Nanomaterials-mediated lysosomal regulation: a robust protein-clearance approach for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease is a debilitating, progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive accumulation of abnormal proteins, including amyloid plaques and intracellular tau tangles, primarily within the brain. Lysosomes, crucial intracellular organelles responsible for protein degradation, play a key role in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Some studies have suggested a link between the dysregulation of the lysosomal system and pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. Restoring the normal physiological function of lysosomes hold the potential to reduce the pathological burden and improve the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Currently, the efficacy of drugs in treating Alzheimer's disease is limited, with major challenges in drug delivery efficiency and targeting. Recently, nanomaterials have gained widespread use in Alzheimer's disease drug research owing to their favorable physical and chemical properties. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of recent advances in using nanomaterials (polymeric nanomaterials, nanoemulsions, and carbon-based nanomaterials) to enhance lysosomal function in treating Alzheimer's disease. This review also explores new concepts and potential therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease through the integration of nanomaterials and modulation of lysosomal function. In conclusion, this review emphasizes the potential of nanomaterials in modulating lysosomal function to improve the pathological features of Alzheimer's disease. The application of nanotechnology to the development of Alzheimer's disease drugs brings new ideas and approaches for future treatment of this disease.

Detection of GSH with a dual-mode biosensor based on carbon quantum dots prepared from dragon fruit peel and the T-Hg(II)-T mismatch.

Glutathione (GSH) is commonly used as a diagnostic biomarker for many diseases. In this study, based on carbon quantum dots prepared from dragon fruit peel (D-CQDs) and the T-Hg(II)-T mismatch, a dual-mode biosensor was developed for the detection of GSH. This system consists of two single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). DNA1 was the T-rich sequence; DNA2 was attached to streptavidin-coated magnetic beads and consisted of T-rich and G-rich fragments. Due to the presence of Hg(II), the T-Hg(II)-T mismatch was formed between T-rich fragments of two ssDNA. In the presence of GSH, Hg(II) detached from dsDNA and bound with GSH to form a new complex. The G-rich fragment assembled with the hemin shed from D-CQDs to form the G-quadruplex/hemin complex. At this time, in fluorescence mode, the fluorescence of D-CQDs quenched by hemin could be restored. In colorimetric mode, after the magnetic beads separate, a visual signal could be produced by catalyzing the oxidation of ABTS using the peroxide-like activity of the G-quadruplex/hemin complex. This biosensor in both fluorescence mode and colorimetric mode had excellent selectivity and sensitivity, and the limit of detection was 0.089 µM and 0.26 µM for GSH, respectively. Moreover, the proposed dual-mode biosensor had good application prospects for detection of GSH.

Inhibitor of cardiolipin biosynthesis-related enzyme MoGep4 confers broad-spectrum anti-fungal activity.

Plant pathogens cause devastating diseases, leading to serious losses to agriculture. Mechanistic understanding of pathogenesis of plant pathogens lays the foundation for the development of fungicides for disease control. Mitophagy, a specific form of autophagy, is important for fungal virulence. The role of cardiolipin, mitochondrial signature phospholipid, in mitophagy and pathogenesis is largely unknown in plant pathogenic fungi. The functions of enzymes involved in cardiolipin biosynthesis and relevant inhibitors were assessed using a set of assays, including genetic deletion, plant infection, lipidomics, chemical-protein interaction, chemical inhibition, and field trials. Our results showed that the cardiolipin biosynthesis-related gene MoGEP4 of the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae regulates growth, conidiation, cardiolipin biosynthesis, and virulence. Mechanistically, MoGep4 regulated mitophagy and Mps1-MAPK phosphorylation, which are required for virulence. Chemical alexidine dihydrochloride (AXD) inhibited the enzyme activity of MoGep4, cardiolipin biosynthesis and mitophagy. Importantly, AXD efficiently inhibited the growth of 10 plant pathogens and controlled rice blast and Fusarium head blight in the field. Our study demonstrated that MoGep4 regulates mitophagy, Mps1 phosphorylation and pathogenesis in M. oryzae. In addition, we found that the MoGep4 inhibitor, AXD, displays broad-spectrum antifungal activity and is a promising candidate for fungicide development.

Erythroid-intrinsic activation of TLR8 impairs erythropoiesis in inherited anemia.

