Global disease burden attributable to kidney dysfunction, 1990-2019: A health inequality and trend analysis based on the global burden of disease study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the burden of kidney dysfunction (KD), assess socioeconomic inequalities, and project trends in the future. METHODS: Data on deaths, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), years lived with disability (YLDs), and years of life lost (YLLs) were from Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. The Joinpoint regression model was utilized to analyze the temporal trend by the annual percentage change (APC). The slope index and concentration index were employed to evaluate cross-country disparities. The future trend was predicted using an age-period-cohort analysis. RESULTS: In the past three decades, the death numbers of KD increased from 1,571,720 to 3,161,552, DALYs from 42,090,331 to 76,486,945, YLDs from 5,003,267 to 11,282,484, and YLLs from 37,087,065 to 65,204,461, respectively. The age-standardized rate (ASR) of deaths, DALYs, and YLLs exhibited a declining trend. The ASR of YLDs increased until 2017, then decreased. The slope index and concentration index for DALYs increased from 248.1 to 351.9 and from 40.70 to 57.8. In the future, the ASR of deaths, DALYs, YLDs, and YLLs will remain stable, while their numbers will continue to rise, except for YLLs. CONCLUSIONS: The disease burden of KD remained serious. Tailored interventions should be developed based on national contexts.

Unveiling the multifaceted potential of Pseudomonas khavaziana strain SR9: a promising biocontrol agent for wheat crown rot.

Fusarium pseudograminearum, a soil-borne fungus, is the cause of the devastating wheat disease known as wheat crown rot (WCR). The persistence of this pathogen in the soil and crop residues contributes to the increased occurrence and severity of WCR. Therefore, developing effective strategies to prevent and manage WCR is of great importance. In this study, we isolated a bacterial strain, designated as SR9, from the stem of wheat, that exhibited potent antagonistic effects against F. pseudograminearum, as well as the biocontrol efficacy of SR9 on WCR was quantified at 83.99% ± 0.11%. We identified SR9 as Pseudomonas khavaziana and demonstrated its potential as a plant probiotic. SR9 displayed broad-spectrum antagonism against other fungal pathogens, including Neurospora dictyophora, Botrytis californica, and Botryosphaeria dothidea. Whole-genome sequencing analysis revealed that SR9 harbored genes encoding various cell wall-degrading enzymes, cellulases, and lipases, along with antifungal metabolites, which are responsible for its antagonistic activity. Gene knockout and quantitative PCR analyses reveal that phenazine is the essential factor for antagonism. SR9 possessed genes related to auxin synthesis, flagellar biosynthesis, biofilm adhesion, and the chemotaxis system, which play pivotal roles in plant colonization and growth promotion; we also evaluated the effects of SR9 on plant growth in wheat and Arabidopsis. Our findings strongly suggest that SR9 holds great promise as a biocontrol agent for WCR in sustainable agriculture.IMPORTANCEThe escalating prevalence of wheat crown rot, primarily attributed to Fusarium pseudograminearum, necessitates the development of cost-effective and eco-friendly biocontrol strategies. While plant endophytes are recognized for their biocontrol potential, reports on effective strains targeting wheat crown rot are sparse. This study introduces the Pseudomonas khavaziana SR9 strain as an efficacious antagonist to the wheat crown rot pathogen Fusarium pseudograminearum. Demonstrating a significant reduction in wheat crown rot incidence and notable plant growth promotion, SR9 emerges as a key contributor to plant health and agricultural sustainability. Our study outlines a biological approach to tackle wheat crown rot, establishing a groundwork for innovative sustainable agricultural practices.

