Biomimetic MDSCs membrane coated black phosphorus nanosheets system for photothermal therapy/photodynamic therapy synergized chemotherapy of cancer.

Photothermal therapy is favored by cancer researchers due to its advantages such as controllable initiation, direct killing and immune promotion. However, the low enrichment efficiency of photosensitizer in tumor site and the limited effect of single use limits the further development of photothermal therapy. Herein, a photo-responsive multifunctional nanosystem was designed for cancer therapy, in which myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) membrane vesicle encapsulated decitabine-loaded black phosphorous (BP) nanosheets (BP@ Decitabine @MDSCs, named BDM). The BDM demonstrated excellent biosafety and biochemical characteristics, providing a suitable microenvironment for cancer cell killing. First, the BDM achieves the ability to be highly enriched at tumor sites by inheriting the ability of MDSCs to actively target tumor microenvironment. And then, BP nanosheets achieves hyperthermia and induces mitochondrial damage by its photothermal and photodynamic properties, which enhancing anti-tumor immunity mediated by immunogenic cell death (ICD). Meanwhile, intra-tumoral release of decitabine induced G2/M cell cycle arrest, further promoting tumor cell apoptosis. In vivo, the BMD showed significant inhibition of tumor growth with down-regulation of PCNA expression and increased expression of high mobility group B1 (HMGB1), calreticulin (CRT) and caspase 3. Flow cytometry revealed significantly decreased infiltration of MDSCs and M2-macrophages along with an increased proportion of CD4+, CD8+ T cells as well as CD103+ DCs, suggesting a potentiated anti-tumor immune response. In summary, BDM realizes photothermal therapy/photodynamic therapy synergized chemotherapy for cancer.

Comparative efficacy of different noninvasive brain stimulation protocols on upper-extremity motor function and activities of daily living after stroke: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

The objectives of the study were to systematically evaluate the rehabilitation effect of noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) on upper extremity motor function and activities of daily living in stroke patients and to prioritize various stimulation protocols for reliable evidence-based medical recommendations in patients with upper extremity motor dysfunction after stroke. Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and CBM were searched to collect all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of NIBS to improve upper extremity motor function in stroke patients. The retrieval time was from the establishment of all databases to May 2023. According to the Cochrane system evaluation manual, the quality of the included studies was evaluated, and the data were extracted. Statistical analysis was carried out by using RevMan 5.3, R 4.3.0, and Stata 17.0 software. Finally, 94 RCTs were included, with a total of 5546 patients. Meta-analysis showed that NIBS improved the Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) score (mean difference (MD) = 6.51, 95% CI 6.20 ~ 6.82, P < 0.05), MBI score (MD = 7.69, 95% CI 6.57 ~ 8.81, P < 0.05), ARAT score (MD = 5.06, 95% CI 3.85 ~ 6.27, P < 0.05), and motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitude. The modified Ashworth scale score (MD = - 0.37, 95% CI - 0.60 to - 0.14, P < 0.05), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (MD = - 2.17, 95% CI - 3.32 to - 1.11, P < 0.05), incubation period of MEP (MD = - 0.72, 95% CI - 1.06 to - 0.38, P < 0.05), and central motor conduction time (MD = - 0.90, 95% CI - 1.29 to - 0.50, P < 0.05) were decreased in stroke patients. Network meta-analysis showed that the order of interventions in improving FMA scores from high to low was anodal-transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) (surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) = 83.7%) > cathodal-tDCS (SUCRA = 80.2%) > high-frequency (HF)-repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) (SUCRA = 68.5%) > low-frequency (LF)-rTMS (SUCRA = 66.5%) > continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) (SUCRA = 54.2%) > bilateral-tDCS (SUCRA = 45.2%) > intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) (SUCRA = 34.1%) > sham-NIBS (SUCRA = 16.0%) > CR (SUCRA = 1.6%). In terms of improving MBI scores, the order from high to low was anodal-tDCS (SUCRA = 88.7%) > cathodal-tDCS (SUCRA = 85.4%) > HF-rTMS (SUCRA = 63.4%) > bilateral-tDCS (SUCRA = 56.0%) > LF-rTMS (SUCRA = 54.2%) > iTBS (SUCRA = 32.4%) > sham-NIBS (SUCRA = 13.8%) > CR (SUCRA = 6.1%). NIBS can effectively improve upper extremity motor function and activities of daily living after stroke. Among the various NIBS protocols, anodal-tDCS demonstrated the most significant intervention effect, followed by cathodal-tDCS and HF-rTMS.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound for the preoperative prediction of pathological characteristics in breast cancer.

