Marginal cord insertion in the first trimester is associated with furcate cord insertion.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the potential connections between marginal cord insertion during the first trimester and furcate cord insertion later in pregnancy. METHODS: This is a prospective study of screening data on the cord insertion site in 3178 singleton pregnancies. The cord insertion site was examined in two stages. The first stage was screening for the cord insertion site between 10-13 weeks of gestation, the purpose is to determine the category of umbilical cord insertion. The second stage, performed at 22-28 weeks of gestation, was to follow up on the relationship between the cord insertion site and the placenta and to identify any changes in the category of umbilical cord insertion. This was performed to diagnose or exclude furcate cord insertion by identifying whether the umbilical cord trunk separated or branched before it reached the placenta. Factors influencing progression to furcate cord insertion and perinatal complications were assessed. RESULTS: Fourteen cases (0.44%) with progression to furcate cord insertion, all of which showed marginal cord insertion on ultrasound in the first trimester (p < 0.001). without progression to furcate cord insertion, there were no changes in the category of umbilical cord insertion in 3050 cases (96.40%) compared to the early pregnancy. 114 cases (3.60%) with changes in the category of umbilical cord insertion that was not consistent with furcate cord insertion. A total of 14 cases progressed to furcate cord insertion, all showed the cord insertion site were in close proximity, and 11 (78.57%) cases showed a low insertion site (p < 0.001). Regarding the choice of mode of delivery, elective caesarean delivery was done in 8/14 (57.14%). The incidences of spontaneous vaginal delivery were 5/14 (35.71%) (p < 0.001). One (7.14%) case of progression to furcate cord insertion due to haematoma at the root of the umbilical cord ended with an emergency caesarean section. In terms of perinatal complications, marginal cord insertion that progressed to furcate cord insertion had higher incidences of SGA infants, abnormal placental morphology, retention of the placenta, and cord-related adverse pregnancy outcomes than not progressed to furcate cord insertion (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Marginal cord insertion in the first trimester has the potential to progress to furcate cord insertion. We suggest that ultrasound-diagnosed marginal cord insertion in the first trimester should be watched carefully in the second trimester, which is clinically useful to accurately determine the category of cord insertion and to improve the rate of prenatal diagnosis of furcate cord insertion.

[Research status and rapid detection methods of antibiotic residues in agricultural products]. / å†œäº§å“æŠ—ç”Ÿç´ æ®‹ç•™çŽ°çŠ¶åŠå¿«é€Ÿæ£€æµ‹æ–¹æ³•ç ”ç©¶è¿›å±•.

Antibiotics are widely utilized in agriculture for the prevention and treatment of animal diseases. How-ever, the abuse and overuse of antibiotics progressively increase the risks of antibiotic residues and antibiotic resis-tance. The bioaccumulation and biomagnification of antibiotics through food chains will negatively affect ecological safety, and finally threaten human health. There are many shortages of traditional antibiotic detection techniques, such as complex procedures, complicated operation and time consuming, and thus are difficult to meet the demand of instant, efficient and accurate on-site detection. Therefore, it is crucial to develop rapid detection techniques of antibiotics to manage the application of antibiotics in agriculture. We reviewed the utilization, and management of antibiotics in animal husbandry, residual characteristics, and potential hazards of antibiotics in agricultural products, summarized the advancements in rapid detection techniques of antibiotics in agricultural products over the past five years, compared the advantages and disadvantages of different rapid detection techniques, and prospected the future development in this area. This review would provide a valuable reference to the control and point-of-care test of antibiotics in agricultural products.

Synthesis of 1-Benzyl-2,4-diarylimidazole through I2/CuI-Catalyzed Cyclization of Benzylamine and Hydrazone.

In this paper, we report an innovative method for synthesizing 1-benzyl-2,4-diarylimidazole utilizing 1-phenylethanone-2-(2-pyridinyl) hydrazine and benzylamine, catalyzed by an I2/CuI system. This approach represents a significant departure from traditional methods for synthesizing polysubstituted imidazoles; it employs the I2/CuI catalyst to replace rare metal catalysts, thereby achieving high yields of substitution products (≤85%). This method for the generation of 1,2,4-triimidazole derivatives is characterized by its exceptional chemical selectivity and extensive substrate compatibility.

