Quality of life and its association with predictors in lung transplant recipients: a latent profile analysis.

Backgrounds: Improving quality of life (QOL) is one of the main aims of lung transplantation (LTx). There is a need to identify those who have poor quality of life early. However, research addressing inter individual quality of life variability among them is lacking. This study aims to identify group patterns in quality of life among lung transplant recipients and examine the predictors associated with quality of life subgroups. Methods: In total, 173 lung transplant recipients were recruited from one hospital in Guangdong Province between September 2022 and August 2023. They were assessed using the Lung Transplant Quality of Life scale (LT-QOL), Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), Life Orientation Test-Revised scale (LOT-R), and Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS). Latent profile analysis was used to identify QOL subtypes, and logistic regression analysis was used to examine the associations between latent profiles and sociodemographic and psychosocial characteristics. Results: Two distinct QOL profiles were identified: "low HRQOL" profile [N = 53 (30.94%)] and "high HRQOL" profile [N = 120 (69.06%)]. Single lung transplant recipients, and patients who reported post-transplant infection, high levels of negative emotion or low levels of mindfulness and optimism were significantly correlated with the low QOL subgroup. Conclusion: Using the domains of the LT-QOL scale, two profiles were identified among the lung transplant recipients. Our findings highlighted that targeted intervention should be developed based on the characteristics of each latent class, and timely attention must be paid to patients who have undergone single lung transplantation, have had a hospital readmission due to infection, exhibit low levels of optimism, low levels of mindfulness or high negative emotions.

Systematic evaluation and meta-analysis of the effects of major dietary patterns on cognitive function in healthy adults.

PURPOSE: Evidence shows diet promotes brain health. Combining foods and nutrients may have beneficial synergistic effects, but the effects on cognitive function interventions are inconsistent. So, a meta-analysis of RCTs was conducted to examine the specific effects on cognitive function. METHODS: We searched four databases from creation to April 2023. Eligible randomized controlled trials were identified. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to combine standardized mean differences (SMD) (95% confidence intervals [CI]), and homogeneity tests for a variance were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 19 studies involving 12,119 participants were included in this systematic review. The dietary intervention group had a positive effect on overall cognitive functioning compared to the control group (SMD = 0.14, 95% CI [0.08, 0.20], P < 0.00001). The dietary intervention improved executive function, processing speed and language skills (SMD = -0.10, 95% CI [-0.17,-0.04], P = 0.002, I2 = 0%), (SMD = -0.16, 95% CI [-0.23,-0.09], P < 0.00001, I2 = 0%), (SMD = 0.10, 95% CI [0.01, 0.20], P = 0.03, I2 = 0%). The dietary intervention had no effect on delayed memory and spatial ability (SMD = 0.04, 95% CI [-0.02, 0.09], P = 0.20, I2 = 0%), (SMD = 0.08, 95% CI [-0.01, 0.16], P = 0.08, I2 = 0%). CONCLUSION: The Mediterranean diet, a diet with restricted caloric intake, a diet incorporating aerobic exercise, a low-carbohydrate diet, and a healthy lifestyle diet (increased intake of fruits and vegetables, and weight and blood pressure management) appear to have positive effects on cognitively healthy adults, as reflected in their overall cognitive, processing speed, executive, and language functions. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42023414704.

Association of gene polymorphisms and the decreased expression of long non-coding RNA LOC553103 with rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in many key bioprocesses, including the occurrence and development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We aimed to analyze the association of genetic variants of long non-coding RNA LOC553103 and its peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) expression with RA. METHODS: We enrolled 457 RA patients and 551 healthy controls and conducted a case-control study to analyze the relationship between LOC553103 gene rs272879 and the susceptibility of RA by TaqMan single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping. Among them, we sampled 92 cases and 92 controls, respectively, to detect the PBMC level of LOC553103 using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction technology. We explored the association between LOC553103 rs272879 and its PBMC expression levels in 71 RA patients. Mann-Whitney, Chi-square, and Spearman correlation analysis were used for statistical analysis and P-value <.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The genotype frequency of LOC553103 rs272879 CC was increased, and CG was decreased in RA patients compared to the control group (χ2 = 6.772, P = .034). The LOC553103 expression level in PBMC of RA patients was downregulated compared to healthy control (Z = -4.497, P < .001). Moreover, negative correlations were observed between the PBMC level of LOC553103 and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (rs = -0.262, P = .018), white blood cell count (rs = -0.382, P = .004), platelet (rs = -0.293, P = .030), and disease activity score in 28 joints (rs = -0.271, P = .016) in RA patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first evidence supporting an association between LOC553103 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility of RA and a relationship of PBMC level of LOC553103 with clinical manifestations and laboratory indicators of RA patients.

