Mining of key genes for cold adaptation from Pseudomonas fragi D12 and analysis of its cold-adaptation mechanism.

The psychrotroph Pseudomonas fragi D12, which grew strongly under low temperatures, was screened from tundra soil collected from the permanent alpine zone on Changbai Mountain. To mine the genes critical for cold tolerance and to investigate the cold-adaptation mechanism, whole-genome sequencing, comparative genomic analysis, and transcriptome analysis were performed with P. fragi. A total of 124 potential cold adaptation genes were identified, including nineteen unique cold-adaptive genes were detected in the genome of P. fragi D12. Three unique genes associated with pili protein were significantly upregulated at different degrees of low temperature, which may be the key to the strong low-temperature adaptability of P. fragi D12. Meanwhile, we were pleasantly surprised to find that Pseudomonas fragi D12 exhibited different cold-adaptation mechanisms under different temperature changes. When the temperature declined from 30°C to 15°C, the response included maintenance of the fluidity of cell membranes, increased production of extracellular polymers, elevation in the content of compatibility solutes, and reduction in the content of reactive oxygen species, thereby providing a stable metabolic environment. When the temperature decreased from 15°C to 4°C, the response mainly included increases in the expression of molecular chaperones and transcription factors, enabling the bacteria to restore normal transcription and translation. The response mechanism of P. fragi D12 to low-temperature exposure is discussed. The results provide new ideas for the cold-adaptation mechanism of cold-tolerant microorganisms.

Observation on the curative effect of neck acupuncture and scalp acupuncture in improving cognitive impairment and quality of life after stroke

Objective: To explore the intervention value of needle acupuncture and scalp acupuncture in improving cognitive impairment and life in stroke patients; Methods: A total of 62 stroke patients who were healed in our hospital from August 2019 to October 2021 were retrospectively selected as the research objects, and were divided into a combined healing cluster (Combined healing cluster, CTG, n=31, The patients received conventional healing combined with acupuncture and acupuncture) and the general healing cluster (GTG, n=31). The healing effects of the two clusters were contrast, and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), neurological deficit score before and after healing Table (NDS) and Barthel Index (BI) score changes, the follow-up outcomes of the two clusters of patients were calculated and contrast between the two clusters; Results: (1) The total effective rate of patients in CTG cluster was 96.77%, and the total effective rate of patients in GTG cluster was 80.65%, and the variation in effective rate between the two clusters was notable (P<0.05). The NIHSS and NDS marks of the CTG cluster were notably bottom than those of the GTG cluster, and the variation between the clusters was notable (P<0.05). (3) On the 7th, 15th and 30th days of healing, the BI marks of the CTG cluster were notably upper than those in the GTG cluster, and the variation between the clusters was notable (P<0.05). (4) There were a total of 3 recurrences in the CTG cluster after 6 months of follow-up, with a recurrence rate of 10.00%, and a total of 9 recurrences in the GTG cluster. The recurrence rate of patients in the CTG cluster was notably bottom than that in the GTG cluster (P<0.05) (AU)

Feasibility analysis of combined traditional Chinese medicine fumigation and electromyography biofeedback in injured players with shoulder-hand syndrome after stroke

