Association between Pre-operative Body Mass Index and Surgical Infection in Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma Patients Treated with Curative Resection: A Multi-center Study.

Background: The objective of this study was to investigate the association between pre-operative body mass index (BMI) and surgical infection in perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) patients treated with curative resection. Methods: Consecutive pCCA patients were enrolled from four tertiary hospitals between 2008 and 2022. According to pre-operative BMI, the patients were divided into three groups: low BMI (≤18.4 kg/m2), normal BMI (18.5-24.9 kg/m2), and high BMI (≥25.0 kg/m2). The incidence of surgical infection among the three groups was compared. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine the independent risk factors associated with surgical infection. Results: A total of 371 patients were enrolled, including 283 patients (76.3%) in the normal BMI group, 30 patients (8.1%) in the low BMI group, and 58 patients (15.6%) in the high BMI group. The incidence of surgical infection was significantly higher in the patients in the low BMI and high BMI groups than in the normal BMI group. The multivariable logistic regression model showed that low BMI and high BMI were independently associated with the occurrence of surgical infection. Conclusions: The pCCA patients with a normal BMI treated with curative resection could have a lower risk of surgical infection than pCCA patients with an abnormal BMI.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of nurses regarding airway clearance in neurocritical illness patients: A cross-sectional study.

AIM: We aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding airway clearance among nurses and explore the factors affecting the knowledge, attitudes and practices. DESIGN: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study. BACKGROUND: Airway clearance is an important method of eliminating excess secretions. In neuroscience nursing, nurses are important executors of airway management, and their knowledge, attitudes and practices can influence the effectiveness of airway clearance. METHODS: This study was conducted from July to September 2023 in four hospitals in Jiangsu Province, China. A structured questionnaire about airway clearance was designed and used to collect the data. The nurses used this questionnaire to self-rate. The STROBE checklist for cross-sectional studies was followed. RESULTS: The age, work experience, highest educational attainment and technical title of the nurses can significantly influence their knowledge. The age, highest educational attainment and technical title of the nurses can significantly impact their attitudes. Practice scores were significantly influenced by age, work experience, technical title, whether the nurses had received any training on airway clearance techniques, and whether the department developed procedures for implementing the airway clearance technology. Nurses' attitudes were significantly associated with knowledge and practice, and there was no significant correlation between knowledge and practice. CONCLUSION: This study showed that age, work experience, highest educational attainment and training were related to knowledge, attitudes and practices. These findings suggest that nursing managers can conduct airway clearance training according to age group, working experience and education level of the nurses. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution. IMPACT: The findings show that the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices related to airway clearance in neuroscience nursing among nurses were acceptable, which means that nurses can better perform airway management on patients. These findings serve as a significant reference for designing an airway clearance education for nurses and meet the needs of nurses in clinical nursing practice.

Distinct multitrophic biodiversity composition and community organization in a freshwater lake and a hypersaline lake on the Tibetan Plateau.

Alpine lakes play pivotal roles in plateau hydrological processes but are highly sensitive to climate change, yet we lack comprehensive knowledge of their multitrophic biodiversity patterns. Here, we compared the biodiversity characteristics of diverse taxonomic groups across water depths and in surface sediments from a freshwater lake and a hypersaline lake on the northwestern Tibetan Plateau. Using multi-marker environmental DNA metabarcoding, we detected 134 cyanobacteria, 443 diatom, 1,519 invertebrate, and 28 vertebrate taxa. Each group had a substantially different community composition in the two lakes, and differences were also found between water and sediments within each lake. Cooccurrence network analysis revealed higher network complexity, lower modularity, and fewer negative cohesions in the hypersaline lake, suggesting that high salinity may destabilize ecological networks. Our results provide the first holistic view of Tibetan lake biodiversity under contrasting salinity levels and reveal structural differences in the ecological networks that may impact ecosystem resilience.

Effects of cadmium on the intestinal health of the snail Bradybaena ravida Benson.

