NIR-activated electrospun nanodetonator dressing enhances infected diabetic wound healing with combined photothermal and nitric oxide-based gas therapy.

Diabetic wounds pose a challenge to healing due to increased bacterial susceptibility and poor vascularization. Effective healing requires simultaneous bacterial and biofilm elimination and angiogenesis stimulation. In this study, we incorporated polyaniline (PANI) and S-Nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) into a polyvinyl alcohol, chitosan, and hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan (PVA/CS/HTCC) matrix, creating a versatile wound dressing membrane through electrospinning. The dressing combines the advantages of photothermal antibacterial therapy and nitric oxide gas therapy, exhibiting enduring and effective bactericidal activity and biofilm disruption against methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. Furthermore, the membrane's PTT effect and NO release exhibit significant synergistic activation, enabling a nanodetonator-like burst release of NO through NIR irradiation to disintegrate biofilms. Importantly, the nanofiber sustained a uniform release of nitric oxide, thereby catalyzing angiogenesis and advancing cellular migration. Ultimately, the employment of this membrane dressing culminated in the efficacious amelioration of diabetic-infected wounds in Sprague-Dawley rats, achieving wound closure within a concise duration of 14 days. Upon applying NIR irradiation to the PVA-CS-HTCC-PANI-GSNO nanofiber membrane, it swiftly eradicates bacteria and biofilm within 5 min, enhancing its inherent antibacterial and anti-biofilm properties through the powerful synergistic action of PTT and NO therapy. It also promotes angiogenesis, exhibits excellent biocompatibility, and is easy to use, highlighting its potential in treating diabetic wounds.

Understanding health education needs of pregnant women in China during public health emergencies: a qualitative study amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: Public health emergencies impose unique challenges on pregnant women, affecting their physiological, psychological, and social wellbeing. This study, focusing on the context of the corona virus disease in 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in China, aims to comprehensively explore the experiences of pregnant women amidst diverse public health crises. Herein, we investigate the health education needs of pregnant Chinese women in regard to public health emergencies to provide a scientific foundation for the development of targeted health education strategies. Objective: The study described in this article aims to explore the health education needs of pregnant Chinese women in the context of public health emergencies specifying the types of emergencies of pandemics and to provide a scientific basis for targeted health education interventions. Methods: Thirteen pregnant women were purposively selected, and the rationale for this sample size lies in the qualitative nature of the study, seeking in-depth insights rather than generalizability. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews, and the Colaizzi, which is a structured qualitative technique used to extract, interpret, and organize significant statements from participant descriptions into themes, providing a comprehensive understanding of their lived experiences. Results: The analysis yielded six prominent themes encompassing the following areas: I. Personal protection and vaccine safety; II. Knowledge of maternal health; III. Knowledge of fetal health; IV. Knowledge of childbirth; V. Knowledge of postpartum recovery; and VI. Knowledge sources of health education for pregnant women and their expectations of healthcare providers. Theme I was analyzed with two sub-themes (needs for personal protection knowledge, vaccine safety knowledge needs); Theme II was analyzed with three sub-themes (nutrition and diet, exercise and rest, sexual life); Theme III was analyzed with three sub-themes (medications and hazardous substances, pregnancy check-ups, and fetal movement monitoring); Theme IV was analyzed with three sub-themes (family accompaniment, analgesia in childbirth, and choice of mode of delivery); Theme V was analyzed with one sub-theme (knowledge of postnatal recovery); Theme VI was analyzed with one sub-theme (expectations of Healthcare providers). Sub-themes within each main theme were identified, offering a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted challenges faced by pregnant women during public health emergencies. The interrelation between sub-themes and main themes contributes to a holistic portrayal of their experiences. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the need for healthcare professionals to tailor health education for pregnant women during emergencies, highlighting the role of the Internet in improving information dissemination. It recommends actionable strategies for effective health communication, ensuring these women receive comprehensive support through digital platforms for better health outcomes during public health crises.

Differential responses of temperature sensitivity of greenhouse gases emission to seasonal variations in plateau riparian zones.

