Influence of mode of delivery on infant gut microbiota composition: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Microbial colonisation in infants is initially dependent on the mother and is affected by the mode of delivery. Understanding these impacts is crucial as the early-life gut microbiota plays a vital role in immune development, metabolism, and overall health. Early-life infant gut microbiota is diverse among populations and geographic origins. However, in this context, only a few studies have explored the impact of the mode of delivery on the intestinal microbiome in children in Guangzhou, China. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the influence of birth mode on the intestinal microbiota of healthy infants in Guangzhou, China. METHODS: Faecal samples were collected once from 20 healthy full-term infants aged 1-6 months, delivered via either caesarean section (CS) or vaginal delivery (VD), post-enrolment. The intestinal microbiota were characterised using full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Bacterial quantity and community composition were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: No significant differences in gut bacterial diversity and richness were observed between the CS and VD groups. The Pseudomonadota phylum (44.15 ± 33.05% vs 15.62 ± 15.60%, p = 0.028) and Enterobacteriaceae family (44.00 ± 33.11% vs 15.31 ± 15.47%, p = 0.028) were more abundant in the CS group than in the VD group. The VD group exhibited a higher abundance of the Bacillota phylum (40.51 ± 32.77% vs 75.57 ± 27.83%, p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: The early stage of intestinal bacterial colonisation was altered in the CS group as compared with the VD group. Our findings provide evidence that CS has the potential to disrupt the maturation of intestinal microbial communities in infants by influencing the colonisation of specific microorganisms. Further comprehensive studies that consider geographical locations are necessary to elucidate the progression of microbiota in infants born via different delivery modes.

Microbial colonisation in infants is affected by the mode of delivery. Early-life infant gut microbiota is diverse among populations and geographic origins. Faecal samples were collected once from 20 healthy full-term infants aged 1­6 months that were delivered via either caesarean section (CS) or vaginal delivery (VD), and intestinal microbiota were compared between the two groups. No significant differences in gut bacterial diversity and richness were observed between the two groups; however, we did note that certain types of bacteria were more abundant in the CS group, while others were more abundant in the VD group. This suggests that CS may disturb intestinal microbial maturation in infants by affecting the colonisation of specific microorganisms. Further research is needed to fully understand this relationship.

Recovery of surgery in the elderly (ROSE) program: The efficacy of a multi-modal prehabilitation program implemented in frail and pre-frail elderly undergoing major abdominal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Major abdominal surgery is associated with a high rate of post-operative complications with increased risk of adverse surgical outcomes due to the presence of frailty. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the multimodal Recovery of Surgery in the Elderly (ROSE) prehabilitation program with supervised exercise in mitigating postoperative functional decline when compared to standard care. METHOD: The ROSE program enrolled ambulant patients who were 65 years and above, had a Clinical Frailty Scale score of 4 or more and were planned for major abdominal surgery. Participation in supervised exercise sessions before surgery were compared with standard physiotherapy advice. The primary outcome was 6-min walk test (6MWT) distance assessed at baseline, after prehabilitation and 30 days follow-up after surgery. Secondary outcomes included physical performance, length of hospital stay and postoperative morbidity. RESULTS: Data from 74 eligible patients, 37 in each group, were included. Median age was 78 years old. Forty-two patients (22 in Prehab group and 20 in control group) with complete 6MWT follow-up data at 30 days follow-up were analysed for outcomes. Most patients underwent laparoscopic surgery (63.5%) and almost all of the surgeries were for abdominal malignancies (97.3%). The Prehab group had an increase in 6MWT distance at the 30-day follow up, from a baseline mean (SD) of 277.4 (125) m to 287.6 (143.5) m (p = 0.415). The 6MWT distance in the control group decreased from a baseline mean (SD) of 281.7 (100.5) m to 260.1 (78.6) m at the 30-day follow up (p = 0.086). After adjusting for baseline 6MWT distance and frailty score, the Prehab group had significantly higher 6MWT distance at 30-day follow-up than control (difference in adjusted means 41.7 m, 95% confidence interval 8.7-74.8 m, p = 0.015). There were no significant between-group differences in the secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION: A multimodal prehabilitation program with supervised exercise within a short time frame can improve preoperative functional capacity and maintain baseline functional capacity in frail older adults undergoing major abdominal surgery.

