Endogenous mRNA-driven "one-to-more" signal amplification of DNA probe for intracellular miR155 sensing.

The detection of specific intracellular microRNAs could be potentially helpful in understanding the underlying mechanisms of cancer metastasis and invasion. MiRNAs are usually present in lower expression levels, especially in early stage of cancer. Here, we proposed a "one-to-more" amplification strategy for miRNA imaging, by virtue of DNA strand displacements with dual-amplification. This approach involves leveraging high-abundance endogenous mRNA as fuel strand to drive cascade reactions between DNA strands for amplification, enabling the monitoring of low abundance intracellular miRNA155. Notably, in comparison to the traditional "one-to-one" signal triggering mode, our "one-to-more" amplification strategy led to a remarkable 11.8-fold increase in fluorescence signal. Our approach not only demonstrates a high sensitivity and specificity in detecting miR155, but also allows for discrimination of miR155 expression levels in different cell lines. With the advantages of intracellular signal amplification and  reduced background signal, this approach holds substantial potential in the early diagnosis of cancer.

Comprehensive expression, prognostic and validation analysis of necroptosis-related lncRNAs in esophageal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that necroptosis-related long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) risk models can be used to predict prognosis and immune infiltration in patients with esophageal cancer. However, further analysis of the regulatory mechanisms of necroptosis-related lncRNAs used in risk models remains to be conducted. The purpose of the present study was to identify valuable necroptosis-related lncRNAs in esophageal cancer and to verify their molecular and cellular functions. METHODS: Esophageal cancer data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The expression of eight genes (LINC00299, AC090912.2, AC244197.2, AL158166.1, AC079684.1, AP003696.1, AC079684.1 and AP003696.1) in the necroptosis-related lncRNA risk model, their relationships with clinicopathological stage, and their diagnostic receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were analyzed. The prognostic value of these lncRNAs for overall survival (OS) and disease specific survival (DSS) was analyzed, and time-dependent ROC curves were generated. The AP003696.1 target gene (lncRNA ENSG00000253385.1) was further investigated through immune infiltration analysis, Gene Ontology/Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (GO/KEGG) enrichment analyses, and gene coexpression analysis. Finally, in vitro functional assays based on lncRNA ENSG00000253385.1 were conducted to explore its regulatory role in esophageal cancer. RESULTS: A bioinformatics approach was used to study the eight genes in the necroptosis-related lncRNA risk model. AP003696.1 (lncRNA ENSG00000253385.1) was highly expressed in esophageal cancer tissues, and its high expression was correlated with poor OS and DFdS. Both univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed that lncRNA ENSG00000253385.1 is an independent prognostic factor. The lncRNA ENSG00000253385.1 gene was demonstrated to play a definite role in the invasion of esophageal cancer immune cells and in signaling pathways in these cells. In vitro cell functional assays revealed that lncRNA ENSG00000253385.1 expression was elevated in the KYSE150 and KYSE410 esophageal cancer cell lines. Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated silencing of lncRNA ENSG00000253385.1 significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of KYSE150 and KYSE410 cells, as well as promoted their apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: The ENSG00000253385.1 gene may be a key gene in the occurrence, development, and prognosis of esophageal cancer. These findings provide new ideas and references for the screening of therapeutic targets, as well as the development of targeted drugs, for esophageal cancer treatment.

High-Order line graphs of fMRI data in major depressive disorder.

BACKGROUND: Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) technology and the complex network theory can be used to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of brain diseases. The successful application of functional brain hypernetworks provides new perspectives for the diagnosis and evaluation of clinical brain diseases; however, many studies have not assessed the attribute information of hyperedges and could not retain the high-order topology of hypergraphs. In addition, the study of multi-scale and multi-layered organizational properties of the human brain can provide richer and more accurate data features for classification models of depression. PURPOSE: This work aims to establish a more accurate classification framework for the diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) using the high-order line graph algorithm. And accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, precision, F1 score are used to validate its classification performance. METHODS: Based on rs-fMRI data from 38 MDD subjects and 28 controls, we constructed a human brain hypernetwork and introduced a line graph model, followed by the construction of a high-order line graph model. The topological properties under each order line graph were calculated to measure the classification performance of the model. Finally, intergroup features that showed significant differences under each order line graph model were fused, and a support vector machine classifier was constructed using multi-kernel learning. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov nonparametric permutation test was used as the feature selection method and the classification performance was measured with the leave-one-out cross-validation method. RESULTS: The high-order line graph achieved a better classification performance compared with other traditional hypernetworks (accuracy = 92.42%, sensitivity = 92.86%, specificity = 92.11%, precision = 89.66%, F1 = 91.23%). Furthermore, the brain regions found in the present study have been previously shown to be associated with the pathology of depression. CONCLUSIONS: This work validated the classification model based on the high-order line graph, which can better express the topological features of the hypernetwork by comprehensively considering the hyperedge information under different connection strengths, thereby significantly improving the classification accuracy of MDD. Therefore, this method has potential for use in the clinical diagnosis of MDD.

