Expert consensus on One Health for establishing an enhanced and integrated surveillance system for key infectious diseases.

China has been continuously improving its monitoring methods and strategies to address key infectious diseases (KIDs). After the severe acute respiratory syndrome epidemic in 2003, China established a comprehensive reporting system for infectious diseases (IDs) and public health emergencies. The relatively lagging warning thresholds, limited warning information, and outdated warning technology are insufficient to meet the needs of comprehensive monitoring for modern KIDs. Strengthening early monitoring and warning capabilities to enhance the public health system has become a top priority, with increasing demand for early warning thresholds, information, and techniques, thanks to constant innovation and development in molecular biology, bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, and other identification and analysis technologies. A panel of 31 experts has recommended a fourth-generation comprehensive surveillance system targeting KIDs (41 notifiable diseases and emerging IDs). The aim of this surveillance system is to systematically monitor the epidemiology and causal pathogens of KIDs in hosts such as humans, animals, and vectors, along with associated environmental pathogens. By integrating factors influencing epidemic spread and risk assessment, the surveillance system can serve to detect, predict, and provide early warnings for the occurrence, development, variation, and spread of known or novel KIDs. Moreover, we recommend comprehensive ID monitoring based on the fourth-generation surveillance system, along with a data-integrated monitoring and early warning platform and a consortium pathogen detection technology system. This series of considerations is based on systematic and comprehensive monitoring across multiple sectors, dimensions, factors, and pathogens that is supported by data integration and connectivity. This expert consensus will provides an opportunity for collaboration in various fields and relies on interdisciplinary application to enhance comprehensive monitoring, prediction, and early warning capabilities for the next generation of ID surveillance. This expert consensus will serve as a reference for ID prevention and control as well as other related activities.

Brain-Inspired Image Perceptual Quality Assessment based on EEG: A QoE Perspective.

Human-oriented image communication should take the quality of experience (QoE) as an optimization goal, which requires effective image perceptual quality metrics. However, traditional user-based assessment metrics are limited by the deviation caused by human high-level cognitive activities. To tackle this issue, in this paper, we construct a brain response-based image perceptual quality metric and develop a brain-inspired network to assess the image perceptual quality based on it. Our method aims to establish the relationship between image quality changes and underlying brain responses in image compression scenarios using the electroencephalography (EEG) approach. We first establish EEG datasets by collecting the corresponding EEG signals when subjects watch distorted images. Then, we design a measurement model to extract EEG features that reflect human perception to establish a new image perceptual quality metric: EEG perceptual score (EPS). To use this metric in practical scenarios, we embed the brain perception process into a prediction model to generate the EPS directly from the input images. Experimental results show that our proposed measurement model and prediction model can achieve better performance. The proposed brain response-based image perceptual quality metric can measure the human brain's perceptual state more accurately, thus performing a better assessment of image perceptual quality.

A chemically adjustable BMP6-IL6 axis in mesenchymal stem cells drives acute myeloid leukemia cell differentiation.

Chemotherapy alone or in combination with allogeneic stem cell transplantation has been the standard of care for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) for decades. Leukemia relapse with limited treatment options remains the main cause of treatment failure. Therefore, an effective and safe approach to improve treatment outcomes is urgently needed for most AML patients. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been reported to efficiently induce apoptosis and shape the fate of acute myeloid leukemia cells. Here, we identified LG190155 as a potent compound that enhances the antileukemia efficiency of MSCs. Pretreatment of MSCs with LG190155 significantly provoked differentiation in both AML patient-derived primary leukemia cells and AML cell lines and reduced the tumor burden in the AML mouse model. Using the quantitative proteomic technique, we discovered a pivotal mechanism that mediates AML cell differentiation, in which autocrine bone morphogenetic protein 6 (BMP6) in MSCs boosted IL-6 secretion and further acted on leukemic cells to trigger differentiation. Furthermore, the activity of the BMP6-IL6 axis was dramatically enhanced by activating vitamin D receptor (VDR) in MSCs. Our data illustrated an effective preactivated approach to reinforcing the antileukemia effect of MSCs, which could serve as an effective therapeutic strategy for AML.

