A Chromatographic Approach for High-Precision Eu Isotope Analysis.

Eu isotopes are promising tracers across various scientific domains such as planetary, earth, and marine science, yet their high-precision analysis has been challenging due to the similar geochemical properties of rare earth elements (REEs). In this study, a novel two-column chromatographic approach was developed utilizing AG50W-X12 and TODGA resins to separate Eu effectively from matrix and interfering elements like Ba, Nd, Sm, and Gd, while ensuring high Eu yields (99.4 ± 0.4%, n = 19) and low blanks (<20 pg). The robustness of this method is evidenced by various rock types and different Eu loading masses. The efficient purification of Eu facilitated the establishment of a high-precision calibration technique with standard-sample bracketing (SSB) and internal normalization (Nd). When a Nu Plasma 1700 multicollector-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) instrument was employed, repeated purification and analysis of various Geological Reference Materials (GRMs) confirmed that the long-term external precision of δ153/151Eu is better than 0.04‰ (2 standard deviation (2SD)), which represents a 2-5-fold increase in precision compared to previously reported methods. Additionally, the high-precision Eu isotopic compositions of five GRMs, including basalts, andesite, syenite, and marine sediment, were measured. The high-precision Eu isotope techniques presented herein open up new avenues for Eu isotope geochemistry.

Regulating coordination environment in metal-organic Framework@Cuprous oxide Core-Shell catalyst for Promoting electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction.

As a kind of promising oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts, metal-organic frameworks (MOF) are often constrained by their inherent poor electroconductivity and structural instability. In this study, we developed a mono-dispersed zeolitic imidazolate framework-67@cuprous oxide (ZIF-67@Cu2O) core-shell catalyst via in-situ growth method for highly efficient alkaline OER. The ZIF-67@Cu2O shows an excellent OER activity with a low overpotential of 254 mV at 10 mA cm-2 and Tafel slope of 87.9 mV·dec-1 in 1.0 M KOH. Furthermore, the ZIF-67@Cu2O also shows a high turnover frequency (TOF) of 0.166 s-1 at 1.60  V vs. RHE and long-term stability for 160 h at a high current density of 100 mA cm-2. The unique core-shell structure with the Cu2O core linked with ZIF-67 shell through interfacial di-oxygen bridge improves the structural stability, enhances the charge transfer, and provides more active sites. Moreover, the interfacial coordination structure was regulated from Co-N4 to Co-N2O2 which elevates the valence of Co sites and optimizes the adsorption free energy of oxygen-containing intermediates, thus improving the electrocatalytic OER performance. This work could propose the way for designing novel MOF-based nanomaterials and developing desirable and robust heterogeneous OER catalysts.

Assessment of the impact of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol on retinal vessels using optical coherence tomography angiography.

BACKGROUND: Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is acknowledged as an independent risk factor (IRF) for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Nevertheless, studies on the impact of LDL-C on microvasculature are still scarce. The retina, abundant in microvasculature, can now be examined for microvascular alterations through the novel, non-invasive, and quantitative optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) technique. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 243 patients from the geriatric department were recruited (between December 2022 and December 2023). Individuals were classified into four groups based on their LDL-C levels: Group 1 (≤ 1.8 mmol/L), Group 2 (> 1.8 mmol/L to ≤ 2.6 mmol/L), Group 3 (> 2.6 mmol/L to ≤ 3.4 mmol/L), and Group 4 (> 3.4 mmol/L). The OCTA results including retinal vessel density (VD), foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, macula thickness, and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness were contrasted across these groups. T-tests, analysis of variance, Welch's tests, or rank-sum tests were employed for statistical comparisons. In cases where significant differences between groups were found, post-hoc multiple comparisons or rank-sum tests were performed for pairwise group comparisons. Spearman's correlation coefficient was employed to perform bivariate correlation analysis to evaluate the relationship between LDL-C levels and various OCTA measurements. Multivariable regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between LDL-C levels and various OCTA measurements. Linear regression analysis or mixed-effects linear models were applied. RESULTS: It was discovered that individuals with LDL-C levels exceeding 2.6 mmol/L (Groups 3 and 4) exhibited reduced VD in the retina, encompassing both the optic disc and macular regions, compared to those with LDL-C levels at or below 2.6 mmol/L (Groups 1 and 2). A negative correlation among LDL-C levels and retinal VD was identified, with r values spanning from - 0.228 to -0.385. Further regression analysis presented ß values between - 0.954 and - 2.378. Additionally, no notable disparities were detected among the groups regarding FAZ area, macular thickness, and RNFL thickness. CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes of this study suggest that elevated LDL-C levels constitute an IRF for decreased VD across the entire retina. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05644548, December 1, 2022.