Objective: Exploring the feasibility of combining herbal fumigation and myoelectric biofeedback therapy in injured players with post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome. Methods: A total of 80 players with shoulder-hand syndrome after stroke who were healed in our hospital from July 2019 to June 2021 were retrospectively opted as the research subjects, and were divided into a joint intervention cluster (JIG) according to the variations in their healing methods. cluster, n=40, receiving traditional Chinese medicine fumigation and EMG biofeedback healing) and EMG healing cluster (Electromyobiological feedback cluster, EFG cluster, n=40), the healing effect, changes in simplified FMA mark of upper limbs before and after healing, and healing effects were contrasted between the two clusters. The changes of the front and rear shoulder pain and the pain part of the High Coast Shoulder Joint Function Rating Scale were recorded, and the occurrence of adverse reactions in the two clusters of injured players was recorded; Results: The total effective rate of injured players in the JIG cluster was 97.50% (39/40), which was notably upper than 85.00% (34/40) in the EFG cluster, and the variation between the clusters was notable (P<0.05). None notable variation in the simplified FMA mark between the clusters (P>0.05). On the 7th, 14th, and 28th days of healing, the simplified FMA mark of the upper limbs of the JIG cluster was notably upper than that of the EFG cluster, and the variation was notable (P>0.05). P<0.05); before healing, None notable variation between the two clusters in the degree of shoulder pain and the pain part of the Gaoshore Shoulder Joint Function Assessment Scale (P>0.05). After 28 days of healing, the degree of shoulder pain in the JIG cluster was notably bottom In the EFG cluster, the pain mark of the Gaoan Shoulder Joint Function Assessment Scale was notably upper than that in the EFG cluster, and the variation between the two clusters was notable (P<0.05) (AU)

Advances in cold-adapted enzymes derived from microorganisms.

Cold-adapted enzymes, produced in cold-adapted organisms, are a class of enzyme with catalytic activity at low temperatures, high temperature sensitivity, and the ability to adapt to cold stimulation. These enzymes are largely derived from animals, plants, and microorganisms in polar areas, mountains, and the deep sea. With the rapid development of modern biotechnology, cold-adapted enzymes have been implemented in human and other animal food production, the protection and restoration of environments, and fundamental biological research, among other areas. Cold-adapted enzymes derived from microorganisms have attracted much attention because of their short production cycles, high yield, and simple separation and purification, compared with cold-adapted enzymes derived from plants and animals. In this review we discuss various types of cold-adapted enzyme from cold-adapted microorganisms, along with associated applications, catalytic mechanisms, and molecular modification methods, to establish foundation for the theoretical research and application of cold-adapted enzymes.

Construction of pain prediction model for patients undergoing hepatic arterial chemoembolization.

OBJECTIVE: To construct a predictive model for pain in patients undergoing hepatic arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in interventional operating room. METHODS: Through literature review and expert interviews, a questionnaire was prepared for the assessment of pain factors in patients with hepatic arterial chemoembolization. A prospective cohort study was used to select 228 patients with hepatic arterial chemoembolization in a tertiary and first-class hospital. The data of the patients in the pain group and the non-pain group were compared, and a rapid screening prediction model was constructed by univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis, and its prediction effect was tested. RESULTS: Tumor size, liver cancer stage, and chemoembolization with drug-loaded microspheres and pirarubicin hydrochloride (THP) mixed with lipiodol were independent predictors of pain in patients after hepatic arterial chemoembolization. Finally, the pain prediction model after TACE was obtained. The results of Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed that the model fit was good (χ2 = 13.540, p = 0.095). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.798, p < 0.001. CONCLUSION: The rapid screening and prediction model of pain in patients undergoing hepatic arterial chemoembolization has certain efficacy, which is helpful for clinical screening of patients with high risk of pain, and can provide reference for predictive pain management decision-making.

Ultrasound-guidedin vivohistotripsy in rabbit kidneys using millisecond-length two-stage ultrasound pulses combined with fundamental and second harmonic superposition.