Riparian zones, regarded as hotspots for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, where the variation in temperature sensitivity (Q10) of GHG emissions is crucial for assessing GHG budgets under global warming. However, the seasonal Q10 of GHG emissions from high-elevation riparian zones and underlying microbial mechanisms are poorly documented. This study focuses on seasonal Q10 patterns of GHG emissions from riparian zones along the Lhasa River on the Tibetan Plateau. CO2 and CH4 emissions from riparian soils were more sensitive to temperature in spring than in summer. The opposite trend was observed for Q10 of N2O emissions. Soil organic carbon (SOC) had relatively large direct effects on the Q10-CO2 value in summer, whereas soil nitrate nitrogen (SNO3--N) was the determinant of Q10-CO2 value in spring. mcrA:pmoA and soil microbial biomass C (SMBC) had strong direct effects on the Q10 of CH4 emissions in summer; the Q10-CH4 value in spring was significantly affected by the mcrA abundance. SMBC and the nirK + nirS abundance were key factors affecting the Q10-N2O value. Q10-CO2 and Q10-CH4 values exhibited strong seasonalities in the lower reaches of riparian soils, mainly due to the seasonalities of SNO3--N and mcrA:pmoA, respectively. The Q10-N2O value in the middle and upper reaches of riparian soils presented seasonality, which was largely due to the seasonalities of soil ammonia nitrogen and microbial biomass carbon. During thawing, plant productivity increased, substrate carbon was sufficient, microbial biomass increased, and inorganic nitorgen and denitrifier abundance decreased, causing 29.67% and 37.47% decreases in the Q10-CO2 and Q10-CH4 values, respectively, and a 70.85% increase in the Q10-N2O value, indicating that the potential release of N2O from riparian zones along the plateau river was more susceptible to seasonal variations. Our findings are conducive to accurately evaluating the potential contribution of GHG emissions from high-elevation riparian zones to global warming.

Ursolic acid molecules dock MAPK1 to modulate gut microbiota diversity to reduce neuropathic pain.

To investigate the efficacy of Ursolic acid in alleviating neuropathic pain in rats with spinal nerve ligation (SNL), the SNL rat model was surgically induced. Different concentrations of Ursolic acid and manipulated target mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) were administered to the SNL rats. Fecal samples were collected from each group of rats for 16S rDNA analysis to examine the impact of gut microbiota. Molecular docking experiments were conducted to assess the binding energy between Ursolic acid and MAPK1. In vivo studies were carried out to evaluate the expression of inflammatory factors and signaling pathways in spinal cord and colon tissues. Ursolic acid was found to have a beneficial effect on pain reduction in rats by increasing plantar withdrawal latency (PWL) and paw withdrawal threshold (PWT). Comparing the Ursolic acid group with the control group revealed notable differences in the distribution of Staphylococcus, Allobaculum, Clostridium, Blautia, Bifidobacterium, and Prevotella species. Network pharmacology analysis identified MAPK1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM1) as common targets for Ursolic acid, SNL, and neuropathic pain. Binding sites between Ursolic acid and these targets were identified. Additionally, immunofluorescent staining showed a decrease in GFAP and IBA1 intensity in the spinal cord along with an increase in NeuN following Ursolic acid treatment. Overexpression of MAPK1 in SNL rats led to an increase in inflammatory factors and a decrease in PWL and PWT. Furthermore, MAPK1 counteracted the pain-relieving effects of Ursolic acid in SNL rats. Ursolic acid was found to alleviate neuropathic pain in SNL rats by targeting MAPK1 and influencing gut microbiota homeostasis.

Effectiveness of repeated low-level red light in myopia prevention and myopia control.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To compare the effects of repeated low-level red light (RLRL) treatment on axial length growth and refractive error changes in myopic and premyopic children. METHODS: Subjects were assigned randomly to four subgroups: myopia-RLRL group (M-RL), myopia-control group (M-C), premyopia-RLRL group (PM-RL) and premyopia-control group (PM-C). Subjects in the RLRL group completed a 12-month treatment composed of a 3 min RLRL treatment session twice daily, with an interval of at least 4 hours, for 7 days per week. Visits were scheduled before and at 1-month, 3-month, 6-month, 9-month and 12-month follow-up after the treatment. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to compare the spherical equivalent refractive errors (SE) and axial length (AL) changes between the groups across the treatment period. RESULTS: After 12 months of treatment, in the myopia group, SE and AL changes were -0.078±0.375 D and 0.033±0.123 mm for M-RL and -0.861±0.556 D and 0.415±0.171 mm for M-C; in the premyopia group, the progression of SE and AL was -0.181±0.417 D and 0.145±0.175 mm for PM-RL and -0.521±0.436 D and 0.292±0.128 mm for PM-C. PM-RL indicated a lower myopia incidence than PM-C (2.5% vs 19.4%). Additionally, the percentage of AL shortening in the M-RL was higher than that in the PM-RL before the 9-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: RLRL effectively delayed myopia progression in children with myopia and reduced the incidence of myopia in premyopic children. Moreover, RLRL exhibited a stronger impact on myopic children compared with premyopic individuals.

