Developing and validating a nomogram for early predicting the need for intestinal resection in pediatric intussusception.

Purpose: Develop and validate a nomogram for predicting intestinal resection in pediatric intussusception suspecting intestinal necrosis. Patients & methods: Children with intussusception were retrospectively enrolled after a failed air-enema reduction in the outpatient setting and divided into two groups: the intestinal resection group and the non-intestinal resection group. The enrolled cases were randomly selected for training and validation sets with a split ratio of 3:1. A nomogram for predicting the risk of intestinal resection was visualized using logistic regression analysis with calibration curve, C-index, and decision curve analysis to evaluate the model. Results: A total of 547 cases were included in the final analysis, of which 414 had non-intestinal necrosis and 133 had intestinal necrosis and underwent intestinal resection. The training set consisted of 411 patients and the validation cohort included 136 patients. Through forward stepwise regression, four variables (duration of symptoms, C-reaction protein, white blood cells, ascites) were selected for inclusion in the nomogram with a concordance index 0.871 (95% confidence interval: 0.834-0.908). Conclusion: We developed a nomogram for predicting intestinal resection in children with intussusception suspecting intestinal necrosis after a failed air-enema based on multivariate regression. This nomogram could be directly applied to facilitate predicting intestinal resection in pediatric intussusception suspecting necrosis.

Low Bone Mineral Density as a Predictor of Mortality and Infections in Stroke Patients: A Hospital-based Study.

CONTEXT: Low bone mineral density (BMD) has been linked to elevated risks of mortality and infections in the general population; however, its association with these outcomes in stroke patients remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the correlation between low BMD and risks of mortality and infections among stroke patients in a Taiwanese cohort. METHODS: In this single-centered retrospective cohort study, 905 stroke patients from a Taiwanese database (2000-2022) were analyzed. Patients were divided based on BMD measurements of the femur and spine. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality, and secondary outcomes included urinary tract infection (UTI) and pneumonia. Accelerated failure time regression model analyses evaluated the association between BMD and these outcomes, while the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test assessed survival differences between groups. RESULTS: Among the participants (average age 76.1 years, 70.5% female), 33.82% had osteopenia and 55.25% had osteoporosis. Stroke patients with lower spine and right femur BMD had significantly reduced survival rates, especially when the BMD value fell below 0.842 g/cm2 (spine), and 0.624 g/cm2 (right femur), respectively. Regarding secondary outcomes, lower spine BMD was significantly associated with an increased risk of UTI. CONCLUSION: Low BMD, particularly in the femur and spine, is a significant predictor of mortality and UTI in stroke patients. These findings highlight the importance of assessing and managing BMD in stroke patients to improve outcomes and reduce complications.

Analysis of the acoustoelectric response of SAW gas sensors using a COM model.

Surface acoustic wave (SAW) gas sensors based on the acoustoelectric effect exhibit wide application prospects for in situ gas detection. However, establishing accurate models for calculating the scattering parameters of SAW gas sensors remains a challenge. Here, we present a coupling of modes (COM) model that includes the acoustoelectric effect and specifically explains the nonmonotonic variation in the center frequency with respect to the sensing film's sheet conductivity. Several sensing parameters of the gas sensors, including the center frequency, insertion loss, and phase, were experimentally compared for accuracy and practicality. Finally, the frequency of the phase extremum (FPE) shift was determined to vary monotonically, and the range of selectable test points was wide, making the FPE an appropriate response parameter for leveraging in SAW gas sensors. The simulation results of the COM model were highly consistent with the experimental results. Our study is proposed to provide theoretical guidance for the future development of gas SAW sensors.

Metabonomics analysis of the flavor characteristics of Wuyi Rock Tea (Rougui) with "rock flavor" and microbial contributions to the flavor.

