The heterogeneity of Pinus yunnanensis plantation growth was driven by soil microbial characteristics in different slope aspects.

The slope aspect is an important environmental factor, which can indirectly change the acceptable solar radiation of forests. However, the mechanism of how this aspect changes the underground ecosystem and thus affects the growth of aboveground trees is not clear. In this study, Pinus yunnanensis plantation was taken as the research object, and the effects of soil and microbial characteristics on tree growth under different slope aspects and soil depths were systematically analyzed.

Association between blood test indicators and atrial fibrillation in elderly patients aged 65 and above in the Central Jiangsu region: a cross-sectional study.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the correlation between blood test indicators and Atrial Fibrillation (AF) in Individuals Aged 65 and Older in Yangzhou, Jiangsu.

Methods: From January 1, 2019, to August 31, 2023, an epidemiological cross-sectional survey was conducted among the elderly population undergoing health check-ups at Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital in Jiangsu Province. Patients diagnosed with AF after a 12-lead electrocardiogram were included in the case group, and non-AF individuals matched by age and gender in a 1:4 frequency ratio were included in the control group.

Robotic-assisted costectomy using a Gigli saw for fibrous dysplasia.

Background: Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is the most common benign tumor of the ribs, with surgical resection being the preferred treatment modality for rib FD, leading to enhanced quality of life and favorable outcomes. The complexity of surgical intervention varies depending on the location of costal FD, presenting challenges for both open surgical and thoracoscopic approaches. In this study, we present a novel technique for three-port robotic-assisted costectomy utilizing a Gigli saw, detailing our initial findings and outcomes.

Prolonged screen time is associated with increased severity of tic symptoms in children with tic disorders.

Background: Recent studies have emphasized the association between prolonged screen exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders, though its correlation with tic disorders (TDs) remains ambiguous. We thus conducted this study to investigate the association between screen time (ST) and the severity of tic symptoms in children diagnosed with TDs.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective case-control study with 342 cases of TDs and 270 controls, collecting data from March 2021 to December 2023.

Stress hyperglycemia ratio as an important predictive indicator for severe disturbance of consciousness and all-cause mortality in critically ill patients with cerebral infarction: a retrospective study using the MIMIC-IV database.

Background: Stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) has been linked to prognosis of cerebrovascular diseases. Nevertheless, the association between SHR and severe disturbance of consciousness (DC) and mortality among patients with cerebral infarction remains explored. This study seeks to assess the predictive potential of SHR for severe DC and mortality among patients with cerebral infarction.

Persistent effect of salt reduction in schoolchildren and their families: 1-year follow-up after an application-based cluster randomized controlled trial.

Background: A 12-month cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) demonstrated the effectiveness of an application-based education program in reducing the salt intake and systolic blood pressure (SBP) of schoolchildren's adult family members. This study aimed to assess whether the effect at 12 months persisted at 24 months.

Methods: Fifty-four schools were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group.

Epitranscriptome profiles reveal participation of the RNA methyltransferase gene OsMTA1 in rice seed germination and salt stress response.

Background: RNA m6A methylation installed by RNA methyltransferases plays a crucial role in regulating plant growth and development and environmental stress responses. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of m6A methylation involved in seed germination and stress responses are largely unknown. In the present study, we surveyed global m6A methylation in rice seed germination under salt stress and the control (no stress) using an osmta1 mutant and its wild type.

Elevated LIF and JAK-STAT activation drive severe COVID-19 in myeloma patients receiving the BCMA-CD3 bispecific antibody Elranatamab.

Background: Immunotherapy is a significant risk factor for severe COVID-19 in multiple myeloma (MM) patients. Understanding how immunotherapies lead to severe COVID-19 is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Methods: Human protein microarrays were used to examine the expression of 440 protein molecules in MM patients treated with bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTe) (n = 9), anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) (n = 10), and proteasome inhibitor (PI)-based regimens (n = 10).

Spacer-type tibial osteotomy versus open wedge high tibial osteotomy and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty for Kellgren-Lawrence grade 3-4 medial unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis in patients younger than 65 years.

Background: Spacer-type tibial osteotomy have been proven a novel and effective osteotomy to treat osteoarthritis, while lack of comparison with other surgical methods in younger patients. This study aims to evaluate the short-term clinical outcomes of spacer-type tibial osteotomy versus open wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) for Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grade 3-4 osteoarthritis (OA) in patients younger than 65 years.

Methods: This retrospective study analyzed a total of 224 patients with K-L grade 3-4 knee OA treated from March 2018 to November 2020.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a prognostic factor in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer treated with docetaxel-based chemotherapy: a meta-analysis.

Background: In recent years, many studies have illustrated that the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a prognostic factor of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), but their conclusions are controversial. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of the NLR in patients with mCRPC treated with docetaxel-based chemotherapy.

Methods: Database searches were conducted in PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library to retrieve relevant published English-language literature up to 20 February 2023.

MC-LR induces and exacerbates Colitis in mice through the JAK1/STAT3 pathway.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a complex gastrointestinal disorder attributed to genetic and environmental factors. Microcystin-leucine-arginine (MC-LR) is an environmental toxin that accumulates in the gut and produces intestinal damage. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of exposure to MC-LR on development and progression of IBD as well examine the underlying mechanisms of microcystin-initiated tissue damage.

Genetically and chemically intraspecific variations of Ficus hirta provide novel insights into its protection and utilization.

Background: Radix Fici Hirtae, the dry root of Ficus hirta, is a famous ethnomedicine and food that has been widely used by Yao and Zhuang nationalities in southern China for its potent antitumor, antifungal, and hepatoprotective effects. Recently, owing to over-exploitation and habitat destruction, F. hirta has been pushed to the brink of depletion.

