Deep learning-based association analysis of root image data and cucumber yield.

The root system is important for the absorption of water and nutrients by plants. Cultivating and selecting a root system architecture (RSA) with good adaptability and ultrahigh productivity have become the primary goals of agricultural improvement. Exploring the correlation between the RSA and crop yield is important for cultivating crop varieties with high-stress resistance and productivity. In this study, 277 cucumber varieties were collected for root system image analysis and yield using germination plates and greenhouse cultivation. Deep learning tools were used to train ResNet50 and U-Net models for image classification and segmentation of seedlings and to perform quality inspection and productivity prediction of cucumber seedling root system images. The results showed that U-Net can automatically extract cucumber root systems with high quality (F1_score ≥ 0.95), and the trained ResNet50 can predict cucumber yield grade through seedling root system image, with the highest F1_score reaching 0.86 using 10-day-old seedlings. The root angle had the strongest correlation with yield, and the shallow- and steep-angle frequencies had significant positive and negative correlations with yield, respectively. RSA and nutrient absorption jointly affected the production capacity of cucumber plants. The germination plate planting method and automated root system segmentation model used in this study are convenient for high-throughput phenotypic (HTP) research on root systems. Moreover, using seedling root system images to predict yield grade provides a new method for rapidly breeding high-yield RSA in crops such as cucumbers.

Differentiated adaptative genetic architecture and language-related demographical history in South China inferred from 619 genomes from 56 populations.

BACKGROUND: The underrepresentation of human genomic resources from Southern Chinese populations limited their health equality in the precision medicine era and complete understanding of their genetic formation, admixture, and adaptive features. Besides, linguistical and genetic evidence supported the controversial hypothesis of their origin processes. One hotspot case was from the Chinese Guangxi Pinghua Han people (GPH), whose language was significantly similar to Southern Chinese dialects but whose uniparental gene pool was phylogenetically associated with the indigenous Tai-Kadai (TK) people. Here, we analyzed genome-wide SNP data in 619 people from four language families and 56 geographically different populations, in which 261 people from 21 geographically distinct populations were first reported here. RESULTS: We identified significant population stratification among ethnolinguistically diverse Guangxi populations, suggesting their differentiated genetic origin and admixture processes. GPH shared more alleles related to Zhuang than Southern Han Chinese but received more northern ancestry relative to Zhuang. Admixture models and estimates of genetic distances showed that GPH had a close genetic relationship with geographically close TK compared to Northern Han Chinese, supporting their admixture origin hypothesis. Further admixture time and demographic history reconstruction supported GPH was formed via admixture between Northern Han Chinese and Southern TK people. We identified robust signatures associated with lipid metabolisms, such as fatty acid desaturases (FADS) and medically relevant loci associated with Mendelian disorder (GJB2) and complex diseases. We also explored the shared and unique selection signatures of ethnically different but linguistically related Guangxi lineages and found some shared signals related to immune and malaria resistance. CONCLUSIONS: Our genetic analysis illuminated the language-related fine-scale genetic structure and provided robust genetic evidence to support the admixture hypothesis that can explain the pattern of observed genetic diversity and formation of GPH. This work presented one comprehensive analysis focused on the population history and demographical adaptative process, which provided genetic evidence for personal health management and disease risk prediction models from Guangxi people. Further large-scale whole-genome sequencing projects would provide the entire landscape of southern Chinese genomic diversity and their contributions to human health and disease traits.

A Photoelectrochemical Sensor for Real-Time Monitoring of Neurochemical Signals in the Brain of Awake Animals.

Metal ion homeostasis is imperative for normal functioning of the brain. Considering the close association between brain metal ions and various pathological processes in brain diseases, it becomes essential to track their dynamics in awake animals for accurate physiological insights. Although ion-selective microelectrodes (ISMEs) have demonstrated great advantage in recording ion signals in awake animals, their intrinsic potential drift impairs their accuracy in long-term in vivo analysis. This study addresses the challenge by integrating ISMEs with photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensing, presenting an excitation-detection separated PEC platform based on potential regulation of ISMEs. A flexible indium tin oxide (Flex-ITO) electrode, modified with MoS2 nanosheets and Au NPs, serves as the photoelectrode and is integrated with a micro-LED. The integrated photoelectrode is placed on the rat skull to remain unaffected by animal activity. The potential of ISME dependent on the concentration of target K+ serves as the modulator of the photocurrent signal of the photoelectrode. The proposed design allows deep brain detection while minimizing interference with neurons, thus enabling real-time monitoring of neurochemical signals in awake animals. It successfully monitors changes in extracellular K+ levels in the rat brain after exposure to PM2.5, presenting a valuable analytical tool for understanding the impact of environmental factors on the nervous system.

