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Evaluation of the contemporary cultural landscape based on multi-dimensional value coupling: Case study on the Grand Canal, Hangzhou section
In the context of building the Grand Canal National Cultural Park, the heritage conservation of the Grand Canal has entered a new stage since its inscription as a World Heritage site. Scientifically evaluating the value of various cultural landscape projects along the Grand Canal is the fundamental basis for coordinating the conservation of the Grand Canal’s World Heritage sites, land use control, and urban development construction. Based on the research on the evolution of cultural landscape value paradigm, the multi-dimensional value evaluation system of the Grand Canal cultural landscape is constructed. Based on the coupling coordination degree theory, the synergistic adjustment mechanism of the conservative value and developmental value system of the canal cultural landscape is explored. The value evaluation of the 10 contemporary cultural landscape projects implemented since the application of the Grand Canal in Hangzhou is carried out, and the coupling coordination of their conservation and utilization is analyzed. The cultural landscape conservation and utilization mode of the Grand Canal in Hangzhou is discussed, which provides a reference for the cultural landscape construction along the “city-river interdependence” Grand Canal.
Knowledge and preventive barriers towards conducting systematic review among undergraduate medical students of Arab countries: A multi country online survey
Background Systematic reviews (SR) provide the highest level of evidence in research. Medical students are encouraged to learn how to conduct SR, yet barriers to engaging in these reviews need to be identified to enhance their implementation. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, practices, and perceived barriers to conducting SR among undergraduate medical students from Arab countries. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted involving undergraduate medical students from nine Arab countries enrolled in public and private medical schools. Sociodemographic information, as well as data on knowledge and barriers to conducting SR, were collected from participants through an online survey. The level of knowledge regarding SR was measured using a set of questions, with a total score of 19. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) were used to find the associated factors with good knowledge of SR. Results With a response rate of 89.7%, 13,060 participants were enrolled, of whom 58.9% were female and 77.0% were studying at public universities. Additionally, 49.0% were in their clinical years. Approximately 31% had heard about SR, and 3,275 participants (25.1%) had attended training on SR. Overall, only 4.3% of participants demonstrated good knowledge of SRs. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age (AOR = 1.111, 95% CI: 1.069–1.154) and participation in research-related activities (AOR = 4.501, 95% CI: 3.650–5.551) were significantly associated with good knowledge of SR. The most identified barriers to conducting SRs included a lack of knowledge about SR (47.0%) and a lack of research exposure and opportunities (28.8%). Regarding engagement in secondary research, only 1,567 participants (12.0%) had participated in a secondary research project, and of those, only 471 (30.1%) had published their work. The types of enrolled research projects included SR (62.3%), systematic reviews with meta-analysis (43.3%), and network meta-analysis (33.4%). Conclusion The findings indicate a poor level of knowledge regarding SR among participants and highlight several barriers preventing undergraduate medical students from engaging in this research. There is a pressing need for further training on SR to enhance the knowledge and practice of SR among undergraduate medical students.
Effects of a personalized or generic three-dimensional tumoral kidney model on patient experience and caregiver-patient interactions, before and after partial nephrectomy, a randomized trial (Rein 3D Print Personalize—UroCCR 114)
Introduction Personalized 3D-printed kidney models could serve as valuable educational tools for patients undergoing robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). These models facilitate patients’ understanding of their pathology, surgical procedure, and anatomy. However, the costs associated with ‘personalized’ printing remain a barrier to their use. This study aims to thoroughly investigate the benefits of using a personalized 3D-printed kidney model as opposed to a generic 3D-printed kidney model as an educational tool for patients and as a communication tool for healthcare professionals. Methods and analysis In this prospective single center study, 60 patients undergoing RAPN will be randomized to receive information based on their personalized 3D-printed tumoral kidney model or a generic 3D-printed tumoral kidney model. These models will accompany patients throughout their care pathway, from pre-operative consultations to the post-operative visit. The impact of these models on the management approaches of various healthcare professionals will also be examined. The data will be collected and analyzed using a mixed method, combining interviews (with patients and caregivers), observations during the presentation of the models and questionnaires (understanding of their pathology and the surgical procedure, Health-literacy, satisfaction). Discussion Three dimensional kidney models have the potential to play a central role in the preoperative information process and serve as an effective educational tool during the patient’s social interactions with relatives and healthcare professionals. This study will evaluate the potential advantages of personalized 3D models of tumoral kidneys compared to their generic counterparts. Trial registration The PERSONALIZE study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06379698) on the 5th of September 2023.
