Complete genome sequence of Kushneria phosphatilytica YCWA18T reveals the P-solubilizing activity of the genus Kushneria.

Kushneria phosphatilytica YCWA18T (= CGMCC 1.9149T = NCCB 100306T) was isolated from sediment collected in a saltern on the eastern coast of Yellow Sea in China. The genome was sequenced and comprised of one circular chromosome with the size of 3,624,619 bp and DNA G + C content of 59.13%. A total of 3267 protein-coding genes, 64 tRNA genes and 12 rRNA genes were obtained. Genomic annotation indicated that the genome of K. phosphatilytica YCWA18T had 34 genes involved in phosphorus (P) solubilization/metabolism, e.g., gdh, pqq, phoA, phoD and phoX, which products can convert insoluble P-containing compounds to more bio-available dissolved inorganic P. Comparative genomic analysis of Kushneria strains revealed that gdh, pqq, phoA, phoD and phoX were widely distributed in these strains, indicating the genus Kushneria may play an important role in the P cycle. Additionally, a multitude of salt tolerance genes were detected in the genome of K. phosphatilytica YCWA18T. This study and the genome sequence data will be available for further research and will provide insights into potential biotechnological and agricultural applications of Kushneria strains.

[Evaluation of a modified maxillary protraction appliance for the treatment of patients with skeletal Class â ¢ malocclusion associated with crowding].

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of a modified maxillary protraction appliance in patients of skeletal Class Ⅲ with crowding. METHODS: Forty patients with skeletal Class Ⅲ malocclusion were divided into two groups, with 20 patients in each group. The experimental group had molar in a neutral or distal relationship and applied a modified maxillary protraction appliance, while the control group had molar mesial relationship and applied a conventional maxillary protraction appliance. Lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken before and after treatment in both groups for comparison. SPSS 22.0 software package was used for data analysis. RESULTS: The angle measurements taken before and after treatment showed a significant increase in SNA, ANB, SN-MP and U4-SN(P＜0.01), while SNB decreased(P＜0.01) in both groups. SN-OL changes were statistically different before and after treatment in the experimental group(P＜0.05). The sagittal measurements before and after treatment in both groups showed significant alterations in all(P＜0.05) but the length of the maxillary arch in both groups. For vertical measurements, U1-PP, L1-MP, U4-SN, U6-SN, and ANS-ME all increased (P＜0.05), while the changes of U4-PP and U6-PP in the two groups before and after treatment were statistically different(P＜0.05). Compared with the control group, the experimental group had a significantly increased maxillary arch length, a more remote location at U6, and a less variable molar relationship after treatment(P＜0.01). The two groups showed a variable amount of cephalometric measurements before and after treatment: the experimental group had a significant increase in maxillary arch length, a more remote position at U6, and a smaller change in molar relationship compared to the control group(P＜0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The modified maxillary protraction appliance showed good results for maxillary protraction and pushing the molar distally in patients with skeletal Class Ⅲ with crowding at neutral or distal molar relationship.

One-pot conversion of xylose to 1,2-pentanediol catalyzed by an organic acid-assisted Pt/NC in aqueous phase.

The direct synthesis of 1,2-pentanediol (1,2-PeD) from renewable xylose and its derivatives derived from hemicellulose is appealing yet challenging due to its low selectivity for the target product. In this study, one-pot catalytic conversion of xylose to 1,2-PeD was performed by using nitrogen-doped carbon (NC) supported Pt catalysts with the assistance of organic acids. A remarkable yield of 49.3% for 1,2-PeD was achieved by reacting 0.1869 g xylose in 30 mL water at 200 °C under a hydrogen pressure of 3 MPa for 8 h in the presence of 0.1 g of 2.5Pt/NC600 catalyst and 0.1869 g propanoic acid co-catalyst. The presence of vicinal Pt-acid pair sites on the surface of the 2.5Pt/NC600 catalyst exhibited a synergistic effect in promoting the hydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol intermediate and subsequent hydrogenation and ring-opening reactions leading to the formation of 1,2-PeD. The addition of organic acids, may serve as both acid catalyst for dehydration of xylose and hydrogen donor for hydrogenation of furfural and furfuryl alcohol, thereby promoting the one-pot conversion of xylose to 1,2-PeD. Remarkably, the 2.5Pt/NC600 catalyst demonstrated outstanding catalytic performance and good reusability over five consecutive cycles without significant deactivation.

