Serum CIRP increases the risk of acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery

IntroductionAcute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent perioperative complication. The underlying mechanisms of cardiac surgery-associated AKI are still not completely elucidated. Cold-induced RNA-binding protein (CIRP) has been subsequently found to be regulated by various stress conditions. During cardiac surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), the host is subjected to hypothermia and inadequate organ perfusion, resulting in an upregulation of CIRP secretion. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of elevated extracellular CIRP level as a contributing factor in the development of AKI.MethodsA total of 292 patients who underwent cardiac surgery were retrospectively enrolled and their serum samples were collected preoperative and postoperative. Demographic data, intraoperative data, in-hospital outcomes, and the occurrence of AKI were also collected for the patients. The correlation between CIRP and intraoperative procedures, as well as its association with postoperative outcomes were analyzed.ResultsIn multivariable analysis, higher ΔCIRP (p = 0.036) and body mass index (p = 0.015) were independent risk factors for postoperative AKI. Meanwhile, patients with postoperative AKI exhibited lower survival rate in 2-year follow-up (p = 0.008). Compared to off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting surgery, patients who underwent on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting, valve surgery, aortic dissection and other surgery showed higher ΔCIRP, measuring 1,093, 666, 914 and 258 pg/mL, respectively (p < 0.001). The levels of ΔCIRP were significantly higher in patients who underwent CPB compared to those who did not (793.0 ± 648.7 vs. 149.5 ± 289.1 pg/mL, p < 0.001). Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between ΔCIRP levels and the duration of CPB (r = 0.502, p < 0.001). Patients with higher CIRP levels are at greater risk of postoperative AKI (OR: 1.67, p = 0.032), especially the stage 2–3 AKI (OR: 2.11, p = 0.037).ConclusionCIRP secretion increases with prolonged CPB time after cardiac surgery, and CIRP secretion is positively correlated with the duration of CPB. Cardiac surgeries with CPB exhibited significantly higher levels of CIRP compared to non-CPB surgeries. Elevation of CIRP level is an independent risk factor for the incidence of AKI, especially the severe AKI, and were associated with adverse in-hospital outcomes

Towards Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) in the Internet of Things (IoT): Opportunities and Challenges

Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), possessing the capacity to comprehend, learn, and execute tasks with human cognitive abilities, engenders significant anticipation and intrigue across scientific, commercial, and societal arenas. This fascination extends particularly to the Internet of Things (IoT), a landscape characterized by the interconnection of countless devices, sensors, and systems, collectively gathering and sharing data to enable intelligent decision-making and automation. This research embarks on an exploration of the opportunities and challenges towards achieving AGI in the context of the IoT. Specifically, it starts by outlining the fundamental principles of IoT and the critical role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in IoT systems. Subsequently, it delves into AGI fundamentals, culminating in the formulation of a conceptual framework for AGI's seamless integration within IoT. The application spectrum for AGI-infused IoT is broad, encompassing domains ranging from smart grids, residential environments, manufacturing, and transportation to environmental monitoring, agriculture, healthcare, and education. However, adapting AGI to resource-constrained IoT settings necessitates dedicated research efforts. Furthermore, the paper addresses constraints imposed by limited computing resources, intricacies associated with large-scale IoT communication, as well as the critical concerns pertaining to security and privacy

Whole-genome sequencing of cultivated and wild peppers provides insights into Capsicum domestication and specialization

As an economic crop, pepper satisfies people's spicy taste and has medicinal uses worldwide. To gain a better understanding of Capsicum evolution, domestication, and specialization, we present here the genome sequence of the cultivated pepper Zunla-1 (C. annuum L.) and its wild progenitor Chiltepin (C. annuum var. glabriusculum). We estimate that the pepper genome expanded similar to 0.3 Mya (with respect to the genome of other Solanaceae) by a rapid amplification of retrotransposons elements, resulting in a genome comprised of similar to 81% repetitive sequences. Approximately 79% of 3.48-Gb scaffolds containing 34,476 protein-coding genes were anchored to chromosomes by a high-density genetic map. Comparison of cultivated and wild pepper genomes with 20 resequencing accessions revealed molecular footprints of artificial selection, providing us with a list of candidate domestication genes. We also found that dosage compensation effect of tandem duplication genes probably contributed to the pungent diversification in pepper. The Capsicum reference genome provides crucial information for the study of not only the evolution of the pepper genome but also, the Solanaceae family, and it will facilitate the establishment of more effective pepper breeding programs