Wuyi Rock Tea (WRT) has different characteristics of "rock flavor" due to different production areas. In this study, we investigated the flavor characteristics and key components of "rock flavor" and the influence of microorganisms on the substances by combining metabolomics and microbiomics with the Rougui WRTs from the Zhengyan, Banyan, and Waishan production areas. The results showed that Rougui has a strong floral and fruity aroma, which is mainly brought by hotrienol, and the sweet, smooth, and fresh taste is composed of epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin, epigallocatechin gallate, caffeine, theanine, soluble sugar, and sweet and bitter amino acids. Bacteria Chryseobacterium, Pedobacter, Bosea, Agrobacterium, Stenotrophomonas, and Actinoplanes mainly influence the production of hotrienol, epicatechin gallate, and theanine. Fungi Pestalotiopsis, Fusarium, Elsinoe, Teichospora and Tetracladium mainly influence the production of non-volatile compounds. This study provides a reference for the biological formation mechanism of the characteristic aroma of WRT's "rock falvor".

3D reconstruction of a gastrulating human embryo.

Progress in understanding early human development has been impeded by the scarcity of reference datasets from natural embryos, particularly those with spatial information during crucial stages like gastrulation. We conducted high-resolution spatial transcriptomics profiling on 38,562 spots from 62 transverse sections of an intact Carnegie stage (CS) 8 human embryo. From this spatial transcriptomic dataset, we constructed a 3D model of the CS8 embryo, in which a range of cell subtypes are identified, based on gene expression patterns and positional register, along the anterior-posterior, medial-lateral, and dorsal-ventral axis in the embryo. We further characterized the lineage trajectories of embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues and associated regulons and the regionalization of signaling centers and signaling activities that underpin lineage progression and tissue patterning during gastrulation. Collectively, the findings of this study provide insights into gastrulation and post-gastrulation development of the human embryo.

A real-world comparison of circulating tumor cells in breast cancer from China: Novel device, CTC counts and its overall survival.

Background: Both CellSearch and CellCollector have been accepted as the proper devices to capture CTC by domestic approval department. However, there is little article about the comparison between these two devices around the world. Herein, we conducted the real-world study to compare with these two devices and to re-verify the efficacy of CTC counts. Methods: Patients who meet the following points should be included in the analysis. 1. Female, aged 18 years or older; 2. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score 0-2; 3. With at least one measurable tumor lesion; 4. Clear immunohistochemistry result; 5. Accept at least one CTC test. Patients were excluded in the analysis if they had a history of malignant tumors, incomplete follow-up information. Results: 536 metastatic breast cancer patients who had been detected for CTC at least once by CellSearch or CellCollector were included in the analysis. CellCollector in vivo CTC detection technology has a higher detection rate than the CellSearch system (69.2% vs 57.4%, P = 0.009). However, the proportion of CTC≥5 detected by CellSearch was higher than CellCollector (37.4% vs 16.3%, P < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in overall survival of patients with CTC negative and CTC positive (mOS:49.8 months vs 26.9 months). After 4 weeks of treatment, when CTC decreased by more than 50%, there was a significant difference in survival between the two groups (40.1 months vs 25.8 months, HR = 0.588, 95% CI: 0.350-0.933). In addition, for HER2-positive patients, Patients with CTC HER2 positive had longer overall survival than patients with CTC HER2 negative (median OS: 26.7 months vs 17.3 month, HR = 0.528, 95% CI: 0.269-0.887). Conclusions: Real-world data indicate that CTC is an independent prognostic factor, and CellCollector and CellSearch have their own advantages in CTC detection.

Morphological and molecular response mechanisms of the root system of different Hemarthria compressa species to submergence stress.