The relationship between sarcopenic obesity and cognitive functionality among inpatients with stable schizophrenia
Background and objectives Patients with schizophrenia face an elevated risk of sarcopenic obesity (SO) due to antipsychotic-induced metabolic dysfunction, physical inactivity, and nutritional deficiencies. Although recent studies suggest an association between SO and cognitive decline, its specific impact on cognitive function in schizophrenia remains to be fully elucidated. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic concordance between the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism/European Association for the Study of Obesity (SOESPEN) criteria and its modified version (SOESPEN-M), and to examine their respective associations with cognitive function in inpatients with stable schizophrenia. Methods In this cross-sectional analysis, 228 adults with stable schizophrenia were recruited. SO was diagnosed using two definitions: SOESPEN (excess adiposity, low muscle mass-to-weight ratio, and reduced handgrip strength) and SOESPEN-M (BMI-adjusted muscle mass threshold). Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Chinese version (MoCA-C). Multivariate linear regression models were employed to evaluate associations between SO and MoCA-C scores, adjusting for relevant demographic, clinical, and comorbidity-related variables. Results SO prevalence was 17.1% under both diagnostic criteria, with moderate inter-criteria agreement (κ = 0.660). Sex-stratified analyses revealed divergent diagnostic trends: in males, SO prevalence increased from 15.9% (SOESPEN) to 22.5% (SOESPEN-M; κ = 0.698); in females, prevalence decreased from 18.9% to 8.9% (κ = 0.590). Across both criteria, SO groups demonstrated significantly lower MoCA-C scores (males: 16 vs 20, p = 0.045 for SOESPEN; 13 vs 21, p < 0.001 for SOESPEN-M; females: 11 vs 17, p = 0.009 for SOESPEN; 10.5 vs 17, p = 0.036 for SOESPEN-M). Multivariate analysis confirmed that SOESPEN-M-defined SO was independently associated with lower MoCA-C scores in males (β = −2.71, 95% CI: −5.08 to −0.33, p = 0.027). Conclusion Our results demonstrate that SO defined by SOESPEN-M criteria is significantly associated with cognitive impairment in male inpatients with stable schizophrenia.
Experimental study on mechanical properties and microstructure of cement-based expansion grouting materials for broken coal mass
As the excavation depth of the tunnel increases, the stress on the surrounding rock increases, and the tunnel becomes fragmented, especially in coal tunnels, which require grouting reinforcement. Conventional materials are inadequate for the grouting and reinforcing demands of this type of surrounding rock; therefore, it is essential to create grouting materials with specific expansion properties. First, the orthogonal test method was employed to optimize the expansion grouting materials ratio. Compared with traditional grouting materials, it exhibits certain expansibility along with good fluidity and strength. Based on a comprehensive evaluation of the mechanical properties of the material, the optimal formulation was determined as follows: 10% UEA expansive agent, 5% early-strength agent, and 1.2% water-reducing agent. Additionally, Through SEM tests and grouting reinforcement test of broken coal or rock, it was found that expansive grouting materials can effectively fill micro-fractures in coal rock, enhance the integrity of the surrounding rock, and improve its mechanical properties. The findings indicate that the recovery strength of coal and rock using expansion grouting materials at 7 days is 0.18 and 0.1 greater than that of pure cement; at 28 days, the recovery strength of coal and rock is 0.27 and 0.15 higher than that of pure cement. Ultimately, the expansion grouting materials is employed in engineering applications. Following the application of anchor grouting and expansion grouting materials, the maximum deformation of the roof at the roadway intersection measures 125 mm, while the maximum deformation on both sides reaches 190 mm. The distortion of the surrounding rock of the roadway is well managed. This is essential for the reinforcement of tunnels within shattered surrounding rock and for the secure extraction of coal in mines.
