Genetic basis of maize stalk strength decoded via linkage and association mapping.

Stalk lodging is a severe problem that limits maize production worldwide, although little attention has been given to its genetic basis. Here we measured rind penetrometer resistance (RPR), an effective index for stalk lodging, in a multi-parent population of 1948 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) and an association population of 508 inbred lines (AMP508). Linkage and association mapping identified 53 and 29 single quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and 50 and 19 pairs of epistatic interactions for RPR in the multi-parent population and AMP508 population, respectively. Phenotypic variation explained by all identified epistatic QTLs (up to ~5%) was much less than that explained by all single additive QTLs (up to ~33% in the multi-parent population and ~ 60% in the AMP508 population). Among all detected QTLs, only eight single QTLs explained >10% of phenotypic variation in single RIL populations. Alleles that increased RPR were enriched in tropical/subtropical (TST) groups from the AMP508 population. Based on genome-wide association studies in both populations, we identified 137 candidate genes affecting RPR, which were assigned to multiple biological processes, such as the biosynthesis of cell wall components. Sixty-six candidate genes were cross-validated by multiple methods or populations. Most importantly, 23 candidate genes were upregulated or downregulated in high-RPR lines relative to low-RPR lines, supporting the associations between candidate genes and RPR. These findings reveal the complex nature of the genetic basis underlying RPR and provide loci or candidate genes for developing elite varieties that are resistant to stalk lodging via molecular breeding.

Chromosome-level genome provides insight into the evolution and conservation of the threatened goral (Naemorhedus goral).

BACKGROUND: Gorals Naemorhedus resemble both goats and antelopes, which prompts much debate about the intragenus species delimitation and phylogenetic status of the genus Naemorhedus within the subfamily Caprinae. Their evolution is believed to be linked to the uplift of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP). To better understand its phylogenetics, the genetic information is worth being resolved. RESULTS: Based on a sample from the eastern margin of QTP, we constructed the first reference genome for Himalayan goral Naemorhedus goral, using PacBio long-read sequencing and Hi-C technology. The 2.59 Gb assembled genome had a contig N50 of 3.70 Mb and scaffold N50 of 106.66 Mb, which anchored onto 28 pseudo chromosomes. A total of 20,145 protein-coding genes were predicted in the assembled genome, of which 99.93% were functionally annotated. Phylogenetically, the goral was closely related to muskox on the mitochondrial genome level and nested into the takin-muskox clade on the genome tree, rather than other so-called goat-antelopes. The cladogenetic event among muskox, takin and goral occurred sequentially during the late Miocene (~ 11 - 5 Mya), when the QTP experienced a third dramatic uplift with consequent profound changes in climate and environment. Several chromosome fusions and translocations were observed between goral and takin/muskox. The expanded gene families in the goral genome were mainly related to the metabolism of drugs and diseases, so as the positive selected genes. The Ne of goral continued to decrease since ~ 1 Mya during the Pleistocene with active glaciations. CONCLUSION: The high-quality goral genome provides insights into the evolution and valuable information for the conservation of this threatened group.

Associations between quantitative measures of mammographic density and terminal ductal lobular unit involution in Chinese breast cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Higher mammographic density (MD), a radiological measure of the proportion of fibroglandular tissue in the breast, and lower terminal duct lobular unit (TDLU) involution, a histological measure of the amount of epithelial tissue in the breast, are independent breast cancer risk factors. Previous studies among predominantly white women have associated reduced TDLU involution with higher MD. METHODS: In this cohort of 611 invasive breast cancer patients (ages 23-91 years [58.4% ≥ 50 years]) from China, where breast cancer incidence rates are lower and the prevalence of dense breasts is higher compared with Western countries, we examined the associations between TDLU involution assessed in tumor-adjacent normal breast tissue and quantitative MD assessed in the contralateral breast obtained from the VolparaDensity software. Associations were estimated using generalized linear models with MD measures as the outcome variables (log-transformed), TDLU measures as explanatory variables (categorized into quartiles or tertiles), and adjusted for age, body mass index, parity, age at menarche and breast cancer subtype. RESULTS: We found that, among all women, percent dense volume (PDV) was positively associated with TDLU count (highest tertile vs. zero: Expbeta = 1.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08-1.51, ptrend = < .0001), TDLU span (highest vs. lowest tertile: Expbeta = 1.23, 95% CI 1.11-1.37, ptrend = < .0001) and acini count/TDLU (highest vs. lowest tertile: Expbeta = 1.22, 95% CI 1.09-1.37, ptrend = 0.0005), while non-dense volume (NDV) was inversely associated with these measures. Similar trend was observed for absolute dense volume (ADV) after the adjustment of total breast volume, although the associations for ADV were in general weaker than those for PDV. The MD-TDLU associations were generally more pronounced among breast cancer patients ≥ 50 years and those with luminal A tumors compared with patients < 50 years and with luminal B tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings based on quantitative MD and TDLU involution measures among Chinese breast cancer patients are largely consistent with those reported in Western populations and may provide additional insights into the complexity of the relationship, which varies by age, and possibly breast cancer subtype.