IL-2-free tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte therapy with PD-1 blockade demonstrates potent efficacy in advanced gynecologic cancer.

BACKGROUND: Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy has been restricted by intensive lymphodepletion and high-dose intravenous interleukin-2 (IL-2) administration. To address these limitations, we conducted preclinical and clinical studies to evaluate the safety, antitumor activity, and pharmacokinetics of an innovative modified regimen in patients with advanced gynecologic cancer. METHODS: Patient-derived xenografts (PDX) were established from a local recurrent cervical cancer patient. TILs were expanded ex vivo from minced tumors without feeder cells in the modified TIL therapy regimen. Patients underwent low-dose cyclophosphamide lymphodepletion followed by TIL infusion without intravenous IL-2. The primary endpoint was safety; the secondary endpoints included objective response rate, duration of response, and T cell persistence. RESULTS: In matched patient-derived xenografts (PDX) models, homologous TILs efficiently reduced tumor size (p < 0.0001) and underwent IL-2 absence in vivo. In the clinical section, all enrolled patients received TIL infusion using a modified TIL therapy regimen successfully with a manageable safety profile. Five (36%, 95% CI 16.3-61.2) out of 14 evaluable patients experienced objective responses, and three complete responses were ongoing at 19.5, 15.4, and 5.2 months, respectively. Responders had longer overall survival (OS) than non-responders (p = 0.036). Infused TILs showed continuous proliferation and long-term persistence in all patients and showed greater proliferation in responders which was indicated by the Morisita overlap index (MOI) of TCR clonotypes between infused TILs and peripheral T cells on day 14 (p = 0.004) and day 30 (p = 0.004). Higher alteration of the CD8+/CD4+ ratio on day 14 indicated a longer OS (p = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS: Our modified TIL therapy regimen demonstrated manageable safety, and TILs could survive and proliferate without IL-2 intravenous administration, showing potent efficacy in patients with advanced gynecologic cancer. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04766320, Jan 04, 2021.

Annexin 1 Reduces Dermatitis-Induced Itch and Cholestatic Itch through Inhibiting Neuroinflammation and Iron Overload in the Spinal Dorsal Horn of Mice.

The unclear pathogenesis of chronic itch originating from several systemic disorders poses challenges to clinical intervention. Recent studies recapitulate the spinal neurocircuits associated with neuroinflammation and synaptic plasticity responsible for pruriceptive sensations. The resolution of nociception and inflammation by Annexin 1 (ANXA1) has been identified. Given that pain and itch share many neural mechanisms, we employed two mice models of chronic itch to study the underlying targets and therapeutic potential of ANXA1, comprising allergic contact dermatitis-induced itch and cholestatic itch. Herein, we report that spinal expression of ANXA1 is down-regulated in mice with dermatitis-induced itch and cholestatic itch. Repetitive injections of ANXA1-derived peptide Ac2-26 (intrathecal, 10 µg) reduce itch-like scratching behaviors following dermatitis and cholestasis. Single exposure to Ac2-26 (intrathecal, 10 µg) alleviates the established itch phenotypes. Moreover, systemic delivery of Ac2-26 (intravenous, 100 µg) is effective against chronic dermatitis-induced itch and cholestatic itch. Strikingly, Ac2-26 therapy inhibits transferrin receptor 1 over-expression, iron accumulation, cytokine IL-17 release and the production of its receptor IL-17R, as well as astrocyte activation in the dorsal horn of spinal cord in mouse with dermatitis and cholestasis. Pharmacological intervention with iron chelator deferoxamine impairs chronic itch behaviors and spinal iron accumulation after dermatitis and cholestasis. Also, spinal IL-17/IL-17R neutralization attenuates chronic itch. Taken together, this current research indicates that ANXA1 protects against the beginning and maintenance of long-term dermatitis-induced itch and cholestatic itch, which may occur via the spinal suppression of IL-17-mediated neuroinflammation, astrocyte activation and iron overload.

