Can stable carbon isotope fingerprints be competent for geographic traceability of rice?

This study aimed to improve the traceability of rice-producing areas to address the increasing demand for accurate methods to confirm food quality and safety. Compound-specific δ13C of fatty acids, δ13C of starch and bulk of rice were measured. PCA, PLS-DA and VIP value analysis of the obtained data were performed to track the source of rice from the six regions. The PLS-DA model established with bulk δ13C, starch δ13C, and fatty acid δ13C, which clearly separated the rice from six regions. The VIP graph showed the value of starch, C18:0 and C18:2 δ13C values (VIP > 1) were important to distinguish the origin of rice. Also, according to loading plots the contribution of starch δ13C was the largest. The findings indicate that the introduction of starch δ13C improves the precision of rice traceability and provides an effective method for identifying rice origin.

Modulatory Effects of XIAOPI Formula on CXCL1 and Selected Outcomes in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive malignancy. Psychological distress and elevated CXCL1 level have been reported to be closely associated with the poor prognosis and quality of life of patients with TNBC. In preclinical studies using xenograft mouse models, XIAOPI formula, a nationally approved drug prescribed to patients at high risk for breast cancer, inhibited CXCL1 expression and improved survival. Traditional Chinese medicine has unique advantages in improving patients' emotional disorders and quality of life. However, the impact of XIAOPI formula on the serum level of CXCL1, psychological distress, and quality of life among patients with TNBC is currently unknown. Methods: In this study, we designed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Patients with TNBC were randomly assigned to receive either the XIAOPI formula or a placebo for three months. The primary outcomes include serum CXCL1 expression, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). Secondary outcomes included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B). Results: A total of 60 patients with TNBC were enrolled in the investigation. The results showed that the XIAOPI formula significantly decreased CXCL1 expression compared with the control group. Moreover, in comparison to the placebo, the XIAOPI formula increased FACT-B scores while decreasing SDS, SAS, and PSQI scores. Conclusion: In patients with TNBC, XIAOPI formula may be effective in reducing CXCL1 levels, enhancing psychological well-being, and quality of life. While our research offers a natural alternative therapy that may enhance the prognosis of TNBC, future validation of its therapeutic effects will require large-scale, long-term clinical trials. Clinical Registration Number: Registration website: www.chictr.org.cn, Registration date: 2018-1-19, Registration number: ChiCTR1800014535.

Vitamin D supplementation for cardiometabolic risk markers in pregnant women based on the gestational diabetes mellitus or obesity status : a randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: Women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) or obesity are vulnerable to impaired gestational cardiovascular health (CVH) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the future. It is unclear if prenatal vitamin D supplementation improves gestational CVH, especially in women at high risk for developing CVD. Our goal was to find out if vitamin D supplementation could protect against gestational CVH, including the women with GDM or obesity. DESIGN: We randomly assigned women with a serum 25(OH)D concentration < 75 nmol/L to receive 1600 IU/d (intervention group) or 400 IU/d (control group) of vitamin D3 for two months at 24-28 weeks' gestation. The primary outcome was gestational CVH marks (lipids, inflammatory cytokines, endothelial function). RESULTS: There were 1537 participants divided into the intervention (N = 766) and control groups (N = 771). No baseline differences existed among study groups in CVH markers. At the two-month visit, the intervention group's HDL-C levels (2.01 ± 0.39 VS 1.96 ± 0.39 mmol/L) were significantly higher than those of the control group, while the hs-CRP levels were significantly lower (3.28 ± 2.02 VS 3.64 ± 2.42 mg/L). Subgroup analysis found that HDL-C, TC, hs-CRP, E-Selectin, and SBP were improved in the intervention group among women with GDM or overweight/obesity, and the improvement was not found in women without GDM or overweight/obesity. Vitamin D supplementation significantly decreased the mean triglyceride-glucose index at the two-month visit in women with GDM. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D supplementation at mid-gestation might optimize the gestational CVH status for pregnant women, particularly the women with GDM or obesity, which is advantageous for later-life primary prevention of CVD. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100051914, 10/9/2021, Prospective registered, https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=134700 ).

