Diversification of FT-like genes in the PEBP family contributes to the variation of flowering traits in Sapindaceae species.

Many species of Sapindaceae, such as lychee, longan, and rambutan, provide nutritious and delicious fruit. Understanding the molecular genetic mechanisms that underlie the regulation of flowering is essential for securing flower and fruit productivity. Most endogenous and exogenous flowering cues are integrated into the florigen encoded by FLOWERING LOCUS T. However, the regulatory mechanisms of flowering remain poorly understood in Sapindaceae. Here, we identified 60 phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein-coding genes from six Sapindaceae plants. Gene duplication events led to the emergence of two or more paralogs of the FT gene that have evolved antagonistic functions in Sapindaceae. Among them, the FT1-like genes are functionally conserved and promote flowering, while the FT2-like genes likely serve as repressors that delay flowering. Importantly, we show here that the natural variation at nucleotide position - 1437 of the lychee FT1 promoter determined the binding affinity of the SVP protein (LcSVP9), which was a negative regulator of flowering, resulting in the differential expression of LcFT1, which in turn affected flowering time in lychee. This finding provides a potential molecular marker for breeding lychee. Taken together, our results reveal some crucial aspects of FT gene family genetics that underlie the regulation of flowering in Sapindaceae.

Insight into the Stabilization Mechanism of Succinylation Modification on Black Bean Protein Gels: Molecular Conformation, Microstructure, and Gel Properties.

The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of succinylation treatment on the physicochemical properties of black bean proteins (BBPI), and the relationship mechanism between BBPI structure and gel properties was further analyzed. The results demonstrated that the covalent formation of higher-molecular-weight complexes with BBPI could be achieved by succinic anhydride (SA). With the addition of SA at 10% (v/v), the acylation of proteins amounted to 92.53 ± 1.10%, at which point there was a minimized particle size of the system (300.90 ± 9.57 nm). Meanwhile, the protein structure was stretched with an irregular curl content of 34.30% and the greatest processable flexibility (0.381 ± 0.004). The dense three-dimensional mesh structure of the hydrogel as revealed by scanning electron microscopy was the fundamental prerequisite for the ability to resist external extrusion. The thermally induced hydrogels of acylated proteins with 10% (v/v) addition of SA showed excellent gel elastic behavior (1.44 ± 0.002 nm) and support capacity. Correlation analysis showed that the hydrogel strength and stability of hydrogels were closely related to the changes in protein conformation. This study provides theoretical guidance for the discovery of flexible proteins and their application in hydrogels.

Improving the Photoactivity of Porphyrin-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks via Constructing [Ce-O] Active Site and Vacancy.

Defect engineering of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is a versatile approach to tailoring their electronic structures and photocatalytic performance. Herein, Ce-based porphyrin MOFs (CMFs) featuring controlled structural defects were successfully prepared using a simple acid modulation strategy to drive the photocatalytic H2 generation. The [Ce-O] unit serves as the active site via a ligand-to-metal charge transfer process, which has been confirmed by in situ XPS analysis. Abundant exposed coordinatively unsaturated Ce-O centers are beneficial for the adsorption and activation of water molecules, which is an important factor for improving the photocatalytic performance of the synthesized defective MOFs. In addition, optical and electrochemical experiments indicate that CMFs with more oxygen vacancies possess higher charge separation efficiency. As a result, the optimized CMF(Zn)-200 sample afforded high stability and activity in the H2 generation (up to 1603.3 µmol·g-1·h-1 under cocatalyst-free conditions) and tetracycline hydrochloride removal efficiency (97%), which was 8.45 and 97 times higher than that of pure meso-tetra(4-carboxyphenyl)porphine. This study demonstrates that effective structural modulation and defect introduction can improve the activity and stability of PMOF-based photocatalysts.

Astaxanthin Rescues Memory Impairments in Rats with Vascular Dementia by Protecting Against Neuronal Death in the Hippocampus.

