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The invisible foodborne pathogens on strawberry surface endanger its food safety. Therefore, detecting and controlling the foodborne pathogens are crucial for food safety of strawberry. This study comprehensively detected and compared their surface bacterial communities under different packaging films (polyethylene film, gelatin film, and gelatin composite film) through high-throughput sequencing. Compared with fresh strawberries, the dominant bacterial genus of strawberries packaged with different films changed from Rosenbergiella to Acinetobacter after storage. However, few foodborne pathogens and spoilage-related bacteria were found in gelatin composite film-packaged strawberries (S-CG), while harmful bacterial genus of Pantoea and Erwinia were detected with high relative abundances in other films-packaged strawberries. Furthermore, the predication analysis of phenotype and metabolism indicated that Pantoea and Erwinia were the main biofilm-forming and stress-resistance bacteria, which increased potential pathogenic. Fortunately, gelatin composite film maintained the relative abundance of pathogenic bacteria on S-CG surface at a low level. Therefore, this work contributed to evaluating the pathogenic of bacteria community on strawberries during storage and providing a theoretical foundation for active packaging film to control surface pathogenic bacteria of strawberries. • Active packaging decreased the relative abundance of Pantoea and Erwinia. • Pantoea and Erwinia were the main biofilm-forming and pathogenic bacteria. • Most bacteria on strawberry surface exhibited positive correlation with each other. • Active packaging effectively decreased the pathogenic of bacterial community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Nanomaterials with regular nanostructures are arousing huge interest in enzymatic biosensor. • Precise control for obtaining regular nanostructures is always a challenge to the biosensor fabrication. • Advantages and disadvantages of recent control methods for various nanomaterials are compared and discussed. • Effects of regular-nanostructures on electrochemical biosensing performance are concluded. • This review will provide a novel inspiration on the biosensor design with general performance enhancement. Due to the emergence of nanomaterials, enzymatic biosensors have achieved fast and unprecedented development in biomedicine, agriculture, food and other fields. Recently, an increasing number of studies have verified that regular nanostructures enable the effective promotion of enzymatic reactions and electron transfer because of their superior surface area and conductivity. Therefore, nanostructure control of biosensing materials has become a new research hotspot in the past decade. In this review, we will focus on the recent progress of electrochemical enzymatic biosensors based on regular nanostructured materials, especially emphasizing the preparation methods and advances of these regular nanostructures. In addition, we carefully discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these regular nanostructured materials during the enzymatic detection of various analytes in different fields. Finally, we conclude by identifying the main challenges and prospective research directions for regular biosensing nanomaterials, as well as providing suggestions for the development of high-performance biosensors in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A water-soluble galactoglucan (PCP-1C) was purified from Poria cocos. • The chemical composition and structural features of PCP-1C were characterized. • PCP-1C can effectively inhibit the metabolism of toxicant and reduce liver damage. To find the polysaccharide with hepatoprotective activity from Poria cocos and clarify its structure, a galactoglucan (PCP-1C) with a molecular weight of 17 kDa was purified from the Poria cocos sclerotium by column chromatography and activity evaluation in the present work. It was composed of galactose, glucose, mannose, and fucose in a molar percentage of 43.5: 24.4: 17.4: 14.6. Structural characterization showed that PCP-1C has a backbone consisted of 1,6-α-D-Galp, which branches composed of 1,3-β-D-Glcp, 1,4-β-D-Glcp, 1,6-β-D-Glcp, T-β-D-Glcp, T-α-D-Manp, T-α-L-Fucp and 1,3-α-L-Fucp. In vivo experiments found that PCP-1C can apparently improve the damage of liver tissue in CCl 4 -treated mice and relieve oxidative stress and inflammation. PCP-1C also reduced the expression of CAR and CYP2E1 in the liver. These findings indicated strong hepatoprotective effect of PCP-1C, which was attributed to the reduction of CCl 4 metabolism via inhibiting the CAR/CYP2E1 signal pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

∆Np63α is a key transcription factor overexpressed in types of squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), which represses epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell migration. In this study, we found that CDK1 phosphorylates ∆Np63α at the T123 site, impairing its affinity to the target promoters of its downstream genes and its regulation of them in turn. Database analysis revealed that CDK1 is overexpressed in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs), especially the metastatic HNSCCs, and is negatively correlated with overall survival. We further found that CDK1 promotes the EMT and migration of HNSCC cells by inhibiting ∆Np63α. Altogether, our study identified CDK1 as a novel regulator of ΔNp63α, which can modulate EMT and cell migration in HNSCCs. Our findings will help to elucidate the migration mechanism of HNSCC cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starch phosphorylase (PHO) is a multimeric enzyme with two distinct isoforms: plastidial starch phosphorylase (PHO1) and cytosolic starch phosphorylase (PHO2). PHO1 specifically resides in the plastid, while PHO2 is found in the cytosol. Both play a critical role in the synthesis and degradation of starch. This study aimed to report the detailed structure, function, and evolution of genes encoding PHO1 and PHO2 and their protein ligand-binding sites in eight monocots and four dicots. "True" orthologs of PHO1 and PHO2 of Oryza sativa were identified, and the structure of the enzyme at the protein level was studied. The genes controlling PHO2 were found to be more conserved than those controlling PHO1; the variations were mainly due to the variable sequence and length of introns. Cis-regulatory elements in the promoter region of both genes were identified, and the expression pattern was analyzed. The real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction indicated that PHO2 was expressed in all tissues with a uniform pattern of transcripts, and the expression pattern of PHO1 indicates that it probably contributes to the starch biosynthesis during seed development in Zea mays. Under abscisic acid (ABA) treatment, PHO1 was found to be downregulated in Arabidopsis and Hordeum vulgare. However, we found that ABA could up-regulate the expression of both PHO1 and PHO2 within 12 h in Zea mays. In all monocots and dicots, the 3D structures were highly similar, and the ligand-binding sites were common yet fluctuating in the position of aa residues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work is conducted to investigate the optimal extraction technology of polysaccharide from chestnut mushroom (Agrocybe aegerita) using a new method based on accelerated solvent extraction combined with response surface methodology (ASE-RSM). The conventional