A Cysteinyl-tRNA Synthetase Mutation Causes Novel Autosomal-Dominant Inheritance of a Parkinsonism/Spinocerebellar-Ataxia Complex.

This study aimed to identify possible pathogenic genes in a 90-member family with a rare combination of multiple neurodegenerative disease phenotypes, which has not been depicted by the known neurodegenerative disease. We performed physical and neurological examinations with International Rating Scales to assess signs of ataxia, Parkinsonism, and cognitive function, as well as brain magnetic resonance imaging scans with seven sequences. We searched for co-segregations of abnormal repeat-expansion loci, pathogenic variants in known spinocerebellar ataxia-related genes, and novel rare mutations via whole-genome sequencing and linkage analysis. A rare co-segregating missense mutation in the CARS gene was validated by Sanger sequencing and the aminoacylation activity of mutant CARS was measured by spectrophotometric assay. This pedigree presented novel late-onset core characteristics including cerebellar ataxia, Parkinsonism, and pyramidal signs in all nine affected members. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed cerebellar/pons atrophy, pontine-midline linear hyperintensity, decreased rCBF in the bilateral basal ganglia and cerebellar dentate nucleus, and hypo-intensities of the cerebellar dentate nuclei, basal ganglia, mesencephalic red nuclei, and substantia nigra, all of which suggested neurodegeneration. Whole-genome sequencing identified a novel pathogenic heterozygous mutation (E795V) in the CARS gene, meanwhile, exhibited none of the known repeat-expansions or point mutations in pathogenic genes. Remarkably, this CARS mutation causes a 20% decrease in aminoacylation activity to charge tRNACys with L-cysteine in protein synthesis compared with that of the wild type. All family members carrying a heterozygous mutation CARS (E795V) had the same clinical manifestations and neuropathological changes of Parkinsonism and spinocerebellar-ataxia. These findings identify novel pathogenesis of Parkinsonism-spinocerebellar ataxia and provide insights into its genetic architecture.

Genotoxicity and cytotoxicity in male reproductive cells caused by sediment pollutants.

In recent years, mounting evidence has highlighted a global decline in male semen quality, paralleling an increase in male infertility problems. Such developments in the male reproductive system are likely due to a range of environmental factors, which could negatively affect the outcomes of pregnancy, reproductive health, and the well-being of fetuses. Different environmental contaminants ultimately accumulate in riverbed sediments due to gravity, so these sediments are frequently considered hotspots for pollutants. Therefore, understanding the detrimental effects of river sediment pollution on human reproductive health is crucial. This study indicates male germ cells' high vulnerability to environmental contaminants. There is a strong positive correlation between the concentration of complex accumulated pollutants from human activities and the reproductive toxicity observed in human testicular embryonic cell lines NCCIT and NTERA-2. This toxicity is characterized by increased levels of reactive oxygen species, disruption of critical cellular functions, genotoxic impacts, and the induction of cell apoptosis. This research marks a significant step in providing in vitro evidence of the damaging effects of environmental pollutants on the human male germline.

CXCR3 participates in asymmetric division of mouse oocytes by modulating actin dynamics.

Extensive research has been conducted on the role of CXCR3 in immune responses and inflammation. However, the role of CXCR3 in the reproductive system, particularly in oocyte development, remains unknown. In this study, we present findings on the involvement of CXCR3 in the meiotic division process of mouse oocytes. We found CXCR3 was expressed consistently throughout the entire maturation process of mouse oocyte. Inhibition of CXCR3 impaired the asymmetric division of oocyte, while the injection of Cxcr3 mRNA was capable of restoring these defects. Further study showed that inhibition of CXCR3 perturbed spindle migration by affecting LIMK/cofilin pathway-mediated actin remodeling. Knockout of CXCR3 led to an upregulation of actin-binding protein and an increased ATP level in GV-stage oocytes, while maintaining normal actin dynamics during the process of meiosis. Additionally, we noticed the expression level of DYNLT1 is markedly elevated in CXCR3-null oocytes. DYNLT1 bound with the Arp2/3 complex, and knockdown of DYNLT1 in CXCR3-null oocytes impaired the organization of cytoplasmic actin, suggesting the regulatory role of DYNLT1 in actin organization, and the compensatory expression of DYNLT1 may contribute to maintain normal actin dynamics in CXCR3-knockout oocytes. In summary, our findings provide insights into the intricate network of actin dynamics associated with CXCR3 during oocyte meiosis.