Inherited non-hemolytic anemia is a group of rare bone marrow disorders characterized by erythroid defects. Although concerted efforts have been made to explore the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms of these diseases, the understanding of the causative mutations are still incomplete. Here we identify in a diseased pedigree that a gain-of-function mutation in toll-like receptor 8 (TLR8) is implicated in inherited non-hemolytic anemia. TLR8 is expressed in erythroid lineage and erythropoiesis is impaired by TLR8 activation whereas enhanced by TLR8 inhibition from erythroid progenitor stage. Mechanistically, TLR8 activation blocks annexin A2 (ANXA2)-mediated plasma membrane localization of STAT5 and disrupts EPO signaling in HuDEP2 cells. TLR8 inhibition improves erythropoiesis in RPS19+/- HuDEP2 cells and CD34+ cells from healthy donors and inherited non-hemolytic anemic patients. Collectively, we identify a gene implicated in inherited anemia and a previously undescribed role for TLR8 in erythropoiesis, which could potentially be explored for therapeutic benefit in inherited anemia.

Body part categorical matching in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes).

Humans categorize body parts, reflecting our knowledge about bodies, and this could be useful in higher-level activities involving bodies. We tested whether humans' closest living relatives-chimpanzees-have the same ability using touchscreen tasks, focusing on the major parts: heads, torsos, arms, and legs. Six chimpanzees were trained to perform a body part matching-to-sample task using sets of pictures of chimpanzee bodies, where in each trial, the sample and choice pictures were the same. Five passed the training and received the test sessions, where three trial types were mixed: trained same-individual picture pairs; novel same-individual picture pairs; and novel different-individual picture pairs. All participants performed better than the chance level in all conditions and for all body parts. Further analyses showed differences in performance when the samples were different body parts. For example, the results revealed better performances for heads and torsos than arms and legs in "novel different-individual pairs". The study showed that chimpanzees can visually match and categorize body parts in this experiment setting, even across different chimpanzees' bodies, suggesting potential biological understanding. Different performances for body parts suggested a deviated categorization from humans. We hope this study will inspire future research on the evolution of body perception.

Acquired reactive perforating collagenosis triggered by trauma with eosinophilia: a case report and literature review.

Acquired reactive perforating collagenosis (ARPC) is a rare dermatological disorder condition defined by the perforation of altered collagen fibers through the epidermis. The presence of underlying conditions such as diabetes or renal disease is helpful in the ARPC diagnosis. Although skin rashes related to ARPC have been reported, the exact causative factors and mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we present a unique case of ARPC triggered by trauma in a 67-year-old male without concurrent systemic alterations. The diagnosis of ARPC with eosinophilia was made following comprehensive diagnostic testing, including clinical presentation, histological results, and blood tests, ruling out other possible diseases. Intriguingly, the histopathological examination revealed collagen penetration into the epidermis at different tissue sections. In addition, we reviewed existing literature on ARPC, which documented the causation. To help confirm the diagnosis, clinicians have to pay attention to traumatic triggers for ARPC and its rare manifestation with eosinophilia.

Collaborative Fabrication of High-Quality Perovskite Films for Efficient Solar Modules through Solvent Engineering and Vacuum Flash System.

The vacuum flash solution method has gained widespread recognition in the preparation of perovskite thin films, laying the foundation for the industrialization of perovskite solar cells. However, the low volatility of dimethyl sulfoxide and its weak interaction with formamidine-based perovskites significantly hinder the preparation of cell modules and the further improvement of photovoltaic performance. In this study, we describe an efficient and reproducible method for preparing large-scale, highly uniform formamidinium lead triiodide (FAPbI3) perovskite films. This is achieved by accelerating the vacuum flash rate and leveraging the complex synergism. Specifically, we designed a dual pump system to accelerate the depressurization rate of the vacuum system and compared the quality of perovskite film formed at different depressurization rates. Further, to overcome the limitations posed by DMSO, we substituted N-methylpyrrolidone as the ligand solvent, creating a stable intermediate complex phase. After annealing, it can be transformed into a uniform and pinhole-free FAPbI3 film. Due to the superior quality of these films, the large area perovskite solar module achieved a power conversion efficiency of 22.7% with an active area of 21.4 cm2. Additionally, it obtained an official certified efficiency of 22.1% with an aperture area of 22 cm2, and it demonstrated long-term stability.

Identification of Biomarkers Associated with Oxidative Stress and Immune Cells in Acute Pancreatitis.