Epidemiological study of hepatitis E virus infection among students and workers in Hebei Province of China.

AIMS: Hepatitis E caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV) is prevalent worldwide. In China, considerable shifts in the epidemiology of hepatitis E have been observed over the last two decades, with ongoing changes in the prevalence of HEV. METHODS: This study, in conjunction with the health examinations for students and workers, aims to estimate the seroprevalence and assess the risk factors of HEV infection in general population in Hebei province, China. Epidemiological information was collected using a specific questionnaire and blood samples were collected from each participant during the process of health examination. Anti-HEV IgG and IgM in sera were tested using the Wantai ELISA assay kits. Logistic regression modelling was used to identify associated risk factors. RESULTS: The average positive rate of anti-HEV IgG in students (6-25 years) was 3.4%. One (0.2%) student was anti-HEV IgM positive, while also testing positive for IgG. The HEV seroprevalence was not related to students' gender, school, or family residence. In occupational populations, the overall seropositivity rate was 13.3% for anti-HEV IgG and 0.67% for IgM. HEV seropositivity increased significantly with age, ranging from 3.8% to 18.6% in age groups, and differed significantly among four occupation groups: farmers (17.6%), food supply workers (18.0%), other non-farm workers (14.7%) and healthcare workers (5.9%) (p = 0.002). Multivariable logistic analysis confirmed the significant correlations of seroprevalence with age and occupation. CONCLUSIONS: The study found a low seroprevalence of HEV in children and young adults in Hebei Province, China. Advanced age correlates with higher seroprevalence in occupational populations, indicating an accumulation of HEV infection over time. Seroprevalence varied significantly among different occupation groups, suggesting the important role of occupational exposure for HEV infection.

Analysis of pelvic floor muscle electromyography parameters in women with or without sexual dysfunction.

Background To investigate the differences in pelvic floor muscle (PFM) electromyography (EMG) parameters between women with or without sexual dysfunction (FSD) and their correlations. Methods Women who voluntarily participated in a questionnaire-based survey on sexual function and underwent PFM EMG in Weifang People's Hospital during the period from March 2021 to December 2021 were retrospectively enrolled. The female sexual (dys)function was measured using the Female Sexual Function Index. Glazer PFM EMG was performed using a Melander instrument (MLD A2 Deluxe). The differences in PFM EMG parameters between women with or without FSD were compared, and the relationships between PFM EMG parameters and FSD were analysed using multiple linear regression models. Results A total of 305 women were enrolled, with 163 in the FSD group and 142 in the non-FSD group. Comparisons of PFM EMG parameters between these two groups revealed that the FSD group had significantly higher peak EMG amplitude during the phasic (flick) contractions and shorter recovery latency during the tonic contractions than the non-FSD group (both P P Conclusions The results of the pelvic floor EMG in this study suggest that the pelvic floor muscles of women with FSD may be more susceptible to fatigue, and may have poorer coordination of their pelvic floor muscles.

Chloroplast genomes in seven Lagerstroemia species provide new insights into molecular evolution of photosynthesis genes.

Lagerstroemia indica is an important commercial tree known for the ornamental value. In this study, the complete chloroplast genome sequence of Lagerstroemia indica "Pink Velour" (Lagerstroemia "Pink Velour") was 152,174 bp in length with a GC content of 39.50%. It contained 85 protein coding genes (PCGs), 37 tRNAs, and 8 rRNA genes. 207 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and 31 codons with relative synonymous codon (RSCU)value > 1 were detected. Phylogenetic analysis divided 10 Lagerstroemia species into evolutionary branches of clade A and clade B. We conducted a comparative analysis of Lagerstroemia "Pink Velours" complete chloroplast genome with the genomes of six closely related Lagerstroemia species from different origins. The structural features of all seven species were similar, except for the deletion of ycf1 nucleobases at the JSA boundary. The large single-copy (LSC) and the small single-copy (SSC) had a higher sequence divergence than the IR region, and 8 genes that were highly divergent (trnK-UUU, petN, psbF, psbJ, ndhE, ndhD, ndhI, ycf1) had been identified and could be used as molecular markers in future studies. High nucleotide diversity was present in genes belonging to the photosynthesis category. Mutation of single nucleic acid was mainly influenced by codon usage. The value percentage of nonsynonymous substitutions (Ka) and synonymous substitutions (Ks) in 6 Lagerstroemia species revealed that more photosynthesis genes have Ka or Ks only in Lagerstroemia fauriei, Lagerstroemia limii, and Lagerstroemia subcostata. These advances will facilitate the breeding of closely related Lagerstroemia species and deepen understanding on climatic adaptation of Lagerstroemia plants.

