Molecular insights into linkages among free-floating macrophyte-derived organic matter, the fate of antibiotic residues, and antibiotic resistance genes

Macrophyte rhizospheric dissolved organic matter (ROM) served as widespread abiotic components in aquatic ecosystems, and its effects on antibiotic residues and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) could not be ignored. However, specific influencing mechanisms for ROM on the fate of antibiotic residues and expression of ARGs still remained unclear. Herein, laboratory hydroponic experiments for water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) were carried out to explore mutual interactions among ROM, sulfamethoxazole (SMX), bacterial community, and ARGs expression. Results showed ROM directly affect SMX concentrations through the binding process, while CO and N-H groups were main binding sites for ROM. Dynamic changes of ROM molecular composition diversified the DOM pool due to microbe-mediated oxidoreduction, with enrichment of heteroatoms (N, S, P) and decreased aromaticity. Microbial community analysis showed SMX pressure significantly stimulated the succession of bacterial structure in both bulk water and rhizospheric biofilms. Furthermore, network analysis further confirmed ROM bio-labile compositions as energy sources and electron shuttles directly influenced microbial structure, thereby facilitating proliferation of antibiotic resistant bacteria (Methylotenera, Sphingobium, Az spirillum) and ARGs (sul1, sul2, intl1). This investigation will provide scientific supports for the control of antibiotic residues and corresponding ARGs in aquatic ecosystems.

Evaluation of hematological inflammatory parameters in patients with palmoplantar pustulosis

BACKGROUND

Palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) is a chronic inflammatory disease of ill-defined etiopathology. Recent studies have proposed complete blood count-based hematological parameters, such as neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), as biomarkers to monitor disease status in many inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to analyze for the first time the clinical significance of hematological parameters, including NLR, monocyte/lymphocyte ratio (MLR), PLR, mean platelet volume (MPV), plateletcrit (PCT), and pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV) in PPP patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively investigated the clinical and laboratory data of 237 patients with PPP and 250 sex-age-matched healthy controls (HCs). Hematological parameters were compared between patients with PPP and HCs. The correlations between these parameters and disease severity, as well as treatment response, were analyzed.

RESULTS

NLR, MLR, MPV, PCT, and PIV values were significantly higher in PPP patients than in HCs. But in receiver-operating characteristic analyses, only monocyte count (Youden Index = 0.53), PCT (Youden Index = 0.65), and PIV (Youden Index = 0.52) performed relatively accurate distinguishment between moderate-to-severe cases and mild cases. PCT and PIV values were significantly correlated with disease severity. After treatment, both PIV and PCT values decreased significantly in the responder group but not in the non-responder group.

CONCLUSIONS

Hematological parameters altered significantly in PPP patients. PCT and PIV can be used as simple and inexpensive biomarkers for systemic inflammation in PPP patients.

Efficacy and safety of Piwei Peiyuan Prescription in the treatment of chronic atrophic gastritis: A multicenter, double-blind, double-simulated, randomized, controlled clinical trial

The incidence of chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) is on the rise due to the growing pressure in modern social life, increasing bad living habits and emotional disorders (such as anxiety and depression), and the aging of the population. Of note, digestive system diseases are the dominant diseases in the field of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Therefore, this study evaluated the efficacy and safety of Piwei Peiyuan Prescription, a TCM prescription, in the treatment of CAG through a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, controlled design. This research was organized by the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of TCM and simultaneously performed in 6 centers. A total of 120 CAG patients were included and randomized into 2 groups: group A (treatment with Piwei Peiyuan granules plus Weifuchun Simulant) and Group B (treatment with Weifuchun Tablets plus Piwei Peiyuan Simulant). These 2 groups were compared in terms of gastroscopy scores, TCM syndrome scores, and serological indicators at baseline and within 12 weeks after treatment. According to endoscopic biopsy for pathological observation, atrophy (2.56 ± 1.08 vs 3.00 ± 1.00, P = .028) and intestinal epithelial hyperplasia (1.00 ± 1.43 vs 1.69 ± 1.80, P = .043) scores were lower in group A than in group B. For the more, group A had higher effective rates for inflammation, atrophy, and intestinal metaplasia (IM) in various regions of the stomach, especially for atrophy/IM of the gastric angle (64%, P = .034) and atrophy/IM of the lesser curvature of gastric antrum (63%, P = .042) than group B. According to TCM syndrome scores, Piwei Peiyuan Prescription improved the scores of gastric distension (2.30 ± 1.13 vs 2.80 ± 0.99, P = .022), preference for warmth and pressure (1.44 ± 1.06 vs 1.36 ± 1.10, P = .041), and poor appetite and indigestion (0.78 ± 0.66 vs 1.32 ± 0.72, P = .018). GAS, MTL, and PGE2 expression was significantly elevated after treatment with Piwei Peiyuan Prescription (P < .001). Piwei Peiyuan Prescription is effective for CAG treatment with high safety.

Causal association between lipid-lowering drugs and cancers: A drug target Mendelian randomization study

Accumulating evidences have indicated that lipid-lowering drugs have effect for the treatment of cancers. However, causal associations between lipid-lowering drugs and the risk of cancers are still unclear. In our study, we utilized single nucleotide polymorphisms of proprotein convertase subtilis kexin 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-assisted enzyme A reductase (HMGCR) inhibitors and performed a drug target Mendelian randomization to explore the causal association between lipid-lowering drugs and the risk of cancers. Five regression methods were carried out, including inverse variance weighted (IVW) method, MR Egger, weighted median, simple mode and weighted mode methods, of which IVW method was considered as the main analysis. Our outcome dataset contained the risk of breast cancer (BC), colorectal cancer, endometrial cancer, gastric cancer (GC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), lung cancer, esophageal cancer, prostate cancer (PC), and skin cancer (SC). Our results demonstrated that PCSK9 inhibitors were significant associated with a decreased effect of GC [IVW: OR = 0.482, 95% CI: 0.264-0.879, P = .017]. Besides, genetic inhibitions of HMGCR were significant correlated with an increased effect of BC [IVW: OR = 1.421, 95% CI: 1.056-1.911, P = .020], PC [IVW: OR = 1.617, 95% CI: 1.234-2.120, P = .0005] and SC [IVW: OR = 1.266, 95% CI: 1.022-1.569, P = .031]. For GC [IVW: OR = 0.559, 95% CI: 0.382-0.820, P = .0029] and HCC [IVW: OR = 0.241, 95% CI: 0.085-0.686, P = .0077], HMGCR inhibitors had a protective risk. Our method suggested that PCSK9 inhibitors were significant associated with a protective effect of GC. Genetic inhibitions of HMGCR were significant correlated with an increased effect of BC, PC and SC. Meanwhile, HMGCR inhibitors had a protective risk of GC and HCC. Subsequent studies still needed to assess potential effects between lipid-lowering drugs and the risk of cancers with clinical trials.

Co-influence of biochar-supported effective microorganisms and seasonal changes on dissolved organic matter and microbial activity in eutrophic lake

DOM (dissolved organic matter) play a crucial role in lakes' geochemical and carbon cycles. Eutrophication evolution would influence nutrient status of waters and investigating the DOM variation helps a better understanding of bioremediation on environmental behavior of DOM in eutrophic lakes. In our study, the contents, compositions and characteristics of systematic DOM&SOM (sediment organic matter) were greatly influenced by seasonal changes. But the effective bioremediations obviously reduced the DOM concentration and thus mitigated the eutrophication outbreak risks in water bodies due to the increased MBC (microbial biomass carbon), microbial activity and metabolism. In early summer, the overall DOM in each treatment were readily low levels and derived from both autochthonous and exogenous origins, dominated by fulvic acid-like. In midsummer, the DOM contents and characteristics in each treatment increased significantly as phytoplankton activity improved, and the majority of DOM were humic acid-like and mainly of biological origin. The greatest differences of enzymes, MBC, microbial metabolism and DOM&SOM removal among different treatments were observed in summer months. In autumn, the systematic DOM&SOM slightly reduced due to the deceased microbial activity, in which the microbial humic acids were main component and derived from endogenous sources. Additionally, the gradually decreased SOM with cultivated time in each treatment was a result of microbiological conversion of SOM into DOM. For various treatments, BE, BE.A, BE.C and BE.E increased the MBC, enzymatic and microbial activities due to the application of biochar-supported EMs. Among these, BE and BE.A, especially BE.A with oxygen supplement, achieved the most desirable effect on reducing systematic DOM&SOM levels and increasing enzymatic and microbial activities. The group of EM also reduced the levels of DOM&SOM as improved degradation of EMs for DOM. However, BC, BE.C and BE.E finally did not achieved the desirable effect on reducing DOM&SOM due to the suppression of microbial activities, respectively, from high dose of biochar, weakening of dominant species and additional introduction of EMs in low liveness.