Purpose: Oxidative stress promotes disease progression by stimulating the humoral and cellular immune responses. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying oxidative stress and immune responses in acute pancreatitis (AP) have not been extensively studied. Patients and Methods: We analyzed the GSE194331 dataset and oxidative stress-related genes (OSRGs). We identified differentially expressed immune cell-associated OSRGs (DE-ICA-OSRGs) by overlapping key module genes from weighted gene co-expression network analysis, OSRGs, and DEGs between AP and normal samples. Functional enrichment analysis was performed to investigate the functions of DE-ICA-OSRGs. We then filtered diagnostic genes using receiver operating characteristic curves and investigated their molecular mechanisms using single-gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). We also explored the correlation between diagnostic genes and differential immune cells. Finally, we constructed a transcription factor-microRNA-messenger RNA (TF-miRNA-mRNA) network of biomarkers. Results: In this study, three DE-ICA-OSRGs (ARG1, NME8 and VNN1) were filtered by overlapping key module genes, OSRGs and DEGs. Functional enrichment results revealed that DE-ICA-OSRGs were involved in the cellular response to reactive oxygen species and arginine biosynthesis. Latterly, a total of two diagnostic genes (ARG1 and VNN1) were derived and their expression was higher in the AP group than in the normal group. The single-gene GSEA enrichment results revealed that diagnostic genes were mainly enriched in macroautophagy and Toll-like receptor signaling pathways. Correlation analysis revealed that CD8 T cells, resting memory T CD4 cells, and resting NK cells were negatively correlated with ARG1, and neutrophils were positively correlated with ARG1, which was consistent with that of VNN1. The TF-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network included 11 miRNAs, 2 mRNAs, 10 transcription factors (TFs), and 26 pairs of regulatory relationships, like NFKB1-has-miR-2909-VNN1. Conclusion: In this study, two immune cell oxidative stress-related AP diagnostic genes (ARG1 and VNN1) were screened to offer a new reference for the diagnosis of patients with AP.

Auricular point acupressure for managing postoperative pain and reducing anxiety in patients with perianal abscesses.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of auricular point acupressure in relieving postoperative pain and reducing anxiety among patients with perianal abscesses. METHODS: We included 61 patients with perianal abscesses who were admitted to the Nantong First People's Hospital between July 2019 and June 2020 and were scheduled to undergo one-stage radical surgery. We divided them into the treatment group (n = 31), where patients were administered preoperative auricular acupressure targeting the bilateral Shenmen, subcortical, and other points. They were instructed to apply pressure five to six times per day, each time for about 3-5 min. Patients in the control group (n = 30) received routine preoperative preparation. The treatment duration for both groups was one week. We compared the two groups using the pain visual analog scale (VAS) scores, the use of additional postoperative analgesics, and scores on the Hamilton anxiety and depression scales pre- and post-surgery at 6 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 1 week after surgery, as well as at the time of the first bowel movement. RESULTS: Patients in the treatment group reported lower VAS scores than those of the control group at 48 h, 72 h, 1 week, and at the first defecation post-surgery, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). Additional postoperative analgesics were used in seven patients in the treatment group (22.58 %) and in 10 patients in the control group (33.33 %). The difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (χ2 = 0.88, P = 0.35). Postoperative scores for the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrated that auricular point acupressure was effective in alleviating postoperative pain in patients with perianal abscesses and simultaneously reduced their postoperative psychological stress reactions. This dual effect provided both pain relief and a reduction of anxiety with fewer adverse reactions, making it a safe and effective treatment option.

The heterogeneity of erythroid cells: insight at the single-cell transcriptome level.

Erythroid cells, the most prevalent cell type in blood, are one of the earliest products and permeate through the entire process of hematopoietic development in the human body, the oxygen-transporting function of which is crucial for maintaining overall health and life support. Previous investigations into erythrocyte differentiation and development have primarily focused on population-level analyses, lacking the single-cell perspective essential for comprehending the intricate pathways of erythroid maturation, differentiation, and the encompassing cellular heterogeneity. The continuous optimization of single-cell transcriptome sequencing technology, or single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), provides a powerful tool for life sciences research, which has a particular superiority in the identification of unprecedented cell subgroups, the analyzing of cellular heterogeneity, and the transcriptomic characteristics of individual cells. Over the past decade, remarkable strides have been taken in the realm of single-cell RNA sequencing technology, profoundly enhancing our understanding of erythroid cells. In this review, we systematically summarize the recent developments in single-cell transcriptome sequencing technology and emphasize their substantial impact on the study of erythroid cells, highlighting their contributions, including the exploration of functional heterogeneity within erythroid populations, the identification of novel erythrocyte subgroups, the tracking of different erythroid lineages, and the unveiling of mechanisms governing erythroid fate decisions. These findings not only invigorate erythroid cell research but also offer new perspectives on the management of diseases related to erythroid cells.

