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To systematically evaluate the incidence of pressure injuries (PIs) in hospitalized fracture patients and to provide evidence for the prevention and treatment of PIs. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL, China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database (CNKI), WanFang Database, Weipu Database (VIP), and Chinese Biomedical Database (CBM) were searched to collect cross-sectional studies and cohort studies related to PIs among hospitalized fracture patients. All electronic literature sources were searched from inception to March 2022, and a hand-search through references was also conducted to find relevant articles. Studies were evaluated independently by two researchers and audited by a third researcher. The data were extracted and presented in tables. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist. All data analysis used Stata14.0. The I 2 statistic and random-effects model were used to determine the heterogeneity. A total of 7906 articles were screened, and 18 studies with 8956 patients were ultimately involved in this review. The pooled incidence of PIs in the fracture patients was 20.4% (95% CI : 14.9 to 25.8), and the incidence of PIs only in spinal and hip fracture patients was 23.9% (95% CI : 19.6 to 28.2). The incidence of PIs in 65 years old or over was significantly high (23.3% [95% CI : 15.3 to 31.2]). The most affected body sites were sacrococcygeal regions (56.7%) and heels (19.9%). The most common stages were stage 2 (62.2%) and stage 1 (17.4%). The overall incidence of PIs in fracture patients was as high as 20.4%, significantly higher than the average incidence of adults. We found that the potential for PIs in fracture patients increases with age. Hence, our discoveries recommended that healthcare givers should consider reducing the occurrence of PIs. Additionally, more research may be conducted to improve the understanding of characteristics of PIs among fracture patients and to identify PIs risk factors to prevent and treat them effectively. • Conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to analyze the incidence of fracture patients. • Analyzed the most frequent body sites and stages of pressure injury for fracture patients. • Compared the incidence of pressure injuries by age and by fracture type. • Explored the risk factors which affected pressure injuries for elderly fracture patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants are identified with higher rates of transmissibility or greater disease severity. Particularly, recent emergence of Omicron variant with rapid human-to-human transmission posts new challenges to the current prevention strategies. In this study, following vaccination with an mRNA vaccine encoding SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD-mRNA), we detected serum antibodies that neutralized pseudoviruses expressing spike (S) protein harboring single or multiple mutations, as well as authentic SARS-CoV-2 variants, and evaluated its protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection. The vaccine induced durable antibodies that potently neutralized prototypic strain and B.1.1.7 lineage variant pseudoviruses containing N501Y or D614G mutations alone or in combination with a N439K mutation (B.1.258 lineage), with a L452R mutation (B.1.427 or B.1.429 lineage), or a L452R-E484Q double mutation (B.1.617.1 variant), although neutralizing activity against B.1.1.7 lineage variant containing 10 amino acid changes in the S protein was slightly reduced. The RBD-mRNA-induced antibodies exerted moderate neutralization against authentic B.1.617.2 and B.1.1.529 variants, and pseudotyped B.1.351 and P.1 lineage variants containing K417N/T, E484K, and N501Y mutations, the B.1.617.2 lineage variant harboring L452R, T478K, and P681R mutations, and the B.1.1.529 lineage variant containing 38 mutations in the S protein. Particularly, RBD-mRNA vaccine completely protected mice from challenge with a virulent mouse-adapted SARS-CoV-2 variant. Among these lineages, B.1.1.7, B.1.351, P.1, B.1.617.2, and B.1.1.529 belong to Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron variants, respectively. Our observations reveal that RBD-mRNA vaccine is promising and highlights the need to design novel vaccines with improved neutralization against current and future pandemic SARS-CoV-2 variants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We study the Self-stabilizing dIrected t-Spanner for Autonomous nodes problem (SISA) in both 2D and 3D space. • Our solutions are self-stabilizing and are completely distributed to handle nodes failure in the wireless ad hoc networks. • Our experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of our solutions. Large-scale, self-organizing wireless ad hoc network deployments are being driven by recent developments of the Internet of Things (IoT) to collect information from a vast area or harsh environment efficiently. How to ensure fast routing in sparse topology and after node failure how to ensure that the network keeps topology properties are challenging problems. In this paper, we propose a Self-stabilizing dIrected t-Spanner for Autonomous nodes problem (SISA) and give intuitive solutions in both 2D and 3D space. In the topology construction phase, sparse directed t-spanner topologies, without substantially degrading the path connecting any pair of nodes