Occurrence and genotypic identification of Blastocystis sp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Giardia duodenalis in dairy cattle in Heilongjiang Province, China.

Blastocystis sp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Giardia duodenalis are three common zoonotic intestinal parasites, and cattle are important hosts of these three intestinal protozoa. In this study, 1632 fecal samples were collected from dairy farms in Heilongjiang Province, China, and screened for Blastocystis sp., E. bieneusi, and G. duodenalis using polymerase chain reaction. Of these, 149 (9.13%) were positive for three zoonotic pathogens, including 104 (6.40%), 22 (1.35%), and 23 (1.41%) for Blastocystis sp., E. bieneusi, and G. duodenalis, respectively. Based on partial SSU rRNA gene sequencing analysis, 104 positive samples of Blastocystis sp. were found, and a total of nine known subtypes were identified, including ST10 (61), ST3 (18), ST14 (6), ST26 (7), ST24 (3), ST25 (2), ST1 (2), ST5 (2), and ST21 (1). Among these, three subtypes (ST1, ST3, and ST5) were recognized as zoonotic subtypes, and two subtypes (ST10 and ST14) were specific to animals. All 23 Giardia duodenalis-positive samples belonged to assemblage E (n = 23) based on sequenced beta-giardin (bg) and triosephosphate isomerase (tpi) genes. Three known genotypes of E. bieneusi, namely J (n = 9), I (n = 6), and BEB4 (n = 7), were identified by sequence analysis of the internal transcriptional spacer region gene. Our study provides basic data for prevention and control in Heilongjiang Province; however, further research is required to better understand the prevalence and public health significance of these pathogens in the Heilongjiang region.

Temporal and Spatial Signatures of Scylla paramamosain Transcriptome Reveal Mechanistic Insights into Endogenous Ovarian Maturation under Risk of Starvation.

Variability in food availability leads to condition-dependent investments in reproduction. This study is aimed at understanding the metabolic response and regulatory mechanism of female Scylla paramamosain in response to starvation in a temporal- and tissue-specific manner. The mud crabs were starved for 7 (control), 14, 28, and 40 days for histological and biochemical analysis in the hepatopancreas, ovary, and serum, as well as for RNA sequencing on the hepatopancreas and ovary. We further highlighted candidate gene modules highly linked to physiological traits. Collectively, our observations suggested that starvation triggered endogenous ovarian maturation at the expense of hepatopancreas mass, with both metabolic adjustments to optimize energy and fatty acid supply from hepatopancreas to ovary in the early phase, followed by the activation of autophagy-related pathways in both organs over prolonged starvation. These specific adaptive responses might be considered efficient strategies to stimulate ovarian maturation of Scylla paramamosain under fasting stress, which improves the nutritional value of female mud crabs and other economically important crustaceans.

Study on genetic characteristics of Cryptosporidium isolates and first report of C. parvum IIdA24G2 subtype in dairy cattle in China.

Cryptosporidium is an important gastrointestinal parasite that can cause mild to severe diarrhea in various vertebrates, including humans and domestic animals. Infection is prevalent in dairy cattle, particularly calves, resulting in diarrhea and increased mortality with significant production losses. However, the prevalence and identity of Cryptosporidium spp. in cattle in Heilongjiang Province is still poorly known. Our study aimed to investigate the prevalence and species and subtype distribution of Cryptosporidium in cattle in the region. In addition, we evaluated the zoonotic potential of Cryptosporidium isolates and assessed possible transmission routes and health effects of this organism. We collected 909 fecal samples from five different farms in Heilongjiang Province between August and September 2022. The samples underwent Cryptosporidium detection by nested PCR and small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene sequence analysis. Four Cryptosporidium species were identified, including C. parvum, C. bovis, C. ryanae, and C. andersoni, with an overall prevalence of 4.4% (40/909). Based on sequence analysis of the 60 kDa glycoprotein gene of C. parvum and C. bovis, three subtypes of C. parvum were identified, namely two previously known subtypes (IIdA19G1 and IIdA20G1), and one novel subtype (IIdA24G2). Two distinct subtype families were identified in C. bovis (XXVId and XXVIe). The high diversity of Cryptosporidium in dairy cattle and the emergence of a novel subtype of C. parvum in Heilongjiang Province suggest that dairy cattle may serve as a significant source of zoonotic cryptosporidiosis infection in this region.