Establishment of a promising vitiligo mouse model for pathogenesis and treatment studies.

AIMS: Vitiligo is a chronic dermatological condition characterized by the progressive loss of melanocytes, for which traditional therapy has shown limited efficacy. This study aimed to establish a vitiligo model with easy operability, high repeatability, and stable depigmentation to provide a foundation for studying the pathogenesis and developing novel therapies for vitiligo. METHODS: (1) Establishing vitiligo model: Firstly, deliver B16F10 cells to the back skin of C57BL/6 J via intradermal injection (day 0), and the CD4 depletion antibody was injected intraperitoneally on day 4 and 10. Secondly, the melanoma was surgically removed on day 12. Thirdly, CD8 antibody was administered intraperitoneally every fourth day till day 30. (2) Identification of vitiligo model: H&E staining, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence were used to detect the melanocytes. The melanin was detected by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Lillie ferrous sulfate staining and L-DOPA staining. RESULTS: (1) The back skin and hair began to appear white on day 30. Melanin loss reached peak on day 60; (2) Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence results showed melanocytes were reduced. L-DOPA staining, Lillie ferrous sulfate staining and TEM results showed that melanin decreased in the epidermis. CONCLUSION: We successfully establishment a vitiligo mouse model which can be more capable to simulate the pathogenesis of human vitiligo and provide an important basis for the study of pathogenesis and therapy of vitiligo.

Overexpressed Poldip2 incurs retinal fibrosis via the TGFß1/SMAD3 signaling pathway in diabetic retinopathy.

Retinal fibrosis is one of the major features of Diabetic retinopathy. Our recent research has shown that Poldip2 can affect early DR through oxidative stress, but whether or not Poldip2 would regulate retinal fibrosis during DR development is still enigmatic. Here, Diabetic Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were induced with STZ and treated with AAV9-Poldip2shRNA, while human retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19) were treated with high glucose (HG) or Poldip2 siRNA. We identified that in STZ-induced DR rats and ARPE-19 treated with high glucose, the expression of Poldip2, TGFß1, P-SMAD3/SMAD3, MMP9, COL-1, FN, and CTGF increased while the expression of Cadherin decreased. However, deleting Poldip2 inhibited the TGF-ß1/SMAD3 signaling pathway and attenuated the above protein expression in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, we found that Poldip2 promotes the activation of SMAD3, and facilitates its nuclear translocation through interacting with it, and significantly enhances the expression of fibrosis makers. Collectively, it was identified that Poldip2 is a novel regulator of DR fibrosis and it is expected to become a therapeutic target for PDR.

Chromomycins from soil-derived Streptomyces sp. inhibit the growth of human non-small cell lung cancer cells by targeting c-FLIP.

Three chromomycin derivatives, chromomycins A3 (1, CA3), A5 (2, CA5), and monodeacetylchromomycin A3 (3, MDA-CA3), were identified from the soil-derived Streptomyces sp. CGMCC 26516. A reinvestigation of the structure of CA5 is reported, of which the absolute configuration was unambiguously determined for the first time to be identical with that of CA3 based on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data analysis as well as NMR and electronic circular dichroism calculations. Compounds 1-3 showed potent cytotoxicity against the non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells (A549, H460, H157-c-FLIP, and H157-LacZ) and down-regulated the protein expression of c-FLIP in A549 cells. The IC50 values of chromomycins in H157-c-FLIP were higher than that in H157-LacZ. Furthermore, si-c-FLIP promoted anti-proliferation effect of chromomycins in NSCLC cells. In nude mice xenograft model, 1 and 2 both showed more potent inhibition on the growth of H157-lacZ xenografts than that of H157-c-FLIP xenografts. These results verify that c-FLIP mediates the anticancer effects of chromomycins in NSCLC.

Research progress of Hippo pathway effector molecules in rheumatic immune system diseases. / Hippoä¿¡å·é€šè·¯æ•ˆåº”åˆ†å­åœ¨é£Žæ¹¿å ç–«æ€§ç–¾ç— ä¸­çš„ä½œç”¨ç ”ç©¶è¿›å±•.