Prevalence and risk factors for refractive error in older adults in eight ethnicities in China: The China national health survey.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of refractive error (RE) and risk factors for myopia among older adults in the Han and various minority ethnic groups across seven provinces in China. Methods: This cross-sectional study forms a part of the ophthalmic dataset of the China National Health Survey (CNHS). Face-to-face interviews and ophthalmic examinations were conducted in seven provinces located in western and northern China. The age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of RE among Han and seven other ethnic groups aged 50-80 years were compared. A mixed-effects model was used to identify the risk factors associated with RE. Results: A total of 12,902 participants, including 8800 Han and 4102 from ethnic minorities, were included in the study. The age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of myopia, high myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism ranged from 15.3 % (Manchu) to 22.9 % (Han), 0.2 % (Yugur) to 2.8 % (Han), 21.6 % (Tibetan) to 48.9 % (Uyghur), and 38.7 % (Yi) to 57.5 % (Manchu) across different ethnicities, respectively. Compared to the Han population, the Mongolian (odds ratios (OR) 0.62, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.46-0.84, p = 0.002), Tibetan (OR 0.66, 95 % CI 0.52-0.85, p = 0.001), Uyghur (OR 0.63, 95 % CI 0.49-0.80, p < 0.001), Yi (OR 0.65, 95 % CI 0.46-0.92, p = 0.014), and Yugur (OR 0.65, 95 % CI 0.50-0.85, p = 0.001) ethnicities were less likely to have myopia. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of myopia between the Manchu, Korean, and Han ethnic groups. Factors associated with a lower prevalence of myopia included rural residence (p < 0.001), a body mass index (BMI) > 18.5 kg/m2 (all p < 0.001), residence in higher latitude areas (p = 0.020), and a history of smoking (p = 0.002 in the past smoking group, p = 0.031 in the current smoking group). The Mongolian (p = 0.006) and Yugur (p = 0.007) populations, participants living in rural areas (p = 0.012), and those with a BMI >24 kg/m2 (p = 0.038 in the >24.0 ≤ 27.0 kg/m2 group or p = 0.041 in the >27.0 kg/m2 group) were less likely to have high myopia. Factors associated with a higher prevalence of hyperopia included older age (all p < 0.001), rural residence (p = 0.039), higher latitude areas (p = 0.031), smoking history (p = 0.040), and Mongolian (p = 0.001), Uyghur (p < 0.001), Yi (p < 0.001), and Yugur (p = 0.002) ethnicities. Conversely, the Manchu population (p = 0.004) and individuals with higher education levels than illiteracy (p = 0.024 or p < 0.001) were less likely to have hyperopia. Conclusions: Myopia affected more than one-fifth of the older adults in the Han population in this survey. Significant differences in the prevalence of RE were observed between minority ethnicities and Han individuals, except for the Manchu and Korean groups.

Metabonomic analysis to identify exometabolome changes underlying antifungal and growth promotion mechanisms of endophytic Actinobacterium Streptomyces albidoflavus for sustainable agriculture practice.