Effects of organic fertilizers on plant growth and the rhizosphere microbiome.

Application of organic fertilizers is an important strategy for sustainable agriculture. The biological source of organic fertilizers determines their specific functional characteristics, but few studies have systematically examined these functions or assessed their health risk to soil ecology. To fill this gap, we analyzed 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing data from 637 soil samples amended with plant- and animal-derived organic fertilizers (hereafter plant fertilizers and animal fertilizers). Results showed that animal fertilizers increased the diversity of soil microbiome, while plant fertilizers maintained the stability of soil microbial community. Microcosm experiments verified that plant fertilizers were beneficial to plant root development and increased carbon cycle pathways, while animal fertilizers enriched nitrogen cycle pathways. Compared with animal fertilizers, plant fertilizers harbored a lower abundance of risk factors such as antibiotic resistance genes and viruses. Consequently, plant fertilizers might be more suitable for long-term application in agriculture. This work provides a guide for organic fertilizer selection from the perspective of soil microecology and promotes sustainable development of organic agriculture.IMPORTANCEThis study provides valuable guidance for use of organic fertilizers in agricultural production from the perspective of the microbiome and ecological risk.

Paenibacillus baimaensis sp. nov., a bacterium isolated from mountain soil in the habitat of Rhinopithecus bieti.

A novel Gram-positive strain WQ 127069T that was isolated from the soil of Baima Snow Mountain, a habitat of highly endangered Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus bieti), was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the isolate belongs to the genus Paenibacillus, showing 98.4 and 96.08 % sequence similarity to the type strains Paenibacillus periandrae PM10T and Paenibacillus foliorum LMG 31456T, respectively. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain WQ127069T was 45.6 mol%. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was MK-7, and meso-diaminopimelic acid was present in peptidoglycan. The major cellular fatty acids were antiiso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 and C16 : 0. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine. The whole genome average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain WQ 127069T and strain PM10T were 93.2 and 52.5 %, respectively. Growth occurred at 5-40 °C (optimally at 20-35 °C), pH 6-8 (optimally at pH7.0) and with 0.5-2 % (w/v) NaCl (optimally at 0.5 %). On the basis of the taxonomic evidence, a novel species, Paenibacillus baimaensis sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is WQ 127069T (=KCTC 43480T=CCTCC AB 2022381T).

Binary conformers of a flexible, long-chain fluoroalcohol: dispersion controlled selectivity and relative abundances in a jet.

The complex conformational panorama of binary 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-butanol (TFB) aggregates was investigated using chirped-pulse Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy, aided by conformational searches using CREST (Conformer-Rotamer Ensemble Sampling Tool) and quantum chemistry calculations. From nearly 1500 initial dimer geometries, 16 most stable binary candidates were obtained within a relative energy window of ∼4 kJ mol-1. Rotational spectra of five binary conformers were experimentally observed in supersonic expansion and assigned. Interestingly, three out of the five observed binary conformers are composed solely of monomer conformers, which were not observed in their isolated gas phase forms in jet expansion. In addition, an observed dimer that is made exclusively of the most stable TFB monomer subunits does not correspond to the global minimum. The intricate kinetically and thermodynamically controlled dimer formation mechanisms are discussed, and a modified kinetic-thermodynamic model was developed, providing conformational abundances that are in good agreement with the experiment. Subsequent non-covalent interaction analyses reveal that the observed conformers are held together by one primary O-H⋯O hydrogen bond and secondary intermolecular C-H⋯O, C-H⋯F, and/or O-H⋯F interactions, as well as C-H⋯H-C London dispersion interactions between the methylene groups. Further symmetry-adapted perturbation theory analyses of the TFB dimer conformers and related alcohol dimers reveal a considerable rise in dispersion contributions with increasing n-alkyl carbon chain length and highlight the role of dispersion interactions in preferentially stabilizing the global minimum of the TFB dimer.

Discovery of novel biphenyl derivatives as androgen receptor degraders for the treatment of enzalutamide-resistant prostate cancer.