Causal relationships between gut microbrome and digestive system diseases: A two-sample Mendelian randomization study

Growing evidences of recent studies have shown that gut microbrome are causally related to digestive system diseases (DSDs). However, causal relationships between the gut microbiota and the risk of DSDs still remain unclear. We utilized identified gut microbiota based on class, family, genus, order and phylum information and digestive system diseases genome-wide association study (GWAS) dataset for two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was used to evaluate causal relationships between gut microbiota and 7 DSDs, including chronic gastritis, colorectal cancer, Crohn's disease, gastric cancer, gastric ulcer, irritable bowel syndrome and esophageal cancer. Finally, we verified the robustness of MR results based on heterogeneity and pleiotropy analysis. We discovered 15 causal associations with genetic liabilities in the gut microbiota and DSDs, such as genus Victivallis, genus RuminococcaceaeUCG005, genus Ruminococcusgauvreauiigroup, genus Oxalobacter and so on. Our MR analysis revealed that the gut microbiota is causally associated with DSDs. Further researches of the gut microbiota and the pathogenesis of DSDs are still significant and provide new methods for the prevention and treatment of DSDs.

Neoadjuvant targeted immunotherapy followed by surgical resection versus upfront surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma with macrovascular invasion: A multicenter study

Background: This study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of preoperative targeted immunotherapy followed by surgical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with macrovascular invasion. Method: Clinical information of HCC patients with macrovascular invasion was collected from four medical centers. These patients were divided into two cohorts: the upfront surgery group (n=40) and the neoadjuvant group (n=22). Comparisons between the two groups were made with appropriate statistical methods. Results: HCC Patients with macrovascular invasion in the neoadjuvant group were associated with increased incidence of postoperative ascites (72.73% vs. 37.5%, P=0.008), but shorter postoperative hospital stay (10 days vs. 14 days, P=0.032). Furthermore, targeted immunotherapy followed by surgical resection significantly reduced the postoperative recurrence rate at both 3 months and 1 year (9% versus 28.9%, 32.1% versus 67.9%, respectively; P=0.018), but increased the postoperative nononcologic mortality rate within 1 year (20.1% vs. 2.8%; P= 0.036). Conclusion: For HCC patients with macrovascular invasion, preoperative targeted immunotherapy significantly decreased the postoperative tumor recurrence rate while maintaining relative safety, but such a treatment may also result in chronic liver damage and increased risk of nononcologic mortality.

Abrocitinib Improved Dupilumab-Resistant Severe Atopic Dermatitis with Comorbid Mild Alopecia Areata in a 12-Year-Old Boy: A Case Report with 1-Year Follow-Up

Atopic dermatitis (AD) may sometimes be comorbid with alopecia areata (AA). However, traditional treatments for AA show limited efficacy. New treatment options, such as dupilumab and Janus kinase inhibitors, have proven efficacy in addressing both AD and AA. This article highlights the challenging case of a 12-year-old boy experiencing severe refractory AD and comorbid AA treated with oral abrocitinib after dupilumab failure with 1-year follow-up. After 3 months of treatment, his skin manifestations improved and the hair completely regenerated. No adverse reactions were observed during the 1-year follow-up period. This case provides evidence of the efficacy and safety of using abrocitinib to treat pediatric patients with both AD and AA.

Mediated Peroxymonosulfate Activation at the Single Atom Fe-N3 O1 Sites: Synergistic Degradation of Antibiotics by Two Non-Radical Pathways

The activation of persulfates to degrade refractory organic pollutants is a hot issue in advanced oxidation right now. Here, it is reported that single-atom Fe-incorporated carbon nitride (Fe-CN-650) can effectively activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for sulfamethoxazole (SMX) removal. Through some characterization techniques and DFT calculation, it is proved that Fe single atoms in Fe-CN-650 exist mainly in the form of Fe-N3 O1 coordination, and Fe-N3 O1 exhibited better affinity for PMS than the traditional Fe-N4 structure. The degradation rate constant of SMX in the Fe-CN-650/PMS system reached 0.472 min-1 , and 90.80% of SMX can still be effectively degraded within 10 min after five consecutive recovery cycles. The radical quenching experiment and electrochemical analysis confirm that the pollutants are mainly degraded by two non-radical pathways through 1 O2 and Fe(IV)═O induced at the Fe-N3 O1 sites. In addition, the intermediate products of SMX degradation in the Fe-CN-650/PMS system show toxicity attenuation or non-toxicity. This study offers valuable insights into the design of carbon-based single-atom catalysts and provides a potential remediation technology for the optimum activation of PMS to disintegrate organic pollutants.

Remediation of biochar-supported effective microorganisms and microplastics on multiple forms of heavy metals in eutrophic lake

In mineral-rich areas, eutrophic lakes are at risk of HMs pollution. However, few papers focused on the repair of HMs in eutrophic environment. Our study analyzed multiple forms of HMs, pore structure and microbial responses in the water-sediment system of eutrophic lake treated with biochar, Effective Microorganisms (EMs) or/and microplastics (MPs). As biochar provided an ideal carrier for EMs, the remediation of biochar-supported EMs (BE) achieved the greatest repairment that improved the bacterial indexes and greatly decreased the most HMs in various forms across the water-sediment system, and it also reduced metal mobility, bioavailability and ecological risk. The addition of aged MPs (MP) stimulated the microbial activity and significantly reduced the HMs levels in different forms due to the adsorption of biofilms/EPS adhered on MPs, but it increased metals mobility and ecological risks. The strong adsorption and high mobility of aged MPs would increase enrichment of HMs and cause serious ecological hazards. The incorporation of BE and MP (MBE) also greatly reduced the HMs in full forms, which was primarily ascribed to the adsorption of superfluous biofilms/EPS, but it distinctly depressed the microbial activity. The single addition of biochar and EMs resulted in the inability of HMs to be adsorbed due to the preferentially adsorption of dissolved nutrients and the absence of effective carrier, respectively. In the remediation cases, the remarkable removal of HMs was principally accomplished by the adsorption of HMs with molecular weight below 100 kDa, especially 3 kDa ∼100 kDa, which had higher specific surfaces and abundant active matters, resulting in higher adsorption onto biofilms/EPS.

Preparation and Application of Single-Atom Cobalt Catalysts in Organic Synthesis and Environmental Remediation

The development of high-performance catalysts plays a crucial role in facilitating chemical production and reducing environmental contamination. Single-atom catalysts (SACs), a class of catalysts that bridge the gap between homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, have garnered increasing attention because of their unique activity, selectivity, and stability in many pivotal reactions. Meanwhile, the scarcity of precious metal SACs calls for the arrival of cost-effective SACs. Cobalt, as a common non-noble metal, possesses tremendous potential in the field of single-atom catalysis. Despite their potential, reviews about single-atom Co catalysts (Co-SACs) are lacking. Accordingly, this review thoroughly summarized various preparation methodologies of Co-SACs, particularly pyrolysis; its application in the specific domain of organic synthesis and environmental remediation is discussed as well. The structure-activity relationship and potential catalytic mechanism of Co-SACs are elucidated through some representative reactions. The imminent challenges and development prospects of Co-SACs are discussed in detail. The findings and insights provided herein can guide further exploration and development in this charming area of catalyst design, leading to the realization of efficient and sustainable catalytic processes.

The value of MRI in predicting hepatocellular carcinoma with cytokeratin 19 expression: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

To evaluate the overall diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), different image features, and different image analysis methods in predicting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with cytokeratin 19 (CK19) expression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed to identify studies using MRI to predict HCC with CK19 expression between 2012 and 2023. Data were extracted to calculate the pooled sensitivity and specificity. Overall diagnostic performance was assessed using areas under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Subgroup analyses were conducted for specific image features and according to image analysis methods (traditional image feature, radiomics, and combined methods). Z-test statistics was used to analyse the differences in diagnostic performance between combined and individual methods.

RESULTS

Eleven studies with 14 datasets (1,278 lesions from 1,264 patients) were included. The overall pooled sensitivity, specificity, and AUC with corresponding 95% confidence intervals were estimated to be 0.72 (0.55, 0.85), 0.88 (0.80, 0.93), and 0.89 (0.86, 0.91) for MRI in predicting HCC with CK19 expression. Combined methods had higher sensitivity than image feature methods (0.86 versus 0.54, p=0.001), with no difference in specificity (0.85 versus 0.87, p=0.641). There were no significant differences between radiomics and combined methods regarding sensitivity (p=0.796) and specificity (p=0.535), respectively.

CONCLUSION

MRI shows moderate sensitivity and high specificity in identifying HCC with CK19 expression. The application of radiomics can improve the sensitivity of MRI in identifying HCC with CK19 expression.

Integrative serum proteomics analysis reveals distinct immune and cardiovascular profile dysregulation in erythrodermic psoriasis

In-depth analysis of circulating proteome alterations identified that erythrodermic psoriasis (EP) presented a dysregulated serum proteome with distinct inflammation elevation, immune activation and metabolic disturbance. We found that EP harboured a blended immune milieu with distinct T helper (Th)17/Th1 skewing and mild Th2 activation. Additionally, atherosclerosis signalling were substantially increased in EP.