Effects of essential amino acids supplementation in a low-protein diet on growth performance, intestinal health and microbiota of juvenile blotched snakehead (Channa maculata).

Developing a low-protein feed is important for the sustainable advancement of aquaculture. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of essential amino acid (EAA) supplementation in a low-protein diet on the growth, intestinal health, and microbiota of the juvenile blotched snakehead, Channa maculata in an 8-week trial conducted in a recirculating aquaculture system. Three isoenergetic diets were formulated to include a control group (48.66 % crude protein (CP), HP), a low protein group (42.54 % CP, LP), and a low protein supplementation EAA group (44.44 % CP, LP-AA). The results showed that significantly lower weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), and feed efficiency ratio (FER) were observed in fish that were fed LP than in the HP and LP-AA groups (P < 0.05). The HP and LP-AA groups exhibited a significant increase in intestinal villus length, villus width, and muscular thickness compared to the LP group (P < 0.05). Additionally, the HP and LP-AA groups demonstrated significantly higher levels of intestinal total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and lower levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) compared to the LP group (P < 0.05). The apoptosis rate of intestinal cells in the LP group was significantly higher than those in the LP and HP groups (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression levels of superoxide dismutase (sod), nuclear factor kappa B p65 subunit (nfκb-p65), heat shock protein 70 (hsp70), and inhibitor of NF-κBα (iκba) in the intestine were significantly higher in the LP group than those in the HP and LP-AA groups (P < 0.05). The 16s RNA analysis indicated that EAA supplementation significantly increased the growth of Desulfovibrio and altered the intestinal microflora. The relative abundances of Firmicutes and Cyanobacteria were positively correlated with antioxidant parameters (CAT and T-AOC), whereas Desulfobacterota was negatively correlated with sod and T-AOC. The genera Bacillus, Bacteroides, and Rothia were associated with the favorable maintenance of gut health. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with EAAs to achieve a balanced amino acid profile could potentially reduce the dietary protein levels from 48.66 % to 44.44 % without adversely affecting the growth and intestinal health of juvenile blotched snakeheads.

Assistive device utilization among disabled elderly in China: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the characteristics of assistive device users and influencing factors among disabled elderly in China. METHODS: A total of 13,510 disabled elderly in Sichuan Province were surveyed. Disability was assessed using the Barthel Activities of Daily Living Scale, mental status, sensory perception, and social engagement evaluation. Univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis were employed to identify the impact factors. RESULTS: The prevalence of assistive device utilization among participants was 79.2% (10,700/13,510, 95% CI 78.5%-79.9%), with the wheelchair being the most commonly used device. Various factors were found to influence the usage of the device, including disability level, somatic disability, age, caregivers, income, caregiver fees, and living situation (p < .05). Additionally, several factors were identified associated with the frequency of device usage, such as somatic disability, education background, income, caregiver fees, living situation, access to acquire assistive devices, duration of assistive device usage, education on assistive devices, and satisfaction level (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The use of assistive devices among elderly individuals in China is prevalent. There are many factors that affect the use of assistive devices, which can provide a reference for the formulation of policies in the field of assistive devices.

Construction of cyclobutane-fused tetracyclic skeletons via substrate-dependent EnT-enabled dearomative [2+2] cycloaddition of benzofurans (benzothiophenes)/maleimides.

Herein, a novel and facile organic photosensitizer (thioxanthone)-mediated energy-transfer-enabled (EnT-enabled) dearomative [2+2] cycloaddition of aromatic heterocycles/maleimides for green synthesis of cyclobutane-fused polycyclic skeletons is reported. Mechanistic investigations revealed that different EnT pathways by triplet thioxanthone were initiated when different aromatic heterocycles participated in the reaction, giving the corresponding excited intermediates, which underwent the subsequent intermolecular [2+2] cycloaddition to access the desired highly functionalized cyclobutane-fused polycyclic skeletons.