Euchromatin histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2 regulates the expression of potassium-sodium-activated channel subfamily T member 1 in primary sensory neurons and contributes to remifentanil-induced pain sensitivity.

Intraoperative remifentanil administration has been linked to increased postoperative pain sensitivity. Recent studies have identified the involvement of euchromatic histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2 (Ehmt2/G9a) in neuropathic pain associated with the transcriptional silencing of many potassium ion channel genes. This study investigates whether G9a regulates the potassium sodium-activated channel subfamily T member 1 (Slo2.2) in remifentanil-induced post-incisional hyperalgesia (RIH) in rodents. We performed remifentanil infusion (1 µg·kg-1·min-1 for 60 min) followed by plantar incision to induce RIH in rodents. Our results showed that RIH was accompanied by increased G9a and H3K9me2 production and decreased Slo2.2 expression 48 h postoperatively. Deletion of G9a rescued Slo2.2 expression in DRG and reduced RIH intensity. Slo2.2 overexpression also reversed this hyperalgesia phenotype. G9a overexpression decreased Slo2.2-mediated leak current and increased excitability in the small-diameter DRG neurons and laminal II small-diameter neurons in the spinal dorsal horn, which was implicated in peripheral and central sensitization. These results suggest that G9a contributes to the development of RIH by epigenetically silencing Slo2.2 in DRG neurons, leading to decreased central sensitization in the spinal cord. The findings may have implications for the development of novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of postoperative pain.

Efficient Selective Adsorption of Rubidium and Cesium from Practical Brine Using a Metal-Organic Framework-Based Magnetic Adsorbent.

Rubidium (Rb) and cesium (Cs) have important applications in highly technical fields. Salt lakes contain huge reserves of Rb and Cs with industrial significance, which can be utilized after extraction. In this study, a composite magnetic adsorbent (Fe3O4@ZIF-8@AMP, AMP = ammonium phosphomolybdate) was prepared and its adsorption properties for Rb+ and Cs+ were studied in simulated and practical brine. The structure of the adsorbent was characterized by SEM, XRD, N2 adsorption-desorption, FT-IR, and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The adsorbent had good adsorption affinity for Rb+ and Cs+. The Langmuir model and pseudo-second-order dynamics described the adsorbing isotherm and kinetic dates, respectively. The adsorption capacity and adsorption rate of Fe3O4@ZIF-8@AMP were increased by 1.86- and 2.5-fold compared with those of powdered crystal AMP, owing to the large specific surface area and high dispersibility of the adsorbent in the solution. The adsorbent was rapidly separated from the solution within 17 s using an applied magnetic field owing to the good magnetic properties. The composite adsorbent selectively adsorbed Rb+ and Cs+ from the practical brine even in the presence of a large number of coexisting ions. The promising adsorbent can be used to extract Rb+ and Cs+ from aqueous solutions.

GEN1 as a risk factor for human congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract.

