Segatella copri and gut microbial ammonia metabolism contribute to chronic kidney disease pathogenesis.

Alterations in gut microbiota have been linked to chronic kidney disease (CKD), but large-scale studies and mechanistic insights are limited. Here we analysed gut metagenome data from 1,550 older individuals (aged 65-93 years) with comprehensive kidney function measurements. Segatella copri was positively associated with kidney function through microbial ammonia metabolism-related pathways and the asnA gene, which encodes an ammonia-assimilating enzyme.

Pollutant distribution in vertebrates across scales: Organs, cells, and organelles.

Pollutant accumulation patterns are essential for understanding their toxicity mechanisms and health risks. Accurately identifying pollutant accumulation sites and toxicity targets requires an integrated understanding of their distribution across multiple scales. This review systematically examines recent advances in the multi-scale distribution of environmental pollutants in vertebrates, spanning organ, cellular, and subcellular levels.

Profiling the cytotoxic effects of naled and other pesticides in primary human placental cytotrophoblasts.

Placental cytotrophoblasts (CTBs) play critical roles in placentation, including implantation, barrier function, uterine invasion, and maternal endovascular remodeling. Impairment of CTB function is linked with common pregnancy complications. In this context, environmental chemicals can contribute to CTB dysfunction.

Efficient Bicarbonate Electrolysis to Formate Enabled via Ionomer Surface Modification in Cation Exchange Membrane Electrolyzers.

Electrochemical CO reduction (CORR) is a promising method for converting CO into valuable chemicals, with formate being a particularly viable product. However, current gas-fed CORR systems rely on highly pure CO feed gases and are incompatible with point-source CO emissions without prior capture and concentration. Bicarbonate electrolysis offers a potential solution by bridging the gap between CO emissions and utilization.

Separating the Role of Gut Enzymatic Transformation in Modulating Internal Exposure to Three Major Phthalates.

The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is crucial in the absorption and metabolism of xenobiotics, including phthalates─widespread environmental contaminants associated with various health risks. Estimating human exposure to phthalates via biomonitoring is challenging due to their complex metabolic pathways, resulting in a mass-balance gap between internal and external exposure. The relative contributions of the GIT and liver to phthalate metabolism remain underexplored.

Randomized clinical trial of acupuncture in patients with poor ovarian response.

This study investigated the effect of acupuncture in patients with poor ovarian response (POR) receiving controlled ovarian stimulation (COS). Sixty seven patients with POR were randomly divided into two groups: Group A (acupuncture+COS) and Group B (COS only). The results showed that the rate of high-quality embryos and rate of available embryos in group A were significantly higher than those in group B (P<0.

Acupuncture Increased the Number of Retrieved Oocytes in a Mouse Model of POR: The Involvement of DNA Methylation in the Oocytes.

Background: Poor ovarian response (POR) reduces the success rate of in vitro fertilization mainly because of fewer oocytes retrieved. Acupuncture (Ac) therapy can improve the number of retrieved oocytes in the controlled ovarian stimulation program. The role of Ac in the corresponding epigenetic mechanism of POR has not been studied.

Novel H16N3 avian influenza viruses isolated from migratory gulls in China in 2023.

As a rare subtype of avian influenza virus, H16 viruses are predominant in gulls but rarely found in domestic birds. The low prevalence of H16 viruses has limited our understanding of their epidemiology and evolutionary dynamics. In this study, we isolated three novel H16N3 viruses from migratory gulls in East Asian-Australasian Flyway in eastern China in 2023, which are significantly different from previously identified isolates.

Genetics and biological characteristics of duck reoviruses isolated from ducks and geese in China.

The emergence and circulation of duck reovirus have caused severe threats to domestic waterfowl production because of the lethal infections they cause in ducks and geese. However, the evolution of circulating duck reoviruses and their replication and pathogenicity in domestic birds have not been fully investigated. In this study, we identified and isolated six duck reoviruses from clinical samples of sick or deceased farmed ducks and geese and sequenced their full genomes.

Exploring the Mechanism of Acupuncture in Improving Ovarian Function in Rats with Poor Ovarian Response Using High-Throughput Sequencing.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the possible mechanism through which acupuncture protects ovaries with Poor Ovarian Response (POR) in rats based on microRNA (miRNA).

Methods: Thirty-six SPF SD female non-pregnant rats aged 8 weeks were randomly divided into the blank group, model group, and acupuncture group, with 12 rats in each group. According to the group, the rats were given gavage of Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycosides suspension for 14 days to establish the model of POR, and then the rats were treated with acupuncture for 2 weeks, once a day, for 20 minutes.

Identification of the Cold-Related Genes COLD11 and OsCTS11 via BSA-seq and Fine Mapping at the Rice Seedling Stage.