Second-generation AR antagonists, such as enzalutamide, are the primary therapeutic agents for advanced prostate cancer. However, the development of both primary and secondary drug resistance leads to treatment failures and patient mortality. Bifunctional agents that simultaneously antagonize and degrade AR block the AR signaling pathway more completely and exhibit excellent antiproliferative activity against wild-type and drug-resistant prostate cancer cells. Here, we reported the discovery and optimization of a series of biphenyl derivatives as androgen receptor antagonists and degraders. These biphenyl derivatives exhibited potent antiproliferative activity against LNCaP and 22Rv1 cells. Our discoveries enrich the diversity of small molecule AR degraders and offer insights for the development of novel AR degraders for the treatment of enzalutamide-resistant prostate cancer.

Enhanced reduction of Cd uptake by wheat plants using iron and manganese oxides combined with citrate in Cd-contaminated weakly alkaline arable soils.

Iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) oxides can be used to remediate Cd-polluted soils due to their excellent performance in heavy metal adsorption. However, their remediation capability is rather limited, and a higher content of available Mn and Fe in soils can reduce Cd accumulation in wheat plants due to the competitive absorption effect. In this study, goethite and cryptomelane were first respectively used to immobilize Cd in Cd-polluted weakly alkaline soils, and sodium citrate was then added to increase the content of available Mn and Fe content for further reduction of wheat Cd absorption. In the first season, the content of soil-available Cd and Cd in wheat plants significantly decreased when cryptomelane, goethite and their mixture were used as the remediation agents. Cryptomelane showed a better remediation effect, which could be attributed to its higher adsorption performance. The grain Cd content could be decreased from 0.35 mg kg-1 to 0.25 mg kg-1 when the content of cryptomelane was controlled at 0.5%. In the second season, when sodium citrate at 20 mmol kg-1 was further added to the soils with 0.5% cryptomelane treatment in the first season, the content of soil available Cd was increased by 14.8%, and the available Mn content was increased by 19.5%, leading to a lower Cd content in wheat grains (0.16 mg kg-1) probably due to the competitive absorption. This work provides a new strategy for the remediation of slightly Cd-polluted arable soils with safe and high-quality production of wheat.

Effects of different assembly strategies on gene annotation in activated sludge.

Activated sludge comprises diverse bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms, featuring a rich repertoire of genes involved in antibiotic resistance, pollutant degradation, and elemental cycling. In this regard, hybrid assembly technology can revolutionize metagenomics by detecting greater gene diversity in environmental samples. Nonetheless, the optimal utilization and comparability of genomic information between hybrid assembly and short- or long-read technology remain unclear. To address this gap, we compared the performance of the hybrid assembly, short- and long-read technologies, abundance and diversity of annotated genes, and taxonomic diversity by analysing 46, 161, and 45 activated sludge metagenomic datasets, respectively. The results revealed that hybrid assembly technology exhibited the best performance, generating the most contiguous and longest contigs but with a lower proportion of high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes than short-read technology. Compared with short- or long-read technologies, hybrid assembly technology can detect a greater diversity of microbiota and antibiotic resistance genes, as well as a wider range of potential hosts. However, this approach may yield lower gene abundance and pathogen detection. Our study revealed the specific advantages and disadvantages of hybrid assembly and short- and long-read applications in wastewater treatment plants, and our approach could serve as a blueprint to be extended to terrestrial environments.

Recent advances in targeted protein degraders as potential therapeutic agents.

Targeted protein degradation (TPD) technology has gradually become widespread in the past 20 years, which greatly boosts the development of disease treatment. Contrary to small inhibitors that act on protein kinases, transcription factors, ion channels, and other targets they can bind to, targeted protein degraders could target "undruggable targets" and overcome drug resistance through ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (UPP) and lysosome pathway. Nowadays, some bivalent degraders such as proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have aroused great interest in drug discovery, and some of them have successfully advanced into clinical trials. In this review, to better understand the mechanism of degraders, we elucidate the targeted protein degraders according to their action process, relying on the ubiquitin-proteasome system or lysosome pathway. Then, we briefly summarize the study of PROTACs employing different E3 ligases. Subsequently, the effect of protein of interest (POI) ligands, linker, and E3 ligands on PROTAC degradation activity is also discussed in detail. Other novel technologies based on UPP and lysosome pathway have been discussed in this paper such as in-cell click-formed proteolysis-targeting chimeras (CLIPTACs), molecular glues, Antibody-PROTACs (Ab-PROTACs), autophagy-targeting chimeras, and lysosome-targeting chimeras. Based on the introduction of these degradation technologies, we can clearly understand the action process and degradation mechanism of these approaches. From this perspective, it will be convenient to obtain the development status of these drugs, choose appropriate degradation methods to achieve better disease treatment and provide basis for future research and simultaneously distinguish the direction of future research efforts.

