A mutation-sensitive, multiplexed and amplification-free detection of nucleic acids by stretching single-molecule tandem hairpin probes.

The detection of nucleic acid sequences in parallel with the discrimination of single nucleotide variations (SNVs) is critical for research and clinical applications. A few limitations make the detection technically challenging, such as too small variation in probe-hybridization energy caused by SNVs, the non-specific amplification of false nucleic acid fragments and the few options of dyes limited by spectral overlaps. To circumvent these limitations, we developed a single-molecule nucleic acid detection assay without amplification or fluorescence termed THREF (hybridization-induced tandem DNA hairpin refolding failure) based on multiplexed magnetic tweezers. THREF can detect DNA and RNA sequences at femtomolar concentrations within 30 min, monitor multiple probes in parallel, quantify the expression level of miR-122 in patient tissues, discriminate SNVs including the hard-to-detect G-U or T-G wobble mutations and reuse the probes to save the cost. In our demonstrative detections using mock clinic samples, we profiled the let-7 family microRNAs in serum and genotyped SARS-CoV-2 strains in saliva. Overall, the THREF assay can discriminate SNVs with the advantages of high sensitivity, ultra-specificity, multiplexing, reusability, sample hands-free and robustness.

Unraveling Chain Branching in Cool Flames.

In cool flames, autoxidation of organic compounds forms alkyl hydroperoxides and ketohydroperoxides, and this controls the critical rate of chain branching, but there have been large uncertainties in the decomposition rate constants. We synthesized a series of hydroperoxides and measured their decomposition rate constants in pyrolysis experiments by spray-vaporization jet-stirred-reactor synchrotron vacuum ultraviolet photoionization mass spectrometry. Structural variation of the hydroperoxides, including alkyl, cycloalkyl, aromatic, and heterocyclic functionalities, has only a slight effect on their decomposition rate constants. Calculated rate constants are in good agreement with the experiment. The rate constant of ketohydroperoxide decomposition was obtained by theoretical calculation of 3-hydroperoxy butanal and tested by the pyrolysis of synthesized 3-hydroperoxy-3-phenylpropionate. The rate constant of ketohydroperoxide decomposition is close to that of alkyl hydroperoxides. The new chain-branching rate constants improves the cool-flame kinetic model, which is essential for removing discrepancies in model predictions and for the design of high-efficiency and low-emission engines.

Sulindac (K-80003) with nab-paclitaxel and gemcitabine overcomes drug-resistant pancreatic cancer.

The Nab-paclitaxel combined with gemcitabine (AG) regimen is the main chemotherapy regimen for pancreatic cancer, but drug resistance often occurs. Currently, the ability to promote sensitization in drug-resistant cases is an important clinical issue, and the strategy of repurposing conventional drugs is a promising strategy. This study aimed to identify a classic drug that targets chemotherapy resistance's core signaling pathways and combine it with the AG regimen to enhance chemosensitivity. We also aimed to find reliable predictive biomarkers of drug combination sensitivity. Using RNA sequencing, we found that abnormal PI3K/Akt pathway activation plays a central role in mediating resistance to the AG regimen. Subsequently, through internal and external verification of randomly selected AG-resistant patient-derived organoid (PDO) and PDO xenograft models, we discovered for the first time that the classic anti-inflammatory drug sulindac K-80003, an inhibitor of the PI3K/Akt pathway that we focused on, promoted sensitization in half (14/28) of AG-resistant pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cases. Through RNA-sequencing, multiplex immunofluorescent staining, and immunohistochemistry experiments, we identified cFAM124A as a novel biomarker through which sulindac K-80003 promotes AG sensitization. Its role as a sensitization marker is explained via the following mechanism: cFAM124A enhances both the mRNA expression of cathepsin L and the activity of the cathepsin L enzyme. This dual effect stimulates the cleavage of RXRα, leading to large amounts of truncated RXRα, which serves as a direct target of K-80003. Consequently, this process results in the pathological activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway. In summary, our study provides a new treatment strategy and novel biological target for patients with drug-resistant pancreatic cancer.