Objective.Histotripsy is a non-invasive focused ultrasound ablation method that can mechanically disintegrate tissues. This study aims to verify that ultrasound-guided histotripsy using millisecond-length two-stage ultrasound pulses combined with fundamental and second harmonic superposition can enhance treatment in rabbit kidneysin vivo. Approach.Rabbit kidneys (n = 10) were treated using a custom-designed 1.1/2.2 MHz two-element confocal-annular array, with lateral and axial full width at half-maximum pressure dimensions of approximately 1.0 and 6.0 mm. Two-stage ultrasound pulses were applied: stage 1 used 60-80 pulses with a pulse duration of 6 ms and a pulse repetition frequency of 10 Hz. Meanwhile, stage 2 consists of 2-4 periods, each period consists of a concentrated pulse train of localized high DC of 6% and an off-time of 3-5 s, with an average DC of 1%-1.5%. B-mode ultrasound imaging was used to guide and monitor the boiling and cavitation bubbles.Main results.Ultrasound-guided treatment was successful in all rabbits, and the ablation rate is about seven times that of single-frequency combined two-stage pulses, achieving enhanced histotripsy. The regular elliptical lesions with dimensions of 10.6 ± 0.8 mm × 3.9 ± 0.6 mm (axial × lateral) were generated, and a large-volume lesion was generated by multi-point treatment. The size of most lysates was about 2.5µm. Histologically, lesions were completely homogenized and well demarcated between treated-untreated areas. There was no apparent damage to critical structures surrounding lesions. Nonlinear simulations revealed that it may be the interaction between shock front and the cavitation and boiling bubbles generated by the dual-frequency effect enhanced the treatment efficiency.Significance.The novel histotripsy could improve treatment efficiency and generate regular elliptical lesions with controllable shape and axial dimensions, which may be a useful tool in treating renal cell carcinoma.

Removal of antibiotic resistance genes in secondary effluent by slow filtration-NF process.

In this study, the combined process of slow filtration and low pressure nanofiltration (NF) has been used to deeply remove the antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in a secondary effluent, and the mechanism of ARGs removal has been subsequently explored. It is observed that the optimal filtration rate for the slow filtration without biofilm, slow filtration with the aerobic heterotrophic biofilm, slow filtration with the nitrification biofilm and slow filtration with the denitrification biofilm to remove tet A, tet W, sul I, sul II and DOC is 20 cm/h, and the slow filtration with the aerobic heterotrophic biofilm exhibits the highest removal amount. The slow filtration with biofilms removes a high extent of free ARGs. As compared with the direct NF of the secondary effluent and the slow filtration without biofilm-NF, the slow filtration with the aerobic heterotrophic biofilm-NF combined process exhibits the best ARGs removal effect. The microbial population structure and the high filtration rate in the aerobic heterotrophic biofilm promote the removal of ARGs. Strengthening the removal of 16S rDNA, intI 1 and DOC can improve the ARGs removal effect of the combined process. Overall, the slow filtration-NF combined process is a better process for removing ARGs.

Multiple-Focus Patterns of Sparse Random Array Using Particle Swarm Optimization for Ultrasound Surgery.

This study aims to investigate the feasibility and potential of sparse random arrays driven by the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to generate multiple-focus patterns and a large scanning range without grating lobes, which extends the scanning range of focused ultrasound in the treatment of brain tumors, opening the blood-brain barrier, and neuromodulation. Operating at 1.1 MHz, a random spherical array with 200 square elements (sparseness 58%) and a sparse random array with 660 square elements (sparseness 41%) driven by PSO are employed to simulate different focus patterns. With the same radius of curvature and diameter of transducer and element size, the scanning range of the off-axis single focus of a random 200-element array is two times that of an ordinary array using symmetric arrangement. The focal volume of multiple-focus patterns of the random array is 18 times that of the single focus. The single focus of the sparse random array with 660 elements could steer up to ±23 mm in the radial direction, without grating lobes. The maximum distance between two foci in a multiple-focus "S"-shaped deflection is approximately 25 mm. Simulation results illustrate the capability of a focused beam steered in 3-D space. Multiple-focus patterns could significantly increase the focal volume and shorten the treatment time for large target volumes. Simulation results show the feasibility and potential of the method combining PSO with a sparse random array to generate flexible focus patterns that can adapt to different needs in different tissue treatments.

Removal of antibiotic resistance genes from secondary effluent by processes combining nano-iron, ultrasound-activated persulfate, and ultrafiltration.