A Case of Erythrocyte Condensation Caused by Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Infection.

BACKGROUND: Blood routine testing was the most commonly used laboratory method in clinical practice. The results are often influenced by factors such as instruments, reagents, and samples, among which, the interference of cold agglutinin is a very rare element. In our article, we reported a case of red blood cell agglutination caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. METHODS: The number of blood cells were detected by blood routine analyzer with or without treatment at 37℃ water bath. The red blood cell agglutination was observed through blood smear staining. The cold agglutination test were performed using O-type red blood cells added into patient's plasma and refrigerated overnight at 4℃. We also used luminescent immunoassay technology to detect the content of MP antibodies in patient's serum. RESULTS: The patient's results were RBC (2.69 x 1012/L), MCH (48.5 pg), MCHC (522 g/L). Through a microscope, we observed red blood cell agglutination. The concentration of MP-igM was 60.37 AU/mL. The cold agglutination test was positive. Following a 37℃ water bath, the patient's results changed: RBC (3.85 x 1012/L), MCH (31.2 pg), MCHC (352 g/L). The phenomenon of massive agglutination of red blood cells has also disappeared. CONCLUSIONS: The cold agglutinin produced by MP infection can alter the results of red blood cell. During the epidemic period of MP infection, it is important to pay attention to the phenomenon of abnormal elevation of MCHC in clinical practice.

One Case of Abnormal Decrease of Interferon Gamma Release Assay Result Caused by Melphalan.

BACKGROUND: Interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) is an important method to detect the specific antigen of tuberculosis, which is crucial to the diagnosis of tuberculosis or potential tuberculosis infection. METHODS: We report a case of myelosuppression caused by the use of Melphalan in the treatment of multiple myeloma, resulting in an abnormal decrease in interferon gamma release assay results. RESULTS: We collected blood samples from the patient for retesting and the result of the test did not differ significantly. Upon reviewing the case, it was found that the patient's use of Melphalan treatment resulted in bone marrow suppression and extreme reduction of peripheral blood lymphocytes. Therefore, it is speculated that the abnormal decrease of the interferon gamma release assay result is caused by bone marrow suppression, which is caused by the use of Melphalan. CONCLUSIONS: When patients with multiple myeloma are treated with Melphalan, it can lead to bone marrow suppression and result in false negative interference gamma release assay results. Laboratory staff should consider the existence of such interference and communicate with clinical doctors in a timely manner.

A Case of Pseudoelevation of Serum CA19-9 Level.

BACKGROUND: Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) is usually synthesized by pancreatic and bile duct cells and is present in small amounts in serum. During the period of tumor disease, its serum level significantly increases, and it is the most widely used serum tumor marker for diagnosis and monitoring therapy of pancreatic cancer. METHODS: We reported a case of abnormal elevation of serum CA19-9. Considering the possibility of detection interference, we used heterophilic antibody blocking analysis, detection by different analysis systems, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation to evaluate the reliability of abnormally elevated CA19-9 concentration. RESULTS: Repeated measurements on the Roche Cobas 8000 system of another hospital significantly reduced the CA19-9 concentration, as did PEG precipitation. Therefore, the abnormally elevated level of CA19-9 in this patient is considered to be pseudoelevation caused by interferences. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest considering the presence of detection interference in cases with elevated CA19-9 levels but no related clinical manifestations to prevent false positives. PEG precipitation may be a simple and feasible solution to eliminate interference.

Two Cases of False Elevation of MCHC.

BACKGROUND: Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) is one of the parameters detected by blood cell analyzers, often used together with mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin content (MCH) as diagnostic indicators for anemia classification. It has important clinical value in early detection of the cause of anemia and the underlying etiology of anemia. Therefore, the accuracy of MCHC results is of great significance for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. METHODS: We reported two cases of false elevation of MCHC. Considering the possibility of cold agglutination and lipid blood interference detection, we used 37℃ water bath and plasma exchange to correct for interference on the sample. RESULTS: After correcting the interference, MCHC returned to normal, consistent with the patient's disease status. Therefore, the two cases of abnormal elevation of MCHC are considered to be pseudo elevation caused by interference. CONCLUSIONS: For specimens with abnormally elevated MCHC levels, experimenters should first analyze possible interfering factors and choose effective methods to correct different interferences, providing accurate testing reports for doctors and patients.

A Pseudo Elevation of CEA Caused by Epidemic Hemorrhagic Fever.