Automatic Wake and Deep-Sleep Stage Classification Based on Wigner-Ville Distribution Using a Single Electroencephalogram Signal.

This research paper outlines a method for automatically classifying wakefulness and deep sleep stage (N3) based on the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) standards. The study employed a single-channel EEG signal, leveraging the Wigner-Ville Distribution (WVD) for time-frequency analysis to determine EEG energy per second in specific frequency bands (δ, θ, α, and entire band). Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) was used to optimize thresholds for distinguishing between wakefulness and stage N3. This process aims to mimic a sleep technician's visual scoring but in an automated fashion, with features and thresholds extracted to classify epochs into correct sleep stages. The study's methodology was validated using overnight PSG recordings from 20 subjects, which were evaluated by a technician. The PSG setup followed the 10-20 standard system with varying sampling rates from different hospitals. Two baselines, T1 for the wake stage and T2 for the N3 stage, were calculated using PSO to ascertain the best thresholds, which were then used to classify EEG epochs. The results showed high sensitivity, accuracy, and kappa coefficient, indicating the effectiveness of the classification algorithm. They suggest that the proposed method can reliably determine sleep stages, being aligned closely with the AASM standards and offering an intuitive approach. The paper highlights the strengths of the proposed method over traditional classifiers and expresses the intentions to extend the algorithm to classify all sleep stages in the future.

The integrated bioinformatic analysis identifies immune microenvironment-related potential biomarkers for patients with gestational diabetes mellitus.

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a transient disease, may lead to short- or long-term adverse influences on maternal and fetal health. Therefore, its potential functions, mechanisms and related molecular biomarkers must be comprehended for the control, diagnosis and treatment of GDM. Methods: The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using GSE49524 and GSE87295 associated with GDM from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, followed by function enrichment analysis, protein-protein interactions network construction, hub DEGs mining, diagnostic value evaluation and immune infiltration analysis. Finally, hub DEGs, the strongest related to immune infiltration, were screened as immune-related biomarkers. Results: A hundred and seven DEGs were identified between patients with GDM and healthy individuals. Six hub genes with high diagnostic values, including ALDH1A1, BMP4, EFNB2, MME, PLAUR and SLIT2, were identified. Among these, two immune-related genes (PLAUR and SLIT2) with the highest absolute correlation coefficient were considered immune-related biomarkers in GDM. Conclusion: Our study provides a comprehensive analysis of GDM, which would provide a foundation for the development of diagnosis and treatment of GDM.

An Odorant Receptor Expressed in Both Antennae and Ovipositors Regulates Benzothiazole-Induced Oviposition Behavior in Bactrocera dorsalis.

The oriental fruit fly,Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), is a notorious pest of fruit crops, causing severe damage to fleshy fruits during oviposition and larval feeding. Gravid females locate suitable oviposition sites by detecting the host volatiles. Here, the oviposition preference of antenna-removed females and the electrophysiological response of ovipositors to benzothiazole indicated that both antennae and ovipositors are involved in perceiving benzothiazole. Subsequently, odorant receptors (ORs) expressed in both antennae and ovipositors were screened, and BdorOR43a-1 was further identified to respond to benzothiazole using voltage-clamp recording. Furthermore, BdorOR43a-1-/- mutants were obtained using the CRISPR/Cas9 system and their oviposition preference to benzothiazole was found to be significantly altered compared to WT females, suggesting that BdorOR43a-1 is one of the important ORs for benzothiazole perception. Our results not only demonstrate the important role of antennae and ovipositors in benzothiazole-induced oviposition but also elucidate on the OR responsible for benzothiazole perception in B. dorsalis.

Plasticity of the olfactory behaviors in Bactrocera dorsalis under various physiological states and environmental conditions.

