Nucleon Energy Correlators.

We introduce the concept of the nucleon energy correlators, a set of novel objects that encode the microscopic details of a nucleon, such as the parton angular distribution in a nucleon, the collinear splitting to all orders, as well as the internal transverse dynamics of the nucleon. The nucleon energy correlators complement the conventional nucleon or nucleus tomography, but without introducing the nonperturbative fragmentation functions or the jet clustering algorithms. We demonstrate how the nucleon energy correlators can be measured in the lepton-nucleon deep inelastic scattering. The predicted distributions display a fascinating phase transition between the perturbative and nonperturbative regime. In the perturbative phase, a polar angle version of the Bjorken scaling behavior is predicted. We discuss its possible applications and expect it to aggrandize the physics content at the electron ion colliders with a far-forward detector.

Rational design of formamidine tin-based perovskite solar cell with 30% potential efficiency via 1-D device simulation.

As a promising photovoltaic technology, halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have recently attracted wide attention. This work presents a systematic simulation of low bandgap formamidinium tin iodide (FASnI3)-based p-n heterojunction PSCs to investigate the effects of multiple optoelectronic variations on the photovoltaic performance. The structures of the simulated devices are n-i-p, electron transport layer-free (ETL-free), hole transport layer-free (HTL-free), and inverted HTL-free. The simulation is conducted with the Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator (SCAPS-1D). The power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) dramatically decrease when the acceptor doping density (NA) of the absorber layer exceeds 1016 cm-3. For all devices, the photovoltaic parameters dramatically decrease when the absorber defect density (Nt) is over 1015 cm-3, and the best absorber layer thickness is 1000 nm. It should be pointed out that the Nt and the interface defect layer (IDL) are the primary culprits that seriously affect the device performance. When the interfacial defect density (Nit) exceeds 1012 cm-3, PCEs begin to decline significantly. Therefore, paying attention to these defect layers is necessary to improve the PCE. Furthermore, the proper conduction band offset (CBO) between the electron transport layer (ETL) and absorber layer positively affects PSCs' performance. These simulation results help fabricate highly efficient and environment-friendly narrow bandgap PSCs.

Losartan attenuates acetic acid enema-induced visceral hypersensitivity by inhibiting the ACE1/Ang II/AT1 receptor axis in enteric glial cells.

Enteric glial cells (EGCs) play an important role in visceral hypersensitivity associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Losartan (Los) is known to reduce pain; however, its function in IBS is unclear. The present study aimed to investigate Los's therapeutic effect on visceral hypersensitivity in IBS rats. Thirty rats were randomly divided into control, acetic acid enema (AA), AA + Los low, medium and high dose groups in vivo. EGCs were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and Los in vitro. The molecular mechanisms were explored by assessing the expression of EGC activation markers, pain mediators, inflammatory factors and angiotensin-converting enzyme 1(ACE1)/angiotensin II (Ang II)/Ang II type 1 (AT1) receptor axis molecules in colon tissue and EGCs. The results showed that the rats in the AA group showed significantly higher visceral hypersensitivity than the control rats, which was alleviated by different doses of Los. The expression of GFAP, S100ß, substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) was considerably increased in colonic tissues of AA group rats and LPS-treated EGCs compared with control rats and EGCs, and reduced by Los. In addition, Los reversed ACE1/Ang II/AT1 receptor axis upregulation in AA colon tissues and LPS-treated EGCs. These results show that Los inhibits ACE1/Ang II/AT1 receptor axis upregulation by suppressing EGC activation, resulting in reduced expression of pain mediators and inflammatory factors, thereby alleviating visceral hypersensitivity.

Engineered fibrotic liver-targeted truncated transforming growth factor ß receptor type II variant for superior anti-liver fibrosis therapy.