Genome assembly of Ottelia alismoides, a multiple-carbon utilisation aquatic plant.

OBJECTIVES: Ottelia Pers. is in the Hydrocharitaceae family. Species in the genus are aquatic, and China is their centre of origin in Asia. Ottelia alismoides (L.) Pers., which is distributed worldwide, is a distinguishing element in China, while other species of this genus are endemic to China. However, O. alismoides is also considered endangered due to habitat loss and pollution in some Asian countries. Ottelia alismoides is the only submerged macrophyte that contains three carbon dioxide-concentrating mechanisms, i.e. bicarbonate (HCO3-) use, crassulacean acid metabolism and the C4 pathway. In this study, we present its first genome assembly to help illustrate the various carbon metabolism mechanisms and to enable genetic conservation in the future. DATA DESCRIPTION: Using DNA and RNA extracted from one O. alismoides leaf, this work produced ∼ 73.4 Gb HiFi reads, ∼ 126.4 Gb whole genome sequencing short reads and ∼ 21.9 Gb RNA-seq reads. The de novo genome assembly was 6,455,939,835 bp in length, with 11,923 scaffolds/contigs and an N50 of 790,733 bp. Genome assembly completeness assessment with Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs revealed a score of 94.4%. The repetitive sequence in the assembly was 4,875,817,144 bp (75.5%). A total of 116,176 genes were predicted. The protein sequences were functionally annotated against multiple databases, facilitating comparative genomic analysis.

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Burkholderia contaminans ZCC and mechanistic analysis at the proteome level.

The biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by microorganisms has been a subject of increasing attention. Despite extensive studies on this biosynthetic pathway, the mechanisms underlying the involvement of proteins and enzymes in AgNPs production have not been fully explored. Herein, we reported that Burkholderia contaminans ZCC was able to reduce Ag+ to AgNPs with a diameter of (10±5) nm inside the cell. Exposure of B. contaminans ZCC to Ag+ ions led to significant changes in the functional groups of cellular proteins, with approximately 5.72% of the (C-OH) bonds being converted to (C-C/C-H) (3.61%) and CO (2.11%) bonds, and 4.52% of the CO (carbonyl) bonds being converted to (C-OH) bonds. Furthermore, the presence of Ag+ and AgNPs induced the ability of extracellular electron transfer for ZCC cells via specific membrane proteins, but this did not occur in the absence of Ag+ ions. Proteomic analysis of the proteins and enzymes involved in heavy metal efflux systems, protein secretion system, oxidative phosphorylation, intracellular electron transfer chain, and glutathione metabolism suggests that glutathione S-transferase and ubiquinol-cytochrome c reductase iron-sulfur subunit play importance roles in the biosynthesis of AgNPs. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the functions exerted by glutathione S-transferase and ferredoxin-thioredoxin reductase iron-sulfur subunits in the biogenesis of AgNPs, thereby hold immense potential for optimizing biotechnological techniques aimed at enhancing the yield and purity of biosynthetic AgNPs.

A high-quality chromosome-scale genome assembly of blood orange, an important pigmented sweet orange variety.