Can pre-exercise photobiomodulation improve muscle endurance and promote recovery from muscle strength and injuries in people with different activity levels? A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) was introduced as an ergogenic aid for sport performance in healthy individuals is still controversial. The main aim of this study is to assess the potential enhancements in muscle endurance and recovery from muscle strength and injuries mediated by PBMT among individuals exhibiting diverse activity levels. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) of PBMT interventions for healthy people (both trained and untrained individuals) exercising were searched (up to January 16, 2024) in four electronic databases: Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and Embase. Primary outcome measures included muscle endurance, muscle strength and creatine kinase (CK) levels; secondary outcome measure included Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. Subgroup analyses based on physical activity levels were conducted for each outcome measure. Thirty-four RCTs were included based on the article inclusion and exclusion criteria. Statistical results showed that PBMT significantly improved muscle endurance (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.31, 95%CI 0.11, 0.51, p < 0.01), indicating a moderate effect size. It also facilitated the recovery of muscle strength (SMD = 0.24, 95%CI 0.10, 0.39, p < 0.01) and CK (mean difference [MD] = -77.56, 95%CI -112.67, -42.44, p < 0.01), indicating moderate and large effect sizes, respectively. Furthermore, pre-application of PBMT significantly improved muscle endurance, recovery of muscle strength and injuries in physically inactive individuals and athletes (p < 0.05), while there was no significant benefit for physically active individuals. Pre-application of PBMT improves muscle endurance and promotes recovery from muscle strength and injury (includes CK and LDH) in athletes and sedentary populations, indicating moderate to large effect sizes, but is ineffective in physically active populations. This may be due to the fact that physically active people engage in more resistance training, which leads to a decrease in the proportion of red muscle fibres, thus affecting photobiomodulation.

Correlation of distribution characteristics and dynamic changes of gut microbiota with the efficacy of immunotherapy in EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: The effects of gut microbiota and metabolites on the responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in advanced epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) wild-type non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have been studied. However, their effects on EGFR-mutated (EGFR +) NSCLC remain unknown. METHODS: We prospectively recorded the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with advanced EGFR + NSCLC and assessed potential associations between the use of antibiotics or probiotics and immunotherapy efficacy. Fecal samples were collected at baseline, early on-treatment, response and progression status and were subjected to metagenomic next-generation sequencing and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses to assess the effects of gut microbiota and metabolites on immunotherapy efficacy. RESULTS: The clinical data of 74 advanced EGFR + NSCLC patients were complete and 18 patients' fecal samples were dynamically collected. Patients that used antibiotics had shorter progression-free survival (PFS) (mPFS, 4.8 vs. 6.7 months; P = 0.037); probiotics had no impact on PFS. Two dynamic types of gut microbiota during immunotherapy were identified: one type showed the lowest relative abundance at the response time point, whereas the other type showed the highest abundance at the response time point. Metabolomics revealed significant differences in metabolites distribution between responders and non-responders. Deoxycholic acid, glycerol, and quinolinic acid were enriched in responders, whereas L-citrulline was enriched in non-responders. There was a significant correlation between gut microbiota and metabolites. CONCLUSIONS: The use of antibiotics weakens immunotherapy efficacy in patients with advanced EGFR + NSCLC. The distribution characteristics and dynamic changes of gut microbiota and metabolites may indicate the efficacy of immunotherapy in advanced EGFR + NSCLC.

Laser forward and backward scattering characteristics and experimental study of bubbles in ship wake.

The detection and tracking of ships can be realized by using the laser forward and backward scattering characteristics of ship wake bubbles. In this paper, the detection ability of two kinds of scattering to wake bubbles is studied. Based on the distribution characteristics of ship wake and bubble targets, typical bubble targets are selected to study from both micro and macro aspects. The light scattering model of water is established from the microscopic aspect, and the forward and backward scattering light intensity equations of water are derived. The circumferential scattering characteristics of a single bubble are analyzed based on the Mie scattering theory. According to the transmission characteristics of light in wake bubbles, the secondary scattering model of wake bubbles is established, and the forward and backward scattering light intensity equations are derived. In the macroscopic aspect, the laser scattering simulation model of wake bubbles is established by Monte Carlo, and the forward and backward scattering characteristics of wake bubble clusters with different radii, densities, and thicknesses are analyzed emphatically. A laser forward scattering and backscattering detection system under typical bubble characteristics was built, and the composite scattering characteristics of wake bubbles with different parameter characteristics were experimentally analyzed. The theoretical and experimental results show that with the increase of bubble radius, density, and thickness, the amplitude of laser forward scattering signal of bubble groups decreases gradually, the amplitude of backward scattering signal increases gradually, the change rate of forward and backward scattering amplitude increases, and the change rate of backscattering is obviously larger than that of forward scattering. The detection of wake bubbles by backscattering has more characteristic changes than that by forward scattering, and the detection success rate is higher. The research results can provide theoretical and experimental support for the design of a ship wake laser detection system.