Immune-mediated inflammatory diseases and the risk of valvular heart disease: a Mendelian randomization study.

BACKGROUND: Observational studies have suggested that immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) are associated with a higher risk of valvular heart disease (VHD). But the potential causal association is not clear. Therefore, we used Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to assess the causal association of IMIDs with VHD risk. METHODS: A two-sample MR analysis was performed to confirm the causal association of several common IMIDs (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE; rheumatoid arthritis, RA; multiple sclerosis, MS; ankylosing spondylitis, AS; psoriasis, PSO; inflammatory bowel disease, IBD) with the risk of VHD. The exposure data is derived from published genome-wide association studies (GWASs) and outcome data come from the FinnGen database (47,003 cases and 182,971 controls). Inverse-variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, and weighted median methods were performed to assess the causal association. The study design applied univariable MR and multivariable MR. RESULTS: The MR analysis indicated that several genetically predicted IMIDs increased the risk of VHD, including SLE (odds ratio (OR) = 1.014; 95% confidence interval (CI) = < 1.001,1.028 > ; p = 0.036), RA (OR = 1.017; 95% CI = < 1.002,1.031 > ; p = 0.025), and IBD (OR = 1.018; 95% CI = < 1.002,1.033 > ; p = 0.023). Multivariable MR indicated that the adverse effect of these IMIDs on VHD was dampened to varying degrees after adjusting for smoking, obesity, coronary artery disease, and hypertension. CONCLUSION: Our findings support the first genetic evidence of the causality of genetically predicted IMIDs with the risk of developing into VHD. Our results deliver a viewpoint that further active intervention needs to be explored to mitigate VHD risk in patients with SLE, RA, and IBD. Key Points • Genetically predicted systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are causally associated with valvular heart disease (VHD). • To reduce the risk of VHD in patients with SLE, RA, and IBD, active interventions should be further explored.

Glycyrrhizin Protects Submandibular Gland Against Radiation Damage by Enhancing Antioxidant Defense and Preserving Mitochondrial Homeostasis.

Aims: Radiotherapy inevitably causes radiation damage to the salivary glands (SGs) in patients with head and neck cancers (HNCs). Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and imbalanced mitochondrial homeostasis are serious consequences of ionizing radiation in SGs; however, there are few mitochondria-targeting therapeutic approaches. Glycyrrhizin is the main extract of licorice root and exhibits antioxidant activity to relieve mitochondrial damage in certain oxidative stress conditions. Herein, the effects of glycyrrhizin on irradiated submandibular glands (SMGs) and the related mechanisms were investigated. Results: Glycyrrhizin reduced radiation damage in rat SMGs at both the cell and tissue levels, and promoted saliva secretion in irradiated SMGs. Glycyrrhizin significantly downregulated high-mobility group box-1 protein (HMGB1) and toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5). Moreover, glycyrrhizin significantly suppressed the increases in malondialdehyde and glutathione disulfide (GSSG) levels; elevated the activity of some critical antioxidants, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione (GSH); and increased the GSH/GSSG ratio in irradiated cells. Importantly, glycyrrhizin effectively enhanced thioredoxin-2 levels and scavenged mitochondrial ROS, inhibited the decline in mitochondrial membrane potential, improved adenosine triphosphate synthesis, preserved the mitochondrial ultrastructure, activated the proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1α)/nuclear respiratory factor 1/2 (NRF1/2)/mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) signaling pathway, and inhibited mitochondria-related apoptosis in irradiated SMG cells and tissues. Innovation: Radiotherapy causes radiation sialadenitis in HNC patients. Our data suggest that glycyrrhizin could be a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant for the prevention of radiation damage in SGs. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that glycyrrhizin protects SMGs from radiation damage by downregulating HMGB1/TLR5 signaling, maintaining intracellular redox balance, eliminating mitochondrial ROS, preserving mitochondrial homeostasis, and inhibiting apoptosis.

Effects of Flammulina velutipes polysaccharide with ice recrystallization inhibition activity on the quality of beef patties during freeze-thaw cycles: An emphasis on water status and distribution.