Perioperative outcomes of transvaginal specimen extraction laparoscopic total gastrectomy and conventional laparoscopic-assisted total gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) has emerged as a promising alternative compared to conventional laparoscopic-assisted total gastrectomy (LATG) for treating gastric cancer (GC). However, evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of NOSES for GC surgery is limited. This study aimed to compare the safety and feasibility, in addition to postoperative complications of NOSES and LATG. AIM: To discuss the postoperative effects of two different surgical methods in patients with GC. METHODS: Dual circular staplers were used in Roux-en-Y digestive tract reconstruction for transvaginal specimen extraction LATG, and its outcomes were compared with LATG in a cohort of 51 GC patients with tumor size ≤ 5 cm. The study was conducted from May 2018 to September 2020, and patients were categorized into the NOSES group (n = 22) and LATG group (n = 29). Perioperative parameters were compared and analyzed, including patient and tumor characteristics, postoperative outcomes, and anastomosis-related complications, postoperative hospital stay, the length of abdominal incision, difference in tumor type, postoperative complications, and postoperative survival. RESULTS: Postoperative exhaust time, operation duration, mean postoperative hospital stay, length of abdominal incision, number of specific staplers used, and Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire score were significant in both groups (P < 0.01). In the NOSES group, the postoperative time to first flatus, mean postoperative hospital stay, and length of abdominal incision were significantly shorter than those in the LATG group. Patients in the NOSES group had faster postoperative recovery, and achieved abdominal minimally invasive incision that met aesthetic requirements. There were no significant differences in gender, age, tumor type, postoperative complications, and postoperative survival between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The application of dual circular staplers in Roux-en-Y digestive tract reconstruction combined with NOSES gastrectomy is safe and convenient. This approach offers better short-term outcomes compared to LATG, while long-term survival rates are comparable to those of conventional laparoscopic surgery.

Trends in electrocardiographic and cardiovascular manifestations of patients hospitalised with COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: Early in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a low incidence of cardiovascular complications was reported in Singapore. Little was known about the trend of cardiovascular complications as the pandemic progressed. In this study, we examined the evolving trends in electrocardiographic and cardiovascular manifestations in patients hospitalised with COVID-19. METHODS: We examined the first 1781 consecutive hospitalised patients with polymerase chain reaction-confirmed COVID-19. We divided the population based on whether they had abnormal heart rate (HR) or electrocardiography (ECG) or normal HR and ECG, comparing the baseline characteristics and outcomes. Cardiovascular complications were defined as acute myocardial infarction, stroke, pulmonary embolism, myocarditis and mortality. RESULTS: The 253 (14.2%) patients who had abnormal HR/ECG at presentation were more likely to be symptomatic. Sinus tachycardia was commonly observed. Troponin I levels (97.0 ± 482.9 vs. 19.7 ± 68.4 ng/L, P = 0.047) and C-reactive protein levels (20.1 ± 50.7 vs. 13.9 ± 24.1 µmol/L, P = 0.003) were significantly higher among those with abnormal HR/ECGs, with a higher prevalence of myocarditis (2.0% vs. 0.5%, P = 0.019), pulmonary embolism (2.0% vs. 0.3%, P = 0.008) and acute myocardial infarction (1.2% vs. 0.1%, P = 0.023). After adjusting for age and comorbidities, abnormal HR/ECG (adjusted odds ratio 4.41, 95% confidence interval 2.21-8.77; P < 0.001) remained independently associated with adverse cardiovascular complications. Over time, there was a trend towards a higher proportion of hospitalised patients with cardiovascular complications. CONCLUSION: Cardiovascular complications appear to be increasing in proportion over time among hospitalised patients with COVID-19. A baseline ECG and HR measurement may be helpful for predicting these complications.