Imbalance of oral microbiome homeostasis: the relationship between microbiota and the occurrence of dental caries.

Background: Streptococcus mutans is recognized as a key pathogen responsible for the development of dental caries. With the advancement of research on dental caries, the understanding of its pathogenic mechanism has gradually shifted from the theory of a single pathogenic bacterium to the theory of oral microecological imbalance. Acidogenic and aciduric microbial species are also recognized to participate in the initiation and progression of dental caries.

Obstructive sleep apnea and structural and functional brain alterations: a brain-wide investigation from clinical association to genetic causality.

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is linked to brain alterations, but the specific regions affected and the causal associations between these changes remain unclear.

Methods: We studied 20 pairs of age-, sex-, BMI-, and education- matched OSA patients and healthy controls using multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) from August 2019 to February 2020. Additionally, large-scale Mendelian randomization analyses were performed using genome-wide association study (GWAS) data on OSA and 3935 brain imaging-derived phenotypes (IDPs), assessed in up to 33,224 individuals between December 2023 and March 2024, to explore potential genetic causality between OSA and alterations in whole brain structure and function.

Effect of enhanced recovery after surgery on older patients undergoing transvaginal pelvic floor reconstruction surgery: a randomised controlled trial.

Background: Prospective trial evidence is lacking regarding the application of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in transvaginal pelvic floor reconstruction surgery among older patients. Our study aimed to investigate whether implementing the ERAS protocol could enhance post-operative recovery in this patient population.

Methods: Older patients undergoing elective transvaginal pelvic floor reconstruction surgery were randomly assigned to either the ERAS group or the conventional group.

Hybrid technique and total arch replacement combined with frozen elephant trunk in acute aortic dissection involving the aortic arch: a multi-center propensity-matched cohort study.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the hybrid technique yields superior outcomes in comparison with the total arch replacement combined with frozen elephant trunk (TAR + FET) for acute aortic dissection (AAD) involving the aortic arch.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study using propensity-score matching included patients with AAD involving the aortic arch admitted to Nanjing First Hospital and Shanghai General Hospital from January 2015 to June 2020. The in-hospital and mid-term outcomes were compared between patients who received hybrid treatment (n = 136) and those who received TAR + FET (n = 415).

Metatranscriptomic time series insight into antibiotic resistance genes and mobile genetic elements in wastewater systems under antibiotic selective pressure.

Background: Wastewater systems are usually considered antibiotic resistance hubs connecting human society and the natural environment. Antibiotic usage can increase the abundance of both ARGs (antibiotic resistance genes) and MGEs (mobile gene elements). Understanding the transcriptomic profiles of ARGs and MGEs remains a major research goal.

Nobiletin restores the intestinal barrier of HFD-induced obese mice by promoting MHC-II expression and lipid metabolism.

The incidence of obesity is increasing annually worldwide. A high-fat diet (HFD) causes intestinal barrier damage, but effective interventions are currently unavailable. Our previous work demonstrated the therapeutic effect of nobiletin on obese mice; thus, we hypothesized that nobiletin could reverse HFD-induced damage to the intestinal barrier.

Evaluating the differences in healthy lifestyle behaviors between Chinese urban and rural residency after the termination of social distancing: analysis based on propensity score matching.

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the social distancing has significantly affected the healthy lifestyle behaviors of residents. China ended social distancing on January 8, 2023, and the healthy lifestyle behaviors of residents after this time are unclear. The goal of this study was to evaluate the differences in healthy lifestyle behaviors between Chinese urban and rural residency after the termination of social distancing.

Recovery process of patients with iliac vein compression syndrome after stenting: a grounded theory study.

Background: Iliac vein compression syndrome (IVCS) impedes venous blood return from the lower extremities due to iliac vein compression, manifesting as leg swelling, varicose veins, and thrombosis. These symptoms significantly degrade quality of life. Although iliac vein stenting provides symptomatic relief, the recovery process is protracted and fraught with challenges such as in-stent restenosis and psychological distress.

Prophylactic and therapeutic effects of EsV3 on atherosclerotic lesions in ApoE mice.

Background: Atherosclerosis (AS) is a major contributor to vascular disorders and represents a significant risk to human health. Currently, first-line pharmacotherapies are associated with substantial side effects, and the development of atherosclerosis is closely linked to dietary factors. This study evaluated the effects of a dietary supplement, EsV3, on AS in apolipoprotein E (ApoE) model mice.

Triglyceride-glucose index in predicting the risk of new-onset diabetes in the general population aged 45 years and older: a national prospective cohort study.

Objective: Insulin resistance (IR) is often present in diabetes, which imposes a heavy burden on the prevention and treatment of diabetes. Triglyceride glucose index (TyG) is simple, reliable and reproducible in detecting IR, and has great advantages in predicting the risk of diabetes. The aim of this study was to analyze the potential association between TyG and the risk of diabetes in Chinese middle-aged and older adults using a prospective cohort study design.

Near-infrared light reflection for the early detection of proximal caries in posterior teeth: an in vivo study.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity of near-infrared light reflection for detecting different depths of proximal caries in posterior teeth and to compare it with commonly used clinical oral examinations and bitewing radiography images.

Methods: Twenty-six patients with a total of 516 proximal surfaces were included in this study. The ground truth of the proximal caries was determined through a consensus reached by two experienced dentists after an intraoral examination assisted by bitewing radiographs.

Ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation for isthmus papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: a prospective 2 years of follow-up study.

To explore the safety and clinical efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) located in the isthmus. This prospective study enrolled patients with single isthmus PTMC admitted to General Surgery Department of 983rd Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of PLA from 2017 to 2022. After ablation, the ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) were performed to follow up the outcomes at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months.