Linking ecosystem multifunctionality to microbial community features in rivers along a latitudinal gradient.

Microorganisms regulate numerous ecosystem functions and show considerable differences along a latitudinal gradient. Although studies have revealed the latitudinal patterns of microbial community structure and single ecosystem function, the latitudinal patterns of ecosystem multifunctionality (EMF) and how microbial communities affect EMF along a latitudinal gradient remain unclear. Here, we collected channel sediments, riparian rhizosphere soils, and riparian bulk soils from 30 rivers across China and calculated EMF using 18 variables related to nitrogen cycling, nutrient pool, plant productivity, and water quality. We also determined microbial diversity (taxonomic and functional) and microbial network complexity using metagenomic sequencing. The results showed that EMF significantly decreased with increasing latitude in riparian rhizosphere and bulk soils but not in channel sediments. Microbial taxonomic and functional richness (observed species) in channel sediments were significantly higher in the low-latitude group than in the high-latitude group. However, microbial co-occurrence networks were more complex in the high-latitude group compared with the low-latitude group. Abiotic factors, primarily geographic and climatic factors, contributed more to EMF than microbial diversity and network complexity parameters in which only betweenness centralization had a significant relationship with EMF. Together, this study provides insight into the latitudinal pattern of EMF in rivers and highlights the importance of large-scale factors in explaining such latitudinal patterns.IMPORTANCEEcosystem multifunctionality (EMF) is the capacity of an ecosystem to provide multiple functions simultaneously. Microorganisms, as dominant drivers of belowground processes, have a profound effect on ecosystem functions. Although studies have revealed the latitudinal patterns of microbial community structure and single ecosystem function, the latitudinal patterns of EMF and how microbial communities affect EMF along a latitudinal gradient remain unclear. We collected channel sediments, riparian rhizosphere soils, and riparian bulk soils from 30 rivers along a latitudinal gradient across China and calculated EMF using 18 variables related to nitrogen cycling, nutrient pool, plant productivity, and water quality. This study fills a critical knowledge gap regarding the latitudinal patterns and drivers of EMF in river ecosystems and gives new insights into how microbial diversity and network complexity affect EMF from a metagenomic perspective.

Single-cell transcriptomics identifies senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) features of testicular aging in human.

The male reproductive system experiences degradation with age, predominantly impacting the testes. Testicular aging can result in failure to produce physiological testosterone levels, normal sperm concentrations, or both. However, we cannot predict the onset of testicular aging in advance. Using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, we conducted cell-cell communication network of human testis between older and young group, indicating Leydig cells' potential role in spermatogenesis microenvironment of aging testis. And we depicted the senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP) features of aging testis by identifying differentially expressed senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP)-related genes between two group. Notably, IGFBP7 mainly expressed in Leydig cells of those differentially expressed SASP-related genes in aging testis. Furthermore, IGFBP7 protein located in the interstitial compartment of older mice confirmed by immunofluorescence and highly expressed in both human seminal plasma and mouse testis in the older group confirmed through Western blot. Together, our findings suggest that IGFBP7 may be a new biomarker of testicular aging.

Paenibacillus polygoni sp. nov., an endophytic bacterium isolated from Polygonum lapathifolium L. in wetland.

A Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, rod-shaped, non-motile, yellowish and glossy strain, C31T, was isolated from a wetland plant Polygonum lapathifolium L. located south of Poyang Lake, Jiangxi Province, PR China. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain C31T showed similarity values of lower than 97.0 % to other type species belonging to the genus Paenibacillus. The genomic average nucleotide identity values between strain C31T and its reference type species ranged from 68.9-70.9 % and the digital DNA-DNA hybridization values were lower than 27.8 %. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain C31T was 41.9 mol%. The optimal growth temperature, pH and NaCl concentration were 37 °C, pH 7 and 0.5 %, respectively. The major cellular fatty acids (>5.0 %) of strain C31T were anteiso-C15 : 0 (73.7 %), anteiso-C17 : 0 (8.4 %) and iso-C15 : 0 (5.2 %). The polar lipids of strain C31T were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and unidentified phospholipids. The respiratory quinone was MK-7. Based on these phylogenetic and phenotypic characterizations, strain C31T represents a novel species within the genus Paenibacillus. Therefore, the proposed name for this newly identified species is Paenibacillus polygoni sp. nov. and the type strain is C31T (=CCTCC AB 2022349T=KCTC 43565T).