Construction of 3D Fibonacci Cauliflower-Like NiCo2S4/Expanded Graphite Heterogeneous Structures for Enhanced Electromagnetic Wave Absorption.

Highly efficient electromagnetic wave (EMW)-absorbing multicomposites can be fabricated by constructing particular structures using suitable components. Expanded graphite (EG) has a 3D, low-density porous structure; however, it suffers from poor impedance matching and EMW absorption properties. Based on this information, in the present study, NiCo2S4 components with different morphologies are successfully loaded onto a 3D EG surface using a facile microwave solvothermal method to achieve a synergistic effect between the different components. The NiCo2S4 content is adjusted to alter the compositional morphology and electromagnetic parameters of the composites to achieve impedance-matching and obtain excellent EMW absorption properties. The heterogeneous interface between EG and NiCo2S4 induces an inhomogeneous spatial charge distribution and enhances interfacial polarization. The defects in the material and oxygen-containing groups induce dipole polarization, which enhances the polarization-relaxation process of the composites. The 3D porous heterostructure of the "Fibonacci cauliflower"-shaped NiCo2S4/EG composites results in an optimal reflection loss of -64.93 dB at a filler rate of only 14 wt.%. Analysis of the synergistic conduction loss and polarization loss mechanisms in carbon-based materials with heterogeneous interfaces has led to the development of excellent EMW absorption materials.

Study of the significance of the combination of the fibrinogen-albumin ratio and sarcopenia in predicting the prognosis of laryngeal cancer patients undergoing radical surgery.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate how the impact of preoperative sarcopenia and inflammatory markers for laryngeal cancer patients and develop a new scoring system to predict their prognosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer (LC) from December 2015 to December 2020 at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University were included. Independent prognostic factors were determined using univariate and multivariate analyses. A new scoring system (SFAR) was established based on FAR and preoperative sarcopenia, and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: 198 cases included in this study that met the admission criteria. Multivariate analysis shown that preoperative sarcopenia, pTNM stage, and FAR were independent prognostic factors for laryngeal cancer. Based on these three indicators, we developed the SFAR scoring system. Multivariate analysis showed that SFAR was an independent predictor of laryngeal cancer (p < 0.001). SFAR was then incorporated into a prognostic model that included T-stage and N-stage, and a column-line graph was generated to accurately predict its survival. CONCLUSION: Systemic inflammation and sarcopenia are significantly associated with postoperative prognosis in laryngeal cancer. A new scoring system (SFAR) had implications for improving the prognosis of patients undergoing surgery for laryngeal cancer.

Crenobacter oryzisoli sp. nov., a novel phosphate-solubilizing bacterium isolated from the paddy soil.

Two Gram-staining-negative, facultative anaerobic, rod-shaped and phosphate-solubilizing strains designated SG2303T and SG2305, were isolated from paddy soil in China. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16 S rRNA gene sequences indicated that SG2303T and SG2305 represented a member of the genus Crenobacter within the family Neisseriaceae of the phylum Pseudomonadota. Strain SG2303T displayed higher 16 S rRNA gene sequence similarities with members of the genus Crenobacter ranging from 93.5 to 94.0%. Strains C. luteus YIM 78141T and C. cavernae K1W11S-77T were closest related to the isolated strains and were considered as type strains. Growth of strain SG2303T occurred at 10-55 °C (optimum 37 °C), pH 5.0-9.0 (optimum pH 6.0-7.0) and 0-1% (w/v) NaCl (optimum 0%). The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between strain SG2303T and its closely related taxa were 76.1-78.2% and 20.5-22.1%, respectively. The genomic DNA G + C content was 62.2%. The quinone of strain SG2303T was Q-8. The major fatty acids (> 10%) of strain SG2303T were C16:0 (30.6%), summed feature 3 (C16:1ω7c and/or C16:1ω6c) (26.0%) and C12:0 3OH (12.1%). The polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol (PG), diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phospholipids (PL), glycolipid (GL) and unidentified lipids (UL). Based on the results of the phylogenetic, physiological, biochemical, and morphological analysis, strain SG2303T is recognized as a novel species of the genus Crenobacter, for which the name Crenobacter oryzisoli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SG2303T (= GDMCC 1.3970T = JCM 36468T). In addition, SG2303T was also able of phosphorus solubilization and promoting the growth of rice seeds. Strain SG2303T exhibited a relatively high dissolvable phosphorus content of 2.52 µg·mL- 1.