A dual-ring network design for the fast orbit feedback system of the storage ring.

Building reliable fast orbit feedback (FOFB) systems to offer high stability of the beam orbit becomes more challenging for the diffraction-limited storage ring due to the smaller beam size. The beam position measurement and control (BPMC) processor has been developed to streamline the FOFB system architecture by integrating BPM (Beam Position Monitor) electronics and an orbit feedback controller. This paper designs a hierarchical dual-ring network topology based on BPMC processors using parameters derived from the storage ring of the Hefei Advanced Light Facility. To reduce latency and prevent data transmission collisions, we propose a multi-forwarding communication scheme and a communication controller design in a field-programmable gate array. Experimental results verify that this topology operates reliably with the multi-forwarding scheme, providing an approximate communication latency as low as 17.336 µs to support the 30 kHz orbit feedback update rate.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy caused by a deletion (c.5021del) in exon 35 of the DMD gene: A case report and review of the literature.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD MIM#310200) is a degenerative muscle disease caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene located on Xp21.2. The clinical features encompass muscle weakness and markedly elevated serum creatine kinase levels. An 8-year-old Chinese boy was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Whole exome gene sequencing was conducted and the Sanger method was used to validate sequencing. A deletion (c.5021del) in exon 35 of the dystrophin gene was identified, which was predicted to generate a frameshift mutation and create an early termination codon (p.Leu1674CysfsTer47). It has a pathogenic effect against dystrophin in the muscle cell membrane of the patient. As such, prednisone treatment at a dose of 0.75 mg/kg.d was administered. After one month, a notable reduction in fall frequency was observed. Our new finding will expand the pathogenic mutation spectrum causing DMD.

Latent profiles of academic resilience in undergraduate nursing students and their association with resilience and self-efficacy.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the heterogeneity of academic resilience among nursing students using latent profile analysis and its associated influencing factors. BACKGROUND: Nursing students experience higher levels of stress compared to their peers in other professions, and the cultivation of academic resilience plays a pivotal role in their ability to effectively cope with this stress. Academic resilience not only facilitates success in the face of academic adversity but also contributes to the promotion of mental well-being among nursing students. However, the current research on the academic resilience of nursing students has predominantly focused on a scale-centered total score approach, disregarding individual variability, and hindering the development to inform personalized interventions for enhancing academic resilience. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. METHODS: A convenience sampling method was used to collect a total of 644 nursing students from two medical schools in Guangzhou City. The participants were recruited through an online survey conducted from January to March 2023. The questionnaires consisted of a general information form, the Chinese version of the Academic Resilience Scale-30 (C-ARS-30), the 10-item Connor Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10), and the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES). Latent profile analysis was used to identify distinct categories of academic resilience among nursing students, and influencing factors were examined through ordinal logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The academic resilience levels of nursing students can be divided into three potential categories: 'low academic resilience' (13.0%), 'moderate academic resilience' (70.0%), and 'high academic resilience' (17.0%). Level of grade, GPA, self-reported physical health level, resilience and self-efficacy were significantly influenced the different categories of academic resilience of nursing students (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of undergraduate nursing students were placed in the moderate academic resilience group, however, educational institutions should pay special attention to nursing students demonstrating low levels. Regular assessments of academic resilience are recommended, and personalized interventions should be tailored to address specific academic resilience characteristics across different grades of nursing students. Strategies aimed at enhancing academic resilience among nursing students may include improvements in GPA performance, attention to physical health, and the reinforcement of resilience and self-efficacy.

Ficolin-A/2 Aggravated Severe Lung Injury through Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Mediated by Gasdermin D-Induced Pyroptosis.