Selective Activation of Cascade Assembly Amplification for DNA Methyltransferase Detection Using a Double-Loop Interlocked DNA Circuit.

Precise and reliable monitoring of DNA adenine methyltransferase (Dam) activity is essential for disease diagnosis and biological analysis. However, existing techniques for detecting Dam activity often rely on specific DNA recognition probes that are susceptible to DNA degradation and exhibit limited target sensitivity and specificity. In this study, we designed and engineered a stable and dynamic DNA nanodevice called the double-loop interlocked DNA circuit (DOOR) that enables the sensitive and selective monitoring of Dam activity in complex biological environments. The DOOR incorporates two interlocked specialized sequences: a palindromic sequence for Dam identification and an initiator sequence for signal amplification. In the presence of Dam, the DOOR is cleaved by double-stranded DNA phosphodiesterase I endonuclease, generating massive double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) units. These units can self-assemble into a long dsDNA scaffold, thereby enhancing the subsequent reaction kinetics. The dsDNA scaffold further triggers a hyperbranched hybrid chain reaction to produce a fluorescent 3D DNA nanonet, enabling more precise monitoring of the Dam activity. The DOOR device exhibits excellent sensitivity, specificity, and stability, rendering it a powerful tool for studying DNA methylation in various biological processes and diseases.

The impact of music training on temporal order processing in Mandarin Chinese sentence reading: Evidence from event-related potentials (ERPs).

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of music training on the processing of temporal order in Mandarin sentence reading using event-related potentials (ERPs). Two-clause sentences with temporal connectives ("before" or "after") were presented to both musicians and non-musicians. Additionally, a verbal N-back task was utilized to evaluate the participants' working memory capacities. The findings revealed that musicians, but not nonmusicians, demonstrated a more negative amplitude in the second clauses of "before" sentences compared with "after" sentences. In the N-back task, musicians exhibited faster reaction times than nonmusicians in the two-back condition. Furthermore, a correlation was observed between the ERP amplitude differences (before vs. after) and reaction time differences in the N-back task (0-back vs. 2-back) among musicians. These findings suggested that music training enhances the depth of temporal order processing, potentially mediated by improvements in working memory capacity.

Genetic variation in the aquaporin TONOPLAST INTRINSIC PROTEIN 4;3 modulates maize cold tolerance.

Cold stress is a major abiotic stress that threatens maize (Zea mays L.) production worldwide. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying cold tolerance is crucial for breeding resilient maize varieties. Tonoplast intrinsic proteins (TIPs) are a subfamily of aquaporins in plants. Here, we report that TIP family proteins are involved in maize cold tolerance. The expression of most TIP genes was responsive to cold stress. Overexpressing TIP2;1, TIP3;2 or TIP4;3 reduced the cold tolerance of maize seedlings, while loss-of-function mutants of TIP4;3 exhibited enhanced cold tolerance. Candidate gene-based association analysis revealed that a 328-bp transposon insertion in the promoter region of TIP4;3 was strongly associated with maize cold tolerance. This transposon insertion conferred cold tolerance by repressing TIP4;3 expression through increased methylation of its promoter region. Moreover, TIP4;3 was found to suppress stomatal closure and facilitate reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation under cold stress, thereby inhibiting the expression of cold-responsive genes, including DEHYDRATION-RESPONSIVE ELEMENT BINDING FACTOR 1 (DREB1) genes and a subset of peroxidase genes, ultimately attenuating maize cold tolerance. This study thus elucidates the mechanism underlying TIP-mediated cold tolerance and identifies a favourable TIP4;3 allele as a potential genetic resource for breeding cold-tolerant maize varieties.