Insects rely heavily on their olfactory system for various behaviors, including foraging, mating, and oviposition. Numerous studies have demonstrated that insects can adjust their olfactory behaviors in response to different physiological states and environmental conditions. This flexibility allows them to perceive and process odorants according to different conditions. The Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis, is a highly destructive and invasive pest causing significant economic losses to fruit and vegetable crops worldwide. The olfactory behavior of B. dorsalis exhibits strong plasticity, resulting in its successful invasion. To enhance our understanding of B. dorsalis' olfactory behavior and explore potential strategies for behavior control, we have reviewed recent literature on its olfactory plasticity and potential molecular mechanisms.

Can humidifier reservoir bacteria colonize the circuit during mechanical ventilation: An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Although the circuit condensate, an ideal bacterial reservoir during mechanical ventilation, may flow into the humidifier reservoir, no studies have investigated if humidifier reservoir colonized bacteria colonize other circuit locations with airflow. AIMS: We aimed to prove whether the humidifier reservoir colonized bacteria colonize other circuit locations with airflow and provide some advice on the disposal of condensate in the clinical setting. STUDY DESIGN: An in vitro experiment was conducted. Mechanical ventilation simulators (n = 90) were divided into sterile water group (n = 30) and broth group (n = 60). In the sterile water group, sterile water was used for humidification, either Acinetobacter baumannii or Pseudomonas aeruginosa were inoculated to humidifier water in the humidifier reservoir, each accounted for 50% of the simulators. The broth group was performed the same as the sterile water group except for the addition of broth into the humidified water. After 24, 72, and 168 h of continuous ventilation, the humidifier water and different locations of the circuits were sampled for bacterial culture. RESULTS: All bacterial culture results of the sterile water group were negative. Bacteria in the humidifier water continued to proliferate in the broth group. With prolonged ventilation, the bacteria at the humidifier reservoir outlet increased. The bacteria at the humidifier reservoir outlet were much more in the Pseudomonas aeruginosa subgroup than in the Acinetobacter baumannii subgroup and the difference was statistically significant (p < .05). During continuous ventilation, no bacterial growth occurred at 10 cm from the humidifier reservoir outlet and the Y-piece of the ventilator circuits. CONCLUSIONS: Sterile water in the humidifier reservoir was not conducive to bacterial growth. Even if bacteria grew in the humidifier reservoir and could reach the humidifier reservoir outlet, colonization of further circuit locations with the airflow was unlikely. During a certain mechanical ventilation time, the amount of bacteria reaching the outlet of the humidifier reservoir varied due to different mobility of bacteria. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: In a clinical setting, nurses should not worry about a small amount of condensate backflow into the humidifier reservoir. Draining condensate into the humidifier reservoir can be used as a low risk and convenient method in clinical practice.

An Antenna-Enriched Chemosensory Protein Plays Important Roles in the Perception of Host Plant Volatiles in Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae).

Olfaction plays indispensable roles in insect behavior such as host location, foraging, oviposition, and avoiding predators. Chemosensory proteins (CSPs) can discriminate the hydrophobic odorants and transfer them to the odorant receptors. Presently, CSPs have been identified in many insect species. However, their presence and functions remain unknown in Bactrocera dorsalis, a destructive and invasive insect pest in the fruit and vegetable industry. Here, we annotated eight CSP genes in the genome of B. dorsalis. The results of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) showed that BdorCSP3 was highly expressed in the antennae. Molecular docking and in vitro binding assays showed that BdorCSP3 had a good binding ability to host volatiles methyl eugenol (ME, male-specific attractant) and ß-caryophyllene (potential female attractant). Subsequently, CRISPR/Cas9 was used to generate BdorCSP3-/- mutants. Electroantennograms (EAGs) and behavioral assays revealed that male mutants significantly reduced the preference for ME, while female mutants lost their oviposition preference to ß-caryophyllene. Our data indicated that BdorCSP3 played important roles in the perception of ME and ß-caryophyllene. The results not only expanded our knowledge of the olfaction perception mechanism of insect CSPs but also provided a potential molecular target for the control of B. dorsalis.