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and pyroptosis are critical events in lung injury. This study investigated whether ficolin-A influences NET formation through pyroptosis to exacerbate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lung injury. The expression of ficolin-A/2, NETs, and pyroptosis-related molecules was investigated in animal and cell models. Knockout and knockdown (recombinant protein) methods were used to elucidate regulatory mechanisms. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlation between ficolins and pyroptosis- and NET-related markers in clinical samples. In this study, ficolin-2 (similar to ficolin-A) showed significant overexpression in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. In vivo, knockout of ficolin-A, but not ficolin-B, attenuated lung inflammation and inhibited NET formation in the LPS-induced mouse model. DNase I further alleviated lung inflammation and NET formation in ficolin-A knockout mice. In vitro, neutrophils derived from Fcna-/- mice showed less pyroptosis and necroptosis than those from the control group after LPS stimulation. Additionally, gasdermin D knockdown or Nod-like receptor protein 3 inhibitor reduced NET formation. Addition of recombinant ficolin-2 protein to human peripheral blood neutrophils promoted NET formation and pyroptosis after LPS stimulation, whereas ficolin-2 knockdown had the opposite effect. Acute respiratory distress syndrome patients showed increased levels of pyroptosis- and NET-related markers, which were correlated positively with ficolin-2 levels. In conclusion, these results suggested that ficolin-A/2 exacerbated NET formation and LPS-induced lung injury via gasdermin D-mediated pyroptosis.

Revisiting the relationships between energy consumption, economic development and urban size: A global perspective using remote sensing data.

Existing methods of measuring energy consumption require complex statistics and computing. A real-time and globally applicable approach for comparing energy consumption across different cities is still lacking. Additionally, the nonlinear relationships and varying thresholds of energy consumption in relation to economic activities and urbanization remain unconfirmed. This study aims to fill these gaps by utilizing Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (NPP-VIIRS) nighttime light data in 2015 and a top-down approach based on a multiple regression model to examine energy consumption in global cities employing a redefined urban boundary. It also explores the accurate relationship between energy consumption, population density (as a proxy of urbanization), and per capita gross domestic product (GDP) across different regions and urban sizes using generalized additive models and regression models. High-resolution gridded population and GDP datasets covering the entire planet are utilized for this purpose. The study also estimates the development potentiality. The study yields followings outcomes: Firstly, the top 30 cities with the highest per capita energy consumption account for over 0.66% of the total per capita energy consumption of all cities. Secondly, in East Asia (EA) and Southeast Asia (SEA), the per capita energy consumption decreases when per capita GDP reaches $40,000 and $75,000, respectively, while it remains stable in cities located in Western Europe (WE) and North America (NA) as per capita GDP increases. Thirdly, the per capita energy consumption declines with increasing urban population density until reaching 10,000 person/km2, 22,000 person/km2, and 4000 person/km2 in EA, SEA, and NA, respectively. Fourthly, in Central Asia (CA), megacities can save over 100 Mbtu/population when per capita GDP increases by $1000 compared to big cities. This pioneering study provides a comparable investigation of energy consumption at the global city level, exploring its relationship with urbanization and economy by employing a unified calculation standard. It will facilitate long-term energy-saving policies and urban planning strategies.

Using combination of albumin to fibrinogen ratio and prognostic nutritional index model for predicting disease activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is chronic autoimmune disease with multiple organ damage and is associated with poor prognosis and high mortality. Identification of universal biomarkers to predict SLE activity is challenging due to the heterogeneity of the disease. This study aimed to identify the indicators that are sensitive and specific to predict activity of SLE.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 108 patients with SLE. Patients were categorized into SLE with activity and without activity groups on the basis of SLE disease activity index. We analyzed the potential of routine and novel indicators in predicting the SLE activity using receiver operating characteristic curves and multivariate logistic regression. The Spearman method was used to understand the correlation between albumin to fibrinogen ratio (AFR), prognostic nutritional index (PNI), AFR-PNI model and disease activity.Results: SLE with activity group had higher ESR, CRP, D-dimer, fibrinogen, CRP to albumin ratio, positive rate of anti-dsDNA and ANUA, and lower C3, total bilirubin, total protein, albumin, albumin/globulin, creatinine, high density liptein cholesterol, hemoglobin, hematocrit, lymphocyte count, positive rate of anti-SSA, AFR, PNI than SLE without activity. A further established model based on combination of AFR and PNI (AFR-PNI model) showed prominent value in distinguishing SLE with activity patients from SLE without activity patients. In addition, the sensitivity and specificity of AFR-PNI model + anti-dsDNA combination model were superior to AFR-PNI model. AFR and PNI were risk factors for SLE activity. Moreover, AFR+PNI model correlated with disease activity and AFR-PNI model was associated with fever, pleurisy, pericarditis, renal involvement.Conclusion: These findings suggest that predictive model based on combination of AFR and PNI may be useful markers to identify active SLE in clinical practice.

