (RSM). The aim is to achieve the desired compressive resistance for the stent while maintaining a thin stent wall thickness. The parameters of the stent's support unit width (H), strut width (W), and thickness (T) were selected as input parameters, while the output parameters obtained from FEA included the compressive load, the equivalent plastic strain (PEEQ), axial shortening rate, radial recoil rate, and metal coverage rate. The mathematical models of input parameters and output parameters were established by using the Box Behnken design (BBD) of RSM. The model equations were solved under constrained conditions, and the optimal structural parameters, namely H, W, and T, were finally determined as 0.770 mm, 0.100 mm, and 0.075 mm respectively. In this situation, the compression load of the stent reached the target value of 0.38 N/mm; the PEEQ resulting from the stent expansion was small; the axial shortening, radial recoil, and metal coverage index were all minimized within the required range.

Palladium-catalyzed amidation of carbazole derivatives via hydroamination of isocyanates.

The first amidation of carbazoles at the N9 position via palladium-catalyzed hydroamination of isocyanates is demonstrated. This simple, general and efficient method could deliver a wide range of carbazole-N-carboxamides in up to 99% yield. The salient features of this transformation include simple conditions with no need for a strong base, high chemo- and regio-selectivities and good functional group tolerance. In particular, this work-up-free and chromatography-free protocol is time-saving, cost-effective and user-friendly.

Examining the Oxidation States of Metals in Aerosols Emitted by Electronic Cigarettes.

Electronic cigarettes (ECs) emit many toxic substances, including metals, that can pose a threat to users and the environment. The toxicity of the emitted metals depends on their oxidation states. Hence, this study examines the oxidation states of metals observed in EC aerosols. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of the filters that collected EC aerosols identified the oxidation states of five primary metals (based on surface sample analysis), including chromium(III) (close to 100%) under low power setting while a noticeable amount of chromium(VI) (15%) at higher power settings of the EC, and copper(II) (100%), zinc(II) (100%), nickel(II) (100%), lead(II) (65%), and lead(IV) (35%) regardless of power settings. This observation indicates that the increased temperature due to higher power settings could alter the oxidation states of certain metals. We noted that many metals were in their lesser toxic states; however, inhaling these metals may still pose health risks.

The role of triglyceride-glucose index in the differential diagnosis of atherosclerotic stroke and cardiogenic stroke.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the role of the triglyceride glucose (TyG) index in differentiating cardiogenic stroke (CE) from large atherosclerotic stroke (LAA). METHOD: In this retrospective study, patients with acute ischemic stroke were recruited from the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Lianyungang Second People's Hospital and Lianyungang First People's Hospital. Their general data, medical history and laboratory indicators were collected and TyG index was calculated. Groups were classified by the TyG index quartile to compare the differences between groups. Logistic regression was utilized to assess the relationship between the TyG index and LAA. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of the TyG index in differentiating LAA from CE. RESULT: The study recruited 1149 patients. After adjusting for several identified risk factors, groups TyG-Q2, TyG-Q3, and TyG-Q4 had a higher risk of developing LAA compared to group TyG-Q1(odds ratio (OR) = 1.63,95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.11-2.39, OR = 1.72,95%CI = 1.16-2.55, OR = 2.06,95%CI = 1.36-3.09). TyG has certain diagnostic value in distinguishing LAA from CE(AUC = 0.595, 95%CI0.566-0.623;P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Summarily, the TyG index has slight significance in the identification of LAA and CE; it is particularly a marker for their preliminary identification.