The core components of the Hippo signaling pathway encompass upstream regulatory molecules, core kinase cascade complexes, and downstream transcriptional regulation complexes. This pathway modulates cellular biological behaviors by influencing the effector molecules of its core components and plays a pivotal role in immune regulation. Effector molecules,such as Yes-associated protein (YAP), transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), transcriptional enhanced associate domain transcriptional factor (TEAD), monopolar spindle-one binder (MOB1), large tumor suppressor (LATS), can stimulate fibroblast-like synovial cell migration and invasion in rheumatoid arthritis, regulate osteoarthritis disease progression, promote pathological new bone formation in ankylosing spondylitis, sustain submandibular gland development while delaying Sjogren's syndrome progression, mediate alpha-smooth muscle actin in systemic sclerosis, and refine the regulation of target genes associated with pulmonary fibrosis. This article provides an overview of the regulatory mechanisms involving Hippo signaling pathway-related effector molecules in the pathogenesis and progression of rheumatic immune system diseases, to serve as a reference for exploring novel therapeutic targets of rheumatic immune system diseases.

Infection and intracellular transport of white spot syndrome virus require the ESCRT machinery in shrimp.

The cellular endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) system comprises five distinct components and is involved in many different physiological processes. Recent studies have shown that different viruses rely upon the host ESCRT system for viral infection. However, whether this system is involved in white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) infection remains unclear. Here, we identified 24 homologs of ESCRT subunits in kuruma shrimp, Marsupenaeus japonicus, and found that some key components were strongly upregulated in shrimp after WSSV infection. Knockdown of key components of the ESCRT system using RNA interference inhibited virus replication, suggesting that the ESCRT system is beneficial for WSSV infection. We further focused on TSG101, a crucial member of the ESCRT-I family that plays a central role in recognizing cargo and activating the ESCRT-II and ESCRT-III complexes. TSG101 colocalized with WSSV in hemocytes. The addition of N16 (a TSG101 inhibitor) markedly decreased WSSV replication. TSG101 and ALIX of the ESCRT system interact with WSSV envelope proteins. The host proteins TSG101, RAB5, and RAB7, the viral protein VP28, and DNA were detected in endosomes isolated from hemocytes of WSSV-infected shrimp. Knockdown of Rab5 and Rab7 expression reduced viral replication. Taken together, these results suggest that the ESCRT system is hijacked by WSSV for transport through the early to late endosome pathway. Our work identified a novel requirement for the intracellular trafficking and infection of WSSV, and provided novel therapeutic targets for the prevention and control of WSSV in shrimp aquaculture. IMPORTANCE: Viruses utilize the ESCRT machinery in a variety of strategies for their replication and infection. This study revealed that the interaction of ESCRT complexes with WSSV envelope proteins plays a crucial role in WSSV infection in shrimp. The ESCRT system is conserved in the shrimp Marsupenaeus japonicus, and 24 homologs of the ESCRT system were identified in the shrimp. WSSV exploits the ESCRT system for transport and propagation via the interaction of envelope proteins with host TSG101 and ALIX in an endosome pathway-dependent manner. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of WSSV infection is important for disease control and breeding in shrimp aquaculture.

TIPRL, a Potential Double-edge Molecule to be Targeted and Re-targeted Toward Cancer.

The target of rapamycin (TOR) proteins exhibits phylogenetic conservation across various species, ranging from yeast to humans, and are classified as members of the phosphatidylinositol kinase (PIK)-related kinase family. Multiple serine/threonine (Ser/Thr) protein phosphatases (PP)2A, PP4, and PP6, have been recognized as constituents of the TOR signaling pathway in mammalian cells. The protein known as TOR signaling pathway regulator-like (TIPRL) functions as a regulatory agent by impeding the activity of the catalytic subunits of PP2A. Various cellular contexts have been postulated for TIPRL, encompassing the regulation of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, inhibition of apoptosis and biogenesis, and recycling of PP2A. According to reports, there has been an observed increase in TIPRL levels in several types of carcinomas, such as non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC). This review aims to comprehensively examine the significance of the Tor pathway in regulating apoptosis and proliferation of cancer cells, with a specific focus on the role of TOR signaling and TIPRL in cancer.

Outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection versus esophagectomy for poorly differentiated superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: A 10-year cohort study.