Circulating TIGIT±PD1+TPH, TIGIT ± PD1+TFH cells are elevated and their predicting role in systemic lupus erythematosus.

It is well established that increased peripheral helper T cells (TPH) and follicular helper T cells (TFH) was found in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. However, the expression patterns and immunomodulatory roles of TIGIT and PD1 on TPH/TFH in SLE are poorly understood. The expression patterns of TIGIT and PD1 on TPH and TFH cells were examined using flow cytometry and their expression patterns in SLE patients were then further evaluated for their correlation with auto-antibodies, disease activity and severity, B cell differentiation. Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors. And the receiver operating characteristic curves and logistic regression model were created to evaluate the predicting role in SLE. TIGIT±PD1+TPH, TIGIT±PD1+TFH cells in the peripheral blood of SLE patients were upregulated, whereas TIGIT+PD1-TFH was downregulated. TIGIT ± PD1+TPH, TIGIT ± PD1+TFH cells positively correlated with auto-antibodies production, disease activity and severity, whereas TIGIT+PD1-TFH cells negatively correlated. TIGIT ± PD1+TPH, TIGIT-PD1+TFH were positively correlated with the frequency of plasmablasts. Furthermore, higher TIGIT+PD1+TPH and TIGIT+PD1+TFH were shown to be risk factors for SLE, whereas TIGIT+PD1-TFH was found to be a protective factor, according to logistic regression analysis. A further logistic regression model showed that combination of TPH/TFH and routine blood indicators may has potential predicting value for SLE, with AUC of 0.957. The increased TIGIT ± PD1+TPH, increased TIGIT ± PD1+TFH, decreased TIGIT+PD1-TFH correlates with disease severity and activity, may boost our comprehending of the role of TIGIT and PD1 on TPH/TFH in SLE, and a logistic regression model based on combination of TPH/TFH and routine blood indicators shows prominent value for predicting SLE.

Latent profiles of nurses' subjective well-being and its association with social support and professional self-concept.

AIM: To identify latent profiles of nurses' subjective well-being (SWB) and explore its association with social support and professional self-concept. DESIGN: This study used an online survey and cross-sectional latent profile analysis design. METHODS: A total of 1009 nurses from 30 hospitals in Guangdong Province, China, were selected using convenience sampling. An online questionnaire survey comprising the following scales was distributed: Index of Well-Being, Nurses' Professional Self-concept Questionnaire and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Nurses' SWB was examined and categorized into profiles using nine Index of Well-being items as explicit variables and ordinal logistic regression analysis was performed to explore factors related to the distinct categories. RESULTS: Nurses' SWB was divided into four latent profiles: extremely low, low, moderate and high. Regression analysis showed that social support and professional self-concept influenced SWB. There were statistically significant differences in age, title, working years, social support and professional self-concept among nurses in the different well-being categories. Ordered logistic regression analysis showed that social support and professional self-concept are associated with different SWB profiles.

One-pot preparation of magnetic composite containing boronic acid groups and aminated multwalled carbon nanotubes for the speciation of Se(IV) and Se(VI) in water and milk samples by combination with chromatographic quantification.