Design and baseline characteristics of the finerenone in reducing cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in diabetic kidney disease trial

Background: Among people with diabetes, those with kidney disease have exceptionally high rates of cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality and progression of their underlying kidney disease. Finerenone is a novel, nonsteroidal, selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist that has shown to reduce albuminuria in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) while revealing only a low risk of hyperkalemia. However, the effect of finerenone on CV and renal outcomes has not yet been investigated in long-term trials. Patients and Methods: The Finerenone in Reducing CV Mortality and Morbidity in Diabetic Kidney Disease (FIGARO-DKD) trial aims to assess the efficacy and safety of finerenone compared to placebo at reducing clinically important CV and renal outcomes in T2D patients with CKD. FIGARO-DKD is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, event-driven trial running in 47 countries with an expected duration of approximately 6 years. FIGARO-DKD randomized 7,437 patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate >= 25 mL/min/1.73 m(2) and albuminuria (urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio >= 30 to <= 5,000 mg/g). The study has at least 90% power to detect a 20% reduction in the risk of the primary outcome (overall two-sided significance level alpha = 0.05), the composite of time to first occurrence of CV death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, or hospitalization for heart failure. Conclusions: FIGARO-DKD will determine whether an optimally treated cohort of T2D patients with CKD at high risk of CV and renal events will experience cardiorenal benefits with the addition of finerenone to their treatment regimen. Trial Registration: EudraCT number: 2015-000950-39; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02545049

Strain-rate sensitivity of tensile behaviors for nickel-based superalloys GH3044 and GH4033 at room temperature

336-340Nickel-based superalloys are of interest for high temperature applications, e.g. aircraft engine, due to their excellent high temperature mechanical/physical properties. The strain-rate sensitivity of the tensile behaviors at room temperature of nickel-based superalloys GH3044 and GH4033 are investigated concerning mechanical properties, microstructures and fracture surface morphologies. The experimental results showed that the yield strength and ultimate tensile strength of alloy are approximately 35%-40% larger than that of GH3044 alloy. With the increase of strain rate, the yield strength values of the two superalloys increased, while the configuration of the stress–strain curves is independent of strain rate. In addition, grain refinement phenomenon is observed on the microstructure of GH4033 alloy under a higher strain rate. It has a limited influence on the microstructure of GH3044 alloy, which can be attributed to the solid solution strengthening effect for the latter. Besides, the fracture analysis demonstrated that the dimple-ductile fracturing is the main tensile fracture mechanism for both GH3044 and GH4033 alloys

Nitrogen Acquisition Strategies Mediated by Insect Symbionts: A Review of Their Mechanisms, Methodologies, and Case Studies

Nitrogen is usually a restrictive nutrient that affects the growth and development of insects, especially of those living in low nitrogen nutrient niches. In response to the low nitrogen stress, insects have gradually developed symbiont-based stress response strategies&mdash;biological nitrogen fixation and nitrogenous waste recycling&mdash;to optimize dietary nitrogen intake. Based on the above two patterns, atmospheric nitrogen or nitrogenous waste (e.g., uric acid, urea) is converted into ammonia, which in turn is incorporated into the organism via the glutamine synthetase and glutamate synthase pathways. This review summarized the reaction mechanisms, conventional research methods and the various applications of biological nitrogen fixation and nitrogenous waste recycling strategies. Further, we compared the bio-reaction characteristics and conditions of two strategies, then proposed a model for nitrogen provisioning based on different strategies

Development of an easy and cost-effective method for non-invasive genotyping of insects.