Three Fe(III)-reducing and nitrogen-fixing bacteria, Anaeromyxobacter terrae sp. nov., Anaeromyxobacter oryzisoli sp. nov. and Anaeromyxobacter soli sp. nov., isolated from paddy soil.

Three microaerophilic bacterial strains, designated SG22T, SG63T and SG29T were isolated from paddy soils in PR China. Cells of these strains were Gram-staining-negative and long rod-shaped. SG22T, SG63T and SG29T showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with the members of the genus Anaeromyxobacter. The results of phylogenetic and phylogenomic analysis also indicated that these strains clustered with members of the genus Anaeromyxobacter. The main respiratory menaquinone of SG22T, SG63T and SG29T was MK-8 and the major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 and C16 : 0. SG22T, SG29T and SG63T not only possessed iron reduction ability but also harboured genes (nifHDK) encoding nitrogenase. The genomic DNA G+C contents of SG22T, SG63T and SG29T ranged from 73.3 to 73.5 %. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridisation (dDDH) values between SG22T, SG63T and SG29T and the closely related species of the genus Anaeromyxobacter were lower than the cut-off values (dDDH 70 % and ANI 95-96 %) for prokaryotic species delineation. On the basis of these results, strains SG22T, SG63T and SG29T represent three novel species within the genus Anaeromyxobacter, for which the names Anaeromyxobacter terrae sp. nov., Anaeromyxobacter oryzisoli sp. nov. and Anaeromyxobacter soli sp. nov., are proposed. The type strains are SG22T (= GDMCC 1.3185T = JCM 35581T), SG63T (= GDMCC 1.2914T = JCM 35124T) and SG29T (= GDMCC 1.2911T = JCM 35123T).

Automated inversion time selection for late gadolinium-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

OBJECTIVES: To develop and share a deep learning method that can accurately identify optimal inversion time (TI) from multi-vendor, multi-institutional and multi-field strength inversion scout (TI scout) sequences for late gadolinium enhancement cardiac MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective multicentre study conducted on 1136 1.5-T and 3-T cardiac MRI examinations from four centres and three scanner vendors. Deep learning models, comprising a convolutional neural network (CNN) that provides input to a long short-term memory (LSTM) network, were trained on TI scout pixel data from centres 1 to 3 to identify optimal TI, using ground truth annotations by two readers. Accuracy within 50 ms, mean absolute error (MAE), Lin's concordance coefficient (LCCC) and reduced major axis regression (RMAR) were used to select the best model from validation results, and applied to holdout test data. Robustness of the best-performing model was also tested on imaging data from centre 4. RESULTS: The best model (SE-ResNet18-LSTM) produced accuracy of 96.1%, MAE 22.9 ms and LCCC 0.47 compared to ground truth on the holdout test set and accuracy of 97.3%, MAE 15.2 ms and LCCC 0.64 when tested on unseen external (centre 4) data. Differences in vendor performance were observed, with greatest accuracy for the most commonly represented vendor in the training data. CONCLUSION: A deep learning model was developed that can identify optimal inversion time from TI scout images on multi-vendor data with high accuracy, including on previously unseen external data. We make this model available to the scientific community for further assessment or development. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: A robust automated inversion time selection tool for late gadolinium-enhanced imaging allows for reproducible and efficient cross-vendor inversion time selection. KEY POINTS: • A model comprising convolutional and recurrent neural networks was developed to extract optimal TI from TI scout images. • Model accuracy within 50 ms of ground truth on multi-vendor holdout and external data of 96.1% and 97.3% respectively was achieved. • This model could improve workflow efficiency and standardise optimal TI selection for consistent LGE imaging.