Adverse clinical outcomes and associated factors among older adults undergoing hemodialysis in Brazil: A single-center experience
Introduction In the last decade, there has been an increase in the number of older adults diagnosed with kidney failure in Brazil. Anecdotal reports suggest that older adults receiving hemodialysis (HD) face a higher risk of adverse outcomes. This study aims to investigate adverse clinical outcomes and associated factors among adults over age 60 who received chronic HD at a single center in northeastern Brazil. Methodology We conducted a retrospective cohort of older adults undergoing HD at a center in Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil, from October 1, 2019 to March 1, 2024. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to examine the associations with various risk factors for all-cause mortality. A binomial logistic regression model was leveraged for Major Cardiovascular Events (MACE) and all-cause hospitalization. Results Among the 950 adults, 392 individuals over age 60 were included in our sample (median age: 68.5 years, IQR: 64–75; male: 63%). Diabetes was the leading cause of kidney failure. The total number of deaths was 157 (40.1%), primarily due to infection (n = 60, 38.2%). Multivariable analysis indicated that increased age was independently associated with all-cause mortality [HR = 1.07 (1.02–1.09), p = 0.001], while fistula use was associated with reduced mortality risk [HR = 0.36 (0.19–0.68), p = 0.02]. Although hospitalization rate increased with age, this relationship is not statistically significant. Health insurance and hypertension increased hospitalization risk, whereas fistula use was protective. Previous history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and low serum albumin were associated with MACE. The bloodstream infection rate was 0.18 episode/patient-year, predominantly due to gram-positive organisms, with coagulase-negative Staphylococcus being the most common. Conclusion Among patients undergoing HD, older age is associated with a high risk of all-cause mortality. Fistula use appeared to be protective against all-cause mortality and hospitalization. Well-designed prospective studies are needed to clarify factors impacting adverse outcomes among older dialysis patients in Brazil.
Untargeted metabolomics reveals quinic acid as the kiwifruit component that affects brain activity in mice
Plant-based diets are associated with both physical health and psychological wellbeing. Recent evidence suggests that kiwifruit positively affects cognitive functions and mood, but the bioactive components responsible for this are unknown. In this work, we combined two predictive preclinical models of depression (TST and FST) with untargeted metabolomics to evaluate the antidepressant activity of green kiwifruit in mice and to identify the fruit bioactive phytochemicals responsible for this effect. Mice treated with green kiwifruit juice showed dose-dependent reductions in depressive behavior. Two kiwifruit-derived metabolites – quinic acid and caffeic acid sulfate (the latter formed in mice via metabolism of kiwifruit caffeic acid glucosides) – were detected in mouse serum and brain tissue, suggesting they may confer the observed effects. When administered as pure compounds, quinic acid closely replicated the antidepressant effect of kiwifruit juice, whereas caffeic acid glucoside had little impact. Other fruit metabolites may act synergistically with quinic acid to increase its bioavailability in serum and its absorption into the brain parenchyma. Our approach thus led to the discovery of quinic acid as the kiwifruit metabolite capable of rapidly reaching the mouse brain and exerting an antidepressant effect in synergy with other fruit metabolites.
Environmental sources of Cryptococcus neoformans species complex in Kampala, Uganda: A preliminary study
Objectives We aimed to determine the environmental sources of C. neoformans and C. gattii species complexes in Uganda. Methods One hundred fifty (n = 150) environmental specimens of chicken droppings, marabou stork bird droppings and eucalyptus tree barks in Uganda were examined phenotypically. The specimens were grown on Sabouraud dextrose agar and the colonies examined by India ink microscopy, urea hydrolysis and formation of blue colonies on chromogenic L-Canavanine glycine blue bromothymol blue agar of C. gattii species complex Results The prevalence of C. neoformans species complex was 4% (6/150). Of the positive environmental samples from which C. neoformans species complex were isolated; the predominant source was marabou stork droppings; 8% (2/25) followed by eucalyptus tree barks; 3.96% (4/101). However, there was no Cryptococcus gattii species complex; 0% (0/150). Conclusion In Uganda, the environmental sources of C. neoformans species complex are marabou stork droppings and eucalyptus tree barks, however, there seems to be no Cryptococcus gattii species complex.