In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on microbial ecology and its possible impact on agricultural production, owing to its eco-friendly nature and sustainable use. The current study employs metabolomics technologies and bioinformatics approaches to identify changes in the exometabolome of Streptomyces albidoflavus B24. This research aims to shed light on the mechanisms and metabolites responsible for the antifungal and growth promotion strategies, with potential applications in sustainable agriculture. Metabolomic analysis was conducted using Q Exactive UPLC-MS/MS. Our findings indicate that a total of 3,840 metabolites were identified, with 137 metabolites exhibiting significant differences divided into 61 up and 75 downregulated metabolites based on VIP >1, |FC| >1, and p < 0.01. The interaction of S. albidoflavus B24 monoculture with the co-culture demonstrated a stronger correlation coefficient. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) demonstrates that PCA1 accounted for 23.36%, while PCA2 accounted for 20.28% distinction. OPLS-DA score plots indicate significant separation among different groups representing (t1) 24% as the predicted component (to1) depicts 14% as the orthogonal component. According to the findings of this comprehensive study, crude extracts from S. albidoflavus demonstrated varying abilities to impede phytopathogen growth and enhance root and shoot length in tested plants. Through untargeted metabolomics, we discovered numerous potential molecules with antagonistic activity against fungal phytopathogens among the top 10 significant metabolites with the highest absolute log2FC values. These include Tetrangulol, 4-Hydroxybenzaldehyde, and Cyclohexane. Additionally, we identified plant growth-regulating metabolites such as N-Succinyl-L-glutamate, Nicotinic acid, L-Aspartate, and Indole-3-acetamide. The KEGG pathway analysis has highlighted these compounds as potential sources of antimicrobial properties. The inhibitory effect of S. albidoflavus crude extracts on pathogen growth is primarily attributed to the presence of specific gene clusters responsible for producing cyclic peptides such as ansamycins, porphyrin, alkaloid derivatives, and neomycin. Overall, it is apparent that crude extracts from S. albidoflavus exhibited varying abilities to inhibit the growth of three phytopathogens and enhancement in both root and shoot length of tested plants. This research enhances our understanding of how secondary metabolites contribute to growth promotion and biocontrol, supporting ecosystem sustainability and resilience while boosting productivity in sustainable agriculture.

Fluctuation-dissipation theorem and entanglement dynamics in one-dimensional low-density Jaynes-Cummings Hubbard model after a quench.

In one-dimensional low-density Jaynes-Cummings Hubbard (JCH) models [Phys. Rev. E 106, 064107 (2022)2470-004510.1103/PhysRevE.106.064107], we proved that the eigenstate thermalization hypothesis (ETH) is valid when the tunneling strength and coupling strength are of the same order. Surprisingly, at the weak tunneling limit, we observed that the entanglement entropy and scaling law of kinetic energy operators also exhibit obvious quantum chaotic properties, this is an unexpected result. To substantiate these findings, we further discuss their nonequilibrium dynamics in this paper. Our analysis reveals that when the model is a weak tunneling limit after the quench and the initial state is an equilibrium state of chaos, the system reaches an equilibrium state. This observation supports the conclusion that the low-density JCH model at the weak tunneling limit is nonintegrable, corroborating our previous results [Phys. Rev. E 106, 064107 (2022)2470-004510.1103/PhysRevE.106.064107]. Additionally, by discussing the validity of the fluctuation-dissipation theorem (FDT) and the evolution behavior of entanglement entropy and fidelity, we numerically demonstrate the differences between the one-dimensional low-density JCH model and general nonintegrable systems. Specifically, in the low-density JCH model, when the Hamiltonian after the quench is integrable, the validity of FDT depends on the thermal behavior of the initial Hamiltonian, and a metastable state is observed during the evolution of entanglement entropy. Our research presents an an intriguing and unique nonintegrable model, enriching the current understanding of nonintegrable systems.

Metarhiziumpuerense (Hypocreales, Clavicipitaceae): a new species from Yunnan, south-western China.