The heavy metal cadmium (Cd) is a toxic and bioaccumulative metal that can be enriched in the tissues and organs of living organisms through the digestive tract. However, more research is needed to determine whether food-sourced Cd affects the homeostasis of host gut microflora. In this study, the snail Bradybaena ravida (Benson) was used as a model organism fed with mulberry leaves spiked with different concentrations of Cd (0, 0.052, 0.71, and 1.94 mg kg-1). By combining 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing with biochemical characterization, it was found that there were increases in the overall microbial diversity and abundances of pathogenic bacteria such as Corynebacterium, Enterococcus, Aeromonas, and Rickettsia in the gut of B. ravida after exposure to Cd. However, the abundances of potential Cd-resistant microbes in the host's gut, including Sphingobacterium, Lactococcus, and Chryseobacterium, decreased with increasing Cd concentrations in the mulberry leaves. In addition, there was a significant reduction in activities of energy, nutrient metabolism, and antioxidant enzymes for gut microbiota of snails treated with high concentrations of Cd compared to those with low ones. These findings highlight the interaction of snail gut microbiota with Cd exposure, indicating the potential role of terrestrial animal gut microbiota in environmental monitoring through rapid recognition and response to environmental pollution.

Combined healthy lifestyles and risk of depressive symptoms: A baseline survey in China.

BACKGROUND: Little evidence exists about whether a combination of healthy lifestyle factors is associated with a lower risk of depressive symptoms among Chinese population. We aimed to investigate the association between combined healthy lifestyle factors and risk of depressive symptoms. METHODS: We conducted a baseline survey from July 2021 to December 2023, including 53,642 Chinese adults from general population. A healthy lifestyle score was constructed based on six lifestyle factors (physical activity, smoking status, alcohol consumption, diet, sleep duration, and body mass index). Logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) adjusted for confounding variables. RESULTS: Each additional healthy lifestyle score was associated with a 20 % lower risk of having depressive symptoms (OR (95 % CI): 0.80 (0.78-0.81)). Compared with individuals with ≤2 healthy lifestyle factors, individuals with all the six healthy lifestyle factors had a 58 % reduced risk of having depressive symptoms (0.42 (0.37-0.47)). After stratification by gender, education and urbanization, the significant inverse association with healthy lifestyle score was stronger in women, individuals with high education, and urban residents. Besides, the significant negative association between healthy lifestyle score and depressive symptoms remained for different severity of depressive symptoms. LIMITATIONS: Given the cross-sectional nature of data, we cannot make causal inferences. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicated that adherence to healthy lifestyle factors was associated with a reduced risk of having depressive symptoms among Chinese adults. The observed associations were modified by gender, education and urbanization. These findings warrant further verification in interventional studies.

Intrauterine Exposure to Long-Chain Perfluorocarboxylic Acids (PFCAs) Were Associated with Reduced Primary Bile Acids in Three-Year-Old Children: Findings from a Prospective Birth Cohort Study.

Bile acids (BAs) play a crucial role in lipid metabolism of children. However, the association between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) exposure and BAs profiles in children is scarce. To address this need, we selected 252 children from the Maoming Birth Cohort and measured 32 PFAS, encompassing short- and long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) and perfluorosulfonic acids (PFSAs) in the cord blood. Additionally, we analyzed nine primary and eight secondary BAs in the serum of three-year-old children. Generalized linear models with FDR-adjusted and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were used to explore the associations of individual and mixture effects of PFAS and BAs. We found negative associations between cord blood long-chain PFCAs and serum primary BAs in three-year-old children. For example, one ln-unit (ng/mL) increase of perfluoro-n-tridecanoic acid (PFTrDA), perfluoro-n-undecanoic acid (PFUnDA) and perfluoro-n-decanoic acid (PFDA) were associated with decreased taurochenodeoxycholic acid, with estimated percentage change of -24.28% [95% confidence interval (CI): -36.75%, -9.35%], -25.84% (95% CI: -39.67%, -8.83%), and -22.97% (95% CI: -34.45%, -9.47%) respectively. Notably, the observed association was more pronounced in children with lower vegetable intake. Additionally, the BKMR model also demonstrated a monotonical decline in primary BAs as the PFAS mixture increased. We provided the first evidence between intrauterine PFAS and its mixture exposure with BAs in children. Further large-sample-size studies are needed to verify this finding.

Effect of Specific Spoilage Organisms on the Degradation of ATP-Related Compounds in Vacuum-Packed Refrigerated Large Yellow Croaker (Larimichthys crocea).