Vascular dementia (VaD) is a cognitive disorder characterized by a decline in cognitive function resulting from cerebrovascular disease. The hippocampus is particularly susceptible to ischemic insults, leading to memory deficits in VaD. Astaxanthin (AST) has shown potential therapeutic effects in neurodegenerative diseases. However, the mechanisms underlying its protective effects in VaD and against hippocampal neuronal death remain unclear. In this study, We used the bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) method to establish a chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) rat model of VaD and administered a gastric infusion of AST at 25 mg/kg per day for 4 weeks to explore its therapeutic effects. Memory impairments were assessed using Y-maze and Morris water maze tests. We also performed biochemical analyses to evaluate levels of hippocampal neuronal death and apoptosis-related proteins, as well as the impact of astaxanthin on the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and oxidative stress. Our results demonstrated that AST significantly rescued memory impairments in VaD rats. Furthermore, astaxanthin treatment protected against hippocampal neuronal death and attenuated apoptosis. We also observed that AST modulated the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, suggesting its involvement in promoting neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity. Additionally, AST exhibited antioxidant properties, mitigating oxidative stress in the hippocampus. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential therapeutic effects of AST in VaD. By elucidating the mechanisms underlying the actions of AST, this study highlights the importance of protecting hippocampal neurons and suggests potential targets for intervention in VaD. There are still some unanswered questions include long-term effects and optimal dosage of the use in human. Further research is warranted to fully understand the therapeutic potential of AST and its application in the clinical treatment of VaD.

A nanofluidic spiking synapse.

Currently, the nanofluidic synapse can only perform basic neuromorphic pulse patterns. One immediate problem that needs to be addressed to further its capability of brain-like computing is the realization of a nanofluidic spiking device. Here, we report the use of a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate membrane to achieve bionic ionic current-induced spiking. In addition to the simulation of various electrical pulse patterns, our synapse could produce transmembrane ionic current-induced spiking, which is highly analogous to biological action potentials with similar phases and excitability. Moreover, the spiking properties could be modulated by ions and neurochemicals. We expect that this work could contribute to biomimetic spiking computing in solution.

Assessment of the influence of levees along Yangtze River on Oncomelania hupensis, the intermediate host of Schistosoma japonicum.

BACKGROUND: Oncomelania hupensis is the exclusive intermediate host of Schistosoma japonicum in China. Snail control is an essential component of schistosomiasis elimination programme. With 70 years of continuous efforts, the range of O. hupensis had reduced significantly, but slowed down in last decades. A large number of levees against flooding were constructed along Yangtze River and its affiliated lakes in the middle and lower reaches, which influenced the hydrology and ecology in the alluvial plains. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of levees on the distribution of O. hupensis in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. METHODS: The snail habitats were digitalised by hand-held GPS system. The years for discovery and elimination of snail habitats were extracted from historical records. The accumulated snail-infested range for each habitat was calculated on the basis of annual reports. The current distribution of O. hupensis was determined by systematic and environmental sampling. The geographical distribution of levees was obtained from satellite imagery. To assess the impact of levees, the data pertaining to O. hupensis were divided into two parts: inside and outside the Yangtze River. Joinpoint regression was utilised to divide the study time span and further characterise the regression in each period. The 5-year-period moving averages of eliminated area infested by snails were calculated for the habitats inside and outside Yangtze River. The moving routes of corresponding geographical median centres were simulated in ArcGIS. Hotspot analysis was used to determine the areas with statistical significance clustering of O. hupensis density. RESULTS: Three periods were identified according to Joinpoint regression both inside and outside Yangtze River. The area infested by O. hupensis increased in the first two periods. It decreased rapidly outside Yangtze River year over year after 1970, while that inside the Yangtze River did not change significantly. Furthermore, the latter was significantly higher than the former. It was observed that the present density of O. hupensis inside Yangtze River was lower than outside the Yangtze River. The median centre for eliminated ranges inside Yangtze River wavered between the east (lower reach) and the west (middle reach). In contrast, the median centre for eliminated ranges continuously moved from the east to the west. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicated that the levees had a considerable negative impact on the distribution of O. hupensis outside Yangtze River. Some hotspots observed in the irrigation areas need a sluice system at the inlet of branch for snail control. The major distribution of O. hupensis located in Hubei might be caused by severe waterlogging. The intensive surveillance should be implemented there. The biggest two freshwater lakes, the major endemic regions historically, were identified as cold spots. The long-term impact of Three Gorges Dam on the distribution of O. hupensis in the lakes should be monitored and evaluated.