Predicting median nerve depth from anthropometric features: A tool for safer invasive procedures
Introduction The median nerve (MN) is frequently targeted in invasive procedures. Accurately locating its depth is essential to minimize complications. This study aimed to develop predictive models of MN depth based on anthropometric features. Design: cross-sectional observational study. Methods Fifty-three healthy adults (Men: 53%; Age range: 18–60 years) were evaluated. Sociodemographic (age and sex) and anthropometric data (height, weight, BMI, and proximal/mid-forearm circumference) were ascertained. Ultrasound was used to measure the depth of the MN relative to the skin and brachial artery at the elbow and mid-forearm. Hierarchical linear regression was applied to identify significant predictors of nerve depth. Results Men were significantly taller, heavier, and had a higher forearm circumference than women (p < 0.05 for all). Proximal forearm circumference strongly correlated with BMI and nerve depth. Regression analysis revealed it as a significant predictor of MN depth, explaining 49.4% (proximal) and 95.2% (mid-forearm) of the variance. The model for nerve-to-artery distance showed limited explanatory power (R2 = 0.164). Conclusion The mid-forearm circumference is a strong and accessible predictor of MN depth. The proposed models can support clinicians in estimating appropriate needle depth in ultrasound-guided procedures, potentially reducing the risk of nerve injury.
Changes in emotional distress among Ontario education workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: 2021–2023
Introduction Education workers experienced increased stress during the COVID-19 pandemic adapting to changing work locations, workload, and pedagogical approaches as well as dealing with pandemic-induced personal life stress. Methods The goal of this Canadian prospective cohort study was to determine whether levels of distress, as measured by the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), varied significantly over the course of the study (February 18, 2021 to December 22, 2023) among Ontario education workers after adjusting for demographic, work-related, and temporal factors. Exposure data were collected at enrollment and updated annually while vaccination and illness surveys were completed as needed. The K10 was completed periodically throughout the study. Linear mixed effects models were used to assess factors associated with changes in K10 scores. Results On average, K10 scores fell 0.5% every four weeks over the 34-month long study. However, the mean score, that decreased from 23.1 at study start to 19.3 by study end, remained above the cut-off of 15, indicating no ongoing emotional distress. Lower distress scores were also associated with non-winter seasons, older age, being male, and being in very good/excellent health. Alternatively, higher K10 scores were associated with being on medications to reduce anxiety, depression, or sleeping problems, return-to-workplace periods after school lockdowns, and periods of intense non-pharmacological interventions. Conclusion Early identification of people most likely to experience distress is needed so that stress remediation strategies can be quickly implemented. Younger, female education workers with lower rated subjective health, who are taking medications to reduce anxiety, depression, or sleeping problems are likely to be at the highest risk. Recognizing periods that intensify stressful situations, such as pandemics and intervals within them, is important to anticipate the need for assistance.
Visual discrimination training increases the speed stimulus processing and leads to an earlier onset of stimulus encoding
Wide experience with complex visual stimuli results in better performance and faster responses in object discrimination, categorization, and identification through perceptual learning and expertise. Visual experts exhibit an earlier onset of the availability of stimulus information for encoding and a reduction of the encoding duration required for discrimination and individuation. However, it is still unresolved whether perceptual learning and expertise shapes the speed of perceptual processing in the first milliseconds after stimulus onset. Twenty seven participants developed perceptual learning and expertise through discrimination of pairs of Kanji stimuli across six sessions. Discrimination sensitivity was evaluated at four training levels with encoding durations between 17 and 1000 ms. Behavioral results show a gradual increase in sensitivity and a reduction in encoding duration required for a given performance with discrimination training. A shifted exponential function fitted to the sensitivity data revealed that training leads to a faster rate of performance change with encoding durations, suggesting increases in the speed of information extraction, as well as an earlier availability of stimulus information for encoding, suggesting an earlier onset of information extraction. Interestingly, the increase in the rate of performance paralleled that of sensitivity with training, suggesting an association with perceptual learning and expertise. Besides, the earlier availability of stimulus information is achieved after two training sessions, likely reflecting the acquisition of stimuli familiarity. The faster speed of information extraction and the earlier stimulus information extraction for encoding, likely contribute to faster responses and higher performance, typical of perceptual experts in object discrimination and individuation. These findings provide additional evidence for the outcome of discrimination training on stimulus processing in the first milliseconds after stimulus onset.