Expression and immune infiltration studies of IL-33-ST2-NF-κB signaling pathway in prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: To analyze the expression of interleukin-33 (IL-33), growth-stimulated expression gene 2 (ST2), nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) and immune cell infiltration in prostate cancer, this study aims to provide an experimental basis for the clinical prevention and treatment of prostate cancer. METHODS: The expression of IL-33 in PCa tissues was analyzed using TCGA, TIMER and HPA databases. Using the UALCAN database, the systematic exploration of the relationship between IL-33 and various clinicopathological parameters was conducted. The correlation between IL-33 expression and immune cell infiltration was investigated using TIMER, CIBERSORT and GEPIA databases. To verify these analyses, 22 cases of normal prostate (NP), 76 cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and 100 cases of PCa were recruited. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to examine the expression of IL-33, ST2, NF-κB, and the infiltration of immune cells. Correlations between these factors were then determined. RESULTS: The expression of IL-33, ST2 and NF-κB was significantly lower in PCa tissues compared with NP (p < 0.05). IL-33 was not associated with age in PCa but showed associations with race, molecular characteristics, lymph node metastatic status, TP53 mutation and tumor grade. Furthermore, IL-33 was associated with immune cell infiltration. Positive correlations were observed between IL-33 and ST2 expressions, as well as between IL-33 and CD68+ macrophages in BPH and PCa. CONCLUSIONS: IL-33, ST2 and NF-κB are lowly expressed in PCa tissues, their expression decreases with the increasing malignancy of cancer. IL-33, ST2 and NF-κB are factors associated with PCa immune infiltration. IL-33 has an inhibitory effect on prostate cancer through the IL-33/ST2/NF-κB signalling pathway.

The research landscape of ferroptosis in neurodegenerative disease: a bibliometric analysis.

Background: Ferroptosis, a newly proposed concept of programmed cell death, has garnered significant attention in research across different diseases in the last decade. Despite thorough citation analyses in neuroscience, there is a scarcity of information on ferroptosis research specifically related to neurodegenerative diseases. Method: The Web of Science Core Collection database retrieved relevant articles and reviews. Data on publications, countries, institutions, authors, journals, citations, and keywords in the included studies were systematically analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2019 and CiteSpace 6.2.R7 software. Result: A comprehensive analysis and visualization of 563 research papers on ferroptosis in neurodegenerative diseases from 2014 to 2023 revealed emerging research hotspots and trends. The number of annual publications in this field of study has displayed a pattern of stabilization in the early years of the decade, followed by a notable increase in the later years and peaking in 2023 with 196 publications. Regarding publication volume and total citations, notable research contributions were observed from countries, institutions, and authors in North America, Western Europe, and China. Current research endeavors primarily focus on understanding the intervention mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases through the ferroptosis pathway and exploring and identifying potential therapeutic targets. Conclusion: The study highlights key areas of interest and emerging trends in ferroptosis research on neurodegenerative diseases, offering valuable insights for further exploration and potential directions for diagnosing and treating such conditions.

Incidence rate and risk factors for suicide in patients with breast cancer in the USA: A surveillance, epidemiology, and end results analysis (SEER).

PURPOSE: To investigate suicide mortality and the related factors among female breast cancer patients in the United States. METHODS: The SEER database was used to identify 716,422 patients diagnosed with breast cancer between 2010 and 2018 to calculate a standardized mortality rate (SMR). An analysis of risk factors for suicide death was conducted using the univariate and multivariate Cox proportional risk model. An estimation of suicide probability was performed through a nomogram model. RESULTS: Compared with the expected suicide cases (n = 155) in the general population of the United States at the corresponding period (a suicide death rate of 5.71 per 100,000 person-years), the suicide rate among 716,422 breast cancer patients was followed during 2010-2018 and showed a relatively higher rate of 9.02 per 100,000 person-years. The SMR was 1.58 (95%CI: 1.39-1.79). White and other races were nine and seven times more likely to complete suicide than Black race, respectively (aHR = 9.013, 95%CI: 3.335-24.36, P < 0.001; aHR = 7.129, 95%CI: 2.317-21.931, P = 0.001); unmarried or single patients were at higher risk than married patients (aHR = 1.693, 95%CI: 1.206-2.377, P = 0.002). Patients receiving radiotherapy (aHR = 0.731, 95%CI: 0.545-0.980, P = 0.036) were less likely to complete suicide than those who did not. CONCLUSION: Female breast cancer patients in the United States have a higher suicide rate than the general public, and the risk factors consist of non-black ethnicity, being single or unmarried, and not being treated with radiotherapy. As a result of this study, clinicians may be able to identify female breast cancer patients who are at high risk of suicide, thus providing appropriate psychological support at the early stage.