When biochar is involved in rhizosphere dissipation and plant absorption of pesticides: A meta-analysis

Clarifying the influences of biochar input on the rhizosphere dissipation and plant absorption of pesticides is a crucial prerequisite for utilizing biochar in the restoration of pesticide-contaminated soils. Nevertheless, the application of biochar to pesticide-contaminated soils does not always achieve consistent results on the rhizosphere dissipation and plant absorption of pesticides. Under the new situation of vigorously promoting the application of biochar in soil management and carbon sequestration, a timely review is needed to further understand the key factors affecting biochar remediation of pesticide-contaminated soil. In this study, a meta-analysis was conducted utilizing variables from three dimensions of biochar, remediation treatment, and pesticide/plant type. The pesticide residues in soil and the pesticide uptake by plant were used as response variables. Biochar with high adsorption capacity can impede the dissipation of pesticides in soil and mitigate their absorption by plants. The specific surface area of biochar and the type of pesticide are critical factors that affect pesticide residues in soil and plant uptake, respectively. Applying biochar with high adsorption capacity, based on specific dosages and soil characteristics, is recommended for the remediation of continuously cultivated soil contaminated with pesticides. This article aims to provide a valuable reference and understanding for the application of biochar-based soil remediation technology and the treatment of pesticide pollution in soil.

Toll-Like Receptors 7/8: A Paradigm for the Manipulation of Immunologic Reactions for Immunotherapy

The innate immune system recognizes conserved features of viral and microbial pathogens through pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are one type of PRR used by the innate immune system to mediate the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and promote innate and adaptive immune responses. TLR family members TLR7 and TLR8 (referred to as TLR7/8 from herein) are endosomal transmembrane receptors that recognize purine-rich single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) and bacterial DNA, eliciting an immunologic reaction to pathogens. TLR7/8 were discovered to mediate the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines by activating immune cells. In addition, accumulating evidence has indicated that TLR7/8 may be closely related to numerous immune-mediated disorders, specifically several types of cancer, autoimmune disease, and viral disease. TLR7/8 agonists and antagonists, which are used as drugs or adjuvants, have been identified in preclinical studies and clinical trials as promising immune stimulators for the immunotherapy of these immune-mediated disorders. These results provided reasoning to further explore immunotherapy for the treatment of immune-mediated disorders. Nevertheless, numerous needs remain unmet, and the therapeutic effects of TLR7/8 agonists and antagonists are poor and exert strong immune-related toxicities. The present review aimed to provide an overview of the TLR family members, particularly TLR7/8, and address the underlying molecular mechanisms and clinical implications of TLR7/8 in immune-mediated disorders. The aim of the work is to discuss the underlying molecular mechanisms and clinical implications of TLR7/8 in immune-mediated disorders.

Transition Metal Single-Atom Catalysts for the Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction: Mechanism, Synthesis, Characterization, Application, and Prospects

Excessive accumulation of nitrate in the environment will affect human health. To combat nitrate pollution, chemical, biological, and physical technologies have been developed recently. The researcher favors electrocatalytic reduction nitrate reaction (NO3 RR) because of the low post-treatment cost and simple treatment conditions. Single-atom catalysts (SACs) offer great activity, exceptional selectivity, and enhanced stability in the field of NO3 RR because of their high atomic usage and distinctive structural characteristics. Recently, efficient transition metal-based SACs (TM-SACs) have emerged as promising candidates for NO3 RR. However, the real active sites of TM-SACs applied to NO3 RR and the key factors controlling catalytic performance in the reaction process remain ambiguous. Further understanding of the catalytic mechanism of TM-SACs applied to NO3 RR is of practical significance for exploring the design of stable and efficient SACs. In this review, from experimental and theoretical studies, the reaction mechanism, rate-determining steps, and essential variables affecting activity and selectivity are examined. The performance of SACs in terms of NO3 RR, characterization, and synthesis is then discussed. In order to promote and comprehend NO3 RR on TM-SACs, the design of TM-SACs is finally highlighted, together with the current problems, their remedies, and the way forward.

Correlation between Lymph Node Regression Grading and Tumor Regression Grading after Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

This study aimed to determine the relationship between tumor regression grading (TRG) and lymph node regression grading (LRG) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC).

MATERIALS/METHODS

The study was a retrospective analysis of the clinical data of LARC patients who underwent preoperative nCRT at one institution. A total of 101 rectal cancer patients who received nCRT and underwent total rectal mesenteric excision (TME) were included. Pathologists independently assessed the pathological response of the primary tumor and lymph nodes (LN) to nCRT using TRG and LRG, respectively. The highest LRG score for each patient was defined as LRGmax, and LRGsum was the overall tumor burden of all LNs in the specimen.

RESULTS

The study included 101 LARC patients who underwent nCRT and TME. The patient population consisted of 65 males and 36 females with an average age of 54.86 years (range 20-81 years), of which 68 were aged 60 years or younger and 33 were older than 60. The radiotherapy treatment plan consisted of 1.8-2Gy per dose, administered 5 times per week for a total dose of 45-50.4Gy, along with oral capecitabine chemotherapy (825 mg/m2, bid) on the day of radiation therapy. The chemotherapy treatment plan included XELOX, mFOLFOX6, and FOLFOX4. The cTNM stage of the tumor before surgery was cT2 in 2 cases, cT3 in 63 cases, and cT4 in 36 cases. Eight cases were cN0 and 93 were cN+. After surgery, the ypTNM stage was T0 in 19 cases, T1 in 4 cases, T2 in 27 cases, T3 in 45 cases, and T4 in 6 cases. The N stage was N0 in 76 cases, N1 in 20 cases, and N2 in 5 cases. TRG was 0 in 17 cases (16.8%), 1 in 15 cases (14.9%), 2 in 61 cases (60.4%), and 3 in 8 cases (7.9%). LRGmax scores were 0 in 66 cases (65.3%), 1 in 17 cases (16.8%), 2 in 5 cases (5.0%), 3 in 3 cases (3.0%), 4 in 5 cases (5.0%), and 5 in 5 cases (5.0%). LRGsum scores were ≤3 in 85 cases (84.2%), 4-9 in 11 cases (10.9%), and ≥10 in 5 cases (5.0%). Correlation analysis showed that LRGmax was significantly correlated with TRG, ypT, and ypN (P = 0.038, P = 0.015, P < 0.01), with correlation coefficients of 0.184, 0.212, and 0.626, respectively. There was no significant correlation between LRGmax and cT and cN+. Similarly, LRGsum was significantly correlated with TRG, ypT, and ypN (P = 0.022, P = 0.002, P < 0.01) with correlation coefficients of 0.212, 0.276, and 0.707, respectively. There was no significant correlation between LRGsum and cT and cN. The results of our study indicate a significant correlation between LRG and TRG (P = 0.022). Additionally, LRG was found to be positively correlated with the ypT and ypN stages of the primary tumor and lymph nodes post-surgery, with correlation coefficients of 0.276 and 0.707, respectively (P = 0.002 and P<0.01). No significant correlations were observed between LRG and cT and cN+ stages.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrate a significant association between LRG and TRG, as well as a positive correlation between LRG and the ypT and ypN stages of the primary tumor and lymph nodes following surgery.

Evaluating the Effects of Bone Marrow Sparing Radiotherapy on Acute Hematologic Toxicity for Patients with Locoregionally Advanced Cervical Cancer: A Prospective Phase II Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Bone marrow sparing intensity modulated radiotherapy (BMS-IMRT) can reduce the incidence of acute hematologic toxicity (HT) for locoregionally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) patients receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), but the norm has been controversial. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of bone marrow (BM) V40 <25% on decreasing the incidence of acute HT in a prospective clinical trial.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A total of 242 LACC patients were recruited from May 2021 to May 2022, who were evenly randomized into BMS-IMRT group and standard IMRT group according to a computer-generated random number list. All patients received pelvic irradiation with concurrent cisplatin (40 mg/m2 weekly), followed by brachytherapy. For patients in BMS-IMRT group, the outer contour of pelvic bone, lumbar spine and left and right femur heads were additionally delineated as a surrogate for BM, and V40 <25% was prescribed. Blood counts were tested weekly, of which nadirs during external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) were graded to assess acute HT as primary observation index. Second observation index were dosimetric parameters of EBRT plan from the dose volume histograms (DVHs). Binary logistic regression model and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used for predictive value analysis.

RESULTS

Baseline demographic, disease and treatment characteristics were all balanced between BMS-IMRT group and standard IMRT group. BMS-IMRT was associated with a lower incidence of grade ≥2 and grade ≥3 acute HT, leukopenia and neutropenia (72.70% vs 90.90%, P <0.001*; 16.50% vs 65.30%, P <0.001*; 66.10% vs 85.10%, P = 0.001*; 13.20% vs 54.50%, P <0.001*; 37.20% vs 66.10%, P <0.001*; 10.70% vs 43.80%, P <0.001*). Plan target volume (PTV) for all patients satisfied the clinical requirement of V(100%) ≥95%, and conformity and homogeneity were both comparable between 2 groups. BMS also decreased dose delivered to the organs at risk (OARs) including rectum, bladder and left and right femur head. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that BM V40 was an independent risk factor for grade ≥3 acute HT (odds ratio [OR] = 2.734, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.959-3.815, P <0.001*). Cutoff value was 25.036% and area under the curve (AUC) was 0.786. The nomogram was constructed, which was rigorously evaluated and internally cross-validated, showing good predictive performance.