BACKGROUND: Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) are prevalent birth defects. Although pathogenic CAKUT genes are known, they are insufficient to reveal the causes for all patients. Our previous studies indicated GEN1 as a pathogenic gene of CAKUT in mice, and this study further investigated the correlation between GEN1 and human CAKUT. METHODS: In this study, DNA from 910 individuals with CAKUT was collected; 26 GEN1 rare variants were identified, and two GEN1 (missense) variants in a non-CAKUT group were found. Mainly due to the stability results of the predicted mutant on the website, in vitro, 10 variants (eight CAKUT, two non-CAKUT) were selected to verify mutant protein stability. In addition, mainly based on the division of the mutation site located in the functional region of the GEN1 protein, 8 variants (six CAKUT, two non-CAKUT) were selected to verify enzymatic hydrolysis, and the splice variant GEN1 (c.1071 + 3(IVS10) A > G) was selected to verify shear ability. Based on the results of in vitro experiments and higher frequency, three sites with the most significant functional change were selected to build mouse models. RESULTS: Protein stability changed in six variants in the CAKUT group. Based on electrophoretic mobility shift assay of eight variants (six CAKUT, two non-CAKUT), the enzymatic hydrolysis and DNA-binding abilities of mutant proteins were impaired in the CAKUT group. The most serious functional damage was observed in the Gen1 variant that produced a truncated protein. A mini-gene splicing assay showed that the variant GEN1 (c.1071 + 3(IVS10) A > G) in the CAKUT group significantly affected splicing function. An abnormal exon10 was detected in the mini-gene splicing assay. Point-mutant mouse strains were constructed (Gen1: c.1068 + 3 A > G, p.R400X, and p.T105R) based on the variant frequency in the CAKUT group and functional impairment in vitro study and CAKUT phenotypes were replicated in each. CONCLUSION: Overall, our findings indicated GEN1 as a risk factor for human CAKUT.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae cellular engineering for the production of FAME biodiesel.

The unsustainable and widespread utilization of fossil fuels continues to drive the rapid depletion of global supplies. Biodiesel has emerged as one of the most promising alternatives to conventional diesel, leading to growing research interest in its production. Microbes can facilitate the de novo synthesis of a type of biodiesel in the form of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs). In this study, Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolic activity was engineered to facilitate enhanced FAME production. Initially, free fatty acid concentrations were increased by deleting two acetyl-CoA synthetase genes (FAA1, FAA4) and an acyl-CoA oxidase gene (POX1). Intracellular S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) levels were then enhanced via the deletion of an adenosine kinase gene (ADO1) and the overexpression of a SAM synthetase gene (SAM2). Lastly, the S. cerevisiae strain overproducing free fatty acids and SAM were manipulated to express a plasmid encoding the Drosophila melanogaster Juvenile Hormone Acid O-Methyltransferase (DmJHAMT). Using this combination of engineering approaches, a FAME concentration of 5.79 ± 0.56 mg/L was achieved using these cells in the context of shaking flask fermentation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first detailed study of FAME production in S. cerevisiae. These results will provide a valuable basis for future efforts to engineer S. cerevisiae strains for highly efficient production of biodiesel.

Exploring negative thermal expansion materials with bulk framework structures and their relevant scaling relationships through multi-step machine learning.

Discovering new negative thermal expansion (NTE) materials is a great challenge in experiment. Meanwhile, the machine learning (ML) method can be another approach to explore NTE materials using the existing material databases. Herein, we adopt the multi-step ML method with efficient data augmentation and cross-validation to identify around 1000 materials, including oxides, fluorides, and cyanides, with bulk framework structures as new potential NTE candidate materials from ICSD and other databases. Their corresponding coefficients of negative thermal expansion (CNTE) and temperature ranges are also well predicted. Among them, about 57 materials are predicted to have an NTE probability of 100%. Some predicted NTE materials were tested by the first-principles calculations with quasi-harmonic approximation (QHA), which indicates that the ML results are in good agreement with the first principles calculation results. Based on the comprehensive analysis of the existing and predicted NTE materials, we established three universal relationships of CNTE with an average electronegativity, porosity, and temperature range. From these, we also identified some important critical values characterizing the NTE property, which can serve as an important criterion for designing new NTE materials.

Thiamine-modified metabolic reprogramming of human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocyte under space microgravity.