The antifreeze activity of Flammulina velutipes polysaccharide (FVP) autoclave-extracted with dilute alkaline and effects of FVP on moisture status, size of ice crystals, physical and chemical characteristics of beef patties during repeated freeze-thaw (F-T) cycles were investigated. Results showed that FVP exhibited ice recrystallization inhibition activity and was able to alter the onset freezing/melting temperature of beef patties. 0.01% FVP significantly alleviated (P < 0.05) the decrement in water holding capacity by inhibiting water migration, restraining the mobility of water, and reducing the size of ice crystals of beef patties during the repeated F-T cycles. In addition, FVP could effectively inhibited oxidation reaction and protein aggregation of beef patties with significant decreases in TBARS value, protein turbidity, contents of total sulfhydryl and carbonyl of myofibrillar protein, and an increase in protein solubility during the repeated cycles. These results suggest FVP could be developed to be a promising cryoprotectant in frozen patties.

Assessment of potential zoonotic transmission of Giardia duodenalis from dogs and cats.

Giardia duodenalis is one of the major causes of diarrhea among humans, especially in young children. Statistical analysis revealed that the pooled prevalence of G. duodenalis in humans, dogs, and cats was 9.72% (10,921/112383), 15.60% (7510/48140), and 14.53% (1125/7740), respectively. Unquestionably, the canine-specific assemblages C and D and the feline-specific assemblage F were the dominant genotypes in dogs and cats, respectively. Additionally, the prevalence of zoonotic G. duodenalis assemblages (A and B) in dogs and cats was 23.07% (875/3792) and 41.42% (169/408), respectively, implying that the potential transmission of G. duodenalis from dogs and cats to human infection cannot be ignored. The highest frequency of potentially zoonotic assemblages was found among working dogs (3.55%, 25/705) and the 1-5 age group (22.92%, 11/48). In summary, dogs and cats have a significant role in the zoonotic transmission of G. duodenalis due to their close contact with humans and the higher frequency presence of zoonotic assemblages. Further studies are necessary to explore the presence of G. duodenalis among humans and animals and in environmental samples. Researchers should adopt a one-health approach to gain a deeper understanding of G. duodenalis in dogs and cats and potential transmission routes to humans.

Metagenomic analysis of gut microbiome and resistome of Whooper and Black Swans: a one health perspective.

BACKGROUND: With the promotion of "One Health," the health of animals and their impact on the environment have become major concerns recently. Widely distributed in China, the whooper swans (Cygnus cygnus) and black swans (Cygnus atratus) are not only important to the ecological environment, but they may also potentially influence public health security. The metagenomic approach was adopted to uncover the impacts of the gut microbiota of swans on host and public health. RESULTS: In this study, the intestinal microbiome and resistome of migratory whooper swans and captive-bred black swans were identified. The results revealed similar gut microbes and functional compositions in whooper and black swans. Interestingly, different bacteria and probiotics were enriched by overwintering whooper swans. We also found that Acinetobacter and Escherichia were significantly enriched in early wintering period swans and that clinically important pathogens were more abundant in black swans. Whooper swans and black swans are potential reservoirs of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and novel ARGs, and the abundance of novel ARGs in whooper swans was significantly higher than that in black swans. Metagenomic assembly-based host tracking revealed that most ARG-carrying contigs originated from Proteobacteria (mainly Gammaproteobacteria). CONCLUSIONS: The results revealed spatiotemporal changes in microbiome and resistome in swans, providing a reference for safeguarding public health security and preventing animal epidemics.