Introduction: The severity of flood disasters is increasing due to climate change, resulting in a significant reduction in the yield and quality of forage crops worldwide. This poses a serious threat to the development of agriculture and livestock. Hemarthria compressa is an important high-quality forage grass in southern China. In recent years, frequent flooding has caused varying degrees of impacts on H. compressa and their ecological environment. Methods: In this study, we evaluated differences in flooding tolerance between the root systems of the experimental materials GY (Guang Yi, flood-tolerant) and N1291 (N201801291, flood-sensitive). We measured their morphological indexes after 7 d, 14 d, and 21 d of submergence stress and sequenced their transcriptomes at 8 h and 24 h, with 0 h as the control. Results: During submergence stress, the number of adventitious roots and root length of both GY and N1291 tended to increase, but the overall growth of GY was significantly higher than that of N1291. RNA-seq analysis revealed that 6046 and 7493 DEGs were identified in GY-8h and GY-24h, respectively, and 9198 and 4236 DEGs in N1291-8h and N1291-24h, respectively, compared with the control. The GO and KEGG enrichment analysis results indicated the GO terms mainly enriched among the DEGs were oxidation-reduction process, obsolete peroxidase reaction, and other antioxidant-related terms. The KEGG pathways that were most significantly enriched were phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, plant hormone signal transduction etc. The genes of transcription factor families, such as C2H2, bHLH and bZIP, were highly expressed in the H. compressa after submergence, which might be closely related to the submergence adaptive response mechanisms of H. compressa. Discussion: This study provides basic data for analyzing the molecular and morphological mechanisms of H. compressa in response to submergence stress, and also provides theoretical support for the subsequent improvement of submergence tolerance traits of H. compressa.

Microglial SCAP deficiency protects against diabetes-associated cognitive impairment through inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated neuroinflammation.

Hyperglycemia-induced pathological microglial responses and subsequent neuronal damage are notable characteristics of diabetes-associated cognitive impairment (DACI). Cholesterol accumulation in the brain is a prevalent consequence of diabetes mellitus (DM), exacerbating pathological microglial responses. Regarding disordered glucose and lipid metabolism, the Sterol Regulatory Element-Binding Protein (SREBP) cleavage-activating protein (SCAP), a cholesterol sensor, exhibits increased expression and abnormal translocation from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi, amplifying the inflammatory response. Therefore, we hypothesized that overexpression of microglia-SCAP and cholesterol accumulation in DM mice could induce pathological microglial responses associated with DACI. Our type 2 DM mice model presented an abnormal increase in microglial SCAP expression. The functional loss of microglia-specific SCAP in DM mice improved cognitive impairment, neuronal synaptic plasticity deficits, and abnormal microglial responses. Mechanistically, the accumulated SCAP directly bound to and enhanced the activation of the microglial-specific inflammatory amplifier, NLRP3 inflammasome, in Golgi, thereby increasing pathological microglial responses and promoting neuronal damage. These findings indicate an important regulatory axis of microglial responses from SCAP to the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in microglia. These underscore the crosstalk between cholesterol disorders and pathological microglial responses, offering a promising avenue for pharmaceutical interventions in DACI.

Virtual reality-based cognitive-behavioural therapy for the treatment of anxiety in patients with acute myocardial infarction: a randomised clinical trial.

Background: The presence of mental health conditions is pervasive in patients who experienced acute myocardial infarction (AMI), significantly disrupting their recovery. Providing timely and easily accessible psychological interventions using virtual reality-based cognitive-behavioural therapy (VR-CBT) could potentially improve both acute and long-term symptoms affecting their mental health. Aims: We aim to examine the effectiveness of VR-CBT on anxiety symptoms in patients with AMI who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) during the acute stage of their illness. Methods: In this single-blind randomised clinical trial, participants with anxiety symptoms who were admitted to the ICU due to AMI were continuously recruited from December 2022 to February 2023. Patients who were Han Chinese aged 18-75 years were randomly assigned (1:1) via block randomisation to either the VR-CBT group to receive VR-CBT in addition to standard mental health support, or the control group to receive standard mental health support only. VR-CBT consisted of four modules and was delivered at the bedside over a 1-week period. Assessments were done at baseline, immediately after treatment and at 3-month follow-up. The intention-to-treat analysis began in June 2023. The primary outcome measure was the changes in anxiety symptoms as assessed by the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A). Results: Among 148 randomised participants, 70 were assigned to the VR-CBT group and 78 to the control group. The 1-week VR-CBT intervention plus standard mental health support significantly reduced the anxiety symptoms compared with standard mental health support alone in terms of HAM-A scores at both post intervention (Cohen's d=-1.27 (95% confidence interval (CI): -1.64 to -0.90, p<0.001) and 3-month follow-up (Cohen's d=-0.37 (95% CI: -0.72 to -0.01, p=0.024). Of the 70 participants who received VR-CBT, 62 (88.6%) completed the entire intervention. Cybersickness was the main reported adverse event (n=5). Conclusions: Our results indicate that VR-CBT can significantly reduce post-AMI anxiety at the acute stage of the illness; the improvement was maintained at the 3-month follow-up. Trial registration number: The trial was registered at www.chictr.org.cn with the identifier: ChiCTR2200066435.