Paradigm shifts of climate science for climate solutions.

Climate science is an indispensable part of climate solutions, and an era of climate actions necessitates certain paradigm shifts of climate science to better support viable climate actions and solutions. Three paradigm shifts are exemplified, namely (1) transcending the boundaries between physical science basis, adaptation, and mitigation; (2) embracing the synergy between climate science and technical innovations for effective climate solutions; and (3) shifting the paradigm from equilibrium climate dynamics toward non-equilibrium dynamics of climate/Earth systems. Beyond the application-driven and solution-oriented studies, curiosity-driven theoretical research is emphasized in the shift toward non-equilibrium climate/Earth systems-tipping elements, abrupt climate changes, and extremes-which may open avenues for new discoveries not only within climate science but also in mathematics, physics, and complex systems science.

Temperature Effect on the Growth and Development of Habrobracon hebetor Say (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) Reared on Ephestia elutella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) Larvae.

Augmentative release of parasitoids has been an important component of integrated insect management for stored product protection. Understanding the effect of different temperatures on the growth and development of parasitoids is in favor of mass rearing of parasitoids. Habrobracon hebetor Say (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a highly cosmopolitan, gregarious ecto-parasitoid of a variety of Lepidopterous larvae. Thus, the growth and development of H. hebetor reared on Ephestia elutella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae were investigated at 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 °C. Habrobracon hebetor could complete growth and development, and the developmental duration decreased with increasing temperature at 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 °C. The development threshold temperatures of H. hebetor eggs, larvae, pupae, and egg-to-adult stages were 13.89, 6.39, 9.24, and 9.29 °C, and the effective accumulated temperatures were 23.33, 46.40, 142.68, and 240.31 °C·d, respectively. The total number of eggs laid by H. hebetor, the hatching rate of H. hebetor eggs, and the percentage of female offspring reached the maximum of 192.39, 83.89%, and 74.04% at 30 °C, respectively. There was no significant difference in pupal survival rate in the temperature range of 15 °C to 35 °C. At 30 °C, the pre-oviposition duration of H. hebetor was the shortest (0.87 d). Therefore, the optimal rearing temperature of H. hebetor was 30 °C. The present results are useful for the large-scale rearing of H. hebetor using E. elutella larvae as hosts and effectively implementing the biological control of stored-product insects.

Programming peptide-oligonucleotide nano-assembly for engineering of neoantigen vaccine with potent immunogenicity.

Background: Neoantigen nanovaccine has been recognized as a promising treatment modality for personalized cancer immunotherapy. However, most current nanovaccines are carrier-dependent and the manufacturing process is complicated, resulting in potential safety concerns and suboptimal codelivery of neoantigens and adjuvants to antigen-presenting cells (APCs). Methods: Here we report a facile and general methodology for nanoassembly of peptide and oligonucleotide by programming neoantigen peptide with a short cationic module at N-terminus to prepare nanovaccine. The programmed peptide can co-assemble with CpG oligonucleotide (TLR9 agonist) into monodispersed nanostructures without the introduction of artificial carrier. Results: We demonstrate that the engineered nanovaccine promoted the codelivery of neoantigen peptides and adjuvants to lymph node-residing APCs and instigated potent neoantigen-specific T-cell responses, eliciting neoantigen-specific antitumor immune responses with negligible systemic toxicity. Furthermore, the antitumor T-cell immunity is profoundly potentiated when combined with anti-PD-1 therapy, leading to significant inhibition or even complete regression of established melanoma and MC-38 colon tumors. Conclusions: Collectively, this work demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of personalized cancer nanovaccine preparation with high immunogenicity and good biosafety by programming neoantigen peptide for nanoassembly with oligonucleotides without the aid of artificial carrier.