Comparison of distal radius fracture plating surgery under wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet technique and balanced anesthesia: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Distal radius fractures (DRF) are frequently treated with internal fixation under general anesthesia or a brachial plexus block. Recently, the wide-awake local anesthesia with no tourniquet (WALANT) technique has been suggested as a method that results in higher patient satisfaction. This study aimed to evaluate the functional outcomes, complications, and patient-reported outcomes of DRF plating surgery under both the WALANT and balanced anesthesia (BA). METHODS: Ninety-three patients with DRFs who underwent open reduction and plating were included. Regarding the anesthetic technique, 38 patients received WALANT, while 55 received BA, comprised of multimodal pain control brachial plexus anesthesia with light general support. The patient's overall satisfaction in both groups and the intraoperative numerical rating scale of pain and anxiety (0-10) in the WALANT group were recorded. The peri-operative radiographic parameters were measured; the clinical outcomes, including Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) score, wrist mobility, and grip strength, were recorded in up to 1-year follow-up. Results presented with a mean difference and 95% confidence intervals and mean ± standard deviation. RESULTS: The mean age of patients in the WALANT group was higher than in the BA group (63 ± 17 vs. 54 ± 17, P = 0.005), and there were fewer intra-articular DRF fractures in the WALANT group than in the BA group (AO type A/B/C: 30/3/5 vs. 26/10/19, P = 0.009). The reduction and plating quality were similar in both groups. The clinical outcomes at follow-up were comparable between the two groups, except the WALANT group had worse postoperative 3-month pronation (88% vs. 96%; - 8.0% [ - 15.7 to - 0.2%]) and 6-month pronation (92% vs. 100%; - 9.1% [ - 17.0 to - 1.2%]), and better postoperative 1-year flexion (94% vs. 82%; 12.0% [2.0-22.1%]). The overall satisfaction was comparable in the WALANT and BA groups (8.7 vs. 8.5; 0.2 [ - 0.8 to 1.2]). Patients in the WALANT group reported an injection pain scale of 1.7 ± 2.0, an intraoperative pain scale of 1.2 ± 1.9, and an intraoperative anxiety scale of 2.3 ± 2.8. CONCLUSION: The reduction quality, functional outcomes, and overall satisfaction were comparable between the WALANT and BA groups. With meticulous preoperative planning, the WALANT technique could be an alternative for DRF plating surgery in selected patients. Trial registration This retrospective study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital (KMUHIRB-E(I)-20210201).

EVI2B may be a novel prognostic marker for lung adenocarcinoma.

Objective: This study intended to unravel the relationship of EVI2B expression with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Methods: TIMER1.0, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis and Human Protein Atlas databases, as well as the University of Alabama at Birmingham Cancer website, were used to analyze the expression of EVI2B and its relationship with clinical features. The relationship between survival curve analysis and prognosis was analyzed. The role of EVI2B in LUAD was verified by wet experiments. Results: EVI2B was markedly downregulated in LUAD. There was a relationship between the expression of EVI2B and clinical features. Low EVI2B level was substantially implicated in low survival in LUAD. EVI2B overexpression constrained LUAD cell viability, migration and invasion. Conclusion: EVI2B was related to prognosis and immune microenvironment in LUAD, suggesting that EVI2B may be a novel prognostic marker for LUAD.

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a type of cancer. It causes many deaths. However, there is no good treatment for it yet. Scientists found a gene called EVI2B. EVI2B can help show how bad the cancer is. EVI2B is at a low level in LUAD. When it is high, patients have a better chance of surviving. EVI2B is linked to the immune system fighting cancer. It can be used to check the progression of LUAD. EVI2B may help with new treatments in the future.

Effect of calcium spray at flowering combined with post-harvest 1-MCP treatment on the preservation of grapes.

These tests were carried out to find out how calcium and 1-MCP treatment affected the preservation of grapes, as grapes are highly susceptible to decay during post-harvest storage. The grapes were treated with 5 g/L calcium at the flowering stage, followed by 1 µL/L 1-MCP treatment after harvesting. When grapevines were treated with a combination of calcium and 1-MCP, the marketable fruit rate (At day 56 of storage, the 1-MCP + Ca2+ treatment group was still 93%, an increase of 29.03% compared to the control group.) and quality improved (At day 28 of storage, the VC content of the 1-MCP + Ca2+ treated group was 4.35 mg/100g, an increase of 25.01% compared to the control group.), while the fruit weight loss rate decreased (At day 56 of storage, the weight loss of the control group was 6.97%, an increase of 39.43% compared to the 1-MCP + Ca2+ treated group.). According to the experimental results, there are several reasons for this. First, in the early stages of fruit storage, the concentration of soluble pectin and soluble fiber, as well as the activities of pectinase and cellulase (related gene levels) were decreased. Secondly, the activity of antioxidant enzymes was increased, while MDA content was decreased. Third, during fruit storage, the respiratory intensity and ethylene release rate were reduced, as was the activity of energy metabolism enzymes. As a result, the aging and deterioration of the fruit during storage were delayed. Principal component analysis revealed that the calcium and 1-MCP combination therapy slowed the decline in grape berry quality, followed by the calcium-treated and 1-MCP-treated fruits. In contrast, grape berry quality declined the most rapidly in the control group.