Exercise preconditioning inhibits doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity via YAP/STAT3 signaling.

Doxorubicin (DOX) possesses strong anti-tumor effects but is limited by its irreversible cardiac toxicity. The relationship between exercise, a known enhancer of cardiovascular health, and DOX-induced cardiotoxicity has been a focus of recent research. Exercise has been suggested to mitigate DOX's cardiac harm by modulating the Yes-associated protein (YAP) and Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathways, which are crucial in regulating cardiac cell functions and responses to damage. This study aimed to assess the protective role of exercise preconditioning against DOX-induced cardiac injury. We used Sprague-Dawley rats, divided into five groups (control, DOX, exercise preconditioning (EP), EP-DOX, and verteporfin + EP + DOX), to investigate the potential mechanisms. Our findings, including echocardiography, histological staining, Western blot, and q-PCR analysis, demonstrated that exercise preconditioning could alleviate DOX-induced cardiac dysfunction and structural damage. Notably, exercise preconditioning enhanced the nuclear localization and co-localization of YAP and STAT3. Our study suggests that exercise preconditioning may counteract DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by activating the YAP/STAT3 pathway, highlighting a potential therapeutic approach for reducing DOX's cardiac side effects.

Research and application of active species based on high-valent iron for the degradation of pollutants: A critical review.

Fe(VI), as a new green treatment agent, has two indispensable processes in water treatment: coagulation and oxidation. Fe(VI) has a strong oxidation ability. The intermediate iron species (Fe(V) and Fe(IV)) and reactive radical species (H2O2, •OH, and O2•-) produced by decomposition and reduction reaction have strong oxidation ability, in addition, the hydrolyzed product formed in situ with core (γ-Fe2O3)-shell (γ-FeOOH) structure also has good coagulation effect. Because Fe(VI) is easy to decompose and challenging to preserve, it limits the application and sometimes significantly reduces the subsequent processing effect. How to make Fe(VI) more efficient use is a hot spot in current research. This article summarizes the distribution of active substances during the hydrolysis of Fe(VI), distinguish the differences mechanisms in the similar regulation methods, reviews the current preparation methods of Fe(VI), and finally reviews the applications of Fe(VI) in the field of environmental remediation.

Development of Wearable Devices for Collecting Digital Rehabilitation/Fitness Data from Lower Limbs.

Lower extremity exercises are considered a standard and necessary treatment for rehabilitation and a well-rounded fitness routine, which builds strength, flexibility, and balance. The efficacy of rehabilitation programs hinges on meticulous monitoring of both adherence to home exercise routines and the quality of performance. However, in a home environment, patients often tend to inaccurately report the number of exercises performed and overlook the correctness of their rehabilitation motions, lacking quantifiable and systematic standards, thus impeding the recovery process. To address these challenges, there is a crucial need for a lightweight, unbiased, cost-effective, and objective wearable motion capture (Mocap) system designed for monitoring and evaluating home-based rehabilitation/fitness programs. This paper focuses on the development of such a system to gather exercise data into usable metrics. Five radio frequency (RF) inertial measurement unit (IMU) devices (RF-IMUs) were developed and strategically placed on calves, thighs, and abdomens. A two-layer long short-term memory (LSTM) model was used for fitness activity recognition (FAR) with an average accuracy of 97.4%. An intelligent smartphone algorithm was developed to track motion, recognize activity, and calculate key exercise variables in real time for squat, high knees, and lunge exercises. Additionally, a 3D avatar on the smartphone App allows users to observe and track their progress in real time or by replaying their exercise motions. A dynamic time warping (DTW) algorithm was also integrated into the system for scoring the similarity in two motions. The system's adaptability shows promise for applications in medical rehabilitation and sports.