Pyroptosis-related gene signature for predicting gastric cancer prognosis.

Gastric cancer (GC) is a prevalent form of malignancy characterized by significant heterogeneity. The development of a specific prediction model is of utmost importance to improve therapy alternatives. The presence of H. pylori can elicit pyroptosis, a notable carcinogenic process. Furthermore, the administration of chemotherapeutic drugs is often employed as a therapeutic approach to addressing this condition. In the present investigation, it was observed that there were variations in the production of 17 pyroptosis-regulating proteins between stomach tissue with tumor development and GC cells. The predictive relevance of each gene associated with pyroptosis was assessed using the cohort from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA). The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) was utilized to enhance the outcomes of the regression approach. Patients with gastric cancer GC in the cohort from the TCGA were categorized into low-risk or high-risk groups based on their gene expression profiles. Patients with a low risk of gastric cancer had a higher likelihood of survival compared to persons classified as high risk (P<0.0001). A subset of patients diagnosed with GC from a Genes Expression Omnibus (GEO) cohort was stratified according to their overall survival (OS) duration. The statistical analysis revealed a higher significance level (P=0.0063) regarding OS time among low-risk individuals. The study revealed that the GC risk score emerged as a significant independent prognostic factor for OS in patients diagnosed with GC. The results of Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) research revealed that genes associated with a high-risk group had significantly elevated levels of immune system-related activity. Furthermore, it was found that the state of immunity was diminished within this particular group. The relationship between the immune response to cancer and pyroptosis genes is highly interconnected, suggesting that these genes have the potential to serve as prognostic indicators for GC.

Near-full-length genome analysis of two novel HIV second recombinant forms in Hebei, China.

The number of individuals infected with HIV-1 among men who have sex with men (MSM) has risen rapidly in recent years in China, and the subtypes CRF01_AE, CRF07_BC, and B, as well as many novel unique recombinant forms (URFs) are prevalent among them. Co-circulation of strains among MSM populations allows the generation of circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) and URFs. In this study, we identified two new URFs from two HIV-1-positive subjects who were infected through homosexual contact in Hebei, China. Analysis of near-full-length genome sequences, using phylogenetic and recombination analysis showed that the two URFs originated from CRF01_AE, CRF07_BC, and B, and CRF01_AE segments in the backbone of the URFs were derived from cluster 4 of CRF01_AE. The CRF07_BC segments of two URFs were clustered with 07BC_N in a phylogenetic tree. The identification of novel URFs with complex genomic structures shows that it is necessary to strengthen surveillance of HIV-1 variants in MSM populations in this region.

Organ/Cell-Selective Intracellular Delivery of Biologics via N-Acetylated Galactosamine-Functionalized Polydisulfide Conjugates.

Biologics, including proteins and antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), face significant challenges when it comes to achieving intracellular delivery within specific organs or cells through systemic administrations. In this study, we present a novel approach for delivering proteins and ASOs to liver cells, both in vitro and in vivo, using conjugates that tether N-acetylated galactosamine (GalNAc)-functionalized, cell-penetrating polydisulfides (PDSs). The method involves the thiol-bearing cargo-mediated ring-opening polymerization of GalNAc-functionalized lipoamide monomers through the so-called aggregation-induced polymerization, leading to the formation of site-specific protein/ASO-PDS conjugates with narrow dispersity. The hepatocyte-selective intracellular delivery of the conjugates arises from a combination of factors, including first GalNAc binding with ASGPR receptors on liver cells, leading to cell immobilization, and the subsequent thiol-disulfide exchange occurring on the cell surface, promoting internalization. Our findings emphasize the critical role of the close proximity of the PDS backbone to the cell surface, as it governs the success of thiol-disulfide exchange and, consequently, cell penetration. These conjugates hold tremendous potential in overcoming the various biological barriers encountered during systemic and cell-specific delivery of biomacromolecular cargos, opening up new avenues for the diagnosis and treatment of a range of liver-targeting diseases.