A Novel Multi-Functional Fluorescence Probe for the Detection of Al3+/Zn2+/Cd2+ and its Practical Applications.

A novel multi-functional fluorescence probe HMIC based on hydrazide Schiff base has been successfully synthesized and characterized. It can distinguish Al3+/Zn2+/Cd2+ in ethanol, in which fluorescence emission with different colors (blue for Al3+, orange for Zn2+, and green for Cd2+) were presented. The limits of detection of HMIC towards three ions were calculated from the titration curve as 7.70 × 10- 9 M, 4.64 × 10- 9 M, and 1.35 × 10- 8 M, respectively. The structures of HMIC and its complexes were investigated using UV-Vis spectra, Job's plot, infrared spectra, mass spectrometry, 1H-NMR and DFT calculations. Practical application studies have also demonstrated that HMIC can be applied to real samples with a low impact of potential interferents. Cytotoxicity and cellular imaging assays have shown that HMIC has good cellular permeability and potential antitumor effects. Interestingly, HMIC can image Al3+, Zn2+ and Cd2+ in the cells with different fluorescence signals.

Rodent model of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease: a systematic review.

Although significant progress has been made in developing preclinical models for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), few have encapsulated the essential biological and clinical outcome elements reflective of the human condition. We conducted a comprehensive literature review of English-language original research articles published from 1990 to 2023, sourced from PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science, aiming to collate studies that provided a comparative analysis of physiological, metabolic, and hepatic histological characteristics between MASLD models and control groups. The establishment of a robust metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver rodent model hinges on various factors, including animal species and strains, sex, induction agents and methodologies, and the duration of induction. Through this review, we aim to guide researchers in selecting suitable induction methods and animal species for constructing preclinical models aligned with their specific research objectives and laboratory conditions. Future studies should strive to develop simple, reliable, and reproducible models, considering the model's sensitivity to factors such as light-dark cycles, housing conditions, and environmental temperature. Additionally, the potential of diverse in vitro models, including 3D models and liver organ technology, warrants further exploration as valuable tools for unraveling the cellular mechanisms underlying fatty liver disease.

SIBP-03, a novel anti-HER3 antibody, exerts antitumor effects and synergizes with EGFR- and HER2-targeted drugs.

HER3 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 3) acts through heterodimerization with EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) or HER2 to play an essential role in activating phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and AKT signaling-a crucial pathway that promotes tumor cell survival. HER3 is a promising target for cancer therapy, and several HER3-directed antibodies have already entered into clinical trials. In this study we characterized a novel anti-HER3 monoclonal antibody, SIBP-03. SIBP-03 (0.01-10 µg/mL) specifically and concentration-dependently blocked both neuregulin (NRG)-dependent and -independent HER3 activation, attenuated HER3-mediated downstream signaling and inhibited cell proliferation. This antitumor activity was dependent, at least in part, on SIBP-03-induced, cell-mediated cytotoxicity and cellular phagocytosis. Importantly, SIBP-03 enhanced the antitumor activity of EGFR- or HER2-targeted drugs (cetuximab or trastuzumab) in vitro and in vivo. The mechanisms underlying this synergy involve increased inhibition of HER3-mediated downstream signaling. Collectively, these results demonstrated that SIBP-03, which is currently undergoing a Phase I clinical trial in China, may offer a new treatment option for patients with cancers harboring activated HER3, particularly as part of a combinational therapeutic strategy.