This study examined the spoilage potential of specific spoilage organisms on the degradation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-related compounds in vacuum-packed refrigerated large yellow croaker. The total viable count (TVC), ATP-related compounds and related enzymes of vacuum-packed refrigerated large yellow croaker inoculated with different bacteria (Pseudomonas fluorescens and Shewanella putrefaciens) were characterized using the spread plate method, high-performance liquid chromatography and assay kits, respectively. Results indicated that the TVC for both control and Shewanella putrefaciens groups reached spoilage levels at days 9 and 15, respectively. The changes of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and adenosine deaminase activity across all groups showed no significant difference attributable to microbial growth. The results suggested that ATP to inosine monophosphate (IMP) degradation primarily occurs via fish's endogenous enzymes, with minimal microbial involvement. On day 12, the IMP content in fillets inoculated with Pseudomonas fluorescens (0.93 µmol/g) was half higher than in those inoculated with Shewanella putrefaciens (0.57 µmol/g). Both spoilage organisms facilitated IMP degradation, with Shewanella putrefaciens making a more substantial contribution. Analysis of K values and correlation coefficients revealed that Shewanella putrefaciens was the primary factor in the freshness loss of refrigerated vacuum-packed large yellow croaker. These findings offer a reference for understanding quality changes in refrigerated large yellow croaker, especially regarding umami degradation at the microbial level.

Preparation and Decomposition of Spherical CL-20 Composites with Enhanced Laser Absorbance and Decreased Mechanical Sensitivity.

Direct initiation of secondary explosives by a semiconductor laser is highly demanded, but it is challenging to exclude the use of sensitive primers. Most laser-sensitive energetic materials are usually mechanically sensitive. In order to reduce the mechanical sensitivity (MS) of 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20) while improving laser absorbance in the near-infrared band, spherical CL-20 composites (SCCs) embedded with nano aluminum (Al) powder and graphene-based catalyst (GO-CHZ-Co) were prepared by a spray drying method. These SCCs have been characterized comprehensively in terms of their morphologies, particle size distribution, laser absorbance, thermal decomposition behaviors, MS, and laser ignition properties. Results show that the maximum critical impact energy of SCCs was 3.8 J, which is 2.8 J higher than that of pristine ε-CL-20. The critical friction load was increased by at most 108 N compared to pristine CL-20. The absorbance has also been significantly increased up to almost 70% in the wavelength between 400 and 1400 nm, where the peak absorption is located in the region of 800-900 nm. In addition, the initial decomposition temperature (Ti) of SCCs is lower than that of pure CL-20, especially in the presence of GO-CHZ-Co. The apparent activation energy (Ea) for the decomposition of SCCs was largely dependent on the particle size of Al. Preliminary ignition tests indicate that the SCCs can be ignited successfully by a small-power laser.

Cognitive rejuvenation in old rats by hippocampal OSKM gene therapy.

Several studies have indicated that interrupted epigenetic reprogramming using Yamanaka transcription factors (OSKM) can rejuvenate cells from old laboratory animals and humans. However, the potential of OSKM-induced rejuvenation in brain tissue has been less explored. Here, we aimed to restore cognitive performance in 25.3-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats using OSKM gene therapy for 39 days. Their progress was then compared with the cognitive performance of untreated 3.5-month-old rats as well as old control rats treated with a placebo adenovector. The Barnes maze test, used to assess cognitive performance, demonstrated enhanced cognitive abilities in old rats treated with OSKM compared to old control animals. In the treated old rats, there was a noticeable trend towards improved spatial memory relative to the old controls. Further, OSKM gene expression did not lead to any pathological alterations within the 39 days. Analysis of DNA methylation following OSKM treatment yielded three insights. First, epigenetic clocks for rats suggested a marginally significant epigenetic rejuvenation. Second, chromatin state analysis revealed that OSKM treatment rejuvenated the methylome of the hippocampus. Third, an epigenome-wide association analysis indicated that OSKM expression in the hippocampus of old rats partially reversed the age-related increase in methylation. In summary, the administration of Yamanaka genes via viral vectors rejuvenates the functional capabilities and the epigenetic landscape of the rat hippocampus.

Genomic characteristics of adipose-derived stromal cells induced into neurons based on single-cell RNA sequencing.