reflux extraction (CRE) method and ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) method were also carried out. Additionally, the in vitro antioxidant activities, including ABTS and DPPH assay, were evaluated. The RSM method, based on a three level and three variable Box–Behnken design (BBD), was developed to obtain the optimal combination of extraction conditions. In brief, the polysaccharide was optimally extracted with water as extraction solvent, extraction temperature of 71 °C, extraction time of 6.5 min, number of cycles of 3, and extraction pressure of 10 MPa. The 3D response surface plot and the contour plot derived from the mathematical models were applied to determine the optimal conditions. Under the above conditions, the experimental value of polysaccharide yield was 19.77 ± 0.12%, which is in close agreement with the value (19.81%) predicted by the model. These findings demonstrate that ASE-RSM produce much higher polysaccharide and consumed environmentally friendly extraction and solvent systems, have less extraction discrimination and shorter time and provide scientific basis for industrialization of polysaccharide extraction. Moreover, it was proved that the polysaccharide had the potential ability to scavenge ABTS and DPPH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing titanium-based oxides with efficient photogenerated carrier separation is an essential approach to enhance their photocatalytic hydrogen production performance. ALiTi 3 O 7 possesses excellent stability, corrosion resistance, and non-toxicity. More importantly, its stoichiometry can be changed along with the variations in A-site elements and Li content, leading to tunable redox potentials of the conduction band minimum (CBM) and valence band maximum (VBM). Exploring the possible application of such materials in the field of photocatalysis is crucial for developing novel and efficient titanium-based photocatalysts. As a member of the family, NaLiTi 3 O 7 (NLT) has a large bandgap, limiting its application as visible light photocatalyst. To address this issue, non-toxic La 2 S 3 (LS) narrow-bandgap semiconductor was incorporated to form a heterojunction. The characterization techniques have revealed the structural and interfacial characteristics of the NLT-LS heterojunction, while the Infrared, Raman, UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–vis DRS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and work-function tests elucidated the influence of the interface interaction on charge carrier separation mechanism. The test results further demonstrated that the formation of a type II heterojunction facilitated the transfer of photogenerated electrons from the conduction band of LS to the conduction band of NLT under light radiation. Simultaneously, the induced holes were confined to the valence band of LS. This charge transfer characteristic significantly improved the separation efficiency of the photogenerated carriers in the heterojunction, ultimately resulting in a photocatalytic hydrogen production rate of 102.4 μmol h−1 g−1 for the NLT-LS2 sample, which is ∼8 times higher than that of pure NLT and almost no decay after four cycles. • A novel and very stable photocatalyst based on NaLiTi 3 O 7 and La 2 S 3 were successfully constructed. • The type-II heterojunctions have extended light adsorption capability and promising charge separation efficiency. • The photocatalytic production rate of H 2 reaches 102.4 μmol h−1 g−1. • Demonstration of NaLiTi 3 O 7 as a promising photocatalyst is important for the design of novel Ti-based oxides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrinological and metabolic disorder that can lead to female infertility. Lipid metabolomics and proteomics are the new disciplines in systems biology aimed to discover metabolic pathway changes in diseases and diagnosis of biomarkers. This study aims to reveal the features of PCOS to explore its pathogenesis at the protein and metabolic level. Methods: We collected follicular fluid samples and granulosa cells of women with PCOS and normal women who underwent in vitro fertilization(IVF) and embryo transfer were recruited. The samples were for the lipidomic study and the proteomic study based on the latest metabolomics and proteomics research platform. Results: Lipid metabolomic analysis revealed abnormal metabolism of glycerides, glycerophospholipids, and sphingomyelin in the FF of PCOS. Differential lipids were strongly linked with the rate of high-quality embryos. In total, 144 differentially expressed proteins were screened in ovarian granulosa cells in women with PCOS compared to controls. Go functional enrichment analysis showed that differential proteins were associated with blood coagulation and lead to follicular development disorders. Conclusion: The results showed that the differential lipid metabolites and proteins in PCOS were closely related to follicle quality,which can be potential biomarkers for oocyte maturation and ART outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoformulations with endogenous/exogenous stimulus‐responsive characteristics show great potential in tumor cell elimination with minimal adverse effects and high precision. Herein, an intelligent nanotheranostic platform (denoted as TPZ@Cu‐SnS2‐x/PLL) for tumor microenvironment (TME) and near‐infrared light (NIR) activated tumor‐specific therapy is constructed. Copper (Cu) doping and the resulting sulfur vacancies can not only improve the response range of visible light but also improve the separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers and increase the carrier density, resulting in the ideal photothermal and photodynamic performance. Density functional theory calculations revealed that the introduction of Cu and resulting sulfur vacancies can induce electron redistribution, achieving favorable photogenerated electrons. After entering cells through endocytosis, the TPZ@Cu‐SnS2‐x/PLL nanocomposites show the pH responsivity property for the release of the TPZ selectively within the acidic TME, and the released Cu2+ can first interact with local glutathione (GSH) to deplete GSH with the production of Cu+. Subsequently, the Cu+‐mediated Fenton‐like reaction can decompose local hydrogen peroxide into hydroxyl radicals, which can also be promoted by hyperthermia derived from the photothermal effect for tumor cell apoptosis. The integration of photoacoustic/computed tomography imaging‐guided NIR phototherapy, TPZ‐induced chemotherapy, and GSH‐elimination/hyperthermia enhanced chemodynamic therapy results in synergistic therapeutic outcomes without obvious systemic toxicity in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA damage is a critical factor contributing to genetic alterations, directly affecting human health, including developing diseases such as cancer and age-related disorders. DNA repair mechanisms play a pivotal role in safeguarding genetic integrity and preventing the onset of these ailments. Over the past decade, substantial progress and pivotal discoveries have been achieved in DNA damage and repair. This comprehensive review paper consolidates research efforts, focusing on DNA repair mechanisms, computational research methods, and associated databases. Our work is a valuable resource for scientists and researchers engaged in computational DNA research, offering the latest insights into DNA-related proteins, diseases, and cutting-edge methodologies. The review addresses key questions, including the major types of DNA damage, common