During spaceflight, the cardiovascular system undergoes remarkable adaptation to microgravity and faces the risk of cardiac remodeling. Therefore, the effects and mechanisms of microgravity on cardiac morphology, physiology, metabolism, and cellular biology need to be further investigated. Since China started constructing the China Space Station (CSS) in 2021, we have taken advantage of the Shenzhou-13 capsule to send human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CMs) to the Tianhe core module of the CSS. In this study, hPSC-CMs subjected to space microgravity showed decreased beating rate and abnormal intracellular calcium cycling. Metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses revealed a battery of metabolic remodeling of hPSC-CMs in spaceflight, especially thiamine metabolism. The microgravity condition blocked the thiamine intake in hPSC-CMs. The decline of thiamine utilization under microgravity or by its antagonistic analog amprolium affected the process of the tricarboxylic acid cycle. It decreased ATP production, which led to cytoskeletal remodeling and calcium homeostasis imbalance in hPSC-CMs. More importantly, in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that thiamine supplementation could reverse the adaptive changes induced by simulated microgravity. This study represents the first astrobiological study on the China Space Station and lays a solid foundation for further aerospace biomedical research. These data indicate that intervention of thiamine-modified metabolic reprogramming in human cardiomyocytes during spaceflight might be a feasible countermeasure against microgravity.

Umbilical cord blood-derived neutrophils possess higher viability than peripheral blood derived neutrophils.

Neutrophils, a primary type of immune cell, play critical roles in numerous biological processes. Both umbilical cord blood (UCB) and peripheral blood are rich in neutrophils. UCB is more abundant than peripheral blood, with cells generally at a more immature stage. However, comparative data between these two cell sources is lacking. This study aims to elucidate differences between UCB-derived neutrophils (UCBN) and peripheral blood-derived neutrophils (PBN). UCBN and PBN were isolated from fresh human umbilical cord blood and peripheral blood, respectively. Transcriptomic profiling was performed and compared against neutrophil RNA from three different donors. Bioinformatics analysis was employed to compare cell phenotypes. A cytokine cocktail (IFN-ß, IFN-γ, and LPS) was used to activate UCBN and PBN in vitro. A united multi-omic approach, combining transcriptomic and proteomic analysis, was followed by experimental validation through flow cytometry, cell killing assays, and proteome profiler array to verify cell functions. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the most upregulated genes in freshly isolated umbilical cord blood neutrophils (UCBN) compared to peripheral blood neutrophils (PBN) predominantly involve neutrophil activation and cell-killing functions. Validation through flow cytometry and cell-killing experiments demonstrated that highly viable UCBN exhibited significantly stronger ovarian tumor cell-killing activity in vitro compared to PBN. Both transcriptomic and proteomic analyses indicated that the primary upregulated genes in activated UCBN are chiefly involved in biological processes related to the regulation of cytokine secretion. Integrative multi-omic analysis, including a proteome profiler array, confirmed that UCBN indeed secrete elevated levels of cytokines. In conclusion: UCBN shows higher viability and cellular activity compared with PBN, particularly in tumor cell-killing and cytokine secretion.

Composition, characteristics, and treatment technologies of condensable particulate matter present in flue gas emitted by coking plants in China.

To study the total particulate matter (TPM) in flue gas emitted by coking plants, a sampling system that could be used to collect filterable particulate matter (FPM) and condensable particulate matter (CPM) was designed and developed based on Method 202 recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2017 and HJ 836-2017 issued by China. Using this system, FPM and CPM in flue gas emitted by four coking furnaces named A, B, C, and D were tested in China. Further, 9 water-soluble ions, 20 elements, and organic matter present in the CPM were simultaneously examined to determine their formation mechanisms. Statistical data suggested that the FPM emission level in the coking flue gas was low and the average mass concentration was less than 10 mg/m3. However, with high CPM and TPM emission levels, the TPM mass concentrations of A, B, C, and D were 130 ± 11.1, 84.4 ± 6.36, 35.1 ± 17.0, and 63.8 ± 13.0 mg/m3, respectively. The main component of TPM was CPM, and the average mass concentration of CPM accounted for 98%, 95%, 68%, and 95% of TPM in furnaces A, B, C, and D, respectively. Water-soluble ions were the important components of CPM, and the total concentration of water-soluble ions accounted for 70%, 87%, 42%, and 66% of CPM in furnaces A, B, C, and D, respectively. Toxic and harmful heavy metals, such as Mn, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb, were detected in CPM. The formation mechanism of CPM was analyzed in combination with flue-gas treatment. It was shown that the treatment process "activated carbon- flue-gas countercurrent-integrated purification technology + ammonia spraying" used in furnaces A and B was less effective in removing CPM, water-soluble ions, metals, and compounds than that of "selective catalytic reduction denitrification + limestone-gypsum wet desulfurization (spraying NaOH solution)" in furnaces C and D. Hence, different flue-gas treatment technologies and operation levels played vital roles in the formation, transformation, and removal of CPM from flue-gas. Organic components in CPM discharged from furnace A were determined via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and the top 15 organic components in CPM were obtained using the area normalization method. N-alkanes accounted for the highest proportion, followed by esters and phenols, and most of them were toxic and harmful to humans and ecosystems. Therefore, advanced CPM treatment technologies should be developed to reduce atmospheric PM2.5 and its precursors to improve ambient air quality in China.