Background: As a genus within the Clavicipitaceae, Metarhizium exhibits rich morphological and ecological diversity, with a wide distribution and a variety of hosts. Currently, sixty-eight species of Metarhizium have been described. New information: A new species of Metarhizium, M.puerense (Hong Yu bis), was described in Pu'er City, Yunnan Province, south-western China. Based on morphological characteristics and multilocus phylogenetic analyses, Metarhiziumpuerense was confirmed to be phylogenetically related to M.album, but was clearly separated and formed a distinct branch. In contrast, the host of Metarhiziumalbum was plants and leafhoppers and that lepidopteran larvae were the host of M.puerense. The diagnostic features of M.puerense were solitary to multiple stromata and smooth-walled, cylindrical with rounded apices conidia.

Diagnostic value of combined detection of AKP, TSGF, and LDH for pediatric osteosarcoma: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic value of serum alkaline phosphatase (AKP), tumor-supplied growth factor group (TSGF), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) for pediatric osteosarcoma. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of clinical data from 81 pediatric osteosarcoma patients (osteosarcoma group) and 63 patients with benign bone tumors (benign bone tumor group) admitted to Yantaishan Hospital from February 2023 to November 2023 was conducted. Basic and clinical data differences between the two groups of children were compared. A multivariate regression model was established to determine predictive factors for pediatric osteosarcoma, and the diagnostic value of identified indicators for pediatric osteosarcoma was evaluated. RESULTS: Osteosarcoma group demonstrated significantly higher serum AKP (375.76±73.47 vs 286.12±76.50 U/L), TSGF (69.01±16.30 vs 53.57±16.37 U/mL), and LDH (269.55±66.96 vs 207.46±59.20 U/L) levels as compared to the benign bone tumor group. Correlation analysis suggested significant positive correlations between AKP (rho=0.505), TSGF (rho=406), LDH (rho=0.449) and pediatric osteosarcoma. Multivariate regression analysis showed serum AKP, TSGF, and LDH were independent predictive factor for pediatric osteosarcoma. The AUC value for AKP was 0.794, with a Youden index of 0.459; the AUC value for TSGF was 0.736, with a Youden index of 0.406; and the AUC value for LDH was 0.761, with a Youden index of 0.462. The combined use of these three biomarkers yielded an AUC of 0.886. CONCLUSION: The combined detection of serum AKP, TSGF, and LDH can enhance the diagnostic accuracy of pediatric osteosarcoma, providing important evidence for clinical treatment.

Insight into endophytic microbial diversity in two halophytes and plant beneficial attributes of Bacillus swezeyi.

This study utilized high-throughput sequencing to investigate endophytic bacteria diversity in halophytic plants Anabasis truncate (AT) and Anabasis eriopoda (AE) from the Aral Sea region. Following sequence processing, 356 Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) were discovered. The abundance and variety of endophytic bacteria were higher in AT. Bacillota, Pseudomonadota, Actinomycetota, and Bacteroidota constituted the dominant in AE, whereas Pseudomonadota, Actinomycetota, Bacteroidota, and Chloroflexota constituted the dominant in AT. Biomarkers were identified through LEFSe analysis, showing host-specific patterns. PCoA indicated distinct bacterial community structures. Phylogenetic analysis revealed diverse endophytic bacteria, including potential novel taxa. PICRUSt2 predicted diverse functions for endophytic bacteria in halophytes, indicating recruitment of beneficial bacterial taxa to adapt to extreme hypersaline conditions, including plant growth-promoting, biocontrol, and halophilic/tolerant bacteria. Moreover, the evolutionary relationship, metabolic capabilities, and plant beneficial potentials of the Bacillus swezeyi strains, previously isolated from the above two halophytes, were analyzed using comparative genomic and physiological analysis. The B. swezeyi strains displayed versatile environmental adaptability, as shown by their ability to use a wide range of carbon sources and their salt tolerances. B. swezeyi possessed a wide range of enzymatic capabilities, including but not limited to proteases, cellulases, and chitinases. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that despite some variations, they shared genetic similarities and metabolic capabilities among the B. swezeyi strains. B. swezeyi strains also displayed outstanding plant-growth-promoting and antagonistic potentials, offering potential solutions to the global food crisis. This study enhances our understanding of microbial diversity in halophytes on saline-alkali land in the West Aral Sea, shedding light on the halophyte microbiome and its collaboration with hosts in highly hypersaline environments. This study also provides a scientific basis for developing high-quality microbial fertilizers and implementing sustainable agricultural practices.