Truncated transforming growth factor ß receptor type II (tTßRII) is a promising anti-liver fibrotic candidate because it serves as a trap for binding excessive TGF-ß1 by means of competing with wild type TßRII (wtTßRII). However, the widespread application of tTßRII for the treatment of liver fibrosis has been limited by its poor fibrotic liver-homing capacity. Herein, we designed a novel tTßRII variant Z-tTßRII by fusing the platelet-derived growth factor ß receptor (PDGFßR)-specific affibody ZPDGFßR to the N-terminus of tTßRII. The target protein Z-tTßRII was produced using Escherichia coli expression system. In vitro and in vivo studies showed that Z-tTßRII has a superior specific fibrotic liver-targeting potential via the engagement of PDGFßR-overexpressing activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) in liver fibrosis. Moreover, Z-tTßRII significantly inhibited cell migration and invasion, and downregulated fibrosis- and TGF-ß1/Smad pathway-related protein levels in TGF-ß1-stimiluated HSC-T6 cells. Furthermore, Z-tTßRII remarkably ameliorated liver histopathology, mitigated the fibrosis responses and blocked TGF-ß1/Smad signaling pathway in CCl4-induced liver fibrotic mice. More importantly, Z-tTßRII exhibits a higher fibrotic liver-targeting potential and stronger anti-fibrotic effects than either its parent tTßRII or former variant BiPPB-tTßRII (PDGFßR-binding peptide BiPPB modified tTßRII). In addition, Z-tTßRII shows no significant sign of potential side effects in other vital organs in liver fibrotic mice. Taken together, we conclude that Z-tTßRII with its a high fibrotic liver-homing potential, holds a superior anti-fibrotic activity in liver fibrosis in vitro and in vivo, which may be a potential candidate for targeted therapy for liver fibrosis.

His-Purkinje system pacing reduced tricuspid regurgitation in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation after left-sided valve surgery.

Background & objective: Tricuspid regurgitation after left-sided valve surgery was a common and difficult problem. Atrial fibrillation was considered to be an important etiology of tricuspid regurgitation. His-Purkinje system pacing (HPSP) was a physiological pacing method, which could prevent and treat heart failure and might reduce tricuspid regurgitation. Our study aimed to investigate the effect of HPSP on tricuspid regurgitation in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation after left-sided valve surgery. Methods: This study was a retrospective study. The 3-year patient review focused on those who underwent permanent cardiac pacemaker implantation of HPSP after mitral valve and/or aortic valve replacement from Jan 1st, 2019 to Jan 1st, 2022. HPSP included His bundle pacing (HBP) or left bundle branch pacing (LBBP). Clinical data collected included electrocardiogram, pacing parameters, ultrasonic cardiogram parameters and chest x-ray at implantation and 3-month follow up. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis of tricuspid regurgitation velocity were performed. Results: A total of 44 patients was retrospectively reviewed. Eight patients who had undergone implantation of HPSP after left-sided heart valve replacement were enrolled in the study. All patients had persistent atrial fibrillation. Three of them received HBP and five underwent LBBP. At 3-month follow-up, the tricuspid regurgitation grade was significantly lower than that before implantation (P = 0.007). The tricuspid regurgitation velocity significantly decreased (317 ± 74 cm/s vs. 261 ± 52 cm/s, P = 0.022) and tricuspid valve pressure gradient (PG) reduced (42 ± 21 mmHg vs. 28 ± 10 mmHg, P = 0.040). The cardiothoracic ratio of patients was significantly lower than that before implantation (0.61 ± 0.08 vs. 0.64 ± 0.09, P = 0.017). The NYHA classification of patients also improved (P = 0.013). In multivariate liner regression analysis, the pacing ratio (ß = 0.736, P = 0.037) was an independent determinant of tricuspid regurgitation velocity variation. Conclusion: HPSP might reduce tricuspid regurgitation and improve cardiac function in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation after left-sided valve surgery.

Identification of High-Risk Coronary Lesions by 3-Vessel Optical Coherence Tomography.