Electrospun nanofiber composite mat based on ulvan for wound dressing applications.

Wound dressings can be used to create a temporary healing environment and expedite the wound healing process. Ulvan (ULV) is a sulfated polysaccharide with potent antiviral and anti-inflammatory activities. Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a hydrophobic biodegradable polyester that exhibits slow degradation, strong mechanical strength, and excellent biocompatibility. Electrospun nanofiber matrices mimic the microstructure of the extracellular matrix, allowing them to promote cell proliferation and differentiation. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to fabricate a polycaprolactone-ulvan fibrous composite mat (PCL-ULV) using the electrospinning technique and to investigate its physical and chemical properties. To assess the characteristics of PCL-ULV, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was utilized to examine its morphology and diameter distribution. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, calcofluor white staining, and monosaccharide analysis were employed to analyze the components of PCL-ULV. Additionally, the water contact angle was measured to evaluate the hydrophilicity. Furthermore, the proliferation and morphology of and gene expression in NIH3T3 fibroblasts on PCL-ULV were assessed. The results showed that the average PCL-ULV fiber diameter was significantly smaller than that of the PCL fibers. The water contact angle measurements indicated that PCL-ULV exhibited better hydrophilicity than the PCL mat. FTIR, calcofluor white staining, and monosaccharide analyses demonstrated that ULV could be successfully coelectrospun with PCL. NIH3T3 fibroblasts cultured on PCL and PCL-ULV showed different cellular behaviors. On PCL-ULV, cell adhesion, proliferation, and stretching were greater than those on PCL. Moreover, the behavior of NIH3T3 fibroblasts on PCL and PCL-ULV differed, as the cells on PCL-ULV exhibited higher proliferation and more stretching. Furthermore, NIH3T3 fibroblasts cultured on ULV-PCL showed higher α-SMA and MMP-9 gene expression and a lower ratio of TIMP-1/MMP-9 than those cultured on PCL. Notably, scarless wounds display lower TIMP/MMP expression ratios than scarring wounds. Thus, the fibrous composite mat PCL-ULV shows potential as a wound dressing for scarless wound healing.

4-phenylbutyric acid re-trafficking hERG/G572R channel protein by modulating the endoplasmic reticulum stress-associated chaperones and endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation gene.

Background: Long QT syndrome type 2 (LQT2) is caused by mutations in the KCNH2/human ether-à-go-go-related gene (hERG). Some hERG genetic mutation-associated diseases are alleviated by hERG-specific drug chaperones (glycerol, dimethyl sulfoxide, trimethylamine N-oxide, thapsigargin), delayed rectifier K+ current (IKr) blockers methanesulfonanilide E4031, the antihistamine astemizole, or the prokinetic drug cisapride, and the anti-arrhythmic drug quinidine. Meanwhile, many in vivo and in vitro studies have reported the efficacy of 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) in diseases with inherited genetic mutations. This study aims to explore potential therapeutic agents for hERG/G572R mutated ion channel. Methods: pcDNA3/hERG [wild type (WT)]-FLAG and pcDNA3/hERG (G572R)-FLAG plasmids were transfected into HEK293 cells. A western blot (WB) experiment was conducted to analyze protein expression. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to analyze the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels in the WT/G572R heterozygous HEK293 cell model treated with or without 4-PBA. The interaction between WT/G572R and BIP (GRP78), GRP94, and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase degradation protein 1 (HRD1) was tested by co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP). To investigate the effect of 4-PBA on the WT/G572R channel current, we used electrophysiological assays (patch-clamp electrophysiological recordings). Results: The results showed that WT/G572R activated the ATF6 pathway in the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), the ERS response markers GRP78, GRP94, and calreticulin (CRT)/calnexin (CNX), and HRD1, which decreased after application of the ERS inhibitor 4-PBA. The results of co-IP confirmed that the ability of hERG interacted with GRP78, GRP94, and HRD1. Moreover, 4-PBA increased the current of WT/G572R and reversed the gating kinetics of the WT/G572R channel. Conclusions: 4-PBA corrects hERG channel transport defects by inhibiting excessive ERS and the endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD)-related gene E3 ubiquitin ligase HRD1. Additionally, 4-PBA improved WT/G572R channel current. 4-PBA is expected to be developed as a new treatment method for LQT2.