A novel homozygous mutation of CFAP300 identified in a Chinese patient with primary ciliary dyskinesia and infertility.

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a clinically rare, genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous condition characterized by chronic respiratory tract infections, male infertility, tympanitis, and laterality abnormalities. PCD is typically resulted from variants in genes encoding assembly or structural proteins that are indispensable for the movement of motile cilia. Here, we identified a novel nonsense mutation, c.466G>T, in cilia- and flagella-associated protein 300 (CFAP300) resulting in a stop codon (p.Glu156 *) through whole-exome sequencing (WES). The proband had a PCD phenotype with laterality defects and immotile sperm flagella displaying a combined loss of the inner dynein arm (IDA) and outer dynein arm (ODA). Bioinformatic programs predicted that the mutation is deleterious. Successful pregnancy was achieved through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Our results expand the spectrum of CFAP300 variants in PCD and provide reproductive guidance for infertile couples suffering from PCD caused by them.

[Live birth achieved by oocyte donation in a patient with 45,X/46,XY mixed gonadal dysgenesis: A case report and literature review].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of 45,X/46,XY mixed gonadal dysgenesis and the patients' clinical characteristics of conception, pregnancy and delivery, with purpose of improving the treatment and pregnancy management of the patients. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data on a pregnant patient with 45,X/46,XY mixed gonadal dysgenesis. RESULTS: Based on the findings of hypoplasia of secondary sexual characteristics, streak gonads, chromosome karyotype incompatibility with social sex, and chromosome aberration in the gonadal tissue, the patient was diagnosed with 45,X/46,XY mixed gonadal dysgenesis, received oocyte donation and intracytoplasmic sperm injection-embryo transfer (ICSI-ET), and achieved a live birth. CONCLUSION: Female patients with 45,X/46,XY mixed gonadal dysgenesis are infertile, but can achieve pregnancy through oocyte donation. However, the incidence rates of pregnancy complications and abnormal delivery are higher in these patients than in normal females. The perinatal outcomes can be improved by efficient treatment and pregnancy management of the patients.

TNF-α and RPLP0 drive the apoptosis of endothelial cells and increase susceptibility to high-altitude pulmonary edema.

High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) is a fatal threat for sojourners who ascend rapidly without sufficient acclimatization. Acclimatized sojourners and adapted natives are both insensitive to HAPE but have different physiological traits and molecular bases. In this study, based on GSE52209, the gene expression profiles of HAPE patients were compared with those of acclimatized sojourners and adapted natives, with the common and divergent differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and their hub genes identified, respectively. Bioinformatic methodologies for functional enrichment analysis, immune infiltration, diagnostic model construction, competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) analysis and drug prediction were performed to detect potential biological functions and molecular mechanisms. Next, an array of in vivo experiments in a HAPE rat model and in vitro experiments in HUVECs were conducted to verify the results of the bioinformatic analysis. The enriched pathways of DEGs and immune landscapes for HAPE were significantly different between sojourners and natives, and the common DEGs were enriched mainly in the pathways of development and immunity. Nomograms revealed that the upregulation of TNF-α and downregulation of RPLP0 exhibited high diagnostic efficiency for HAPE in both sojourners and natives, which was further validated in the HAPE rat model. The addition of TNF-α and RPLP0 knockdown activated apoptosis signaling in endothelial cells (ECs) and enhanced endothelial permeability. In conclusion, TNF-α and RPLP0 are shared biomarkers and molecular bases for HAPE susceptibility during the acclimatization/adaptation/maladaptation processes in sojourners and natives, inspiring new ideas for predicting and treating HAPE.