Two novel Fe(III)-reducing bacteria, Geothrix campi sp. nov. and Geothrix mesophila sp. nov., isolated from paddy soils.

In this research, two novel Fe(III)-reducing bacteria, SG10T and SG198T of genus Geothrix, were isolated from the rice field of Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China. Strains SG10T and SG198T were strictly anaerobic, rod-shaped and Gram-stain-negative. The two novel strains exhibited iron reduction ability, utilizing various single organic acid as the elector donor and Fe(III) as a terminal electron acceptor. Strains SG10T and SG198T showed the highest 16S rRNA sequences similarities to the type strains of Geothrix oryzisoli SG189T (99.0-99.5%) and Geothrix paludis SG195T (99.0-99.7%), respectively. The phylogenetic trees based on the 16S rRNA gene and genome 120 conserved core genes showed that strains SG10T and SG198T belong to the genus Geothrix. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between the phylogenetic neighbors and the two isolated strains were 86.1-94.3% and 30.7-59.5%, respectively. The major fatty acids were iso-C15:0, anteiso-C15:0, C16:0 and iso-C13:0 3OH, and MK-8 was the main respiratory quinone. According to above results, the two strains were assigned to the genus Geothrix with the names Geothrix campi sp. nov. and Geothrix mesophila sp. nov. Type strains are SG10T (= GDMCC 1.3406 T = JCM 39331 T) and SG198T (= GDMCC 62910 T = KCTC 25635 T), respectively.

Azotosporobacter soli gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel nitrogen-fixing bacterium isolated from paddy soil.

A nitrogen-fixing strain designated SG130T was isolated from paddy soil in Fujian Province, China. Strain SG130T was Gram-staining-negative, rod-shaped, and strictly anaerobic. Strain SG130T showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with the type strains Dendrosporobacter quercicolus DSM 1736T (91.7%), Anaeroarcus burkinensis DSM 6283T (91.0%) and Anaerospora hongkongensis HKU 15T (90.9%). Furthermore, the phylogenetic and phylogenomic analysis also suggested strain SG130T clustered with members of the family Sporomusaceae and was distinguished from other genera within this family. Growth of strain SG130T was observed at 25-45 °C (optimum 30 °C), pH 6.0-9.5 (optimum 7.0) and 0-1% (w/v) NaCl (optimum 0.1%). The quinones were Q-8 and Q-9. The polar lipids were phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), glycolipid (GL), phospholipid (PL) and an unidentified lipid (UL). The major fatty acids (> 10%) were iso-C13:0 3OH (26.6%), iso-C17:1 (15.6%) and iso-C15:1 F (11.4%). The genomic DNA G + C content was 50.7%. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between strain SG130T and the most closely related type strain D. quercicolus DSM 1736T (ANI 68.0% and dDDH 20.3%) were both below the cut-off level for species delineation. The average amino acid identity (AAI) between strain SG130T and the most closely related type strain D. quercicolus DSM 1736T was 63.2%, which was below the cut-off value for bacterial genus delineation (65%). Strain SG130T possessed core genes (nifHDK) involved in nitrogen fixation, and nitrogenase activity (106.38 µmol C2H4 g-1 protein h-1) was examined using the acetylene reduction assay. Based on the above results, strain SG130T is confirmed to represent a novel genus of the family Sporomusaceae, for which the name Azotosporobacter soli gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SG130T (= GDMCC 1.3312T = JCM 35641T).