Unraveling the habitat preferences, ecological drivers, potential hosts, and auxiliary metabolism of soil giant viruses across China.

BACKGROUND: Soil giant viruses are increasingly believed to have profound effects on ecological functioning by infecting diverse eukaryotes. However, their biogeography and ecology remain poorly understood. RESULTS: In this study, we analyzed 333 soil metagenomes from 5 habitat types (farmland, forest, grassland, Gobi desert, and mine wasteland) across China and identified 533 distinct giant virus phylotypes affiliated with nine families, thereby greatly expanding the diversity of soil giant viruses. Among the nine families, Pithoviridae were the most diverse. The majority of phylotypes exhibited a heterogeneous distribution among habitat types, with a remarkably high proportion of unique phylotypes in mine wasteland. The abundances of phylotypes were negatively correlated with their environmental ranges. A total of 76 phylotypes recovered in this study were detectable in a published global topsoil metagenome dataset. Among climatic, geographical, edaphic, and biotic characteristics, soil eukaryotes were identified as the most important driver of beta-diversity of giant viral communities across habitat types. Moreover, co-occurrence network analysis revealed some pairings between giant viral phylotypes and eukaryotes (protozoa, fungi, and algae). Analysis of 44 medium- to high-quality giant virus genomes recovered from our metagenomes uncovered not only their highly shared functions but also their novel auxiliary metabolic genes related to carbon, sulfur, and phosphorus cycling. CONCLUSIONS: These findings extend our knowledge of diversity, habitat preferences, ecological drivers, potential hosts, and auxiliary metabolism of soil giant viruses. Video Abstract.

Atmospheric oxidation drove climate change on Noachian Mars.

Modern Mars is bipolar, cold, and oxidizing, while early Mars was characterized by icy highlands, episodic warmth and reducing atmosphere. The timing and association of the climate and redox transitions remain inadequately understood. Here we examine the spatiotemporal distribution of the low surface iron abundance in the ancient Martian terrains, revealing that iron abundance decreases with elevation in the older Noachian terrains but with latitude in the younger Noachian terrains. These observations suggest: (a) low-temperature conditions contribute to surface iron depletion, likely facilitated by anoxic leaching through freeze-thaw cycles under a reducing atmosphere, and (b) temperature distribution mode shifted from elevation-dominant to latitude-dominant during the Noachian period. Additionally, we find iron leaching intensity decreases from the Early to Late Noachian epoch, suggesting a gradual atmospheric oxidation coupled with temperature mode transition during the Noachian period. We think atmospheric oxidation led to Mars becoming cold and bipolar in its early history.

Design and Implementation of an Intensive Care Unit Command Center for Medical Data Fusion.

The rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) are pivotal for the healthcare sector, especially as the world approaches an aging society which will be reached by 2050. This paper presents an innovative AIoT-enabled data fusion system implemented at the CMUH Respiratory Intensive Care Unit (RICU) to address the high incidence of medical errors in ICUs, which are among the top three causes of mortality in healthcare facilities. ICU patients are particularly vulnerable to medical errors due to the complexity of their conditions and the critical nature of their care. We introduce a four-layer AIoT architecture designed to manage and deliver both real-time and non-real-time medical data within the CMUH-RICU. Our system demonstrates the capability to handle 22 TB of medical data annually with an average delay of 1.72 ms and a bandwidth of 65.66 Mbps. Additionally, we ensure the uninterrupted operation of the CMUH-RICU with a three-node streaming cluster (called Kafka), provided a failed node is repaired within 9 h, assuming a one-year node lifespan. A case study is presented where the AI application of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), leveraging our AIoT data fusion approach, significantly improved the medical diagnosis rate from 52.2% to 93.3% and reduced mortality from 56.5% to 39.5%. The results underscore the potential of AIoT in enhancing patient outcomes and operational efficiency in the ICU setting.

Machine learning-enhanced predictive modeling for arbitrary deterministic lateral displacement design and test.