Influencing factors and risk prediction modeling of maternal postpartum depression: a cross-sectional study in Chinese puerperal women of sitting the month.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the occurrence of maternal postpartum depression (PPD) during menstruation and analyze the influencing factors and risk prediction modeling of maternal PPD in Chinese puerperal women of sitting the month. Methods: A total of 286 mothers were selected using convenience sampling, who came for a routine postpartum follow-up visit were surveyed, including face-to-face, telephone, and online. They completed questionnaires including the basic profile questionnaire, Postpartum Partner Support Scale (PPSS), Edinburgh PPD Scale (EPDS), Parenting Self-Efficacy Scale (SICS), and Simple Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ), who were advised to complete the survey alone, in private, reducing the impact of husband's presence on the quality of the questionnaire. Variables showing statistical significance in the one-way analysis were further analyzed using logistic regression analysis. The predictive value of the logistic regression model was analyzed using the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (ROC), and the predictive reliability was expressed as the area under the ROC [Area Under the Curve (AUC)]. Results: The total score of PPD was 7.78 ± 4.57, and 22 people (7.69%) experienced depression during the postpartum period. PPD was found to be correlated with postpartum partner support, positive coping, negative coping, and parenting self-efficacy, with correlation coefficient values of -0.63, 0.62, 0.56, and - 0.70, respectively (all p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that postpartum partner support and parenting self-efficacy were independent factors influencing PPD, with odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of 0.76 (0.61 ~ 0.94) and 0.83 (0.75 ~ 0.93), respectively both p < 0.05.The area under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity for postpartum partner support and parenting self-efficacy were 1.00 (95% confidence intervals 0.99 ~ 1.00), 99.24, and 90.91%. Conclusion: Postpartum partner support and parenting self-efficacy independently predict the occurrence of PPD. Healthcare professionals and maternal families should prioritize timely attention to maternal partner support and parenting issues to reduce the occurrence of PPD.

A virtual simulation-based training program on birthing positions: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Restricting parturient women in healthcare facilities from choosing positions that provide the greatest comfort and benefit during labor is a global barrier. Several complex factors, including caregiver preference and medical intervention, shape the limitation. Therefore, a practical need exists to train midwives on the knowledge and skills to change this condition. METHODS: The study used a parallel, single-blind, randomized controlled trial at a provincial maternity and child health hospital in Fujian, China, from June 1 to December 31, 2019. The midwives in a birth suite were selected and randomly enrolled in a one-month simulation-based hybrid training or face-to-face teaching in September 2019. The four-level Kirkpatrick's model, including reaction, learning, behavior, and results, was used to evaluate training effects before and after the program. Data were analyzed with SPSS 25.0 using Student's t-test, Spearman's correlation test, Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and chi-square test analysis of variance. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Forty-two midwives were initially randomized to either the virtual simulation group or the face-to-face group. One midwife was excluded from the analysis due to intervention discontinuation, resulting in a final analysis of 41 midwives (n1 = 21, n2 = 20). Post-intervention, the virtual simulation group exhibited higher satisfaction and learning effects compared to the face-to-face group, while the rate of perineal incision in primiparas was lower (p<0.05). No significant changes or differences were observed in self-rated behavior between the two groups (p>0.05). The virtual simulation group demonstrated an increase in non-supine birth rate (p = 0.030) and a decrease in perineal incision rate among primiparas compared to pre-intervention (p = 0.035). Moreover, knowledge performance was associated with the duration of virtual simulation (r = 0.664, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Virtual simulation is a fascinating innovation that enables midwives to develop birthing positions without practicing on real pregnant women and is one solution to achieve work competency within a shortened training period.

TRAP1 inhibits MARCH5-mediated MIC60 degradation to alleviate mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes under diabetic conditions.

Mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death play important roles in diabetic cardiomyopathy, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we report that mitochondrial dysfunction and cell apoptosis are prominent features of primary cardiomyocytes after exposure to high glucose/palmitate conditions. The protein level of MIC60, a core component of mitochondrial cristae, is decreased via ubiquitination and degradation under these conditions. Exogenous expression of MIC60 alleviates cristae disruption, mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis. Moreover, we identified MARCH5 as an E3 ubiquitin ligase that specifically targets MIC60 in this process. Indeed, MARCH5 mediates K48-linked ubiquitination of MIC60 at Lys285 to promote its degradation. Mutation of the ubiquitination site in MIC60 or the MIC60-interacting motifs in MARCH5 abrogates MARCH5-mediated MIC60 ubiquitination and degradation. Silencing MARCH5 significantly alleviates high glucose/palmitate-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis in primary cardiomyocytes. In addition to E3 ubiquitin ligases, molecular chaperones also play important roles in protein stability. We previously reported that the mitochondrial chaperone TRAP1 inhibits the ubiquitination of MIC60, but the detailed mechanism is unknown. Here, we find that TRAP1 performs this function by competing with MARCH5 for binding to MIC60. Our findings provide new insights into the mechanism underlying mitochondrial dysfunction in cardiomyocytes in diabetic cardiomyopathy. MARCH5 promotes ubiquitination of MIC60 to induce MIC60 degradation, mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes under diabetic conditions. TRAP1 inhibits MARCH5-mediated ubiquitination by competitively interacting with MIC60.

Protective Cerium Oxide Coating Promoted Ce-Doping and Reconstruction of High-Valence NiFe Sulfide toward Robust Overall Water Splitting.

Active and stable electrocatalysts toward oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are essential for alkaline water splitting. Herein, an efficient and durable high-valence NiFe-based OER electrocatalyst is developed, featuring a protective CeO2- x coating to prevent the corrosion of carbon substrates during oxidative OER operation, ensuring excellent catalyst stability. The incorporation of a CeO2- x coating also leads to the formation of a Ce-doped NiFe sulfide catalyst. The Ce modulator enables the dynamic transformation of NiFe sulfide into highly active (oxy)hydroxide species with high-valence Ni sites and enhanced Ni─O covalency, thereby improving its OER catalytic activity. Accordingly, the prepared NiFeS2 /CeO2- x /CC catalyst achieves enhanced OER activity with an overpotential of 260 mV at 100 mA cm-2 in 1.0 m KOH. Moreover, the catalyst achieves 100 mA cm-2 current density at an overpotential of 187 mV for the hydrogen evolution reaction. The anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer reached 500 mA cm-2 at 1.73 V cell voltage with excellent stability for 500 h continuous operation. This study demonstrates a promising approach for the fabrication of robust water-splitting electrocatalysts.

Nanoemulsion of the Essential Oil from Blumea balsamifera (L.) DC. and Its Effect on Trauma Repair.

The essential oil, extracted from the Hmong medicine Blumea balsamifera (L.) DC. (BBO), is a purely natural wound repair agent. Its application has, however, been restricted due to its low solubility and high volatility properties. In this study, we have developed a nanoemulsion formulation to improve the characteristics of BBO. The particle size of the nanoemulsion was normally distributed, and 71% of its range was concentrated between 10-100 nm, with an average particle size of 62.8 nm and an encapsulation rate of 98%. After 7 days of application, the wound healing rate of the BBO nanoemulsion (BBO-NE) group was 1.5 times higher than that of the normal BBO group. Along with histological observations, nanoemulsion formulation has been demonstrated to significantly improve the efficacy of BBO for wound repair. In addition, inflammation-related TLR4, CD14 and IRAK-1 gene transcript levels were significantly reduced after the administration of BBO-NE compared to the BBO group, with downregulation of 47.8%, 35.7% and 57.8%, respectively, while the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α was also significantly reduced by 83.8% and 32.7%, respectively, in the nanoformulation administration (BBO-NE) group compared to the BBO group. In contrast, the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 was significantly increased by 4.2-fold. It was further found that the drug penetration per unit area increased significantly 6.30% to 19.5% at different time points after the application of the BBO-NE compared to the BBO. In conclusion, nano-formulation enhanced the drug penetration of the BBO, reduced inflammatory factors, increased the level of anti-inflammatory factors, and promoted collagen deposition, thereby accelerating wound repair.