lncRNA SOX21-AS1 promotes activation of BV2 cells via epigenetically silencing of SOCS3 and aggravates Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND: LncRNAs perform a crucial impact on microglia's activation in Parkinson's disease (PD). Here, our purpose is to probe the function and involved mechanism of lncRNA SOX21-AS1 on microglial activation in PD. METHODS: Mice were treated with MPTP, and BV2 cells were treated with LPS/ATP to build PD animal and cell models. Genes' expression was measured using RT-qPCR, immunoblotting, and IHC. ELISA was applied for testing inflammatory factors' levels. Cell viability and apoptosis were tested using kits. RIP and RNA pull-down assay were utilized for monitoring the bond of SOX21-AS1 to EZH2, and ChIP was applied for affirming the bond between EZH2 and SOCS3's promoter. RESULTS: The expression of SOX21-AS1 and SOCS3 was abnormal in PD cell and animal models. Inhibition of SOX21-AS1 repressed LPS/ATP-induced activation in BV2 cells and nerve damage caused by activated BV2 cells, alleviating the pathological features of PD mice. Further studies found that SOX21-AS1 epigenetically inhibited SOCS3 by recruiting EZH2 to SOCS3 promoter. SOX21-AS1 overexpression partially offset the repressive impact of SOCS3 enhancement on BV2 cell activation and the protective effect on nerve cells. CONCLUSION: SOX21-AS1 enhances LPS/ATP-induced activation of BV2 cells and nerve damage caused by activated BV2 cells though recruiting EZH2 to SOCS3's promoter, thereby alleviating PD progression. Our research supplies new potential target for curing PD.

Critical signaling molecules in the temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis under different magnitudes of mechanical stimulation.

The mechanical stress environment in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is constantly changing due to daily mandibular movements. Therefore, TMJ tissues, such as condylar cartilage, the synovial membrane and discs, are influenced by different magnitudes of mechanical stimulation. Moderate mechanical stimulation is beneficial for maintaining homeostasis, whereas abnormal mechanical stimulation leads to degeneration and ultimately contributes to the development of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA), which involves changes in critical signaling molecules. Under abnormal mechanical stimulation, compensatory molecules may prevent degenerative changes while decompensatory molecules aggravate. In this review, we summarize the critical signaling molecules that are stimulated by moderate or abnormal mechanical loading in TMJ tissues, mainly in condylar cartilage. Furthermore, we classify abnormal mechanical stimulation-induced molecules into compensatory or decompensatory molecules. Our aim is to understand the pathophysiological mechanism of TMJ dysfunction more deeply in the ever-changing mechanical environment, and then provide new ideas for discovering effective diagnostic and therapeutic targets in TMJOA.

The Global Burden of Disease Attributable to Child and Maternal Malnutrition: 1990-2019.

OBJECTIVE: With this study, we aimed to estimate the disease burden attributable to child and maternal malnutrition (CMM) throughout the world between 1990 and 2019. METHODS: The number, age-standardized rate, population attributable fraction of deaths, disability-adjusted life-years, years of life lost, and years lived with disability associated with CMM were estimated using the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 by age, sex, year, location, and sociodemographic index at the global level. The slope index of inequality and concentration index were employed to measure socioeconomic-related health inequalities across countries. RESULTS: The number (million) of global deaths, disability-adjusted life-years, and years of life lost related to CMM were 2.9, 294.8, and 250.5 in 2019, showing decreases of 60.8, 57.4, and 60.7% since 1990. However, the number of years lived with CMM-related disability increased from 36.0 in 1990 to 44.3 in 2019. Additionally, the age-standardized rates of these 4 indicators showed varying degrees of decline. The global burden of CMM-related conditions differed with age and sex. The burden was the heaviest in western sub-Saharan Africa, especially in Chad. In terms of diseases, neonatal disorders represented the most significant burden attributed to CMM. Additionally, the CMM burden was more concentrated in regions with low sociodemographic indices, shown by the slope index of inequality and concentration index. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study highlight the ongoing global burden of CMM, particularly in terms of years lived with disability. Population-wide actions targeting the effective treatment and relief of CMM may reduce the CMM-related disease burden.