Objective: We aimed to investigate the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the preoperative prediction of the histological grades and molecular subtypes of breast cancer. Methods: A total of 183 patients with pathologically confirmed breast cancer were included. Contrast enhancement patterns and quantitative parameters were compared in different groups. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the efficacy of CEUS in the preoperative prediction of pathological characteristics, including histologic grade and molecular subtypes. Results: Heterogeneous enhancement, perfusion defects, and peripheral radial vessels were mostly observed in higher histologic grade (grade III) breast cancer. Heterogeneous enhancement and perfusion defect were the most effective indicators for grade III breast cancer, with the areas under the ROC curve of 0.768 and 0.756, respectively. There were significant differences in the enhancement intensity, post-enhanced margin, perfusion defects, and peripheral radial vessel among the different molecular subtypes of breast cancer (all P < 0.01). Perfusion defects and clear edge after enhancement were the best qualitative criteria for the diagnosis of HER-2 overexpressed and triple-negative breast cancers, and the corresponding areas under the ROC curves were 0.804 and 0.905, respectively. There were significant differences in PE, WiR, WiPI, and WiWoAUC between grade III vs grade I and II breast cancer (P < 0.05). PE, WiR, WiPI, and WiWoAUC had good efficiency in the diagnosis of high-histologic-grade breast cancer. PE had the highest diagnostic efficiency in Luminal A, while WiPI had the highest diagnostic efficiency in Luminal B subtype breast cancer, and the areas under the ROC curve were 0.825 and 0.838, respectively. WiWoAUC and WiR were the most accurate parameters for assessing triple-negative subtype breast cancers, and the areas under the curve were 0.932 and 0.922, respectively. Conclusion: Qualitative and quantitative perfusion analysis of contrast-enhanced ultrasound may be useful in the non-invasive prediction of the histological grade and molecular subtypes of breast cancers.

Biotransformation of Bioactive Metabolites in Cassiae Semen by Endogenous Enzymes and Probiotics.

The present study evaluated the potential of endogenous enzymes and probiotics in transforming bioactive metabolites to reduce the purgative effect and improve the functional activity of Cassiae Semen and verified and revealed the biotransformation effect of endogenous enzymes. Although probiotics, especially Lactobacillus rhamnosus, exerted the transformation effect, the endogenous enzymes proved to be more effective in transforming the components of Cassiae Semen. After biotransformation by endogenous enzymes for 12 h, the levels of six anthraquinones in Cassiae Semen increased by at least 2.98-fold, and free anthraquinones, total phenolics, and antioxidant activity also showed significant improvement, accompanied by an 82.2% reduction in combined anthraquinones responsible for the purgative effect of Cassiae Semen. Further metabolomic analysis revealed that the biotransformation effect of endogenous enzymes on the bioactive metabolites of Cassiae Semen was complex and diverse, and the biotransformation of quinones and flavonoids was particularly prominent and occurred by three primary mechanisms, hydrolyzation, methylation, and dimerization, might under the action of glycosyl hydrolases, SAM-dependent methyltransferases, and CYP450s. Accordingly, biotransformation by endogenous enzymes emerges as a mild, economical, food safety risk-free, and effective strategy to modify Cassiae Semen into an excellent functional food.

In vitro assessment of cytotoxicity of spent fluid catalytic cracking refinery catalysts on cell lines and identification of critical toxic metals.

The Purpose of the present study was to quantify the responses of ten cell lines (HeLa, HepG2, HEK293, MDA-MB-231, A498, A549, A357, 3 T3, BALB-C3 T3, and NIH-3 T3) to spent fluid catalytic cracking catalysts (SFCCCs) from different petroleum refineries, and relate these responses to metal concentrations of SFCCC leachates (SFCCCLs). Cytotoxicity of SFCCCs were significantly different depending on cell lines. A357 and 3 T3 cell were the most sensitive, and A498 and HeLa cells were the least sensitive. HEK293 cells showed the least fluctuation in toxic response to different SFCCCLs among all cells. Cytotoxic IC50 values of SFCCCs to 7 kinds of cells were the most correlated with vanadium (V) concentration in SFCCCLs. V is the most critical toxic factor of SFCCC. Glutathione synthesis was induced in HepG2 cells exposed to higher concentrations of SFCCCLs. SFCCCLs with low concentration of V can induce the decrease of GSH/GSSG ratio in HepG2 cells, suggesting that high concentration of V inhibits the detoxification of glutathione.