Linkage and association mapping in multi-parental populations reveal the genetic basis of carotenoid variation in maize kernels.

Carotenoids are indispensable to plants and critical components of the human diet. The carotenoid metabolic pathway is conserved across plant species, but our understanding of the genetic basis of carotenoid variation remains limited for the seeds of most cereal crops. To address this issue, we systematically performed linkage and association mapping for eight carotenoid traits using six recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations. Single linkage mapping (SLM) and joint linkage mapping (JLM) identified 77 unique additive QTLs and 104 pairs of epistatic QTLs. Among these QTLs, we identified 22 overlapping hotspots of additive and epistatic loci, highlighting the important contributions of some QTLs to carotenoid levels through additive or epistatic mechanisms. A genome-wide association study based on all RILs detected 244 candidate genes significantly associated with carotenoid traits, 23 of which were annotated as carotenoid pathway genes. Effect comparisons suggested that a small number of loci linked to pathway genes have substantial effects on carotenoid variation in our tested populations, but many loci not associated with pathway genes also make important contributions to carotenoid variation. We identified ZmPTOX as the causal gene for a QTL hotspot (Q10/JLM10/GWAS019); this gene encodes a putative plastid terminal oxidase that produces plastoquinone-9 used by two enzymes in the carotenoid pathway. Natural variants in the promoter and second exon of ZmPTOX were found to alter carotenoid levels. This comprehensive assessment of the genetic mechanisms underlying carotenoid variation establishes a foundation for rewiring carotenoid metabolism and accumulation for efficient carotenoid biofortification.

Global, regional, and national burden of blindness and vision loss attributable to high fasting plasma glucose from 1990 to 2019, and forecasts to 2030: A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

AIMS: To systematically clarify the spatiotemporal trends, and age-sex-specific blindness and vision loss (BVL) burden due to high fasting plasma glucose (HFPG) from 1990 to 2019, and project this burden over the next decade. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We obtained the number and rate of years lived with disability (YLDs) for the BVL burden attributable to HFPG by age, sex, socio-demographic index (SDI), and location between 1990 and 2019 from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 database. The average annual percentage changes (AAPCs) were calculated to assess the temporal trends of HFPG-attributable BVL burden. The Bayesian age-period-cohort model was used to predict the HFPG-attributable BVL burden. RESULTS: In 2019, the global number and age-standardized rate (ASR) for YLDs of BVL attributable to HFPG were 673.13 (95% UI: 159.52 to 1565.34) thousand and 8.44 (95% UI: 2.00 to 19.63) per 100,000 people, respectively. The highest burdens were found in Oceania, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, and the BVL burden due to HFPG was higher in the elderly and lower SDI regions. From 1990 to 2019, the global ASR of HFPG-attributable BVL gradually increased with AAPC (95% CI) being 0.80 (0.74 to 0.86). In addition, the HFPG-attributable BVL burden will slightly increase in the future decade. CONCLUSIONS: The HFPG remains the important cause of BVL worldwide, placing a substantial disease burden. From 1990 to 2019, the age-standardized burden of BVL due to HFPG increased, and will consistently increase in the future decade, particularly in the elderly and in regions with middle SDI or below.

The treatment pattern of advanced HR-positive and HER2-negative breast cancer in central southern China: a hospital-based cross-sectional study.