Deep learning-based method for defect detection in electroluminescent images of polycrystalline silicon solar cells.

To achieve defect detection in bare polycrystalline silicon solar cells under electroluminescence (EL) conditions, we have proposed ASDD-Net, a deep learning algorithm evaluated offline on EL images. The model integrates strategies such as downsampling adjustment, feature fusion optimization, and detection head improvement. The ASDD-Net utilizes the Space to Depth (SPD) module to effectively extract edge and fine-grained information. The proposed Enhanced Cross-Stage Partial Network Fusion (EC2f) and Hybrid Attention CSP Net (HAC3) modules are placed at different positions to enhance feature extraction capability and improve feature fusion effects, thereby enhancing the model's ability to perceive defects of different sizes and shapes. Furthermore, placing the MobileViT_CA module before the second detection head balances global and local information perception, further enhancing the performance of the detection heads. The experimental results show that the ASDD-Net model achieves a mAP value of 88.81% on the publicly available PVEL-AD dataset, and the detection performance is better than the current SOTA model. The experimental results on the ELPV and NEU-DET datasets verify that the model has some generalization ability. Moreover, the proposed model achieves a processing frame rate of 69 frames per second, meeting the real-time defect detection requirements for solar cell surface defects.

Predicting histological grade in pediatric glioma using multiparametric radiomics and conventional MRI features.

Prediction of glioma is crucial to provide a precise treatment plan to optimize the prognosis of children with glioma. However, studies on the grading of pediatric gliomas using radiomics are limited. Meanwhile, existing methods are mainly based on only radiomics features, ignoring intuitive information about tumor morphology on traditional imaging features. This study aims to utilize multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify high-grade and low-grade gliomas in children and establish a classification model based on radiomics features and clinical features. A total of 85 children with gliomas underwent tumor resection, and part of the tumor tissue was examined pathologically. Patients were categorized into high-grade and low-grade groups according to World Health Organization guidelines. Preoperative multiparametric MRI data, including contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging, T2-weighted imaging, T2-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery, diffusion-weighted images, and apparent diffusion coefficient sequences, were obtained and labeled by two radiologists. The images were preprocessed, and radiomics features were extracted for each MRI sequence. Feature selection methods were used to select radiomics features, and statistically significant clinical features were identified using t-tests. The selected radiomics features and conventional MRI features were used to train the AutoGluon models. The improved model, based on radiomics features and conventional MRI features, achieved a balanced classification accuracy of 66.59%. The cross-validated areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the classifier of AutoGluon frame were 0.8071 on the test dataset. The results indicate that the performance of AutoGluon models can be improved by incorporating conventional MRI features, highlighting the importance of the experience of radiologists in accurately grading pediatric gliomas. This method can help predict the grade of pediatric glioma before pathological examination and assist in determining the appropriate treatment plan, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, drugs, and gene surgery.

Divacancy and resonance level enables high thermoelectric performance in n-type SnSe polycrystals.

N-type polycrystalline SnSe is considered as a highly promising candidates for thermoelectric applications due to facile processing, machinability, and scalability. However, existing efforts do not enable a peak ZT value exceeding 2.0 in n-type polycrystalline SnSe. Here, we realized a significant ZT enhancement by leveraging the synergistic effects of divacancy defect and introducing resonance level into the conduction band. The resonance level and increased density of states resulting from tungsten boost the Seebeck coefficient. The combination of the enhanced electrical conductivity (achieved by increasing carrier concentration through WCl6 doping and Se vacancies) and large Seebeck coefficient lead to a high power factor. Microstructural analyses reveal that the co-existence of divacancy defects (Se vacancies and Sn vacancies) and endotaxial W- and Cl-rich nanoprecipitates scatter phonons effectively, resulting in ultralow lattice conductivity. Ultimately, a record-high peak ZT of 2.2 at 773 K is achieved in n-type SnSe0.92 + 0.03WCl6.