An efficient genetic transformation system mediated by Rhizobium rhizogenes in fruit trees based on the transgenic hairy root to shoot conversion.

Genetic transformation is a critical tool for gene editing and genetic improvement of plants. Although many model plants and crops can be genetically manipulated, genetic transformation systems for fruit trees are either lacking or perform poorly. We used Rhizobium rhizogenes to transfer the target gene into the hairy roots of Malus domestica and Actinidia chinensis. Transgenic roots were generated within 3 weeks, with a transgenic efficiency of 78.8%. Root to shoot conversion of transgenic hairy roots was achieved within 11 weeks, with a regeneration efficiency of 3.3%. Finally, the regulatory genes involved in stem cell activity were used to improve shoot regeneration efficiency. MdWOX5 exhibited the most significant effects, as it led to an improved regeneration efficiency of 20.6% and a reduced regeneration time of 9 weeks. Phenotypes of the overexpression of RUBY system mediated red roots and overexpression of MdRGF5 mediated longer root hairs were observed within 3 weeks, suggesting that the method can be used to quickly screen genes that influence root phenotype scores through root performance, such as root colour, root hair, and lateral root. Obtaining whole plants of the RUBY system and MdRGF5 overexpression lines highlights the convenience of this technology for studying gene functions in whole plants. Overall, we developed an optimized method to improve the transformation efficiency and stability of transformants in fruit trees.

Effects of evidence-based nursing care interventions on wound pain and wound complications following surgery for finger tendon injury.

We conducted this study aimed to examine the impact of evidence-based nursing interventions on postoperative wound pain and complications after surgery for finger tendon injury. A total of 86 patients treated for finger tendon injuries at our hospital from January 2021 to October 2023 were selected and randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group. The control group received conventional nursing care, while the experimental group received evidence-based nursing interventions. The study compared the postoperative wound pain intensity, incidence of complications and patient satisfaction with nursing care between the two groups. The analysis revealed that compared with conventional care, evidence-based nursing interventions significantly reduced the level of wound pain (p = 0.034) and the incidence of complications (4.65% vs. 18.60%, p = 0.043). It also increased patient satisfaction with the nursing care (97.67% vs. 83.72%, p = 0.026). The study indicates that the application of evidence-based nursing interventions for patients with finger tendon injuries can reduce postoperative wound pain, decrease the incidence of complications and enhance patient satisfaction with nursing care.

Nomograms to predict long-term survival for patients with gallbladder carcinoma after resection.

BACKGROUND: Surgical resection remains the primary treatment option for gallbladder carcinoma (GBC). However, there is a pressing demand for prognostic tools that can refine patients' treatment choices and tailor personalized therapies accordingly. AIMS: The nomograms were constructed using the data of a training cohort (n = 378) of GBC patients at Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital (EHBH) between 2008 and 2018. The model's performance was validated in GBC patients (n = 108) at Guangzhou Centre from 2007 to 2018. METHODS AND RESULTS: The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate in the training cohort was 24.4%. Multivariate analyses were performed using preoperative and postoperative data to identify independent predictors of OS. These predictors were then incorporated into preoperative and postoperative nomograms, respectively. The C-index of the preoperative nomogram was 0.661 (95% CI, 0.627 to 0.694) for OS prediction and correctly delineated four subgroups (5-year OS rates: 48.1%, 19.0%, 15.6%, and 8.1%, p < 0.001). The C-index of the postoperative nomogram was 0.778 (95%CI, 0.756 -0.800). Furthermore, this nomogram was superior to the 8th TNM system in both C-index and the net benefit on decision curve analysis. The results were externally validated. CONCLUSION: The two nomograms showed an optimally prognostic prediction in GBC patients after curative-intent resection.