Manipulating Redox Kinetics using p-n Heterojunction Biservice Matrix as both Cathode Sulfur Immobilizer and Anode Lithium Stabilizer for Practical Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

As an attractive high-energy-density technology, the practical application of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries is severely limited by the notorious dissolution and shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPS), resulting in sluggish reaction kinetics and uncontrollable dendritic Li growth. Herein, a p-n typed heterostructure consisting of n-type MoS2 nanoflowers embedded with p-type NiO nanoparticles is designed on carbon nanofibers (denoted as NiO-MoS2 @CNFs) as both cathode sulfur immobilizer and anode Li stabilizer for practical Li-S batteries. Such p-n typed heterostructure is proposed to establish the built-in electric field across the heterointerface for facilitated the positive charge to reach the surface of NiO-MoS2 , meanwhile inherits the excellent LiPS adsorption ability of p-type NiO nanoparticles and catalytic ability of n-type MoS2 . As the anode matrix, the implementation of NiO-MoS2 heterostructure can prevent the growth of Li dendrites by enhancing the lithiophilicity and reducing local current density. The obtained Li-S full battery exhibits an ultra-high areal capacity over 7.3 mAh cm-2 , far exceeding that of current commercial Li-ion batteries. Meanwhile, a stable cycling performance can be achieved under low electrolyte/sulfur ratio of 5.8 µL mg-1 and negative/positive capacity ratio of 1. The corresponding pouch cell maintains high energy density of 305 Wh kg-1 and stable cycling performance under various bending angles.

Temperature drives elevational diversity patterns of different types of organisms in Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau wetlands.

The spatial pattern and driving mechanism of biodiversity along elevational gradients are key topics in ecology. However, it is still unclear whether the multidimensional diversity of different types of organisms shows a similar response to elevation changes. Here, we measured the species and phylogenetic diversity of plants, bacteria, fungi, and microbial functional groups (nitrifiers, denitrifiers, methanogens, and methanotrophs) in 36 wetland sites on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. The results showed that both species and phylogenetic diversity of plants, bacteria, and fungi exhibited a significant elevational gradient, in direct contrast to no significant diversity changes observed for denitrifiers, methanogens, and methanotrophs along the same altitude gradient. Our findings suggest that elevation and temperature were more likely to associate with the diversity of plants, bacteria, and fungi than the diversity of microbial functional groups, with important implications for assessing the effect of ongoing climate warming on biodiversity in Qinghai-Tibetan alpine wetlands.

Mental health, sleep quality, and hormonal circadian rhythms in pregnant women with threatened preterm labor: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Threatened preterm labor (TPL) is an important obstetrical challenge. Pregnant women with TPL may develop psychological and physical problems such as mental health disorders, sleep disturbance, and hormonal circadian rhythm disruption. This study aimed to investigate the current state of mental health, sleep quality, and circadian rhythms of cortisol and melatonin secretion in pregnant women with TPL and normal pregnant women (NPW). METHODS: A prospective observational clinical study was conducted at a maternal and child health hospital in Fuzhou, China, between June and July 2022. A total of 50 women between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation (TPL group, n = 20; NPW group, n = 30) were recruited. Data on anxiety symptom (Zung's Self-rating Anxiety Scale, SAS), depression symptom (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, EPDS), subjective sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI) and objective sleep outcomes (measured by actigraphy) of the pregnant women were collected at the time of enrolment. Salivary samples were collected once every 6 h (i.e., at 06:00, 12:00, 18:00, and 00:00) during 2 consecutive days to measure the circadian rhythm of hormone (cortisol and melatonin). RESULTS: There were no differences found in the total scores of SAS, EPDS scores, subjective sleep quality between the TPL and NPW groups (P > 0.05). In contrast, significant differences were found in sleep efficiency, total sleep time, wake time after sleep onset, and average awakening time between the groups (P < 0.05). The circadian rhythm of melatonin secretion was disrupted in the TPL group (P = 0.350); however, it was maintained in the NPW group (P = 0.044). The circadian rhythm of cortisol secretion was disrupted in both groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In the third trimester of pregnancy, women with TPL suffer from poorer sleep quality and disruption of circadian rhythm of melatonin secretion compared with NPW. Nevertheless, there were no differences found in mental health (i.e., anxiety and depression) and circadian rhythm of cortisol secretion. Large-scale studies should be conducted to evaluate these changes in women with TPL. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered from Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Number: ChiCTR2200060674) on 07/06/2022.