in the original network, are constructed with a minimum number of messages. In the topology maintenance phase, the self-stabilizing algorithms run in the background to update locally for keeping t-spanner property when some nodes fail. In particular, our solutions have not any central daemon and are completely distributed. Our experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of our proposed solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Alpine meadow degradation significantly changed soil microbial community composite. • Soil microbial diversity showed hump-shaped patterns with increasing degradation. • The changes in soil microbial diversity were greatly correlated with plant production. In recent decades, alpine meadows have experienced severe degradation owing to external disturbances. Although soil microorganisms are critical for ecosystem services, little is known about their responses to soil degradation and the potential patterns in alpine meadows. To solve this question, we collected and analyzed soil samples from three degraded alpine meadows situated on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. We aimed to examine the effects of degradation on soil microbial diversity and identify the ecological predictors for the diversity of bacteria and fungi. Our results showed that alpine meadow degradation significantly changed soil bacterial and fungal diversity and community composition. Specifically, the relationship between bacterial and fungal diversity and degradation intensity was a hump-shaped, with the highest diversity observed at a moderate degradation level. Additionally, alpine meadow degradation-induced changes in microbial diversity were strongly correlated with decreased plant production, with fungal diversity showing a closer link with below-ground biomass (BGB) than with bacterial diversity. Our findings offer empirical evidence that intermediate disturbance (i.e., moderate degradation) may be beneficial for supporting soil biodiversity. This has important implications for informing policy and management strategies meant to conserve soil biodiversity and ecosystem services when facing anthropogenic change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a highly pathogenic human coronavirus (CoV). Belonging to the same beta-CoV genus as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-1 (SARS-CoV-1) and SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV has a significantly higher fatality rate with limited human-to-human transmissibility. MERS-CoV causes sporadic outbreaks, but no vaccines have yet been approved for use in humans, thus calling for continued efforts to develop effective vaccines against this important CoV. Similar to SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV contains 4 structural proteins, among which the surface spike (S) protein has been used as a core component in the majority of currently developed MERS-CoV vaccines. Here, we illustrate the importance of the MERS-CoV S protein as a key vaccine target and provide an update on the currently developed MERS-CoV vaccines, including those based on DNAs, proteins, virus-like particles or nanoparticles, and viral vectors. Additionally, we describe approaches for designing MERS-CoV mRNA vaccines and explore the role and importance of naturally occurring pseudo-nucleosides in the design of effective MERS-CoV mRNA vaccines. This review also provides useful insights into designing and evaluating mRNA vaccines against other viral pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beef is rich in various nutrients but easily spoils due to bacterial contamination; thus, a bactericidal method is needed to inactivate meatborne pathogens while maintaining the freshness of beef. The present study was conducted to investigate for the first time the bactericidal effect of blue light (BL) at 415 nm against four meatborne pathogens (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes) both in vitro and inoculated onto the surface of fresh beef. The populations of the four pathogens on the nonirradiated control beef did not change significantly (P > 0.05), whereas a dose-dependent inactivation effect was found for BL-treated beef both in vitro and in vivo. On the beef cuts, BL at 109.44 J/cm2 inactivated 90% of inoculated cells of the tested strains (P < 0.05), and this inactivation effect was sustained during 7 days of cold storage. Insignificant changes in lipid oxidation rate, water holding capacity, and cooking loss were found during storage between the control beef and the beef irradiated at 109.44 J/cm2 at the same time. BL had a minor and nonsignificant effect on surface color and free amino acid concentrations. The pH of the treated beef increased more slowly (P < 0.05) than did that of untreated beef. These results suggest that BL could be a novel bactericide and could help maintain the freshness of beef. The inactivation effect of blue light on meatborne pathogens was dose dependent. Blue light at 109.44 J/cm2 reduced the bacteria in fresh beef. Blue light at 109.44 J/cm2 did not negatively impact beef quality and freshness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pressure injuries presently has been a serious healthcare problem all over the world. Children were recognized as the high-risk population of pressure injuries in the latest prevention and treatment of pressure injuries clinical practice guideline. However, the estimates of incidence, and prevalence of pressure injuries in hospitalized children patients vary considerable in relevant published studies. To systematically quantify the incidence and prevalence of pressure injuries (PIs) in hospitalized children and the most affected PIs sites. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines. Electronic databases searches of the Cochrane Library, Pubmed, Web of Science, Medline, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database (CNKI), Wanfang Database, Chinese Biomedical Database (CBM), and Weipu Database (VIP), and hand-search through references were conducted to find relevant articles. Studies were evaluated independently by two researchers and audited by a third researcher. The data were extracted and presented in tables. The risk of bias was assessed using Hoy's tool. The I 2 statistic and random-effects model were used to assess the heterogeneity. Meta-regression analysis and subgroup analysis were conducted to examine between-study heterogeneity. A total of 6, 672 articles were screened, and 30 studies with 251, 501 participants were ultimately included in this review. The pooled incidence of PIs for 3, 205 children was 13.5% (95% CI : 10.5–16.5); and the pooled prevalence of PIs for 4, 639 children was 12.2% (95% CI : 8.0–16.3). The most affected body sites were occiput, ears, and nose. Meta-regression and subgroup analysis showed that the inpatient ward, and region were the sources of heterogeneity. The incidence and prevalence of PIs was significantly higher than the adults. Our discoveries recommended that healthcare givers ought to pay more consideration to diminish the happens of PIs. Additionally, more research may be needed to improve our understanding of the characteristics of PIs among children and to identify PIs risk factors to prevent and treat it in children effectively. • Conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to analyze the incidence and prevalence of PIs for Children. • Analyzed the most frequent body sites of PIs for children. • Compared the differences between wards and regions of incidence and prevalence for PIs. • Explored the risk factors which affected PIs for children, and pointed out the importance of the prevention of MDRPIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic-inorganic halide perovskite single crystals (OIHP-SCs) are promising light-emitting materials for bright electroluminescence (EL) devices due to their superior optoelectronic properties and excellent stability. However, the conventional high-temperature growth methods will inevitably disturb the ordered growth and introduce massive defects in OIHP-SCs, leading to the degradation of device performance. The preparation of thin OIHP-SCs with low trap-state densities for high-performance EL devices remains a formidable challenge. Here, we develop an efficient antisolvent-assisted confined growth (AACG) method for the room-temperature growth of formamidinium lead bromide (FAPbBr 3) perovskite SCs. An antisolvent vapour environment is intentionally introduced in the spatially confined growth process to lower the free energy barrier for nucleation, enabling the growth of high-quality FAPbBr 3 SCs at room temperature. Consequently, FAPbBr 3 SCs with ultralow trap-state density of 2.15 × 109 cm−3 and amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) threshold of 7.1 µJ cm−2 could be achieved, representing the best results ever reported for FAPbBr 3 SCs. By leveraging the high crystal quality of FAPbBr 3 SCs, SC-based perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) with a high luminance of over 26,000 cd m−2 and a peak current efficiency (CE) of 13.02 cd A−1 are demonstrated. Our work opens up new opportunities for the development of high-performance EL devices based on OIHP-SCs. [Display omitted] • An antisolvent-assisted confined growth method was developed to fabricate high-quality FAPbBr 3 SCs at room temperature. • The FAPbBr 3 SCs exhibited a low trap-state density and ASE threshold of 2.15 × 10-9 cm-3 and 7.1 µJ cm-2, respectively. • The FAPbBr 3 SC-based PeLEDs showed a maximum high luminance and CE of 26,360 cd m-2 and 13.02 cd A-1, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract A channel-restricted meniscus self-assembly (CRMS) method is developed for wafer-scale, highly uniform, aligned growth of organic semiconductor single crystals (OSSCs). Field-effect transistors (FETs) made from the OSSC arrays exhibit a high average mobility of up to 30.3 cm2 V−1 s−1 with good uniformity among devices. This method is general for the growth of various OSSC arrays, facilitating the applications of OSSCs in large-area, high-performance organic electronic devices. Abstract Organic semiconductor single-crystal (OSSC)-based field-effect transistors (FETs) with high mobility and small device-to-device variation enable OSSCs to be adapted for practical applications. Research attention has recently been focused on developing simple ways of fabricating large-area OSSC arrays by means of solution-coating techniques. However, the lack of control of the meniscus front, where the nucleation and growth of organic crystals occur, leads to inconsistent crystal alignment and consequently induces large variation in device performance. Here, we propose a universal strategy, termed the channel-restricted meniscus self-assembly (CRMS) method to fabricate