Cold stress has a significantly negative effect on the growth, development, and yield of rice. However, the genetic basis for the differences in the cold tolerance of Xian/indica and Geng/japonica rice seedlings is still largely unknown. In this study, an RIL population was generated by crossing of the cold-tolerant japonica variety Nipponbare and the cold-sensitive indica variety WD16343 for BSA-seq analysis, and a major cold tolerance QTL qCTS11 was identified on chromosome 11.

Knowledge, attitude and practice of pediatric healthcare staff towards the therapy for patients with congenital heart disease.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of pediatric healthcare staff towards the therapy for patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). CHD is a major global health concern, posing significant risks to health and life despite advancements in early detection and treatment.

Methods: This web-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 04, 2023 to August 12, 2023 in the Bengbu area (three counties and one city) for pediatric healthcare staff.

Microglial purinergic signaling in Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease. The prevalent features of AD pathogenesis are the appearance of β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, which cause microglial activation, synaptic deficiency, and neuronal loss. Microglia accompanies AD pathological processes and is also linked to cognitive deficits.

Lithiation Induced Phases in 1T'-MoTe Nanoflakes.

Multiple polytypes of MoTe with distinct structures and intriguing electronic properties can be accessed by various physical and chemical approaches. Here, we report electrochemical lithium (Li) intercalation into 1T'-MoTe nanoflakes, leading to the discovery of two previously unreported lithiated phases. Distinguished by their structural differences from the pristine 1T' phase, these distinct phases were characterized using polarization Raman spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction.

Ecological and Genetic Landscapes of Global H12 Avian Influenza Viruses and Biological Characteristics of an H12N5 Virus Isolated from Wild Ducks in Eastern China.

Wild migratory birds are considered the central reservoirs of avian influenza viruses. H12 viruses are one of the 16 hemagglutinin (HA) subtypes of avian influenza viruses and are rarely reported because they are infrequently detected in birds. Consequently, the ecological and genetic profiles of H12 viruses and their adaptation in domestic birds and mammals remain unclear.

The impact of kidney function on plasma neurofilament light and phospho-tau 181 in a community-based cohort: the Shanghai Aging Study.

Background: The blood-based biomarkers are approaching the clinical practice of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a potential confounding effect on peripheral protein levels. It is essential to characterize the impact of renal function on AD markers.

Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals transdifferentiation of parathyroid chief cells into oxyphil cells in patients with uremic secondary hyperparathyroidism.

The parathyroid gland is one of the main organs that regulate calcium and phosphorus metabolism. It is mainly composed of chief cells and oxyphil cells. Oxyphil cell counts are low in the parathyroid glands of healthy adults but are dramatically increased in patients with uremia and secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT).

Unveiling the Microfiber Release Footprint: Guiding Control Strategies in the Textile Production Industry.

Microplastic fibers from textiles have been known to significantly contribute to marine microplastic pollution. However, little is known about the microfiber formation and discharge during textile production. In this study, we have quantified microfiber emissions from one large and representative textile factory during different stages, spanning seven different materials, including cotton, polyester, and blended fabrics, to further guide control strategies.

Phosphorus balance calculator: an individualized tool for treatment of hyperphosphatemia in hemodialysis patients.

Background: Lack of evaluations of the dietary phosphorus and dialysis phosphorus removal in daily clinical practice are common obstacles to assessing phosphorus balance and controlling phosphorus in hemodialysis patients. We aimed to investigate whether individualized therapy using a phosphorus balance calculator improves phosphorus control.

Methods: A randomized, open-label, multicenter, 4-week clinical trial was conducted.

A missing jigsaw within the hygiene hypothesis: Low-dose bisphenol A exposure attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced asthma protection.

The rising occurrence of allergic asthma in early life across industrialized countries suggests that environmental factors play a crucial role in determining asthma susceptibility and severity. While prior exposure to microbial lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) has been found to offer protection against allergic asthma, infants residing in urban environments are increasingly exposed to environmental pollutants. Utilizing limulus lysate test screens and virtual screening models, we identified pollutants that can modulate LPS bioactivity.

Plasma Aβ:Aβ ratio as a biomarker for cognitive impairment in haemodialysis patients: a multicentre study.

Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia are more prevalent in patients undergoing haemodialysis (HD). Although the cerebrospinal fluid amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau (τ) have proven to be valid biomarkers for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in the general population, the roles of plasma Aβ and τ for the diagnosis of cognitive impairment in HD patients remain unknown.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study including patients receiving HD in three hospitals in Shanghai.

Infiltration of freshwater food chain by nanoplastics: An examination of trophic transfer and biological impact.

The contamination of freshwater by nanoplastics (NPs) poses a significant threat to various organisms. However, the influence of food factors on the NPs toxicity and the associated risks to water safety remains poorly understood. In this study, we employed highly fluorescent NPs incorporating aggregation-induced emission fluorogens to quantify and visualize the interactions of NPs with freshwater phytoplanktonic alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and zooplankton Daphnia magna, including the uptake of NPs by algae and daphnids, as well as gut environment responses through both waterborne and foodborne routes.