[Study on the Effect and Mechanism of Tetrandrine on Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Mediated Drug Resistance in Leukemia].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the role of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC)，an essential element of the bone marrow microenvironment, in multidrug resistance(MDR) of K562 cells, as well as the reversal effect of tetrandrine (TET) on BMSC-mediated MDR and its potential mechanism. METHODS: A mixed co-culture system and a transwell co-culture system for BMSC and K562 cells were established, and the cells were divided into different groups and treated with daunorubicin (DNR) alone or combined with TET and DNR. The CCK-8 assay was used to detect the proliferation of K562 cells in each group, and the cell inhibition rate was calculated. Cytometric bead array (CBA) was used to detect the expression levels of IFN, IL-2, IL-6 and IL-10 in the supernatant of different groups. RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to detected the expression of STAT3 at mRNA and protein levels, respectively. RESULTS: Compared with K562+DNR group, the inhibition rate of DNR on K562 cell proliferation in K562+BMSC+DNR group was significantly decreased (P < 0.05), while the levels of IL-6 in the culture supernatant and phosphorylated STAT3 in K562 cells were significantly increased (P < 0.05). Compared with K562+BMSC+DNR group, the inhibition rate of DNR on K562 cell proliferation in K562+BMSC+DNR+TET group was significantly increased (P < 0.05), while the level of IL-6 and phosphorylated STAT3 was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: BMSC can promote the drug resistance of leukemia cells, and TET may reverse the BMSC-mediated drug resistance via inhibiting IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Gut commensal Christensenella minuta modulates host metabolism via acylated secondary bile acids.

A strong correlation between gut microbes and host health has been observed in numerous gut metagenomic cohort studies. However, the underlying mechanisms governing host-microbe interactions in the gut remain largely unknown. Here we report that the gut commensal Christensenella minuta modulates host metabolism by generating a previously undescribed class of secondary bile acids with 3-O-acylation substitution that inhibit the intestinal farnesoid X receptor. Administration of C. minuta alleviated features of metabolic disease in high fat diet-induced obese mice associated with a significant increase in these acylated bile acids, which we refer to as 3-O-acyl-cholic acids. Specific knockout of intestinal farnesoid X receptor in mice counteracted the beneficial effects observed in their wild-type counterparts. Finally, we showed that 3-O-acyl-CAs were prevalent in healthy humans but significantly depleted in patients with type 2 diabetes. Our findings indicate a role for C. minuta and acylated bile acids in metabolic diseases.

Cognitive behavioral therapy achieves better benefits in relieving postoperative pain and improving joint function: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a structured, short-term psychotherapy approach that may have positive effects in terms of relieving postoperative pain. The main objective of this study was to determine the effect of CBT on pain and joint function in patients after total joint arthroplasty. METHODS: We searched 3 electronic databases including randomized controlled studies (RCTs) using CBT as an intervention. The main results of this study were to determine pain intensity by NRS, VAS, WOMAC pain Scale, PCS, and joint function by HHS, OKS, EQ-5D, ROM. Data extraction and quality assessment of included RCTs were independently performed by the authors and date analysis was performed by RevMan V.5.4. RESULTS: Among the 605 studies, 9 RCTS were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The study showed that the difference between CBT and usual care groups in PCS (≤3months), NRS, VAS (≤3months) were statistically significant (P < 0.05); the difference between CBT and usual care groups in PCS (≥12months), WOMAC Pain Scale, and VAS (≥12months) were not statistically significant (P > 0.05), indicating that CBT can improve pain in patients after arthroplasty in the early term. In addition, the difference between CBT and usual care groups in OKS (≤3months), HSS, ROM (≤3months), EQ-5D (≤3months) were not statistically significant (P > 0.05); the difference between CBT and usual care groups in EQ-5D (≥12months) were statistically significant (P < 0.05), indicating that the quality of life in patients after total joint arthroplasty were improved with the extension of follow-up time. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that CBT can relieve pain in patients with total joint arthroplasty in the early postoperative period and improve quality of life to some extent over time.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Rhinosinusitis: A Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study.