Disproportionality Analysis of Nusinersen in the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System: A Real-World Postmarketing Pharmacovigilance Assessment.

BACKGROUND: Nusinersen is the first drug for precise targeted therapy of spinal muscular atrophy, a rare disease that occurs in one of 10,000 to 20,000 live births. Therefore, thorough and comprehensive reports on the safety of nusinersen in large, real-world populations are necessary. This study aimed to mine the adverse event (AE) signals related to nusinersen through the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database. METHODS: We extracted reports of AEs with nusinersen as the primary suspect from FAERS between December 2016 and March 2023. Reporting odds ratio (ROR) and Bayesian confidence propagation neural network (BCPNN) were used for AE signal detection. RESULTS: We extracted a total of 4807 suspected AE cases with nusinersen as the primary suspect from the FAERS database. Among them, 106 positive signals were obtained using the ROR and BCPNN. The highest frequency reported systemic organ class was general disorders and administration site conditions. Common clinical AEs of nusinersen were detected in the FAERS database, such as pneumonia, vomiting, back pain, headache, pyrexia, and post-lumbar puncture syndrome. In addition, we identified potential unexpected serious AEs through disproportionality analysis, including sepsis, seizure, epilepsy, brain injury, cardiorespiratory arrest, and cardiac arrest. CONCLUSIONS: Analyzing large amounts of real-world data from the FAERS database, we identified potential new AEs of nusinersen by disproportionate analysis. It is advantageous for health care professionals and pharmacists to concentrate on effectively managing high-risk AEs of nusinersen, improve medication levels in clinical settings, and uphold patient medication safety.

Socioeconomic inequalities in human papillomavirus knowledge and vaccine uptake: evidence from a cross-sectional study in China.

Objective: Providing the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is effective to eliminate the disparity in HPV-related cancers. It is unknown regarding inequality in the distribution of HPV vaccination in China since the vaccine was licensed and approved for use in 2016. This study aimed to examine socioeconomic inequalities in HPV-related knowledge and vaccination and identified factors associated with such inequalities. Methods: Self-administered questionnaires measuring HPV-related knowledge and vaccine uptake were completed by 1,306 women through online survey platform. HPV knowledge was assessed using a 12-item question stem that covered the hazards of HPV infection, HPV vaccine dosage, benefits, and protection. Cluster analysis by combining monthly household income, educational level, and employment status was used to identify socioeconomic status (SES) class. The concentration index (CI) was employed as a measure of socioeconomic inequalities in HPV-related knowledge and vaccination. Linear regression and logistic regression were established to decompose the contributions of associated factors to the observed inequalities. Results: The CI for HPV-related knowledge and vaccine uptake was 0.0442 and 0.1485, respectively, indicating the higher knowledge and vaccination rate were concentrated in groups with high SES. Education and household income made the largest contribution to these inequalities. Age, residency and cervical cancer screening were also important contributors of observed inequalities. Conclusion: Socioeconomic inequalities in HPV-related knowledge and vaccination uptake are evident in China. Interventions to diffuse HPV-related information for disadvantaged groups are helpful to reduce these inequalities. Providing low or no-cost HPV vaccination and ensuring accessibility of vaccines in rural areas are also considered to be beneficial.