DNA repair mechanisms, the availability of reliable databases for DNA damage and associated diseases, and the predominant computational research methods for enzymes involved in DNA damage and repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiac blood cysts are rare benign tumors. It is commonly found in the heart valve and left ventricle of newborns by autopsy and is rarely seen in adults [1-2]. The typical histopathology of cardiac blood cysts is a closed, round, blood-containing cystic mass attached to the heart valve or endocardium. This article reports a rare case of sudden death due to a giant subaortic cardiac blood cyst with coronary heart disease in an adult patient and summarizes the pathological features, aiming to provide a reference for the forensic pathological identification of cardiac blood cysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the multiscale dynamic dispatching and distribution capacity of regional integrated energy, a multiscale dynamic time‐domain dispatching model of regional integrated energy with seasonal load difference is proposed. The master–slave game coordination planning model of regional comprehensive energy multiscale dispatching is constructed, and the difference fusion model of regional comprehensive energy multiscale dynamic dispatching is established by using the active and reactive power coordination control method according to the influence factors of voltage deviation and line overload absorption. Maximize the weight factors of the positive contribution of distributed photovoltaic (PV) power to the active distribution network. On the basis of the quantitative regulation analysis method of demand response power based on the equivalent slope of the load curve, establish an energy absorption capacity analysis model of seasonal load differentiation. On the basis of the dynamic interaction between different systems, a multiscale dynamic time‐domain analysis and dynamic simulation model of regional integrated energy is constructed by using the method of PV absorptive capacity assessment on both sides of demand uncertainty, to achieve multiscale dynamic time‐domain feature extraction of integrated energy and integrated scheduling of seasonal load differences. The simulation results show that the multiscale dynamic time‐domain allocation of regional comprehensive energy using this method improves the energy dispatching and balanced allocation capability, and the time‐domain dynamic allocation capability is good. Considering the terminal load demand and the electricity price demand formulated by the distribution network investment operators, the seasonal load response and comprehensive dispatching capability are improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acrylamide (ACR) is an irritant that can cause damage to the eyes, skin, and nervous and reproductive systems. This study aims to illustrate a case of central nervous system and optic nerve damage from exposure to ACR. In this case, a 49-year-old male material handler was accidentally splashed with ACR solution on both of his upper limbs. Consequently, he was admitted to the hospital with toxic encephalopathy, characterized by cerebellar ataxia and slurred speech. Magnetic resonance imaging scan, a brain computed tomography scan blood sample analyses, optic coherence tomography, electroneuromyogram, and visual evoked potentials examination were performed. After 20 days of receiving symptomatic support treatment, the patient continued to experience disturbances in consciousness. Then, he developed vision loss, memory disorders, and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy such as skin peeling, extremity weakness, and absent tendon reflexes. This case report underscores the severe consequences of acute dermal exposure to high concentrations of ACR, resulting in toxic encephalopathy, visual impairment, and memory disorders, which will contribute to a broader understanding of ACR toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a prevalent complication of diabetes and the leading cause of end-stage renal disease. Recent evidence suggests that total flavonoids of Astragalus (TFA) has promising effects on diabetes; however, its influence on DKD and the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Methods: In this study, we induced the DKD model using streptozotocin (STZ) in male C57BL/6J mice and utilized glomerular endothelial cell (GEC) lines for in vitro investigations. We constructed a network pharmacology analysis to understand the mechanism of TFA in DKD. The mechanism of TFA action on DKD was investigated through Western blot analysis and multi-immunological methods. Results: Our findings revealed that TFA significantly reduced levels of urinary albumin (ALB). Network pharmacology and intracellular pathway experiments indicated the crucial involvement of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in mediating these effects. In vitro experiments showed that TFA can preserve the integrity of the glomerular filtration barrier by inhibiting the expression of inflammatory factors TNF-alpha and IL-8, reducing oxidative stress. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that TFA can ameliorates the progression of DKD by ameliorating renal fibrosis and preserving the integrity of the kidney filtration barrier. These results provide pharmacological evidence supporting the use of TFA in the treatment of kidney diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evolutionary algorithms have been widely used for tackling multi-objective optimization problems, while feature selection in classification can also be seen as a discrete bi-objective optimization problem that pursues minimizing both the classification error and the number of selected features. However, traditional multi-objective evolutionary algorithms (MOEAs) can encounter setbacks when the dimensionality of features explodes to a large scale, i.e., the curse of dimensionality. Thus, in this paper, we focus on designing an adaptive MOEA framework for solving bi-objective feature selection, especially on large-scale datasets, by adopting hybrid initialization and effective reproduction (called HIER). The former attempts to improve the starting state of evolution by composing a hybrid initial population, while the latter tries to generate more effective offspring by modifying the whole reproduction process. Moreover, the statistical experiment results suggest that HIER generally performs the best on most of the 20 test datasets, compared with six state-of-the-art MOEAs, in terms of multiple metrics covering both optimization and classification performances. Then, the component contribution of HIER is also studied, suggesting that each of its essential components has a positive effect. Finally, the computational time complexity of HIER is also analyzed, suggesting that HIER is not time-consuming at all and shows promising computational efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nonobstructive coronary artery disease (NOCAD), characterized by the presence of myocardial ischemic symptoms and signs without obstructive coronaries, is a common clinical condition, but it is less well understood. Few studies have analyzed the gender differences in inducible myocardial ischemia assessed by cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) in NOCAD. Methods: We conducted a study of 289 NOCAD patients (mean age 60, 56% women) with ischemic symptoms and confirmed ⫹50% coronaries stenoses by coronary angiography who underwent