Differential analysis of transcriptome of psychrophilic bacteria under different culture temperatures.

BACKGROUND: Psychrophilic bacteria can survive in a unique living environment. OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism of low temperature adaptation and the physiological function of thermophilic metabolic genes. METHOD: Serratia marcescens strain F13 stored in microbial laboratory was cultured at 5∘C, 10∘C and 25∘C respectively, and the obtained strains were sequenced by high-throughput transcriptome. Serratia marcescens strain CAV1761 was used as the reference strain. The data produced by transcriptome sequencing were statistically analyzed by biostatistics software such as soapnuke, soap and edger. The differentially expressed genes were found based on the gene expression, and analyzed by Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. RESULTS: The results showed that there were 718 differential genes in F13-10 vs F13-5 comparison group, 1614 differential genes in F13-25 vs F13-5 comparison group and 1636 differential genes in F13-25 vs F13-10 comparison group. GO function enrichment analysis showed that the GO term mainly enriched by different genes in the three comparison groups was mostly related to the migration and transport of cellular or subcellular components, cell localization and transmembrane transporter activity, as well as cilia or flagella dependent cell movement. In the enrichment analysis of KEGG pathway, the three comparison groups all enriched the largest number of differential genes in the branch pathway of KEGG metabolism, followed by the branch pathway of environmental information processing. CONCLUSION: In F13-10 vs F13-5, the differential genes were mainly concentrated in 20 pathways such as ATP-binding cassette transport (ABC) transporters, thiamine metabolism and flagella assembly; In F13-25 vs F13-5, the differential genes are mainly concentrated in 20 pathways, such as (ABC) transporters, arginine and proline metabolism, two-component system and so on; In F13-25 vs F13-10, the differential genes are mainly concentrated in 20 pathways such as various types of glycan synthesis, two-component system and arginine metabolism.

Sophoricoside ameliorates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury dependent on activating AMPK.

AIMS: Ischemic stroke accounts for 87% of all strokes, and its death and disability bring a huge burden to society. Brain injury caused by ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) is also a major difficulty in clinical treatment and prognosis. Sophoricoside (SOP) is an isoflavone glycoside isolated from the seed of medical herb Sophora japonica L. Previously, SOP was found to be effective in anti-inflammation and glucose-lipid metabolism-related diseases. In order to investigate whether SOP has a regulatory effect on cerebral I/R injury, we conducted this study. METHODS: Here, by application of SOP into MCAO (transient middle cerebral artery occlusion)-induced mice and OGD/R (oxygen glucose deprivation/reperfusion)-induced primary neurons, the regulation effects of SOP was analyzed by detecting neurological score of post-stroke mice, phenotypes of brains and brain sections, cell viabilities, and apoptosis- and inflammation-regulation. RNA sequencing and molecular biology experiments were performed to explore the mechanism of SOP regulating cerebral I/R injury. RESULTS: SOP administration decreased the infarct size, neurological deficit score, neuronal cell injury, inflammation and apoptosis. Mechanistically, SOP exerted its protective effect by activating the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: SOP inhibits cerebral I/R injury by promoting the phosphorylation of AMPK.

Development and validation of a radiomics model based on T2-weighted imaging for predicting the efficacy of high intensity focused ultrasound ablation in uterine fibroids.