Elucidating hepatocellular carcinoma progression: a novel prognostic miRNA-mRNA network and signature analysis.

There is increasing evidence that miRNAs play an important role in the prognosis of HCC. There is currently a lack of acknowledged models that accurately predict patient prognosis. The aim of this study is to create a miRNA-based model to precisely forecast a patient's prognosis and a miRNA-mRNA network to investigate the function of a targeted mRNA. TCGA miRNA dataset and survival data of HCC patients were downloaded for differential analysis. The outcomes of variance analysis were subjected to univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses and LASSO analysis. We constructed and visualized prognosis-related models and subsequently used violin plots to probe the function of miRNAs in tumor cells. We predicted the target mRNAs added those to the String database, built PPI protein interaction networks, and screened those mRNA using Cytoscape. The hub mRNA was subjected to GO and KEGG analysis to determine its biological role. Six of them were associated with prognosis: hsa-miR-139-3p, hsa-miR-139-5p, hsa-miR-101-3p, hsa-miR-30d-5p, hsa-miR-5003-3p, and hsa-miR-6844. The prognostic model was highly predictive and consistently performs, with the C index exceeding 0.7 after 1, 3, and 5 years. The model estimated significant differences in the Kaplan-Meier plotter and the model could predict patient prognosis independently of clinical indicators. A relatively stable miRNA prognostic model for HCC patients was constructed, and the model was highly accurate in predicting patients with good stability over 5 years. The miRNA-mRNA network was constructed to explore the function of mRNA.

Comparison of the effect between cefazolin/cefuroxime and broad-spectrum antibiotics in preventing post-operative pulmonary infections for smoking patients receiving video-assisted thoracoscopic lung surgery: a propensity score-matched retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The selection of prophylactic antibiotics for preventing post-operative pulmonary infections in smoking patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic lung surgery (VATLS) is not clear. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, the outcomes of 572 smoking patients undergoing VATLS with prophylactic cefazolin/cefuroxime or other antibiotics were analyzed. Patients were classified as cefazolin/cefuroxime group and the control group. A 1:1 propensity score matching was also performed. RESULTS: The primary outcome of the incidence of post-operative pulmonary infection did not differ significantly between the two groups (23.7% vs 30.5%, RR = 0.777, 95%CI 0.564 ~ 1.070 p = 0.113). Similarly, secondary outcomes including the incidence of post-operative fever, the white blood cell count and neutrophils on the 3rd day after the surgery, and time for blood routine test recovery were all found without significant difference between the two groups. In the multivariate logistic regression model, no association was found between prophylactic use of cefazolin/cefuroxime and post-operative pulmonary infections after controlling other possible confounding factors (OR = 0.685, 95%CI 0.441 ~ 1.065, p = 0.093). CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic use of cefazolin/cefuroxime was not associated with more adverse clinical outcomes among smoking populations undergoing VATLS when compared with broad-spectrum antibiotics and the two drugs are still feasible for peri-operative prophylactic use for smoking population before the surgery.

Visualization of nasal powder distribution using biomimetic human nasal cavity model.

Nasal drug delivery efficiency is highly dependent on the position in which the drug is deposited in the nasal cavity. However, no reliable method is currently available to assess its impact on delivery performance. In this study, a biomimetic nasal model based on three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction and three-dimensional printing (3DP) technology was developed for visualizing the deposition of drug powders in the nasal cavity. The results showed significant differences in cavity area and volume and powder distribution in the anterior part of the biomimetic nasal model of Chinese males and females. The nasal cavity model was modified with dimethicone and validated to be suitable for the deposition test. The experimental device produced the most satisfactory results with five spray times. Furthermore, particle sizes and spray angles were found to significantly affect the experimental device's performance and alter drug distribution, respectively. Additionally, mometasone furoate (MF) nasal spray (NS) distribution patterns were investigated in a goat nasal cavity model and three male goat noses, confirming the in vitro and in vivo correlation. In conclusion, the developed human nasal structure biomimetic device has the potential to be a valuable tool for assessing nasal drug delivery system deposition and distribution.

