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Albuminuria is a crucial marker of kidney damage and serves as an early indicator of the risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Recent studies have suggested that the cardiometabolic index (CMI), could be valuable for screening renal insufficiency. However, the relationship between CMI and albuminuria remains underexplored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between CMI and albuminuria, with the goal of providing new insights for the clinical diagnosis, assessment, and early intervention of kidney disease. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for the period between 2017-2020 provided the data for this cross-sectional investigation. Triglyceride (TG) (mmol/L)/High density lipid-cholesterol (HDL-C) (mmol/L) ×  Waist height ratio (WHtR) was the formula used for calculating CMI. Using multifactorial logistic regression, the independent connection between albuminuria and CMI was investigated. The threshold effect was determined by means of a two-stage linear regression model. Additionally, subgroup analysis and interaction tests were carried out. A total of 3,339 participants were included, and 12.38% of them had albuminuria. As the CMI quartiles grew (quartile 1: 7.78%, quartile 2: 13.43%, quartile 3: 12.93%, quartile 4: 17.01%), so did the probability of albuminuria. The results of adjusted model 3 showed that a greater probability of albuminuria prevalence was strongly correlated with CMI (OR =  2.26, 95% CI: 1.58-3.23). This association held true for all subgroups (all P for trend >  0.05). Furthermore, with a two-stage linear regression model with an inflection point of 0.92, we discovered a nonlinear relationship between CMI and albuminuria. Our findings indicate that CMI levels are significantly associated with the risk of albuminuria prevalence, suggesting that CMI could serve as a valuable biomarker for assessing the risk of albuminuria.

In the environment of oil and gas wells, the shielding effect of metal casing increases the difficulty of applying wireless electromagnetic wave transmission technology in such wells. This paper constructs a theoretical model of downhole electromagnetic helical loop transmission based on the finite element method. The magnetic loop is equated with the helical loop antenna in the model. By means of simulation calculations, this study deeply investigates the impact of various factors, such as working frequency within the cased well, drilling fluid resistivity, formation resistivity, drill string dimensions, and electrical conductivity, on the attenuation pattern of the helical loop antenna. The results show that low-frequency signals experience relatively less attenuation underground, while high-frequency signals demonstrate better transmission effects over shorter distances. Moreover, drilling fluids with low resistivity are more suitable for short-distance transmission, whereas high resistivity can effectively reduce signal attenuation and improve transmission distance. The variation in formation resistivity has a relatively small impact on signal transmission and can be considered negligible. In terms of drill string characteristics, as the electrical conductivity of the drill collars increases, signal attenuation gradually decreases, and the amplitude of the received signal is enhanced. With the inner and outer diameters of the drill collars remaining the same, a finer inner diameter of the casing aids electromagnetic wave short-distance transmission, whereas a thicker casing can reduce electromagnetic wave attenuation. Theoretical and practical results are in good agreement through field trial comparative analysis.

This research proposes a wireless extremely low-frequency electromagnetic wave communication technology applicable to the water injection well environment, which can replace the traditional wired transmission method to ensure the stable transmission of water injection well data. Given the significant obstruction of the metal casing in the water injection well to the propagation of electromagnetic waves, this study constructs a refined finite element model for wireless extremely low-frequency electromagnetic transmission in water injection wells based on the electromagnetic field theory and conducts a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the complex communication channel. The research shows that the load impedance is a key factor affecting the transmission performance of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic waves in cased wells. In addition, this study introduces the concept of contact resistance for the first time and deeply explores its impact on the electromagnetic transmission efficiency. Based on the above theoretical findings, we propose an innovative solution, that is, wrapping insulating materials on the outside of the oil pipe to improve the transmission effect of electromagnetic waves. Verified by simulation and field experiments, this method significantly enhances the signal reception strength of the ground antenna.

In the field of oil and gas exploration engineering, logging data is the key information for obtaining subsurface oil and gas reservoir information. Geophysicists establish accurate formation models through comprehensive logging curve data and then formulate oil and gas development strategies. However, in the actual logging process, due to the fact that instruments are often affected by multiple environmental factors, the formation resistivity change curve is shifted, making it difficult to reflect the real formation resistivity information. Especially for slim hole array lateral logging instruments, which are significantly affected by the borehole, borehole correction processing is urgently needed. To address this problem, this paper combines neural networks with the prediction of borehole correction coefficients for slim hole array lateral logging and proposes a borehole correction coefficient prediction method based on a particle swarm optimization (PSO) and backpropagation (BP) hybrid model. Firstly, this paper uses the traditional BP neural network model to predict the borehole correction coefficient. The results show that the probability that the correction coefficient error is within 5% is 92.3%. To further improve the prediction accuracy of logging curves, this paper uses the PSO-BP neural network model for training and prediction. After verification, the probability that the correction coefficient predicted by the PSO-BP model has an error within 5% is as high as 98.8%. This result indicates that the PSO-BP model has superior and stable performance and can be effectively applied in borehole correction processing. It is an efficient and reliable prediction method for slim hole correction coefficients. The research results of this paper provide strong support for realizing intelligent downhole drilling and have important practical application value.