Blood orange (BO) is a rare red-fleshed sweet orange (SWO) with a high anthocyanin content and is associated with numerous health-related benefits. Here, we reported a high-quality chromosome-scale genome assembly for Neixiu (NX) BO, reaching 336.63 Mb in length with contig and scaffold N50 values of 30.6 Mb. Furthermore, 96% of the assembled sequences were successfully anchored to 9 pseudo-chromosomes. The genome assembly also revealed the presence of 37.87% transposon elements and 7.64% tandem repeats, and the annotation of 30,395 protein-coding genes. A high level of genome synteny was observed between BO and SWO, further supporting their genetic similarity. The speciation event that gave rise to the Citrus species predated the duplication event found within them. The genome-wide variation between NX and SWO was also compared. This first high-quality BO genome will serve as a fundamental basis for future studies on functional genomics and genome evolution.

Acupuncture for radicular pain: a review of analgesic mechanism.

Radicular pain, a common and complex form of neuropathic pain, presents significant challenges in treatment. Acupuncture, a therapy originating from ancient traditional Chinese medicine and widely utilized for various pain types, including radicular pain, has shown promising outcomes in the management of lumbar radicular pain, cervical radicular pain, and radicular pain due to spinal stenosis. Despite its efficacy, the exact mechanisms through which acupuncture achieves analgesia are not fully elucidated and are the subject of ongoing research. This review sheds light on the current understanding of the analgesic mechanisms of acupuncture for radicular pain, offering valuable perspectives for both clinical application and basic scientific research. Acupuncture is postulated to relieve radicular pain by several mechanisms: peripherally, it reduces muscle spasms, lessens mechanical pressure on nerve roots, and improves microcirculation; at the molecular level, it inhibits the HMGB1/RAGE and TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathways, thereby decreasing the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines; within the spinal cord, it influences synaptic plasticity; and centrally, it modulates brain function, particularly affecting the medial prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, and thalamus within the default mode network. By acting across these diverse biological domains, acupuncture presents an effective treatment modality for radicular pain, and deepening our understanding of the underlying mechanisms regarding analgesia for radicular pain is crucial for enhancing its clinical efficacy and advancement in pain management.

Effects of lianas on forest biogeochemistry during their lives and afterlives.

Climate change and other anthropogenic disturbances are increasing liana abundance and biomass in many tropical and subtropical forests. While the effects of living lianas on species diversity, ecosystem carbon, and nutrient dynamics are receiving increasing attention, the role of dead lianas in forest ecosystems has been little studied and is poorly understood. Trees and lianas coexist as the major woody components of forests worldwide, but they have very different ecological strategies, with lianas relying on trees for mechanical support. Consequently, trees and lianas have evolved highly divergent stem, leaf, and root traits. Here we show that this trait divergence is likely to persist after death, into the afterlives of these organs, leading to divergent effects on forest biogeochemistry. We introduce a conceptual framework combining horizontal, vertical, and time dimensions for the effects of liana proliferation and liana tissue decomposition on ecosystem carbon and nutrient cycling. We propose a series of empirical studies comparing traits between lianas and trees to answer questions concerning the influence of trait afterlives on the decomposability of liana and tree organs. Such studies will increase our understanding of the contribution of lianas to terrestrial biogeochemical cycling, and help predict the effects of their increasing abundance.

Efficacy of recombinant human epidermal growth factor in pressure injury healing: evidence from Chinese randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) in healing pressure injuries (PIs). METHODS: A meta-analysis was conducted of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving rhEGF in the treatment of PIs that were identified in PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). The population, intervention, comparison, outcomes, study design (PICOS) strategy was applied to determine analysis eligibility. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used, and statistical analysis, including sensitivity analysis, was performed of 3 outcomes indicators: the primary outcome was total efficacy of rhEGF in treating PIs, and the secondary outcomes were the proportion of complete healing and the time to complete healing. Total efficacy refers to the proportion of cases that have been cured, obviously effective, or effective. Complete healing refers to cases where the wound has healed, scabbed, and the scab has sloughed off. RESULTS: Sixteen RCTs were included, comprising a total of 1,206 patients. Study and control group size varied by outcomes. The total effective healing rate in rhEGF group was 97.18%, which was significantly higher than 83.38% in control group (OR: 5.69, [95% CI: 3.61, 8.97], z=7.49, P < .001). The proportion of complete healing in the rhEGF group was 73.30%, which was higher than 39.52% in control group (OR: 3.88, [95% CI: 3.01, 5.01], z=10.39, P < .001). Furthermore, the healing time using rhEGF was shorter (SMD: -2.14 days, [95% CI: -2.60, -1.67], z=9.07, P < .001). Sensitivity analyses indicated that the results were robust. CONCLUSIONS: The meta-analysis indicated that rhEGF was effective in healing PIs with few negative effects. Further research beyond Chinese populations involving larger studies and studies that distinguish between results found in using rhEGF alone or in combination are recommended.