A nitrous oxide/oxygen fixed mixture to reduce pain induced by the hypodermic injection: study protocol for a randomized, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients with hematological malignancies received multiple hypodermic injections of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. Procedural pain is one of the most common iatrogenic causes of pain in patients with hematological malignancies. It is also identified as the most commonly occurring problem in clinical care in the Department of Hematology and Oncology at Shenzhen University General Hospital. However, providing immediate relief from pain induced by hypodermic injection of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor remains a major challenge. This trial aims to evaluate the safety and analgesic efficacy of a fixed nitrous oxide/oxygen mixture for patients with hematological malignancies and experiencing procedural pain caused by hypodermic injection of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in the department. METHODS: The nitrous oxide/oxygen study is a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving patients with hematological malignancies who require hypodermic injections of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor for treatment. This trial was conducted in the Hematology and Oncology Department of Shenzhen University General Hospital. A total of 54 eligible patients were randomly allocated to either the fixed nitrous oxide/oxygen mixture group (n = 36) or the oxygen group (n = 18). Neither the investigators nor the patients known about the randomization list and the nature of the gas mixture in each cylinder. Outcomes were monitored at the baseline (T0), immediately after hypodermic injection of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (T1), and 5 min after hypodermic injection of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (T2) for each group. The primary outcome measure was the score in the numerical rating scale corresponding to the highest level of pain experienced during hypodermic injection of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. Secondary outcomes included the fear of pain, anxiety score, four physiological parameters, adverse effects, total time of gas administration, satisfaction from both patients and nurses, and the acceptance of the patients. DISCUSSION: This study focused on the safety and analgesic efficacy during hypodermic injection of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor procedure. Data on the feasibility and safety of nitrous oxide/oxygen therapy was provided if proven beneficial to patients with hematological malignancies during hypodermic injection of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and widely administered to patients with procedural pain in the department. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Register, ChiCTR2200061507. Registered on June 27, 2022. http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=170573&htm=4.

Imaging features, clinical characteristics and neonatal outcomes of pregnancy luteoma: A case series and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate the imaging features, clinical characteristics and neonatal outcomes of pregnancy luteoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed patients with pregnancy luteoma admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University between January 2003 and December 2022. We recorded their imaging features, clinical characteristics and neonatal outcomes. Additionally, we reviewed relevant studies in the field. RESULTS: In total, 127 cases were identified, including eight from our hospital and 119 from the literature. Most patients (93/127, 73.23%) were of reproductive age, 20-40 years old, and 66% were parous. Maternal hirsutism or virilization (such as deepening voice, acne, facial hair growth and clitoromegaly) was observed in 29.92% (38/127), whereas 59.06% of patients (75/127) were asymptomatic. Abdominal pain was reported in 13 patients due to compression, torsion or combined ectopic pregnancy. The pregnancy luteomas, primarily discovered during the third trimester (79/106, 74.53%), varied in size ranging from 10 mm to 20 cm in diameter. Seventy-five cases were incidentally detected during cesarean section or postpartum tubal ligation, and 39 were identified through imaging or physical examination during pregnancy. Approximately 26.61% of patients had bilateral lesions. The majority of pregnancy luteomas were solid and well-defined (94/107, 87.85%), with 43.06% (31/72) displaying multiple solid and well-circumscribed nodules. Elevated serum androgen levels (reaching values between 1.24 and 1529 times greater than normal values for term gestation) were observed in patients with hirsutism or virilization, with a larger lesion diameter (P < 0.001) and a higher prevalence of bilateral lesions (P < 0.001). Among the female infants born to masculinized mothers, 68.18% (15/22) were virilized. Information of imaging features was complete in 22 cases. Ultrasonography revealed well-demarcated hypoechoic solid masses with rich blood supply in 12 of 19 cases (63.16%). Nine patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT), and six exhibited solid masses, including three with multi-nodular solid masses. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnancy luteomas mainly manifest as well-defined, hypoechoic and hypervascular solid masses. MRI and CT are superior to ultrasonography in displaying the imaging features of multiple nodules. Maternal masculinization and solid masses with multiple nodules on imaging may help diagnose this rare disease.

Development and validation of an artificial intelligence assisted prenatal ultrasonography screening system for trainees.