BACKGROUND: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) may provide a method for detecting histologically defined high-risk plaques in vivo. OBJECTIVES: The authors aimed to investigate the prognostic value of OCT for identifying patients and lesions that are at risk for adverse cardiac events. METHODS: Between January 2017 and May 2019, OCT of all the 3 main epicardial arteries was performed in 883 patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) who were referred for primary percutaneous coronary intervention. The primary endpoint was the composite of cardiac death, nonculprit lesion-related nonfatal MI, and unplanned coronary revascularization. Patients were followed for up to 4 years (median 3.3 years). RESULTS: The 4-year cumulative rate of the primary endpoint was 7.2%. In patient-level analysis, thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) (adjusted HR: 3.05; 95% CI: 1.67-5.57) and minimal lumen area (MLA) <3.5 mm2 (adjusted HR: 3.71; 95% CI: 1.22-11.34) were independent predictors of the primary endpoint. In lesion-level analysis, nonculprit lesions responsible for subsequent events were not angiographically severe at baseline (mean diameter stenosis 43.8% ± 13.4%). TCFA (adjusted HR: 8.15; 95% CI: 3.67-18.07) and MLA <3.5 mm2 (adjusted HR: 4.33; 95% CI: 1.81-10.38) were predictive of events arising from each specific lesion. TCFAs with an MLA <3.5 mm2 carried a higher risk and were sufficient for identifying patients at risk for the composite of cardiac death and nonculprit lesion-related nonfatal MI. CONCLUSIONS: OCT imaging of angiographically nonobstructive territories in patients with acute MI can aid in identifying patients and lesions at increased risk for adverse cardiac events.

Menthone Exerts its Antimicrobial Activity Against Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus by Affecting Cell Membrane Properties and Lipid Profile.

Objective: The characteristic constituents of essential oils from aromatic plants have been widely applied as antimicrobial agents in the last decades. However, their mechanisms of action remain obscure, especially from the metabolic perspective. The aim of the study was to explore the antimicrobial effect and mechanism of menthone, a main component of peppermint oil, against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Methods: An integrated approach including the microbiology and the high-coverage lipidomics was applied. The changes of membrane properties were studies by the fluorescence and electron microscopical observations. The lipid profile was analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadruple Exactive mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QE-MS). The lipid-related key targets which were associated with the inhibitory effect of menthone against MRSA, were studied by network analysis and molecular docking. Results: Menthone exhibited antibacterial activities against MRSA, with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 3,540 and 7,080 µg/mL, respectively. The membrane potential and membrane integrity upon menthone treatment were observed to change strikingly. Further, lipids fingerprinting identified 136 significantly differential lipid species in MRSA cells exposed to menthone at subinhibitory level of 0.1× MIC. These metabolites span 30 important lipid classes belonging to glycerophospholipids, glycolipids, and sphingolipids. Lastly, the correlations of these altered lipids, as well as the potential metabolic pathways and targets associated with menthone treatment were deciphered preliminarily. Conclusion: Menthone had potent antibacterial effect on MRSA, and the mechanism of action involved the alteration of membrane structural components and corresponding properties. The interactions of identified key lipid species and their biological functions need to be further determined and verified, for the development of novel antimicrobial strategies against MRSA.

The efficacy and safety of cyclosporine in children with systemic lupus erythematosus: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a rare but severe multisystem autoimmune/inflammatory disease with marked heterogeneity between patients, causing anything from mild to life-threatening disease. We performed a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of cyclosporine in childhood-onset SLE. METHODS: This systematic review has been registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022377450), which will be conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols 2015 statement. Only randomized controlled trials will be included.We searched the following databases including PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, SinoMed, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang Data and International Clinical Trials Register Search Portal, and Clinical Trials.gov. Two researchers will use the Cochrane systematic evaluation tool to assess the risk of bias independently. Data synthesis will be performed using RevMan V.5.4. RESULTS: This study will comprehensively summarize the high-quality trials to determine the efficacy and safety of cyclosporine in the treatment of childhood-onset SLE. CONCLUSION: This study may be beneficial to health policymakers, clinicians, and patients with regard to the use of cyclosporine in childhood-onset SLE.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation rescues simulated space complex environment-induced emotional and social impairments by enhancing neuronal excitability in the medial prefrontal cortex.