symptom‐limited CPET. We assessed ischemic response using predicted % peak VO2, O2 pulse trajectory, and exercise ECG test. Results: Men with NOCAD had significantly lower predicted % peak VO2 (62% vs. 73%), higher proportions of flattening pattern (16% vs. 2%), and downward patterns of O2 pulse trajectory (2% vs. 0%) (p <.0001) compared with women. In contrast, women with NOCAD had a higher prevalence of shallow patterns of O2 pulse trajectory (21% vs. 6%, p <.0001). Men with NOCAD had a higher risk ischemic profile (medium risk: 63% vs. 54%, high risk: 18% vs. 4%, p <.0001). After adjustment, men with NOCAD had significantly lower predicted % peak VO2 (β −27.4, 95% CI −30.74 to −24.07), higher risk for abnormal O2 pulse trajectories (OR 4.21, 95% CI 1.93 to 9.19), and myocardial ischemia risk per CPET parameters (OR 3.14, 95% CI 1.78 to 5.54) (p <.0001). Conclusion: Men with NOCAD had a higher risk profile for ischemic heart disease per CPET. Therefore, they should receive rigorous management and follow‐up to prevent cardiovascular events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the era of self-media, the spontaneity and anonymity of information dissemination have led to a surge in rumors, posing significant challenges to cybersecurity. This paper introduces a novel dual-layer V R − S H I 1 I 2 R rumor control model for studying collaborative rumor-debunking efforts. Utilizing mathematical modeling and simulation methods, we propose key thresholds for rumor propagation from both theoretical and simulation perspectives, and explore optimal methods for rumor control. Our model is validated with real data from actual cases, confirming its accuracy and the effectiveness. The study shows that without intervention, rumors will spread rapidly. Both constant and dynamically optimized control significantly slow down the spread of rumors. However, dynamic optimization control significantly reduces control costs compared to fixed control schemes. Moreover, we find that controlling only the media layer is insufficient. These findings highlight the importance of meticulous approaches to rumor control in the digital age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The soybean glycinin (11S)-chitosan (CS) complex gels with various textural properties were successfully constructed. The process involved the initial formation of 11S-CS coacervates through electrostatic interactions, followed by a heating treatment to obtain the final complex gels. The impacts of pH, heating temperature, and centrifugation on 11S-CS complex gel properties were investigated. The results indicated that the pore arrangement of the gel formed at pH 7.3 was more tightly and uniformly packed than those formed at pH 6.8 and 7.8. Centrifugation facilitated denser and more ordered gel structures at the three pH values, while increasing the heating temperature exhibited the opposite trend at pH 6.8 and 7.8. These structural differences were also reflected in the rheological and textural properties of the gel. The 11S-CS complex gels exhibited an elasticity-based gel property. The textural properties of gels formed at pH 6.8 were stronger compared to those formed at pH 7.3 and 7.8. However, when the 11S-CS coacervates were heated without centrifugation, the resulting gels were weak. This study emphasizes the potential of using protein/polysaccharide associative interactions during gel formation to alter the microstructure of the gel, meeting various production requirements. • 11S-CS complex gel was formed by heating electrostatic coacervates. • Centrifugation treatment contributed to denser gel structure with better elasticity. • 11S-CS complex gel exhibited an elasticity-based gel property. • pH, T°, and centrifugation affect the texture of 11S-CS complex gel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Association of SHR with mortality after the acute phase of ACS remains controversial. • Adding the maximum SHR to the SOFA score could improve the prognostic prediction. • Maximum SHR was associated with 0–30 day mortality regardless of diabetes status. • Maximum SHR was not associated with mortality after 30 days in diabetic patients. • Caution is needed in applying maximum SHR to predict mortality in diabetic patients. The stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) is significantly associated with short-term adverse cardiovascular events. However, the association between SHR and mortality after the acute phase of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains controversial. This study used data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV database. Patients with ACS hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) were retrospectively enrolled. A total of 2668 ACS patients were enrolled. The incidence of in-hospital and 1-year mortality was 4.7 % and 13.2 %, respectively. The maximum SHR had a higher prognostic value for predicting both in-hospital and 1-year mortality than the first SHR. Adding the maximum SHR to the SOFA score could significantly improve the prognostic prediction. In the landmark analysis at 30 days, the maximum SHR was a risk factor for mortality within 30 days regardless of whether patients had diabetes. However, it was no longer associated with mortality after 30 days in patients with diabetes after adjustment (HR = 1.237 per 1-point increment, 95 % CI 0.854–1.790). The maximum SHR was significantly associated with mortality in patients with ACS hospitalized in the ICU. However, caution is warranted if it is used for predicting mortality after 30 days in patients with diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transfer process of chemical vapor deposition graphene film leads to unavoidable crack, wrinkles, doping, and contamination, which limits its function to establish stable and high-performance devices. It raises a growing interest to fabricate high-quality graphene on the target substrate directly. Here, bi-layer graphene (BLG) film can be grown on sapphire substrate by a Cu sacrificial layer using atmospheric-pressure chemical vapor deposition. The as-obtained BLG at the interface between sapphire and Cu layer is free of wrinkles, and the corresponding surface roughness Ra is as low as 0.66 nm. The square resistance of the graphene is 898.1 ohm sq−1, which is the lowest among the records of graphene film directly grown on nonmetal substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the association between daily levels of ambient air pollution and hospital visits for allergic diseases. Previous studies have typically used population-average exposure data, which may lead to biased effect estimates. In this study, individual exposure data was used to assess the effects of ambient air pollution on outpatient visits for allergic diseases. The results showed that increases in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) were associated with an increased risk of allergic diseases. Additionally, population-average exposure to PM2.5, particulate matter (PM10), O3, and sulphur dioxide (SO2) were also associated with an increased risk of allergic diseases. The study highlights the adverse effects of air pollution on allergic diseases and supports efforts to mitigate pollution and protect vulnerable individuals. [Extracted from the article]