Non-invasive genotyping methods provide valuable information on insect populations. However, poor DNA amplification and time-consuming sampling procedures limit these methods, especially for small insects. An efficient and convenient method was developed for non-invasive, non-lethal genotyping of a large insect, Mythimna separata, and a small insect, Drosophila melanogaster, by amplification of endogenous and exogenous, nuclear and mitochondrial genes from insect frass, exuviae, and food waste. For M. separata, the chitin synthesis gene MsCHSB and the COI gene were successfully detected by PCR from exuviae DNA. However, a COI fragment could not be detected directly by PCR from frass, probably due to DNA degradation. To improve the detection rate, DNA from frass was first amplified by Multiple Displacement Amplification with phi29 DNA polymerase, after which the COI fragment was detected from all samples by PCR. For D. melanogaster, second instar larvae were reared individually for three days and then DNA was extracted from food waste of each individual. The endogenous fragment serendipity α (sryα), exogenous transgene ΦC31 integrase, and the kl-5 gene, a Y-chromosome-located male-specific marker gene were successfully detected from most samples. We developed a simple, non-invasive, non-lethal method to determine gender and identify transgenic individuals early in the larval stage. This universal method is applicable to most insects and has potential application in genetic and ecological studies of insects and other arthropods

Diestrammena (Gymnaeta) borutzkyi Gorochov 1994

Diestrammena (Gymnaeta) borutzkyi Gorochov, 1994 (Figs. 7–9) Diestrammena (Gymnaeta) borutzkyi Gorochov, 1994 (Gorochov 1994). Proc. Zool. Inst. St-Petersburg, 257: 49. The original description of the female (Gorochov, 1994). Additional description of male as follows: Diagnosis. Male. Head with fastigium of vertex divided into two conical tubercles. Legs long and slender; Fore femur about 2.4 times as long as the pronotum, unarmed beneath, the internal genicular lobe with 1 short spine, external lobe with 1 long movable spine; fore tibia beneath with 2 external and 1 internal spines, a small median spine between the paired apical spurs. Mid femora unarmed beneath, the internal and external genicular lobe with 1 long movable spine; mid tibiae beneath with 1 external and 1 internal spine, a short spine between the paired apical spurs. Hind femur unarmed beneath; hind tibia armed on each dorsal margin with 32–44 spines, which grouped in series, super internal spur of hind tibiae shorter than the metatarsus (fig. 7); tarsus keeled beneath. Male genitalia as figs. 8–9. Coloration. Body yellowish brown, mottled with dark brown blotches. Measurements (in mm): length of body16.0–19.0, pronotum 5.0–6.0, fore femora 12.0– 13.5, hind femora 22.0–25.0, ovipositor 9.0–12.0. Specimens examined: 1 ɗ, 2 &&, Guizhoui (Chishui National Reserve in Spinulose Tree Fern), 20.X. 2006, leg. Liu, Xian-Wei et al.; 1 &, Hunan (Zhangjiajie), 10–12.IX. 1988, leg. Liu Xian-Wei; 1 &, Sichuan (Emeishan), 2–4.VIII. 2007, leg. Liu Xian-Wei. Discussion. This species differs from all other species of the subgenus by the longer fore femora (about 2.4 times as long as pronotum) and the shape of male genitalia. Distribution. China (Hunan, Guizhou, Chongqing, Sichuan).Published as part of Jiao, Zhongjiu, Niu, Changying, Liu, Xianwei, Lei, Chaoliang & Bi, Wenxuan, 2008, Descriptions of Chinese species of the subgenus Diestrammena (Gymnaeta) Adelung (Orthoptera: Rhaphidophoridae), pp. 55-60 in Zootaxa 1917 on page 59, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18465