Studies have shown that spaceflight affects the emotional and social performance of astronauts. Identifying the neural mechanisms underlying the emotional and social effects of spacefaring-specific environments is essential to specify targeted treatment and prevention interventions. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been shown to improve the neuronal excitability and is used to treat psychiatric disorders such as depression. To study the changes of excitatory neuron activity in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in simulated space complex environment (SSCE), and to explore the role of rTMS in behavioral disorders caused by SSCE and the neural mechanism. We found that rTMS effectively ameliorated the emotional and social impairments of mice in SSCE, and acute rTMS could instantaneously enhance the excitability of mPFC neurons. During depression-like and social novelty behaviors, chronic rTMS enhanced the mPFC excitatory neuronal activity that was inhibited by SSCE. Above results suggested that rTMS can completely reverse the SSCE-induced mood and social impairment by enhancing the suppressed mPFC excitatory neuronal activity. It was further found that rTMS suppressed the SSCE-induced excessive dopamine D2 receptor expression, which may be the cellular mechanism by which rTMS potentiates the SSCE-evoked hypoactive mPFC excitatory neurons. Our current results raise the possibility of rTMS being applied as a novel neuromodulation for mental health protection in spaceflight.

Design of a Coumarin-Based Fluorescent Probe for Efficient In Vivo Imaging of Amyloid-ß Plaques.

Amyloid-ß (Aß) is the core constituent protein of senile plaques, which is one of the key pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here we describe the design, synthesis, and evaluation of coumarin-derived small molecule fluorophores for Aß imaging. By embedding the aromatic coumarin framework into π bridge of a push-pull chromophore, a novel fluorescence probe XCYC-3 applicable to efficient Aß recognition was discovered. XCYC-3 displays higher fluorescent enhancement for aggregated Aß than monomeric Aß, and possesses good blood-brain barrier permeability. In vitro staining and in vivo imaging studies demonstrated that XCYC-3 could efficiently recognize Aß plaques in the brain of AD transgenic mice. These results suggest that XCYC-3 is a promising fluorescence imaging agent for Aß, which might provide important clues for the future development of potent NIR fluorescent probes for Aß diagnosis.

[Retracted] Oxidized­low density lipoprotein accumulates cholesterol esters via the PKCα­adipophilin­ACAT1 pathway in RAW264.7 cells.

Following the publication of the above paper, a concerned reader drew to the Editor's attention that the "con" and "ox­LDL" panels in Fig. 1E on p. 3602, and various data panels included in Figs. 3 and 5 on p. 3604, contained apparent anomalies, including what appeared to be matching patternings of cellular data either within the same figure panels or comparing among the data panels. After having conducted an independent investigation in the Editorial Office, the Editor of Molecular Medicine Reports has determined that the above paper should be retracted from the Journal on account of a lack of confidence in the overall authenticity of the data. After having consulted the authors in this regard, they agreed with the decision to retract this paper. The Editor deeply regrets any inconvenience that has been caused to the readership of the Journal. [Molecular Medicine Reports 12: 3599­3606, 2015; DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.3864.

Association of egg consumption with colorectal polyp prevalence: findings from the Lanxi Pre-Colorectal Cancer Cohort (LP3C) in China.

