Explore the vast range of titles available.

The conversion of iron tailings, a mining solid waste, into conductive concrete aligns with green engineering and supports the development of intelligent construction materials. This study employed a four-factor, four-level orthogonal test to investigate the effects of water-binder ratio, silica fume content, sand-binder ratio, and carbon fiber content on the density, compressive strength, and resistivity of carbon fiber-reinforced iron tailings conductive concrete (CF-ITCC). It is found that the compressive strength of CF-ITCC is linearly positively correlated with the density, and the correlation coefficient is 0.87. When the density ≥ 2300 kg/m 3 , the strength is generally more than 30 MPa, up to 44.7 MPa. The volume content of carbon fiber > 0.25% gives it excellent conductivity, with a minimum of 616 Ω cm. The sand-binder ratio dominates the density and strength, and the carbon fiber content dominates the resistivity, and the ratio combination of minimum density, maximum strength and optimal conductivity is determined. Microscopically, the hydration products C–S–H gel and calcium hydroxide enhance the strength, and carbon fiber and iron tailings form a conductive network to reduce the resistance. The material has the application value of solid waste resource utilization and intelligent construction, and promotes the innovative practice of engineering materials teaching through interdisciplinary experimental system. This research presents a novel approach for utilizing iron tailings and improving concrete conductivity. Additionally, a composite engineering materials experiment system integrating materials science, construction technology, and environmental engineering was developed. This system expanded traditional teaching frameworks and supported teaching reform by enhancing students’ understanding of engineering materials theory and strengthening their innovative and practical abilities. The multidisciplinary paradigm demonstrates strong application value in ecological governance and engineering education reform.

Streptococcus suis serotype 2 (SS2) is an important zoonotic bacterial pathogen that can causes meningitis, septicemia, endocarditis, arthritis, pneumonia, and streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome in pigs and humans. FabG, an essential reductase in the bacteria type II fatty acid synthesis pathway, is present in the extracellular space and binds to many extracellular matrix components of the host. In this study, we investigated the moonlight function of FabG. First, we found that the transcription of FabG in virulent SS2 strains was significantly higher than in avirulent strains, indicating that FabG may be involved in the pathogenesis of S. suis . After preparation of recombinant proteins, we found that the recombinant FabG could directly bind to host epithelial cells. ELISA, SPR, and Far-Western blot assays showed that rFabG could bind to the host plasminogen. Furthermore, the ability of rFabG to recruit host plasminogen to degrade the host ECM component was visualized by electron microscopy. Moreover, we found that rFabG could bind to complement C3 in serum and enhance the survival ability of S. suis in serum. Collectively, these data imply that FabG is a moonlight adhesin involved in S. suis cytoadhesion and a plasminogen receptor that could help S. suis break through the host barrier or evade immune defenses.

Extending the benefits of tumor molecular profiling for all cancer patients requires a comprehensive analysis of tumor genomes across distinct patient populations worldwide. In this study, we perform deep next-generation DNA sequencing (NGS) from tumor tissues and matched blood specimens from over 10,000 patients in China by using a 450-gene comprehensive assay, developed and implemented under international clinical regulations. We perform a comprehensive comparison of somatically altered genes, the distribution of tumor mutational burden (TMB), gene fusion patterns, and the spectrum of various somatic alterations between Chinese and American patient populations. Here, we show 64% of cancers from Chinese patients in this study have clinically actionable genomic alterations, which may affect clinical decisions related to targeted therapy or immunotherapy. These findings describe the similarities and differences between tumors from Chinese and American patients, providing valuable information for personalized medicine. Understanding the mutation landscape of cancer may enable the development of more targeted therapies. Here, the authors sequence a panel of genes in a large Asian cohort and compare to American cohorts and find 64% of the Asian patients have actionable mutations.

Streptococcus parasuis ( S. parasuis ) is a close relative of Streptococcus suis ( S. suis ), composed of former members of S. suis serotypes 20, 22 and 26. S. parasuis could infect pigs and cows, and recently, human infection cases have been reported, making S. parasuis a potential opportunistic zoonotic pathogen. In this study, we analysed the genomic characteristics of S. parasuis , using pan-genome analysis, and compare some phenotypic determinants such as capsular polysaccharide, integrative conjugative elements, CRISPR-Cas system and pili, and predicted the potential virulence genes by associated analysis of the clinical condition of isolated source animals and genotypes. Furthermore, to discuss the relationship with S. suis , we compared these characteristics of S. parasuis with those of S. suis . We found that the characteristics of S. parasuis are similar to those of S. suis , both of them have “open” pan-genome, their antimicrobial resistance gene profiles are similar and a srtF pilus cluster of S. suis was identified in S. parasuis genome. But S. parasuis still have its unique characteristics, two novel pilus clusters are and three different type CRISPR-Cas system were found. Therefore, this study provides novel insights into the interspecific and intraspecific genetic characteristics of S. parasuis , which can be useful for further study of this opportunistic pathogen, such as serotyping, diagnostics, vaccine development, and study of the pathogenesis mechanism.