INTRODUCTION: Comorbidities, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), are common in patients with rhinosinusitis (RS). However, the link between RS and GERD has not been fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the causal relationship between GERD and acute (ARS) or chronic RS (CRS), providing references for the pathogenesis and management of RS. METHODS: The data were obtained from the Integrative Epidemiology Unit Open GWAS project and FinnGen. A total of 972,838 individuals were included. The inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method was applied to obtain the primary results of the study. Weighted median, MR-Egger, and mode-based methods were used to determine the robustness of the results. Cochran's Q statistic and MR-Egger method were applied to detect heterogeneity and pleiotrophy in instrumental variables (IVs). Other sensitivity analyses included MR-PRESSO and leave-one-out analysis. RESULTS: The MR study showed that GERD was associated with an increased risk of CRS (OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.18-1.57, p < 0.001). The results of other analysis methods were broadly consistent with the IVW estimate. No heterogeneity was detected by Cochran's Q test (p = 0.061) and MR-PRESSO (p = 0.074). No horizontal pleiotropy was shown in IVs (p = 0.700). GERD was also associated with an increased risk of ARS (OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.17-1.48, p < 0.001). Some analytical results were inconsistent with the IVW estimate. No heterogeneity and pleiotropy were observed. There was no sufficient evidence for a reverse causal effect of RS on GERD. CONCLUSION: Our study supported that GERD promoted the risk of CRS and may be a potential risk factor for ARS. This provides additional support for further investigation into the mechanisms of GERD on RS.

Accurate prediction of biliary atresia with an integrated model using MMP-7 levels and bile acids.

BACKGROUND: Biliary atresia (BA) is a rare fatal liver disease in children, and the aim of this study was to develop a method to diagnose BA early. METHODS: We determined serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7), the results of 13 liver tests, and the levels of 20 bile acids, and integrated computational models were constructed to diagnose BA. RESULTS: Our findings demonstrated that MMP-7 expression levels, as well as the results of four liver tests and levels of ten bile acids, were significantly different between 86 BA and 59 non-BA patients (P < 0.05). The computational prediction model revealed that MMP-7 levels alone had a higher predictive accuracy [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) = 0.966, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.942, 0.989] than liver test results and bile acid levels. The AUC was 0.890 (95% CI 0.837, 0.943) for liver test results and 0.825 (95% CI 0.758, 0.892) for bile acid levels. Furthermore, bile levels had a higher contribution to enhancing the predictive accuracy of MMP-7 levels (AUC = 0.976, 95% CI 0.953, 1.000) than liver test results. The AUC was 0.983 (95% CI 0.962, 1.000) for MMP-7 levels combined with liver test results and bile acid levels. In addition, we found that MMP-7 levels were highly correlated with gamma-glutamyl transferase levels and the liver fibrosis score. CONCLUSION: The innovative integrated models based on a large number of indicators provide a noninvasive and cost-effective approach for accurately diagnosing BA in children. Video Abstract (MP4 142103 KB).

A serum metabolomics study of vascular cognitive impairment patients based on Traditional Chinese medicine syndrome differentiation.