GhVOZ1-AVP1 module positively regulates salt tolerance in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.).

Vascular Plant One­zinc Finger (VOZ) transcription factor can respond to a variety of abiotic stresses, however its function in cotton and the molecular mechanisms of response to salt tolerance remained unclear. In this study, we found that GhVOZ1 is highly expressed in stamen and stem of cotton under normal conditions. The expression of GhVOZ1 increased significantly after 3 h of salt treatment in three-leaf staged upland cotton. Overexpressed transgenic lines of GhVOZ1 in Arabidopsis and upland cotton were treated with salt stress and we found that GhVOZ1 could respond positively to salt stress. GhVOZ1 can regulate Arabidopsis Vacuolar Proton Pump Pyrophosphatase (H+-PPase) gene (AVP1) expression through specific binding to GCGTCTAAAGTACGC site on GhAVP1 promoter, which was examined through Dual-luciferase assay and Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). AVP1 expression was significantly increased in Arabidopsis with GhVOZ1 overexpression, while GhAVP1 expression was decreased in virus induced gene silenced (VIGS) cotton plants of GhVOZ1. Knockdown of GhAVP1 expression in cotton plants by VIGS showed decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities, whereas an increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content and ultimately decreased salt tolerance. The GhVOZ1-AVP1 module could maintain sodium ion homeostasis through cell ion transport and positively regulate the salt tolerance in cotton, providing new ideas and insights for the study of salt tolerance.

GhMYB30-GhMUR3 affects fiber elongation and secondary wall thickening in cotton.

Xyloglucan, an important hemicellulose, plays a crucial role in maintaining cell wall structure and cell elongation. However, the effects of xyloglucan on cotton fiber development are not well understood. GhMUR3 encodes a xyloglucan galactosyltransferase that is essential for xyloglucan synthesis and is highly expressed during fiber elongation. In this study, we report that GhMUR3 participates in cotton fiber development under the regulation of GhMYB30. Overexpression GhMUR3 affects the fiber elongation and cell wall thickening. Transcriptome showed that the expression of genes involved in secondary cell wall synthesis was prematurely activated in OE-MUR3 lines. In addition, GhMYB30 was identified as a key regulator of GhMUR3 by Y1H, Dual-Luc, and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) assays. GhMYB30 directly bound the GhMUR3 promoter and activated GhMUR3 expression. Furthermore, DAP-seq of GhMYB30 was performed to identify its target genes in the whole genome. The results showed that many target genes were associated with fiber development, including cell wall synthesis-related genes, BR-related genes, reactive oxygen species pathway genes, and VLCFA synthesis genes. It was demonstrated that GhMYB30 may regulate fiber development through multiple pathways. Additionally, GhMYB46 was confirmed to be a target gene of GhMYB30 by EMSA, and GhMYB46 was significantly increased in GhMYB30-silenced lines, indicating that GhMYB30 inhibited GhMYB46 expression. Overall, these results revealed that GhMUR3 under the regulation of GhMYB30 and plays an essential role in cotton fiber elongation and secondary wall thickening. Additionally, GhMYB30 plays an important role in the regulation of fiber development and regulates fiber secondary wall synthesis by inhibiting the expression of GhMYB46.

Utilizing nanotechnology and advanced machine learning for early detection of gastric cancer surgery.

Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising frontier in revolutionizing the early diagnosis and surgical management of gastric cancers. The primary factors influencing curative efficacy in GIC patients are drug inefficacy and high surgical and pharmacological therapy recurrence rates. Due to its unique optical features, good biocompatibility, surface effects, and small size effects, nanotechnology is a developing and advanced area of study for detecting and treating cancer. Considering the limitations of GIC MRI and endoscopy and the complexity of gastric surgery, the early diagnosis and prompt treatment of gastric illnesses by nanotechnology has been a promising development. Nanoparticles directly target tumor cells, allowing their detection and removal. It also can be engineered to carry specific payloads, such as drugs or contrast agents, and enhance the efficacy and precision of cancer treatment. In this research, the boosting technique of machine learning was utilized to capture nonlinear interactions between a large number of input variables and outputs by using XGBoost and RNN-CNN as a classification method. The research sample included 350 patients, comprising 200 males and 150 females. The patients' mean ± SD was 50.34 ± 13.04 with a mean age of 50.34 ± 13.04. High-risk behaviors (P = 0.070), age at diagnosis (P = 0.034), distant metastasis (P = 0.004), and tumor stage (P = 0.014) were shown to have a statistically significant link with GC patient survival. AUC was 93.54%, Accuracy 93.54%, F1-score 93.57%, Precision 93.65%, and Recall 93.87% when analyzing stomach pictures. Integrating nanotechnology with advanced machine learning techniques holds promise for improving the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer, providing new avenues for precision medicine and better patient outcomes.

Features of synchronous and metachronous dual primary gastric and colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Studies evaluating the characteristics of dual primary gastric and colorectal cancer (CRC) (DPGCC) are limited. AIM: To analyze the clinicopathologic characteristics and prognosis of synchronous and metachronous cancers in patients with DPGCC. METHODS: From October 2010 to August 2021, patients with DPGCC were retrospectively reviewed. The patients with DPGCC were divided into two groups (synchronous and metachronous). We compared the overall survival (OS) between the groups using Kaplan-Meier survival methods. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using Cox's proportional hazards model to identify the independent prognostic factors for OS. RESULTS: Of the 76 patients with DPGCC, 46 and 30 had synchronous and metachronous cancers, respectively. The proportion of unresectable CRC in patients with synchronous cancers was higher than that in patients with metachronous cancers (28.3% vs 3.3%, P = 0.015). The majority of the second primary cancers had occurred within 5 years. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the patients with metachronous cancers had a better prognosis than patients with synchronous cancers (P = 0.010). The patients who had undergone gastrectomy (P < 0.001) or CRC resection (P < 0.001) had a better prognosis than those who had not. In the multivariate analysis, synchronous cancer [hazard ratio (HR) = 6.8, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 2.0-22.7, P = 0.002)] and stage III-IV gastric cancer (GC) [HR = 10.0, 95%CI: 3.4-29.5, P < 0.001)] were risk prognostic factor for OS, while patients who underwent gastrectomy was a protective prognostic factor for OS [HR = 0.2, 95%CI: 0.1-0.6, P = 0.002]. CONCLUSION: Regular surveillance for metachronous cancer is necessary during postoperative follow-up. Surgical resection is the mainstay of therapy to improve the prognosis of DPGCC. The prognosis appears to be influenced by the stage of GC rather than the stage of CRC. Patients with synchronous cancer have a worse prognosis, and its treatment strategy is worth further exploration.

Genome-wide analysis of SET domain genes and the function of GhSDG51 during salt stress in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.).