Background: The heterogeneity of uterine fibroids in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is complex for a subjective visual evaluation, therefore it is difficult for an accurate prediction of the efficacy of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation in fibroids before the treatment. The purpose of this study was to set up a radiomics model based on MRI T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) for predicting the efficacy of HIFU ablation in uterine fibroids, and it would be used in preoperative screening of the fibroids for achieving high non-perfused volume ratio (NPVR). Methods: A total of 178 patients with uterine fibroids were consecutively enrolled and treated with ultrasound-guided HIFU under conscious sedation between February 2017 and December 2021. Among them, 96 patients with 108 uterine fibroids with high ablation efficacy (NPVR ≥80%, h_NPVR) and 82 patients with 92 fibroids with lower ablation efficacy (NPVR <80%, l_NPVR) were retrospectively analyzed. The transverse T2WI images of fibroids were selected, and the fibroids were delineated slice by slice using ITK-SNAP software. The radiomics analysis was performed to find the imaging biomarker for the construction of a predicting model for the evaluation of the ablation efficacy, including the feature extraction, feature selection and model construction. The prediction model was built by logistic regression and assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and the prediction efficiency of the two models was compared by Delong test. The ratio of the training set to the testing set was 8:2. Results: The logistic regression model showed that the mean area under the curve (AUC) of the training set was 0.817 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.755-0.882], and the testing set was 0.805 (95% CI: 0.670-0.941), respectively, which indicated a strong classification ability. The Delong test showed that there was no significant difference in the area under the ROC curve between the training set and testing set (P>0.05). Conclusions: The radiomics model based on T2WI is feasible and effective for predicting the efficacy of HIFU ablation in treatment of uterine fibroids.

Recurrent hematuria involving urinary system with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome: A case report.

RATIONALE: Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) is a rare congenital venous malformation, it had been found to be caused by mutations of the phosphatidylinositol 4, 5-diphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) gene. Currently KTS is defined as a triad of skin wine pigmented spots, varicose veins and malformations of the lower extremities, and hypertrophy of bone and soft tissue, involving urinary system up to 6% to 30%. When the urinary system is involved, KTS is often presented as painless massive gross hematuria. PATIENT CONCERNS: This article describes a woman who was hospitalized with painless massive gross hematuria. Physical examination revealed significant hypertrophy of the right lower limb with varicose veins, port-wine stains in the skin, and right perineal hemangiomatous changes with swelling. The patient was admitted to hospital 4 times for repeated hematuria and infection. DIAGNOSES: By physical examination, CT urography, ureteroscopy and cystoscopy, the patient was diagnosed to have Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome, involving the urinary system. INTERVENTIONS: The patient hematuria improved after multiple indwelling D-J tubes and anti-inflammatory treatment. OUTCOMES: The final symptoms of hematuria improved significantly, follow-up so far has not recurred. LESSONS: This case presents the possibility of painless gross hematuria with KTS. Most of patients can be improved by conservative treatment. Cystoscopic laser therapy is the preferred treatment for poor bleeding control. Cystectomy and nephrectomy should be considered when life-threatening.

Insight into the Alkali Resistance Mechanism of FeMoTiOx Catalysts for NH3 Selective Catalytic Reduction of NO: Self-Defense Effects of MoOx for Alkali Capture.

The deactivation of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalysts caused by alkali metal poisoning remains an insurmountable challenge. In this study, we examined the impact of Na poisoning on the performance of Fe and Mo co-doped TiO2 (FeaMobTiOx) catalysts in the SCR reaction and revealed the related alkali resistance mechanism. On the obtained Fe1Mo2.6TiOx catalyst, the synergistic catalytic effect of uniformly dispersed FeOx and MoOx species leads to remarkable catalytic activity, with over 90% NO conversion achieved in a wide temperature range of 210-410 °C. During the Na poisoning process, Na ions predominantly adsorb on the MoOx species, which exhibit stronger alkali resistance, effectively safeguarding the FeOx species. This preferential adsorption minimizes the negative effect of Na poisoning on Fe1Mo2.6TiOx. Moreover, Na poisoning has little influence on the Eley-Rideal reaction pathway involving adsorbed NHx reacting with gaseous NOx. After Na poisoning, the Lewis acid sites were deteriorated, while the abundant Brønsted acid sites ensured sufficient NHx adsorption. As a benefit from the self-defense effects of active MoOx species for alkali capture, FeaMobTiOx exhibits exceptional alkali resistance in the SCR reaction. This research provides valuable insights for the design of highly efficient and alkali-resistant SCR catalysts.

Integrated analysis of differentially expressed genes and miRNA expression profiles in dilated cardiomyopathy.