ultrahigh-mobility, uniform OSSC arrays. The microscale photoresist channels used in this method produce a confinement effect to reduce the size of the meniscus, enabling the homogeneous nucleation of OSSCs at the meniscus front. Meanwhile, the dip-coating process ensures consistent molecular packing in the OSSCs and thus guarantees their highly uniform electrical properties. Using 2,6-diphenylanthracene as an example, wafer-scale (>2 inch) OSSC arrays with very small size variations (10%) are successfully prepared, which is very difficult to achieve by using the previously reported methods. As a result, field-effect transistors (FETs) based on the OSSC arrays show a high average hole mobility of up to 30.3 cm2 V−1 s−1 with good uniformity among devices. This method is general for the growth of various OSSC arrays, facilitating the applications of OSSCs in large-area, high-performance organic electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs) cooperate with sex-related genes in post-transcriptional regulation and play extremely important roles in the establishment of sexually dimorphic traits in animals. However, the gonad miRNAs and expression patterns of miRNAs in sturgeon have not been investigated. Methods In the present study, we used high-throughput small RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) to discover gonad miRNAs from the ovaries and testes of Amur sturgeons ( Acipenser schrenckii ). Further, microarray and real-time PCR assays were performed to identify the expression patterns of gonad miRNAs. Results As a result, a total of 679 conserved and 51 novel miRNAs were successfully discovered in the gonads of A. schrenckii . Moreover, we found wide sequence variations (isomiRs) in gonad miRNAs, including 5′ and 3′ isomiRs. Our microarray analysis further characterized the 730 miRNAs expression profiles, which indicated that 117 differentially expressed miRNAs were detected with sex-biased patterns: 71 testis-biased and 46 ovary-biased miRNAs. Based on bioinformatics prediction, we found that there were functional differences between the testis-biased and ovary-biased miRNA targets involved in reproductive-related GO and KEGG pathways. Further, the association of the differentially expressed miRNAs and sex-related target mRNAs was uncovered. Finally, the expression patterns of 11 sex-biased miRNAs and 7 sex-related targets were validated in testes and ovaries using real-time PCR. Putative, negatively expressed miRNA-mRNA relationships were confirmed, such as Dmrt1 and asc-miR-2779, AR and asc-miR-203b-3p, foxl2 and asc-miR-30d. Conclusion This study provides information regarding the gonad miRNAs in sturgeon. The differential expression miRNAs in the gonads will help us to further understand the role of miRNA-mediated post-transcriptional regulation in the ovary and testis of sturgeon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene/silicon (Gr/Si) heterojunctions with simple manufacturing process, high stability and excellent device performance have great potential in photovoltaic (PV) applications. In comparison to conventional PV panels with monotone colors, multi-color PV panels could be integrated in modern building facades and thus largely expand their application ranges. In this work, multi-color Gr/Si heterojunction PV devices were fabricated, for the first time, by taking advantage of the combination of ultra-thin highly transparent graphene and MgF 2 /ZnS anti-reflection coating. The double-layer film coating enabled the multi-color Gr/Si PV devices with both high color saturation and low optical loss. The PV devices exhibited respectable power conversion efficiency (PCE) in the range of 10.7–13.2%, depending on the color of the devices. In addition, PCE of the device with optimized anti-reflection coating reached as high as 14.6%, which is among the highest for the Gr/Si heterojunction solar cells. By varying the film thickness at different positions, a colored Gr/Si solar cell with visible pattern was made on a 2-in. Si wafer. Our work demonstrates the great potential of multi-colored Gr/Si solar cells for new-generation distributed solar energy systems with designable features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfidated nanoscale zero-valent iron (S-nZVI) particles have demonstrated great potential in the remediation of trichloroethylene (TCE) due to their high reactivity and electron selectivity. However, very few studies have been carried out to investigate their application in salinity water or seawater. In this work, two kinds of S-nZVI particles were prepared through different methods including the chemical reduction method (CH-S-nZVI) and the bioprecipitation method (BP-S-nZVI), and then their performances in TCE remediation in seawater environment were thoroughly compared. The results suggested that the TCE removal by CH-S-nZVI particles in seawater is reduced compared to that in fresh water. However, the difference is negligible for BP-S-nZVI particles. It indicates that the seawater has a relatively strong inhibitory effect on the TCE degradation by CH-S-nZVI, but the inhibition for BP-S-nZVI is very weak. Furthermore, this work verified that sodium chloride and organic matters have obvious inhibitory effects on the TCE dichlorination, while coexisting ions such as NO 3 -, SO 4 2- and Mg2+ are helpful to the degradation of TCE. The research proved that the performance of BP-S-nZVI particles in