Metagenomic analysis reveals the relationship between intestinal protozoan parasites and the intestinal microecological balance in calves.

BACKGROUND: A close connection between a protozoan parasite and the balance of the other gut microbes of the host has been demonstrated. The calves may be naturally co-infected with many parasites, and the co-effects of parasites on other intestinal microbes of calves remain unclear. This study aims to preliminarily reveal the relationship between intestinal parasites and other intestinal microbes in calves. METHODS: Fecal samples were collected from four calves with bloody diarrhea, four calves with watery diarrhea, and seven normal calves, and the microbial flora of the samples were analyzed by whole-genome sequencing. Protozoal parasites were detected in the metagenome sequences and identified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: Cryptosporidium, Eimeria, Giardia, Blastocystis, and Entamoeba were detected by metagenomic analysis, and the identified species were Giardia duodenalis assemblage E, Cryptosporidium bovis, Cryptosporidium ryanae, Eimeria bovis, Eimeria subspherica, Entamoeba bovis, and Blastocystis ST2 and ST10. Metagenomic analysis showed that the intestinal microbes of calves with diarrhea were disordered, especially in calves with bloody diarrhea. Furthermore, different parasites show distinct relationships with the intestinal microecology. Cryptosporidium, Eimeria, and Giardia were negatively correlated with various intestinal bacteria but positively correlated with some fungi. However, Blastocystis and Entamoeba were positively associated with other gut microbes. Twenty-seven biomarkers not only were significantly enriched in bloody diarrhea, watery diarrhea, and normal calves but were also associated with Eimeria, Cryptosporidium, and Giardia. Only Eimeria showed a distinct relationship with seven genera of bacteria, which were significantly enriched in the healthy calves. All 18 genera of fungi were positively correlated with Cryptosporidium, Eimeria, and Giardia, which were also significantly enriched in calves with bloody diarrhea. Functional genes related to parasites and diseases were found mainly in fungi. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed the relationship between intestinal protozoan parasites and the other calf gut microbiome. Different intestinal protozoan parasites have diametrically opposite effects on other gut microecology, which not only affects bacteria in the gut, but also is significantly related to fungi and archaea.

Minimum 5-Year Follow-Up Assessment of Volar Plate Interposition Arthroplasty for Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis in Proximal Interphalangeal Joints.

This is a retrospective study to evaluate the outcome of volar plate interposition arthroplasty for proximal interphalangeal joint post-traumatic osteoarthritis with a minimum 5-year follow-up. We identified patients receiving volar plate interposition arthroplasty for post-traumatic osteoarthritis in proximal interphalangeal joints. The measurements included the numeric pain scale (on a scale of 0-10), the proximal interphalangeal joint active range of motion, the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire, the perioperative radiograph of the involved digit, proximal interphalangeal joint stability, and pinch strength. Eight patients with a median age of 44 years old (interquartile range (IQR): 29.3-56.8) were included in this study. The median follow-up period was 6.5 years (range of 5-11 years). The median numeric pain scale improved from 5 (IQR: 4.3-6.0) preoperatively to 0 (IQR 0-0.8) at the follow-up evaluation (p = 0.011). All digits demonstrated stability during manual stress testing compared to their noninjured counterparts. The median active proximal interphalangeal joint arc of motion improved from 25° to 55° (p = 0.011). The pinch strength of the fingers on the injured hand was weaker than those on the contralateral hand (2.2 Kg vs. 3.7 Kg, p = 0.012). We suggested that volar plate interposition arthroplasty may be an alternative surgical option for post-traumatic osteoarthritis in the proximal interphalangeal joints.

A causal relationship between irritability and cardiovascular diseases: a Mendelian randomization study.