Background: Although dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a prevalent form of cardiomyopathy, the molecular mechanisms underlying its pathogenesis and progression remain poorly understood. It is possible to identify and validate DCM-associated genes, pathways, and miRNAs using bioinformatics analysis coupled with clinical validation methods. Methods: Our analysis was performed using 3 mRNA datasets and 1 miRNA database. We employed several approaches, including gene ontology (GO) analysis, KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, protein-protein interaction networks analysis, and analysis of hub genes to identify critical genes and pathways linked to DCM. We constructed a regulatory network for DCM that involves interactions between miRNAs and mRNAs. We also validated the differently expressed miRNAs in clinical samples (87 DCM ，83 Normal) using qRT-PCR.The miRNAs' clinical value was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curves (ROCs). Results: 78 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 170 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were associated with DCM. The top five GO annotations were collagen-containing extracellular matrix, cell substrate adhesion, negative regulation of cell differentiation, and inflammatory response. The most enriched KEGG pathways were the Neurotrophin signaling pathway, Thyroid hormone signaling pathway, Wnt signaling pathway, and Axon guidance. In the PPI network, we identified 10 hub genes, and in the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network, we identified 8 hub genes and 15 miRNAs. In the clinical validation, we found 13 miRNAs with an AUC value greater than 0.9. Conclusion: Our research offers novel insights into the underlying mechanisms of DCM and has implications for identifying potential targets for diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

Network pharmacology combined with lipidomics to reveal the regulatory effects and mechanisms of Kangzao granules in the hypothalamus of rats with central precocious puberty.

Central precocious puberty (CPP) is a prevalent endocrine disorder that primarily affects children, specifically females, and is associated with various physical and psychological complications. Although Kangzao granules (KZG) are efficacious in managing CPP, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the therapeutic mechanisms of KZG using network pharmacology, molecular docking, pharmacodynamics, and pathway validation. A putative compound-target-pathway network was constructed using Cytoscape, before KEGG and Gene Ontology enrichment analyses were conducted. Moreover, molecular docking was performed using AutoDockTools. Quality control of the 10 key components of KZG was carried out using UHPLC-ESI/LTQ-Orbitrap-MS/MS, and hypothalamic lipids were analyzed using UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS/MS. In total, 87 bioactive compounds that targeting 110 core proteins to alleviate CPP were identified in KZG. Lipidomic analysis revealed 18 differential lipids among the CPP, KZG, and control groups, wherein fatty acids were significantly reduced in the model group; however, these changes were effectively counteracted by KZG treatment. Molecular docking analysis revealed a strong binding affinity between flavonoids and RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT) when docked into the crystal structure. Moreover, a substantial disruption in lipid metabolism was observed in the model group; however, treatment with KZG efficiently reversed these alterations. Furthermore, the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT signaling pathway was identified as a pivotal regulator of hypothalamic lipid metabolism regulator. Overall, this study highlights the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary approach that combines network pharmacology, lipidomics, molecular docking, and experimental validation in the elucidation of the therapeutic mechanisms of KZG in CPP treatment.

In Situ Generation of H2O2 over MoOx Decorated on Cu2O@CuO Core-Shell Particle Nanoarchitectonics for Boosting Photocatalytic Oxidative Desulfurization.

Photocatalytic oxidation desulfurization (PODS) has emerged as a promising, ecofriendly alternative to traditional, energy-intensive fuel desulfurization methods. Nevertheless, its progress is still hindered due to the slow sulfide oxidation kinetics in the current catalytic systems. Herein, we present a MoOx decorated on a Cu2O@CuO core-shell catalyst, which enables a new, efficient PODS pathway by in situ generation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) with saturated moist air as the oxidant source. The photocatalyst delivers remarkable specific activity in oxidizing dibenzothiophene (DBT), achieving a superior rate of 7.8 mmol g-1 h-1, while maintaining a consistent performance across consecutive reuses. Experimental investigations reveal that H2O2 is produced through the two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), and both H2O2 and the hydroxyl radicals (•OH) generated from it act as the primary reactive species responsible for sulfide oxidation. Importantly, our catalyst accomplishes complete PODS of real diesel fuel, underscoring an appealing industrial prospect for our photocatalyst.