seawater is superior to CH-S-nZVI particles, providing a suitable candidate for the treatment of polluted aquifers in coastal and near-shore areas. [Display omitted] • The performances of BP-S-nZVI and CH-S-nZVI in TCE dechlorination in seawater were compared. • Seawater has an obvious inhibitory effect on the TCE degradation by CH-S-nZVI, but the inhibition for BP-S-nZVI is very weak. • Salinity and organic matter have inhibitory effects on TCE dichlorination, while coexisting ions such as NO 3 -, SO 4 2- and Mg2+ have positive effects. • BP-S-nZVI has been proved to be a suitable candidate for the treatment of polluted aquifers in coastal and near-shore areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose We examined the epigenetic regulation of microRNA-137 (miR-137) on lysine-specific demethylase 1 (KDM1A, or LSD1) induced oncogenic effects in NSCLC. Methods NSCLC cell lines, A549 and H460 cells were transfected with a mammalian LSD1 overexpression plasmid. It's effects on endogenous KDM1A gene and LSD1 protein expressions were examined by qRT-PCR and western blot assays. NSCLC proliferation and migration were also examined by MTT proliferation and wound-scratch assays, respectively. In LSD1-overexpeseed NSCLC cells, lentiviral transfection was conducted to upregulated miR-137 expression. The subsequent effects of miR-137 upregulation on LSD1-mediated cancer regulations were also examined. In addition, key components of histone deacetylases-associated signaling pathways, including EZH2, HDAC1 and HDAC2 were also examined by western blot in LSD1-and miR-137-mediated NSCLC cells. Results Mammalian LSD1 overexpression plasmid was efficient in upregulating KDM1A gene and LSD1 protein in A549 and H460 cells. It also exerted oncogenic effects in NSCLC by promoting cancer proliferation and migration. MiR-137 was inversely correlated with LSD1 in NSCLC, as lentivirus-mediated miR-137 upregulation suppressed KDM1A/LSD1 productions and inhibited proliferation or migration in LSD1-overexpressed A549 and H460 cells. Further western blot analysis demonstrated EZH2, HDAC1 and HDAC2 were activated by LSD1, but inhibited by miR-137 in NSCLC. Conclusion Oncogenic effects of LSD1 were reversely regulated by its upstream epigenetic modulator miR-137 in NSCLC. The interaction between LSD1 and miR-137 may very well involve the regulation on histone deacetylases-associated signaling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wnt signaling plays essential roles in both embryonic pattern formation and postembryonic tissue homoestasis. High levels of Wnt activity repress foregut identity and facilitate hindgut fate through forming a gradient of Wnt signaling activity along the anterior-posterior axis. Here, we examined the mechanisms of Wnt signaling in hindgut development by differentiating human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) into the hindgut progenitors. We observed severe morphological changes when Wnt signaling was blocked by using Wnt antagonist Dkk1. We performed deep-transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) and identified 240 Wnt-activated genes and 2023 Wnt-repressed genes, respectively. Clusters of Wnt targets showed enrichment in specific biological functions, such as “gastrointestinal or skeletal development” in the Wnt-activated targets and “neural or immune system development” in the Wnt-repressed targets. Moreover, we adopted a high-throughput chromatin immunoprecipitation and deep sequencing (ChIP-seq) approach to identify the genomic regions through which Wnt-activated transcription factor TCF7L2 regulated transcription. We identified 83 Wnt direct target candidates, including the hindgut marker CDX2 and the genes relevant to morphogenesis ( MSX1 , MSX2 , LEF1 , T , PDGFRB etc. ) through combinatorial analysis of the RNA-seq and ChIP-seq data. Together, our study identified a series of direct and indirect Wnt targets in hindgut differentiation, and uncovered the diverse mechanisms of Wnt signaling in regulating multi-lineage differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zero-dimensional graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have lately intrigued intensive interest because of their great promise in energy, optoelectronic, and bio-imaging applications. Herein, we demonstrated the fabrication of highly efficient GQDs/n-silicon heterojunction solar cells via a simple solution process. Owing to the unique band structure, the GQDs layer could not only serve as hole transport layer to facilitate the separation of photo-generated electron-hole pairs, but also act as electron blocking layer to suppress the carrier recombination at anode. Moreover, graphene was used as the transparent top electrode for the heterojunction solar cells, ensuring the efficient light absorption and carrier collection. By adjusting the sizes of GQDs and the thickness of GQDs layer, a power conversion efficiency (PCE) as high as 12.35% under AM 1.5G irradiation was achieved, which represented a new efficiency record for this new-type solar cell. The devices also exhibited excellent stability in air due to the high chemical/physical stability of GQDs and graphene. The successful achievement of the high-efficiency GQDs/Si heterojunction solar cells opens up the opportunities for their potential applications in high-performance and low-cost photovoltaics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]