White matter fiber integrity and structural brain network topology: implications for balance function in postischemic stroke patients.

Previous studies have suggested that ischemic stroke can result in white matter fiber injury and modifications in the structural brain network. However, the relationship with balance function scores remains insufficiently explored. Therefore, this study aims to explore the alterations in the microstructural properties of brain white matter and the topological characteristics of the structural brain network in postischemic stroke patients and their potential correlations with balance function. We enrolled 21 postischemic stroke patients and 21 age, sex, and education-matched healthy controls (HC). All participants underwent balance function assessment and brain diffusion tensor imaging. Tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) were used to compare the fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity, and radial diffusivity of white matter fibers between the two groups. The white matter structural brain network was constructed based on the automated anatomical labeling atlas, and we conducted a graph theory-based analysis of its topological properties, including global network properties and local node properties. Additionally, the correlation between the significant structural differences and balance function score was analyzed. The TBSS results showed that in comparison to the HC, postischemic stroke patients exhibited extensive damage to their whole-brain white matter fiber tracts (P < 0.05). Graph theory analysis showed that in comparison to the HC, postischemic stroke patients exhibited statistically significant reductions in the values of global efficiency, local efficiency, and clustering coefficient, as well as an increase in characteristic path length (P < 0.05). In addition, the degree centrality and nodal efficiency of some nodes in postischemic stroke patients were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). The white matter fibers of the entire brain in postischemic stroke patients are extensively damaged, and the topological properties of the structural brain network are altered, which are closely related to balance function. This study is helpful in further understanding the neural mechanism of balance function after ischemic stroke from the white matter fiber and structural brain network topological properties.

Application of 3D computed tomography in emphysematous parenchyma patients scheduled for bronchoscopic lung volume reduction.

Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) is a feasible, safe, effective and minimally invasive technique to significantly improve the quality of life of advanced severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In this study, three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) automatic analysis software combined with pulmonary function test (PFT) was used to retrospectively evaluate the postoperative efficacy of BLVR patients. The purpose is to evaluate the improvement of lung function of local lung tissue after operation, maximize the benefits of patients, and facilitate BLVR in the treatment of patients with advanced COPD. All the reported cases of advanced COPD patients treated with BLVR with one-way valve were collected and analysed from 2017 to 2020. Three-dimensional-CT image analysis software system was used to analyse the distribution of low-density areas <950 Hounsfield units in both lungs pre- and post- BLVR. Meanwhile, all patients performed standard PFT pre- and post-operation for retrospective analysis. We reported six patients that underwent unilateral BLVR with 1 to 3 valves according to the range of emphysema. All patients showed a median increase in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) of 34%, compared with baseline values. Hyperinflation was reduced by 16.6% (range, 4.9%-47.2%). The volumetric measurements showed a significant reduction in the treated lobe volume among these patients. Meanwhile, the targeted lobe volume changes were inversely correlated with change in FEV1/FEV1% in patients with heterogeneous emphysematous. We confirm that 3D-CT analysis can quantify the changes of lung volume, ventilation and perfusion, to accurately evaluate the distribution and improvement of emphysema and rely less on the observer.

Bioleaching of metals from spent fluid catalytic cracking catalyst using adapted Acidithiobacillus caldus.

In this study, an adapted bioleaching strain of Acidithiobacillus caldus UVS10 was successfully developed. Batch tests and tests in bioreactor were conducted to evaluate the metals bioleaching performance of A. caldus UVS10 to spent FCC catalyst (SFCCC). Results of batch experiments showed the bioleaching efficiency of Ni, V, La, and Ce in SFCCC reached 19.40%, 22.06%, 53.75%, and 59.56%, respectively. High SFCCC pulp density inhibited the leaching of metals. Sb leaching was inhibited in acidic environment caused by A. caldus UVS10. Contents of Ni, V, La, and Ce in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) were significantly higher than those intracellular. Accumulation of metal in EPS and cytosol increased with the increase of SFCCC pulp density. V was less intercepted by EPS than Ni, La, and Ce, because of lower toxicity. Experimental results in bioreactor showed that Ni, V, La, and Ce could be effectively leached by A. caldus UVS10 under 10% pulp density. The aeration and stirring operating environment in bioreactor improved the leaching efficiency of metals in SFCCC. After bioleached in bioreactor, the available fraction content of four metals in SFCCC decreased significantly. Ecological risk analysis demonstrated the environmental risks of bioleached SFCCC were significantly lower than raw SFCCC. Different reaction kinetic models were used to represent metals leaching behavior under bioleaching of A. caldus UVS10, leaching of La and Ce showed good agreement with the product layer diffusion model, while Ni and V leaching kinetics fit well with the surface chemical reaction models.