CONCLUSION

BM V40 <25% can reduce the risks of acute HT for LACC patients receiving CCRT while the dose delivery of target volume and other normal tissues were not compromised. With great practicality and applicability, BM V40 <25% is a promising strategy, making BMS-IMRT widespread especially in the area where application of image guided radiotherapy (IGRT) such as 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18FDG-PET)/CT is not popularized. Chinese clinical trial registry (ChiCTR2200066485).

The Role of CCL3 in the Pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease of unexplained causes. Its pathological features include synovial tissue hyperplasia, inflammatory cell infiltration in joint cavity fluid, cartilage bone destruction, and joint deformation. C-C motif chemokine ligand 3 (CCL3) belongs to inflammatory cell chemokine. It is highly expressed in inflammatory immune cells. Increasingly, studies have shown that CCL3 can promote the migration of inflammatory factors to synovial tissue, the destruction of bone and joint, angiogenesis, and participate in the pathogenesis of RA. These symptoms indicate that the expression of CCL3 is highly correlated with RA disease. Therefore, this paper reviews the possible mechanism of CCL3 in the pathogenesis of RA, which may provide some new insights for the diagnosis and treatment of RA.

[Prevalence and trends of anemia among pregnant women in eight provinces of China from 2016 to 2020]

This study analyzed the anemia status and change trend of 219 835 pregnant women in eight provinces from 2016 to 2020 in the Maternal and Newborn Health Monitoring Program(MNHMP). The results showed that from 2016 to 2020, the anemia rate of pregnant women in eight provinces was 41.27%, and the rates of mild, moderate and severe anemia were 28.56%, 12.59% and 0.12% respectively; the anemia rates in eastern, central and western regions were 41.87%, 36.09% and 44.63% respectively, and the anemia rates in urban and rural areas were 39.87% and 42.23%. From 2016 to 2020, the anemia rate of pregnant women decreased from 44.93% to 38.22%, with an average annual decline of 3.86% (95%CI:-5.84%, -1.85%). The anemia rate among pregnant women of the eastern region (AAPC=-6.16%, 95%CI:-9.79%, -2.38%) fell faster than that among pregnant women of the central region (AAPC=0.71%, 95%CI:-6.59%, 8.57%) and western region (AAPC=-1.53%, 95%CI:-5.19%, 2.28%). From 2016 to 2020, the moderate anemia rate in pregnant women decreased from 14.98% to 10.74%, with an average annual decline of 8.72% (95%CI:-12.90%, -4.34%), with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05); AAPC for mild and severe anemia in pregnant women was 1.56% (95%CI: 3.44%, 0.36%) and 18.86% (95%CI: 39.88%, 9.52%), respectively, without statistically significant difference (P>0.05).

[Expert consensus on late stage of critical care management]

We wished to establish an expert consensus on late stage of critical care (CC) management. The panel comprised 13 experts in CC medicine. Each statement was assessed based on the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) principle. Then, the Delphi method was adopted by 17 experts to reassess the following 28 statements. (1) ESCAPE has evolved from a strategy of delirium management to a strategy of late stage of CC management. (2) The new version of ESCAPE is a strategy for optimizing treatment and comprehensive care of critically ill patients (CIPs) after the rescue period, including early mobilization, early rehabilitation, nutritional support, sleep management, mental assessment, cognitive-function training, emotional support, and optimizing sedation and analgesia. (3) Disease assessment to determine the starting point of early mobilization, early rehabilitation, and early enteral nutrition. (4) Early mobilization has synergistic effects upon the recovery of organ function. (5) Early functional exercise and rehabilitation are important means to promote CIP recovery, and gives them a sense of future prospects. (6) Timely start of enteral nutrition is conducive to early mobilization and early rehabilitation. (7) The spontaneous breathing test should be started as soon as possible, and a weaning plan should be selected step-by-step. (8) The waking process of CIPs should be realized in a planned and purposeful way. (9) Establishment of a sleep-wake rhythm is the key to sleep management in post-CC management. (10) The spontaneous awakening trial, spontaneous breathing trial, and sleep management should be carried out together. (11) The depth of sedation should be adjusted dynamically in the late stage of CC period. (12) Standardized sedation assessment is the premise of rational sedation. (13) Appropriate sedative drugs should be selected according to the objectives of sedation and drug characteristics. (14) A goal-directed minimization strategy for sedation should be implemented. (15) The principle of analgesia must be mastered first. (16) Subjective assessment is preferred for analgesia assessment. (17) Opioid-based analgesic strategies should be selected step-by-step according to the characteristics of different drugs. (18) There must be rational use of non-opioid analgesics and non-drug-based analgesic measures. (19) Pay attention to evaluation of the psychological status of CIPs. (20) Cognitive function in CIPs cannot be ignored. (21) Delirium management should be based on non-drug-based measures and rational use of drugs. (22) Reset treatment can be considered for severe delirium. (23) Psychological assessment should be conducted as early as possible to screen-out high-risk groups with post-traumatic stress disorder. (24) Emotional support, flexible visiting, and environment management are important components of humanistic management in the intensive care unit (ICU). (25) Emotional support from medical teams and families should be promoted through"ICU diaries"and other forms. (26) Environmental management should be carried out by enriching environmental content, limiting environmental interference, and optimizing the environmental atmosphere. (27) Reasonable promotion of flexible visitation should be done on the basis of prevention of nosocomial infection. (28) ESCAPE is an excellent project for late stage of CC management.

Biochar-compost as a new option for soil improvement: Application in various problem soils

Due to the synergistic effects of biochar and compost/composting, the combined application of biochar and compost (biochar-compost) has been recognized as a highly promising and efficient method of soil improvement. However, the willingness to apply biochar-compost for soil improvement is still low compared to the use of biochar or compost alone. This paper collects data on the application of biochar-compost in several problem soils that are well-known and extensively investigated by agronomists and scientists, and summarizes the effects of biochar-compost application in common problem soils. These typical problem soils are classified based on three different characteristics: climatic zones, abiotic stresses, and contaminants. The improvement effect of biochar-compost in different soils is assessed and directions for further research and suggestions for application are made. Generally, biochar-compost mitigates the high mineralization rate of soil organic matter, phosphorus deficiency and aluminum toxicity, and significantly improves crop yields in most tropical soils. Biochar-compost can help to achieve long-term sustainable management of temperate agricultural soils by sequestering carbon and improving soil physicochemical properties. Biochar-compost has shown positive performance in the remediation of both dry and saline soils by reducing the threat of soil water scarcity or high salinity and improving the consequent deterioration of soil conditions. By combining different mechanisms of biochar and compost to immobilize or remove contaminants, biochar-compost tends to perform better than biochar or compost alone in soils contaminated with heavy metals (HMs) or organic pollutants (OPs). This review aims to improve the practicality and acceptability of biochar-compost and to promote its application in soil. Additionally, the prospects, challenges and future directions for the application of biochar-compost in problem soil improvement were foreseen.

Antibiotic resistance in soil-plant systems: A review of the source, dissemination, influence factors, and potential exposure risks

As an emerging environmental contaminant, the widespread of antibiotic resistance has caused a series of environmental issues and human health concerns. A load of antibiotic residues induced by agricultural practices have exerted selective pressure to bacterial communities in the soil-plant system, which facilitated the occurrence and dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) through horizontal gene transfer. As a result, the enrichment of ARGs within crops at harvest under the influence of food ingestion could lead to critical concerns of public health. In this review, the prevalence and dissemination of antibiotic resistance in the soil-plant system are highlighted. Moreover, different underlying mechanisms and detection methods for ARGs transfer between the soil environment and plant compartments are summarized and discussed. On the other hand, a wide range of influencing factors for the transfer and distribution of antibiotic resistance within the soil-plant system are also presented and discussed. In response to exposure of antibiotic residues and resistomes, corresponding hazard identification assessments have been summarized, which could provide beneficial guides of the toxicological tolerance for the general population. Finally, further research priorities for detection and management ARGs spread are also suggested.

Comprehensive pan-cancer analysis of STAT3 as a prognostic and immunological biomarker

Numerous studies have indicated that STAT3 plays a key role in promoting oncogenesis and it is considered a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment; however, there are no reports on STAT3 using pan-cancer analysis. Therefore, it is important to investigate the role of STAT3 in different types of tumors using pan-cancer analysis. In the present study, we used multiple databases to comprehensively analyze the relationship between STAT3 expression and prognosis, different stages of patients with cancer, investigate the clinical value of STAT3 in predicting prognosis, and the relationship between STAT3 genetic alteration and prognosis, drug sensitivity, and STAT3 expression, to determine whether STAT3 participates in tumor immunity, to provide a rationale for STAT3 as a treatment target for a broad-spectrum malignancies. Our results indicate that STAT3 can serve as a prognostic, sensitivity prediction biomarker and a target for immunotherapy, which has been of great value for pan-cancer treatment. Overall, we found that STAT3 significantly predicted cancer prognosis, drug resistance, and immunotherapy, providing a rationale for further experimental studies.