The separation of biological particles like cells and macromolecules from liquid samples is vital in clinical medicine, supporting liquid biopsies and diagnostics. Deterministic Lateral Displacement (DLD) is prominent for sorting particles in microfluidics by size. However, the design, fabrication, and testing of DLDs are complex and time-consuming. Researchers typically rely on finite element analysis to predict particle trajectories, which are crucial in evaluating the performance of DLD. Traditional particle trajectory predictions through finite element analysis often inaccurately reflect experimental results due to manufacturing and experimental variabilities. To address this issue, we introduced a machine learning-enhanced approach, combining past experimental data and advanced modeling techniques. Our method, using a dataset of 132 experiments from 40 DLD chips and integrating finite element simulation with a microfluidic-optimized particle simulation algorithm (MOPSA) and a Random Forest model, improves trajectory prediction and critical size determination without physical tests. This enhanced accuracy in simulation across various DLD chips speeds up development. Our model, validated against three DLD chip designs, showed a high correlation between predicted and experimental particle trajectories, streamlining chip development for clinical applications.

The impact of ZTE-based MR attenuation correction compared to CT-AC in 18F-FBPA PET before boron neutron capture therapy.

Tumor-to-normal ratio (T/N) measurement of 18F-FBPA is crucial for patient eligibility to receive boron neutron capture therapy. This study aims to compare the difference in standard uptake value ratios on brain tumors and normal brains using PET/MR ZTE and atlas-based attenuation correction with the current standard PET/CT attenuation correction. Regarding the normal brain uptake, the difference was not significant between PET/CT and PET/MR attenuation correction methods. The T/N ratio of PET/CT-AC, PET/MR ZTE-AC and PET/MR AB-AC were 2.34 ± 0.95, 2.29 ± 0.88, and 2.19 ± 0.80, respectively. The T/N ratio comparison showed no significance using PET/CT-AC and PET/MR ZTE-AC. As for the PET/MRI AB-AC, significantly lower T/N ratio was observed (- 5.18 ± 9.52%; p < 0.05). The T/N difference between ZTE-AC and AB-AC was also significant (4.71 ± 5.80%; p < 0.01). Our findings suggested PET/MRI imaging using ZTE-AC provided superior quantification on 18F-FBPA-PET compared to atlas-based AC. Using ZTE-AC on 18F-FBPA-PET /MRI might be crucial for BNCT pre-treatment planning.

Landform and lithospheric development contribute to the assembly of mountain floras in China.

Although it is well documented that mountains tend to exhibit high biodiversity, how geological processes affect the assemblage of montane floras is a matter of ongoing research. Here, we explore landform-specific differences among montane floras based on a dataset comprising 17,576 angiosperm species representing 140 Chinese mountain floras, which we define as the collection of all angiosperm species growing on a specific mountain. Our results show that igneous bedrock (granitic and karst-granitic landforms) is correlated with higher species richness and phylogenetic overdispersion, while the opposite is true for sedimentary bedrock (karst, Danxia, and desert landforms), which is correlated with phylogenetic clustering. Furthermore, we show that landform type was the primary determinant of the assembly of evolutionarily older species within floras, while climate was a greater determinant for younger species. Our study indicates that landform type not only affects montane species richness, but also contributes to the composition of montane floras. To explain the assembly and differentiation of mountain floras, we propose the 'floristic geo-lithology hypothesis', which highlights the role of bedrock and landform processes in montane floristic assembly and provides insights for future research on speciation, migration, and biodiversity in montane regions.

Two new aromatic tenvermectins from mutant Streptomyces avermitilis HU02-06.

Two new aromatic tenvermectins (TVMs), 13-oleandrosyl-oleandrosyloxy ST906 (1) and aromatic TVM B (2), were isolated from the fermentation broth of Streptomyces avermitilis HU02-06. Their structures were established by extensive spectroscopic analysis, including 1D and 2D NMR and HRESIMS data. Bioassay test showed that these two new tenvermectins exhibited weak nematocidal activity against Bursaphelenchus xylophilus and moderate cytotoxic activity against tumor cell lines HepG2 and HCT116.