Coronary artery calcification detected on low-dose computed tomography in high-risk participants of an Australian lung cancer screening program: A prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is a frequent additional finding on lung cancer screening (LCS) low-dose computed tomography (LDCT). Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of death in LCS participants. We aimed to describe prevalence of incidental CAC detected on LDCT in LCS participants without prior history of coronary artery disease (CAD), evaluate their CVD risk and describe subsequent investigation and management. METHODS: Prospective observational nested cohort study including all participants enrolled at a single Australian site of the International Lung Screen Trial. Baseline LDCTs were reviewed for CAC, and subsequent information collected regarding cardiovascular health. 5-year CVD risk was calculated using the AusCVD risk calculator. RESULTS: 55% (226/408) of participants had CAC on LDCT and no prior history of CAD, including 23% with moderate-severe CAC. Mean age of participants with CAC was 65 years, 68% were male. 53% were currently smoking. Majority were high risk (51%) or intermediate risk (32%) of a cardiovascular event in 5 years. 21% of participants were re-stratified to a higher CVD risk group when CAC detected on LCS was incorporated. Only 10% of participants with CAC received lifestyle advice (only 3% currently smoking received smoking cessation advice). 80% of participants at high-risk did not meet guideline recommendations, with 47% of this group remaining without cholesterol lowering therapy. CONCLUSION: LCS with LDCT offers the potential to identify and communicate CVD risk in this population. This may improve health outcomes for high-risk LCS participants and further personalize management once screening results are known.

Associations Between Internet-Specific Parenting, General Parenting, and Adolescents' Online Behaviors: A Cross-Lagged Panel Network Analysis.

Parents play a crucial role in adolescents' Internet use. Both general parenting (i.e., autonomy-supportive and controlling parenting) and Internet-specific parenting (i.e., restrictive mediation, active mediation, and parental encouragement) are related to adolescents' online behaviors. However, existing studies have focused either on an Internet-specific parenting or general parenting strategy and have neglected their interaction, failing to capture the intricate nature of the parenting context of youth's online behaviors. Few studies have examined parental encouragement or acknowledged the bidirectional influence of parenting on adolescents' online behaviors. To address this gap, this study employed a cross-lagged panel network model to examine the associations among restrictive and active mediation, parental encouragement, and autonomy-supportive and controlling parenting, as well as the interplay of all five parenting strategies with adolescents' online behaviors. A total of 564 Chinese students (51.1% male; mean age = 14.54, SD = 0.7) completed the survey at two time points. The results indicate that in most cases, previous online behaviors are significant and strong predictors of subsequent parenting strategies and not vice versa, corroborating the child effect. The parent and reciprocal effects were observed in the problematic smartphone-use domain, suggesting that the effects may differ for distinct behavioral domains. The effects of parental mediation extend beyond parental encouragement, implying that risk-prevention-related parenting is an effective means of guiding adolescents' online behaviors. Autonomy-relevant general parenting is closely related to active mediation and parental encouragement, while restrictive general parenting is closely related to restrictive mediation, suggesting a consistency between Internet-specific and general parenting strategies.

ATP promotes resident CD34+ cell migration mainly through P2Y2-Stim1-ERK/p38 pathway.

Extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is one of the most abundant biochemical constitutes within the stem cell microenvironment and is postulated to play critical roles in cell migration. However, it is unclear whether ATP regulates the cell migration of CD34+ vascular wall-resident stem/progenitor cells (VW-SCs) and participates in angiogenesis. Therefore, the biological mechanisms of cell migration mediated by ATP was determined by in vivo subcutaneous matrigel plug assay, ex vivo aortic ring assay, in vitro transwell migration assay, and other molecular methods. In the present study, ATP dose-dependently promoted CD34+ VW-SCs migration, which was more obviously attenuated by inhibiting or knocking down P2Y2 than P2Y6. Furthermore, it was confirmed that ATP potently promoted the migration of resident CD34+ cells from cultured aortic artery rings and differentiation into endothelial cells in matrigel plugs by using inducible lineage tracing Cd34-CreERT2; R26-tdTomato mice, whereas P2Y2 and P2Y6 blocker greatly inhibited the effect of ATP. In addition, ATP enhanced the protein expression of stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) on cell membrane, blocking the calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channel with shSTIM1 or BTP2 apparently inhibited ATP-evoked intracellular Ca2+ elevation and channel opening, thereby suppressing ATP-driven cell migration. Moreover, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) inhibitor PD98059 and p38 inhibitor SB203580 remarkably inhibited ERK and p38 phosphorylation, cytoskeleton rearrangement, and subsequent cell migration. Unexpectedly, it was found that knocking down STIM1 greatly inhibited ATP-triggered ERK/p38 activation. Taken together, it was suggested that P2Y2 signaled through the CRAC channel mediated Ca2+ influx and ERK/p38 pathway to reorganize the cytoskeleton and promoted the migration of CD34+ VW-SCs.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In this study, we observed that the purinergic receptor P2Y2 is critical in the regulation of vascular wall-resident CD34+ cells' migration. ATP could activate STIM1-mediated extracellular Ca2+ entry by triggering STIM1 translocation to the plasma membrane, and knockdown of STIM1 prevented ERK/p38 activation-mediated cytoskeleton rearrangement and cell migration.