Speciation of Se(IV) and Se(VI) is essential due to their significant differences in reactivity, toxicity and bioavailability. Efficient extraction is the pivotal step in the quantification of inorganic selenium species. In this work, a new magnetic nano-composite (MNC) containing boronic acid group and aminated multwalled carbon nanotubes was facilely fabricated by means of one-pot hydrothermal strategy. The prepared MNC contained abundant functional groups and satisfactory magnetic saturation value. Combining with magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) format, the MNC displayed satisfactory capture performance towards the complex formed by the coordination of Se(IV) and o-phenylenediamine (OPA). Adsorption isotherm and adsorption kinetics were studied in detail to investigate the adsorption procedure of Se(IV)/OPA complex on MNC. Under the optimal preparation conditions of MNC and extraction parameters, the MNC/MSPE was connected with HPLC equipped with a diode array detector (DAD) to quantify trace Se(IV) and Se(VI) species in water and milk samples. Se(VI) was reduced to Se(IV) and then the total inorganic Se was quantified by the developed method. Subtraction method was used to measure the concentration of Se(VI). The achieved limits of detection were in the ranges of 0.0082-0.013 µg/L and 0.041-0.13 µg/kg for water and milk samples, respectively. Recoveries in actual samples spiked with different amounts of analytes varied from 81.0 % and 117 %, and the RSDs for repeatability varied from 1.0 % to 10 %. In comparison with existing studies based on MSPE, the established method presents some merits such as greenness in the preparation of magnetic adsorbent, rapid extraction procedure, low cost and satisfactory sensitivity in the speciation of inorganic Se species.

Unraveling the cross-talk between N6-methyladenosine modification and non-coding RNAs in breast cancer: Mechanisms and clinical implications.

In recent years, breast cancer (BC) has surpassed lung cancer as the most common malignant tumor worldwide and remains the leading cause of cancer death in women. The etiology of BC usually involves dysregulation of epigenetic mechanisms and aberrant expression of certain non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most prevalent RNA modification in eukaryotes, widely exists in ncRNAs to affect its biosynthesis and function, and is an important regulator of tumor-related signaling pathways. Interestingly, ncRNAs can also regulate or target m6A modification, playing a key role in cancer progression. However, the m6A-ncRNAs regulatory network in BC has not been fully elucidated, especially the regulation of m6A modification by ncRNAs. Therefore, in this review, we comprehensively summarize the interaction mechanisms and biological significance of m6A modifications and ncRNAs in BC. Meanwhile, we also focused on the clinical application value of m6A modification in BC diagnosis and prognosis, intending to explore new biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets.

Prediction of Base-Catalyzed Hydrolysis Kinetics of Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-Dioxins by Density Functional Theory Calculations.

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), comprising 75 congeners, have gained considerable attention from the general public and the scientific community owing to their high toxic potential. The base-catalyzed hydrolysis of PCDDs is crucial for the assessment of their environmental persistence. Nonetheless, owing to the substantial number of congeners and low hydrolysis rates of PCDDs, conducting hydrolysis experiments proves to be exceedingly time-consuming and financially burdensome. Herein, density functional theory and transition state theory were employed to predict the base-catalyzed hydrolysis of PCDDs in aquatic environments. Findings reveal that PCDDs undergo base-catalyzed hydrolysis in aquatic environments with two competing pathways: prevailing dioxin ring-opening and reduced reactivity in the hydrolytic dechlorination pathway. The resultant minor products include hydroxylated PCDDs, which exhibit thermodynamic stability surpassing that of the principal product, chlorinated hydroxydiphenyl ethers. The half-lives (ranging from 17.10 to 1.33 × 1010 h at pH = 8) associated with the base-catalyzed hydrolysis of PCDDs dissolved in water were shorter compared to those within the water-sediment environmental system. This observation implies that hydroxide ions can protect aquatic environments from PCDD contamination. Notably, this study represents the first attempt to predict the base-catalyzed hydrolysis of PCDDs by using quantum chemical methods.

Wolfberry genome database: integrated genomic datasets for studying molecular biology.

Wolfberry, also known as goji berry or Lycium barbarum, is a highly valued fruit with significant health benefits and nutritional value. For more efficient and comprehensive usage of published L. barbarum genomic data, we established the Wolfberry database. The utility of the Wolfberry Genome Database (WGDB) is highlighted through the Genome browser, which enables the user to explore the L. barbarum genome, browse specific chromosomes, and access gene sequences. Gene annotation features provide comprehensive information about gene functions, locations, expression profiles, pathway involvement, protein domains, and regulatory transcription factors. The transcriptome feature allows the user to explore gene expression patterns using transcripts per kilobase million (TPM) and fragments per kilobase per million mapped reads (FPKM) metrics. The Metabolism pathway page provides insights into metabolic pathways and the involvement of the selected genes. In addition to the database content, we also introduce six analysis tools developed for the WGDB. These tools offer functionalities for gene function prediction, nucleotide and amino acid BLAST analysis, protein domain analysis, GO annotation, and gene expression pattern analysis. The WGDB is freely accessible at https://cosbi7.ee.ncku.edu.tw/Wolfberry/. Overall, WGDB serves as a valuable resource for researchers interested in the genomics and transcriptomics of L. barbarum. Its user-friendly web interface and comprehensive data facilitate the exploration of gene functions, regulatory mechanisms, and metabolic pathways, ultimately contributing to a deeper understanding of wolfberry and its potential applications in agronomy and nutrition.