Joint Simon effect in rats: Validation across two strains and exploratory analysis of the influence of familiarity
Examining the influence of others on joint actions could clarify the basal mechanisms underlying social coordination in non-human animals. The joint Simon task is used for this purpose, and some non-human animals have demonstrated the joint Simon effect. However, previous investigations have only demonstrated the effect among familiar dyads despite the potential importance of social relationships for task performance. In this study, we investigated joint Simon effects using two rat strains (Wistar and Long-Evans) that differ in appearance. We performed exploratory testing to examine whether familiarity between dyads affects the size of the joint Simon effect. We compared the joint Simon effects that emerged when subjects (N = 8) were paired with familiar cagemates to when they were paired with stranger non-cagemates. After discrimination training, the rats performed the joint Simon task with two auditory stimuli (2 and 4 kHz tones). Rats showed a significant joint Simon effect when paired with a cagemate partner, replicating earlier findings. Although rats showed a greater compatibility effect when paired with cagemates than with non-cagemates, the small sample size and repeated dyads warrant cautious interpretation. Our findings suggest that the attention of rats is drawn to adjacent partners during a joint task, even in the absence of explicit benefits. The exploratory results on familiarity suggest the possibility that perceived similarity between partners induces a larger joint Simon effect in rats.
Data asset valuation model based on generative artificial intelligence
In the digital economy era, the significance of data assets has increasingly become evident, particularly against the backdrop of the rapid development of Generative Artificial Intelligence. This paper constructed a data asset valuation model based on Generative AI, aimed at dynamically assessing the commercial value of data assets. The model integrates data feature extraction, value generation algorithms, and market adaptability evaluations to address the shortcomings of traditional valuation methods in dynamic market environments. The validity and applicability of the model were verified through an empirical analysis of data from Chinese A-share listed companies from 2015 to 2023. The results indicated that the integrated model exhibited a significant advantage over individual models in accuracy and stability, especially in data-intensive industries such as information technology and financial services. This research provided new perspectives and methodologies for enterprises in digital transformation and data asset management, thereby promoting the sustainable development of the data economy.
CO2 removal to reach net zero warming of global methane and nitrous oxide emissions of livestock: Comparison of two metrics under different 2050 FAO scenarios
Achieving global climate targets requires accurate quantification of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and their implied impact on temperature. However, the choice of emission metric—particularly between Global Warming Potential over 100 years (GWP100) and Global Warming Potential Star (GWP*)—can significantly influence how emissions and their contributions to global warming are represented in climate assessments. While metrics do not alter physical temperature outcomes, they affect how emissions’ impacts are interpreted, which in turn influences carbon dioxide removal (CDR) estimates and mitigation strategies. Using FAO projections for global livestock emissions to 2050, we analyze how different metric choices affect estimates of the CDR required to offset methane (CH₄) emissions and achieve no additional warming condition. Our findings highlight that GWP100 can overestimate or underestimate the cumulative warming impact of CH₄ emissions under different emission trajectories, whereas GWP* provides a dynamic approach that better aligns with temperature goals. These differences have critical implications for climate policy, as they influence the perceived effectiveness of mitigation strategies and the allocation of CDR requirements. This study underscores the necessity of selecting appropriate metrics when designing climate mitigation frameworks, particularly for methane-intensive sectors like livestock, to ensure an accurate representation of their contribution to global temperature targets.
Body image perception, well-being and creativity in Chinese university students: The necessity for a novel course of medical aesthetics
Objective Body image perception significantly impacts university students’ well-being and potentially their creativity. Traditional aesthetic education often neglects direct engagement with body image concerns. To address this gap, we developed an innovative general education course, Aesthetics in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, integrating medical aesthetics with multidisciplinary perspectives. This study aimed to optimize the curriculum of our course with evidence-based insights by exploring the relationship among students’ self-perception of physical appearance, well-being, and creative self-efficacy. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 328 students at Zhejiang University in December 2024. Participants completed validated scales: Negative Physical Self Scale (NPSS), Objectified Body Consciousness Scale (OBCS), WHO-5 Well-Being Index (WHO-5), and Creative Self-Efficacy scale (CSE). Demographic data and course enrollment intention were also collected. Results Significant intercorrelations were observed among NPSS, OBCS, WHO-5, and CSE scores. These associations were further influenced by demographic and academic factors, including sex, age, grade, and major. Specifically, female students exhibited higher levels of self-objectification, while lower-year students reported more negative self-perception of physical appearance. Moreover, Life Sciences & Medicine students demonstrated a greater tendency toward negative self-perception, low psychological well-being level, and decreased creative self-efficacy, compared to peers in other disciplines. Conclusion Based on these findings, we propose refining the course with targeted educational interventions, fostering positive body image perception, and addressing the specific needs of identified student groups—particularly medical students—to cope with these challenges.