Exploring Immune Redox Modulation in Bacterial Infections: Insights into Thioredoxin-Mediated Interactions and Implications for Understanding Host-Pathogen Dynamics.

Bacterial infections trigger a multifaceted interplay between inflammatory mediators and redox regulation. Recently, accumulating evidence has shown that redox signaling plays a significant role in immune initiation and subsequent immune cell functions. This review addresses the crucial role of the thioredoxin (Trx) system in the initiation of immune reactions and regulation of inflammatory responses during bacterial infections. Downstream signaling pathways in various immune cells involve thiol-dependent redox regulation, highlighting the pivotal roles of thiol redox systems in defense mechanisms. Conversely, the survival and virulence of pathogenic bacteria are enhanced by their ability to counteract oxidative stress and immune attacks. This is achieved through the reduction of oxidized proteins and the modulation of redox-sensitive signaling pathways, which are functions of the Trx system, thereby fortifying bacterial resistance. Moreover, some selenium/sulfur-containing compounds could potentially be developed into targeted therapeutic interventions for pathogenic bacteria. Taken together, the Trx system is a key player in redox regulation during bacterial infection, and contributes to host-pathogen interactions, offering valuable insights for future research and therapeutic development.

The effects of psychological interventions on suicide for cancer patients: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Numerous psychological interventions are available for suicidal and death ideation (SDI) and suicidal behavior among cancer patients. To identify the optimal psychological interventions for reducing SDI and suicidal behavior in cancer patients. However, it remains unclear which psychological intervention is the most effective. We performed a pairwise and network meta-analysis by searching seven databases from the date of inception until 8 April 2022. An important focus of this network meta-analysis was the comparison of the effects of various psychological interventions on the reduction of SDI and suicidal behavior among cancer patients. For determining efficacy, we used standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Besides, a pairwise meta-analysis, inconsistency test, network meta-analysis, the surface under the cumulative rankings curve (SUCRA), comparison-adjusted funnel plot, subgroup analysis, and sensitivity analysis were also carried out. A total of 8 studies involving 1,350 patients were searched in this study. It showed that empathy therapy (SUCRA = 95.3%) has the best effect among the six interventions. Comprehensive psychological intervention (SUCRA = 77.6%) was ranked in the top two positions, followed by meaning-centered therapy (SUCRA = 40.7%). Comparison-adjusted funnel plots revealed no significant publication bias. In addition, our conclusions have not changed significantly after the sensitivity analysis. In this network meta-analysis, empathy therapy was identified as the optimal choice for reducing SDI and suicidal behaviors in cancer patients. Further multi-center and high-quality RCT studies should be conducted to make our conclusion more rigorous.

Regulation of phonon localization on thermal transport in complex networks.

The regulation of thermal transport is a challenging topic in complex networks. At present, the hidden physical mechanism behind thermal transport is poorly understood. This paper addresses this issue by proposing a complex network model that focuses on the thermal transport regulation through the manipulation of the network's degree distribution and clustering coefficient. Our findings indicate that increasing the degree distribution regulation parameter σ leads to reduced phonon localization and improved thermal transport efficiency. Conversely, increasing the clustering coefficient c results in enhanced phonon localization and reduced thermal transport efficiency. Meanwhile, by calculating the pseudodispersion relation of the network, we find that the maximum (or the second smallest) eigenfrequency decreases with increasing σ (or c). Finally, we elucidate that phonon localization plays a pivotal role in the thermal transport of the network, as demonstrated through density of states and the participation ratio.

Alternative splicing plays a nonredundant role in greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili) in acclimation to ambient salinity fluctuations.

