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The single-nucleotide polymorphisms of genes related to DNA damage repair and inflammasomes and mutated gene expression in coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) were analysed to identify the risk factors of CWP and potential biomarkers for early warning and diagnosis. Further, mutated gene pathways were analysed based on proteome and metabolome. Han Chinese male subjects were randomly selected and divided into 4 or 5 groups according to the process of CWP. MassARRAY was used to sequence single-nucleotide polymorphism genotypes. Mutated gene expression in plasma was tested using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Odds ratios (ORs) and receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were calculated. The serum different proteins and metabolites were identified by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography Quadrupole time of flight/Mass Spectrum (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) and analysed using bioinformation software. As CWP progressed, the CC and CA genotypes of ERCC1 rs3212986 decreased and increased significantly, respectively. AA (OR = 3.016) and CA (OR = 2.130) genotypes were identified as risk factors for stage II. ERCC1 significantly decreased in processing of CWP. The cutoff value of ERCC1 was 5.265 pg/ml, with a sensitivity of 90.0% and specificity of 86.7%. ERCC1 had an indirect interaction with activator protein-1 and insulin and its pathways were mainly made with molecules related to lipid metabolism and actin dynamics. ERCC1 is a candidate biomarker for detection and precise intervention in CWP. If it reaches the threshold, workers will change other jobs in time and will not develop and diagnose as pneumoconiosis and will help the employers spend less money. Meanwhile, the signal molecules of ERCC1 pathway could be as a candidate target for drug discovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aims to examine the validity of the MFS by analyzing the electronic medical records on fall risk in obstetrics and gynecology wards and determine the optimal cut-off score of the Morse Fall Scale. Design: A retrospective survey. Methods: The research was conducted in an Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital and a general hospital. The sample included 136 fall inpatients and 120 no-fall inpatients recruited from January 1st, 2020, to July 10th, 2022. The Morse Fall Scale was analyzed using the gold standard of patients who fell while hospitalized, assessing the area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and Kappa. Results: At cut-off scores of 40, 45,50, and 55, the area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve was 0.772, 0.761, 0.749, and 0.763, respectively. The Youden index was 0.543, 0.521, 0.498, and 0.525, while Kappa values were 0.540, 0.518, 0.490, and 0.515. Sensitivity was 0.735, 0.713, 0.640, and 0.625; specificity was 0.808, 0.808, 0.858, and 0.900. The positive predictive values were 0.813, 0.808, 0.837, and 0.876, and the negative predictive values were 0.729, 0.713, 0.678, and 0.679. Accuracy were 0.770, 0.758, 0.742, and 0.754. Conclusions: The Morse Fall Scale demonstrates good predictive performance for assessing fall risk in gynecology and obstetrics wards. The optimal cut-off score is 40. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the tensile properties of rock-concrete composite disc specimens with different roughness, the surface of the gray-white sand specimen was artificially grooved, and six different roughness were configured. The test results show that the roughness size and roughness mode jointly control the tensile strength of the rock-concrete interface. With the increase of roughness, the tensile strength of the sample changes from the initial decrease to the increase and then decrease, and the tensile strength reaches the highest when the roughness is f3. The variation trend of pre-peak energy accumulation and post-peak energy accumulation of the sample is opposite, and the dissipation energy is closely related to the crack propagation strain. The roughness and crack closure strain, crack peak strain, crack propagation strain and crack closure stress show a sinusoidal periodic variation. The crack propagation strain is closely related to the change of dissipation energy. The change trend of crack closure stress is basically consistent with the change trend of tensile strength. Therefore, in the actual project, grasping the period of roughness variation and selecting the construction position can make the rock-concrete interface stable and get twice the result with half the effort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A modified QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe) -LC-MS/MS method was developed for the determination of hexachlorophene in fruits and vegetables. Samples were extracted by acetonitrile and then salted with an acetate buffer system. Extractants neutral alumina (Al-N), strong cation exchange silica gel bonded adsorbent (SCX) and graphitized carbon black (GCB) were used for sample purification. The method demonstrates excellent accuracy and reproducibility. Under optimized conditions, the correlation coefficients of hexachlorophene were higher than 0.995 in the range of 0.5–20 ng/mL. The limit of quantification (LOQ) was 2.0 μg/kg. The average recoveries, assessed at three spiked levels (2.0, 4.0, and 20.0μg/kg) across various matrices including cabbage, celery, tomato, eggplant, potato, radish, cowpea, chives, apple, peach, grape, citrus, bitter melon, banana and hami melon ranged from 72.0 to 100.5% with relative standard deviations from 3.2 to 9.8% (n = 6). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents with enhanced biocompatibility and targeting capabilities is crucial owing to concerns over current agents' potential toxicity and suboptimal performance. Drawing inspiration from "biomimetic camouflage," we isolated cell membranes (CMs) from human glioblastoma (T98G) cell lines via the extrusion method to facilitate homotypic glioma targeting. At an 8:1 mass ratio of ferric chloride hexahydrate to gallic acid (GA), the resulting iron (Fe)–GA nanoparticles (NPs) proved effective as a T1-weighted MRI contrast agent. T98G CM–coated Fe–GA NPs demonstrated improved homotypic glioma targeting, validated through Prussian blue staining and in vitro MRI. This biomimetic camouflage strategy holds promise for the development of targeted theranostic agents in a safe and effective manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The TBX1 gene plays a critical role in the development of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS), a complex genetic disorder associated with various phenotypic manifestations. In this study, we performed in-silico analysis to identify potentially deleterious non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) within the TBX1 gene and evaluate their functional and structural impact on 22q11.2DS. A comprehensive analysis pipeline involving multiple computational tools was employed to predict the pathogenicity of nsSNPs. This study assessed protein stability and explored potential alterations in protein-protein interactions. The results revealed the rs751339103(C>A), rs780800634(G>A), rs1936727304(T>C), rs1223320618(G>A), rs1248532217(T>C), rs1294927055 (C>T), rs1331240435 (A>G, rs1601289406 (A>C), rs1936726164 (G>A), and rs911796187(G>A) with a high-risk potential for affecting protein function and stability. These nsSNPs were further analyzed for their impact on post-translational modifications and structural characteristics, indicating their potential disruption of molecular pathways associated with TBX1 and its interacting partners. These findings provide a foundation for further experimental studies and elucidation of potential therapeutic targets and personalized treatment approaches for individuals affected by 22q11.2DS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactivation from latency plays a significant role in maintaining persistent lifelong Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. Mechanisms governing successful activation and progression of the EBV lytic phase are not fully understood. EBV expresses multiple viral microRNAs (miRNAs) and manipulates several cellular miRNAs to support viral infection. To gain insight into the host miRNAs regulating transitions from EBV latency into the lytic stage, we conducted a CRISPR/Cas9-based screen in EBV+ Burkitt lymphoma (BL) cells using anti-Ig antibodies to crosslink the B cell receptor (BCR) and induce reactivation. Using a gRNA library against >1500 annotated human miRNAs, we identified miR-142 as a key regulator of EBV reactivation. Genetic ablation of miR-142 enhanced levels of immediate early and early lytic gene products in infected BL cells. Ago2-PAR-CLIP experiments with reactivated cells revealed miR-142 targets related to Erk/MAPK signaling, including components directly downstream of the B cell receptor (BCR). Consistent with these findings, disruption of miR-142 enhanced SOS1 levels and Mek phosphorylation in response to surface Ig cross-linking. Effects could be rescued by inhibitors of Mek (cobimetinib) or Raf (dabrafenib). Taken together, these results show that miR-142 functionally regulates SOS1/Ras/Raf/Mek/Erk signaling initiated through the BCR and consequently, restricts EBV entry into the lytic cycle. Author summary: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a common herpesvirus that infects most individuals worldwide and can persist in the body for life. Long-term viral persistence is established in part through latently infected memory B cells and periodic reactivation events which maintain viral reservoirs. To investigate functional roles for host non-coding RNAs in EBV latency and reactivation—specifically microRNAs—we conducted a genome-wide CRISPR screen in EBV-positive Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) cells. By screening >1500 human miRNAs, we identified miR-142 as a potent regulator of the lytic cycle. When miR-142 was disrupted, latently infected BL cells responded rapidly to external reactivation triggers and exhibited significantly elevated levels of lytic viral proteins. Through mechanistic studies, we found that miR-142 regulates cell signaling pathways such as the Ras/Raf/Mek/Erk pathway and can target SOS1 encoding a Ras guanine nucleotide exchange factor. Heightened EBV reactivation in miR-142 mutant cells could be reversed using chemical inhibitors to Raf, Mek, or Sos1. These findings provide novel