Many patients with malignant tumors fail to derive full benefits from adjuvant chemotherapy. This limitation arises from two primary factors. First, certain cancer types, such as renal cell carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma-lack effective chemotherapy regimens. Second, factors such as advanced age, poor physical condition, and severe adverse reactions may prevent patients from completing chemotherapy. Although targeted therapies and PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors have significantly expanded the treatment options, their efficacy depends on genetic testing results, and they remain limited by drug resistance, substantial side effects, and immune-related adverse events. In contrast, cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cell therapy involves the reinfusion of highly activated CD3+ T cells into immunocompromised patients, demonstrating a favorable safety profile without severe side effects. This approach shows significant potential for eliminating micrometastases and suppressing tumor recurrence. The three selected cases in this study involved malignant solid tumors, none of which had undergone standard chemotherapy. Case 1 was diagnosed with renal malignancy, for which no suitable chemotherapy regimen was available. Case 2 involved an elderly patient with advanced gastric cancer who declined chemotherapy because of concerns over its adverse effects. Case 3 was diagnosed with terminal-stage hepatocellular carcinoma, for which chemotherapy was ineffective. All of them benefited from CIK cell administration. We recommend the early postoperative application of CIK cell therapy for solid tumor patients, particularly in cases involving: (1) cancer types with limited chemotherapeutic options, (2) chemotherapy-intolerant patients, (3) cases of chemotherapy failure, and (4) patients who have completed standard chemoradiotherapy regimens.

Hemolytic disease in grass carp ( C. idella ) leads to hemolysis in vivo , releasing damage-related molecular patterns (DAMPs) hemoglobin (Hb; which is rapidly oxidized to Hb-Fe 3+ and Hb-Fe 4+ ) and generating a high level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that cause oxidative damage. However, the effect of cell-free Hb on tissue cells of grass carp has yet to be elucidated. In this study, western blotting (WB) and immunofluorescence analysis (IFA) results showed that PHZ-induced hemolysis caused Hb and iron accumulation, increased the production of ROS and resulted in apoptosis in head kidney and middle kidney of the grass carp. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), WB, and IFA revealed that PHZ-induced hemolysis significantly upregulated the expression of inflammation-related genes through activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. To further explore the effect of Hb, three forms of Hb (Hb, MetHb, and FerrylHb) were prepared. The incubation with the different forms of Hb and heme markedly upregulated the expression of cytokine genes through NF-κB signaling pathway, which was further confirmed by a specific inhibitor (caffeic acid phenethyl ester, CAPE). Flow cytometry analysis data showed that the stimulation of different forms of Hb and heme increased the production of ROS, and resulted in apoptosis. In summary, our data suggest that the excess cell-free Hb released during hemolysis modulates the inflammatory response through activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway and causes cell oxidative damage and apoptosis.

Renal fibrosis, a hallmark of chronic kidney disease, is closely associated with dysregulated gluconeogenesis. Tanshinone I (Tan I), a bioactive compound derived from the traditional Chinese medicine Danshen, exhibits antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its effects on gluconeogenesis and the mechanisms through which it alleviates renal fibrosis remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether Tan I promotes gluconeogenesis and mitigates renal fibrosis. Both and experiments were conducted. A unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mouse model was used. Masson's trichrome, HE, and immunofluorescence staining, along with Western blotting, were employed. Lactate concentrations and a pyruvate tolerance test were conducted to assess glucose metabolism. , HK2 cells and primary renal tubular cells were treated with transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) to induce fibrosis, and the effects of Tan I on glucose and lactate levels were examined. In the UUO model, Tan I reduced fibrosis, decreased lactate accumulation, and modulated fibrosis markers while upregulating gluconeogenesis markers. Tanshinone I restored impaired renal gluconeogenesis, as evidenced by increased pyruvate levels. , Tan I inhibited fibrosis, reduced lactate levels, and increased glucose levels in cell supernatants. It also restored gluconeogenesis protein expression and decreased fibrotic protein levels. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator (PGC1α) expression was downregulated in UUO and TGFβ-stimulated models, and Tan I reversed this downregulation. Inhibition of PGC1α in TGFβ-stimulated cells counteracted the antifibrotic and gluconeogenesis-promoting effects of Tan I. Tanshinone I ameliorated renal fibrosis by enhancing gluconeogenesis through upregulation of PGC1α.