Fabrication of anti-freezing and self-healing nanocomposite hydrogels based on phytic acid and cellulose nanocrystals for high strain sensing applications.

For hydrogel-based flexible sensors, it is a challenge to enhance the stability at sub-zero temperatures while maintaining good self-healing properties. Herein, an anti-freezing nanocomposite hydrogel with self-healing properties and conductivity was designed by introducing cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and phytic acid (PA). The CNCs were grafted with polypyrrole (PPy) by chemical oxidation, which were used as the nanoparticle reinforcement phase to reinforce the mechanical strength of hydrogels (851.8%). PA as a biomass material could form strong hydrogen bond interactions with H2O molecules, endowing hydrogels with prominent anti-freezing properties. Based on the non-covalent interactions, the self-healing rate of the hydrogels reached 92.9% at -15 °C as the content of PA was 40.0 wt%. Hydrogel-based strain sensors displayed high sensitivity (GF = 0.75), rapid response time (350 ms), good conductivity (3.1 S m-1) and stability at -15 °C. Various human movements could be detected by using them, including small (smile and frown) and large changes (elbow and knee bending). This work provides a promising method for the development of flexible wearable sensors that work stably in frigid environments.

Machine learning-based prediction model for myocardial ischemia under high altitude exposure: a cohort study.

High altitude exposure increases the risk of myocardial ischemia (MI) and subsequent cardiovascular death. Machine learning techniques have been used to develop cardiovascular disease prediction models, but no reports exist for high altitude induced myocardial ischemia. Our objective was to establish a machine learning-based MI prediction model and identify key risk factors. Using a prospective cohort study, a predictive model was developed and validated for high-altitude MI. We consolidated the health examination and self-reported electronic questionnaire data (collected between January and June 2022 in 920th Joint Logistic Support Force Hospital of china) of soldiers undergoing high-altitude training, along with the health examination and second self-reported electronic questionnaire data (collected between December 2022 and January 2023) subsequent to their completion on the plateau, into a unified dataset. Participants were subsequently allocated to either the training or test dataset in a 3:1 ratio using random assignment. A predictive model based on clinical features, physical examination, and laboratory results was designed using the training dataset, and the model's performance was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve score (AUC) in the test dataset. Using the training dataset (n = 2141), we developed a myocardial ischemia prediction model with high accuracy (AUC = 0.86) when validated on the test dataset (n = 714). The model was based on five laboratory results: Eosinophils percentage (Eos.Per), Globulin (G), Ca, Glucose (GLU), and Aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Our concise and accurate high-altitude myocardial ischemia incidence prediction model, based on five laboratory results, may be used to identify risks in advance and help individuals and groups prepare before entering high-altitude areas. Further external validation, including female and different age groups, is necessary.

Converting formaldehyde in methanol with MoO2 under irradiation: A pollution-free strategy for cleaning air.

Direct photocatalytic reduction of toxic formaldehyde (HCHO) in value-added chemicals and fuels is promising because that not only abates the environmental pollution, but also solves the energy shortage. Herein, self-supported MoO2 and MoO3 nanoparticles growing on Mo meshes were comparatively applied to the photocatalytic conversion of HCHO. Under UV-visble lights, MoO2 reduces HCHO in methanol (CH3OH) while MoO3 oxidizes HCHO in carbon oxide and water. Their contrary photocatalytic capacities were revealed. Compared with MoO3, the lower work function of MoO2 enables an electron-rich interface, realizing a complete reduction of 30 ppm HCHO to CH3OH in 30 min. Theoretical calculations clarify that a large number of delocalized electrons on MoO2 attracts HCHO molecule and activates its CO bond, facilitating subsequent hydrogenation and reduction of HCHO to CH3OH. As for MoO3, the wider bandgap and higher potential of valence band govern the photocatalytic oxidation of HCHO.