Objective: Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) accounts for approximately 50%-70% of all dementia cases and poses a significant burden on existing medical systems. Identifying an optimal strategy for preventing VCI and developing efficient symptomatic treatments remains a significant challenge. Syndrome differentiation represents a fundamental approach for personalized diagnosis and treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and aligns with the principles of precision medicine. The objective of this study was to elucidate the metabolic characteristics of VCI based on TCM syndrome differentiation, thus providing novel insights into the diagnosis and treatment of VCI. Methods: A 2-year cross-sectional cognitive survey was conducted in four communities in Beijing between September 2020 and November 2022. The syndrome differentiation of participants was based on the Kidney-Yang Deficiency Syndrome Scale (KYDSS), which was originally developed by Delphi expert consultation. The identification of serum metabolites was performed by Ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) analysis coupled with an electrospray ionization quadruple time-of-flight mass spectrometer (ESI-QTOF MS). Multivariate, univariate, and pathway analyses were used to investigate metabolic changes. Logistic regression models were also used to construct metabolite panels that were capable of discerning distinct groups. Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) levels were measured by a commercial ELISA kit. Results: A total of 2,337 residents completed the survey, and the prevalence of VCI was 9.84%. Of the patients with VCI, those with Kidney-Yang deficiency syndrome (VCIS) accounted for 70.87% of cases and exhibited more severe cognitive impairments. A total of 80 participants were included in metabolomics study, including 30 with VCIS, 20 without Kidney-Yang deficiency syndrome (VCINS), and 30 healthy control participants (C). Ultimately, 45 differential metabolites were identified when comparing the VCIS group with group C, 65 differential metabolites between the VCINS group and group C, and 27 differential metabolites between the VCIS group and the VCINS group. The downregulation of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), and phosphatidylcholine (PC) along with the upregulation of lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE), lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), phosphatidic acid (PA) and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) can be considered as the general metabolic characteristics associated with VCI. Dysfunction of glycerophospholipids, particularly LPEs and PCs, was identified as a key metabolic characteristic of VCIS. In particular Glycerophospho-N-Arachidonoyl Ethanolamine (GP-NArE) was discovered for the first time in VCI patients and is considered to represent a potential biomarker for VCIS. The upregulation of PLA2 expression was implicated in the induction of alterations in glycerophospholipid metabolism in both VCIS and VCINS. Moreover, robust diagnostic models were established based on these metabolites, achieving high AUC values of 0.9322, 0.9550, and 0.9450, respectively. Conclusion: These findings contribute valuable information relating to the intricate relationship between metabolic disorders in VCI, neurodegeneration and vascular/neuroinflammation. Our findings also provide a TCM perspective for the precise diagnosis and treatment of VCI in the context of precision medicine.

Incidence, Predictors, and Strategies for Retrograde Wire Tracking Failure via Poor Septal Collateral Channels in Chronic Total Occlusion.

Background: Retrograde guidewire (GW) tracking success via a poor septal collateral channel (CC) when an antegrade approach fails is crucial for successful revascularization of coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) with poor septal CC. However, the incidence, predictors, and management strategies for retrograde GW tracking failure via poor septal CC remain unclear. Methods: In total, 122 CTO patients who underwent retrograde septal percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with poor CC between January 2017 and May 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into the retrograde GW tracking success group (success group) and the retrograde GW tracking failure group (failure group). Clinical and angiographic data were compared to investigate the predictors of retrograde GW tracking failure. Results: The incidence of GW tracking failure was 22.1% (27/122). Patients in the failure group had a higher prevalence of left anterior descending artery (LAD) CTO (66.7% vs 37.9%; p = 0.009) and a higher incidence of well-developed non-septal collateral (66.7% vs 30.5%; p = 0.001). Patients with a septal CC diameter ≥ 1 mm (48.1% vs 70.5%; p = 0.040), ≥ 3 septal CCs (44.4% vs 66.3%; p = 0.046), and initial retrograde application of Guidezilla (37.0% vs 60.0%; p = 0.048) were significantly lower in the failure group than in the success group. The binary logistics regression model showed that a CC diameter < 1 mm, well-developed non-septal collateral, and LAD CTO were independent predictors for GW tracking failure in patients undergoing retrograde CTO PCI via poor septal CC. Conclusion: The success rate of retrograde GW tracking via poor septal CC was high, with a relatively high procedural success rate. A CC diameter < 1 mm, well-developed non-septal collateral, and LAD CTO were independent predictors of GW tracking failure in patients undergoing retrograde CTO PCI via poor septal CC.

Thiacalix[4]arene-protected alkynyl Agn (n = 9, 18) nanoclusters: syntheses, structural characterizations, photocurrent responses and fluorescence properties.

Two thiacalix[4]arene-protected silver(I) alkynyl nanoclusters, [Na2(H2O)2][Ag9(TC4A)(tBuCC)4(CH3OH)2(SbF6)0.5(OH)2.5]·3.5H2O·CH3OH (1, abbreviated as Ag9) and [Ag9(TC4A)(tBuCC)4(CF3COO)]2·4CH3OH (2, abbreviated as Ag18), were synthesized by the reaction of [tBuCCAg]n, p-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene (H4TC4A), NaBH4, and AgSbF6 or CF3COOAg in the mixed solvent of methanol-trichloromethane-toluene under solvothermal conditions, respectively. Driven by SbF6- and CF3COO- with different coordination properties, the structural unit [Ag9(TC4A)(tBuCC)4]+ in both the compounds migrated in different modes, accompanied by distinct Ag⋯Ag distances. Ag9 and Ag18 exhibit similar UV-Vis absorption and diffuse reflection spectra along with contrary tendency between photocurrent responses and solid-state fluorescence. The solution stability of Ag9 and Ag18 was demonstrated by 1H NMR and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The fluorescence responses of Ag9 and Ag18 towards different organic molecules were also investigated, which indicated that the polarity of solvent has a certain effect on the emission intensities of Ag9 and Ag18. This study provides a positive guide for the controlled synthesis and further study of the structure-activity relationship of thiacalix[4]arene-protected silver alkynyl nanoclusters.