Quaternized chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol anion exchange membrane enhanced by functionalized attapulgite clay with an ionic "chain-ball" surface structure.

Biomass chitosan has garnered considerable interest for alkaline anion exchange membranes (AEMs) due to its eco-friendly and sustainable characteristics, low reactant permeability and easily modifiable nature, but it still faces the trade-off between high hydroxide conductivity and sufficient mechanical properties. Herein, a novel functionalized attapulgite clay (f-ATP) with a unique ionic "chain-ball" surface structure was prepared and incorporated with quaternized chitosan (QCS)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix to fabricate high-performance composite AEMs. Due to the strengthened interfacial bonding between f-ATP nanofillers and the QCS/PVA matrix, composite membranes are synergistically reinforced and toughened, achieving peak tensile strength and elongation at break of 24.62 MPa and 33.8 %. Meanwhile, abundant ion pairs on f-ATP surface facilitate ion transport in the composite AEMs, with the maximum OH- conductivity of 46 mS cm-1 at 80 °C and the highest residual IEC of 83 % after alkaline treatment for 120 h. Moreover, the assembled alkaline direct methanol fuel cell exhibits a remarkable power density of 49.3 mW cm-2 at 80 °C. This work provides a new strategy for fabricating high-performance anion exchange membranes.

Visible-Light-Promoted Radical Cascade Cyclization of 2-Vinyl Benzimidazoles: Access to Benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-b]isoquinolin- 11(6H)-ones.

A visible-light-enabled photoredox radical cascade cyclization of 2-vinyl benzimidazole derivatives is developed. This chemistry is applicable to a wide range of N-aroyl 2-vinyl benzimidazoles as acceptors, and halo compounds, including alkyl halides, acyl chlorides and sulfonyl chlorides, as radical precursors. The Langlois reagent also serves as an effective partner in this photocatalytic oxidative cascade process. This protocol provides a robust alternative for rendering highly functionalized benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-b]isoquinolin-11(6H)-ones.

Transcriptomics-based exploration of shared M1-type macrophage-related biomarker in acute kidney injury after kidney transplantation and acute rejection after kidney transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Macrophage type 1 (M1) cells are associated with both acute kidney injury (AKI) during kidney transplantation and acute rejection (AR) after kidney transplantation. Our study explored M1-related biomarkers involved in both AKI and AR and their potential biological functions. METHODS: Based on the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, the immune cell infiltration levels and differentially expressed genes were examined in AKI and AR in the kidney transplantation; M1-related genes shared in AKI and AR were identified using weighted gene co-expression analysis (WGCNA) system. Subsequently, protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks and machine learning methods to identify Hub genes and construct diagnostic models. Both AKI model and AR rat models were built to validate the expressions of Hub genes and test the injury phenotype, oxidative stress markers, and inflammatory factors. Finally, the transcription factor (TF)-Hub gene and micro-RNA (miRNA)-Hub gene regulatory networks were constructed based on identified Hub genes. RESULTS: Out of 2167 differential expression genes (DEGs) in AKI and 2100 DEGs in AR, four M1-related Hub genes were obtained by PPI networks and machine learning methods, namely GBP2, TYROBP, CCR5, and TLR8. The calibration curves in the nomogram diagnostic model for these four Hub genes suggested the same predictive probability as an ideal model for AKI and AR after kidney transplantation (AUC values of the area under the ROC curve were all >0.7). The same observations were confirmed in ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) and AR rat models by identifying common four Hub genes (GBP2, TYROBP, TLR8, and CCR5). Western blots showed that these four Hub genes were significantly different in rat models of IRI and AR (all p<0.05). Compared with the control group, IRI and AR groups showed aggravated histopathological damage and increased secretion of oxidative stress markers and inflammatory factors in rat kidneys (all p<0.05). Finally, TF-Hub and miRNA-Hub gene regulatory networks were constructed to provide a theoretical basis for the regulation of Hub genes. CONCLUSION: We identified four macrophage M1-related Hub genes shared among AKI and AR after kidney transplantation. These genes may be considered for diagnosis of AKI and AR after kidney transplantation.