OBJECTIVE: Fetal anomaly screening via ultrasonography, which involves capturing and interpreting standard views, is highly challenging for inexperienced operators. We aimed to develop and validate a prenatal-screening artificial intelligence system (PSAIS) for real-time evaluation of the quality of anatomical images, indicating existing and missing structures. METHODS: Still ultrasonographic images obtained from fetuses of 18-32 weeks of gestation between 2017 and 2018 were used to develop PSAIS based on YOLOv3 with global (anatomic site) and local (structures) feature extraction that could evaluate the image quality and indicate existing and missing structures in the fetal anatomical images. The performance of the PSAIS in recognizing 19 standard views was evaluated using retrospective real-world fetal scan video validation datasets from four hospitals. We stratified sampled frames (standard, similar-to-standard, and background views at approximately 1:1:1) for experts to blindly verify the results. RESULTS: The PSAIS was trained using 134 696 images and validated using 836 videos with 12 697 images. For internal and external validations, the multiclass macro-average areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve were 0.943 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.815-1.000) and 0.958 (0.864-1.000); the micro-average areas were 0.974 (0.970-0.979) and 0.973 (0.965-0.981), respectively. For similar-to-standard views, the PSAIS accurately labeled 90.9% (90.0%-91.4%) with key structures and indicated missing structures. CONCLUSIONS: An artificial intelligence system developed to assist trainees in fetal anomaly screening demonstrated high agreement with experts in standard view identification.

Enhanced antioxidant, tyrosinase inhibition, and anti-inflammatory activities of Praeparatum mungo and three of its derivatives.

The main objective of this study is to explore the functions of Praeparatum mungo (PM) and three of its derivatives, Praeparatum mungo/turmeric (PM/T), Praeparatum mungo/bromelain (PM/B), and Praeparatum mungo/inorganic elements (PM/IE). The results indicated that additives included in the fermentation process of PM enhanced PM's antioxidant properties. PM/B exhibited the highest total phenolic content (19.18 ± 0.46 mg gallic acid equivalent/g), DPPH free radical scavenging activity, and ferric reducing power. PM/IE exhibited the highest ABTS free radical scavenging activity and chelating ferrous ion activity. PM/T exhibited the best inhibitory tyrosinase activity. The 625 µg/mL PM extract can extensively reduce nitric oxide production of RAW264.7 macrophages stimulated by 1 µg/mL LPS and exhibited no cytotoxicity for anti-inflammatory applications. Additives in PM natural fermentation process can enhance antioxidant, tyrosinase inhibition, and anti-inflammatory properties of PM for future applications.

Colletotrichum horii and Colletotrichum fioriniae Causing Anthracnose on Star Anise (Illicium verum) in China.