BACKGROUND: Cotton, being extensively cultivated, holds immense economic significance as one of the most prominent crops globally. The SET (Su(var), E, and Trithorax) domain-containing protein is of significant importance in plant development, growth, and response to abiotic stress by modifying the lysine methylation status of histone. However, the comprehensive identification of SET domain genes (SDG) have not been conducted in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). RESULTS: A total of 229 SDGs were identified in four Gossypium species, including G. arboretum, G. raimondii, G. hirsutum, and G. barbadense. These genes could distinctly be divided into eight groups. The analysis of gene structure and protein motif revealed a high degree of conservation among the SDGs within the same group. Collinearity analysis suggested that the SDGs of Gossypium species and most of the other selected plants were mainly expanded by dispersed duplication events and whole genome duplication (WGD) events. The allopolyploidization event also has a significant impact on the expansion of SDGs in tetraploid Gossypium species. Furthermore, the characteristics of these genes have been relatively conserved during the evolution. Cis-element analysis revealed that GhSDGs play a role in resistance to abiotic stresses and growth development. Furthermore, the qRT-PCR results have indicated the ability of GhSDGs to respond to salt stress. Co-expression analysis revealed that GhSDG51 might co-express with genes associated with salt stress. In addition, the silencing of GhSDG51 in cotton by the virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) method suggested a potential positive regulatory role of GhSDG51 in salt stress. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study comprehensively analyze the SDGs in cotton and provide a basis for understanding the biological role of SDGs in the stress resistance in upland cotton.

GhDof1.7, a Dof Transcription Factor, Plays Positive Regulatory Role under Salinity Stress in Upland Cotton.

Salt stress is a major abiotic stressor that can severely limit plant growth, distribution, and crop yield. DNA-binding with one finger (Dof) is a plant-specific transcription factor that plays a crucial role in plant growth, development, and stress response. In this study, the function of a Dof transcription factor, GhDof1.7, was investigated in upland cotton. The GhDof1.7 gene has a coding sequence length of 759 base pairs, encoding 252 amino acids, and is mainly expressed in roots, stems, leaves, and inflorescences. Salt and abscisic acid (ABA) treatments significantly induced the expression of GhDof1.7. The presence of GhDof1.7 in Arabidopsis may have resulted in potential improvements in salt tolerance, as suggested by a decrease in H2O2 content and an increase in catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. The GhDof1.7 protein was found to interact with GhCAR4 (C2-domain ABA-related 4), and the silencing of either GhDof1.7 or GhCAR4 resulted in reduced salt tolerance in cotton plants. These findings demonstrate that GhDof1.7 plays a crucial role in improving the salt tolerance of upland cotton and provide insight into the regulation of abiotic stress response by Dof transcription factors.

Characteristics and risk factors of secondary bacterial infections in COVID-19 patients.

Objective: To describe the characteristics and find out risk factors of COVID-19 patients infected with different categories of bacteria. Design: Case-control. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study including 129 COVID-19 patients admitted to a tertiary hospital between October 13, 2022 and December 31, 2022. Patients' data were collected from the hospital information system. Patients were classified as having or not having confirmed secondary bacterial infections, or gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial infections for analysis. Categories and sources of isolated bacteria, characteristics of the patients, and the risk factors for developing secondary bacterial infections were analyzed. Results: Gram-negative bacteria accounted for the majority of secondary bacterial infections of the included patients. Critical type of COVID-19 (OR = 12.98, 95%CI 3.43∼49.18, p < 0.001), invasive therapy (OR = 9.96, 95%CI 3.01∼32.95, p < 0.001), and previous antibiotics use (OR = 17.23, 95%CI 1.38∼215.69, p = 0.027) were independent risk factors of secondary bacterial infections in COVID-19 patients. Ceftriaxone/cefotaxime use (OR = 15.45, 95%CI 2.72∼87.79, p = 0.002) was associated with gram-positive bacterial infections while age over 70 (OR = 3.30, 95%CI 1.06∼10.26, p = 0.039), invasive therapy (OR = 4.68, 95%CI 1.22∼17.93, p = 0.024), and carbapenems use (OR = 8.48, 95%CI 2.17∼33.15, p = 0.002) were associated with gram-negative bacterial infections. Conclusions: Critical patients with invasive therapy and previous antibiotics use should be cautious with secondary bacterial infections. Third-generation cephalosporins and carbapenems should be used carefully because both are risk factors for gram-positive or gram-negative bacterial infections.