A Reaction-Based Ratiometric Bioluminescent Platform for Point-of-Care and Quantitative Detection Using a Smartphone.

Fluorescent probes have emerged as powerful tools for the detection of different analytes by virtue of structural tenability. However, the requirement of an excitation source largely hinders their applicability in point-of-care detection, as well as causing autofluorescence interference in complex samples. Herein, based on bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET), we developed a reaction-based ratiometric bioluminescent platform, which allows the excitation-free detection of analytes. The platform has a modular design consisting of a NanoLuc-HaloTag fusion as an energy donor, to which a synthetic fluorescent probe is bioorthogonally labeled as recognition moiety and energy acceptor. Once activated by the target, the fluorescent probe can be excited by NanoLuc to generate a remarkable BRET signal, resulting in obvious color changes of luminescence, which can be easily recorded and quantitatively analyzed by a smartphone. As a proof of concept, a fluorescent probe for HOCl was synthesized to construct the bioluminescent system. Results demonstrated the system showed a constant blue/red emission ratio which is independent to the signal intensity, allowing the quantification of HOCl concentration with high sensitivity (limit of detection (LOD) = 13 nM) and accuracy. Given the universality, this reaction-based bioluminescent platform holds great potential for point-of-care and quantitative detection of reactive species.

Reduction in Chest CT Severity and Improved Hospital Outcomes in SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Compared with Delta Variant Infection.

Background The SARS-Cov-2 Omicron variant demonstrates rapid spread but reduced disease severity. Studies evaluating lung imaging findings of Omicron infection versus non-Omicron infection remain lacking. Purpose To compare the Omicron variant with the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant according to their chest CT radiologic pattern, biochemical parameters, clinical severity, and hospital outcomes after adjusting for vaccination status. Materials and Methods This retrospective study included hospitalized adult patients with reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction test results positive for SARS-CoV-2, with CT pulmonary angiography performed within 7 days of admission between December 1, 2021, and January 14, 2022. Multiple readers performed blinded radiologic analyses that included RSNA CT classification, chest CT severity score (CTSS) (range, 0 [least severe] to 25 [most severe]), and CT imaging features, including bronchial wall thickening. Results A total of 106 patients (Delta group, n = 66; Omicron group, n = 40) were evaluated (overall mean age, 58 years ± 18 [SD]; 58 men). In the Omicron group, 37% of CT pulmonary angiograms (15 of 40 patients) were categorized as normal compared with 15% (10 of 66 patients) of angiograms in the Delta group (P = .016). A generalized linear model was used to control for confounding variables, including vaccination status, and Omicron infection was associated with a CTSS that was 7.2 points lower than that associated with Delta infection (ß = -7.2; 95% CI: -9.9, -4.5; P < .001). Bronchial wall thickening was more common with Omicron infection than with Delta infection (odds ratio [OR], 2.4; 95% CI: 1.01, 5.92; P = .04). A booster shot was associated with a protective effect for chest infection (median CTSS, 5; IQR, 0-11) when compared with unvaccinated individuals (median CTSS, 11; IQR, 7.5-14.0) (P = .03). The Delta variant was associated with a higher OR of severe disease (OR, 4.6; 95% CI: 1.2, 26; P = .01) and admission to a critical care unit (OR, 7.0; 95% CI: 1.5, 66; P = .004) when compared with the Omicron variant. Conclusion The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant was associated with fewer and less severe changes on chest CT images compared with the Delta variant. Patients with Omicron infection had greater frequency of bronchial wall thickening but less severe disease and improved hospital outcomes when compared with patients with Delta infection. © RSNA, 2022 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Shouchella tritolerans sp. nov., a facultative anaerobic bacterium isolated from marine sediments.