[Evaluation of clinical safety and diagnostic efficacy of domestic liver-specific magnetic resonance contrast agent (gadoxetate disodium)]

Objective: To evaluate the clinical safety and diagnostic efficacy of domestic gadoxetate disodium (GdEOBDTPA). Methods: The imaging data from patients with space-occupying liver lesions who underwent GdEOBDTPA enhanced magnetic resonance examination at West China Hospital of Sichuan University between January 2020 and September 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. Clinical indicators were evaluated by the incidental condition of transient severe respiratory motion artifacts (TSM) in the arterial phase to assess the safety profile.The differences in quantitative and qualitative indicators for the risk factors of TSM in the arterial phase between the TSM group and the non-TSM group were compared by t-test and χ2 test. Observational indicators of the accuracy of diagnostic procedures: The 2018 version of the Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) was used to evaluate the main signs, auxiliary signs, and LR grades of lesions. Postoperative pathological findings were used as the gold standard for evaluating and diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Simultaneously, the relative enhancement degree of the liver, the contrast between the lesion and the liver, and the cholangiography in the hepatobiliary phase were evaluated. The McNemar test was used to compare the differences in the diagnostic efficiency of physician 1 and physician 2 in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma according to the 2018 version of LI-RADS. Results: A total of 114 cases were included in this study. The incidence rate of TSM was 9.6% (11/114). Age [(53.8 ± 11.3) years vs. (55.4 ± 15.4) years, t = 0.465, P = 0.497], body weight [(65.8 ± 11.1) kg vs. (60.8 ± 7.6) kg, t = 1.468, P = 0.228], body mass index [(23.9 ± 3.1) kg/m(2) vs. (23.4 ± 3.0) kg/m(2), t = 0.171, P = 0.680], liver cirrhosis ratio (39 cases vs. 4 cases, χ (2) =1.776, P = 0.183), proportion of mild to moderate pleural effusion (32 cases vs. 4 cases, χ (2) = 0.000, P = 0.986), and proportion of mild to moderate ascites (47 cases vs. 5 cases χ (2) = 0.000, P = 0.991) had no statistically significant difference between the groups of non-TSM and TSM patients. According to the 2018 version of LI-RADS for the LR5 category, there was no statistically significant difference between the two physicians' HCC diagnoses in terms of sensitivity (91.4% vs.86.4%, χ (2) = 1.500, P = 0.219), specificity (72.7 % vs. 69.7%, χ (2) = 0.000, P = 1.000), positive predictive value (89.2% vs. 87.5%, χ (2) = 2.250, P = 0.125), negative predictive value (77.4% vs. 67.6%, χ (2) = 2.250, P = 0.125), and accuracy (86.0% vs. 81.6%, χ (2) = 0.131, P = 0.125). According to physicians 1 and 2 film review results, 91.2% (104/114) and 89.5% (102/114) of the contrast agent were discharged into the common bile duct or duodenum, respectively. In addition, 86.0% (98/114) of the patients had good liver enhancement, and 91.2% (104/114) of the lesions showed low signals relative to the liver background. Conclusion: Domestic gadoxetate disodium has a good clinical safety profile and diagnostic efficacy.

Cross-Linked and Doped Graphene Oxide Membranes with Excellent Antifouling Capacity for Rejection of Antibiotics and Salts

Graphene oxide (GO) membranes have suffered from the instability of water permeability and low rejection of pollutant separation. In this paper, a reasonable modification protocol for GO nanosheets at the molecular level was proposed. A molecular cross-linking strategy was adopted to regulate the interlayer spacing of GO nanosheets, and nanofiltration membranes with high water stability and excellent antifouling capacity were prepared, which could effectively reject antibiotics and salts. The GO₁-MPD_0.5 (the mass ratio of GO nanosheets to MPD is 1:0.5) and GO/GO₁-MPD_0.5-0.25 (the doping ratio of GO₁-MPD_0.5 is 25%) membranes had stable water permeability of 4.22 ± 0.06 and 3.65 ± 0.11 L m^-2 h^-1 bar^-1, and the rejection rates for ciprofloxacin (CIP) and ofloxacin (OFX) were 93.35 ± 3.62 and 95.48 ± 2.97 and 85.89 ± 6.52 and 88.21 ± 3.67%, respectively. Molecular dynamics simulations well explained the high water stability of membranes, and the cross-linked hydrophobic benzene ring played a role in the rejection of pollutant molecules. Moreover, the GO₁-MPD_0.5 membrane showed excellent antifouling capacity and the flux recovery ratio (FRR) was more than 98%. This paper provides a new idea for the design of nanofiltration membranes with high stability and good rejection permeability at the molecular level and provides a prospect for the application of nanofiltration membranes in practical water treatment and water purification.

PPAR-γ alleviates the inflammatory response in TNF-α-induced fibroblast-like synoviocytes by binding to p53 in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by synovial inflammation, synoviocyte expansion and damage to cartilage and bone. We recently reported that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ inhibited the proliferation and activation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS), and was downregulated in RA synovial. In this study we investigated the role of PPAR-γ in RA and the underlying mechanisms. Adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) was induced in rats; from D15, AIA rats were orally administered pioglitazone (30 mg·kg-1·d-1) or rosiglitazone (4 mg·kg-1·d-1) for 14 days. Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) was induced in wild-type and Ppar-γ+/- mice. We showed that the expression of PPAR-γ was significantly reduced, whereas that of TNF-α was markedly increased in human RA FLS. In CIA mice, knockdown of PPAR-γ expression (Ppar-γ+/-) aggravated the ankle inflammation. Similarly, T0070907 (a PPAR-γ antagonist) or si-PPAR-γ promoted the activation and inflammation of TNF-α-induced FLS in vitro. On the contrary, administration of PPAR-γ agonist pioglitazone or rosiglitazone, or injection of ad-Ppar-γ into the ankle of AIA rat in vivo induced overexpression of PPAR-γ, reduced the paw swelling and inflammation, and downregulated activation and inflammation of FLS in RA. Interesting, injection of ad-Ppar-γ into the ankle also reversed the ankle inflammation in Ppar-γ+/- CIA mice. We conducted RNA-sequencing and KEGG pathway analysis, and revealed that PPAR-γ overexpression was closely related to p53 signaling pathway in TNF-α-induced FLS. Co-IP study confirmed that p53 protein was bound to PPAR-γ in RA FLS. Taken together, PPAR-γ alleviates the inflammatory response of TNF-α-induced FLS by binding p53 in RA.

Single atom Mn anchored on N-doped porous carbon derived from spirulina for catalyzed peroxymonosulfate to degradation of emerging organic pollutants

Highly efficient single atom catalysts are critical to substantially promote for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation to organic pollutant degradation, but it remains a challenge at present. Herein, single atom Mn anchored on N-doped porous carbon (SA-Mn-NSC) was synthesized by ball milling of Mn-doped carbon nitride and spirulina biochar to dominantly activate PMS. The precursor of carbon nitride and spirulina possessed a strong coordinating capability for Mn(II), facilitating the formation of highly dispersed nitrogen-coordinated Mn sites (Mn-N₄). The SA-Mn-NSC catalyst exhibited high activity and stability in the heterogeneous activation of PMS to degrade a wide range of pollutants within 10 min, showing an outstanding degradation rate constant of 0.31 min^-1 in enrofloxacin (ENR) degradation. The high surface density of Mn-N₄ sites and abundant interconnected meso-macro pores were highly favorable for activating PMS to produce ¹O₂ and high-valent manganese (Mn(IV)) for pollutant degradation. This work offers a new pathway of using a low-cost and easily accessible single-atom catalysts (SACs) and could inspire more catalytic oxidation strategies.

Identification and verification of ferroptosis-related genes in gastric intestinal metaplasia

Background: Gastric intestinal metaplasia (IM) is the key link of gastric precancerous lesions. Ferroptosis is a novel form of programmed cell death. However, its impact on IM is unclear. The focus of this study is to identify and verify ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) that may be involved in IM by bioinformatics analysis. Materials and methods: Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained from microarray dataset GSE60427 and GSE78523 downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed ferroptosis-related genes (DEFRGs) were obtained from overlapping genes of DEGs and FRGs got from FerrDb. DAVID database was used for functional enrichment analysis. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis and Cytoscape software were used to screen hub gene. In addition, we built a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and verified the relative mRNA expression by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Finally, the CIBERSORT algorithm was used to analyze the immune infiltration in IM. Results: First, a total of 17 DEFRGs were identified. Second, a gene module identified by Cytoscape software was considered as hub gene: PTGS2, HMOX1, IFNG, and NOS2. Third, ROC analysis showed that HMOX1 and NOS2 had good diagnostic characteristics. qRT-PCR experiments confirmed the differential expression of HMOX1 in IM and normal gastric tissues. Finally, immunoassay showed that the proportion of T cells regulatory (Tregs) and macrophages M0 in IM was relatively higher, while the proportion of T cells CD4 memory activated and dendritic cells activated was lower. Conclusion: We found significant associations between FRGs and IM, and HMOX1 may be diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for IM. These results may enhance our understanding of IM and may contribute to its treatment.

