The N545S and K717N substitution at the N-glycosylation sites of the S2 subunit of avian infectious bronchitis virus can significantly enhance viral pathogenicity.

The S2 subunit of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is a heavily glycosylated protein that can impact various characteristics of the virus. It is currently known that N-glycosylation modifications are predominantly located on the S2 subunit. However, the exact role of their N-glycosylation modification remains undisclosed. To elucidate the function of these N-glycosylation sites, we identified 14 common sites distributed on the S2 subunit of the 5 genotypes of IBV in present study. Subsequently, we selected 7 sites to generate mutants and assessed their impact on viral virulence, replication ability, and antigenicity. Our finding revealed that only 2 substitutions, N545S and K717N, increased the viral replication titer and antigenicity, and ultimately the pathogenicity in chicks. To delve into the mechanisms underlying this increased pathogenicity, we discovered that K717N can change the structure of antigenic epitopes. The N545S substitution not only influenced antigenic epitope structure, but also enhanced the ability of the virus to enter CEKs during the early stages of viral replication. These results suggest that the enhanced viral pathogenicity associated with N545S and K717N substitutions is multifaceted, with acceleration of the viral membrane fusion process and alterations in epitope structure representing crucial factors in the capability of N-glycosylation modifications to boost viral virulence. These insights provide valuable guidance for the efficient development of live attenuated vaccines.

Effects of comprehensive nursing intervention on quality of life, Self-efficacy, gastrointestinal reaction and immune function of patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy.

Objective: To assess the effects of comprehensive nursing intervention on quality of life, self-efficacy, gastrointestinal reaction and immune function of patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Methods: This was a retrospective study. One hundred and twenty patients receiving chemotherapy after breast cancer surgery were randomly divided into the experimental group and the control group(n=60) from January 2021 to January 2023. Patients in the perioperative period, the experimental group were given comprehensive nursing intervention, while those in the control group were given conventional specialist nursing intervention. The differences in quality of life, self-efficacy, gastrointestinal reaction, immune function and patient satisfaction between the two groups were compared and analyzed. Results: After the intervention, the SF-36 scores in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P=0.00), the efficacy indicators were significantly improved compared to the control group(P=0.00); the scores of gastrointestinal symptoms in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group after the intervention(P<0.05). The indexes of CD3+, CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ in the experimental group after the intervention were significantly higher than those in the control group(P=0.00); The patient satisfaction in the experimental group was 100%, which was significantly higher than 92% in the control group, with statistically significant differences(P=0.02). Conclusion: Comprehensive nursing intervention leads to a variety of benefits in the treatment of patients with breast cancer during postoperative chemotherapy, such as relieving patients' gastrointestinal reactions, improving their immune function and quality of life, besides effectively improving their self-efficacy, which is worthy of clinical application.

New insights into the chemistry and anticancer activity of Ophiocordyceps xuefengensis.

Ophiocordyceps xuefengensis (O. xuefengensis), the sister taxon of Ophiocordyceps sinensis (O. sinensis), is consumed as a "tonic food" due to its health benefits. However, little is known regarding the chemistry and bioactivity of O. xuefengensis. In this study, we characterized 80 indole-based alkaloids in the ethyl acetate fraction of O. xuefengensis by high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS), of which 54 indole-based alkaloids were identified as possibly new compounds. Furthermore, 29 of these compounds were established as potential anti-cancer compounds by ligand fishing combined with HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. Moreover, molecular docking identified the NH- and OH- groups of these compounds as the key active groups. The present study has expanded the knowledge on the characteristic indole-based alkaloids and anti-cancer activity of O. xuefengensis.

Assessment of causal relationships between omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in autoimmune rheumatic diseases: a brief research report from a Mendelian randomization study.