Special stent for draining the abdominal abscess respectively from colon and duodenum: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative abdominal infections are an important and heterogeneous health challenge. Many samll abdominal abscesses are resolved with antibiotics, but larger or symptomatic abscesses may require procedural management. CASE SUMMARY: A 65-year-old male patient who suffered operation for the left hepatocellular carcinoma eight months ago, came to our hospital with recurrent abdominal pain, vomit, and fever for one month. Abdominal computed tomography showed that a big low-density dumbbell-shaped mass among the liver and intestine. Colonoscopy showed a submucosal mass with a fistula at colon of liver region. Gastroscopy showed a big rupture on the submucosal mass at the descending duodenum and a fistula at the duodenal bulb. Under colonoscopy, the brown liquid and pus were drained from the mass with "special stent device". Under gastroscopy, we closed the rupture of the mass with a loop and six clips for purse stitching at the descending duodenum, and the same method as colonoscopy was used to drain the brown liquid and pus from the mass. The symptom of abdominal pain, vomit and fever were relieved after the treatment. CONCLUSION: The special stent device could be effectively for draining the abdominal abscess respectively from colon and duodenum.

A portability self-powered sensor facilitates sensitive Cd2+ detection: Dual mechanism and three quantitative mode.

As a common heavy metal contaminant, Cd2+ has adverse effects on food safety and consumer health. It is very important for human health to realize highly sensitive Cd2+ detection methods. The self-powered sensing system based on enzyme biofuel cells (EBFCs) does not need an external power supply, which can simplify the experimental equipment and has great application value in portable detection. Thus, the biosensor is innovatively integrated into the screen-printed electrode to construct a new type of portable sensor suitable for on-site and real-time Cd2+ detection. Hybridization chain reaction (HCR) combined with the Cd2+-dependent deoxyribose (DNAzyme) signal amplification strategy is used to enhance the detection sensitivity while specifically recognizing the Cd2+. Moreover, the self-powered sensor combines with smartphones to realize quantitative Cd2+ detection without other instruments and has the characteristic of Effectively improving the hazard detection technology is essential to ensure food safety. Portability, simplicity, and speed are suitable for real-time Cd2+ detection in the field. The dual mechanism and three quantitative modes combining colorimetric and two electrical signals output modes are adopted to realize the visualization and accurate detection. A series of research results confirm that this strategy is of great significance to strengthen the development of intelligent Cd2+ technology, expand the application of self-powered sensing technology, and improve the safety detection system.

Contralateral differences in ankle SBP and pulse wave velocity: associations with incident heart failure and mortality.

BACKGROUND: Contralateral differences in brachial SBP are indicative of underlaying cardiovascular issues. OBJECTIVES: To examine the association of contralateral differences in ankle SBP, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), and heart-ankle pulse wave velocity (haPWV) with incident heart failure and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. METHODS: Cox proportional-hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) in 5077 participants (75 ±â€Š5 years) of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study. RESULTS: Over a mean follow-up of 7.5 ±â€Š2.2 years, there were 457 heart failure events, 1275 all-cause and 363 cardiovascular deaths. Interankle SBP difference of at least 10 mmHg [hazard ratio = 1.12; confidence interval (CI) 1.00-1.28], at least 15 mmHg (hazard ratio = 1.21; CI 1.03-1.43), contralateral difference in baPWV more than 240 cm/s (hazard ratio = 1.22; CI 1.02-1.46), and haPWV more than 80 cm/s (hazard ratio = 1.24; CI 1.04-1.48) were each independently associated with all-cause mortality after adjustment for confounders. Contralateral differences in ankle SBP of at least 15 mmHg (hazard ratio = 1.56; CI 1.17-2.09), and haPWV more than 80 cm/s (hazard ratio = 1.42; CI 1.03-1.96) were both independently associated with cardiovascular mortality. Unadjusted analysis revealed that those with contralateral differences in ankle SBP of at least 10 and at least 15 mmHg, baPWV more than 240, and haPWV more than 80 cm/s had higher risks of heart failure (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These results underscore the significance of evaluating contralateral differences in ankle SBP and PWV as potential markers of increased mortality risk among older adults.