Repayment failures of borrowers have greatly affected the sustainable development of the peer-to-peer (P2P) lending industry. The latest literature reveals that existing risk evaluation systems may ignore important signals and risk factors affecting P2P repayment. In our study, we applied four machine learning methods (random forest (RF), extreme gradient boosting tree (XGBT), gradient boosting model (GBM), and neural network (NN)) to predict important factors affecting repayment by utilizing data from Renrendai.com in China from Thursday, January 1, 2015, to Tuesday, June 30, 2015. The results showed that borrowers who have passed video, mobile phone, job, residence or education level verification are more likely to default on loan repayment, whereas those who have passed identity and asset certification are less likely to default on loans. The accuracy and kappa value of the four methods all exceed 90%, and RF is superior to the other classification models. Our findings demonstrate important techniques for borrower screening by P2P companies and risk regulation by regulatory agencies. Our methodology and findings will help regulators, banks and creditors combat current financial disasters caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic by addressing various financial risks and translating credit scoring improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesoporous TiO 2 nanospheres with engineered surface defects are fabricated through surfactant-mediated self-assembly solvothermal approach combined with surface hydrogenation, which exhibit excellent solar-driven photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, due to surface defects induced charge imbalance improving charge separation, and unique spherical mesoporous structure supplying adequate surface-active sites and facilitating mass transfer. [Display omitted] • Surface defects induced charge imbalance promote charge separation. • Mesoporous TiO 2 nanospheres with engineered surface defects are fabricated. • Nanoscale mesoporous spheres have closed packing and low surface energy. • It exhibits excellent solar-driven photocatalytic H 2 evolution and high stability. • Surface defects and mesostructure favor charge separation and mass transfer. Low charge separation efficiency of semiconductor materials is the main obstacle for high-performance photocatalyst. Herein, we report surface defects engineered uniform mesoporous TiO 2 nanospheres (DMTNSs) through surfactant-mediated self-assembly solvothermal approach combined with hydrogenation strategy to promote charge separation. The surface defects induced charge imbalance result in the formation of built-in field, which can promote photogenerated charge separation efficiently and be confirmed by experimental and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Under AM 1.5G irradiation, the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution of DMTNSs is ~3.34 mmol h−1 g−1, almost 3.5 times higher than that of pristine non-defective TiO 2 nanospheres (0.97 mmol h−1 g−1), due to the engineered surface defects narrowing the bandgap (~3.01 eV) and inducing charge imbalance to boost spatial charge separation and extend visible-light response. The defect induced charge imbalance strategy opens a new valuable perspective for fabricating other high-efficient oxide photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What is known and objective: Statins are widely used lipid‐lowering drugs and play an important role in the treatment of many cardiovascular diseases. With the increase in the scope of use and the number of users, peripheral neuropathy caused by statins has been frequently reported. There are no randomized controlled trials comparing the relationship between statins and the risk of peripheral neuropathy. Therefore, we systematically reviewed and meta‐analysed observational studies evaluating the impact of statins on the risk of peripheral neuropathy. Methods: PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library databases and Web of Science were used to search the effects of statins on polyneuropathy from inception to 3 December 2020. We included studies that met the following criteria: (i) A randomized controlled trial, prospective or retrospective cohort study examining the relationship between statins and peripheral neuropathy (PN). Exclusion criteria included the following: Reviews and research related to other diseases or subjects; and studies without data on the prevalence of PN were excluded. Newcastle‐Ottawa scale (NOS) was used for quality assessment of included studies. Meta‐analysis was used to estimate the risk of disease. We conducted a subgroup analysis of duration of follow‐up, adjusted (adjusted RR vs. unadjusted RR), sample size, study design and region. Results and discussion: A total of 9 independent studies assessing 150 556 patients were included in this analysis. In this meta‐analysis, we found that there was a nonsignificant increase of PN with statins exposure (RR 1.26, 95% CI (0.92‐1.74)). Our results revealed that there was no significant association between statins exposure and peripheral neuropathy risk. What is new and conclusion: Statins exposure does not influence the risk of developing peripheral neuropathy. The quality of the evidence included in this study is low, but it can provide useful information for clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of multimorbidity varies widely due to the lack of consensus in defining multimorbidity. This study aimed to measure the prevalence of multimorbidity in a primary care setting using two definitions of multimorbidity with two different lists of chronic conditions.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 787,446 patients, aged 0 to 99 years, who consulted a family physician between July 2015 to June 2016. Multimorbidity was defined as 'two or more' (MM2+) or 'three or more' (MM3+) chronic conditions using the Fortin list and Chronic Disease Management Program (CDMP) list of chronic conditions. Crude and standardised prevalence rates were reported, and the corresponding age, sex or ethnic-stratified standardised prevalence rates were adjusted to the local population census.Results: The number of patients with multimorbidity increased with age. Age-sex-ethnicity standardised prevalence rates of multimorbidity using MM2+ and MM3+ for Fortin list (25.9, 17.2%) were higher than those for CDMP list (22.0%; 12.4%). Sex-stratified, age-ethnicity standardised prevalence rates for MM2+ and MM3+ were consistently higher in males compared to females for both lists. Chinese and Indians have the highest standardised prevalence rates among the four ethnicities using MM2+ and MM3+ respectively.Conclusions: MM3+ was better at identifying a smaller number of patients with multimorbidity requiring higher needs compared to MM2+. Using the Fortin list seemed more appropriate than the CDMP list because the chronic conditions in Fortin's list were more commonly seen in primary care. A consistent definition of multimorbidity will help researchers and clinicians to understand the epidemiology of multimorbidity better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Application of the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) is restricted due to its adverse, cardiotoxic side effects, which ultimately result in heart failure. Moreover, there are a limited number of chemical agents for the clinical prevention of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Based on the theories of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) on chronic heart failure (CHF), Shenlijia (SLJ), a new TCM compound, has been developed to fulfill multiple functions, including improving cardiac function and inhibiting cardiac fibrosis. In the present study, the