Background: Currently, the association between the consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and the susceptibility to autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs) remains conflict and lacks substantial evidence in various clinical studies. To address this issue, we employed Mendelian randomization (MR) to establish causal links between six types of PUFAs and their connection to the risk of ARDs. Methods: We retrieved summary-level data on six types of PUFAs, and five different types of ARDs from publicly accessible GWAS statistics. Causal relationships were determined using a two-sample MR analysis, with the IVW approach serving as the primary analysis method. To ensure the reliability of our research findings, we used four complementary approaches and conducted multivariable MR analysis (MVMR). Additionally, we investigated reverse causality through a reverse MR analysis. Results: Our results indicate that a heightened genetic predisposition for elevated levels of EPA (ORIVW: 0.924, 95% CI: 0.666-1.283, P IVW = 0.025) was linked to a decreased susceptibility to psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Importantly, the genetically predicted higher levels of EPA remain significantly associated with an reduced risk of PsA, even after adjusting for multiple testing using the FDR method (P IVW-FDR-corrected = 0.033) and multivariable MR analysis (P MV-IVW < 0.05), indicating that EPA may be considered as the risk-protecting PUFAs for PsA. Additionally, high levels of LA showed a positive causal relationship with a higher risk of PsA (ORIVW: 1.248, 95% CI: 1.013-1.538, P IVW = 0.037). It is interesting to note, however, that the effects of these associations were weakened in our MVMR analyses, which incorporated adjustment for lipid profiles (P MV-IVW > 0.05) and multiple testing using the FDR method (P IVW-FDR-corrected = 0.062). Moreover, effects of total omega-3 PUFAs, DHA, EPA, and LA on PsA, were massively driven by SNP effects in the FADS gene region. Furthermore, no causal association was identified between the concentrations of other circulating PUFAs and the risk of other ARDs. Further analysis revealed no significant horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity or reverse causality. Conclusion: Our comprehensive MR analysis indicated that EPA is a key omega-3 PUFA that may protect against PsA but not other ARDs. The FADS2 gene appears to play a central role in mediating the effects of omega-3 PUFAs on PsA risk. These findings suggest that EPA supplementation may be a promising strategy for preventing PsA onset. Further well-powered epidemiological studies and clinical trials are warranted to explore the potential mechanisms underlying the protective effects of EPA in PsA.

Impact of the prognostic nutritional index on renal replacement therapy-free survival and mortality in patients on continuous renal replacement therapy.

BACKGROUND: The survival of critically ill patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is highly dependent on their nutritional status. OBJECTIVES: The prognostic nutritional index (PNI) is an indicator used to assess nutritional status and is calculated as: PNI = (serum albumin in g/dL) × 10 + (total lymphocyte count in/mm3) × 0.005. In this retrospective study, we investigated the correlation between this index and clinical outcomes in critically ill patients with AKI receiving CRRT. METHODS: We analyzed data from 2076 critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit at Changhua Christian Hospital, a tertiary hospital in central Taiwan, between January 1, 2010, and April 30, 2021. All these patients met the inclusion criteria of the study. The relationship between PNI and renal replacement therapy-free survival (RRTFS) and mortality was examined using logistic regression models, Cox proportional hazard models, and propensity score matching. High utilization rate of parenteral nutrition (PN) was observed in our study. Subgroup analysis was performed to explore the interaction effect between PNI and PN on mortality. RESULTS: Patients with higher PNI levels exhibited a greater likelihood of achieving RRTFS, with an adjusted odds ratio of 2.43 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.98-2.97, p-value < 0.001). Additionally, these patients demonstrated higher survival rates, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 0.84 (95% CI: 0.72-0.98) for 28-day mortality and 0.80 (95% CI: 0.69-0.92) for 90-day mortality (all p-values < 0.05), compared to those in the low PNI group. While a high utilization rate of parenteral nutrition (PN) was observed, with 78.86% of CRRT patients receiving PN, subgroup analysis showed that high PNI had an independent protective effect on mortality outcomes in AKI patients receiving CRRT, regardless of their PN status. CONCLUSIONS: PNI can serve as an easy, simple, and efficient measure of lymphocytes and albumin levels to predict RRTFS and mortality in AKI patients with require CRRT.