Eggs contain high-quality protein, lavish vitamins and other bioactive nutrients but are rich in cholesterol. Our study is designed to assess the association of egg intake with polyp prevalence. A total of 7068 participants at a high risk of CRC from the Lanxi Pre-Colorectal Cancer Cohort Study (LP3C) were recruited. A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was utilized to obtain dietary data through a face-to-face interview. Cases of colorectal polyps were identified by electronic colonoscopy. The logistic regression model was exploited to achieve odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Overall 2064 cases of colorectal polyps were identified in the 2018-2019 survey of LP3C. A positive association of egg consumption with colorectal polyp prevalence was found after the multivariable adjustment [ORQ4 vs. Q1 (95% CI): 1.23 (1.05-1.44); Ptrend = 0.01]. However, a positive relationship disappeared after further adjustment for dietary cholesterol (Ptrend = 0.37), which explained that the harmful role of eggs could be ascribed to the high content of dietary cholesterol. Besides, a positive trend was found between dietary cholesterol and polyp prevalence [OR (95% CI): 1.21 (0.99-1.47); Ptrend = 0.04]. Furthermore, replacing 1 egg (50 g d-1) with an equal amount of total dairy products was related to 11% lower colorectal polyp prevalence [OR (95% CI): 0.89 (0.80-0.99); P = 0.03]. In summary, higher egg consumption was correlated with a higher polyp prevalence among the Chinese population at a high risk of CRC, which was ascribed to the high content of dietary cholesterol in eggs. Besides, individuals with the highest dietary cholesterol tended to have a higher polyp prevalence. Reducing the consumption of eggs and replacing eggs with total dairy products as alternative protein sources may prevent the occurrence of polyps in China.

The dose- and time-dependent effectiveness and safety associated with COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to provide guidance for clinical treatment and increase public confidence in COVID-19 vaccines. METHODS: The Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, ClinicalKey, and other COVID-19 datasets were searched from December 2019 to May 2022. Case-control studies and prospective cohort studies of COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness and safety in pregnant women were included. RESULTS: From day 11 to day 13, after the first dose of the COVID-19 messenger RNA vaccine, the effectiveness was 54% (95% confidence interval: 0.33-0.69). On days 14 to 27, the effectiveness was 59%. There was a 14% increase in vaccine effectiveness 28 days after the first dose was given. The inactivated vaccines showed similar effectiveness. The proportions of placental abruptions, postpartum hemorrhages, miscarriages, stillbirths, premature births, and small for gestational age infants were not significantly different between vaccinated and nonvaccinated pregnant women. Fatigue and fever were also not associated with pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Our findings affirm that the effectiveness varies for different types of vaccines and is significantly and positively correlated with time in the pregnant population. COVID-19 vaccines have also been deemed safe for pregnant women. Thus, we developed a comprehensive understanding of the role of vaccines in pregnant women.

A Novel Adaptive Time-Frequency Filtering Approach to Enhance the Ultrasonic Inspection of Stainless Steel Structures.

Ultrasonic nondestructive testing (NDT) provides a valuable insight into the integrity of stainless steel structures, but the noise caused by the scattering of stainless steel microstructure often limits the effectiveness of inspection. This work presents a novel adaptive filtering approach to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of a measured ultrasonic signal from the inspection of a stainless steel component, enabling the detection of hidden flaws under strong noise. After the spectral modeling of the noisy ultrasonic NDT signal, the difference between the spectral characteristics of a flaw echo and that of grain noise is highlighted, and a reference spectrum model to estimate the frequency spectrum of the echo reflected by any possible flaw is developed. Then, the signal is segmented and the similarity between the spectra of data segments and the reference spectra is evaluated quantitatively by the spectral similarity index (SSI). Based on this index, an adaptive time-frequency filtering scheme is proposed. Each data segment is processed by the filtering to suppress the energy of noise. The processed data segments are recombined to generate the de-noised signal after multiplying weighting coefficients, which again is determined by the SSI. The performance of the proposed method for SNR enhancement is evaluated by both the simulated and experimental signal and the effectiveness has been successfully demonstrated.

GSK3ß/ITCH/c-FLIP Axis Counteracts TRAIL-induced Apoptosis in Human Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells.