AIMS: This investigation aims to elucidate the treatment status of advanced HR+/HER2- breast cancer patients in Hunan Province of Central Southern China from November 2021 to December 2022. METHODS: Data from 301 patients with advanced HR+/HER2- breast cancer were collected from the breast cancer investigation project in Hunan under the guidance of the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncolfogy (CSCO). The data included the clinical characteristics of patients and the status of first-line and second-line rescue treatment. RESULTS: First-line chemotherapy and endocrine therapy for mBC accounted for 40% (121/301) and 60% (180/301) of treatments, respectively. AI (21%), AI plus CDK4/6 inhibitor (28%), and fulvestrant (24%) or fulvestrant plus CDK4/6 inhibitor (18%) were the most common first-line endocrine therapies. Taxane-based chemotherapy was the most common first-line chemotherapy (59%). Second-line chemotherapy and endocrine therapy for mBC accounted for 43% (72/166) and 57% (94/166) of treatments, respectively. Fulvestrant (23%) or fulvestrant plus CDK4/6 inhibitor (29%) were the most common second-line endocrine therapies. The prevalences of AI and AI plus CDK4/6 inhibitor decreased to 19% and 11%, respectively. T (taxane)-based chemotherapy was still the most common chemotherapy regimen (46%). Third-line chemotherapy was more prevalent than endocrine therapy (57% vs. 41%). T (taxane)-based chemotherapy was still the most common chemotherapy regimen (46%). Fulvestrant plus CDK4/6 inhibitor was the most common endocrine therapy (33%). AI, AI plus CDK4/6 inhibitor, and fulvestrant accounted for 21%, 12% and 18% of third-line endocrine therapies, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to chemotherapy, endocrine therapy was a more favorable choice for first-line and second-line treatment for HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer patients in Hunan Province.

Genomic basis determining root system architecture in maize.

KEY MESSAGE: A total of 389 and 344 QTLs were identified by GWAS and QTL mapping explaining accumulatively 32.2-65.0% and 23.7-63.4% of phenotypic variation for 14 shoot-borne root traits using more than 1300 individuals across multiple field trails. Efficient nutrient and water acquisition from soils depends on the root system architecture (RSA). However, the genetic determinants underlying RSA in maize remain largely unexplored. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive genetic analysis for 14 shoot-borne root traits using 513 inbred lines and 800 individuals from four recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations at the mature stage across multiple field trails. Our analysis revealed substantial phenotypic variation for these 14 root traits, with a total of 389 and 344 QTLs identified through genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) and linkage analysis, respectively. These QTLs collectively explained 32.2-65.0% and 23.7-63.4% of the trait variation within each population. Several a priori candidate genes involved in auxin and cytokinin signaling pathways, such as IAA26, ARF2, LBD37 and CKX3, were found to co-localize with these loci. In addition, a total of 69 transcription factors (TFs) from 27 TF families (MYB, NAC, bZIP, bHLH and WRKY) were found for shoot-borne root traits. A total of 19 genes including PIN3, LBD15, IAA32, IAA38 and ARR12 and 19 GWAS signals were overlapped with selective sweeps. Further, significant additive effects were found for root traits, and pyramiding the favorable alleles could enhance maize root development. These findings could contribute to understand the genetic basis of root development and evolution, and provided an important genetic resource for the genetic improvement of root traits in maize.

A bifunctional Pasteurella multocida ß1-3-galactosyl/N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase (PmNatB) for the highly efficient chemoenzymatic synthesis of disaccharides.

Glycosyltransferases are nature's key biocatalysts for the formation of glycosidic bonds. Discovery and characterization of new synthetically useful glycosyltransferases are critical for the development of efficient enzymatic and chemoenzymatic strategies for producing complex carbohydrates and glycoconjugates. Herein we report the identification of Pasteurella multocida PmNatB as a bifunctional single-catalytic-domain glycosyltransferase with both ß1-3-galactosyltransferase and ß1-3-N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase activities. It is a novel glycosyltransferase for constructing structurally diverse GalNAcß3Galα/ßOR and Galß3GalNAcα/ßOR disaccharides in one-pot multienzyme systems with in situ generation of UDP-sugars.

Cytoophidia: a conserved yet promising mode of enzyme regulation in nucleotide metabolism.

Nucleotide biosynthesis encompasses both de novo and salvage synthesis pathways, each characterized by significant material and procedural distinctions. Despite these differences, cells with elevated nucleotide demands exhibit a preference for the more intricate de novo synthesis pathway, intricately linked to modes of enzyme regulation. In this study, we primarily scrutinize the biological importance of a conserved yet promising mode of enzyme regulation in nucleotide metabolism-cytoophidia. Cytoophidia, comprising cytidine triphosphate synthase or inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase, is explored across diverse biological models, including yeasts, Drosophila, mice, and human cancer cell lines. Additionally, we delineate potential biomedical applications of cytoophidia. As our understanding of cytoophidia deepens, the roles of enzyme compartmentalization and polymerization in various biochemical processes will unveil, promising profound impacts on both research and the treatment of metabolism-related diseases.