Predictive analysis and risk assessment of potentially toxic elements in Beijing gas station soils using machine learning and two-dimensional Monte Carlo simulations.

Gas stations not only serve as sites for oil storage and refueling but also as locations where vehicles frequently brake, significantly enriching the surrounding soil with potentially toxic elements (PTEs). Herein, 117 topsoil samples from gas stations were collected in Beijing to explore the impact of gas stations on PTE accumulation. The analysis revealed that the average Pollution Index (PI) values for Cd, Hg, Pb, Cu, and Zn in the soil samples all exceeded 1. The random forest (RF) model, achieving an AUC score of 0.95, was employed to predict PTE pollution at 372 unsampled gas stations. Additionally, a Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model indicated that gas station operations and vehicle emissions were responsible for 70 % of the lead (Pb) enrichment. Probabilistic health risk assessments showed that the carcinogenic risk (CR) and noncarcinogenic risk (NCR) for PTE pollution to adult females were the highest, at 0.451 and 1.61E-05 respectively, but still within acceptable levels. For adult males at contaminated sites, the Pb-associated CR and NCR were approximately twice as high as those at uncontaminated sites, with increases of 107 % and 81 %, respectively. This study provides new insights for managing pollution caused by gas stations.

Quantitative analysis of peripapillary capillary volume using dense B-scan OCT angiography in normal and diabetic retina.

BACKGROUND: The value of quantitatively analyzing peripapillary capillary volume (PPCV) distribution was explored in normal and diabetic retinopathy (DR) eyes using dense B-scan optical coherence tomography angiography (DB OCTA). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional observational study followed by prospective follow-up for those with DR, which enrolled 101 healthy subjects and 140 DR patients. Dense, automatic, real-time (DART) volume scans of DB OCTA were performed using a Spectralis HRA + OCT2. ImageJ and MATLAB were used to process and calculate PPCV distribution detected by DB OCTA. RESULTS: In normal subjects, PPCV distribution were significantly correlated with the age and quadrant location (all P < 0.001). The PPCV distribution in each quadrant was significantly lower in severe nonproliferative DR patients than in normal subjects in all age groups (all P < 0.05, t-test). Compared to normal subjects, the PPCV distribution improved significantly in the pan-retinal photocoagulation treatment and surgery groups (all P < 0.001). No significant variation was observed in the anti-VEGF treatment group and normal subjects (P > 0.05). The PPCV distribution is significantly correlated with post-treatment best-corrected visual acuity in both the pan-retinal photocoagulation treatment and surgery groups (all P < 0.003) but not in the anti-VEGF treatment group (P = 0.940). CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative assessment of PPCV distribution using DB OCTA is valuable in prognosis evaluation of DR with pan-retinal photocoagulation and surgery.

Blood Glucose Levels Moderate the Associations Between IGF-1 Levels and Choroidal Metrics in Patients With Diabetes With Acromegaly Without Diabetic Retinopathy.