Pregnane X receptor (PXR) deficiency promotes hepatocarcinogenesis via induction of Akr1c18 expression and prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) levels.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Pregnane X receptor (PXR), a xenobiotic-sensing nuclear receptor, plays a critical role in the metabolism of endogenous and exogenous substances in the liver. Here, we investigate whether PXR plays a role in pathogenesis of HCC. We show that liver tumors were developed in diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-treated in PXR knockout (KO) mice. Hepatic levels of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) and aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C18 (Akr1c18), a prostaglandin synthase of catalyzing reduction of PGH2 to PGF2α, were significantly elevated in DEN-treated PXR KO mice. Hepatic mRNA levels of alpha fetoprotein (AFP), cyclin D1 (Ccnd1), fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), and inflammatory cytokine interleukin 6 (IL-6) were significantly increased in DEN-treated PXR KO mice. Other members of Akr1c family, liver metabolizing enzymes including Cyp1a2, Cyp2b10 and Cyp3a11, and bile acid synthesis enzyme Cyp7a1 mRNA levels were significantly decreased in DEN-treated PXR KO mice. Our findings revealed that PXR deficiency promoted DEN-induced HCC in mice via induction of Akr1c18 expression and PGF2α levels and the increased PGF2α levels synthetized by Akr1c18 enhanced hepatocytes proliferation and induced inflammatory cytokine production, which accelerated liver tumor development after DEN treatment, suggesting that PXR deficiency may create a microenvironment that is more prone to DEN-induced liver tumors and targeting PXR and Akr1c18 to reduce PGF2α biosynthesis may be a potential and novel therapeutic strategy for HCC.

Dietary Selenium Insufficiency Induces Cardiac Inflammatory Injury in Chicks.

BACKGROUND: Laying hens undergo intensive metabolism and are vulnerable to cardiac insults. Previous research demonstrated overt heart disorders of broiler chickens induced by dietary Se deficiency. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to reveal effects and mechanism of dietary Se insufficiency on cardiac injuries of egg-type chicks in their early life. METHODS: White Leghorn chicks (0-d-old, female) were fed a corn-soy, Se-insufficient basal diet (BD, 0.05 mg Se/kg; n = 11) or the BD supplemented with 0.3 mg Se/kg (as sodium selenite; n = 8) for 35 d. Cardiac tissues were collected at the end of study for histology and to determine its relationship with heart Se contents, selenoprotein expression profiles, antioxidant and inflammatory status, and the Toll-like receptor 4/extracellular signal-regulated kinases/p38 map kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (TLR4/ERK/P38/JNK) pathway. RESULTS: Compared with those fed 0.35 mg Se/kg, chicks fed BD had significantly lower body weights and average daily gain, and 28% lower heart Se, and developed cardiac mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltration, along with elevated (P < 0.05) serum concentrations of creatine kinase, aldolase, and interleukin-1 (IL-1). The BD decreased (P < 0.05) body weight and heart glutathione contents and expression of selenoproteins but increased (P < 0.05) heart concentrations of malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species. These changes were associated with increased (P < 0.05) mRNA and/or protein concentrations of cyclooxygenases, lipoxygenase-12, cytokines (IL-1ß), nuclear factor (NF) κB subunit, chemokines, and receptors (CCL20, CXCR1, and CXCLI2) and increased (P < 0.1) TLR4/ERK /P38/JNK in the heart of Se-insufficient chicks. CONCLUSIONS: Dietary Se insufficiency induces infiltration of mononuclear inflammatory cells in the heart of egg-type chicks. This cardiac injury was mediated by decreased functional expressions of selenoproteins, which resulted in apparent elevated oxidative stress and subsequent activations of the TLR4 pathway and NF κB.

Sex Differences in the Antidepressant and Neurocognitive Effects of Nonconvulsive Electrotherapy in Patients with Treatment-Refractory Depression.