AIMS: Further investigation on the mechanism of action of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) in NSCLC would shed light on the understanding of TRAIL resistance and provide new clues for the counter-strategy. BACKGROUND: Cellular FLICE-inhibitory protein (c-FLIP) is a critical inhibitor of TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Our previous study suggested that glycogen synthase kinase 3ß (GSK3ß) positively regulated c-FLIP expression in human lung adenocarcinoma cells. Meanwhile, other studies reported that c-FLIP was degraded by HECT-type E3 ligase ITCH (Itchy E3 Ubiquitin Protein Ligase) via the proteasome pathway. OBJECTIVE: We will explore whether ITCH is involved in the expression regulation of c-FLIP positively controlled by GSK3ß during the treatment of TRAIL. METHODS: Human lung adenocarcinoma cells were used to stably overexpress and knockdown GSK3ß. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) assay was used to test the expressional level of mRNA of genes. Western blot analysis was employed to detect the expression of proteins at the protein level. si RNA of ITCH was used to knock down its expression. TRAIL treatment was used to cause apoptosis. RESULTS: In the present study, we have confirmed the ITCH protein degradation of c-FLIP and the downregulation of ITCH expression by GSK3ß in lung adenocarcinoma cells. Moreover, ITCH silencing reversed the downregulation of c-FLIP protein caused by GSK3ß-knockdown in the cells. Accordingly, TRAIL-induced apoptosis facilitated by GSK3ß knockdown was blocked by the combined interference of ITCH. CONCLUSION: These results suggested that GSK3ß/ITCH axis regulated the stability of c-FLIP and impacting on TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Taken together, our study revealed a GSK3ß/ITCH/c-FLIP axis that counteracts TRAIL-induced apoptosis in human lung adenocarcinoma cells.

Correlation analysis between body mass index and foot length in Chinese adolescents: a regional study.

This study aims to analyse the relationship between body mass index and foot length in Chinese adolescents and to provide theoretical guidance for preventing a flat foot in Chinese adolescents. This study recruited 1477 students aged 14-23 years. The participants' height, weight, and body mass index were measured, as well as baseline data, including age, gender and foot length. Differences in foot length (bilateral) and flat foot distribution were statistically significant except for the normal foot and high arch foot distribution based on different body mass index groups. Linear correlation analysis demonstrated that body height, weight and body mass index were positively correlated with bilateral foot length regardless of gender. Body mass index acted as a risk factor for flat foot (bilateral) through disordered multi-classification logistic regression analysis. Body mass index was positively correlated with left and right foot length regardless of gender and acted as a risk factor for a flat foot in Chinese adolescents. Practitioner summary: Significant differences exist in the anthropometric data of various races and ethnic groups. The study was investigated in the form of a cross-sectional study. BMI was positively correlated with bilateral foot length and acted as a risk factor for a flat foot in Chinese adolescents.

Integrated genomics and transcriptomics reveal the extreme heavy metal tolerance and adsorption potentiality of Staphylococcus equorum.

In this study, we successfully isolated 11 species of cadmium-tolerant bacterium from Pu-erh rhizosphere soil, of which Staphylococcus equorum PU1 showed the highest cadmium tolerance, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 500 mg/L. The cadmium removal efficiency of PU1 in 400 mg/L cadmium medium reached 58.7 %. Based on the Nanopore PromethION and Illumina NovaSeq platforms, we successfully obtained the complete PU1 genome with a size of 2,705,540 bp, which encoded 2729 genes. We further detected 82 and 44 indel mutations in the PU1 genome compared with the KS1039 and KM1031 genomes from the database. Transcriptional analysis showed that the expression of 11 genes in PU1 increased with increasing cadmium concentrations (from 0 to 200, then to 400 mg/L), which encoded cadmium resistance, cadmium transport, and mercury resistance genes. In addition, some genes showed differential expression patterns with changes in cadmium concentration, including quinone oxidoreductase-like protein, ferrous iron transport protein, and flavohemoprotein. Gene Ontology (GO) functions, including oxidation reduction process and oxidoreductase activity functions, and KEGG pathways, including glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and biosynthesis of secondary metals, were also considered closely related to the extreme cadmium tolerance of PU1. This study provides novel insight into the cadmium tolerance mechanism of bacteria.

Geographic Access to Pediatric Cancer Care in the US.