Purpose: To examine the effects of serum growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) on choroidal structures with different blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) with acromegaly without diabetic retinopathy. Methods: Eighty-eight eyes of 44 patients with acromegaly were divided into a nondiabetic group (23 patients, 46 eyes) and a diabetic group (21 patients, 42 eyes). Forty-four age- and sex-matched healthy controls and 21 patients with type 2 DM without diabetic retinopathy were also included. Linear regression models with a simple slope analysis were used to identify the correlation and interaction between endocrine parameters and choroidal thickness (ChT), total choroidal area (TCA), luminal area (LA), stromal area (SA), and choroidal vascular index (CVI). Results: Our study revealed significant increases in the ChT, LA, SA, and TCA in patients with acromegaly compared with healthy controls, with no difference in the CVI. Comparatively, patients with DM with acromegaly had greater ChT than matched patients with type 2 DM, with no significant differences in other choroidal parameters. The enhancement of SA, LA and TCA caused by an acromegalic status disappeared in patients with diabetic status, whereas ChT and CVI were not affected by the interaction. In the diabetic acromegaly, higher IGF-1 (P = 0.006) and GH levels (P = 0.049), longer DM duration (P = 0.007), lower blood glucose (P = 0.001), and the interaction between GH and blood glucose were associated independently with thicker ChT. Higher GH levels (P = 0.016, 0.004 and 0.007), longer DM duration (P = 0.022, 0.013 and 0.013), lower blood glucose (P = 0.034, 0.011 and 0.01), and the interaction of IGF-1 and blood glucose were associated independently with larger SA, LA, and TCA. As blood glucose levels increased, the positive correlation between serum GH level and ChT diminished, and became insignificant when blood glucose was more than 7.35 mM/L. The associations between serum IGF-1 levels and LA, SA, and TCA became increasingly negative, with LA, becoming significantly and negatively associated to the GH levels only when blood glucose levels were more than 8.59 mM/L. Conclusions: Acromegaly-related choroidal enhancements diminish in the presence of DM. In diabetic acromegaly, blood glucose levels are linked negatively with changes in choroidal metrics and their association with GH and IGF-1. Translational Relevance: We revealed the potential beneficial impacts of IGF-1 and GH on structural measures of the choroid in patients with DM at relatively well-controlled blood glucose level, which could provide a potential treatment target for diabetic retinopathy.

The role and mechanism of pyroptosis and potential therapeutic targets in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a clinical pathological syndrome characterized by the excessive accumulation of fat within liver cells, which can progress to end-stage liver disease in severe cases, posing a threat to life. Pyroptosis is a distinct, pro-inflammatory form of cell death, differing from traditional apoptosis. In recent years, there has been growing research interest in the association between pyroptosis and NAFLD, encompassing the mechanisms and functions of pyroptosis in the progression of NAFLD, as well as potential therapeutic targets. Controlled pyroptosis can activate immune cells, eliciting host immune responses to shield the body from harm. However, undue activation of pyroptosis may worsen inflammatory responses, induce cellular or tissue damage, disrupt immune responses, and potentially impact liver function. This review elucidates the involvement of pyroptosis and key molecular players, including NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3) inflammasome, gasdermin D (GSDMD), and the caspase family, in the pathogenesis and progression of NAFLD. It emphasizes the promising prospects of targeting pyroptosis as a therapeutic approach for NAFLD and offers valuable insights into future directions in the field of NAFLD treatment.