IFIT1 modulates the proliferation, migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells via Wnt/ß-catenin signaling.

OBJECTIVES: Previously, Interferon-induced Protein with Tetratricopeptide Repeats 1 (IFIT1) has been shown to promote cancer development. Here, we aimed to explore the role of IFIT1 in the development and progression of pancreatic cancer, including the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: We explored IFIT1 expression in pancreatic cancer samples using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8), colony formation, scratch wound-healing and Transwell assays were performed to assess the proliferation, migration and invasion abilities of pancreatic cancer cells. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Western blotting were performed to assess the regulatory effect of IFIT1 on the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway. RESULTS: We found that upregulation of IFIT1 expression is common in pancreatic cancer and is negatively associated with overall patient survival. Knockdown of IFIT1 expression led to decreased proliferation, migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells. We also found that IFIT1 could regulate Wnt/ß-catenin signaling, and that a Wnt/ß-catenin agonist could reverse this effect. In addition, we found that IFIT1 can promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of pancreatic cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that IFIT1 increases pancreatic cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion by activating the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway. In addition, we found that EMT could be regulated by IFIT1. IFIT1 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.

Effects of remimazolam tosilate on gastrointestinal hormones and gastrointestinal motility in patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy with sedation: a randomized control trial.

PURPOSE: To investigate the impacts of remimazolam tosilate on gastrointestinal hormones and motility in patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy with sedation. METHODS: A total of 262 American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status I or II patients, aged 18-65 years, scheduled for gastrointestinal endoscopy with sedation, were randomly allocated into two groups (n = 131 each): the remimazolam tosilate group (Group R) and the propofol group (Group P). Patients in Group R received 0.2-0.25 mg/Kg remimazolam tosilate intravenously, while those in Group P received 1.5-2.0 mg/kg propofol intravenously. The gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed when the Modified Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation scores were ≤3. The primary endpoints included the endoscopic intestinal peristalsis rating by the endoscopist; serum motilin and gastrin levels at fasting without gastrointestinal preparation (T0), before gastrointestinal endoscopy (T1), and before leaving the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (T2); and the incidences of abdominal distension during Post Anesthesia Care Unit. RESULTS: Compared with Group P, intestinal peristalsis rating was higher in Group R (P < .001); Group R showed increased motilin and gastrin levels at T2 compared with Group P (P < .01). There was a rise in motilin and gastrin levels at T1 and T2 compared with T0 and at T2 compared with T1 in both groups (P < .01). The incidence of abdominal distension was lower in Group R (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Compared with propofol used during gastrointestinal endoscopy with sedation, remimazolam tosilate mildly inhibits the serum motilin and gastrin levels, potentially facilitating the recovery of gastrointestinal motility.

The formation mechanism and textural properties of a complex gel based on soybean glycinin-chitosan complex coacervates: Effects of pH, heat treatment temperature and centrifugation.