Circular RNA 0000157 depletion protects human bronchial epithelioid cells from cigarette smoke extract-induced human bronchial epithelioid cell injury through the microRNA-149-5p/bromodomain containing 4 pathway

BACKGROUND

Circular RNA (circRNA) has been reported to regulate respiratory diseases. In the study, we aimed to elucidate the role of circ_0000157 in smoke-related chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the inner mechanism.

METHODS

COPD-like cell injury was induced by treating human bronchial epithelioid cells (16HBE) with cigarette smoke extract (CSE). The expression of circ_0000157, miR-149-5p, bromodomain containing 4 (BRD4), BCL2-associated x protein (Bax) and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) was analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) or Western blotting. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to detect interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels. Malondialdehyde (MDA) production was detected by a lipid peroxidation MDA assay kit. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was analyzed by a SOD activity assay kit.

RESULTS

Circ_0000157 and BRD4 expression were upregulated, while miR-149-5p expression was downregulated in the blood of smokers with COPD and CSE-induced 16HBE cells compared with control groups. CSE treatment inhibited 16HBE cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress; however, these effects were remitted when circ_0000157 expression was decreased. In addition, circ_0000157 acted as a miR-149-5p sponge and regulated CSE-caused 16HBE cell damage by targeting miR-149-5p. The overexpression of BRD4, a target gene of miR-149-5p, attenuated the inhibitory effects of miR-149-5p introduction on CSE-induced cell damage. Further, circ_0000157 modulated BRD4 expression by associating with miR-149-5p in CSE-treated 16HBE cells.

CONCLUSION

Circ_0000157 knockdown ameliorated CSE-caused 16HBE cell damage by targeting the miR-149-5p/BRD4 pathway, providing a potential therapeutic strategy for clinic intervention in COPD.

Structure-performance correlation guided cerium-based metal-organic frameworks: Superior adsorbents for fluoride removal in water

Fluoride in the hydrosphere exceeds the standard, which could be critically hazardous to human health and the natural environment. The adsorption method is a mature and effective way to remove pollutants in water, including fluoride. In this study, we synthesized three kinds of cerium-based metal-organic frameworks (Ce-MOFs) with different structures and properties by modulating the organic ligands (i.e., trimesic acid (BTC), 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylic acid (PMA), and terephthalic acid (BDC)) via the solvothermal method. The adsorption kinetics of Ce-MOFs on fluoride well fit the pseudo second order model, and their adsorption isotherms also conform to Langmuir isothermal model. The thermodynamic study reveals that the adsorption process is a spontaneous endothermic reaction. The maximum saturated adsorption capacities of Ce-BTC, Ce-PMA, and Ce-BDC are 70.7, 159.6, and 139.5 mg g^-1, respectively. Ce-MOFs have stable and excellent adsorption capacity at pH = 3-9. Coexisting anions (Cl^-, SO₄^2-, and NO₃^-) do not affect the performance of Ce-MOFs for fluoride removal. Moreover, Ce-MOFs also show their broad prospect as superior fluoride adsorbents because of their excellent performance and reusability in real water samples. Organic ligands have a remarkable influence on the defluoridation performance of Ce-MOFs. This work will provide a feasible idea for designing MOFs as superiors adsorbents for defluoridation.

[The prevalence of atrial cardiomyopathy in patients with different types of acute ischemic stroke and its relationship with cryptogenic stroke]

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of atrial cardiomyopathy in patients with different types of acute ischemic stroke and its relationship with cryptogenic stroke. Methods: Patients with acute ischemic stroke within 7 days of onset who were admitted to the Department of Neurology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January to September 2019 were prospectively and consecutively enrolled. All included patients were classified according to TOAST classification of ischemic stroke. Chi-square test was used to compare the prevalence of atrial cardiomyopathy among patients with different TOAST classifications. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the related factors of cryptogenic stroke. Results: A total of 1 098 patients with acute ischemic stroke were enrolled in the study, including 661 males and 437 females, with a median age [M(Q₁,Q₃)] of 61 (53, 68) years. The prevalence of atrial cardiomyopathy in patients with cryptogenic stroke[53.5% (46/86)] was higher than that in patients with large artery atherosclerosis [38.0%(63/166), P=0.018] and small vessel occlusion [19.4%(37/191), P<0.001], but was lower than that of patients in the cardioembolic group [97.3% (72/74), P<0.001]. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that atrial cardiomyopathy was an associated factor for cryptogenic stroke (OR=2.945, 95%CI: 1.766-4.911, P<0.001). Conclusions: Atrial cardiomyopathy is associated with cryptogenic stroke. The prevalence of atrial cardiomyopathy in patients with cryptogenic stroke is higher than that in patients with large artery atherosclerosis and small vessel occlusion, but lower than that in patients with cardiac embolism.

PLCL1 regulates fibroblast-like synoviocytes inflammation via NLRP3 inflammasomes in rheumatoid arthritis

Background

Phospholipase C-like 1 (PLCL1), a protein that lacks catalytic activity, has similar structures to the PLC family. The aim of this research was to find the function and underlying mechanisms of PLCL1 in fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS) of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

In this study, we first analyzed the expression of PLCL1 in the synovial tissue of RA patients and K/BxN mice by immunohistochemical staining. Then silencing or overexpressing PLCL1 in FLS before stimulating by TNF-α. The levels of IL-6, IL-1β and CXCL8 in FLS and supernatants were detected by Western Blot (WB), Real-Time Quantitative PCR and Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay. We used INF39 to specifically inhibit the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes, and detected the expression of NLRP3, Cleaved Caspase-1, IL-6 and IL-1β in FLS by WB.

Result

When PLCL1 was silenced, the level of IL-6, IL-1β and CXCL8 were down-regulated. When PLCL1 was overexpressed, the level of IL-6, IL-1β and CXCL8 were unregulated. The previous results demonstrated that the mechanism of PLCL1 regulating inflammation in FLS was related to NLRP3 inflammasomes. INF39 could counteract the release of inflammatory cytokines caused by overexpression of PLCL1.

Conclusion

Result showed that the function of PLCL1 in RA FLS might be related to the NLRP3 inflammasomes. We finally confirmed our hypothesis with the NLRP3 inhibitor INF39. Our results suggested that PLCL1 might promote the inflammatory response of RA FLS by regulating the NLRP3 inflammasomes.

Effects of activated carbon, biochar, and carbon nanotubes on the heterogeneous Fenton oxidation catalyzed by pyrite for ciprofloxacin degradation

Pyrite and engineering carbon materials have received increasing attention for their catalytic potential in Fenton reactions due to their extensive sources and low cost. However, effects of carbon materials on the degradation of pollutants by pyrite-catalyzed heterogeneous Fenton oxidation have not been fully understood. In this study, the performance of pyrite-catalyzed heterogeneous Fenton system on the degradation of ciprofloxacin (CIP) was investigated in the presence of activated carbon (AC), biochar (BC), and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Synchronous and asynchronous experiments (adsorption and catalysis) were conducted to elucidate the roles of the carbon materials in pyrite-catalyzed Fenton reactions. The results demonstrated that all the three carbon materials accelerated the pyrite-catalyzed Fenton oxidation of CIP. Under the experimental conditions, the reaction rates, which were obtained by fitting the synchronous experimental results with the pseudo-first-order kinetic model, of pyrite/AC, pyrite/BC and pyrite/CNTs with H₂O₂ for the removal of CIP were 8.28, 3.40 and 3.37 times faster than that of pyrite alone. Adsorption experiments and characterization analysis showed that AC had a higher adsorption capacity than BC and CNTs for CIP, which enabled it to distinguish itself in assisting the pyrite-catalyzed Fenton oxidation. In the presence of the carbon materials, the adsorption effect should not be neglected when studying the catalytic performance of pyrite. Free radical quenching experiments and electron spin-resonance spectroscopy (ESR) were used to detect and identify free radical species in the reactions. The results showed that hydroxyl radicals (•OH) contributed significantly to the degradation of CIP. The addition of carbon materials promoted the production of •OH, which favored the degradation of CIP. The results of this study suggested that the synergistic effect of oxidation and adsorption promoted the removal of CIP in pyrite/carbon materials/H₂O₂ systems, and coupling pyrite and carbon materials shows great potential in treating antibiotic wastewater.