Heavy metals and elderly kidney health: A multidimensional study through Enviro-target Mendelian Randomization.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), closely linked to environmental factors, poses a significant public health challenge. This study, based on 529 triple-repeated measures from key national environmental pollution area and multiple gene-related public databases, employs various epidemiological and bioinformatics models to assess the impact of combined heavy metal exposure (Chromium [Cr], Cadmium [Cd], and Lead [Pb]) on early renal injury and CKD in the elderly. Introducing the novel Enviro-Target Mendelian Randomization method, our research explores the causal relationship between metals and CKD. The findings indicate a positive correlation between increased levels of metal and renal injury, with combined exposure caused renal damage more significantly than individual exposure. The study reveals that metals primarily influence CKD development through oxidative stress and metal ion resistance pathways, focusing on three related genes (SOD2, MPO, NQO1) and a transcription factor (NFE2L2). Metals were found to regulate oxidative stress levels in the body by increasing the expression of SOD2, MPO, NQO1, and decreasing NFE2L2, leading to CKD onset. Our research establishes a new causal inference framework linking environmental pollutants-pathways-genes-CKD, assessing the impact and mechanisms of metal exposure on CKD. Future studies with more extensive in vitro evidence and larger population are needed to validate.

Examining the relationship between alterations in plasma cholesterol, vascular endothelin-1 levels, and the severity of sepsis in children: An observational study.

Considering the significant impact of total cholesterol (TC) and vascular endothelin-1 (ET-1) on children sepsis outcomes, this research aimed to explore the association between the levels of plasma cholesterol and vascular endothelin-1 and the severity of sepsis and evaluated its clinical implications. In this study, we examined 250 pediatric patients diagnosed with sepsis between February 2019 and April 2021, collecting data on their plasma levels of TC and ET-1. Depending on the observed outcomes, the participants were divided into 2 categories: a group with a positive prognosis (control group, n = 100) and a group with a negative prognosis (n = 50). We assessed the significance of plasma TC and ET-1 levels in forecasting the outcomes for these pediatric patients. Patients in the group with a poor prognosis experienced notably longer hospital stays and higher treatment expenses than those in the control group (P < .05). Within the first 24 hours of admission and again on days 3 and 7, the levels of ET-1 were significantly higher in the poor prognosis group, whereas plasma TC levels were notably lower in comparison to the control group (P < .05). A Spearman correlation analysis identified a significant correlation between the levels of plasma TC and ET-1 and the severity of sepsis among the children (P < .05). The diagnostic performance for the severity of sepsis in children, as measured by the area under the curve (AUC), was 0.805 for plasma TC, 0.777 for ET-1 levels, and 0.938 when both were combined. This investigation underscores a meaningful relationship between the levels of plasma TC and ET-1 in pediatric sepsis patients, suggesting these biomarkers are highly valuable in predicting patient outcomes. High levels of ET-1 and low levels of TC in these patients signify a grave condition and a poor prognosis.

The Identification of Kabatiella zeae as a Causal Agent of Northern Anthracnose of Sorghum in China and Estimation of Host Resistance.

Sorghum northern anthracnose is a leaf disease affecting sorghum, which results in plant death and substantial yield loss. This study aimed to effectively understand the disease, clarify its biological characteristics, and evaluate the resistance of germplasm resources. A field sample was collected to isolate and purify the pathogen. The pathogen, identified as Kabatiella zeae Narita et Hiratsuka using both morphological and molecular techniques, was further confirmed as the causative agent of northern anthracnose of sorghum following Robert Koch's principles. The results revealed the optimal culture temperature to be 25 °C, preferred dark culture conditions, and the best growth on potato glucose agar medium with sucrose and L-leucine as the optimal carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. A total of 138 sorghum germplasm resources were inoculated and evaluated using the isolated pathogen, with 20 lines (14.49%) exhibiting high resistance, 18 lines (13.04%) showing disease resistance, 27 lines (19.57%) demonstrating medium resistance, 37 lines (26.81%) being susceptible, and 36 lines (26.09%) classified as highly susceptible. The indoor fungicide screening was conducted through pathogen medium application, and enilconazole, pyraclostrobin, methylthiophanate, and flusilazole were screened for the best fungicide inhibition with a 100% inhibition rate compared with the control. This study provides reference for field pharmaceutical control in sorghum production.