The soybean glycinin (11S)-chitosan (CS) complex gels with various textural properties were successfully constructed. The process involved the initial formation of 11S-CS coacervates through electrostatic interactions, followed by a heating treatment to obtain the final complex gels. The impacts of pH, heating temperature, and centrifugation on 11S-CS complex gel properties were investigated. The results indicated that the pore arrangement of the gel formed at pH 7.3 was more tightly and uniformly packed than those formed at pH 6.8 and 7.8. Centrifugation facilitated denser and more ordered gel structures at the three pH values, while increasing the heating temperature exhibited the opposite trend at pH 6.8 and 7.8. These structural differences were also reflected in the rheological and textural properties of the gel. The 11S-CS complex gels exhibited an elasticity-based gel property. The textural properties of gels formed at pH 6.8 were stronger compared to those formed at pH 7.3 and 7.8. However, when the 11S-CS coacervates were heated without centrifugation, the resulting gels were weak. This study emphasizes the potential of using protein/polysaccharide associative interactions during gel formation to alter the microstructure of the gel, meeting various production requirements.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence of respiratory viral pathogens in patients with acute respiratory infection in Shanghai, China.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) taken to combat COVID-19 on the prevalence of respiratory viruses (RVs) of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) in Shanghai. Methods: Samples from ARI patients were collected and screened for 17 respiratory viral pathogens using TagMan low density microfluidic chip technology in Shanghai from January 2019 to December 2020. Pathogen data were analyzed to assess changes in acute respiratory infections between 2019 and 2020. Results: A total of 2,744 patients were enrolled, including 1,710 and 1,034 in 2019 and 2020, respectively. The total detection rate of RVs decreased by 149.74% in 2020. However, detection rates for human respiratory syncytial virus B (RSVB), human coronavirus 229E (HCoV229E), human coronavirus NL63 (HCoVNL63), and human parainfluenza virus 3 (HPIV3) increased by 91.89, 58.33, 44.68 and 24.29%, in 2020. The increased positive rates of RSVB, HPIV3, resulted in more outpatients in 2020 than in 2019. IFV detection rates declined dramatically across gender, age groups, and seasons in 2020. Conclusion: NPIs taken to eliminate COVID-19 had an impact on the prevalence of respiratory viral pathogens, especially the IFVs in the early phases of the pandemic. Partial respiratory viruses resurged with the lifting of NPIs, leading to an increase in ARIs infection.

Mechanical properties and physicochemical characteristics of cotton fibers during combing process.

This study employs a combination of experiments and molecular dynamics to analyze the mechanical properties and surface damage characteristics of cotton fibers during the combing process. Additionally, it investigates the alterations in physical and chemical properties at the atomic scale resulting from mechanical damage. Raw cotton (RC) is combed to 1st combed cotton (1st CC), 2nd combed cotton (2nd CC) and 3rd combed cotton (3rd CC). It was found that the mechanical properties and crystallinity showed an increasing and then decreasing trend with the process of combing, and the degree of surface tearing increased, and the binding energy of C and O shifted to a lower position. The breaking strength of cotton fibers first increased by 7.4 % and then decreased by 11 % and 7.7 % respectively, and the crystallinity was CrI (RC) = 70.8 %, CrI (1st CC) = 75.3 %, CrI (2nd CC) = 72.7 %, and CrI (3rd CC) = 71.8 % respectively. The C-O bond and the C-C bond at the amorphous regions are broken after combing lead to the cellulose chain to break, resulting in a decrease in the breaking strength of the fibers. The C-O bond as well as the C-O-C bond angles changes significantly during stretching, and the increase in ordering of the amorphous regions causes an increase in crystallinity.

Similar construction of spicules and shell plates: Implications for the origin of chiton biomineralization.

The hard shells of mollusks are products of biomineralization, a distinctive feature of the Cambrian explosion. Despite our understanding of shell structure and mechanical properties, their origin remains mysterious. In addition to their shell plates, most chitons have calcium deposits on their girdles. However, the similarity of these two mineralized structures still needs to be determined, limiting our comprehension of their origins. In our study, we analyzed the matrix proteins in the spicules of chiton (Acanthopleura loochooana) and compared them with the matrix proteins in the shells of the same species. Proteomics identified 96 unique matrix proteins in spicules. Comparison of biomineralization-related matrix proteins in shell plates and spicules revealed shared proteins, including carbonic anhydrases, tyrosinase-hemocyanin, von Willebrand factor type A, cadherin, and glycine-rich unknown proteins. Based on similarities in key matrix proteins, we propose that spicules and shell plates originated from a common mineralization system in their ancestral lineage, suggesting the existence of a common core or toolkit of matrix proteins among calcifying organisms. SIGNIFICANCE: In this study, we try to understand the types and diversity of matrix proteins in the biomineralization of chiton shell plates and spicules. Through a comparative analysis, we seek insights into the core biomineralization toolkit of ancestral mollusks. To achieve this, we conducted LC-MS/MS and RT-qPCR analyses to identify the types and relative expression levels of matrix proteins in both shell plates and spicules. The analysis revealed 96 matrix proteins in the spicules. A comparison of biomineralization-related matrix proteins in shell plates and spicules from the same species revealed shared proteins including many unknown proteins unique to chitons. Blast searching reveals a universal conservation of these proteins among other chitons. Hence, we propose that spicules and shell plates originated from a common mineralization system in their ancestral lineage. Our work provides a molecular basis for studying biomineralization in polyplacophoran mollusks and understanding biomineralization evolution. In addition, it identifies potential matrix proteins that could be applied to control crystal growth.