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine sex differences in the antidepressant and neurocognitive effects of adjunctive nonconvulsive electrotherapy (NET) in patients with treatment-refractory depression (TRD), which has not yet been thoroughly investigated. Methods: The study enrolled 20 patients with TRD, comprising 11 males and 9 females, who underwent a series of 6 NET sessions. The 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) was used to assess depressive symptoms, response, and remission at baseline and after the first, third, and sixth NET sessions. The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) was used to assess neurocognitive function at baseline and after the sixth NET session. Results: After completing 6 NET sessions, female patients experiencing TRD exhibited a higher inclination toward achieving an antidepressant response (77.8% vs. 45.5%, P = .197) and antidepressant remission (22.2% vs. 0%, P = .189) when compared to their male counterparts. No significant differences were observed in changes in the HAMD-17 and WCST subscale scores (all P > .05), including completing classification number, total error number, persistent error number, and random error number between males and females. Additionally, no significant correlations were observed between baseline WCST subscale scores and changes in HAMD-17 scores or endpoint scores, irrespective of sex (all P > .05). Conclusion: These pilot findings suggest that female patients with TRD exhibited increased rates of achieving antidepressant response and remission after undergoing NET. However, further studies should be conducted to confirm these findings.

Experiences of living with overweight/obesity and early type 2 diabetes in Singapore-a qualitative interview study.

OBJECTIVES: To understand the lived experience of adults with overweight/obesity and early type 2 diabetes in a modern urban environment, and the interrelations among the various aspects of these experiences and participants' attitudes to weight management. DESIGN: Qualitative inductive approach to analysing data thematically from semistructured interviews and interpreted from a socioecological perspective. SETTING: Primary care clinics located in northern and central Singapore. PARTICIPANTS: 21 patients between 29 and 59 years old who are living with overweight/obese (Body Mass Index of 25.3-44.0kg/m2) and type 2 diabetes for 6 years or less. RESULTS: The main themes - everyday life, people around me and within me - pointed to a combination of barriers to weight and health management for participants. These included environmental factors such as easy physical and digital access to unhealthy food, and high-stress work environments; social factors such as ambiguous family support and dietary practices of peers; and individual factors such as challenges with self-regulation, prioritising work, dealing with co-existing medical conditions and the emotional significance of food. While lack of motivation and cultural dietary practices are hard to change, a problem-solving attitude, and presence of role models, may enable behaviour change. CONCLUSION: An exploration of the lifeworld of patients with overweight/obese and early type 2 diabetes revealed that work demands, dietary practices in the workplace and at home, and the easy availability of calorie-dense foods afforded by a technology-infused environment hindered the individual's efforts at maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle. Policy and initiatives promoting work-life balance as well as individualised interventions can support participants' stress management, and problem-solving capability for behaviour change. These barriers stemmed from the various domains of the environmental, interpersonal and intrapersonal but were interrelated. They underscored the need for an integrated approach to weight and diabetes management.

Compression Therapy after Thermal Ablation of Varicose Veins: A Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether compression therapy after thermal ablation of varicose veins can improve the prognosis of patients. METHODS: Systematic research were applied for Chinese and English electronic databases(PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP Databases). Eligible prospective studies that comparing the efficacy of compression therapy and non-compression therapy on patients after thermal ablation of varicose veins were included. The interest outcome such as pain, quality of life (QOL), venous clinical severity score (VCSS), time to return to work and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: 10 studies were of high quality, and randomized controlled trials involving 1,545 patients met the inclusion criteria for this study. At the same time, the meta-analysis showed that the application of compression therapy improved pain (SMD: -0.51, 95% CI: -0.95, -0.07) but exhibited no statistically significant effect on QOL (SMD: 0.04, 95% CI: -0.08, 0.16), VCSS (MD: -0.05, 95% CI: -1.19, 1.09), time to return to work (MD: -0.43, 95% CI: -0.90, 0.03), total complications (RR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.27, 1.09), and thrombosis (RR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.31, 1.62). CONCLUSION: Compression therapy after thermal ablation of varicose veins can slightly relieve pain, but it has not been found to be associated with improvement in other outcomes.

Analyzing genetic diversity in luffa and developing a Fusarium wilt-susceptible linked SNP marker through a single plant genome-wide association (sp-GWAS) study.