Trends in cardiovascular health metrics and associations with long-term mortality among US adults with coronary heart disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Our study examined the trends of cardiovascular health metrics in individuals with coronary heart disease (CHD) and their associations with all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality in the US. METHODS AND RESULTS: The cohort study was conducted based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2018 and their linked mortality files (through 2019). Baseline CHD was defined as a composite of self-reported doctor-diagnosed coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, and angina pectoris. Cardiovascular health metrics were assessed according to the American Heart Association recommendations. Long-term all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality were the primary outcomes. Survey-adjusted Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals for the associations between cardiovascular health metrics and all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality. The prevalence of one or fewer ideal cardiovascular health metrics increased from 14.15% to 22.79% (P < 0.001) in CHD, while the prevalence of more than four ideal cardiovascular health metrics decreased from 21.65% to 15.70 % (P < 0.001) from 1999 to 2018, respectively. Compared with CHD participants with one or fewer ideal cardiovascular health metrics, those with four or more ideal cardiovascular health metrics had a 35% lower risk (hazard ratio, 0.65; 95% confidence interval: 0.51, 0.82) and a 44% lower risk (0.56; 0.38, 0.84) in all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality, respectively. CONCLUSION: Substantial declines were noted in ideal cardiovascular health metrics in US adults with CHD. A higher number of cardiovascular health metrics was associated with lower all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality in them.

Survey on health literacy and related factors among firefighters of emergency management departments in Southwest China.

OBJECTIVE: Although health literacy (HL) has emerged as a critical public health concern, research on HL in emergency management departments is limited. This study aimed to investigate the awareness of HL and associated factors among firefighters of emergency management departments in southwest China to provide a basis for carrying out targeted health education. METHODS: A cross-sectional convenience sample of 1,742 firefighters from an emergency management department in southwestern China was surveyed from February to April 2023 using the Chinese Citizen's Health Literacy Questionnaire (2019 version). The chi-square test, linear trend chi-square test, Fisher's test, rank sum test, and multifactorial logistic regression model were used to identify influential factors associated with HL. RESULTS: The HL level of the 1742 respondents was 34.3%. Age, ethnicity, education level, length of service, type of job, smoking status, types of parental jobs, annual household income, time of daily internet use, etc. (P < 0.05). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis indicate that type of job (OR = 0.648, 95%CI:0.426-0.985), length of service (OR = 0.496, 95%CI:0.251-0.981), household income (OR = 1.900, 95%CI:1.443-2.502), daily internet usage time (OR = 0.726, 95%Cl:0.588-0.896), health status (OR = 0.750, 95%Cl:0.585-0.962) and frequency of organizing HL sessions (OR = 1.603, 95%Cl:1.101-2.330) were influencing factors affecting the HL of the officers and soldiers. CONCLUSION: The health literacy level of firefighters in the Emergency Management Department in Southwest China was 34.3%. Lower levels were found in the health-related skills dimension (HRS, 30.1%) and in infectious disease control (ID, 30.7%). Health information literacy (HI, 34.3%) was lower than the national level. The type of urban and rural areas, literacy level, and household income level may be the factors affecting the level of health literacy among the respondents. Therefore, health education and promotion interventions should target high priority dimensions (HRS, HI, and ID) and should focus on strengthening health literacy levels of firefighters with rural types, low education levels, and low household income to improve their health.

Spatiotemporal heterogeneity and long-term impact of meteorological, environmental, and socio-economic factors on scrub typhus in China from 2006 to 2018.