Evaluating the psychometric properties of the Chinese Depression Anxiety Stress Scale for Youth (DASS-Y) and DASS-21.

BACKGROUND: In recognizing the need for a reliable and valid instrument to assess psychological distress among children and adolescents, the present study translated the newly developed Depression Anxiety Stress Scale for Youth (DASS-Y) into Chinese, while also comparing its psychometric properties with those of the well-established DASS-21 within a primary and middle school demographic. METHODS: Utilizing a combination of convenience sampling and purposive sampling, a cohort comprising 1,507 primary and 1,131 middle school students was recruited. Rasch analysis, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used in the data analysis. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed between the DASS-Y and the DASS-21, notably within the anxiety subscale. The proportions of individuals with clinical mood disorders identified by the two scales demonstrated a significant disparity. Both scales, following an adjustment of responses, exhibited satisfactory internal consistency and convergent validity, with the acceptance of a three-factor structure. Furthermore, the DASS-Y showed superior discriminant validity relative to the DASS-21, providing more compelling evidence regarding concurrent validity. CONCLUSION: Overall, the Chinese version of the DASS-Y demonstrated superior robustness to the DASS-21 in terms of psychometric properties. The findings provide initial evidence for the psychometric properties of the DASS-Y from another culture.

The Ka /Ks and πa /πs Ratios under Different Models of Gametophytic and Sporophytic Selection.

Alternation of generations in plant life cycle provides a biological basis for natural selection occurring in either the gametophyte or the sporophyte phase or in both. Divergent biphasic selection could yield distinct evolutionary rates for phase-specific or pleiotropic genes. Here, we analyze models that deal with antagonistic and synergistic selection between alternative generations in terms of the ratio of nonsynonymous to synonymous divergence (Ka/Ks). Effects of biphasic selection are opposite under antagonistic selection but cumulative under synergistic selection for pleiotropic genes. Under the additive and comparable strengths of biphasic allelic selection, the absolute Ka/Ks for the gametophyte gene is equal to in outcrossing but smaller than, in a mixed mating system, that for the sporophyte gene under antagonistic selection. The same pattern is predicted for Ka/Ks under synergistic selection. Selfing reduces efficacy of gametophytic selection. Other processes, including pollen and seed flow and genetic drift, reduce selection efficacy. The polymorphism (πa) at a nonsynonymous site is affected by the joint effects of selfing with gametophytic or sporophytic selection. Likewise, the ratio of nonsynonymous to synonymous polymorphism (πa/πs) is also affected by the same joint effects. Gene flow and genetic drift have opposite effects on πa or πa/πs in interacting with gametophytic and sporophytic selection. We discuss implications of this theory for detecting natural selection in terms of Ka/Ks and for interpreting the evolutionary divergence among gametophyte-specific, sporophyte-specific, and pleiotropic genes.