BACKGROUND: Luffa (Luffa spp.) is an economically important crop of the Cucurbitaceae family, commonly known as sponge gourd or vegetable gourd. It is an annual cross-pollinated crop primarily found in the subtropical and tropical regions of Asia, Australia, Africa, and the Americas. Luffa serves not only as a vegetable but also exhibits medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer effects. Moreover, the fiber derived from luffa finds extensive applications in various fields such as biotechnology and construction. However, luffa Fusarium wilt poses a severe threat to its production, and existing control methods have proven ineffective in terms of cost-effectiveness and environmental considerations. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop luffa varieties resistant to Fusarium wilt. Single-plant GWAS (sp-GWAS) has been demonstrated as a promising tool for the rapid and efficient identification of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with target traits, as well as closely linked molecular markers. RESULTS: In this study, a collection of 97 individuals from 73 luffa accessions including two major luffa species underwent single-plant GWAS to investigate luffa Fusarium wilt resistance. Utilizing the double digest restriction site associated DNA (ddRAD) method, a total of 8,919 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified. The analysis revealed the potential for Fusarium wilt resistance in accessions from both luffa species. There are 6 QTLs identified from 3 traits, including the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC), a putative disease-resistant QTL, was identified on the second chromosome of luffa. Within the region of linkage disequilibrium, a candidate gene homologous to LOC111009722, which encodes peroxidase 40 and is associated with disease resistance in Cucumis melo, was identified. Furthermore, to validate the applicability of the marker associated with resistance from sp-GWAS, an additional set of 21 individual luffa plants were tested, exhibiting 93.75% accuracy in detecting susceptible of luffa species L. aegyptiaca Mill. CONCLUSION: In summary, these findings give a hint of genome position that may contribute to luffa wild resistance to Fusarium and can be utilized in the future luffa wilt resistant breeding programs aimed at developing wilt-resistant varieties by using the susceptible-linked SNP marker.

Exploring the clinical and cellular mechanisms of LncRNA-KCNQ1OT1/miR-29a-3p/SOCS3 molecular axis in cases of unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to explore the functions and mechanisms of the LncRNA-KCNQ1OT1/miR-29a-3p/SOCS3 molecular pathway in the context of unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA). METHODS: We conducted qRT-PCR to assess the levels of LncRNA-KCNQ1OT1, miR-29a-3p, and SOCS3 in both abortion tissues from women who experienced URSA and healthy early pregnant women. A dual-luciferase assay was employed to investigate whether miR-29a-3p targets SOCS3. Furthermore, RNA IP and RNA Pull-Down assays were employed to confirm the interaction between KCNQ1OT1 and SOCS3 with miR-29a-3p. RNA FISH was used to determine the cellular localization of KCNQ1OT1. Additionally, trophoblast cells (HTR8/SVneo) were cultured and the CCK-8 assay was utilized to assess cell proliferation, while flow cytometry was employed to analyze cell apoptosis. RESULTS: Compared to abortion tissues obtained from healthy early pregnant individuals, those from women who experienced URSA displayed a notable downregulation of KCNQ1OT1 and SOCS3, accompanied by an upregulation of miR-29a-3p. Suppression of KCNQ1OT1 resulted in the inhibition of cell proliferation and the facilitation of apoptosis in HTR8/SVneo cells. Our findings suggest that KCNQ1OT1 may exert a regulatory influence on SOCS3 through a competitive binding mechanism with miR-29a-3p. Notably, KCNQ1OT1 exhibited expression in both the cytoplasm and nucleus, with a predominant localization in the cytoplasm. Furthermore, we observed a negative regulatory relationship between miR-29a-3p and SOCS3, as the miR-29a-3p mimic group demonstrated significantly reduced cell proliferation and an increased rate of apoptosis when compared to the negative control (NC mimic) group. Additionally, the SOCS3 Vector group exhibited a substantial improvement in proliferation capability and a marked reduction in the apoptosis rate in comparison to the NC Vector group. The miR-29a-3p mimic + SOCS3 Vector group demonstrated a remarkable enhancement in proliferation and a reduction in apoptosis when compared to the miR-29a-3p mimic group. CONCLUSION: The competitive binding of miR-29a-3p to LncRNA-KCNQ1OT1 appears to result in the elevation of SOCS3 expression, consequently fostering the proliferation of trophoblast cells while concomitantly suppressing apoptosis.