The epidemiology of patients with toxoplasmosis and its associated risk factors in Taiwan during the 2007-2020 period.

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), and may cause miscarriage and birth defects during pregnancy. This study aimed to assess the epidemiological features, epidemic trends, and correlations between the before number of confirmed toxoplasmosis cases in Taiwan from 2007 to 2020 in gender, age, season, and residential area, and hypothesized the environmental and climate factors also might affect the disease in Taiwan. METHODS: This study reviewed publicly available annual summary data on reported toxoplasmosis cases in the Taiwan Centers for Diseases Control (TCDC) between 2007 and 2020. RESULTS: This study collected 150 confirmed domestic and nine patients with imported toxoplasmosis. There was an increasing trend in the incidence of toxoplasmosis, 0.09-0.89 cases per 1,000,000 people, peaking in 2017. The average annual toxoplasmosis incidence was 4.4, 13, and 18 during 2007-2011, 2012-2016, and 2017-2020, respectively. Comparing sex, age, season, and place of residence, the incidence rate was highest in male, 20-39 years-old patients, summer, and the eastern region, with 1.02, 1.72, 0.38, and 3.63 cases per million population, respectively. Additionally, comparing the distribution of cases by age group in Taiwan, there were significant differences between 40-59 years-old in the northern region (odds ratio (OR) = 0.343, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.167-0.705, p = 0.004) and 40-59 years-old in the southern region (OR = 4.488, and 95% CI = 2.149-9.374, p< 0.001), respectively. Linear regression analysis also showed that PM (particulate matter) 2.5 (µg/m3) concentration was positively associated with toxoplasmosis (ß = 0.095, p = 0.037). CO concentration was negatively correlated with toxoplasmosis (ß = -14.001, p = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to report domestic and confirmed cases of imported toxoplasmosis from the surveillance data of the TCDC between 2007 and 2020. It identified that residence and age were associated with an increased risk of toxoplasmosis in Taiwan. This study confirmed that toxoplasmosis remains a prevalent infectious disease in Taiwan, its epidemic is gradually increasing and becoming more severe. These findings might be useful for policy-makers and clinical experts to direct prevention and control activities to patients with T. gondii, which causes the most severe illness and greatest burden to Taiwanese people.

Advanced inorganic lithium metasilicate binder for high-performance silicon anode.

Silicon (Si) is considered a high-capacity anode material with potential for next-generation lithium-ion batteries. However, the commercial application of Si anode is seriously hindered by huge volume variation (>300%) and limited Li+ diffusion ability. Herein, lithium metasilicate (LS), a novel inorganic binder, was innovatively developed to accommodate these challenges. Favorable compatibility is observed between the LS binder and Si nanoparticles (SiNPs) due to the existence of Si element within the LS skeleton. The interaction of the LS binder and SiNPs leads to a strong adhesion effect, enhancing the cycling stability of Si anode. The Si electrode with the LS binder presented an average discharge capacity of 2123 mAh/g at 0.84 A/g after 100 cycles. Furthermore, the presence of the Li+ transport channel within the LS binder enhances Li+ diffusion ability within Si anode. As a result, the average discharge capacity reaches 663 mAh/g at 8.4 A/g. This work thus explored new inorganic binder design approaches for Si anode, contributing to the advancement of high-performance Si anode.