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), as a new type of environmental pollutant that threaten human health, have been detected in the effluent of sewage treatment systems. In this study, the removal from water of ARGs, 16S rRNA, class 1 integron (intI1), and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) were investigated using processes combining nano-iron (nFe), ultrasound (US), activated persulfate (PS) and ultrafiltration (UF). The oxidation mechanism was also studied. The results showed that both nFe and US activation could improve the oxidative effect of PS, and the effect of nFe was better than that of US. Compared with PS-UF, nFe/PS-UF and US/PS-UF significantly enhanced the removal of various ARGs and DOC. nFe/PS-UF was the most effective treatment, reducing cell-associated and cell-free ARGs by 1.74-3.14-log and 1.00-2.61-log, respectively, while removing 30% of DOC. Pre-oxidation methods using PS, nFe/PS, and US/PS significantly enhanced the efficacy of UF for removing DOC with molecular weights above 50 kDa and below 10 kDa, but the removal of DOC between 10 and 50 kDa decreased. The free radicals SO4·- and ·OH were shown to participate in the process of ARGs oxidation.

LncRNA MALAT1 Promotes OGD-Induced Apoptosis of Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells by Sponging miR-126 to Repress PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway.

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a common disease that seriously endangers human health. Patients with IS present with increased death of brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs). MALAT1 is found to be upregulated in IS patients. However, the function of MALAT1 in IS pathogenesis still remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of MALAT1 in IS in vitro model and the related molecular mechanisms. The expressions of MALAT1 and miR-126 were detected by qPCR. The in vitro IS model was established by treating BMECs with oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). Cell viability and cell apoptosis were assessed by MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Luciferase assay was conducted to examine the interplay between MALAT1 and miR-126. Western blotting was used to determine the protein levels of apoptosis-associated proteins (e.g. caspase 3, Bax and Bcl-2) and PI3K/Akt pathway-related proteins (e.g. PI3K, Akt, p-PI3K, p-Akt). OGD induced upregulation of MALAT1 and downregulation of miR-126 in HBMECs. MALAT1 knockdown promoted the proliferation of HBMECs and reduced the proportion of apoptotic HBMECs by regulating the expression of apoptosis-related proteins. MALAT1 targeted and negatively regulated miR-126 expression. Overexpression of miR-126 activated the PI3K/Akt pathway, which in turn affected the proliferation and apoptosis of HBMECs. MALAT1 negatively regulated PI3K/Akt pathway. MALAT1 inhibited the proliferation and induced the apoptosis of OGD-induced HBMECs through suppressing PI3K/AKT pathway by sponging miR-126, providing a potential therapeutic target for IS.

Histotripsy Liquefaction of Large Hematoma for Intracerebral Hemorrhage Using Millisecond-Length Ultrasound Pulse Groups Combined With Fundamental and Second Harmonic Superposition: A Preliminary Study.

Intracerebral hemorrhage is a life-threatening acute cerebrovascular disease characterized by a 30-d mortality rate of 40% and substantial disability for those who survive. The objective of this study is to investigate the feasibility of histotripsy-mediated efficient and fine liquefaction of large-volume hematoma by utilizing a protocol of millisecond-length ultrasound pulse groups combined with fundamental and second harmonic superposition. Experiments were initially performed in an in vitro hematoma phantom, using a two-element confocal-annular array. Results showed that a single ellipsoid shape, histotripsy lesion with major dimensions of 10.8 ± 1.2 mm axially and 4.8 ± 0.2 mm laterally was successfully generated. Controllability of the lesion shape and size could be realized by modulating treatment parameters in single-spot experiments. Large-volume hematomas were efficiently and finely liquefied through multisonications via a treatment strategy under the relatively optimized treatment parameters. Liquefied contents were evacuated and analyzed using a particle sizing system. The size of the lysates for the most part ranged from 4-8 µm, with more than 99% of them being smaller than 10 µm. Experiments were then conducted in an optically transparent tissue phantom to explore the liquefaction mechanisms. The phantom was composed of polyacrylamide hydrogel, embedded with bovine serum albumin (BSA), and a thin phantom layer consisted of red blood cells in the BSA polyacrylamide gel was inlayed in the BSA gel phantom. The related mechanisms, such as the frequent boiling that occurred at multiple positions and the enhanced cavitation, revealed the quick development of the lesion in the phantom and the efficient liquefaction of the clot. These results indicated that the proposed histotripsy approach is feasible for the efficient, precise and fine liquefaction of large-volume hematoma and may be developed as a useful tool for intracerebral hemorrhage treatment.