WeChat-assisted strategies for personalized health management in patients with AECOPD: A randomized controlled trial
Objective To investigate the application effect of personalized health management strategies based on the WeChat platform in improving the overall health status of patients with Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (AECOPD), aiming to provide scientific evidence for enhancing the health management of AECOPD patients. Methods From February 2024 to September 2024, a total of 120 AECOPD patients treated in the Comprehensive Ward of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine at the Second People’s Hospital of Fuyang City were selected. They were divided into an observation group and a control group, each consisting of 60 patients, using the random number table method. The control group received conventional care, while the observation group additionally utilized the WeChat platform for personalized health education, symptom monitoring guidance, patient-doctor interaction, and other interventions. Post-intervention comparisons were compared between the two groups regarding self-management ability scores, quality of life scores, readmission rates, and emergency visit frequencies. Results After the intervention, the self-management ability score of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group, with higher scores in symptom management, daily life management, emotional management, information management, and self-efficacy. Quality of life was also better in the observation group compared to the control group, particularly in physiological, psychological, sociocultural, and environmental aspects. The readmission rate was 8.33% (5/60) and emergency visits were 6.67% (4/60) in the observation group, both significantly lower than the control group’s 21.67% (13/60) and 20.00% (12/60). Clinical outcomes showed 13.3% absolute risk reductions in both readmissions and emergency visits (NNT = 7.5 for both). Nursing satisfaction in the observation group reached 93.33%, significantly higher than 76.67% in the control group, with all differences being statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion The auxiliary management model based on the WeChat platform effectively enhances the self-management capabilities of AECOPD patients, improves their quality of life, reduces hospital readmissions and emergency visits due to disease exacerbations, increases nursing satisfaction, optimizes medical resource allocation, and promotes long-term health management among patients, thus possessing substantial clinical promotion value.
Examining the role of emotion regulation, anger, and anxiety in misophonia: A network model
Background Misophonia, characterized by intense negative reactions to specific sounds, is associated with significant emotional distress. The connections among misophonia severity and factors like emotion regulation, anxiety, and anger remain unclear. This study uses network analysis to clarify these relationships in adults with self-reported misophonia symptoms, identifying key intervention targets and processes driving symptom severity. Methods A community sample of adults with misophonia symptoms and impairment (N = 205) completed psychometrically validated self-report measures, including the Duke Misophonia Questionnaire (DMQ), Misophonia Questionnaire (MQ), and assessments of emotion regulation, anxiety, and anger. Network analysis was conducted to identify associations among misophonia severity, anxiety, anger, and emotion regulation components. Centrality indices were used to evaluate the most influential factors in the network, and community detection was employed to explore underlying clusters. Results Misophonia severity was most strongly associated with emotional awareness, nonacceptance, anxiety, and anger. The network analysis revealed that nodes representing emotion regulation strategies, nonacceptance, and impulsivity had the highest centrality and expected influence values, indicating their significant role in the overall network. Community detection identified two distinct clusters: one reflecting emotion dysregulation and misophonia, and the other related to emotional clarity and awareness. Conclusions This study highlights the importance of nonacceptance, emotional awareness, anger, and anxiety in understanding misophonia severity. Interventions targeting anger, anxiety, and nonacceptance may be most effective in managing misophonia symptoms. Future research should explore these relationships longitudinally to better inform treatment approaches.