Widely Targeted Metabolomic Analysis Provides New Insights into the Effect of Rootstocks on Citrus Fruit Quality.

The use of different rootstocks has a significant effect on the content of flavor components and overall fruit quality. However, little information is available about the metabolic basis of the nutritional value of citrus plants. In this study, UPLC-MS/MS (ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry) was performed to analyze the metabolites of three late-maturing hybrid mandarin varieties ('Gold Nugget', 'Tango' and 'Orah') grafted on four rootstocks ('Trifoliate orange', 'Carrizo citrange', 'Red tangerine' and 'Ziyang Xiangcheng'). A total of 1006 metabolites were identified through OPLS-DA (Orthogonal Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis) analysis. KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) analysis revealed the most critical pathways among the different pathways associated with genes grafted on the four rootstocks that were differentially activated, including tryptophan metabolism and sphingolipid metabolism in 'Gold Nugget'; tryptophan metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and sphingolipid metabolism in 'Tango'; and pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis- and photosynthesis-related biosynthesis in 'Orah'. A considerable difference between the different rootstocks was also observed in the accumulation of lipids, phenolic acids and flavonoids; further analysis revealed that the rootstocks regulated specific metabolites, including deacetylnomylinic acid, sudachinoid A, amoenin evodol, rutaevin, cyclo (phenylalanine-glutamic acid), cyclo (proline-phenylalanine), 2-hydroxyisocaproic acid, and 2-hydroxy-3-phenylpropanoic acid. The results of this study provide a useful foundation for further investigation of rootstock selection for late-maturation hybrid mandarin varieties.

A prospective and consecutive study assessing short-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of Chinese domestically manufactured 3D printing trabecular titanium acetabular cup for primary total hip arthroplasty: evaluation of 236 cases.

Purpose: We prospectively evaluate the short-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of the only Chinese domestically produced trabecular titanium acetabular cup(3D ACT™ cup) in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), aiming to provide evidence-based support for its clinical application. Methods: A total of 236 patients, who underwent primary THA using 3D ACT™ cup in the Department of Joint Surgery at our hospital between January 2017 and June 2019, were included in this study. General patient data, imaging information, functional scores, and complications were collected to evaluate the early clinical efficacy. Results: All patients were followed up for 33-52 months, with an average of (42.2 ± 9.2) months. At the last follow-up, the preoperative HHS score increased significantly from 43.7 ± 6.8 to 85.6 ± 9.3 points (P < 0.01). Similarly, the preoperative WOMAC scores showed significant improvement from 59.2 ± 5.8 to 13.1 ± 3.5 points (P < 0.01). 92.3% of the patients expressed satisfaction or high satisfaction with the clinical outcome. Furthermore, 87.7% of the acetabular cups were positioned within the Lewinnek safe zone, achieving successful reconstruction of the acetabular rotation center. The cup survival rate at the last follow-up was 100%. Conclusions: The utilization of the only Chinese domestically manufactured 3D printing trabecular titanium acetabular cup in primary THA demonstrated favorable short-term clinical and radiographic outcomes. The acetabular cup exhibits excellent initial stability, high survival rate, and favorable osseointegration, leading to a significant enhancement in pain relief and functional improvement. In the future, larger sample sizes and multicenter prospective randomized controlled trials will be required to validate the long-term safety and effectiveness of this 3D ACT™ cup.