[Basic Research on Therapy of Leukemia with Nanoparticles Drug Delivery System Modified by Transferrin Receptor Monoclonal Antibody].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic effect of targeted drug-loaded nanoparticles modified by transferrin receptor monoclonal antibody (TfR mAb) on acute leukemia and its potential anti-tumor mechanism. METHODS: Nanoparticles drug delivery system, which was composed of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid), poly-l-lysine, polyethylene glycol, TfR mAb (TfR mAb-PLGA-PLL-PEG)-daunorubicin (DNR), was first synthesized. After drug intervention, the intracellular accumulation in leukemia HL60 cells was observed under a fluorescent microscope and concentration of DNR was determined by flow cytometry (FCM). Meanwhile, cell apoptosis rate was measured by FCM and the expression levels of apoptosis related protein Cleaved-caspase 3 was determined by Western blot. RESULTS: Under an inverted fluorescent microscope, intracellular accumulation of DNR autofluorescence in HL60 cells was observed in both TfR mAb-PLGA-PLL-PEG-DNR group and DNR group. FCM analysis showed that the intracellular concentration of DNR in TfR mAb-PLGA-PLL-PEG-DNR group was higher than that in DNR group（P<0.05）. The apoptotic rate of HL60 cells in TfR mAb-PLGA-PLL-PEG-DNR group was higher than that of DNR group（P<0.05）. Moreover, the expression levels of apoptosis-related protein Cleaved-caspase 3 in TfR mAb-PLGA-PLL-PEG-DNR group was significantly higher than that in DNR group（P<0.05）. CONCLUSION: TfR mAb-PLGA-PLL-PEG nanoparticle drug delivery system can target chemotherapy drugs to leukemia cells and enhance anticancer ability through apoptotic pathway.

The CSN5/HSF/SPI1/PU.1 Axis Regulates Cell Proliferation in Hypocellular Myelodysplastic Syndrome Patients.

OBJECTIVE: This study explored the relationship between the activation of the jak/stat3 signaling pathway and the CSN5 gene transcript and protein expression levels in the hematopoietic stem cells of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs). This study also aimed to investigate the correlation between the expression level of CSN5 and the deubiquitination of HSF1, as well as the transcript level of the spi1/pu.1 genes to explore the pathogenesis of MDS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We isolated cells from normal individuals and MDS patients, and the mRNA and protein expression levels of spi1/pu.1 in cd34+ cells (hematopoietic stem cells) were measured by PCR and western blotting, respectively. A ChIP assay was used to detect the binding of HSF1 to the spi1/pu.1 promoter in cd34+ cells. The ubiquitination of HSF1 in cd34+ cells was detected by CO-IP. The binding of HSF1 and Fbxw7α was detected in in cd34+ cells by CO-IP. The binding of HSF1 and CSN5 was evaluated. A luciferase reporter assay was used to detect the effect of STAT3 on CSN5 promoter activation in cd34+ cells. Western blotting was used to detect the phosphorylation of STAT3 in cd34+ cells of MDS patients. The binding of STAT3 and C/EBP beta in cd34+ cells was detected by CO-IP. RESULTS: Inhibition of SPI1/PU.1 expression was observed in MDS samples with low proliferation ability. Further experiments proved that phosphorylation of STAT3 affected CSN5 function and mediated the ubiquitination of HSF, the upstream regulator of SPI1/PU.1 transcription, which led to the inhibition of SPI1/PU.1 expression. Restoration of CSN5 rescued the inhibition of HSF1 ubiquitination, causing SPI1/PU.1 transcription to resume and increasing SPI1/PU.1 expression, promoting the recovery of cell proliferation in hypocellular MDS. CONCLUSIONS: Our research revealed the regulatory role of the CSN5/HSF/SPI1/PU.1 axis in hypocellular MDS, providing a probable target for clinical intervention.

A Mechanism Study of Redox Reactions of the Ruthenium-oxo-polypyridyl Complex.

Over the years, RuIV(bpy)2(py)(O)2+([RuIVO]2+) has garnered considerable interest owing to its extensive use as a polypyridine mono-oxygen complex. However, as the active-site Ru=O bond changes during the oxidation process, [RuIVO]2+ can be used to simulate the reactions of various high-priced metallic oxides. In order to elucidate the hydrogen element transfer process between the Ruthenium-oxo-polypyridyl complex and organic hydride donor, the current study reports on the synthesis of [RuIVO]2+, a polypyridine mono-oxygen complex, in addition to 1H and 3H (organic hydride compounds) and 1H derivative: 2. Through 1H-NMR analysis and thermodynamics- and kinetics-based assessments, we collected data on [RuIVO]2+ and two organic hydride donors and their corresponding intermediates and established a thermodynamic platform. It was confirmed that a one-step hydride transfer reaction between [RuIVO]2+ and these organic hydride donors occurs, and here, the advantages and nature of the new mechanism approach are revealed. Accordingly, these findings can considerably contribute to the better application of the compound in theoretical research and organic synthesis.