BACKGROUND: Large-scale outbreaks of scrub typhus combined with its emergence in new areas as a vector-borne rickettsiosis highlight the ongoing neglect of this disease. This study aims to explore the long-term changes and regional leading factors of scrub typhus in China, with the goal of providing valuable insights for disease prevention and control. METHODS: This study utilized a Bayesian space-time hierarchical model (BSTHM) to examine the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of scrub typhus and analyze the relationship between environmental factors and scrub typhus in southern and northern China from 2006 to 2018. Additionally, a GeoDetector model was employed to assess the predominant influences of geographical and socioeconomic factors in both regions. RESULTS: Scrub typhus exhibits a seasonal pattern, typically occurring during the summer and autumn months (June to November), with a peak in October. Geographically, the high-risk regions, or hot spots, are concentrated in the south, while the low-risk regions, or cold spots, are located in the north. Moreover, the distribution of scrub typhus is influenced by environment and socio-economic factors. In the north and south, the dominant factors are the monthly normalized vegetation index (NDVI) and temperature. An increase in NDVI per interquartile range (IQR) leads to a 7.580% decrease in scrub typhus risk in northern China, and a 19.180% increase in the southern. Similarly, of 1 IQR increase in temperature reduces the risk of scrub typhus by 10.720% in the north but increases it by 15.800% in the south. In terms of geographical and socio-economic factors, illiteracy rate and altitude are the key determinants in the respective areas, with q-values of 0.844 and 0.882. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicated that appropriate climate, environment, and social conditions would increase the risk of scrub typhus. This study provided helpful suggestions and a basis for reasonably allocating resources and controlling the occurrence of scrub typhus.

Novel decision tree models predict the overall survival of patients with submandibular gland cancer.

BACKGROUND: While the accurate prediction of the overall survival (OS) in patients with submandibular gland cancer (SGC) is paramount for informed therapeutic planning, the development of reliable survival prediction models has been hindered by the rarity of SGC cases. The purpose of this study is to identify key prognostic factors for OS in SGC patients using a large database and construct decision tree models to aid the prediction of survival probabilities in 12, 24, 60 and 120 months. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Result (SEER) program. Demographic and peri-operative predictor variables were identified. The outcome variables overall survival at 12-, 24-, 60, and 120 months. The C5.0 algorithm was utilized to establish the dichotomous decision tree models, with the depth of tree limited within 4 layers. To evaluate the performances of the novel models, the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were generated, and the metrics such as accuracy rate, and area under ROC curve (AUC) were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 1,705, 1,666, 1,543, and 1,413 SGC patients with a follow up of 12, 24, 60 and 120 months and exact survival status were identified from the SEER database. Predictor variables of age, sex, surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, tumor histology, summary stage, metastasis to distant lymph node, and marital status exerted substantial influence on overall survival. Decision tree models were then developed, incorporating these vital prognostic indicators. Favorable consistency was presented between the predicted and actual survival statuses. For the training dataset, the accuracy rates for the 12-, 24-, 60- and 120-month survival models were 0.866, 0.767, 0.737 and 0.797. Correspondingly, the AUC values were 0.841, 0.756, 0.725, and 0.774 for the same time points. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the most important predictor variables identified using the large, SEER database, decision tree models were established that predict OS of SGC patients. The models offer a more exhaustive evaluation of mortality risk and may lead to more personalized treatment strategies.

Isolation of Extracellular Outer Membrane Vesicles (OMVs) from Escherichia coli Using EVscore47 Beads.

Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are attractive for biomedical applications based on their intrinsic properties in relation to bacteria and vesicles. However, their widespread use is hampered by low yields and purities. In this study, EVscore47 multifunctional chromatography microspheres were synthesized and used to efficiently isolate functional OMVs from Escherichia coli. Through this technology, OMV loss can be kept to a minimum, and OMVs can be harvested using EVscore47 at 11-fold higher yields and ~13-fold higher purity than those achieved by means of ultracentrifugation. Based on the results presented here, we propose a novel EVscore47-based isolation of OMVs that is fast and scalable.

The spontaneous activities of the multiple demand network are related to individual differences in indirect replies comprehension.