Micro X-ray fluorescence (µ-XRF) methodology for quantitative elemental imaging of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys with varying chemical compositions.

The preparation and characterization of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys with varying chemical compositions are helpful for rapid screening of the optimal compositions in the research and development of new materials. The traditional testing methods cannot accurately determine the composition gradient in samples because they have a low spatial resolution or are semi-quantitative and time-consuming. The micro X-ray fluorescence (µ-XRF) methodology has been used for the elemental imaging of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys with varying chemical compositions. The experimental conditions, including testing voltages, testing currents and the dwell time for each pixel, were optimized systematically to improve the repeatability and accuracy of the µ-XRF methodology. The quantitative elemental imaging of an Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy rod sample using µ-XRF was performed, and the results were validated by conducting spark optical emission spectroscopy. The limits of detection of µ-XRF for Zn, Mg, and Cu were 0.007 wt%, 0.068 wt%, and 0.002 wt%, respectively. This versatile elemental imaging technique provided an effective means for the component analysis and process evaluation of alloy samples with a composition gradient and thus for research and development of new materials.

Scattering of a radially polarized Bessel beam by a PEMC sphere: photonic nanojet and bottle beam formation.

The scattering of a radially polarized (r p) Bessel vortex and nonvortex beam by a perfect electromagnetic conductor (PEMC) sphere is studied based on the generalized Lorenz-Mie theory. The electric and magnetic fields of the incident arbitrary-shaped polarized beams are constructed using vector spherical wave functions (VSWFs) and beam shape coefficients. The analytical expression of the scattered field is expanded using VSWFs and scattering coefficients, which are derived by considering PEMC boundary conditions. The expression of the normalized dimensionless far-field scattering intensity (NDFSI) is also defined and derived. The photonic nanojet (PNJ) and the "bottle beam" generated by the interaction between the PEMC sphere and the vortex and nonvortex Bessel beam under r p are emphasized in this paper. Moreover, the intensity and directivity of NDFSI are also considered. It has been found that the generation of the PNJ and the "bottle beam" is determined by the half-cone angle α 0 of the r p Bessel beam and admittance parameter M of the PEMC sphere. Furthermore, the influence of M, α 0, and integer order l of the Bessel beam on the intensity and distribution of NDFSI is also discussed. The findings are important in the research on meta-materials and promising prospects in microwave engineering, antenna engineering, imaging, subwavelength focusing, optical radiation force, and torque.

Knowledge, psychological impacts, and protective behaviours during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic among Chinese residents in Canada with dependent school-age children: a cross-sectional online study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to describe the knowledge, protective behaviours, and psychological impact of COVID-19 on Chinese residents in Canada, as the emotional and behavioural impacts of the pandemic have not been intensively studied amongst these populations. It was important to determine whether having dependent school-age children (DSAC) aged 16 or under was associated with adverse psychological impacts amongst the Chinese residents living in the country. METHODS: In April 2020, 757 eligible participants were recruited through a snowball sampling to complete an online survey related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychological, behavioural, and sociodemographic variables were collected and first analyzed using descriptive and univariate statistics. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to further confirm the observed significant associations in bivariate analyses for selected psychological outcome variables. RESULTS: Seven hundred forty-two participants who responded to the "dependent school-age children" question were included in the analysis. Most of them identified as females (65.8%) and 77.2% included receiving a university degree or higher. There were no significant differences in COVID-19 knowledge between those living with or without DSAC. However, participants with DSAC were more likely to perceive themselves as being at greater risk of contracting COVID-19 (p = .023); therefore, having a higher chance of adopting protective behaviours (e.g., hand washing, sanitizing frequently or disinfecting work and living spaces (p < .05), elevated risks of depression (p = .007), and stress (p = .010), compared to those without DSAC. CONCLUSIONS: Predominantly, the Chinese residents in Canada with dependent school-age children were more likely to report the negative psychological impacts of the pandemic. These findings warrant further investigations that may contribute to informing key stakeholders about the identification and implementation of policies and interventions to support the needs of parents with young children, during and after the pandemic.