Children's Iodine Intake from Dairy Products and Related Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study in Two Provinces of China.

Dairy products are a significant source of iodine, and their contribution to iodine intake must be evaluated regularly. However, there is a lack of data on iodine intake from dairy products in China. Through a cross-sectional study, we determined the iodine content of dairy products in the Chinese diet and estimated iodine intake among Chinese children. Intake records for 30 consecutive days were used to investigate the consumption of dairy products by 2009 children from Yunnan and Liaoning Provinces. The iodine contents of 266 dairy products with high intake frequency were determined using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). We then calculated the iodine intake and contribution of dairy products and explored the related factors of dairy iodine intake through a generalized linear mixed model. Ultra-high-temperature (UHT) sterilized milk accounted for 78.7% of the total dairy products, with an iodine content of 23.0 µg/100 g. The dairy product intake rate of children in China was 83.6%, with an average daily intake of 143.1 g. The median iodine intake from milk and dairy was 26.8 µg/d, 41.5% of the estimated average recommendation (EAR) for younger children and 31.8% of the EAR for older children. The daily milk iodine intake of children in Yunnan Province was 9.448 µg/day lower than that of children in Liaoning Province (p < 0.001), and the daily iodine intake of children in rural areas was 17.958 µg/day lower than that of children in urban areas (p < 0.001). Chinese dairy products were rich in iodine, and the content of iodine was intermediate to that reported in Europe and the USA. However, children's daily intake of milk iodine was lower than that of children in other developed countries due to the lower daily intake of dairy products, especially those in rural areas.

Intravitreal Injection of Conbercept Combined with Dexamethasone for Macular Edema Following Central Retinal Vein Occlusion.

Background: To compare the efficacy of intravitreal injections of Conbercept combined with dexamethasone (DEX) for macular edema (ME) following central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). Methods: This was a prospective, single-masked, randomised, controlled clinical trial. Patients with ME following CRVO were randomised into groups to receive intravitreal injections of 0.5 mg Conbercept plus 0.2 mg DEX or 0.5 mg Conbercept alone on day 0 followed by repeat injections as indicated. The primary outcome measure was the change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) from baseline to month 12. Secondary outcome measures included decrease in central retinal thickness (CRT), injection frequency and interval and percentage of patients who gained more than 15 ETDRS letters or achieved a CRT of < 250 µm at month 12. Results: 33 males (51%) and 32 females (49%) were initially recruited with an average age of 56.64 ± 13.88 years. Patients in the Conbercept and Conbercept + DEX groups gained an average of 14.55 ± 19.19 and 14.88 ± 17.68 ETDRS letters, respectively, at months 12 (t = 4.221, P = 0.000; and t = 4.834, P = 0.000) with no significant difference between the two groups (t = 0.071, P = 0.943). In the Conbercept group, the mean reduction in CRT from baseline to month 12 was 435.26 ± 293.37 µm (t = 8.261, P = 0.000) compared to 431.36 ± 294.55 (t = 8.413, P = 0.000) in the Conbercept + DEX group. There was no significant difference between the two groups (t = 0.053, P = 0.958). The Conbercept + DEX group received fewer intravitreal injections. No major complications occurred. Conclusion: Conbercept, alone or with DEX, can improve BCVA and reduce CRT in ME following CRVO without serious adverse events. The treatment interval was longer in the Conbercept + DEX group. Trial Registration: The study was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry at 5 July 2017. (http://www.chictr.org.cn, 05/07/2017 Registration Number: ChiCTR-INR-17011877).