Klebsiella pneumoniae has become one of the most intractable gram-negative pathogens infecting humans and animals due to its severe antibiotic resistance. Bacteriophages and protein products derived from them are receiving increasing amounts of attention as potential alternatives to antibiotics. In this study, we isolated and investigated the characteristics of a new lytic phage, P1011, which lyses K5 K. pneumoniae specifically among 26 serotypes. The K5-specific capsular polysaccharide-degrading depolymerase dep1011 was identified and expressed. By establishing murine infection models using bovine strain B16 (capable of supporting phage proliferation) and human strain KP181 (incapable of sustaining phage expansion), we explored the safety and efficacy of phage and dep1011 treatments against K5 K. pneumoniae . Phage P1011 resulted in a 60% survival rate of the mice challenged with K. pneumoniae supporting phage multiplication, concurrently lowering the bacterial burden in their blood, liver, and lungs. Unexpectedly, even when confronted with bacteria impervious to phage multiplication, phage therapy markedly decreased the number of viable organisms. The protective efficacy of the depolymerase was significantly better than that of the phage. The depolymerase achieved 100% survival in both treatment groups regardless of phage propagation compatibility. These findings indicated that P1011 and dep1011 might be used as potential antibacterial agents to control K5 K. pneumoniae infection.

ObjectiveTo explore the clinical utility of bedside ultrasound for monitoring gastric residual volume in early enteral nutrition among mechanically ventilated patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD).MethodsA total of 60 patients with AECOPD and undergoing mechanical ventilation were selected from the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Second Hospital of Jiaxing between April 2020 and April 2023. They were randomly assigned to either an ultrasound group or a control group, with each group consisting of 30 cases. In the ultrasound group, gastric residual volume was monitored using bedside ultrasound measurement of gastric antrum area, while in the control group it was monitored using gastric fluid withdrawal method. The monitoring frequency was set at once every 4 hours, and enteral nutrition was dynamically adjusted based on the monitoring results. The operation time of gastric residual volume monitoring, standard rate of enteral nutrition within 48 h, standard time of enteral nutrition, and the incidence of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.ResultsThe operation time for gastric residual monitoring and the duration required for enteral nutrition to reach the standard were significantly shorter in the ultrasound group compared to the control group ( p < 0.05). Additionally, the incidence of diarrhea, constipation, abdominal distension, and aspiration in the ultrasound group was significantly lower compared to the control group ( p < 0.05). However, the rate of 48-h enteral nutrition compliance did not exhibit a statistically significant difference between the two groups ( p > 0.05).ConclusionThe utilization of bedside ultrasound for monitoring gastric residual volume is both convenient and accurate, thereby facilitating early enteral nutrition in patients with AECOPD and mechanical ventilation, while concurrently reducing the occurrence of complications associated with feeding intolerance.

Mycoplasma hyorhinis infects pigs causing polyserositis and polyarthritis, and has also been reported in a variety of human tumor tissues. The occurrence of disease is often linked with the systemic invasion of the pathogen. Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (GAPDH), one of the key enzymes of glycolysis, was reported as a surface multifunctional molecule in several bacteria. Here, we investigated whether GAPDH could manifest binary functions; as an adhesin to promote colonization as well as a plasminogen receptor functioning in extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation to promote systemic invasion. The surface localization of GAPDH was observed in M. hyorhinis with flow cytometry and colony blot analysis. Recombinant GAPDH (rGAPDH) was found to be able to bind porcine-derived PK-15 and human-derived NCI-H292 cells. The incubation with anti-GAPDH antibody significantly decreased the adherence of M. hyorhinis to both cell lines. To investigate its function in recruiting plasminogen, firstly, the interaction between rGAPDH and plasminogen was demonstrated by ELISA and Far-Western blot assay. The activation of the rGAPDH-bound plasminogen into plasmin was proved by using a chromogenic substrate, and furtherly confirmed to degrade extracellular matrix by using a reconstituted ECM. Finally, the ability of rGAPDH to bind different ECM components was demonstrated, including fibronectin, laminin, collagen type IV and vitronectin. Collectively, our data imply GAPDH as an important adhesion factor of M. hyrohinis and a receptor for hijacking host plasminogen to degrade ECM. The multifunction of GAPDH to bind both plasminogen and ECM components is believed to increase the targeting of proteolysis and facilitate the dissemination of M. hyorhinis .