Extending the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): The GRADE-TCM.

AIM: To extend and form the "Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation in Traditional Chinese Medicine" (GRADE-TCM). METHODS: Methodologies were systematically reviewed and analyzed concerning evidence-based TCM guidelines worldwide. A survey questionnaire was developed based on the literature review and open-end expert interviews. Then, we performed expert consensus, discussion meeting, opinion collection, external examination, and the GRADE-TCM was formed eventually. RESULTS: 265 Chinese and English TCM guidelines were included and analyzed. Five experts completed the open-end interviews. Ten methodological entries were summarized, screened and selected. One round of consensus was conducted, including a total of 22 experts and 220 valid questionnaire entries, concerning 1) selection of the GRADE, 2) GRADE-TCM upgrading criteria, 3) GRADE-TCM evaluation standard, 4) principles of consensus and recommendation, and 5) presentation of the GRADE-TCM and recommendation. Finally, consensus was reached on the above 10 entries, and the results were of high importance (with voting percentages ranging from 50 % to 81.82 % for "very important" rating) and strong reliability (with the Cr ranging from 0.93 to 0.99). Expert discussion meeting (with 40 experts), opinion collection (in two online platforms) and external examination (with 14 third-party experts) were conducted, and the GRADE-TCM was established eventually. CONCLUSION: GRADE-TCM provides a new extended evidence-based evaluation standard for TCM guidelines. In GRADE-TCM, international evidence-based norms, characteristics of TCM intervention, and inheritance of TCM culture were combined organically and followed. This is helpful for localization of the GRADE in TCM and internationalization of TCM guidelines.

Investigating causal associations among gut microbiota, metabolites, and psoriatic arthritis: a Mendelian randomization study.

Background: Currently, there has been observed a significant alteration in the composition of the gut microbiome (GM) and serum metabolites in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) compared to healthy individuals. However, previous observational studies have shown inconsistent results regarding the alteration of gut microbiota/metabolites. In order to shed light on this matter, we utilized Mendelian randomization to determine the causal effect of GM/metabolites on PsA. Methods: We retrieved summary-level data of GM taxa/metabolites and PsA from publicly available GWAS statistics. Causal relationships between GM/metabolites and PsA were determined using a two-sample MR analysis, with the IVW approach serving as the primary analysis method. To ensure the robustness of our findings, we conducted sensitivity analyses, multivariable MR analysis (MVMR), and additional analysis including replication verification analysis, LDSC regression, and Steiger test analysis. Furthermore, we investigated reverse causality through a reverse MR analysis. Finally, we conducted an analysis of expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) involved in the metabolic pathway to explore potential molecular mechanisms of metabolism. Results: Our findings reveal that eight GM taxa and twenty-three serum metabolites are causally related to PsA (P < 0.05). Notably, a higher relative abundance of Family Rikenellaceae (ORIVW: 0.622, 95% CI: 0.438-0.883, FDR = 0.045) and elevated serum levels of X-11538 (ORIVW: 0.442, 95% CI: 0.250-0.781, FDR = 0.046) maintain significant causal associations with a reduced risk of PsA, even after adjusting for multiple testing correction and conducting MVMR analysis. These findings suggest that Family Rikenellaceae and X-11538 may have protective effects against PsA. Our sensitivity analysis and additional analysis revealed no significant horizontal pleiotropy, reverse causality, or heterogeneity. The functional enrichment analysis revealed that the eQTLs examined were primarily associated with glycerolipid metabolism and the expression of key metabolic factors influenced by bacterial infections (Vibrio cholerae and Helicobacter pylori) as well as the mTOR signaling pathway. Conclusion: In conclusion, our study demonstrates that Family Rikenellaceae and X-11538 exhibit a strong and negative causal relationship with PsA. These particular GM taxa and metabolites have the potential to serve as innovative biomarkers, offering valuable insights into the treatment and prevention of PsA. Moreover, bacterial infections and mTOR-mediated activation of metabolic factors may play an important role in this process.