Gain-tailored Yb/Ce codoped aluminosilicate fiber for laser stability improvement at high output power.

A gain-tailored Ge-free Yb/Ce codoped aluminosilicate fiber is fabricated by MCVD combined with solution doping technique. Through regulating the temperature in the tube and designing the solution doping process, the refractive index profile of this fiber is close to a step-index without any center dip. The laser performance of this fiber is proved through contrast experiments with conventional fiber in a kW-level MOPA setup. The gain-tailored fiber amplifier presents a beam quality of M2 ~1.43 at 1.2 kW. Its MI threshold is 1.25 kW, about 1.74 times as much as that of the conventional fiber amplifier. The laser slope efficiency of the gain-tailored fiber amplifier is 86.75%. Stabilized at an output power of 1.1 kW for 15 hours, the MI threshold does not decrease after this long-term operation, demonstrating a strong resistance to photodarkening effect. These results have confirmed that MCVD-fabricated gain-tailored Yb/Ce codoped aluminosilicate fibers have great potential in power scaling and output stability of high-power fiber lasers and amplifiers.

Overexpressed HspB6 Underlines a Novel Inhibitory Role in Kainic Acid-Induced Epileptic Seizure in Rats by Activating the cAMP-PKA Pathway.

Epilepsy is a commonly occurring neurological disease that has a large impact on the patient's daily life. Phosphorylation of heat shock protein B6 (HspB6) has been reported to protect the central nervous system. In this investigation, we explored whether HspB6 played a positive effect on epilepsy with the involvement of the cyclic adenosine monophosphate-protein kinase A (cAMP-PKA) pathway. The epileptic seizure was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of kainic acid (KA). The extent of HspB6 phosphorylation and expressions of HspB6, PKA, and inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 were quantified along with neuronal apoptosis. To further understand the regulatory mechanism of the HspB6 in the hippocampus, we altered the expression and the extent of HspB6 phosphorylation to see whether the cAMP-PKA pathway was inactivated or not in hippocampal neurons of rats post KA. Results showed that HspB6 was poorly expressed, resulting in the inactivation of the cAMP-PKA pathway in rats post KA, as well as an aggravated inflammatory response and hippocampal neuronal apoptosis. HspB6 overexpression and the cAMP-PKA pathway activation decreased the expression of inflammatory factors and inhibited hippocampal neuronal apoptosis. Additionally, HspB6 phosphorylation further augments the inhibitory effects of HspB6 on the inflammatory response and hippocampal neuronal apoptosis. The cAMP-PKA pathway activation was found to result in increased HspB6 phosphorylation. HspB6 decreased apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) expression to inhibit inflammatory response and hippocampal neuronal apoptosis. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that activation of the cAMP-PKA pathway induces overexpression and partial phosphorylation of HspB6 lead to the inhibition of ASK1 expression. This in turn protects rats against epilepsy and provides a potential approach to prevent the onset of epileptic seizure in a clinical setting.

Single transverse mode laser in a center-sunken and cladding-trenched Yb-doped fiber.

We report a novel center-sunken and cladding-trenched Yb-doped fiber, which was fabricated by a modified chemical vapor deposition process with a solution-doping technique. The simulation results showed that the fiber with a core diameter of 40 µm and a numerical aperture of 0.043 has a 1217 µm2 effective mode area at 1080 nm. It is also disclosed that the leakage loss can be reduced lower than 0.01 dB/m for the LP01 mode, while over 80 dB/m for the LP11 mode by optimizing the bending radius as 14 cm. A 456 W laser output was observed in a MOPA structure. The laser slope efficiency was measured to be 79% and the M2 was less than 1.1, which confirmed the single mode operation of the large mode area center-sunken cladding-trenched Yb-doped fiber.

[Acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking therapy for post stroke depression:a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effects of acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking based on the western medication for post stroke depression (PSD). METHODS: Sixty patients with PSD were randomly assigned into an acupuncture plus auricular application group (a combination group) and a medication group, 30 cases in each one. 20 mg paroxetine hydrochloride was prescribed orally in the medication group, once a day for continuous 8 weeks. Based on the above treatment, 30-minute acupuncture was used in the combination group for 8 weeks at Baihui (GV 20), Sishencong (EX-HN 1), Shenting (GV 24), Yintang (GV 29), Shenmen (HT 7), Neiguan (PC 6), Taichong (LR 3), Hegu (LI 4), Zusanli (ST 36), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Fenglong (ST 40), once the other day and three times a week. Auricular point sticking therapy for 8 weeks was applied at shenmen (TF4), pizhixia (AT4), xin (CO15), and gan (CO12), with pressing 3 times a day and once 3-5 days. The total score and each factor scores of Hamilton's depression scale (HAMD) were observed in the two groups before and after treatment, and Asberg's antidepressant side-effect rating scale (SERS) and clinical effect were evaluated. RESULTS: After treatment, the total HAMD scores of the two groups decreased compared with those before treatment (both P<0.05), with better effect in the combination group (P<0.05). The scores of the combination group after treatment were lower than those in the medication group, including the anxiety/somatization factor, sleep disturbance factor, hopelessness factor (all P<0.05). The total effective rate of the combination group was 86.7% (26/30), which was better than 66.7% (20/30) of the medication group (P<0.05). The SERS score of the combination group was lower than that of the medication group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking can improve the clinical symptoms and are effective and safe for PSD.

Mitigation of photodarkening effect in Yb-doped fiber through Na+ ions doping.

In this work, Na+ ions doping into the Yb-doped fiber is proposed to improve the photo-darkening resistance. The results show that the photo-darkening induced excess loss at equilibrium state at 633nm, 702 nm, 810 nm, and 1041 nm is 115.54dB/m, 86.87dB/m, 25.51 dB/m, 2.92 dB/m, respectively, when co-doping with Na+ ions. More than 30% excess loss is reduced comparing to the Yb-doped fiber without Na+ ions. The mechanism of Na+ ions doping to mitigate the PD excess loss is discussed. Besides, we measured the laser efficiency of Yb/Al/Na co-doped fiber to be 76.1%. This result remains almost the same with Yb-doped fiber and proves that the addition of Na+ ions do not deteriorate the fiber slope efficiency. The background loss of the two fibers also stays close. The results indicate this method is promising in high power fiber laser development.

Prognostic factors in older patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer in China.

AIMS AND BACKGROUND: The human life expectancy and the incidence of lung cancer have increased dramatically in recent years. As a result, there is a high demand for the management of older patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in clinical practice. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the prognostic factors in ≥65-year-old patients with advanced NSCLC in China. METHOD: This study involved a retrospective review of 78 ≥65-year-old patients with a diagnosis of NSCLC and at an advanced stage of disease, defined as stage IIIB or IV. All patients were followed up for a 3-year interval to determine the survival rates. Clinical data including gender, smoking history, comorbidities, performance status (PS), histological differentiation, disease stage, treatment and overall survival were recorded. The log-rank test was used to calculate survival rates. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to determine independent prognostic factors. RESULTS: The 1-year, 2-year and 3-year survival rates of the 78 patients were 44.9%, 23.1% and 9.0%, respectively. In univariate analysis by the log-rank test, the 3-year survival rate was significantly associated with PS (P <0.01), disease stage (P <0.01) and chemotherapy treatment (P <0.01). The results of multivariate Cox regression analysis confirmed that PS and disease stage were independent prognostic factors. CONCLUSION: The 3-year survival rate in ≥65-year-old patients with advanced NSCLC was significantly associated with PS, disease stage and chemotherapy. PS and disease stage were independent prognostic factors. Older patients with advanced NSCLC in China might benefit from chemotherapy.