Effect of Cd toxicity on root morphology, ultrastructure, Cd uptake and accumulation of wheat under intercropping with Solanum nigrum L.

In order to evaluate the effect of intercropping of the hyperaccumulator, Solanum nigrum L. and wheat on the absorption and accumulation of cadmium (Cd) in wheat. The experiment was conducted with three replicates, which conducted on four Cd concentrations (0, 20, 40, 60 µmol L-1) in the Hoagland solution and using two planting patterns [monoculture wheat (MW), intercropping wheat and Solanum nigrum L. (IW，IS)]. The results showed that the addition of Cd in the solutions reduced the total root length by 19.08-55.98%, total root area by 12.35-44.48%, and total root volume by 16.01-46.00% of wheat plants. Intercropping with Solanum nigrum L. significantly reduced Cd contents by 28.3-47.2% and Cd accumulations by 10.08-32.43% in the roots of wheat. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) revealed that the root-tip cells of the monoculture wheat treated with Cd exhibited swollen spheres of intracellular mitochondria, disorderly arranged inner ridges of mitochondria, some damaged mitochondrial membranes, and deformed nuclear membranes. Many dense electron particles in the form of Cd were deposited in the cell gap, and the cell nucleus became smaller or even disappeared. Under the same Cd concentrations, root-tip cells of intercropped wheat showed much less density of electron particles, starch granules, and the damage to the nucleus and nuclear membrane by Cd.These results indicated that intercropping with Solanum nigrum L. reduced the Cd toxicity to wheat roots and decreased Cd uptake and accumulation in both the shoots and roots of the wheat.

A Novel Effector FlSp1 Inhibits the Colonization of Endophytic Fusarium lateritium and Increases the Resistance to Ralstonia solanacearum in Tobacco.

Effectors are crucial for the interaction between endophytes and their host plants. However, limited attention has been paid to endophyte effectors, with only a few reports published. This work focuses on an effector of Fusarium lateritium, namely FlSp1 (Fusarium-lateritium-Secreted-Protein), a typical unknown secreted protein. The transcription of FlSp1 was up-regulated after 48 h following fungal inoculation in the host plant, i.e., tobacco. The inactivation of FlSp1 with the inhibition rate decreasing by 18% (p < 0.01) resulted in a remarkable increase in the tolerance of F. lateritium to oxidative stress. The transient expression of FlSp1 stimulated the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) without causing plant necrosis. In comparison with the wild type of F. lateritium (WT), the FlSp1 mutant of the F. lateritium plant (ΔFlSp1) reduced the ROS accumulation and weakened the plant immune response, which resulted in significantly higher colonization in the host plants. Meanwhile, the resistance of the ΔFlSp1 plant to the pathogenic Ralstonia solanacearum, which causes bacterial wilt, was increased. These results suggest that the novel secreted protein FlSp1 might act as an immune-triggering effector to limit fungal proliferation by stimulating the plant immune system through ROS accumulation and thus balance the interaction between the endophytic fungi and their host plants.

Parenting sense of competence among chinese parents of premature infants: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Parenting sense of competence is not only indispensable to the wellbeing of the parents of premature infants, but is also pivotal to the overall development of these infants. This study examined the level of parenting sense of competence and its associated factors in Chinese parents of preterm infants. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed at a university teaching hospital in Fuzhou (China) from December 2021 to April 2022. Data were collected using the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Social Support Rating Scale, Parenting Care Knowledge Subscale, Parenting Care Skill Subscale, and a sociodemographic questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 401 Chinese parents were included in the analysis. The average parenting sense of competence scale score was 70.93 ± 13.06. After controlling for demographic characteristics, parenting knowledge (ß = 0.149, P = 0.013), parenting skills (ß = 0.241, P < 0.001), social support (ß = 0.184, P < 0.001) and depression (ß = -0.272, P < 0.001), were significantly associated with the parenting sense of competence score, and explained 43.60% of the variance in this score. CONCLUSIONS: Chinese parents of preterm infants were found to have a moderate parenting sense of competence. This could be further improved through efforts aimed at reducing depressive symptoms and increasing parenting knowledge, parenting skills, and social support.