Investigation of mobile genetic elements and their association with antibiotic resistance genes in clinical pathogens worldwide
Objectives Antimicrobial-resistant bacteria are a major global health threat. Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) have been crucial for spreading resistance to new bacterial species, including human pathogens. Understanding how MGEs promote resistance could be essential for prevention. Here we present an investigation of MGEs and their association with resistance genes in pathogenic bacteria collected from 59 diagnostic units during 2020, representing a snapshot of clinical infections from 35 counties worldwide. Methods We analysed 3,095 whole-genome sequenced clinical bacterial isolates from over 100 species to study the relationship between resistance genes and MGEs. The mobiliome of Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae were further examined for geographic differences, as these species were prevalent in all countries. Genes potentially mobilized by MGEs were identified by finding DNA segments containing MGEs and ARGs preserved in multiple species. Network analysis was used to investigate potential MGE interactions, host range, and transmission pathways. Results The prevalence and diversity of MGEs and resistance genes varied among species, with E. coli and S. aureus carrying more diverse elements. MGE composition differed between bacterial lineages, indicating strong vertical inheritance. 102 MGEs associated with resistance were found in multiple species, and four of these elements seemed to be highly transmissible as they were found in different phyla. We identified 21 genomic regions containing resistance genes potentially mobilized by MGEs, highlighting their importance in transmitting genes to clinically significant bacteria. Conclusion Resistance genes are spread through various MGEs, including plasmids and transposons. Our findings suggest that multiple factors influence MGE prevalence and their transposability, thereby shaping the MGE population and transmission pathways. Some MGEs have a wider host range, which could make them more important for mobilizing genes. We also identified 103 resistance genes potentially mobilised by MGEs, which could increase their transmissibility to unrelated bacteria.
The role of SLC2A1 in lung adenocarcinoma: From tumorigenesis to patient survival
Objective Our study aimed at systematically exploring the effect of the solute carrier family 2 Member (SLC2A) genes family on the prognosis and immune landscape of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients. Furthermore, we sought to determine the SLC2A1 function in LUAD initiation and progression through in vivo and in vitro experiments. Methods A comprehensive bioinformatics analysis was conducted utilizing online tools and software, including R packages, Gene Set Cancer Analysis (GSCA), cBio Cancer Genomics Portal (cBioPortal), GeneMANIA, STRING, and Xiantao Academic Online databases, to assess the functional implications of the SLC2A gene family in LUAD. Concurrently, in vivo and in vitro experiments at the cellular and animal levels were conducted to ascertain the effects of SLC2A1 gene knockout on LUAD development. Results Compared to normal tissues, the SLC2A gene family exhibited significant upregulation across various tumor types, including LUAD, with a low mutation frequency in LUAD. SLC2A1 and SLC2A7 emerged as prognostic biomarkers for LUAD. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed high diagnostic accuracy of SLC2A1 for LUAD. A significant negative correlation was observed between SLC2A1 expression and DNA methylation levels in LUAD, and the gene was closely linked to cellular processes such as cell nuclear division, DNA replication, and metabolism. Moreover, SLC2A1 expression was strongly linked to immune infiltration and regulation across different tumor types. In vitro and in vivo experiments showcased that SLC2A1 inhibition significantly hampered LUAD A549 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion capabilities, as well as tumor growth in nude mice. Finally, our study demonstrated that reduced SLC2A1 expression influenced the expression of molecules within the P53 signaling pathway. Conclusions This study elucidates the functional role of the SLC2A gene family in the pathogenesis of LUAD, underscoring the importance of SLC2A1 in LUAD diagnosis, prognosis, and immune response, and presenting SLC2A1 as a promising biomarker for LUAD.
Research on a virtual-real fusion experimental system for the cutting part of a boom-type roadheader
Aiming at the problems of high safety risks, economic costs, and inefficiency in experimental research on boom-type roadheaders, this study proposes a virtual-real fusion experimental system for the cutting module. This system incorporates functions including digital modeling of coal-rock, simulation of mechanical properties of the cutting unit, and integration of virtual and physical experiments. To address the challenge of obtaining cutting tooth loads at coal-rock interfaces, a discretized digital coal-rock volume construction method is proposed. For rapid mechanical performance simulation of the cutting unit, a chain-type digital mapping body construction method is developed. Through deep learning, numerical simulation, and digital twin technologies, a virtual-real fusion platform was established, enabling virtual experiments to dominate the calibration of physical experiments. The system is capable of simulating pose variation and vibration trends of the entire machine during cutting. The minimum average error for stress at the cylinder base is 4.44 MPa, with a virtual-real system connection period under 100 ms. Based on this system, a reinforcement learning training environment was developed. Using Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG), the control of the cutting unit was optimized to achieve low-stress state cutting, verifying the system’s feasibility.