Improving Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Chemodynamic Therapy Properties via Tuning the Fe(II)/Fe(III) Ratio in Hydrophilic Single-Atom Nanobowls.

We developed an intrinsic hydrophilic single-atom iron nanobowl (Fe-SANB) for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided tumor microenvironment-triggered cancer therapy. Benefiting from the sufficient exposure of Fe single atoms and the intrinsic hydrophilicity of the bowl-shaped structure, the Fe-SANBs exhibited a superior performance for T1-weighted MRI with an r1 value of 11.48 mM-1 s-1, which is 3-fold higher than that of the commercial Gd-DTPA (r1 = 3.72 mM-1 s-1). After further coembedding Gd single atoms in the nanobowls, the r1 value can be greatly improved to 19.54 mM-1 s-1. In tumor microenvironment (TME), the Fe-SANBs can trigger pH-induced Fenton-like activity to generate highly toxic hydroxyl radicals for high-efficiency chemodynamic therapy (CDT). Both the MRI and CDT efficiency of these nanobowls can be optimized by tuning the ratio of Fe(II)/Fe(III) in the Fe-SANBs via controlling the calcination temperature. Furthermore, the generation of •OH at the tumor site can be accelerated via the photothermal effect of Fe-SANBs, thus promoting CDT efficacy. Both in vitro and in vivo results confirmed that our nanoplatform exhibited high T1-weighted MRI contrast, robust biocompatibility, and satisfactory tumor treatment, providing a potential nanoplatform for MRI-guided TME-triggered precise cancer therapy.

Carrier frequencies, trends, and geographical distribution of hearing loss variants in China: The pooled analysis of 2,161,984 newborns.

The aim of this study is to comprehensively investigate the prevalence and distribution patterns of three common genetic variants associated with hearing loss (HL) in Chinese neonatal population. Methods: Prior to June 30, 2023, an extensive search and screening process was conducted across multiple literature databases. R software was utilized for conducting meta-analyses, cartography, and correlation analyses. Results: Firstly, our study identified a total of 99 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Notably, provinces such as Qinghai, Tibet, Jilin, and Heilongjiang lack large-scale genetic screening data for neonatal deafness. Secondly, in Chinese newborns, the carrier frequencies of GJB2 variants (c.235delC, c.299_300delAT) were 1.63 % (95 %CI 1.52 %-1.76 %) and 0.33 % (95 %CI 0.30 %-0.37 %); While SLC26A4 variants (c.919-2A > G, c.2168A > G) exhibited carrier rates of 0.95 % (95 %CI 0.86 %-1.04 %) and 0.17 % (95 %CI 0.15 %-0.19 %); Additionally, Mt 12S rRNA m.1555 A > G variant was found at a rate of 0.24 % (95 % CI 0.22 %-0.26 %). Thirdly, the mutation rate of GJB2 c.235delC was higher in the east of the Heihe-Tengchong line, whereas the mutation rate of Mt 12S rRNA m.1555 A > G variant exhibited the opposite pattern. Forthly, no significant correlation exhibited the opposite pattern of GJB2 variants, but there was a notable correlation among SLC26A4 variants. Lastly, strong regional distribution correlations were evident between mutation sites from different genes, particularly between SLC26A4 (c.919-2A > G and c.2168A > G) and GJB c.299_300delAT. Conclusions: The most prevalent deafness genes among Chinese neonates were GJB2 c.235delC variant, followed by SLC26A4 c.919-2A > G variant. These gene mutation rates exhibit significant regional distribution characteristics. Consequently, it is imperative to enhance genetic screening efforts to reduce the incidence of deafness in high-risk areas.