This study aims to investigate the brain networks engaged in the comprehension of indirect language, as well as the individual difference in this capacity. Specially, we aim to determine whether the difference is solely influenced by the difference in individuals' default network (DN)/language network or whether it also relies on the networks associated with processing of complex cognitive tasks, particularly the multiple demand network (MDN). Conversational indirectness scale (CIS) scores in the interpretation dimension were used as a behavioral indicator of the indirect comprehension tendency. Reading time difference between indirect replies and direct replies collected through a self-paced reading experiment was deemed as a behavioral indicator of comprehension speed of indirect replies comprehension. The two behavioral indicators were combined with resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). The behaviour-rfMRI analysis showed that ALFF value of right SPL and the functional connectivity (FC) between the right SPL and right IPL/SMA/ITG/Precuneus/bilateral IFG were positively correlated with the interpretation dimension of CIS scores. In addition, the ALFF value of right fusiform gyrus, the FC between the right fusiform gyrus and right precuneus, and the FCs between right SPL and right IPL/Precuneus/IFG were negatively correlated with indirect replies comprehension speed. Overlapping of these regions with large-scale brain network revealed that the right SPL was mainly located in the MDN, and the right fusiform gyrus was mainly located in the language network. Additionally, the areas showing functional connectivity with these regions were primarily located in the MDN, with a smaller subset located in the DN. Our findings suggest that the ability of individuals to actively and rapidly acquire indirect meaning relies not only on the support of the DN and the language network, but also requires collective support from the MDN.

Application of fractional carbon dioxide laser monotherapy in keloids: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is no evidence-based guidance on the use of fractional CO2 laser in the excision of scars. AIM: To explore the effectiveness and safety of fractional CO2 laser in the treatment of keloids. METHODS: In this meta-analysis, we searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases from inception to April 2023. We only included studies reporting fractional CO2 laser treatment of keloids. We excluded duplicate published studies, incomplete studies, those with incomplete data, animal experiments, literature reviews, and systematic studies. RESULTS: The pooled results showed that the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) parameters of height weighted mean difference (WMD) = -1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI): -1.46 to -0.74), pigmentation (WMD = -0.61, 95% CI: -1.00 to -0.21), and pliability (WMD = -0.90, 95% CI: -1.17 to -0.63) were significantly improved after fractional CO2 laser treatment of keloids. However, vascularity did not significantly change. Additionally, the total VSS was significantly improved after treatment (WMD = -4.01, 95% CI: -6.22 to -1.79). The Patient Scars Assessment Scale was significantly improved after treatment (WMD = -15.31, 95% CI: -18.31 to -12.31). Regarding safety, the incidences of hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, pain, telangiectasia, and atrophy were 5%, 0%, 11%, 2% (95% CI: 0%-6%), and 0% (95% CI: 0%-4%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Fractional CO2 laser is effective in the treatment of keloids and can effectively improve the height, pigmentation, and pliability of scars, and patients are satisfied with this treatment. Further studies should explore the role of combination therapy.

Fermentation properties and functional stability of dough starter Jiaozi and Laomian after frozen storage.

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the effects of frozen storage on the stability of traditional dough starters in China. Methods: The microbial community structure and abundance of related metabolic genes in different fermented sourdough prepared by Jiaozi (JZ) and Laomian (LM) starters before and after frozen storage at -20°C for half a year were analyzed using the shotgun metagenomic sequencing method, and differences in characteristics of texture in steamed bread were also compared by formal methods. Results: The fermentation ability (FA) and metabolic activities of yeast in the JZH sourdough (started by JZ which was stored at -20°C for half a year) were better than those of LMH sourdough (started by LM which was stored at -20°C for half a year). The dominant genera of Acetobacter were found to be increased in the JZH0 sourdough (started by JZH and fermented for 0 h) and those of Lactobacillus were found to be decreased. Lactobacillus (98.72%), Pediococcus (0.37%), Saccharomyces (0.27%), and Acetobacter (0.01%), were dominant in sourdough LMH0 (started by LMH and fermented for 0 h). The abundances of "oxidative phosphorylation-related enzymes" and the "biosynthesis of glutamate"-related enzymes and genes related to "biosynthesis of glutamate" and "unsaturated fatty acid" were higher in JZH0 than in the JZ0 sourdough (started by JZ without being frozen and fermented for 0 h). The good FA of yeast, the acid production capacity of bacteria in the sourdough, and the quality of the JZH steamed bread (made by the JZH starter) indicated the better freezing tolerance of the microorganisms in JZ than in LM. Conclusion: The conclusion of this study suggests the better application potential of the JZ as the fermentation starter in actual production.