(1) Background: Deubiquitinase (DUB) regulates various important cellular processes via reversing the protein ubiquitination. The N-terminal fragment of a giant tegument protein, UL36, encoded by the Marek’s disease (MD) virus (MDV), encompasses a putative DUB (UL36-DUB) and shares no homology with any known DUBs. The N-terminus 75 kDa fragment of UL36 exists in MD T lymphoma cells at a high level and participates in MDV pathogenicity. (2) Methods: To characterize deubiquitinating activity and substrate specificity of UL36-DUB, the UL36 N-terminal fragments, UL36(323), UL36(480), and mutants were prepared using the Bac-to-Bac system. The deubiquitinating activity and substrate specificity of these recombinant UL36-DUBs were analyzed using various ubiquitin (Ub) or ubiquitin-like (UbL) substrates and activity-based deubiquitinating enzyme probes. (3) Results: The results indicated that wild type UL36-DUBs show a different hydrolysis ability against varied types of ubiquitin chains. These wild type UL36-DUBs presented the highest activity to K11, K48, and K63 linkage Ub chains, weak activity to K6, K29, and K33 Ub chains, and no activity to K27 linkage Ub chain. UL36 has higher cleavage efficiency for K48 and K63 poly-ubiquitin than linear ubiquitin chain (M1-Ub4), but no activity on various ubiquitin-like modifiers. The mutation of C98 and H234 residues eliminated the deubiquitinating activity of UL36-DUB. D232A mutation impacted, but did not eliminated UL36(480) activity. The Ub-Br probe can bind to wild type UL36-DUB and mutants UL36(480)H234A and UL36(480)D232A, but not C98 mutants. These in vitro results suggested that the C98 and H234 are essential catalytic residues of UL36-DUB. UL36-DUB exhibited a strict substrate specificity. Inhibition assay revealed that UL36-DUB exhibits resistance to the Roche protease inhibitor cocktail and serine protease inhibitor, but not to the Solarbio protease inhibitor cocktail. (4) Conclusions: UL36-DUB exhibited a strict substrate preference, and the protocol developed in the current study for obtaining active UL36-DUB protein should promote the high-throughput screening of UL36 inhibitors and the study on the function of MDV-encoded UL36.

The genetic roles of protein-encoding genes in nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P) susceptibility have been intensively studied, but many gaps remain including the emerging roles of long non-coding RNA. In this study, we found that NSCL/P risk-associated SNPs may have higher chances to modulate lncRNA genes than protein-coding genes. Through a multi-omics screen strategy, we identified a variant in lncPSMB1 , associated with the risk of NSCL/P. We found that the rs4710839 risk C allele recruited more MYC, and increased the expression of lncPSMB1 . LncPSMB1 overexpression zebrafish models caused oedema around the heart and craniofacial defects, compared with control embryos. In vitro experiments, RNA sequencing and enrichment analysis showed that lncPSMB1 activated the apoptosis pathway in human embryonic palatal mesenchyme cells. Furthermore, RNA pull-down and RIP (RNA immunoprecipitation) assays demonstrated that lncPSMB1 directly bound to KRT1, reduced its protein stability, and promoted ubiquitination-mediated degradation. Meanwhile, knockdown of KRT1 significantly rescued lncPSMB1 overexpression phenotype by inducing decrease in cell apoptosis and increase in cell proliferation. These findings suggested that modulating lncRNA expression is an important mechanism for risk-associated SNPs in promoting NSCL/P development. Modulation of long noncoding RNAs by risk SNPs underlying genetic predispositions to nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate.

Loquat leaf extract (LLE) was added to guar gum and pullulan as an environmentally friendly packaging film (GPE) to preserve Chinese water chestnuts (CWCs). The effect of the amount of LLE on the guar gum/pullulan composite film was investigated. The optimal amount of LLE was 4% (GPE4), with lower water vapor permeability (WVP) and greater mechanical strength, antioxidant, and comparable antibacterial performance than many pullulan-based films. Upon packing the CWCs for 4 days, the weight loss rate of GPE4 was only 1.80 ± 0.05%. For GPE4, the POD activity, the soluble solid content, and the vitamin C (Vc) content of the CWCs were 21.61%, 36.16%, and 26.22% higher than those of the control sample, respectively. More importantly, GPE4 was effective in preserving the quality of CWCs after 4 days of storage, better or at least comparable to non-biodegradable plastic wrapping (PE). Therefore, it can be concluded that GPE films hold significant promise as a sustainable alternative packaging material for preserving fruit-based foods like CWCs, potentially replacing PE in the future.