Importance: Although access to pediatric cancer care has implications for use of such care and patient outcomes, little is known about the geographic accessibility of pediatric cancer care and how it may vary by population characteristics across the continental US. Objective: To estimate the travel time to pediatric cancer care settings in the continental US, identify potential disparities among subgroups of children and adolescents and young adults (AYAs), and identify areas needing improved access to pediatric cancer care. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional study collected data from August 1 to December 1, 2021. Pediatric oncologists' service locations in 2021 served as the pediatric cancer care settings, data for which were scraped from 2 websites containing information about health professionals. Demographic characteristics for younger children and AYAs aged 0 to 21 years were obtained from the 2015 to 2019 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Data were analyzed from January 1 to April 31, 2022. Main Outcomes and Measures: The main outcome was the travel time from geographic centroids of zip code tabulation areas to the nearest pediatric oncologist. The median (IQR) travel times for each demographic subgroup were estimated. Per capita pediatric oncologist supply was calculated by dividing the total number of pediatric oncologists for each state or US Census division by its population. Results: Of the 90 498 890 children and AYAs included in the study, 63.6% were estimated to travel less than 30 minutes and 19.7% to travel between 30 and 60 minutes (for a total of 83.3%) to the nearest pediatric oncologist. Median (IQR) travel times were longest for the American Indian or Alaska Native pediatric population (46 [16-104] minutes) and residents of rural areas (95 [68-135] minutes), areas with high deprivation levels (36 [13-72] minutes), and the South (24 [13-47] minutes) and Midwest (22 [11-51] minutes) compared with the general population of children and AYAs. The pediatric oncologist supply was lowest in Wyoming (0 oncologists per 100 000 pediatric population) and highest in Washington, DC (53.3 oncologists per 100 000 pediatric population). Pediatric oncologist supply across Census divisions was lowest in the Mountain division (3.3 oncologists per 100 000 pediatric population) and highest in the New England division (8.1 oncologists per 100 000 pediatric population). Conclusions and Relevance: Results of this study showed that most children and AYAs in the continental US had adequate access to pediatric cancer care, although disparities existed among racial and ethnic groups and residents in rural areas, areas with high deprivation levels, and some Southern and Midwestern states. Reducing these disparities may require innovative approaches, such as expanding the capabilities of local facilities and creating partnerships with adult oncology centers and primary care physicians.

The dose- and time-dependent effectiveness and safety associated with COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to provide guidance for clinical treatment and increase public confidence in COVID-19 vaccines. METHODS: The Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, ClinicalKey, and other COVID-19 datasets were searched from December 2019 to May 2022. Case-control studies and prospective cohort studies of COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness and safety in pregnant women were included. RESULTS: From day 11 to day 13, after the first dose of the COVID-19 messenger RNA vaccine, the effectiveness was 54% (95% confidence interval: 0.33-0.69). On days 14 to 27, the effectiveness was 59%. There was a 14% increase in vaccine effectiveness 28 days after the first dose was given. The inactivated vaccines showed similar effectiveness. The proportions of placental abruptions, postpartum hemorrhages, miscarriages, stillbirths, premature births, and small for gestational age infants were not significantly different between vaccinated and nonvaccinated pregnant women. Fatigue and fever were also not associated with pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Our findings affirm that the effectiveness varies for different types of vaccines and is significantly and positively correlated with time in the pregnant population. COVID-19 vaccines have also been deemed safe for pregnant women. Thus, we developed a comprehensive understanding of the role of vaccines in pregnant women.