Effect and safety of probiotics for treating urticaria: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: To assess the effect and safety of probiotics for treating urticaria. METHODS: Randomized controlled trial (RCT) papers on the probiotics treatment published before May 2019 were retrieved from various databases like PubMed, EMbase, MEDLINE (Ovid), SCI-Hub, Springer, ClinicalKey, VIP, and CNKI. The treatment plan that we include are oral administration of single probiotic, multiple probiotics, and the combination of probiotics and antihistamines. Meta-analysis of the data was performed by RevMan 5.3 software. RESULTS: A total of nine RCT papers were included: four papers for oral administration of single probiotic, three papers for oral administration of multiple probiotics, and two papers for oral administration of a probiotic combined with antihistamines. The results of meta-analysis showed that the therapeutic effect of the probiotic group was significantly higher than the control group (placebo or antihistamines) (RR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.03-1.16, p = 0.006). And compared with the placebo group, the therapeutic effect of single probiotic group was significantly improved (RR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.01-1.21, p = 0.03). Regarding therapeutic effect, there was no statistically significant difference between the multiple probiotics group and placebo group (RR = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.94 ~ 1.07, p = 0.91); the therapeutic effect of single probiotic combined antihistamine group was significantly higher than the antihistamine group (RR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.07-1.19, p < 0.0001). Regarding the incidence of adverse reactions, there was no significant difference between the probiotic group and the control group (p = 0.46). CONCLUSION: The treatment plan of oral administration of probiotics has significant therapeutic effects on urticaria, but the therapeutic effects of the administration of multiple probiotics and the safety of probiotic therapy are still not yet obvious. Some large-scale, multi-centered RCT studies are needed in the future for clarification.

[Clinical Features and Prognosis of Multiple Myeloma Patients with Secondary Primary Malignancies].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical characteristics and prognosis of multiple myeloma(MM) patients with secondary primary malignancies. METHODS: The clinical data of newly diagnosed MM patients admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2011 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients with secondary primary malignancies were retrieved, and their clinical features and prognosis were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 1 935 patients with newly diagnosed MM were admitted in this period, with a median age of 62 (18-94) years old, of which 1 049 cases were hospitalized twice or more. There were eleven cases with secondary primary malignancies (the incidence rate was 1.05%), including three cases of hematological malignancies (2 cases of acute myelomonocytic leukemia and 1 case of acute promyelocytic leukemia) and eight cases of solid tumors (2 cases of lung adenocarcinoma, and 1 case each of endometrial cancer, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, primary liver cancer, bladder cancer, cervical squamous cell carcinoma, and meningioma). The median age of onset was 57 years old. The median time between diagnosis of secondary primary malignancies and diagnosis of MM was 39.4 months. There were seven cases with primary or secondary plasma cell leukemia, the incidence rate was 0.67%, and the median age of onset was 52 years old. Compared with the randomized control group, the ß2-microglobulin level in the secondary primary malignancies group was lower (P=0.028), and more patients were in stage I/II of ISS (P=0.029). Among the 11 patients with secondary primary malignancies, one survived, ten died, and the median survival time was 40 months. The median survival time of MM patients after the secondary primary malignancies was only seven months. All seven patients with primary or secondary plasma cell leukemia died, with a median survival time of 14 months. The median overall survival time of MM patients with secondary primary malignancies was longer than that of the patients with plasma cell leukemia (P=0.027). CONCLUSION: The incidence rate of MM with secondary primary malignancies is 1.05%. MM patients with secondary primary malignancies have poor prognosis and short median survival time, but the median survival time is longer than that of patients with plasma cell leukemia.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound liver imaging reporting and data system v2017: patient outcomes after treatment for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma nodules with category 3-5 and category M.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate correlation between contrast-enhanced ultrasonography Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (CEUS LI-RADS; v. 2017) categories (LR 3-5 vs LR-M) and outcomes in patients with early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after initial therapy. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 272 patients with high risks for HCC and solitary clinically or pathologically confirmed HCC were identified between January 2010 and December 2015. Patients were initially treated by resection and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) according to the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging system and were followed up until December 31, 2018. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared between nodules assigned as LR 3-5 or LR M according to CEUS LI-RADS v. 2017 by using the Kaplan-Meier curve, log-rank test, and Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS: Early washout is the key determinating whether a nodule is classed as LR-M. Treatment procedures and LI-RADS category showed an independent correlation with OS and RFS (p < 0.05). LR 3-5 category were more correlated with better OS (88.6 months and 74.2 months, respectively; p = 0.017) compared with LR-M. Surgical resection demonstrated longer OS and RFS than RFA in LR-M patients and longer OS in LR 3-5 patients (p < 0.05). Besides, there was no significantly difference in OS and RFS between two categories in resection (p > 0.05), while for patients treated with RFA, LR 3-5 patients showed significant longer OS and RFS than LR-M patients (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients with HCC assigned as LR-M showed worse RFS and OS and surgical resection tended to be a more effective treatment for these patients. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: Putting forward a theory that CEUS LI-RADS categories could independently predict the outcome for patients with solitary HCC at early-stage after initial treatment.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolation is an important predictor for recurrent hemoptysis after bronchial artery embolization in patients with idiopathic bronchiectasis: a multicenter cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Nearly half of bronchiectasis patients receiving bronchial artery embolization (BAE) still have recurrent hemoptysis, which may be life-threatening. Worse still, the underlying risk factors of recurrence remain unknown. METHODS: A retrospective cohort was conducted of patients with idiopathic bronchiectasis who received BAE from 2015 to 2019 at eight centers. Patients were followed up for at least 24 months post BAE. Based on the outcomes of recurrent hemoptysis and recurrent severe hemoptysis, a Cox regression model was used to identify risk factors for recurrence. RESULTS: A total of 588 individuals were included. The median follow-up period was 34.0 months (interquartile range: 24.3-53.3 months). The 1-month, 1-year, 2-year, and 5-year cumulative recurrent hemoptysis-free rates were 87.2%, 67.5%, 57.6%, and 49.4%, respectively. The following factors were relative to recurrent hemoptysis: 24-h sputum volume (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.99 [95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.25-3.15, p = 0.015]), isolation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (HR = 1.50 [95% CI: 1.13-2.00, p = 0.003]), extensive bronchiectasis (HR = 2.00 [95% CI: 1.29-3.09, p = 0.002]), and aberrant bronchial arteries (AbBAs) (HR = 1.45 [95% CI: 1.09-1.93, p = 0.014]). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the nomogram was 0.728 [95% CI: 0.688-0.769]. CONCLUSIONS: Isolation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important independent predictor of recurrent hemoptysis. The clearance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa might effectively reduce the hemoptysis recurrence rate.