Comparison of percutaneous coronary intervention of native coronary artery versus bypass graft in patients with prior coronary artery bypass grafting.

Background: Large number of patients with prior coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) need repeat revascularization yearly, and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the optimal treatment strategy for such patients. However, it is still controversial whether PCI of native coronary artery or bypass graft is more beneficial. The aim of the study was to compare the clinical outcomes between native coronary artery vs. bypass graft PCI in patients with prior CABG. Methods: A total of 1,276 patients with prior CABG who underwent index PCI of native coronary artery (n=1,072) or bypass graft (n=204) were retrospectively examined. Patients were divided into native group and graft group according to the target vessel. The outcomes of the two groups were compared by using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) and Cox regression analysis. The primary endpoint was the composite of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs), which included all-cause death, non-fatal stroke, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), or target vessel revascularization (TVR). Results: Compared with native group, patients in graft group had higher risk of slow-flow/no-reflow phenomenon (1.5% vs. 0.1%, P=0.011 before IPTW, and 2.2% vs. 0.1%, P<0.001 after IPTW) and peri-procedural stroke (0.3% vs. 0, P=0.021 after IPTW). During a median follow-up period of 43 months, there was similar risk of MACCE between two groups. Notably, patients in graft group had a significantly higher incidence of non-fatal MI compared with native group regardless with or without IPTW (7.8% vs. 3.8%, P=0.018 and 8.3% vs. 3.9%, P=0.030, separately). After adjusting for confounding by using Cox regression, bypass graft PCI was associated with a higher risk of non-fatal MI (HR: 2.091, 95% CI: 1.069-4.089; P=0.031), but similar results in MACCE (HR: 1.077, 95% CI: 0.817-1.419; P=0.599) compared with native group. Conclusions: This study found that native coronary artery might be preferred for PCI in patients with prior CABG because of lower rates of slow-flow/no-reflow, peri-procedural stroke, and non-fatal MI at follow-up.

Impacts investigation of gas barrier on effective thermal conductivity and service life of vacuum insulation panel.

Vacuum Insulation Panels (VIPs) are highly efficient thermal insulation materials with extremely low thermal conductivity based on the vacuum principle. With the sealing properties of the gas barrier envelopes, a long service life of the VIP is obtained. The mechanism and influence factors of gas and water vapor permeability were mathematically analyzed to explore the influence of gas barrier envelopes on the thermal performance of VIPs. Three typical gas barriers were studied, and the selection of the gas barrier and other aspects of optimization were involved. The relationships among temperature, humidity, solubility coefficient, diffusion coefficient, and permeability were concluded, which shows that temperature has a much greater effect on the permeability of the gas barrier relative to humidity. The numerical analysis and influencing factors of VIPs' service life were also exemplified with three different types of gas barrier envelopes. The experimental results show that depending on the environment, the temperature has a major impact on the effective thermal conductivity and service life of VIP. The research was significant in the selection of gas barriers, the optimization of the performance, and the development of vacuum insulation material.

Coronary artery dilation in children with febrile illnesses other than Kawasaki disease: A case report and literature review.