Alternative splicing (AS) is an important post-transcriptional mechanism for adaptation of fish to environmental stress. Here, we performed a genome-wide investigation to AS dynamics in greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili), an economical marine teleost, in response to hypo- (10 ppt) and hyper-salinity (40 ppt) stresses. Totally, 2267-2611 differentially spliced events were identified in gills and kidney upon the exposure to undesired salinity regimes. In gills, genes involved in energy metabolism, stimulus response and epithelial cell differentiation were differentially spliced in response to salinity variation, while sodium ion transport and cellular amide metabolism were enhanced in kidney to combat the adverse impacts of salinity changes. Most of these differentially spliced genes were not differentially expressed, and AS was found to regulate different biological processes from differential gene expression, indicative of the functionally nonredundant role of AS in modulating salinity acclimation in greater amberjack. Together, our study highlights the important contribution of post-transcriptional mechanisms to the adaptation of fish to ambient salinity fluctuations and provides theoretical guidance for the conservation of marine fishery resources against increasingly environmental challenges.

PSMD9 promotes the malignant progression of hepatocellular carcinoma by interacting with c-Cbl to activate EGFR signaling and recycling.

BACKGROUND: Mounting evidences shows that the ubiquitin‒proteasome pathway plays a pivotal role in tumor progression. The expression of 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 9 (PSMD9) is correlated with recurrence and radiotherapy resistance in several tumor types. However, the role and mechanism of PSMD9 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression remain largely unclear. METHODS: PSMD9 was identified as a prognosis-related biomarker for HCC based on analysis of clinical characteristics and RNA-seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and the JP Project of the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC-LIRI-JP). PSMD9 expression was analyzed in cancer tissues and adjacent noncancerous tissues via immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Multiple in vivo and in vitro experimental techniques (such as CCK-8, colony formation, EdU, and Transwell assays; flow cytometry; Western blotting; quantitative RT-PCR; Coimmunoprecipitation assay and immunofluorescence confocal imaging) were used to assess the functions of PSMD9 in the pathogenesis of HCC. RESULTS: We found that the expression of PSMD9 was upregulated and associated with a poor prognosis in HCC patients. PSMD9 promoted HCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion and metastasis. Knockdown of PSMD9 significantly inhibited HCC cell proliferation by inducing G1/S cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that PSMD9 promoted HCC cell proliferation and metastasis via direct interaction with the E3 ubiquitin ligase c-Cbl, suppresses EGFR ubiquitination, influenced EGFR endosomal trafficking and degradation and subsequently activated ERK1/2 and Akt signaling. In addition, we showed that PSMD9 knockdown sensitized HCC cells to the tyrosine kinase inhibitor erlotinib in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, our results indicate that PSMD9 drives HCC progression and erlotinib resistance by suppressing c-Cbl mediated EGFR ubiquitination and therefore can be a potential therapeutic target for HCC.

Exogenous application of 5-NGS increased osmotic stress resistance by improving leaf photosynthetic physiology and antioxidant capacity in maize.

Background: Drought is a critical limiting factor affecting the growth and development of spring maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings in northeastern China. Sodium 5-nitroguaiacol (5-NGS) has been found to enhance plant cell metabolism and promote seedling growth, which may increase drought tolerance. Methods: In the present study, we investigated the response of maize seedlings to foliar application of a 5-NGS solution under osmotic stress induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000). Four treatment groups were established: foliar application of distilled water (CK), foliar application of 5-NGS (NS), osmotic stress + foliar application of distilled water (D), and osmotic stress + foliar application of 5-NGS (DN). Plant characteristics including growth and photosynthetic and antioxidant capacities under the four treatments were evaluated. Results: The results showed that under osmotic stress, the growth of maize seedlings was inhibited, and both the photosynthetic and antioxidant capacities were weakened. Additionally, there were significant increases in the proline and soluble sugar contents and a decrease in seedling relative water content (RWC). However, applying 5-NGS alleviated the impact of osmotic stress on maize seedling growth parameters, particularly the belowground biomass, with a dry mass change of less than 5% and increased relative water content (RWC). Moreover, treatment with 5-NGS mitigated the inhibition of photosynthesis caused by osmotic stress by restoring the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) through an increase in chlorophyll content, photosynthetic electron transport, and intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci). Furthermore, the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the aboveground parts recovered, resulting in an approximately 25% decrease in both malondialdehyde (MDA) and H2O2. Remarkably, the activity of enzymes in the underground parts exhibited more significant changes, with the contents of MDA and H2O2 decreasing by more than 50%. Finally, 5-NGS stimulated the dual roles of soluble sugars as osmoprotectants and energy sources for metabolism under osmotic stress, and the proline content increased by more than 30%. We found that 5-NGS played a role in the accumulation of photosynthates and the effective distribution of resources in maize seedlings. Conclusions: Based on these results, we determined that foliar application of 5-NGS may improve osmotic stress tolerance in maize seedlings. This study serves as a valuable reference for increasing maize yield under drought conditions.