A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study on the Attitudes Towards Patient Safety and Influencing Factors of Nurses in Infectious Diseases Wards.

Background: Patient safety is an important aspect of healthcare delivery and is critical to healthcare quality. An assessment of the attitudes of nursing staff in infectious diseases wards towards patient safety may identify deficiencies and allow for the development of educational programmes to train nursing staff to participate in good patient safety practices. Objective: To explore the current situation and influencing factors on nurses' attitudes towards patient safety in infectious diseases wards. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 446 nurses from infectious diseases wards in eight hospitals in the Hebei Province to participate in an electronic questionnaire survey from October to December 2020. The Chinese version of the safety attitude questionnaire was used to gather the opinions of these participants, and SPSS 22.0 statistical software was used to analyse the data. Results: The average score of safety attitudes towards patients was 3.59 ± 0.30. The scores for each dimension, from high to low, were as follows: management perception: 3.77 ± 0.42 points, pressure perception: 3.77 ± 0.42 points, safety atmosphere: 3.57 ± 0.43 points, job satisfaction: 3.57 ± 0.43 points, teamwork: 3.55 ± 0.50 points and working conditions: 3.50 ± 0.45 points. The results of the multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that the influential factors on nurses' attitudes towards patient safety in infectious diseases wards were as follows: night shift working (ß = 11.885, P = 0.000), years of nursing experience (ß = 2.862, P = 0.001), education level (ß = 4.462, P = 0.001) and marital status (ß = 3.871, P = 1.002), which together explained 33.5% of the total variance. Conclusion: Nurses' attitudes towards patient safety in infectious diseases wards were moderately high. Night shift work, years of nursing experience, education level and marital status affected nurses' attitudes towards patient safety. Managers should focus on these groups of nurses and improve their working conditions and job satisfaction to further enhance patient safety.

Latent profile analysis of psychological needs thwarting in Chinese school teachers: longitudinal associations with problematic smartphone use, psychological distress, and perceived administrative support.