Cross-Sectional and Prospective Association of Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D with Gut Mycobiota during Pregnancy among Women with Gestational Diabetes.

SCOPE: Little is known about the effect of blood vitamin D status on the gut mycobiota (i.e., fungi), a crucial component of the gut microbial ecosystem. The study aims to explore the association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and gut mycobiota and to investigate the link between the identified mycobial features and blood glycemic traits. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study examines the association between serum 25(OH)D levels and the gut mycobiota in the Westlake Precision Birth Cohort, which includes pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The study develops a genetic risk score (GRS) for 25(OH)D to validate the observational results. In both the prospective and cross-sectional analyses, the vitamin D is associated with gut mycobiota diversity. Specifically, the abundance of Saccharomyces is significantly lower in the vitamin D-sufficient group than in the vitamin D-deficient group. The GRS of 25(OH)D is inversely associated with the abundance of Saccharomyces. Moreover, the Saccharomyces is positively associated with blood glucose levels. CONCLUSION: Blood vitamin D status is associated with the diversity and composition of gut mycobiota in women with GDM, which may provide new insights into the mechanistic understanding of the relationship between vitamin D levels and metabolic health.

Restraint Stress-Induced Neutrophil Inflammation Contributes to Concurrent Gastrointestinal Injury in Mice.

Psychological stress increases risk of gastrointestinal tract diseases. However, the mechanism behind stress-induced gastrointestinal injury is not well understood. The objective of our study is to elucidate the putative mechanism of stress-induced gastrointestinal injury and develop an intervention strategy. To achieve this, we employed the restraint stress mouse model, a well-established method to study the pathophysiological changes associated with psychological stress in mice. By orally administering gut-nonabsorbable Evans blue dye and monitoring its plasma levels, we were able to track the progression of gastrointestinal injury in live mice. Additionally, flow cytometry was utilized to assess the viability, death, and inflammatory status of splenic leukocytes, providing insights into the stress-induced impact on the innate immune system associated with stress-induced gastrointestinal injury. Our findings reveal that neutrophils represent the primary innate immune leukocyte lineage responsible for stress-induced inflammation. Splenic neutrophils exhibited elevated expression levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1, cellular reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial burden, and cell death following stress challenge compared to other innate immune cells such as macrophages, monocytes, and dendritic cells. Regulated cell death analysis indicated that NETosis is the predominant stress-induced cell death response among other analyzed regulated cell death pathways. NETosis culminates in the formation and release of neutrophil extracellular traps, which play a crucial role in modulating inflammation by binding to pathogens. Treatment with the NETosis inhibitor GSK484 rescued stress-induced neutrophil extracellular trap release and gastrointestinal injury, highlighting the involvement of neutrophil extracellular traps in stress-induced gastrointestinal inflammation. Our results suggest that neutrophil NETosis could serve as a promising drug target for managing psychological stress-induced gastrointestinal injuries.

Defective Tungsten Oxides with Stacking Faults for Proton Exchange Membrane Green-Hydrogen Generation.

Defects can introduce atomic structural modulation and tailor performance of materials. Herein, it demonstrates that semiconductor WO3 with inert electrocatalytic behavior can be activated through defect-induced tensile strains. Structural characterizations reveal that when simply treated in Ar/H2 atmosphere, oxygen vacancies will generate in WO3 and cause defective structures. Stacking faults are found in defects, thus modulating electronic structure and transforming electrocatalytic-inert WO3 into highly active electrocatalysts. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations are performed to calculate *H adsorption energies on various WOx surfaces, revealing the oxygen vacancy composition and strain predicted to optimize the catalytic activity of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Such defective tungsten oxides can be integrated into commercial proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyser with comparable performance toward Pt-based PEM. This work demonstrates defective metal oxides as promising non-noble metal catalysts for commercial PEM green-hydrogen generation.