An alkali, salt, and thermo-tolerant strain designated FJAT-45399T was isolated from marine sediment in Fujian Province, China. Strain FJAT-45399T was Gram-stain-positive, rod-shaped, and facultatively aerobic. It shared high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with the members of the genus Shouchella. Further, the phylogenetic and phylogenomic analysis also suggested strain FJAT-45399T clustered with the members of the genus Shouchella. Growth of strain FJAT-45399T was observed at 15-55 °C (optimum 45-50 °C), pH 7.0-13.0 (optimum 9.0) and 0-15% (w/v) NaCl (optimum 2%). It contained MK-7 as the menaquinone. The polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and an unidentified glycolipid (UGL) and lipid (UL). The major fatty acids (> 10%) were C16:0 (22.8%), iso-C15:0 (21.3%), and anteiso-C15:0 (14.0%). The genomic DNA G + C content was 44.5%. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between strain FJAT-45399T and the most closely related type strain Shouchella clausii DSM 8716T (ANI 94.1% and dDDH 55.4%) were both below the cut-off level for species delineation. Based on the above results, strain FJAT-45399T represents a novel species of the genus Shouchella, for which the name Shouchella tritolerans sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is FJAT-45399T (= GDMCC 1.3098T = JCM 35613T).

A novel nitrogen-fixing bacterium, Propionivibrio soli sp. nov. isolated from paddy soil.

A facultative anaerobic nitrogen-fixing bacterium, designated SG131T, was isolated from paddy soil. Strain SG131T showed high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with type strains Propionivibrio limicola DSM 6832T (96.9%), Propionivibrio pelophilus asp 66T (96.0%) and Propionivibrio dicarboxylicus DSM 5885T (95.7%). The phylogenetic trees (based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and 120 conserved genes from genomes, respectively) indicated that strain SG131T clustered with members of the genus Propionivibrio. Growth of strain SG131T was observed at 25-40 °C, pH 5.5-10.5 and 0-0.5% (w/v) NaCl. The quinone was Q-7, and the main fatty acids were C16:1 ω6c and/or C16:1 ω7c (25.9%), C16:0 (23.3%), C17:0-cyclo (11.7%), C12:0 (6.0%) and C17:0 (5.9%). The genomic DNA G + C content of strain SG131T was 60.3%. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) values between strain SG131T and its most closely related species P. limicola DSM 6832T, P. pelophilus DSM 12018T and P. dicarboxylicus DSM 5885T were 74.4%, 74.9% and 75.6%, respectively. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between strain SG131T and its most closely related species P. limicola DSM 6832T, P. pelophilus DSM 12018T and P. dicarboxylicus DSM 5885T were 19.9%, 20.6% and 20.5%, respectively. All these values were lower than the recommended species delineation thresholds of ANI (95-96%) and dDDH (70%). Strain SG131T possessed core genes (nifHDK) of nitrogen fixation and was confirmed its nitrogen-fixing ability by the ARA method. According to the above-described analysis, strain SG131T represents a novel species of the genus Propionivibrio, for which the name Propionivibrio soli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SG131T (= GDMCC 1.3313T = JCM 35595T).