Sarcopenia adversely impacts clinical outcomes in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is a syndrome marked by a gradual and widespread reduction in skeletal muscle mass and strength, as well as a decline in functional ability, which is associated with malnutrition, hormonal changes, chronic inflammation, disturbance of intestinal flora, and exercise quality. Pancreatoduodenectomy is a commonly employed clinical intervention for conditions such as pancreatic head cancer, ampulla of Vater cancer, and cholangiocarcinoma, among others, with a notably high rate of postoperative complications. Sarcopenia is frequent in patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy. However, data regarding the effects of sarcopenia in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) are both limited and inconsistent. AIM: To assess the influence of sarcopenia on outcomes in patients undergoing PD. METHODS: The PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase databases were screened for studies published from the time of database inception to June 2023 that described the effects of sarcopenia on the outcomes and complications of PD. Two researchers independently assessed the quality of the data extracted from the studies that met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis using RevMan 5.3.5 and Stata 14.0 software was conducted. Forest and funnel plots were used, respectively, to demonstrate the outcomes of the sarcopenia group vs the non-sarcopenia group after PD and to evaluate potential publication bias. RESULTS: Sixteen studies encompassing 2381 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The patients in the sarcopenia group (n = 833) had higher overall postoperative complication rates [odds ratio (OR) = 3.42, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.95-5.99, P < 0.0001], higher Clavien-Dindo class ≥ III major complication rates (OR = 1.41, 95%CI: 1.04-1.90, P = 0.03), higher bacteremia rates (OR = 4.46, 95%CI: 1.42-13.98, P = 0.01), higher pneumonia rates (OR = 2.10, 95%CI: 1.34-3.27, P = 0.001), higher pancreatic fistula rates (OR = 1.42, 95%CI: 1.12-1.79, P = 0.003), longer hospital stays (OR = 2.86, 95%CI: 0.44-5.28, P = 0.02), higher mortality rates (OR = 3.17, 95%CI: 1.55-6.50, P = 0.002), and worse overall survival (hazard ratio = 2.81, 95%CI: 1.45-5.45, P = 0.002) than those in the non-sarcopenia group (n = 1548). However, no significant inter-group differences were observed regarding wound infections, urinary tract infections, biliary fistulas, or postoperative digestive bleeding. CONCLUSION: Sarcopenia is a common comorbidity in patients undergoing PD. Patients with preoperative sarcopenia have increased rates of complications and mortality, in addition to a poorer overall survival rate and longer hospital stays after PD.

Non-negligible clear-sky biases of satellite thermal infrared observations for analyzing surface urban heat island intensity: A case study in China.

Surface urban heat island (SUHI) intensity generally determined by satellite-derived clear-sky land surface temperature (LST) has ignored the impacts of cloud coverage and cannot reflect the real SUHI intensity. Only a few studies focus on the effects of this issue based on short-time LST datasets, which could contain non-negligible uncertainties to summarize reliable rules. To investigate the influence, the SUHI intensity (SUHII) clear-sky bias (CSB), which is defined as the SUHII difference between clear-sky and all-weather conditions, was investigated in 35 cities in China, based on clear-sky and all-weather LST datasets from 2003 to 2022. Results show that the two SUHIIs show similar spatial distribution patterns, with stronger SUHIs in southern China at daytime and weaker at nighttime. However, a non-negligible difference can be found between these two SUHIIs, with a SUHII CSB range of -1.43 to 2.27 °C at daytime and - 2.17 to 0.91 °C at nighttime. In terms of intra-annual variation, SUHII CSBs in similar climate regions exhibit similar patterns but different ranges due to their different natural properties. Generally, intra-annual variations of SUHII CSB can be divided into three groups, i.e., "Table Mountain", single peak, and single valley, varying across climate regions and years. The main reason for SUHII CSB was analyzed, i.e., spatial gaps of the data directly caused the SUHII CSB, and the thermal properties and meteorological conditions of the missing pixels affect the magnitude of the SUHII CSB. Taking the urban system as an example, this study has provided evidence of the non-negligible SUHII clear-sky bias to emphasize the importance of using all-weather LST for relevant studies.

New insights into assembly processes and driving factors of urban soil microbial community under environmental stress in Beijing.

Rapid urbanization leads to drastic environmental changes, directly or indirectly affecting the structure and function of soil microbial communities. However, the ecological response of soil microbes to environmental stresses has not yet been fully explored. In this study, we used high-throughput sequencing to analyze the assembly mechanism and driving factors of soil microbial community under environmental stresses. The results indicated that environmental stresses significantly affected soil properties and the levels of beryllium, cobalt, antimony, and vanadium contamination in soil generally increased from the suburban areas toward the city core. The composition and distribution of soil microbial communities demonstrated clear differences under different levels of environmental stress, but there was no significant difference in microbial diversity. Random forest and partial least squares structural equation modeling results suggested that multiple factors influenced microbial diversity, but antimony was the key driver. The influence of environmental stress led to deterministic processes dominating microbial community assembly processes, which promoted the regional homogenization of soil microbes. Therefore, this study provides new insights into urban soil microbial management under environmental stresses.