BACKGROUND: Heterophilic antibodies (HA) are one of the main substances that interfere with immunology, especially chemiluminescence immunoassay. Non-specific binding, labeling antibodies, bridging to capture antibodies, or labeling antigens can interfere with the detection process, leading to serious discrepancies between the measured results and clinical manifestations, and even delaying clinical diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: This paper is a case of epidemic hemorrhagic fever causing pseudo CEA elevation caused by heterophagy induced antibodies in the body. RESULTS: The patient's CEA detected on the ABBOTT detection platform was 51.1 ng/mL, and on the ROCHE detection platforms it was 4.66 ng/mL, and treated by PEG precipitation it was 45.2 ng/mL, after diluting the sample the CEA was 50.2 ng/mL, meanwhile the patient's platelets were 96 x 109/L and serum creatinine was 188.4 µmol/L, epidemic hemorrhagic fever IgM antibody was positive. CONCLUSIONS: When the test results do not match clinical symptoms, further confirmation is required through additional testing. Patients who use mouse monoclonal antibody preparations for diagnosis or treatment may have human anti-mouse antibodies in their serum, and the test results may falsely increase or decrease.

Enhancing iron content and growth of cucumber seedlings with MgFe-LDHs under low-temperature stress.

The development of cost-effective and eco-friendly fertilizers is crucial for enhancing iron (Fe) uptake in crops and can help alleviate dietary Fe deficiencies, especially in populations with limited access to meat. This study focused on the application of MgFe-layered double hydroxide nanoparticles (MgFe-LDHs) as a potential solution. We successfully synthesized and characterized MgFe-LDHs and observed that 1-10 mg/L MgFe-LDHs improved cucumber seed germination and water uptake. Notably, the application of 10 mg/L MgFe-LDHs to roots significantly increased the seedling emergence rate and growth under low-temperature stress. The application of 10 mg/L MgFe-LDHs during sowing increased the root length, lateral root number, root fresh weight, aboveground fresh weight, and hypocotyl length under low-temperature stress. A comprehensive analysis integrating plant physiology, nutrition, and transcriptomics suggested that MgFe-LDHs improve cold tolerance by upregulating SA to stimulate CsFAD3 expression, elevating GA3 levels for enhanced nitrogen metabolism and protein synthesis, and reducing levels of ABA and JA to support seedling emergence rate and growth, along with increasing the expression and activity of peroxidase genes. SEM and FTIR further confirmed the adsorption of MgFe-LDHs onto the root hairs in the mature zone of the root apex. Remarkably, MgFe-LDHs application led to a 46% increase (p < 0.05) in the Fe content within cucumber seedlings, a phenomenon not observed with comparable iron salt solutions, suggesting that the nanocrystalline nature of MgFe-LDHs enhances their absorption efficiency in plants. Additionally, MgFe-LDHs significantly increased the nitrogen (N) content of the seedlings by 12% (p < 0.05), promoting nitrogen fixation in the cucumber seedlings. These results pave the way for the development and use of LDH-based Fe fertilizers.

Clinical phenotype and genetic function analysis of a rare family with hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma complicated with Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome.

To date, over 200 families with hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma (HLRCC) and over 600 families with Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome have been reported, with low incidence. Here, we describe a patient with suspected rare HLRCC complicated by BHD syndrome. The proband (II1) had characteristic cutaneous leiomyoma-like protrusions on the neck and back, a left renal mass and multiple right renal, liver and bilateral lung cysts. Three family members (I1, II2, II3) had a history of renal cancer and several of the aforementioned clinical features. Two family members (II1, II3) diagnosed with fumarate hydratase (FH)-deficient papillary RCC via pathological biopsy carried two heterozygous variants: FH (NM_000143.3) missense mutation c.1189G>A (p.Gly397Arg) and FLCN (NM_144997.5) frameshift mutation c.1579_1580insA (p.Arg527Glnfs*75). No family member carrying a single variant had renal tumours. In HEK293T cells transfected with mutant vectors, mRNA and protein expression after FLCN p.Arg527Glnfs*75 and FH p.Gly397Arg mutations were significantly lower than those in wild-type (WT) cells. Cell immunofluorescence showed altered protein localisation and reduced protein expression after FLCN p.Arg527Glnfs*75 mutation. The FH WT was uniformly distributed in the cytoplasm, whereas FH protein expression was reduced after the p.Gly397Arg mutation and scattered sporadically with altered cell localisation. Patients with two variants may have a significantly increased penetrance of RCC.