Diestrammena (Gymnaeta) tianmushanensis Liu & Zhang 2001

Diestrammena (Gymnaeta) tianmushanensis ( Liu & Zhang, 2001) (figs. 4–6) Tachycines (Gymnaeta) tianmushanensis Liu & Zhang, 2001. In Wu & Pan, 2001. Insects of Tianmushan National nature Reserve, p. 98–99. Original description of the female (Liu & Zhang, 2001). Additional description of male as follows: Diagnosis. Male. Head with fastigium of vertex divided into two conical tubercles. Legs long and slender; Fore femur about 1.8 times as long as the pronotum, unarmed beneath, the internal genicular lobe with 1 short spine and external lobe with 1 long movable spur; fore tibia beneath with 0 internal and 1 external spur, a small median spine between the paired apical spurs. Mid femur unarmed beneath, the internal and external genicular lobe with 1 long movable spur; mid tibia with 1 internal and 1 external spur beneath, a short spine between the paired apical spurs. Hind femur unarmed beneath, hind tibiae above on each side with 74–76 spines, grouped in series, super internal spur of hind tibia shorter than the metatarsus (fig. 4). Male genitalia as fig. 5–6. Coloration. Body yellowish brown, mottled with darkish blotches. Measurements (in mm): length of body 15.0, pronotum 5.0, fore femora 9.0, hind femora 17.0. Specimens examined: 1 ɗ, Anhui, (Wenquan Huangshan), 23. X. 1985, leg. Liu Xian-Wei. Discussion. This species is resembles D.(G.) berezowskii Adelung, 1902. But differs in the number of spines of hind tibiae and upper internal spur distinctly shorter than the metatarsus. The shape of male genitalia and shape of female subgenital plate are distinctive. Distribution. China (Zhejiang, Anhui).Published as part of Jiao, Zhongjiu, Niu, Changying, Liu, Xianwei, Lei, Chaoliang & Bi, Wenxuan, 2008, Descriptions of Chinese species of the subgenus Diestrammena (Gymnaeta) Adelung (Orthoptera: Rhaphidophoridae), pp. 55-60 in Zootaxa 1917 on pages 57-58, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18465

Diestrammena (Gymnaeta) brevicauda Karny 1933

Diestrammena (Gymnaeta) brevicauda (Karny, 1933) (Figs. 1–3) new status Tachycines (Gymnaeta) brevicauda Karny, 1933. Ark. Zool., 26 A(2): 6; Karny, 1937. Genera Insectorum, 206: 248. The original description of the female (Karny, 1933). Additional description of male as follows: Diagnosis. Male. Head with fastigium of vertex divided into two conical tubercles. Legs long and slender; Fore femur about 1.4–1.5 times as long as the pronotum, unarmed beneath, the internal genicular lobe with 1 short spine and external lobe with 1 long movable spur; fore tibia beneath with 1 internal and 2 external spurs, a small median spine between the paired apical spurs. Mid femur unarmed beneath, the internal and external genicular lobe with 1 long movable spur; mid tibia beneath with 1 internal and 1 external spur, a short spine between the paired apical spurs. Hind femur unarmed beneath; hind tibia above on each side with 59–69 spines, grouped in series, super internal spur of hind tibia equal to the metatarsus (fig. 1). Male genitalia as figs. 2–3. Coloration. Body blackish brown, mottled with pale blotches. Measurements (in mm): length of body 11.5, pronotum 5.5, fore femora 8.0, hind femora 16.0. Specimens examined: 1 ɗ, Shannxi, (Qingling Tiantaishan), 2–3. IX. 1999, leg. Liu Xian-Wei & Yin, Hai- Sheng. Discussion. This species was synonymized by Storozhenko (1990) with D.(G.) coomani Chopard, but we consider that is a distinct species. Differs in that the fore femora are shorter, about 1.4–1.5 times as long as pronotum, and the structure of male genitalia. Distribution. China (Gansu, Shannxi).Published as part of Jiao, Zhongjiu, Niu, Changying, Liu, Xianwei, Lei, Chaoliang & Bi, Wenxuan, 2008, Descriptions of Chinese species of the subgenus Diestrammena (Gymnaeta) Adelung (Orthoptera: Rhaphidophoridae), pp. 55-60 in Zootaxa 1917 on pages 56-57, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18465