Adipose-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) can be induced to differentiate into neurons, representing the most promising avenue for cell therapy. However, the molecular mechanism and genomic characteristics of the differentiation of ADSCs into neurons remain poorly understood. In this study, cells from the adult ADSCs group, induction 1h, 3h, 5h, 6h, and 8h groups were selected for single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq). Samples from these seven-time points were sequenced and analyzed. The expression of neuron marker genes, including NES, MAP2, TMEM59L, PTK2B, CHN1, DNM1, NRSN2, FBLN2, SCAMP1, SLC1A1, DLG4, CDK5, and ENO2, was found to be low in the ADSCs group, but highly expressed in differentiated cell clusters. The expression of stem cell marker genes, including CCND1, IL1B, MMP1, MMP3, MYO10, and BMP2, was the highest in the ADSCs cluster. This expression decreased significantly with the extension of induction time. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis of upregulated genes in the induced samples showed that the biological processes related to neuronal differentiation and development, such as neuronal differentiation, projection, and apoptosis, were significantly upregulated with a longer induction time during cell cluster differentiation. The results of the cell communication analysis demonstrated the gradual formation of complex neural network connections between ADSC-derived neurons through receptor and ligand pairs at 5h after the induction of differentiation.

A Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis of Risk Factors for Peri-implant Bone Loss.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate multiple risk factors of peri-implant bone loss. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case-control study was conducted on patients who had received dental implants treatment from January 2018 to December 2021. Implants with bone loss were included in the case group, and implants with no bone loss were included in the control group. Risk factors including history of periodontitis, abutment connection type, implant surface, diameter, location, three-dimensional position, opposing dentition, adjacent teeth, prosthetic type, retention type and custom abutment were evaluated. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to evaluate these risk factors, providing corresponding odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: A total of 776 implants in 479 patients were included in the analysis. The number of implants in the case group and the control group were 84 and 692, respectively. Cement-retained prostheses (OR=2.439, 95%CI=1.241-4.795) and nonplatform switch design (OR=2.055, 95%CI=1.167-3.619) were identified as weak risk factors. Horizontal deviation (OR=4.177, 95%CI=2.265-7.703) was a moderate risk factor. Vertical deviation (OR=10.107, 95%CI=5.280-19.347) and implants located in the mandibular molar region (OR=10.427, 95%CI=1.176-92.461) were considered high risk factors. CONCLUSION: Implants in the molar region, cement retained, non-platform switch design, and poor three-dimensional implant positioning are identified as significant risk factors for peri-implant bone loss.

Comparative transcriptome analyses reveal regulatory network and hub genes of aluminum response in roots of elephant grass (Cenchrus purpureus).

Aluminum (Al) toxicity severely restricts the growth and productivity of elephant grass in acidic soils around the world. However, the molecular mechanisms of Al response have not been investigated in elephant grass. In this study, we conducted phenotype, physiology, and transcriptome analysis of elephant grass roots in response to Al stress. Phenotypic analysis revealed that a low concentration of Al stress improved root growth while higher Al concentrations inhibit root growth. Al stress significantly increased the citrate (CA) content in roots, while the expression levels of genes related to citrate synthesis were substantially changed. The multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) family were identified as hub genes in the co-expression network of Al response in elephant grass roots. Phylogenetic analysis showed that hub genes CpMATE93 and CpMATE158 belonged to the same clade as other MATE genes reported to be involved in citrate transport. Additionally, overexpression of CpMATE93 conferred Al resistance in yeast cells. These results provide a theoretical basis for further studies of molecular mechanisms in the elephant grass response to Al stress and could help breeders develop elite cultivars with Al tolerance.

Effectiveness of Lianhua Qingwen Granule and Jingyin Gubiao Prescription in Omicron BA.2 Infection and Hospitalization: A Real-World Study of 56,244 Cases in Shanghai, China.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness of Chinese medicine (CM) Lianhua Qingwen Granule (LHQW) and Jingyin Gubiao Prescription (JYGB) in asymptomatic or mild patients with Omicron infection in the shelter hospital. METHODS: This single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted in the largest shelter hospital in Shanghai, China, from April 10, 2022 to May 30, 2022. A total of 56,244 asymptomatic and mild Omicron cases were included and divided into 4 groups, i.e., non-administration group (23,702 cases), LHQW group (11,576 cases), JYGB group (12,112 cases), and dual combination of LHQW and JYGB group (8,854 cases). The length of stay (LOS) in the hospital was used to assess the effectiveness of LHQW and JYGB treatment on Omicron infection. RESULTS: Patients aged 41-60 years, with nadir threshold cycle (CT) value of N gene <25, or those fully vaccinated preferred to receive CM therapy. Before or after propensity score matching (PSM), the multiple linear regression showed that LHQW and JYGB treatment were independent influence factors of LOS (both P<0.001). After PSM, there were significant differences in LOS between the LHQW/JYGB combination and the other groups (P<0.01). The results of factorial design ANOVA proved that the LHQW/JYGB combination therapy synergistically shortened LOS (P=0.032). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a nadir CT value <25 were more likely to accept CM. The LHQW/JYGB combination therapy could shorten the LOS of Omicron-infected individuals in an isolated environment.