Background: Coronary artery dilation (CAD) had rarely been described as a cardiac complication of febrile disease other than Kawasaki disease (KD). There are rare cases complicated by CAD reported in patients with Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection. Case presentation: A 6-year-old boy with severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) was transferred to our hospital due to significant respiratory distress on the 11th day from disease onset. Nadroparin, levofloxacin, and methylprednisolone followed by oral prednisone were aggressively prescribed. His clinical condition gradually achieved remission, and the drugs were withdrawn on the 27th day. Regrettably, the recurrent fever attacked him again in the absence of infection-toxic manifestations. Necrotizing pneumonia (NP) was found on chest CT. And echocardiography revealed right CAD (diameter, 3.40mm; z-score, 3.8), however, his clinical and laboratory findings did not meet the diagnostic criteria of KD. CAD was proposed to result from MP infection, and aspirin was prescribed. Encouragingly, the CAD regressed one week later (diameter, 2.50mm; z-score, 1.4). Additionally, the child defervesced seven days after the initiation of prednisone and Nadroparin treatment. The patient was ultimately discharged home on the 50th day. During follow-up, the child was uneventful with normal echocardiography and fully resolved chest CT lung lesions. Conclusions: CAD can develop in patients with severe MP infection. Pediatricians should be alert to the possibility of CAD in patients with severe MP infection and recognize that CAD might also develop in febrile disease rather than KD.

Angelica polysaccharides relieve blood glucose levels in diabetic KKAy mice possibly by modulating gut microbiota: an integrated gut microbiota and metabolism analysis.

BACKGROUND: Angelica polysaccharides (AP) have numerous benefits in relieving type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the underlying mechanisms have yet to be fully understood. Recent many reports have suggested that altering gut microbiota can have adverse effects on the host metabolism and contribute to the development of T2D. Here, we successfully established the T2D model using the male KKAy mice with high-fat and high-sugar feed. Meanwhile, the male C57BL/6 mice were fed with a normal feed. T2D KKAy mice were fed either with or without AP supplementation. In each group, we measured the mice's fasting blood glucose, weight, and fasting serum insulin levels. We collected the cecum content of mice, the gut microbiota was analyzed by targeted full-length 16S rRNA metagenomic sequencing and metabolites were analyzed by untargeted-metabolomics. RESULTS: We found AP effectively alleviated glycemic disorders of T2D KKAy mice, with the changes in gut microbiota composition and function. Many bacteria species and metabolites were markedly changed in T2D KKAy mice and reversed by AP. Additionally, 16 altered metabolic pathways affected by AP were figured out by combining metagenomic pathway enrichment analysis and metabolic pathway enrichment analysis. The key metabolites in 16 metabolic pathways were significantly associated with the gut microbial alteration. Together, our findings showed that AP supplementation could attenuate the diabetic phenotype. Significant gut microbiota and gut metabolite changes were observed in the T2D KKAy mice and AP intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of AP has been shown to improve the composition of intestinal microbiota in T2D KKAy mice, thus providing further evidence for the potential therapeutic application of AP in the treatment of T2D.

Flow injection analysis coupled with photoelectrochemical immunoassay for simultaneous detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2-spike and anti-SARS-CoV-2-nucleocapsid antibodies in serum samples.

A thin-layer flow cell of low internal volume (12 µL) is incorporated in a flow injection analysis (FIA) system for simultaneous and real-time photoelectrochemical (PEC) immunoassay of anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike 1 (S1) and anti-SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) antibodies. Covalent linkage of S1 and N proteins to two separate polyethylene glycol (PEG)-covered gold nanoparticles (AuNPs)/TiO2 nanotube array (NTA) electrodes affords 10 consecutive analyses with surface regenerations in between. An indium tin oxide (ITO) allows visible light to impinge onto the two electrodes. The detection limits for anti-S1 and anti-N antibodies were estimated to be 177 and 97 ng mL-1, respectively. Such values compare well with those achieved with other reported methods and satisfy the requirement for screening convalescent patients with low antibody levels. Additionally, our method exhibits excellent intra-batch (RSD = 1.3%), inter-batch (RSD = 3.4%), intra-day (RSD = 1.0%), and inter-day (RSD = 1.6%) reproducibility. The obviation of an enzyme label and continuous analysis markedly decreased the assay cost and duration, rendering this method cost-effective. The excellent anti-fouling property of PEG enables accuracy validation by comparing our PEC immunoassays of patient sera to those of ELISA. In addition, the simultaneous detection of two antibodies holds great potential in disease diagnosis and immunity studies.