BACKGROUNDS: The efficacy of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) to treat poorly differentiated superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SESCC) is unclear. AIMS: To exploring the efficacy and prognosis of ESD treatment poorly differentiated SESCC compared with esophagectomy. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, the data of poorly differentiated SESCC patients who received ESD or esophagectomy from Jan 2011 to Jan 2021 were analyzed. Overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and procedure-related variables were compared between ESD and esophagectomy group. RESULTS: 95 patients underwent ESD, while 86 underwent esophagectomy. No significant differences were found between the two groups in OS (P = 0.587), DSS (P = 0.172), and RFS (P = 0.111). Oncologic outcomes were also similar between the two groups in propensity score-matched analysis. For T1a ESCC, the rates of R0 resection, LVI or nodal metastasis and additional therapy were similar between ESD and esophagectomy groups. But for T1b ESCC, the rates of positive resection margin and additional therapy were significantly higher in ESD group than those in esophagectomy group. CONCLUSIONS: ESD is a minimally invasive procedure that has comparable oncologic outcomes with esophagectomy for treatment poorly differentiated T1a ESCC. However, ESD is not suitable for poorly differentiated T1b ESCC, additional surgery or radiochemotherapy should be required.

The Effects of Different Durations of Night-Time Supplementary Lighting on the Growth, Yield, Quality and Economic Returns of Tomato.

To achieve higher economic returns, we employ inexpensive valley electricity for night-time supplementary lighting (NSL) of tomato plants, investigating the effects of various durations of NSL on the growth, yield, and quality of tomato. Tomato plants were treated with supplementary light for a period of 0 h, 3 h, 4 h, and 5 h during the autumn-winter season. The findings revealed superior growth and yield of tomato plants exposed to 3 h, 4 h, and 5 h of NSL compared to their untreated counterparts. Notably, providing lighting for 3 h demonstrated greater yields per plant and per trough than 5 h exposure. To investigate if a reduced duration of NSL would display similar effects on the growth and yield of tomato plants, tomato plants received supplementary light for 0 h, 1 h, 2 h, and 3 h at night during the early spring season. Compared to the control group, the stem diameter, chlorophyll content, photosynthesis rate, and yield of tomatoes significantly increased upon supplementation with lighting. Furthermore, the input-output ratios of 1 h, 2 h, and 3 h NSL were calculated as 1:10.11, 1:4.38, and 1:3.92, respectively. Nonetheless, there was no detectable difference in yield between the 1 h, 2 h, and 3 h NSL groups. These findings imply that supplemental LED lighting at night affects tomato growth in the form of light signals. Night-time supplemental lighting duration of 1 h is beneficial to plant growth and yield, and its input-output ratio is the lowest, which is an appropriate NSL mode for tomato cultivation.

Risk factors for maternal near-miss in an undeveloped province in south-central China, 2012-2022.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the risk factors for maternal near-miss (MNM) using the WHO near-miss approach. METHODS: Data were obtained from the Maternal Near-Miss Surveillance System in Hunan Province, China, 2012-2022. Multivariate logistic regression analysis (method: Forward, Wald, α = 0.05) and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) were used to identify risk factors for MNM. RESULTS: Our study included 780,359 women with 731,185 live births, a total of 2461 (0.32%) MNMs, 777,846 (99.68%) non-MNMs, and 52 (0.006%) maternal deaths were identified. The MNM ratio was 3.37‰ (95%CI: 3.23-3.50). Coagulation/hematological dysfunction was the most common cause of MNM (75.66%). Results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed risk factors for MNM: maternal age > = 30 years old (aOR > 1, P < 0.05), unmarried women (aOR = 2.21, 95%CI: 1.71-2.85), number of pregnancies > = 2 (aOR > 1, P < 0.05), nulliparity (aOR = 1.51, 95%CI: 1.32-1.72) or parity > = 3 (aOR = 1.95, 95%CI: 1.50-2.55), prenatal examinations < 5 times (aOR = 1.13, 95%CI: 1.01-1.27), and number of cesarean sections was 1 (aOR = 1.83, 95%CI: 1.64-2.04) or > = 2 (aOR = 2.48, 95%CI: 1.99-3.09). CONCLUSION: The MNM ratio was relatively low in Hunan Province. Advanced maternal age, unmarried status, a high number of pregnancies, nulliparity or high parity, a low number of prenatal examinations, and cesarean sections were risk factors for MNM. Our study is essential for improving the quality of maternal health care and preventing MNM.