Star anise (Illicium verum) is an important economic and medical plant widely cultivated in Guangxi province, China. Its fruit can be used as spice and medicine (Wang et al. 2011). In recent years, anthracnose led to a serious decline in the production of star anise in Guangxi. In 2021, a survey conducted in CenwangLaoshan Reserve of Guangxi (24°21'N; 106°27'E) showed that the 2500 ha planting area had disease incidence greater than 80%. The leaf symptoms initially appeared as small spots, then expanded to round spots, finally becoming withered with grayish-white centers, surrounded by dark brown margins. Sometimes, small black acervuli were observed in the later stage. To explore the pathogen, infected leaves were collected and cut into small pieces (about 5 mm2) from the edge of the lesion, disinfected with 75% ethanol for 10 s, 1% NaClO for 1 min, washed with sterilized water and incubated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates at 28 °C in the dark. Ten single-spore isolates were obtained from the cultures. After 7 days on PDA at 28 °C, the colonies of 7 isolates were white with abundant aerial hyphae, gray-black with white-gray margins, and the other 3 isolates were light gray on the upper surface, and pink or orange on the underside. Representative isolates BS3-4 and BS3-1 were selected from 3 isolates and 7 isolates, respectively. Conidia of BS3-4 and BS3-1 were both hyaline, cylindrical, aseptate, smooth, apex obtuse, base truncate, and no significant differences (P > 0.05) in size between BS3-1 (13.22 to 5.38 × 3.89 to 1.99 µm) (n = 50) and BS3-4 (12.04 to 4.34 × 3.48 to 1.64 µm) (n = 50). These morphological characteristics were consistent with the Colletotrichum ssp. (Damm et al. 2012). The species identification of BS3-4 and BS3-1 was performed based on DNA sequence analysis. Genomic DNA was extracted as a template. Partial sequences of the rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS), actin gene (ACT), ß-tubulin2 (TUB2) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) were amplified and sequenced (Weir et al. 2012). The sequences were deposited in GenBank (ITS:OQ062642-43; ACT:OQ067614-15; GAPDH:OQ067616-17;TUB2：OQ067618-19). Based on the concatenated sequences of the 4 genes (ITS-ACT- GAPDH -TUB2) of BS3-4 and BS3-1 as well as sequences of other Colletotrichum spp. obtained from GenBank, the Maximum likelihood (ML) tree which produced with IQ-TREE (Minh et al. 2020) revealed that the isolate BS3-1 was Colletotrichum horii, and BS3-4 was Colletotrichum fioriniae. Pathogenicity was confirmed on healthy leaves of 1-year-old star anise seedlings (cultivar Dahong), and the leaves were wounded by sterilized toothpicks, and were inoculated with 10 µl of conidial suspensions of BS3-1 and BS3-4 (106 conidia/ml). Control seedlings were inoculated with sterilized distilled water. Five leaves per plant and 3 plants per treatment were selected. All inoculated seedlings were maintained in the greenhouse (12/12h light/dark, 25 ± 2℃, 90% relative humidity). Wound sites inoculated with BS3-1 and BS3-4 both turned greenish-brown after 2 days and then turned light brown with water-soaked spots. Black (BS3-1) or orange (BS3-4) dots of acervuli developed after 6 days. The lesion diameter of BS3-1 (14.4 mm) was larger than that of BS3-4 (8.1 mm). No symptoms were observed on controls. BS3-1 and BS3-4 were re-isolated from inoculated leaves, fulfilling Koch's postulates. Anthracnose of star anise caused by C.horii has been reported in China (Liao et al. 2017). However, to our knowledge, this is the first report of C.fioriniae infecting star anise in China. Accurate pathogen identification in this study could provide a reference for the control of anthracnose on star anise.

Low Incidence of Relapse with a Moderate Conditioning Regimen of Fludarabine, Busulfan, and Melphalan for Patients with Myeloid Malignancies: A Single-Center Analysis of 100 Patients.

Relapse after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) with standard myeloablative conditioning regimens such as fludarabine (Flu) and busulfan (Bu) remains a major concern in patients with myeloid malignancies. A low relapse rate has been reported when thiotepa or melphalan (Mel) is added to Flu-Bu, but at a possible increased risk of nonrelapse mortality (NRM). Here we evaluated the outcomes of 100 patients (70 with acute myeloid leukemia, 23 with myelodysplastic syndrome, 4 with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, and 3 with granulocytic sarcoma) who underwent their first allo-HSCT after a moderate-dose FBM conditioning regimen consisting of Flu 150 mg/m2, Bu 6.4 mg/kg, and Mel 140 mg/m2 (n = 69), with Mel 100 mg/m2 for patients age >55 years and/or with a Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Comorbidity Index (HCT-CI) ≥3 (n = 31). Donors were HLA-matched siblings (n = 19), matched unrelated donors (n = 4), and haploidentical donors (n = 77). The majority of patients (88%) had an intermediate or high Disease Risk Index. Out of 96 evaluable patients, 94 achieved neutrophil engraftment and had full donor chimerism on day +30 post-transplantation. After a median follow-up of 468 days (range, 55 to 1039 days), only 4 patients relapsed, with a 2-year cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) of 5.3% ± 3.6%. The 100-day and 2-year NRM were 6.8% ± 4.4% and 12.3% ± 3.6%, respectively. At the last follow-up, the 2-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were 82.4% ± 4.2% and 80.3% ± 6.0%, respectively. Comparing the transplantation outcomes between patients receiving Mel 100 mg/m2 and those receiving Mel 140 mg/m2, showed no significant differences in NRM and CIR between the 2 groups and similar 2-year DFS and OS in the 2 groups, although the Mel 100 group had a higher median age (58 years versus 42 years; P < .001) and a higher percentage of patients with an HCT-CI ≥3 (P = .005). In the total cohort, the sole independent factor associated with transplantation outcomes was HCT-CI ≥3, which correlated with higher NRM and inferior DFS and OS. Our study suggests that moderate-intensity FBM conditioning is feasible for patients with myeloid malignancies, with a low relapse rate without increased NRM. A lower Mel dose of 100 mg/m2 maintained the low risk of relapse without excess NRM in older adults. However, the FBM regimen should be used with caution in patients with high-risk HCT-CI (≥3).