Phage-host interactions: The neglected part of biological wastewater treatment

In wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), the stable operation of biological wastewater treatment is strongly dependent on the stability of associated microbiota. Bacteriophages (phages), viruses that specifically infect bacteria and archaea, are highly abundant and diverse in WWTPs. Although phages do not have known metabolic functions for themselves, they can shape functional microbiota via various phage-host interactions to impact biological wastewater treatment. However, the developments of phage-host interaction in WWTPs and their impact on biological wastewater treatment are overlooked. Here, we review the current knowledge regarding the phage-host interactions in biological wastewater treatment, mainly focusing on the characteristics of different phage populations, the phage-driven changes in functional microbiota, and the potential driving factors of phage-host interactions. We also discuss the efforts required further to understand and manipulate the phage-host interactions in biological wastewater treatment. Overall, this review advocates more attention to the phage dynamics in WWTPs.

Alfalfa biochar supported Mg-Fe layered double hydroxide as filter media to remove trace metal(loid)s from stormwater

Polluted stormwater (PSW) treatment is becoming increasingly important because of the existence of multiple pollutants from non-point pollution sources. Alfalfa biochar loaded with Mg/Fe layered double hydroxide (AF-LDH) was successfully synthesized to remove trace metal(loid)s from stormwater. The adsorption kinetics and isotherms of metal(loid)s in a mono-component system and the reusability of the composite materials was investigated in this study. The result showed that the maximum removal efficiency for Pb(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), As(V), and Cr(VI) were 98.98 %, 98.11 %, 97.88 %, 97.71 %, 98.81 %, and 50.89 %, respectively, when added calcined AF-LDH (AF-LDO) composite material to the multi-component solution. The AF-LDH and AF-LDO could efficiently remove trace pollutants (10-100 μg/L) from multi-component solution, especially for AF-LDO, which could completely remove the tested six trace metal(loid)s. Furthermore, Fourier transform infrared spectra and X-ray diffraction characterizations supported the Mg/Fe layered double hydroxide reconstruction. The main mechanisms of Pb(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), and Cd(II) (cationic metals) removal were ion exchange and surface precipitation, whereas As(V) and Cr(VI) (anionic metals) were mainly dislodged through the formation of surface complexation, electrostatic attraction, and interlayer anion exchange, concerning the -OH and -COOH of AF-LDH. Importantly, the results of the column experiment demonstrated that AF-LDO was superior to AF-LDH for anionic metal removal from stormwater. In this study, we synthesized AF-LDH and AF-LDO for trace metal(loid) removal and proposed a new and practical approach for stormwater purification.

Advanced oxidation processes for the elimination of microplastics from aqueous systems: Assessment of efficiency, perspectives and limitations

Microplastics act as a vector of heavy metals, organic pollutants, pathogens and resistance genes in the environment further aggravate the pollution of plastics. The conventional wastewater/water treatment processes can physically capture and remove most of microplastics, but the success rates varies. How to quickly remove a large amount of microplastics from aqueous system is a key research topic at present. Recently, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) as a green elimination strategy has attracted attention because of its effective elimination, strong destruction and safety. The molecular chain of microplastics can be gradually degraded into small molecular organics until H₂O and CO₂ by strong oxidizing free radical produced by AOPs. Unfortunately, problematically, the elimination of microplastics in aqueous system by AOPs is recently carried out on a laboratory scale. The application and implementation of this strategy are restricted by long reaction time, low liquid phase degradation efficiency and the formation of nanoplastics. Generally, the technology is still in its infancy, and most studies are carried out under laboratory conditions. The degradation of microplastics in aqueous system also needs appropriate conditions, but it is not always feasible under field conditions in AOPs. Although AOPs can be used as a green degradation technology to eliminate microplastics in aqueous systems in theory, it still needs to be furtherly explored in practical application. Consequently, before AOPs as a green elimination strategy is successfully applied to the effective remove microplastics, more in-depth research is still required, such as the setting from single condition to complex environment, the transfer from laboratory scale to field scale, and systematic toxicity evaluation of corresponding products.

Microplastics in landfill and leachate: Occurrence, environmental behavior and removal strategies

Plastic wastes buried in landfill are gradually broken and decomposed into microplastics under physical, chemical and biological effects, bringing environmental risks to the exploitation of waste resources. Landfill leachate as a potential source of environmental microplastics has not good attention. Microplastics in leachate carry toxic and harmful pollutants and antibiotic resistance genes, and these vectors pose greater risks to human and environmental health without systematic treatment. Recently, the main technologies of landfill leachate treatment process include order batch activated sludge process, membrane biological reaction process, flocculation process, combined filtration process, and constructed wetland process. However, there is still little knowledge about microplastic removal of the existing leachate treatment facilities, and some technologies to alleviate the sources of such microplastics should be timely developed. This paper systematically summarizes the occurrence of plastics, microplastics and nanoplastics in leachate and their interactive pollution with other toxic pollutants. Meanwhile, the prospects of their environmental behaviors in landfill and leachate are put forward. The microplastic removal by existing leachate treatment equipment and the limitations and challenges to upgrading process of development and implementation are also discussed. The paper can provide a scientific basis for studying the fate of microplastics in landfill and leachate.

Processable Conjugated Microporous Polymer Gels and Monoliths: Fundamentals and Versatile Applications

Conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) as a new type of conjugated polymers have attracted extensive attention in academia and industry because of the combination of microporous structure and π-electron conjugated structure. The construction and application of gels and monoliths based on CMPs constitute a fertile area of research, promising to provide solutions to complex environmental and energy issues. This review summarizes and objectively analyzes the latest advances in the construction and application of processable CMP gels and monoliths, linking the basic and enhanced properties to widespread applications. In this review, we open with a summary of the construction methods used to build CMP gels and monoliths and assess the feasibility of different preparation techniques and the advantages of the products. The CMP gels and monoliths with enhanced properties involving various special applications are then deliberated by highlighting relevant scientific literature and discussions. Finally, we present the issues and future of openness in the field, as well as come up with the major challenges hindering further development, to guide researchers in this field.

How sulfur species can accelerate the biological immobilization of the toxic selenium oxyanions and promote stable hexagonal Se0 formation

Toxic selenium oxyanions and sulfur species are often jointly present in contaminated waters and soils. This study investigated the effect on kinetics and resulting products for bio-reduction of selenium oxyanions in the presence of biologically produced sulfur resulting from bio-oxidation of sulfide in (bio)gas-desulfurization (bio-S⁰) and of sulfate. Selenite and selenate (~2 mmol L^-1) bio-reduction was studied in batch up to 28 days at 30 ^oC and pH 7 using lactic acid and a sulfate-reducing sludge, 'Emmtec'. Bio-S⁰ addition increased the selenite removal rate, but initially slightly decreased selenate reduction rates. Selenite reacted with biologically generated sulfide resulting in selenium-sulfur, which upon further bio-reduction creates a sulfur bio-reduction cycle. Sulfate addition increased the bio-reduction rate for both selenite and sulfate. Bio-S⁰ or sulfate promoted hexagonal selenium formation, whereas without these, mostly amorphous Se⁰ resulted. With another inoculum, 'Eerbeek', bio-S⁰ accelerated the selenite reduction rate less than for 'Emmtec' because of lower sulfur and higher selenite bio-reduction rates. Bio-S⁰ addition increased the selenate reduction rate slightly and accelerated hexagonal selenium formation. Hexagonal selenium formation is advantageous because it facilitates separation and recovery and is less mobile and toxic than amorphous Se⁰. Insights into the interaction between selenium and sulfur bio-reduction are valuable for understanding environmental pathways and considerations regarding remediation and recovery.

A CT-based nomogram for predicting the risk of adenocarcinomas in patients with subsolid nodule according to the 2021 WHO classification

Purpose

To establish a nomogram for predicting the risk of adenocarcinomas in patients with subsolid nodules (SSNs) according to the 2021 WHO classification.

Methods

A total of 656 patients who underwent SSNs resection were retrospectively enrolled. Among them, 407 patients were assigned to the derivation cohort and 249 patients were assigned to the validation cohort. Univariate and multi-variate logistic regression algorithms were utilized to identity independent risk factors of adenocarcinomas. A nomogram based on the risk factors was generated to predict the risk of adenocarcinomas. The discrimination ability of the nomogram was evaluated using the concordance index (C-index), its performance was calibrated using a calibration curve, and its clinical significance was evaluated using decision curves and clinical impact curves.

Results

Lesion size, mean CT value, vascular change and lobulation were identified as independent risk factors for adenocarcinomas. The C-index of the nomogram was 0.867 (95% CI, 0.833-0.901) in derivation cohort and 0.877 (95% CI, 0.836-0.917) in validation cohort. The calibration curve showed good agreement between the predicted and actual risks. Analysis of the decision curves and clinical impact curves revealed that the nomogram had a high standardized net benefit.

Conclusions

A nomogram for predicting the risk of adenocarcinomas in patients with SSNs was established in light of the 2021 WHO classification. The developed model can be adopted as a pre-operation tool to improve the surgical management of patients.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40644-022-00483-1.