insight into the role of miR-142 in the EBV life cycle and further unveil potential for inhibiting Sos1 as a means to suppress EBV reactivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The causal relationship between sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and infertility has remained unclear. Thus, we used Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate this relationship. Methods: Risk factors for SHBG were extracted from European individuals within the UK Biobank using single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data. Summary-level data for infertility outcomes were obtained from the FinnGen dataset. The causal relationship between SHBG and infertility was examined using inverse variance weighted, weighted model, weighted median, and MR-Egger regression analyses. Additionally, Cochran's Q test and Egger intercept tests were used to confirm the heterogeneity and pleiotropy of identified instrumental variables (IVs). Results: Our findings revealed a significant negative association between sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels and infertility, particularly with anovulation, a specific form of female infertility. However, SHBG did not exert a causal impact on male infertility or on female infertility of tubal origin. Conclusions: SHBG expression offers protection against the development of certain types of female infertility, suggesting it is a potential therapeutic target for infertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Severe acute lung failure (ALF) often necessitates veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO), where identifying predictors of weaning success and mortality remains crucial yet challenging. The study aims to identify predictors of weaning success and mortality in adults undergoing VV-ECMO for severe ALF, a gap in current clinical knowledge. Methods and analysis: PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials will be searched for cohort studies examining the predictive factors of successful weaning and mortality in adult patients on VV-ECMO due to severe ALF. Risk of bias assessment will be conducted using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for each included study. The primary outcomes will be successful weaning from VV-ECMO and all-cause mortality. Between-study heterogeneity will be evaluated using the I2 statistic. Sensitivity, subgroup, and meta-regression analyses will be performed to ascertain potential sources of heterogeneity and assess the robustness of our results. We will use the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) tool to recommend the level of evidence. Discussion: This study seeks to provide clinically significant insights into predictors for weaning and mortality during VV-ECMO treatment for ALF, aiming to support clinical decisions and potentially influence health policy, thereby improving patient outcomes. Ethics and dissemination: Given the absence of direct engagement with human subjects or access to personal medical records, ethical approval for this study is deemed unnecessary. The study findings will be shared at a scientific conference either at the global or national level. Alternatively, the results will be presented for publication in a rigorously peer-reviewed journal regarding critical care medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Existing research has demonstrated links between airborne particulate matter and ulcerative colitis (UC) onset. Through Mendelian randomization, this study aims to further delineate the causal association between specific types of airborne particulates and UC. Methods: A two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis was undertaken to investigate the causality between airborne particulate matter and UC. Genetic datasets for both airborne particulates and UC were derived from accessible genome-wide association studies (GWAS). We employed a range of MR techniques, such as inverse variance weighted (IVW), weighted median, MR-Egger, and Wald Ratio, to validate the causality. In addition, sensitivity assessments were executed to ensure result reliability. Results: The data indicate a probable positive correlation between PM2.5 exposure and UC risk (OR: 3.6; 95% CI: [1.2–11.3]; P = 0.026). The statistical strength for causal determination via the IVW approach stood at 0.87, with a Type I error rate set at 0.025. Assessments using Cochran's Q test, MR-Egger intercept, MR-PRESSO, and leave-one-out sensitivity analyses did not identify notable heterogeneity, pleiotropy, or biases in the overall relationship between PM2.5 and UC. Furthermore, the MR-Steiger assessment indicated that PM2.5 exposure level determinants predominantly affect UC vulnerability. Conclusion: The findings underscore the potential involvement of PM2.5 in UC pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a retraction notice for an article titled "TGF-β1 Regulation of Estrogen Production in Mature Rat Leydig Cells." The authors of the article have requested to retract it due to unresolved issues with one of the figures and the unavailability of data. The authors stand by the findings of the article but are unable to be accountable for the reported work. They apologize for the issues with the published article. [Extracted from the article]