Association between Bisphenol A exposure and body composition parameters in children.

Background: Although there is evidence linking Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure to obesity, research examining its relationship with body composition parameters in young children is limited. Methods: A cross-sectional investigation was conducted on 200 preschool children aged between 4 and 6 years in Guangzhou, China. BPA exposure was assessed through urine samples using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography- tandem mass spectrometry, and body composition parameters were measured through bioelectrical impedance analysis (InBody770). Results: The median urinary BPA concentration was 0.556 µg/L (IQR: 0.301 - 1.031 µg/L) and creatinine-adjusted BPA concentration was 0.930 µg/g (IQR: 0.551 - 1.586 µg/g). BPA levels were significantly associated with body mass index (ß= 1.15; 95%CI: 0.47, 1.83), body fat mass (ß= 1.14; 95%CI: 0.39, 1.89), fat free mass (ß= 0.92; 95%CI: 0.26, 1.58), and percent body fat (ß= 3.44; 95%CI: 1.17, 5.71) after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Similarly, adjusted models with log10-transformed creatinine-adjusted BPA concentrations as a continuous variable showed similar trends. Positive linear associations were observed between quartiles of BPA concentrations and body composition parameters, with the highest coefficients in the fourth quartile. Conclusion: Our study provides further evidence of positive correlations between BPA exposure and body composition parameters in children aged 4 to 6 years. These findings highlight the potential health risks associated with obesity-related body composition parameters in young children. Further investigations are needed to confirm this association and explore the underlying mechanisms.

LincRNA-ROR/miR-145/ZEB2 regulates liver fibrosis by modulating HERC5-mediated p53 ISGylation.

The tumor suppressor p53 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. HERC5-mediated posttranslational ISG modification of the p53 protein is critical for controlling its activity. Here, we demonstrated that the expression of HERC5 and ISG15 is highly elevated, whereas p53 is downregulated, in fibrotic liver tissues of mice and transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1)-induced LX2 cells. HERC5 siRNA clearly increased the protein expression of p53, but the mRNA expression of p53 was not obviously changed. The inhibition of lincRNA-ROR (ROR) downregulated HERC5 expression and elevated p53 expression in TGF-ß1-stimulated LX-2 cells. Furthermore, the expression of p53 was almost unchanged after TGF-ß1-stimulated LX-2 cells were co-transfected with a ROR-expressing plasmid and HERC5 siRNA. We further confirmed that miR-145 is a target gene of ROR. In addition, we also showed that ROR regulates the HERC5-mediated ISGylation of p53 through mir-145/ZEB2. Together, we propose that ROR/miR-145/ZEB2 might be involved in the course of liver fibrosis by regulating ISGylation of the p53 protein.

Post-transplantation cyclophosphamide combined with tacrolimus and low-dose post-engraftment anti-thymoglobulin as GVHD prophylaxis for patients undergoing peripheral blood stem cell transplantation from haploidentical family donor: A single center analysis.