Construction and validation of a novel ten miRNA-pair based signature for the prognosis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most predominate pathological subtype of renal cell carcinoma, causing a recurrence or metastasis rate as high as 20% to 40% after operation, for which effective prognostic signature is urgently needed.

METHODS

The mRNA and miRNA profiles of ccRCC specimens were collected from the Cancer Genome Atlas. MiRNA-pair risk score (miPRS) for each miRNA pair was generated as a signature and validated by univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. Functional enrichment was performed, and immune cells infiltration, as well as tumor mutation burden (TMB), and immunophenoscore (IPS) were evaluated between high and low miPRS groups. Target gene-prediction and differentially expressed gene-analysis were performed based on databases of miRDB, miRTarBase, and TargetScan. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was adopted to establish the prognostic model and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed.

FINDINGS

A novel 10 miRNA-pair based signature was established. Area under the time-dependent receiver operating curve proved the performance of the signature in the training, validation, and testing cohorts. Higher TMB, as well as the higher CTLA4-negative PD1-negative IPS, were discovered in high miPRS patients. A prognostic model was built based on miPRS (1 year-, 5 year-, 10 year- ROC-AUC=0.92, 0.84, 0.82, respectively).

INTERPRETATION

The model based on miPRS is a novel and valid tool for predicting the prognosis of ccRCC.

FUNDING

This study was supported by research grants from the China National Natural Scientific Foundation (81903972, 82002018, and 82170752) and Shanghai Sailing Program (19YF1406700 and 20YF1406000).

Managing Fenton-treated sediment with biochar and sheep manure compost: Effects on the evolutionary characteristics of bacterial community

Fenton oxidation is a widely used method for the fast and efficient treatment of contaminated sediment, but few studies have investigated the management of Fenton-treated sediment for resource utilization. In this study, the evolutionary characteristics of bacterial community composition in Fenton-treated riverine sediment were investigated using 16S rRNA gene sequencing after the incorporation of rice straw biochar and sheep manure compost. The Fenton treatment caused a decline in the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes from 39% to 8% on the 7th day, and using biochar and compost rapidly increased the relative abundance of Firmicutes from 13% to 61% and 57%, respectively. Applying 1.25 wt% biochar after the Fenton treatment contributed to high Shannon diversity indices of 4.80, 4.69, and 4.76 on the 7th, 28th, and 56th day, respectively. The reduced differences of Shannon indexes on the 56th day indicated that the bacterial diversity among different treatments tended to be similar over time. The genera Flavisolibacter and Bacillus were representatively detected on the 7th day in the untreated sediment and Fenton/biochar-treated sediment, respectively. The number of feature bacteria decreased significantly from 88 on the 7th day to 29 on the 56th day. The community functions for the carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur cycles were sensitive to the Fenton-treatment and the subsequent treatment with biochar and compost. This study may provide a useful reference for follow-up work on the remediation of contaminated sediment using advanced oxidation processes, and promote the development of resource utilization of amended sediment.

A study on quality control using delta data with machine learning technique

Background

In the big data era, patient-based real-time quality control (PBRTQC), as an emerging quality control (QC) method, is expanding within the clinical laboratory industry. However, the main issue of current PBRTQC methodology is data stability. Our study is aimed to explore a novel protocol for data stability by combining delta data with machine learning (ML) technique to improve the capacity of QC event detection.

Methods

A data set of 423,290 laboratory results from Beijing Chao-yang Hospital 2019 patient results were used as a training set (n = 380960, 90%) and internal validation set (n = 42330, 10%). A further 22,460 results from Beijing Long-fu Hospital 2019 patient results were used as a test set. Three-type data (1) Single-type data processed by truncation limits; (2) delta-type data processed by truncation limits and (3)delta-type data processed by Isolated Forest (IF) algorithm were evaluated with accuracy, sensitivity, NPed, etc., and compared with previously published statistical methods.

Results

The optimal model was based on Random Forest (RF) algorithm by using delta-type data processed by IF algorithm. The model had a better accuracy (0.99), sensitivity (0.99) specificity (0.99) and AUC (0.99) with the dependent test set, surpassing the critical bias of PBRTQC by over 50%. For the LYMPH#, HGB, and PLT, the cumulative MNPed of MLQC were reduced by 95.43%, 97.39%, and 97.97% respectively when compared to the best of the PBRTQC.

Conclusion

Final results indicate that by integrating an innovative ML algorithm with the overall data processing protocol the detection of QC events is improved.

•

A protocol for data processing by using delta data together with machine learning algorithm, enables to improve data stability.

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After data processing, the performance of QC event prediction surpassed over 50% clinical recognized PBRTQC method, especially for the hard-to-detect error in QC event prediction.

A multi-model fusion algorithm as a real-time quality control tool for small shift detection

BACKGROUND

Patient-based real-time quality control (PBRTQC), a complement to traditional QC, may eliminate matrix effect from QC materials, realize real-time monitoring as well as cut costs. However, the accuracy of PBRTQC has not been satisfactory as physicians expect till now. Our aim is to set up a artificial intelligence-based QC for small error detection in real laboratory settings. Taking tPSA as our unique research subject, data extraction, data stimulation, data partition, model construction and evaluation were designed.

METHODS

84241 deidentified results for tPSA were extracted from Laboratory Information System of Aviation General Hospital. The data set was accumulated by way of data simulation. Independent training and test datasets were separated. After three classification models (RF, SVM and DNN) in ML constructed and weighted by information entropy, a multi-model fusion algorithm was generated. Performance of the fusion model was evaluated by comparing with optimal PBRTQC.

RESULTS

For 4 PBRTQC methods, MovSO showed overall better performance for 0.2 μg/L bias and optimal MNPed was equal to 200. For the fusion model, MNPeds were less than 12 for all biases, and ACC surpassed MovSO nearly 100 times. Except for 0.01 μg/L bias, ACC was more than 0.9 for the rest of biases. FPR was apparently lower than MovSO, only 0.2% and 0.1%.

CONCLUSION

The fusion model shows outstanding performance and reduces incorrect and omitting error detection, adaptable for the real settings.

The role of microplastics in altering arsenic fractionation and microbial community structures in arsenic-contaminated riverine sediments

The ability of microplastics (MPs) to interact with environmental pollutants is of great concern. Riverine sediments, as sinks for multi-pollutants, have been rarely studied for MPs risk evaluation. Meanwhile, MPs generated from biodegradable plastics are questioning the safety of the promising materials. In this study, we investigated the effects of typical non-degradable polyethylene (PE) and biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) MPs on sediment enzymes, arsenic (As) fractionation, and microbial community structures in As-contaminated riverine sediments. The results indicated that the presence of MPs (1% and 3%, w/w) led As transformed into more labile and bioavailable fractions in riverine sediments, especially under higher As and MPs levels. Analysis on microbial activities and community structures confirmed the strong potential of MPs in inhibiting microbial activities and shifting bacterial community succession patterns through enrichment of certain microbiota. Moreover, biodegradable PLA MPs presented stronger alterations in arsenic fractionation and microbial community structures than PE MPs did, which might be jointly attributed to adsorption behaviors, microbial alterations, and potential PLA degradation behaviors. The study indicated that MPs contamination increased As mobility and bioavailability, and shifted microbial communities in riverine sediments. Moreover, biodegradable MPs might lead to stronger microbial alterations and increases in As bioavailability, acting as a threat to ecological safety, which needed further exploration.

The Practical Haplotype Graph, a platform for storing and using pangenomes for imputation

MOTIVATION

Pangenomes provide novel insights for population and quantitative genetics, genomics, and breeding not available from studying a single reference genome. Instead, a species is better represented by a pangenome or collection of genomes. Unfortunately, managing and using pangenomes for genomically diverse species is computationally and practically challenging. We developed a trellis graph representation anchored to the reference genome that represents most pangenomes well and can be used to impute complete genomes from low density sequence or variant data.

RESULTS

The Practical Haplotype Graph (PHG) is a pangenome pipeline, database (PostGRES & SQLite), data model (Java, Kotlin, or R), and Breeding API (BrAPI) web service. The PHG has already been able to accurately represent diversity in four major crops including maize, one of the most genomically diverse species, with up to 1000-fold data compression. Using simulated data, we show that, at even 0.1X coverage, with appropriate reads and sequence alignment, imputation results in extremely accurate haplotype reconstruction. The PHG is a platform and environment for the understanding and application of genomic diversity.

AVAILABILITY

All resources listed here are freely available. The PHG Docker used to generate the simulation results is https://hub.docker.com/ as maizegenetics/phg:0.0.27. PHG source code is at https://bitbucket.org/bucklerlab/practicalhaplotypegraph/src/master/. The code used for the analysis of simulated data is at https://bitbucket.org/bucklerlab/phg-manuscript/src/master/. The PHG database of NAM parent haplotypes is in the CyVerse data store (https://de.cyverse.org/de/) and named /iplant/home/shared/panzea/panGenome/PHG_db_maize/phg_v5Assemblies_20200608.db.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.