A novel gene-based model for prognosis prediction of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a significant global health challenge. The identification of reliable prognostic biomarkers and construction of an accurate prognostic model are crucial. Methods: In this study, mRNA expression data and clinical data of HNSCC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas were used. Overlapping candidate genes (OCGs) were identified by intersecting differentially expressed genes and prognosis-related genes. Best prognostic genes were selected using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression based on OCGs, and a risk score was developed using the Cox coefficient of each gene. The prognostic power of the risk score was assessed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic analysis. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression were performed to identify independent prognostic parameters, which were used to construct a nomogram. The predictive accuracy of the nomogram was evaluated using calibration plots. Functional enrichment analysis of risk score related genes was performed to explore the potential biological functions and pathways. External validation was conducted using data from the Gene Expression Omnibus and ArrayExpress databases. Results: FADS3, TNFRSF12A, TJP3, and FUT6 were screened to be significantly related to prognosis in HNSCC patients. The risk score effectively stratified patients into high-risk group with poor overall survival (OS) and low-risk group with better OS. Risk score, age, clinical M stage and clinical N stage were regarded as independent prognostic parameters by Cox regression analysis and used to construct a nomogram. The nomogram performed well in 1-, 2-, 3-, 5- and 10-year survival predictions. Functional enrichment analysis suggested that tight junction was closely related to the cancer. In addition, the prognostic power of the risk score was validated by external datasets. Conclusions: This study constructed a gene-based model integrating clinical prognostic parameters to accurately predict prognosis in HNSCC patients.

Segment selection for fusion and artificial disc replacement in the hybrid surgical treatment of noncontiguous cervical spondylosis: a finite element analysis.

Introduction: The treatment of skip-level cervical degenerative disease (CDD) with no degenerative changes observed in the intervening segment (IS) is complicated. This research aims to provide a reference basis for selecting treatment approaches for noncontiguous CDD. Methods: To establish accurate finite element models (FEMs), this study included computed tomography (CT) data from 21 patients with CDD (10 males and 11 females) for modeling. The study primarily discusses four cross-segment surgical approaches: upper (C3/4) anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and lower (C5/6) cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA), FA model; upper CDA (C3/4) and lower ACDF (C5/6), AF model; upper ACDF (C3/4) and lower ACDF (C5/6), FF model; upper CDA (C3/4) and lower CDA (C5/6), AA model. An initial axial load of 73.6 N was applied at the motion center using the follower load technique. A moment of 1.0 Nm was applied at the center of the C2 vertebra to simulate the overall motion of the model. The statistical analysis was conducted using STATA version 14.0. Statistical significance was defined as a p value less than 0.05. Results: The AA group had significantly greater ROM in flexion and axial rotation in other segments compared to the FA group (p < 0.05). The FA group consistently exhibited higher average intervertebral disc pressure in C2/3 during all motions compared to the AF group (p < 0.001); however, the FA group displayed lower average intervertebral disc pressure in C6/7 during all motions (p < 0.05). The AA group had lower facet joint contact stresses during extension in all segments compared to the AF group (p < 0.05). The FA group exhibited significantly higher facet joint contact stresses during extension in C2/3 (p < 0.001) and C6/7 (p < 0.001) compared to the AF group. Discussion: The use of skip-level CDA is recommended for the treatment of non-contiguous CDD. The FA construct shows superior biomechanical performance compared to the AF construct.