Unveiling the Temporal Aspect of MRI Tattoo Reactions: A Prospective Evaluation of a Newly-Acquired Tattoo with Multiple MRI Scans.

BACKGROUND Over the past 30 years, painful reactions during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in tattooed individuals have been sporadically reported. These complications manifest as burning pain in tattooed skin areas, occasionally with swelling and redness, often leading to termination of the scanning. The exact cause is unclear, but iron oxide pigments in permanent make-up or elements in carbon black tattoos may play a role. Additionally, factors like tattoo age, design, and color may influence reactions. The existing literature lacks comprehensive evidence, leaving many questions unanswered. CASE REPORT We present the unique case of a young man who experienced recurring painful reactions in a recently applied black tattoo during multiple MRI scans. Despite the absence of ferrimagnetic ingredients in the tattoo ink, the patient reported intense burning sensations along with transient erythema and edema. Interestingly, the severity of these reactions gradually decreased over time, suggesting a time-dependent factor contributing to the problem. This finding highlights the potential influence of pigment particle density in the skin on the severity and risk of MRI interactions. We hypothesize that the painful sensations could be triggered by excitation of dermal C-fibers by conductive elements in the tattoo ink, likely carbon particles. CONCLUSIONS Our case study highlights that MRI-induced tattoo reactions may gradually decrease over time. While MRI scans occasionally can cause transient reactions in tattoos, they do not result in permanent skin damage and remain a safe and essential diagnostic tool. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind these reactions and explore preventive measures.

Mortality of children and adolescents co-infected with tuberculosis and HIV: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Children and adolescents with HIV infection are well known to face a heightened risk of tuberculosis. However, the exact mortality rates and temporal trends of those with HIV-tuberculosis (TB) co-infection remain unclear. We aimed to identify the overall mortality and temporal trends within this population. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were employed to search for publications reporting on the mortality rates of children and adolescents with HIV-TB co-infection from inception to March 2, 2024. The outcome is the mortality rate for children and adolescents with HIV-TB co-infection during the follow-up period. In addition, we evaluate the temporal trends of mortality. RESULTS: During the follow-up period, the pooled mortality was 16% [95% confidence interval (CI) 13-20]. Single infection of either HIV or TB exhibit lower mortality rates (6% and 4%, respectively). We observed elevated mortality risks among individuals aged less than 12 months, those with extrapulmonary TB, poor adherence to ART, and severe immunosuppression. In addition, we observed a decreasing trend in mortality before 2008 and an increasing trend after 2008, although the trends were not statistically significant ( P  = 0.08 and 0.2 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Children and adolescents with HIV-TB co-infection bear a significant burden of mortality. Timely screening, effective treatment, and a comprehensive follow-up system contribute to reducing the mortality burden in this population.

Molecular modeling of CO2 affecting competitive adsorption within anthracite coal.

This study aimed to investigate the adsorption properties of CO2, CH4, and N2 on anthracite. A molecular structural model of anthracite (C208H162O12N4) was established. Simulations were performed for the adsorption properties of single-component and multi-component gases at various temperatures, pressures, and gas ratios. The grand canonical ensemble Monte Carlo approach based on molecular mechanics and dynamics theories was used to perform the simulations. The results showed that the isotherms for the adsorption of single-component CO2, CH4, and N2 followed the Langmuir formula, and the CO2 adsorption isotherm growth gradient was negatively correlated with pressure but positively correlated with temperature. When the CO2 injection in the gas mixture was increased from 1 to 3% for the multi-component gas adsorption, the proportion of CO2 adsorption rose from 1/3 to 2/3, indicating that CO2 has a competing-adsorption advantage. The CO2 adsorption decreased faster with increasing temperature, indicating that the sensitivity of CO2 to temperature is stronger than that of CH4 and N2. The adsorbent potential energies of CO2, CH4, and N2 diminished with rising temperature in the following order: CO2 < CH4 < N2.