Basal ganglia hemorrhage (BGH) is a life-threatening neurosurgical emergency associated with substantial mortality and disability. Accurate postoperative prognosis assessment remains challenging due to multifactorial influences. Hemoglobin (HB), as the key determinant of oxygen delivery, may play a critical role in neurological recovery, yet the prognostic significance of perioperative HB fluctuations in BGH has not been fully elucidated. A retrospective cohort of 213 surgically treated BGH patients from 2020 to 2023 was analyzed. Perioperative HB indices, including preoperative (Pre-HB), postoperative (Post-HB), and mean HB (Mean-HB) levels, were evaluated alongside clinical data. Functional outcome at 6 months was determined based on the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression together with multivariate logistic regression models were utilized to screen for independent risk variables, followed by construction of a composite predictive model. Model discrimination, calibration, and evaluation of the model's clinical applicability were conducted using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, calibration plots, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Patients with poor prognosis exhibited significantly lower Pre-HB, Post-HB, and Mean-HB levels (all < 0.05). Multivariate analysis confirmed these variables as independent predictors of adverse outcome. The proposed model provides a practical and data-driven tool that demonstrated good predictive performance (AUC = 0.84) in a single-center retrospective cohort. Calibration and DCA demonstrated good consistency and potential clinical applicability. Perioperative declines in HB are independently associated with poor postoperative outcomes in BGH. The proposed HB-integrated model provides a reliable, dynamic tool for individualized risk prediction, facilitating precision perioperative management and optimized recovery strategies.

Mycoplasma hyorhinis may cause systemic inflammation of pigs, typically polyserositis and arthritis, and is also associated with several types of human cancer. However, the pathogenesis of M. hyorhinis colonizing and breaching the respiratory barrier to establish systemic infection is poorly understood. Glycolytic enzymes are important moonlighting proteins and virulence-related factors in various bacteria. In this study, we investigated the functions of a glycolytic critical enzyme, enolase in the infection and systemic spread of M. hyorhinis . Bacterial surface localization of enolase was confirmed by flow cytometry and colony hybridization assay. Recombinant M. hyorhinis enolase (rEno) was found to adhere to pig kidney (PK-15) cells, and anti-rEno serum significantly decreased adherence. The enzyme was also found to bind host plasminogen and fibronectin, and interactions were specific and strong, with dissociation constant ( K D ) values of 1.4 nM and 14.3 nM, respectively, from surface plasmon resonance analysis. Activation of rEno-bound plasminogen was confirmed by its ability to hydrolyze plasmin-specific substrates and to degrade a reconstituted extracellular matrix. To explore key sites during these interactions, C-terminal lysine residues of enolase were replaced with leucine, and the resulting single-site and double-site mutants show significantly reduced interaction with plasminogen in far-Western blotting and surface plasmon resonance tests. The binding affinities of all mutants to fibronectin were reduced as well. Collectively, these results imply that enolase moonlights as an important adhesin of M. hyorhinis , and interacts with plasminogen and fibronectin. The two lysine residues in the C-terminus are important binding sites for its multiple binding activities.

Background There are several versions of the Breastfeeding Motivation Scale (BMS), which have been shown to measure maternal breastfeeding motivation, but there is not a Chinese version yet. The study aimed to translate the BMS into Chinese and subsequently assess its psychometric properties among Chinese mothers during the postpartum period. Methods The study was composed of two phases. The translation of BMS closely followed the principals of good practices. Phase 1 included a comprehensive translation, back-translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and pretest to develop the Chinese version of the BMS. From 1 December 2021 to 1 July 2022, the Chinese version of the BMS was administered to 206 postnatal mothers in our maternity wards to assess its psychometric properties. Phase 2 involved psychometric property testing, including testing of the internal consistency, test–retest reliability, content validity, construct validity, convergent validity and discriminant validity. Results Minor modifications in four items were recommended after translations. The Cronbach's α coefficient of the Chinese version of the BMS was .887, and the intraclass correlation coefficient was .897 ( P  < 0.001). The model fit was acceptable (χ2/ df  = 2.40, P  < 0.001, RMSEA = 0.08, CFI = 0.91, IFI = 0.92 and TLI = 0.90) according to the confirmatory factor analysis. The composite reliability values corresponding to each latent variable were 0.733 ~ 0.926, and the average variance extracted values were 0.476 ~ 0.653. The correlations among the five measured variables were all lower than .85 and the square roots of average variance extracted from the variable were greater than the interconstruct correlations among the five measured variables in the model. Conclusions The Chinese version of the BMS has good reliability and validity and provides a reliable assessment tool for measuring maternal breastfeeding motivation. It also provides support to develop culturally sensitive interventions for Chinese mothers’ who are breastfeeding.