Introduction: Post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PT-Cy) use is a recent graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis strategy for patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). PT-Cy combined with two immunosuppressants is now widely used after haplo-identical (haplo) and HLA-matched peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) transplantations with promising GVHD and relapsefree survival (GRFS) probabilities. Although appealing, these results may benefit from improvement notably outside matched sibling donor transplantation, and should be investigated in various ethnic populations. Methods: Therefore, we report our experience of GVHD prophylaxis regimen combining PT-Cy and tacrolimus with addition of post-engraftment low-dose anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) in allogeneic stem cell transplantation from haplo-identical donors (Haplo). Sixtyseven patients were included in the analysis. All patients received myeloablative or intensified sequential conditioning regimen. Results: The median follow-up was 521 (range, 10~991) days. The cumulative incidences of 100-day grade II-IV acute GVHD was 14.9±4.4%, and no case of grade III-IV acute GVHD was documented. The cumulative incidences of 2-yearchronic GVHD and moderate-to-severe chronic GVHD were 25.4±5.4% and 11.9±4%, respectively. The non-relapse mortality at day+100 and 2year were 7.5±3.2% and 9.0±3.5%, respectively. The cumulative incidence of relapse at 2year was 16±6.4%. The 2-year probability of DFS and OS were 73.8% (95%CI, 61.5~88.4%) and 72.5% (95% CI, 57.1~92.1%), respectively. The 2-year GRFS was estimated as 63.6% (95%CI, 50.6~80%). Discussion: Our results suggested that a combination of PT-Cy, tacrolimus, and low-dose post-engraftment ATG was a promising GVHD prophylaxis with low incidence of acute GVHD in the haplo-transplantation setting.

Review of the genus Formosatettix Tinkham (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae) with description of new taxa, new synonymy and an updated key to species.

The genus Formosatettix Tinkham is reviewed. Seven new species from China, Formosatettix cliva Deng, sp. nov., Formosatettix guangyuanensis Deng, sp. nov., Formosatettix shuimogouensis Deng, sp. nov., Formosatettix strictivertex Deng, sp. nov., Formosatettix tangjiaheensis Deng, sp. nov., Formosatettix yueqingensis Deng, sp. nov., Formosatettix zheminzhengi Deng, sp. nov. are described and illustrated. One new name is proposed: Formosatettix latifemurus Deng, nom. nov. One new combination is established: Formosatettix nyalamensis (Zheng & Lin, 2015), comb. nov. The following new synonyms are established: Bolivaritettix circocephalus Zheng, 1992 = Formosatettix torulosinota Zheng & Mao, 2002, syn. nov., Criotettix bispinosus (Dalman, 1818) = Formosatettix hainanensis Zheng, 2012, syn. nov., Epitettix guangxiensis (Zheng & Jiang, 1994) = Formosatettix guangxiensis Zheng & Jiang, 1998, syn. nov., Formosatettix longwangshanensis Zheng, 1998 = Formosatettix tianmushanensis Zheng & Li, 2001, syn. nov., Formosatettix serrifemora Deng, 2019 = Formosatettix wulongensis Zha & Ding, 2020, syn. nov., Formosatettix huapingensis Zheng & Jiang, 1997 = Formosatettix nanlingensis Zheng & Cao, 2011, syn. nov. = Formosatettix undulatifemura, Zheng, 2012, syn. nov. = Formosatettix guposhanensis Deng, 2019, syn. nov. In addition, Formosatettix leigongshanensis Zha & Ding, 2020 is briefly commented.

Two odorant receptors regulate 1-octen-3-ol induced oviposition behavior in the oriental fruit fly.

The oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) is a notorious pest of fruit crops. Gravid females locate suitable oviposition sites by detecting host plant volatiles. Here, we demonstrate that 1-octen-3-ol, a volatile from mango, guides the oviposition behavior of female flies. Two odorant receptors (BdorOR7a-6 and BdorOR13a) are identified as key receptors for 1-octen-3-ol perception by qPCR analysis, heterologous expression in Xenopus laevis oocytes and HEK 293 cells followed by in vitro binding assays, as well as CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in B. dorsalis. Molecular docking and site-directed mutagenesis are used to determine major binding sites for 1-octen-3-ol. Our results demonstrate the potential of 1-octen-3-ol to attract gravid females and molecular mechanism of its perception in B. dorsalis. BdorOR7a-6 and BdorOR13a can therefore be used as molecular targets for the development of female attractants. Furthermore, our site-directed mutagenesis data will facilitate the chemical engineering of 1-octen-3-ol to generate more efficient attractants.