[A quantitative study of mechanics in the treatment of atlantoaxial joint disorder by tendon relaxation manipulation].

OBJECTIVE: To explore dose-effect relationship of biomechanical parameters in treating atlantoaxial joint disorder by slimming manipulation. METHODS: From October 2022 to May 2023, 18 patients with atlantoaxial joint disorders were treated, including 10 males and 8 females;aged from 24 to 27 years old with an average of (25.50±1.10) years old;CT of cervical vertebra showed 16 patients with right side distortion and 2 patients with left side distortion. The mechanical parameters of treatment of atlantoaxial joint disorder by tendon relaxation manipulation were measured by wearing massage manipulation gloves. The magnitude, frequency and mechanical curve of force during tendon relaxation and starting force, pulling force, pulling time and mechanical curve during rehabilitation were quantified, the differences between the affected and contralateral manipulations were compared. RESULTS: The maximum force and frequency of Fengchi(GB20) on the affected side were (19.82±2.02) N and (116.83±14.49) times/min, and opposite side were (13.87±2.19) N and (188.89±16.03) times/min, respectively. There were statistically difference in the maximum force and frequency of both sides (P<0.05). The maximum force and frequency of Quepen (ST12) on the affected side were (14.44±3.27) N and (139.06±28.47) times/min, and those on the opposite side were (9.41±1.38) N and (142.50±28.47) times/min. There was difference in maximum force on both sides (P<0.05). The starting force, turning force and turning time of the affected side were (14.16±5.98) N, (11.56±6.63) N, (0.14±0.03) S, and the contralateral side were (8.94±3.39) N, (8.30±4.64) N, (0.18±0.04) S, respectively. The difference of starting force, turning force and turning time on both sides were statistically significant (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: By applying a light relaxation force on the affected side, the mechanical balance between cervical vertebrae could be restored, and recovery trend of atlantoaxial joint disorder could be strengthened. On this basis, the atlantoaxial odontoid process could be reversed by applying a light rotation force, which reflects the characteristics of high safety of the manipulation.

Exportin 1 governs the immunosuppressive functions of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in tumors through ERK1/2 nuclear export.

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a main driver of immunosuppression in tumors. Understanding the mechanisms that determine the development and immunosuppressive function of these cells could provide new therapeutic targets to improve antitumor immunity. Here, using preclinical murine models, we discovered that exportin 1 (XPO1) expression is upregulated in tumor MDSCs and that this upregulation is induced by IL-6-induced STAT3 activation during MDSC differentiation. XPO1 blockade transforms MDSCs into T-cell-activating neutrophil-like cells, enhancing the antitumor immune response and restraining tumor growth. Mechanistically, XPO1 inhibition leads to the nuclear entrapment of ERK1/2, resulting in the prevention of ERK1/2 phosphorylation following the IL-6-mediated activation of the MAPK signaling pathway. Similarly, XPO1 blockade in human MDSCs induces the formation of neutrophil-like cells with immunostimulatory functions. Therefore, our findings revealed a critical role for XPO1 in MDSC differentiation and suppressive functions; exploiting these new discoveries revealed new targets for reprogramming immunosuppressive MDSCs to improve cancer therapeutic responses.

Improved HPLC method with automated pre-column sample derivatisation for serum pegylated L-asparaginase activity measurement in paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia patients.