Dedicated training of explosive strength in the abdominal core of soccer players / Treinamento dedicado da força explosiva no core abdominal dos jogadores de futebol / Entrenamiento específico de la fuerza explosiva en el core abdominal de futbolistas

ABSTRACT Introduction: Physical confrontation in soccer games presents greater demands on athletes' physical fitness. A soccer player's speed, strength, flexibility, coordination, endurance, and explosiveness can affect the body's fighting capacity. Objective: This study analyzes the relationship between strength training in soccer players' abdominal core and physical fitness. Methods: The effect of abdominal core stability strength training on performance improvement in volunteer soccer players selected as research subjects was verified by random division into two groups (experimental and control groups). Both groups performed daily training. The experimental group added special abdominal core training. Mathematical-statistical algorithms were used to statistically analyze the physical indicators of the two groups of volunteers. Results: The indices of physical fitness and body explosiveness of the two groups of athletes were significantly improved (P<0.05). After systematic training, the competition performance of the experimental group and the physiological and biochemical indicators were better than the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: After abdominal core training, soccer players' physical fitness and explosive power indexes were improved. Research shows that strength training can help improve abdominal core performance in soccer players. It is recommended that coaches implement abdominal core strength training in the daily training of athletes. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução: O confronto físico nos jogos de futebol apresenta maiores exigências quanto à aptidão física dos atletas. A velocidade, força, flexibilidade, coordenação, resistência e explosividade de um jogador de futebol podem afetar a capacidade de combate corporal. Objetivo: Este estudo visa analisar a relação entre o treinamento de força no core abdominal dos jogadores de futebol e sua aptidão física. Métodos: O efeito do treinamento de força da estabilidade do core abdominal sobre a melhoria do desempenho nos jogadores de futebol voluntários selecionados como objetos de pesquisa foi verificado por divisão aleatória em dois grupos (grupos experimentais e grupos de controle). Ambos os grupos realizavam treinamentos diários. O grupo experimental acrescentou treinamento especial de core abdominal. Foram utilizados algoritmos matemáticos-estatísticos para analisar os indicadores físicos dos dois grupos de voluntários de forma estatística. Resultados: Os índices de aptidão física e explosividade corporal dos dois grupos de atletas foram significativamente melhorados (P<0,05). Após o treinamento sistemático, o desempenho de competição do grupo experimental e os indicadores fisiológicos e bioquímicos foram melhores que os do grupo de controle (P<0,05). Conclusão: Após o treinamento do core abdominal, a aptidão física dos jogadores de futebol e os índices de potência explosiva foram melhorados. Pesquisas mostram que o treinamento da força pode ajudar a melhorar o desempenho do core abdominal nos jogadores de futebol. Recomenda-se aos treinadores a implementação do treino de força no core abdominal ao treinamento diário dos atletas. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: El enfrentamiento físico en los partidos de fútbol presenta mayores exigencias a la aptitud física de los atletas. La velocidad, la fuerza, la flexibilidad, la coordinación, la resistencia y la explosividad de un jugador de fútbol pueden afectar a la capacidad de combate del cuerpo. Objetivo: Este estudio tiene como objetivo analizar la relación entre el entrenamiento de la fuerza en el core de los jugadores de fútbol y su condición física. Métodos: El efecto del entrenamiento de la fuerza de la estabilidad del core abdominal sobre la mejora del rendimiento en jugadores de fútbol voluntarios seleccionados como sujetos de la investigación se verificó mediante la división aleatoria en dos grupos (grupo experimental y grupo de control). Ambos grupos realizaron un entrenamiento diario. El grupo experimental añadió un entrenamiento especial del core abdominal. Se utilizaron algoritmos matemático-estadísticos para analizar de forma estadística los indicadores físicos de los dos grupos de voluntarios. Resultados: Los índices de aptitud física y explosividad corporal de los dos grupos de atletas mejoraron significativamente (P<0,05). Tras el entrenamiento sistemático, el rendimiento en competición del grupo experimental y los indicadores fisiológicos y bioquímicos fueron mejores que los del grupo de control (P<0,05). Conclusión: Tras el entrenamiento del core abdominal, mejoraron la condición física y los índices de potencia explosiva de los futbolistas. Las investigaciones demuestran que el entrenamiento de fuerza puede ayudar a mejorar el rendimiento del core abdominal en los jugadores de fútbol. Se recomienda que los entrenadores implementen el entrenamiento de fuerza en el core abdominal al entrenamiento diario de los atletas. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.