Background: Observational studies have suggested that irritability is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the potential causal association is not clear. Therefore, we used Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to assess the causal association of irritability with CVD risk. Methods: A two-sample MR analysis was performed to confirm the causal association of irritability with the risk of several common CVDs. The exposure data were derived from the UK biobank involving 90,282 cases and 232,386 controls, and outcome data were collected from the published genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and FinnGen database. Inverse-variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, and weighted median methods were performed to assess the causal association. Furthermore, the mediating effect of smoking, insomnia, and depressed affect was explored by using a two-step MR. Results: The MR analysis indicated that genetically predicted irritability increased the risk of CVD, including coronary artery disease (CAD) (Odds ratio, OR: 2.989; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.521-5.874, p = 0.001), myocardial infarction (MI) (OR: 2.329, 95% CI: 1.145-4.737, p = 0.020), coronary angioplasty (OR: 5.989, 95% CI: 1.696-21.153, p = 0.005), atrial fibrillation (AF) (OR: 4.646, 95% CI: 1.268-17.026, p = 0.02), hypertensive heart disease (HHD) (OR: 8.203; 95% CI: 1.614-41.698, p = 0.011), non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NIC) (OR: 5.186; 95% CI: 1.994-13.487, p = 0.001), heart failure (HF) (OR: 2.253; 95% CI: 1.327-3.828, p = 0.003), stroke (OR: 2.334; 95% CI: 1.270-4.292, p = 0.006), ischemic stroke (IS) (OR: 2.249; 95% CI: 1.156-4.374, p = 0.017), and ischemic stroke of large-artery atherosclerosis ISla (OR: 14.326; 95% CI: 2.750-74.540, p = 0.002). The analysis also indicated that smoking, insomnia, and depressed affect play an important role in the process of irritability leading to cardiovascular disease. Conclusion: Our findings support the first genetic evidence of the causality of genetically predicted irritability with the risk of developing into CVDs. Our results deliver a viewpoint that more early active interventions to manage an individual's anger and related unhealthy lifestyle habits are needed to prevent the occurrence of adverse cardiovascular events.

In situ quantitative polymerization of dopamine on dual functional carbon nanotubes as high stability and rate capacity anodes for potassium ion storage.

Polydopamine (PDA) as an anode of potassium ion batteries (PIBs) has received a lot of attention due to its convenient preparation, environment friendliness, and low cost. However, due to the low conductivity of organic polydopamine, the active substance can easily dissolve in the cycle process, which leads to a low rate performance and short cycle life of PIBs. Here, dopamine was quantitatively polymerized onto the surface of a carbon-intertwined network of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). By means of density functional theory calculation and electrochemical measurement, the adsorption/desorption of potassium ions by oxygen-containing and nitro-containing functional groups in PDA and its promotion by CNTs are revealed. The π-π superposition effect between dopamine and CNTs effectively alleviates the dissolution of PDA during the cycle. A combination of PDA and CNTs could resolve low conductivity issues and provide excellent battery cycle performance. Results show that PDA@CNT-10 exhibits a high reversible capacity (223 mA h g-1, 200 cycles at 0.2 A g-1) and a long cycle life (151 mA h g-1, 3000 cycles at 1 A g-1). When first used as an organo-potassium hybrid capacitor assembled from the anode of the battery and activated carbon as the cathode, it can provide a high reversible capacity (76 mA h g-1, 2000 cycles at 2 A g-1), which promotes the potential application of PIBs in the future.

Risk Factors for Treatment Failure in Skin and Soft Tissue Infections Caused by Nontuberculous Mycobacteria.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the characteristics of patients with skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) and identified the risk factors for treatment failure in these patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data of patients with NTM SSTIs who received treatment between January 2014 and December 2019 at Taipei Veterans General Hospital were collected retrospectively. Possible risk factors were determined using univariate and multivariate analysis with logistic regression models. RESULTS: A total of 47 patients (24 male, 23 female; age, 57.1 ± 15.2 years) were enrolled. Type 2 diabetes mellitus was the most common comorbidity. The most common mycobacterial species was the Mycobacterium abscessus complex, and the most commonly affected site was the axial trunk. Treatment was successful in 38 patients (81%). Six patients had recurrent infections (13%) after the treatment course was completed, and 3 patients (6.4%) died of NTM-related infection. Delayed treatment for more than 2 months and antibiotic-alone treatment were 2 independent risk factors for treatment failure of NTM SSTIs. CONCLUSIONS: Delayed treatment for more than 2 months and antibiotic-alone treatment were associated with a higher failure rate in patients with NTM SSTIs. Therefore, the differential diagnosis of NTM infection should always be considered when the treatment course is prolonged but not effective. Early identification of causative NTM species and appropriate antibiotic treatment may lower the risk of treatment failure. Prompt surgical treatment is suggested if available.