Effect of Psychological Intervention on Quality of Life Among Patients with Psoriasis: A Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Psychological distress can significantly obstruct the treatment outcomes of patients with psoriasis. This meta-analysis aimed to examine the effects of psychological intervention on the mental health and functional capabilities in patients with psoriasis. METHOD: PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched for relevant studies published up to May 1, 2023. The primary outcome was a change in anxiety, depression, and quality of life (QoL). Standardized mean difference (SMD) was calculated, and 95% confidence interval (CI) was determined for the estimation. RESULTS: This meta-analysis involved 1048 subjects, including 515 patients who received psychological interventions and 533 patients in control groups who did not receive psychological interventions. The results showed that psychological intervention significantly improved anxiety symptoms (SMD - 0.41; 95%CI - 0.77, - 0.05; I2 = 71.5%; PHeterogeneity = 0 .001). There was no significant improvement in the symptoms of depression (SMD - 0.52; 95%CI - 1.13, 0.10; I2 = 86%; PHeterogeneity < 0 .001) and QoL (SMD - 0.05; 95%CI - 0.22, 0.11; I2 = 39%; PHeterogeneity = 0 .108) in patients who received psychological intervention compared with controls. CONCLUSION: Psychological intervention ameliorated anxiety symptoms in patients with psoriasis but had no significant impact on depression or QoL.

Standard diffusion-weighted, diffusion kurtosis and intravoxel incoherent motion in differentiating invasive placentas.

PURPOSE: To investigate the diagnostic value of monoexponential, biexponential, and diffusion kurtosis MR imaging (MRI) in distinguishing invasive placentas. METHODS: A total of 53 patients with invasive placentas and 47 patients with noninvasive placentas undergoing conventional diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM), and diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) were retrospectively enrolled. The mean, minimum, and maximum parameters including the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and exponential ADC (eADC) from standard DWI, diffusion kurtosis (MK), and diffusion coefficient (MD) from DKI and pure diffusion coefficient (D), pseudo-diffusion coefficient (D*), and perfusion fraction (f) from IVIM were measured and compared from the volumetric analysis. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve and logistic regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of different diffusion parameters for distinguishing invasive placentas. RESULTS: Comparisons between accreta lesions in patients with invasive placentas (AL) and lower 1/3 part of the placenta in patients with noninvasive placentas (LP) demonstrated that MD mean, D mean, and D* mean were significantly lower while ADC max and D max were significantly higher in invasive placentas (all p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that D mean, D max and D* mean differed significantly among all the studied parameters for invasive placentas. A combined use of these three parameters yielded an AUC of 0.86 with sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 84.91%, 76.60%, and 80%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The combined use of different IVIM parameters is helpful in distinguishing invasive placentas.

Exposure to Polypropylene Microplastics Causes Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis Through Oxidative Stress and Activation of the MAPK-Nrf2 Signaling Pathway.

Microplastics are a growing concern as pollutants that impact both public health and the environment. However, the toxic effects of polypropylene microplastics (PP-MPs) are not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the effects of PP-MPs on cardiotoxicity and its underlying mechanisms. The cardiotoxicity of exposure to different amounts of PP-MPs were investigated in both ICR mice and H9C2 cells. Our results demonstrated that sub-chronic exposure to 5 and 50 mg/L PP-MPs led to myocardial structural damage, apoptosis, and fibrosis in mice cardiomyocytes. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that PP-MPs could decrease mitochondrial membrane potential and induce apoptosis in H9C2 cells. Western blotting revealed decreased expression of Bcl-2, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and caspase 3 and increased expression of Bax, cleaved-PARP, and cleaved-caspase 3 in PP-MPs-treated cardiac tissue and H9C2 cells. These results confirmed the apoptotic effects induced by PP-MPs. Moreover, PP-MPs treatment triggered oxidative stress, as evidenced by the increased levels of malondialdehyde; reduction in glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities in mice cardiac tissues; and increased reactive oxygen species levels in H9C2 cells. Finally, western blotting demonstrated that exposure to PP-MPs significantly reduced the expression levels of Nrf2 and p-ERK proteins associated with MAPK-Nrf2 pathway in both cardiac tissue and H9C2 cells. Overall, our findings indicate that PP-MPs can induce cardiomyocyte apoptosis through MAPK-Nrf2 signaling pathway, which is triggered by oxidative stress. This study provides a foundation for determining the effects of PP-MPs on cardiotoxicity and their underlying mechanisms.