[Assessment of CO2 Co-benefits of Air Pollution Control Policies in Taiyuan's 14th Five-Year Plan].

To quantitatively evaluate the co-benefits of air pollution reduction and carbon dioxide reduction of Taiyuan's 14th Five-Year Plan air pollution prevention and control policies, this study used the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Greenhouse Gas-Air Pollution Interaction and Synergy Model (GAINS-JJJ) to simulate and evaluate the emission reduction potential and CO2 co-benefit of 13 air pollution control measures. The emission reductions of PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NOx, VOCs, and NH3 in 2025 were 1.8 (5%, compared with that in the baseline scenario), 2.5 (2%), 3.7 (16%), 20.0 (27%), 13.6 (15%), and 0.0 kt (0%), respectively. The reduction in CO2 emissions was 9.0 Mt (13%), whereas CH4 emissions increased by 203.3 kt (25% increase relative to that in the baseline scenario). SO2, NOx, and VOCs emission reductions derived from the power, industrial combustion, and solvent use sectors. CO2 reduction occurred mainly in the industrial combustion sector, and CH4 emission increased mainly due to the increase in coal mining activity. The highest synergistic CO2 reductions were achieved by restricting energy consumption in the high energy-consuming and high-emitting sectors; prohibiting new capacity in the steel, coke, cement, and flat glass industries; and replacing coal-fired power generation with renewable energy. Furthermore, the CO2 reduction co-benefit was highest for VOCs. In addition, this study suggests that promoting the policy of terminal electrification and simultaneously increasing the share of clean energy and the ability to consume renewable energy generation in the power sector are the keys to decreasing the emissions in Taiyuan.

Development of the Low-Temperature Inducible System for Recombinant Protein Production in Escherichia coli Nissle 1917.

The pET system is commonly used for producing foreign proteins in Escherichia coli, but its reliance on the costly and metabolically demanding inducer IPTG limits its industrial use. This study engineered a low-temperature inducible system (LTIS) in E. coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) by combining the T7 expression system with the thermal inducible mechanism CI857-λPRPL to generate the new LTIS strain, ENL7P. The strain ENL7P-sfGFP-Km underwent overnight culture at 37 °C for 14-16 h, followed by subculturing at 30 °C for 24 h. This resulted in a notable 5.53-fold increase in the sfGFP induction rate when the strain was cultivated under 37-30 °C conditions. Moreover, gene expression was induced using a two-stage strategy. Initially, the strain was cultured overnight at 39 °C for 14-16 h, followed by a subculture at 30 °C for 6 h, and finally, another subculture at 30 °C for 24 h. This cultivation strategy led to an impressive 158.37-fold induction rate for sfGFP. Similar effects could be achieved through utilization of the LTIS system for inducing the production of thermophilic trehalose synthase from Thermus antranikianii (TaTS). The results of this study proved that the LTIS system has the potential for industrial applications.

[Characterization and identification of chemical constituents from Schizonepetae Spica based on UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS technique].

The chemical constituents of Schizonepetae Spica were qualitatively analyzed by UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. An Agilent poroshell 120 SB-C_(18) column(3.0 mm×100 mm, 2.7 µm) was used for gradient elution with 0.1% formic acid water(A)-acetonitrile(B) solution as mobile phase at the flow rate of 0.4 mL·min~(-1) and column temperature of 45 ℃. The data were collected by scanning in positive and negative ion modes, and the compounds were identified by comparison of reference materials and PeakView software. Ninety-seven compounds were identified from Schizonepetae Spica, including 28 flavonoids, 23 phenolic acids, 23 fatty acids, 15 terpenoids, and 8 other compounds. The UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS method established in this study can identify the chemical components of Schizonepetae Spica rapidly, accurately, and comprehensively, and provide a basis for the basic study of pharmacodynamic substances of Schizonepetae Spica.