Therapeutic drug monitoring of pegylated L-asparaginase (ASNase) ensures the drug effectiveness in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) patients. The biological drug property with variable immunogenic host clearance, and the prescription of its generic formulation urge the need for a reliable assay to ensure an optimal treatment and improve outcome. This study aimed to optimise an existing isocratic reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method with an automated pre-column sample derivatisation and injection program, and a computational algorithm for measuring serum pegylated ASNase activity in children with ALL. Nath et al.'s method in 2009 was adopted and modified using a pegylated ASNase. A set of Microsoft Excel macros was developed for the serum drug activity computation. An Agilent InfinityLab LC Series 1260 Infinity II Quaternary System with fluorescence detection was employed with an Agilent Poroshell 120 EC-C18 4.6×100 mm, 2.7 µm analytical column. System flow rate was optimised to 2.0 mL/min with 40×10-6/bar pump compressibility. The O-phthaldialdehyde (OPA) solution composition was optimised to 1 % o-phthaldialdehyde, 0.8 % 2-mercaptoethanol, 7.13 % methanol, and 1.81 % sodium tetraborate. The pre-column derivatisation program mixed 0.1 µL sample with 25 µL OPA solution before the automated injection. Method validation was according to the ICH guidelines. Total analysis time was 15 min, with L-aspartic acid eluted at 0.96 min and internal standard at 4.7 min. The calibration curves showed excellent linearity (R ≥0.9999). Interday precision for the drug activity at 0.1 IU/mL, 0.5 IU/mL, and 1 IU/mL were 4.15 %, 3.05 %, and 3.09 % (n = 6). Mean %error for the drug activity at 0.1 IU/mL, 0.5 IU/mL, and 1 IU/mL were 0.90±4.41 %, -1.37±3.04 %, and -3.03±3.02 % (n = 6). Limit of quantitation was 0.03 IU/mL. Majority of the patients' serum drug activity fell within the assay calibration range. Our improved method is automated, having shorter analysis time with a well-maintained separation resolution that enables a high-throughput analysis for application.

Livestock turnover and dynamic livestock carrying capacity are crucial factors for alpine grassland management: The Qinghai-Tibetan plateau as a case study.

Alpine grasslands are distributed widely on high-elevated ranges and plateaus from the wet tropics to polar regions, accounting for approximately 3% of the world's land area. The Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) is the highest and largest plateau in the world, and approximately 60% of the plateau consists of alpine grassland, which is used mainly for grazing animals. Livestock structure was determined in Guinan (GN), Yushu (YS) and Maqu counties (MQ) on the QTP by interviewing 235 local pastoralists. Based on data collected from GN, the livestock carrying capacity was calculated using herbage dry matter biomass intake (LCCm) by the livestock, and the metabolizable energy yield (LCCe) and digestible crude protein (LCCp) available in pasture. The pasture area per household differed among the regions of the QTP, which was the main reason for the difference in livestock stocking rate. The householders raised the appropriate proportion of breeding females and young yaks and sheep in GN and MQ, but not in YS, to maintain a constant turnover. Most pasture in YS was used at the community level, especially in summer. The calculated carrying capacities based on metabolizable energy yield (LCCe) of the pasture and dry matter biomass (LCCm) were similar in most months except for August, when the value of LCCe was higher than LCCm. Based on the digestible protein of the pasture, the calculated livestock carrying capacity overestimated the actual carrying capacity during the herbage growing season from May to September. Appropriate practices should be taken in different regions of QTP, such as providing supplementary feed, especially protein, during the forage non-growing season. Livestock carrying capacity should be adjusted dynamically, and calculated by a number of parameters. The stocking rate should be controlled to optimize livestock production and curb or minimize grassland degradation to generate a sustainable system. This study examined the grasslands and LCC on the QTP, but the results could be applied to grasslands worldwide.

Clinical and imaging presentations are associated with function in incidental adrenocortical adenomas: a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess whether clinical and imaging characteristics are associated with the hormonal subtype, growth, and adrenalectomy for incidental adrenal cortical adenomas (ACAs). DESIGN: This is a single-center cohort study. METHODS: Consecutive adult patients with incidental ACA were diagnosed between 2000 and 2016. RESULTS: Of the 1516 patients with incidental ACA (median age 59 years, 62% women), 699 (46%) had nonfunctioning adenomas (NFAs), 482 (31%) had mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS), 62 (4%) had primary aldosteronism (PA), 39 (3%) had Cushing syndrome, 18 (1%) had PA and MACS, and 226 (15%) had incomplete work-up. Age, sex, tumor size, and tumor laterality, but not unenhanced computed tomography Hounsfield units (HU), were associated with hormonal subtypes. In a multivariable analysis, ≥1 cm growth was associated with younger age (odds ratio [OR] = 0.8 per 5-year increase, P = .0047) and longer imaging follow-up (OR = 1.2 per year, P < .0001). Adrenalectomy was performed in 355 (23%) patients, including 38% of MACS and 15% of NFA. Adrenalectomy for NFA and MACS was more common in younger patients (OR = 0.79 per 5-year increase, P = .002), larger initial tumor size (OR = 2.3 per 1 cm increase, P < .0001), ≥1 cm growth (OR = 15.3, P < .0001), and higher postdexamethasone cortisol (OR = 6.6 for >5 vs <1.8 µg/dL, P = .002). CONCLUSIONS: Age, sex, tumor size, and laterality were associated with ACA hormonal subtype and can guide diagnosis and management. Tumor growth was more common with younger age and longer follow-up. Unenhanced HU did not predict hormonal subtype or growth. Adrenalectomy for MACS and NFA was mainly performed in younger patients with larger tumor size, growth, and elevated postdexamethasone cortisol.