Discovery of psoralen as a quorum sensing inhibitor suppresses Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common opportunistic pathogen with growing resistance and presents heightened treatment challenges. Quorum sensing (QS) is a cell-to-cell communication system that contributes to the production of a variety of virulence factors and is also related to biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa. Compared to traditional antibiotics which kill bacteria directly, the anti-virulence strategy by targeting QS is a promising strategy for combating pseudomonal infections. In this study, the QS inhibition potential of the compounds derived from the Traditional Chinese Medicines was evaluated by using in silico, in vitro, and in vivo analyses. The results showed that psoralen, a natural furocoumarin compound derived from Psoralea corylifolia L., was capable of simultaneously inhibiting the three main QS regulators, LasR, RhlR, and PqsR of P. aeruginosa. Psoralen had no bactericidal activity but could widely inhibit the production of extracellular proteases, pyocyanin, and biofilm, and the cell motilities of the model and clinical P. aeruginosa strains. RNA-sequencing and quantitative PCR analyses further demonstrated that a majority of QS-activated genes in P. aeruginosa were suppressed by psoralen. The supplementation of psoralen could protect Caenorhabditis elegans from P. aeruginosa challenge, especially for the hypervirulent strain PA14. Moreover, psoralen showed synergistic antibacterial effects with polymyxin B, levofloxacin, and kanamycin. In conclusions, this study identifies the anti-QS and antibiofilm effects of psoralen against P. aeruginosa strains and sheds light on the discovery of anti-pseudomonal drugs among Traditional Chinese Medicines. KEY POINTS: • Psoralen derived from Psoralea corylifolia L. inhibits the virulence-related phenotypes of P. aeruginosa. • Psoralen simultaneously targets the three core regulators of P. aeruginosa QS system and inhibits the expression of a large part of downstream genes. • Psoralen protects C. elegans from P. aeruginosa challenge and enhances the susceptibility of P. aeruginosa to antibiotics.

Isokinetic training of lower extremity during the early stage promote functional restoration in elder patients with disability after Total knee replacement (TKR) - a randomized control trial.

BACKGROUND: Transient progressive weakness and disability of lower limb during the early stage after TKR will increase the risk of fall, but the superior postoperative strength training mode have not been elucidated for functional restoration. This study aimed to compare whether the isokinetic lower limb training is superior to either isotonic or home isometric exercise during early stage after TKR in older people. METHODS: A total of 43 recruited old participants (mean age, 68.40 years old) receiving TKR were divided randomly based on the different four-week training modes into three groups including isokinetic, isotonic, and home isometric exercise (control group). The primary outcome was set as functional performance in terms of Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and the secondary outcomes include the peak torque of knee at 60 and 120 degree/ second, Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36), and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis index (WOMAC). RESULTS: All of the peak torque measurements of the knee improved significantly in both the isokinetic and the isotonic group, but not in the control group. Although isotonic training resulted in more strength gains, a significant enhancement in TUG test was observed in the isokinetic group only (p = 0.003). However, there were no significantly improvement of TUG test after training in other two groups. SF-36 and WOMAC improved after training in all three groups, with no significant difference in the degree of improvement between groups. CONCLUSION: Isokinetic training for 4 weeks following TKR effectively improved all the outcome parameters in this study, including the TUG test, lower limb strength, and functional scores. However, both isokinetic and isotonic training modes could be recommended after TKR because of no significant difference in the degree of improvement between these two groups. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trial registration number: NCT02938416. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.