Introduction: In light of the significant impact that teachers have on education quality and student growth, their mental health warrants special attention. With the increasing popularity of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the rise of online teaching during the pandemic, teachers have become a group prone to developing problematic smartphone use (PSU). Psychological need thwarting (PNT) has been shown to be closely related to PSU, psychological distress, and perceived administrative support. However, most previous studies have adopted a variable-centered approach, which may overlook the possibility that the three basic needs are not closely associated and could form distinct profiles. Therefore, this study aims to apply latent profile analysis to identify different PNT profiles and their associations with PSU, psychological distress, and perceived administrative support. Methods: A longitudinal survey was conducted using convenience and purposive sampling methods. The survey involved 1,642 primary and middle school teachers working in China over a two-month interval, with the first assessment in November 2021 (Time 1) and the second in January 2022 (Time 2). Results: The results indicate that a three-profile model, intricately based on the PNT data gathered at Time 1, is most optimal: Class 1 is labeled as 'High autonomy-High competence and Moderate relatedness thwarting', Class 2 as 'High autonomy-High competence and High relatedness thwarting', and Class 3 as 'Low psychological needs thwarting'. Distinct associations were observed among the three profiles concerning PSU, psychological distress, and perceived administrative support. Specifically, in terms of PSU, the score of Class 2 was higher than Class 1, with that of Class 3 being the lowest at Time 1, while at Time 2 no significant difference was found between any two of these three groups; in terms of distress, the scores of the three profiles were arranged from high to low as Class 2, 1, and 3 at both time points; and in terms of perceived administrative support, the order was just the opposite, with 3, 1, and 2 from high to low at both Time 1 and Time 2. Conclusion: Notably, the consistent ranking of the three classes in terms of psychological distress and administrative support suggests a lasting influence of PNT. Future studies should explore this enduring impact further by employing additional longitudinal data sets and examining potential mediators or moderators beyond the current study's scope.

An 'AND'-based ratiometric fluorescence probe for the sequential detection of biothiols and hypochlorous acid.

An 'AND'-based ratiometric fluorescence probe for the sequential detection of biothiols and hypochlorous acid was developed. FRET was observed only when RSHClO reacted with biothiols before reacting with hypochlorous acid, a phenomenon that has been confirmed in aqueous solutions and cells. This feature enables the probe to mimic biological processes and is particularly suitable for imaging oxidizing and reducing substances that cannot coexist.

[Soil nematode community characteristics of alfalfa field with different growing ages in the semi-arid Loess Plateau of Central Gansu, Northwest China]. / 陇中黄土高原半干旱区不同种植年限紫花苜蓿土壤线虫群落分布特征.

To clarify the impacts of long-term alfalfa plantation on the soil nematode community, soil samples were collected from different alfalfa growing ages (2 a, 9 a, 18 a) in the semi-arid area of Loess Plateau in Central Gansu by Illumina Miseq sequencing technology. The main controlling factors affecting its community change were also explored. The results showed that soil nematode belongs to 2 classes, 7 orders, 16 families and 21 genera. Among them, Chromadorea was the dominant group (44.6%-81.4%), the relative abundance of which decreased with alfalfa growing ages. Paratylenchus, Helicotylenchus, Xiphinema, Pristionchus, Ditylenchus, Panagrolaimus, Longidorus, Aprutides, Isolaimium and Aglenchus were the special nematode species of alfalfa, among which Paratylenchus (54.1%), Helicotylenchus (23.9%) and Xiphinema (21.9%) were the dominant nematodes in 2 a, 9 a and 18 a alfalfa soil respectively. Plant-parasitic nematode was the dominant group in alfalfa soil (31.8%-67.1%), and its relative abundance decreased at first and then increased with alfalfa growing ages. Results of redundancy analysis showed that soil available phosphorus and total nitrogen were the dominant environmental factors affecting community structure of soil nematodes in the region.

Evolutionary Divergence between Toona ciliata and Toona sinensis Assayed with Their Whole Genome Sequences.

Toona ciliata and Toona sinensis belong to the Toona genus of the Meliaceae family and are important timber species in China. T. ciliata is an endangered species at level II due to overcutting and a low rate of natural regeneration. T. sinensis was cultivated as an economic and nutritious tree for more than 2000 years. The two species differ in flower and leaf morphological traits, reproductive systems, and range size of natural distribution. To reveal the potential molecular basis of these divergences, we examined the similarities and differences in their whole genome sequences. Results indicate that T. ciliata had a higher number of expanded gene families than T. sinensis. The whole genome duplication (WGD) occurred before their speciation. The long-terminal repeats (LTRs) insertion was earlier in the T. ciliata genome (3.2985 ± 2.5007 Mya) than in the T. sinensis genome (3.1516 ± 2.2097 Mya). Twenty-five gene families in the T. ciliata genome were detected to be under positive selection compared with background branches of ten different land species. The T. ciliata genome was highly collinear with the T. sinensis genome, but had low collinearity with the genomes of more distant species. These genomic and evolutionary divergences are potentially associated with the differences between T. ciliata and T. sinensis in terms of their reproductive systems and ecological adaptation.