Amniocentesis in pregnancies at or beyond 24 weeks: an international multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Amniocentesis for genetic diagnosis is most commonly done between 15 and 22 weeks of gestation but can be performed at later gestational ages. The safety and genetic diagnostic accuracy of amniocentesis have been well-established through numerous large-scale multicenter studies for procedures before 24 weeks, but comprehensive data on late amniocentesis remain sparse. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the indications, diagnostic yield, safety, and maternal and fetal outcomes associated with amniocentesis performed at or beyond 24 weeks of gestation. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted an international multicenter retrospective cohort study examining pregnant individuals who underwent amniocentesis for prenatal diagnostic testing at gestational ages between 24w0d and 36w6d. The study, spanning from 2011 to 2022, involved 9 referral centers. We included singleton or twin pregnancies with documented outcomes, excluding cases where other invasive procedures were performed during pregnancy or if amniocentesis was conducted for obstetric indications. We analyzed indications for late amniocentesis, types of genetic tests performed, their results, and the diagnostic yield, along with pregnancy outcomes and postprocedure complications. RESULTS: Of the 752 pregnant individuals included in our study, late amniocentesis was primarily performed for the prenatal diagnosis of structural anomalies (91.6%), followed by suspected fetal infection (2.3%) and high-risk findings from cell-free DNA screening (1.9%). The median gestational age at the time of the procedure was 28w5d, and 98.3% of pregnant individuals received results of genetic testing before birth or pregnancy termination. The diagnostic yield was 22.9%, and a diagnosis was made 2.4 times more often for fetuses with anomalies in multiple organ systems (36.4%) compared to those with anomalies in a single organ system (15.3%). Additionally, the diagnostic yield varied depending on the specific organ system involved, with the highest yield for musculoskeletal anomalies (36.7%) and hydrops fetalis (36.4%) when a single organ system or entity was affected. The most prevalent genetic diagnoses were aneuploidies (46.8%), followed by copy number variants (26.3%) and monogenic disorders (22.2%). The median gestational age at delivery was 38w3d, with an average of 59 days between the procedure and delivery date. The overall complication rate within 2 weeks postprocedure was 1.2%. We found no significant difference in the rate of preterm delivery between pregnant individuals undergoing amniocentesis between 24 and 28 weeks and those between 28 and 32 weeks, reinforcing the procedure's safety across these gestational periods. CONCLUSION: Late amniocentesis, at or after 24 weeks of gestation, especially for pregnancies complicated by multiple congenital anomalies, has a high diagnostic yield and a low complication rate, underscoring its clinical utility. It provides pregnant individuals and their providers with a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and results before delivery, enabling informed counseling and optimized perinatal and neonatal care planning.

Epigenetic predictors of species maximum life span and other life-history traits in mammals.

By analyzing 15,000 samples from 348 mammalian species, we derive DNA methylation (DNAm) predictors of maximum life span (R = 0.89), gestation time (R = 0.96), and age at sexual maturity (R = 0.85). Our maximum life-span predictor indicates a potential innate longevity advantage for females over males in 17 mammalian species including humans. The DNAm maximum life-span predictions are not affected by caloric restriction or partial reprogramming. Genetic disruptions in the somatotropic axis such as growth hormone receptors have an impact on DNAm maximum life span only in select tissues. Cancer mortality rates show no correlation with our epigenetic estimates of life-history traits. The DNAm maximum life-span predictor does not detect variation in life span between individuals of the same species, such as between the breeds of dogs. Maximum life span is determined in part by an epigenetic signature that is an intrinsic species property and is distinct from the signatures that relate to individual mortality risk.