protective effects and molecular mechanisms of SLJ on DOX-induced CHF rats were investigated. The CHF rat model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of DOX for six weeks with the cumulative dose of 15 mg/kg. All rats were then randomly divided into the control, CHF, CHF + SLJ (3.0 g/kg per day), and CHF + captopril (3.8 mg/kg per day) groups and treated for further four weeks. Echocardiography and the assessment of hemodynamic parameters were performed to evaluate heart function. A protein chip was applied to identify proteins with diagnostic values that were differentially expressed following SLJ treatment. The data from these investigations showed that SLJ treatment significantly improved cardiac function by increasing the left ventricular ejection fraction, improving the hemodynamic index, and inhibiting interstitial fibrosis. Protein chip analysis revealed that SLJ upregulated MCP-1, MDC, neuropilin-2, TGF-β3, thrombospondin, TIE-2, EG-VEGF/PK1, and TIMP-1/2/3 expressions and downregulated that of MMP-13. In addition, immunohistochemistry and western blot results further confirmed that SLJ promoted TIMP-1/2/3 and inhibited MMP-13 expression. The results of the present study suggest that SLJ was effective against DOX-induced CHF rats and is related to the improvement of heart function and ultrastructure and the inhibition of myocardial fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Cellular senescence is thought to play a significant role in the onset and development of diabetic nephropathy. The goal of this study was to explore potential biomarkers associated with diabetic glomerulopathy from the perspective of senescence. Methods. Datasets about human glomerular biopsy samples related to diabetic nephropathy were systematically obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Hub senescence-associated genes were investigated by differential gene analysis and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator analysis. Cluster analysis was employed to identify senescence molecular subtypes. A single-cell dataset was used to validate the above findings and further evaluate the senescence environment. The relationship between these genes and the glomerular filtration rate was explored based on the Nephroseq database. These gene expressions have also been explored in various kidney diseases. Results. Twelve representative senescence-associated genes (VEGFA, IQGAP2, JUN, PLAT, ETS2, ANG, MMP14, VEGFC, SERPINE2, CXCR2, PTGES, and EGF) were finally identified. Biological changes in immune inflammatory response, cell cycle regulation, metabolic regulation, and immune microenvironment have been observed across different molecular subtypes. The above results were also validated based on single-cell analysis. Additionally, we also identified several significantly altered cell communication pathways, including COLLAGEN, PTN, LAMININ, SPP1, and VEGF. Finally, almost all these genes could well predict the occurrence of diabetic glomerulopathy based on receiver operating characteristic analysis and are associated with the glomerular filtration rate. These genes are differently expressed in various kidney diseases. Conclusion. The present study identified potential senescence-associated biomarkers and further explored the heterogeneity of diabetic glomerulopathy that might provide new insights into the diagnosis, assessment, management, and personalized treatment of DN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obesity, a condition associated with the development of widespread cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and other health complications, has emerged as a significant global health issue. Oleanolic acid (OA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid compound that is widely distributed in various natural plants, has demonstrated potential anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic properties. However, the mechanism by which OA fights obesity has not been well studied. Method: Network pharmacology was utilized to search for potential targets and pathways of OA against obesity. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were utilized to validate the interaction of OA with core targets, and an animal model of obesity induced by high-fat eating was then employed to confirm the most central of these targets. Results: The network pharmacology study thoroughly examined 42 important OA targets for the treatment of obesity. The key biological processes (BP), cellular components (CC), and molecular functions (MF) of OA for anti-obesity were identified using GO enrichment analysis, including intracellular receptor signaling, intracellular steroid hormone receptor signaling, chromatin, nucleoplasm, receptor complex, endoplasmic reticulum membrane, and RNA polymerase II transcription Factor Activity. The KEGG/DAVID database enrichment study found that metabolic pathways, PPAR signaling pathways, cancer pathways/PPAR signaling pathways, insulin resistance, and ovarian steroidogenesis all play essential roles in the treatment of obesity and OA. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was used to screen nine main targets: PPARG, PPARA, MAPK3, NR3C1, PTGS2, CYP19A1, CNR1, HSD11B1, and AGTR1. Using molecular docking technology, the possible binding mechanism and degree of binding between OA and each important target were validated, demonstrating that OA has a good binding potential with each target. The molecular dynamics simulation's Root Mean Square Deviation (RMSD), and Radius of Gyration (Rg) further demonstrated that OA has strong binding stability with each target. Additional animal studies confirmed the significance of the core target PPARG and the core pathway PPAR signaling pathway in OA anti-obesity. Conclusion: Overall, our study utilized a multifaceted approach to investigate the value and mechanisms of OA in treating obesity, thereby providing a novel foundation for the identification and development of natural drug treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxygen-defective Bi 2 MoO 6 /g-C 3 N 4 hollow tubulars S-scheme heterojunctions are fabricated by hydrothermal and calcination methods and show excellent photocatalytic performance. The S-Scheme heterojunction accelerates the effective charge separation and transfer by internal electric field (IEF) and energy band bending at the interface, thus improving the photocatalytic performance. [Display omitted] Novel S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts of bismuth molybdate/hollow tube graphite carbon nitride (Bi 2 MoO 6 SOVs/g-C 3 N 4) containing surface defects (SOVs) were prepared by calcination and hydrothermal methods. The hollow tubular structure of g-C 3 N 4 facilitates the enhancement of multiple reflection and scattering of light, and also have a larger range of specific surface areas and more reactive sites, which promotes carrier separation and thus improves photocatalytic performance. The introduction of SOVs to bismuth molybdate not only reduces the band gap of bismuth molybdate, but also promotes the separation of charges. The optimized Bi 2 MoO 6 SOVs/TCN photocatalyst has a hydrogen production efficiency of 2.29 mmol h−1 g−1. It also shows high photocatalytic degradation property of tetracycline and bisphenol A in water, up to 97.3 % and 98.9 %, respectively. Meanwhile, the transfer mechanism of photogenerated charges in S-scheme heterojunctions can be verified by electron paramagnetic resonance and in situ irradiated x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy electron paramagnetic resonance, which accelerated the separation and transfer of photogenerated charge by energy band bending at the interface and internal electric field. This rational structural design strategy provides a new development idea for building high-performance S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The comprehensive utilisation of food waste has become a global development demand for enhancing their added value. This study aimed to develop and utilise physiological fruit drop of Citrus aurantium L. var Daidai with rich phenolic acids and flavonoids. Therefore, different concentrations (1%, 3%, 5%, 10% wt, based on pullulan weight) of daidai physiological fruit drop extracts (DE) were incorporated into pullulan/bacterial cellulose (BC) packaging film (PB2‐DE). The effects of different concentrations of DE on composite films were comprehensively evaluated. It was found that the mechanical properties, ultraviolet barrier properties, and antioxidant properties of the films were improved with the addition of DE. Moreover, application tests have verified that films containing DE can effectively maintain the attractive quality of strawberries. Conclusively, the results demonstrated the feasibility of DE incorporation into films to increase the value of the waste and the potential applicability of films containing DE in strawberry preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adiponectin is an antidiabetic endogenous adipokine that plays a protective role against the unfavorable metabolic sequelae of obesity. Recent evidence suggests a sinister link between hypoadiponectinemia and development of insulin resistance/type 2 diabetes (T2D). Adiponectin's insulin‐sensitizing property is mediated through the specific adiponectin receptors R1 and R2, which activate the AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR) α pathways. AdipoAI is a novel synthetic analogue of endogenous adiponectin with possibly similar pharmacological effects. Thus, there is a need of orally active small molecules that activate Adipoq subunits, and their downstream signaling, which could ameliorate obesity related type 2 diabetes. In the study we aim to investigate the effects of AdipoAI on obesity and T2D. Through in‐vitro and in‐vivo analyses, we investigated the antidiabetic potentials of AdipoAI and compared it with AdipoRON, another orally active adiponectin receptors agonist. Our results showed that in‐vitro treatment of AdipoAI (0–5 µM) increased adiponectin receptor subunits AdipoR1/R2 with increase in AMPK and APPL1 protein expression in C2C12 myotubes. Similarly, in‐vivo, oral administration of AdipoAI (25 mg/kg) observed similar effects as that of AdipoRON (50 mg/kg) with improved control of blood glucose and insulin sensitivity in diet‐induced obesity (DIO) mice models. Further, AdipoAI significantly reduced epididymal fat content with decrease in inflammatory markers and increase in PPAR‐α and AMPK levels and exhibited hepatoprotective effects in liver. Further, AdipoAI and AdipoRON also observed similar results in adipose tissue. Thus, our results suggest that low doses of orally active small molecule agonist of adiponectin AdipoAI can be a promising therapeutic target for obesity and T2D. Significance statement: Obesity is a global health concern, having doubled in more than 70 countries and resulting in an escalation of obesity‐related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes (T2D). The adiponectin receptors (AdipoR1 and AdipoR2) have emerged as important targets for controlling inflammation, obesity and T2D. To maximize the potential of adiponectin receptors in targeting the fundamental etiopathology of obesity and T2D, we have designed, synthesized, Adiponectin receptor agonist named AdipoAI (standing for anti‐inflammation) which in our preclinical trials on high fat diet (HFD) observed reduced glucose resistance, insulin tolerance, promoted adiponectin signaling in liver and adipose tissues of obese mice, and resulted decrease liver inflammation. Thus, our trial has affirmed AdipoAI as a potent adiponectin agonist with antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, and anti‐inflammatory properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgrounds: Allergic airway inflammation is prevalent worldwide and imposes a considerable burden on both society and affected individuals. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic advantages of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) overexpressed interleukin-10 (IL-10) for the treatment of allergic airway inflammation, as both IL-10 and MSCs possess immunosuppressive properties. Methods: Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived MSCs were engineered to overexpress IL-10 via lentiviral transfection (designated as IL-10-MSCs). MSCs and IL-10-MSCs were administered intravenously to mice with allergic inflammation induced by ovalbumin (OVA), and the features of allergic inflammation including inflammatory cell infiltration, Th cells in the lungs, and T helper 2 cell (Th2) cytokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were examined. MSCs and IL-10-MSCs were co-cultured with CD4+ T cells from patients with allergic rhinitis (AR), and the levels of Th2 cells and corresponding type 2 cytokines were studied. RNA-sequence was performed to further investigate the potential effects of MSCs and IL-10-MSCs on CD4+ T cells. Results: Stable IL-10-MSCs were established and characterised by high IL-10 expression. IL-10-MSCs significantly reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and epithelial goblet cell numbers in the lung tissues of mice with allergic airway inflammation. Inflammatory cell and cytokine levels in BALF also decreased after the administration of IL-10-MSCs. Moreover, IL-10-MSCs showed a stronger capacity to inhibit the levels of Th2 after co-cultured with CD4+ T cells from patients with AR. Furthermore, we elucidated lower levels of IL-5 and IL-13 in IL-10-MSCs treated CD4+ T cells, and blockade of IL-10 significantly reversed the inhibitory effects of IL-10-MSCs. We also reported the mRNA profiles of CD4+ T cells treated with IL-10-MSCs and MSCs, in which IL-10 played an important role. Conclusion: IL-10-MSCs showed positive effects in the treatment of allergic airway inflammation, providing solid support for the use of genetically engineered MSCs as a potential novel therapy for allergic airway inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The functional roles of the Wall Associated Kinase (WAK) and Wall Associated Kinase Like (WAKL) families in cellular expansion and developmental processes have been well-established. However, the molecular regulation of these kinases in maize development is limited due to the absence of comprehensive genome-wide studies. Results: Through an in-depth analysis, we identified 58 maize WAKL genes, and classified them into three distinct phylogenetic clusters. Moreover, structural prediction analysis showed functional conservation among WAKLs across maize. Promoter analysis uncovered the existence of cis-acting elements associated with the transcriptional regulation of ZmWAKL genes by Gibberellic acid (GA). To further elucidate the role of WAKL genes in maize kernels, we focused on three highly expressed genes, viz ZmWAKL38, ZmWAKL42 and ZmWAKL52. Co-expression analyses revealed that their expression patterns exhibited a remarkable correlation with GA-responsive transcription factors (TF) TF5, TF6, and TF8, which displayed preferential expression in kernels. RT-qPCR analysis validated the upregulation of ZmWAKL38, ZmWAKL42, ZmWAKL52, TF5, TF6, and TF8 following GA treatment. Additionally, ZmWAKL52 showed significant increase of transcription in the present of TF8, with ZmWAKL52 localizing in both the plasma membrane and cell wall. TF5 positively regulated ZmWAKL38, while TF6 positively regulated ZmWAKL42. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings provide novel insights into the characterization and regulatory mechanisms of specific ZmWAKL genes involved in maize kernel development, offering prospects for their utilization in maize breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-floating all-in-one photothermal evaporators are fabricated by freeze-drying, casting, and surface-hydrogenation, in which the hydrophilic black TiO 2 provides a path for water molecules, Ag nanoparticles act as local heating points, and amorphous carbon improves locally thermal conductivity and blocks thermal loss. These photothermal evaporators exhibit high-efficiency solar steam generation and desalination. [Display omitted] Solar-driven interfacial evaporation is a highly efficient and ecofriendly technology for producing freshwater. Herein, self-floating plasmon Ag/black TiO 2 /carbon porous layered foams (Ag-BTCFs) were demonstrated as efficient solar-thermal convectors using freeze-drying cast-molding and high-temperature surface hydrogenation strategies. This all-in-one three-dimensional (3D) cross-linked self-floating porous layered foam material with full-spectrum absorption can fully harvest sunlight (∼95.45%) and effectively block heat transfer to its sublayer. The synergy of sufficient utilization of absorbed ultraviolet radiation by black TiO 2 (b-TiO 2), visible light absorption by Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) via localized surface plasmon resonance, and near-infrared absorption by layered-amorphous carbon can achieve full-solar-spectrum absorption to concentrate thermal energy. In addition to their synergistic effect, they are conducive to the relaxation of hot electrons when utilizing photogenerated holes to degrade pollutants in domestic wastewater. The steam generation efficiency of Ag-BTCFs is up to 1.79 kg m−2 h−1 due to their solar energy conversion efficiency of 81.74% under 1 sun irradiation, which is five times higher than the evaporation rate of pure water. Notably, the material's efficient ion removal rate of 99.80% for solar desalination indicates its high potential for various applications. This strategy provides new insights for fabricating recyclable heat-blocking layer systems against thermal loss to enhance solar steam generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial peptides are promising alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Herein, we report a class of "tadpole-like" peptides consisting of an amphipathic α-helical head and an aromatic tail. A structure-activity relationship (SAR) study of "tadpole-like" temporin-SHf and its analogs revealed that increasing the number of aromatic residues in the tail, introducing Arg to the α-helical head and rearranging the peptide topology dramatically increased antimicrobial activity. Through progressive structural optimization, we obtained two peptides, HT2 and RI-HT2, which exhibited potent antimicrobial activity, no hemolytic activity and cytotoxicity, and no propensity to induce resistance. NMR and molecular dynamics simulations revealed that both peptides indeed adopted "tadpole-like" conformations. Fluorescence experiments and electron microscopy confirmed the membrane targeting mechanisms of the peptides. Our studies not only lead to the discovery of a series of ultrashort peptides with potent broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities, but also provide a new strategy for rational design of novel "tadpole-like" antimicrobial peptides. Here, through progressive structural optimization, two "tadpole-like" antimicrobial peptides are constructed with an amphipathic α-helical head and an aromatic tail activity. These exhibit potent antimicrobial activity, no hemolytic activity and cytotoxicity, and no propensity to induce resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myocardial damage is the most serious pathological consequence of cardiovascular diseases and an important reason for their high mortality. In recent years, because of the high prevalence of systemic energy metabolism disorders (e.g., obesity, diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome), complications of myocardial damage caused by these disorders have attracted widespread attention. Energy metabolism disorders are independent of traditional injury-related risk factors, such as ischemia, hypoxia, trauma, and infection. An imbalance of myocardial metabolic flexibility and myocardial energy depletion are usually the initial changes of myocardial injury caused by energy metabolism disorders, and abnormal morphology and functional destruction of the mitochondria are their important features. Specifically, mitochondria are the centers of energy metabolism, and recent evidence has shown that decreased mitochondrial function, caused by an imbalance in mitochondrial quality control, may play a key role in myocardial injury caused by energy metabolism disorders. Under chronic energy stress, mitochondria undergo pathological fission, while mitophagy, mitochondrial fusion, and biogenesis are inhibited, and mitochondrial protein balance and transfer are disturbed, resulting in the accumulation of nonfunctional and damaged mitochondria. Consequently, damaged mitochondria lead to myocardial energy depletion and the accumulation of large amounts of reactive oxygen species, further aggravating the imbalance in mitochondrial quality control and forming a vicious cycle. In addition, impaired mitochondria coordinate calcium homeostasis imbalance, and epigenetic alterations participate in the pathogenesis of myocardial damage. These pathological changes induce rapid progression of myocardial damage, eventually leading to heart failure or sudden cardiac death. To intervene more specifically in the myocardial damage caused by metabolic disorders, we need to understand the specific role of mitochondria in this context in detail. Accordingly, promising therapeutic strategies have been proposed. We also summarize the existing therapeutic strategies to provide a reference for clinical treatment and developing new therapies. [Display omitted] Myocardial damage caused by energy metabolism disorders has become a serious threat to human health. Abnormal mitochondrial behaviors play a key role in myocardial damage caused by energy metabolism disorders. Mitochondrial transfer can rescue myocardial injury and has strong therapeutic potential. Disruption of redox homeostasis affects mitochondrial behaviors and exacerbates myocardial injury. Sirtuins and coupling between mitochondrial behaviors are interesting research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meteorological disasters have increasingly become one of the important interferences limiting vegetation growth and productivity recent years, especially in ecologically fragile regions. However, it is unknown how much the impact of meteorological disaster on the vegetation in ecologically fragile area under the changing climate. This study aims to identify the spatial and temporal distribution of four meteorological disasters (drought, rainstorm, high temperature, and low temperature) as well as net primary productivity (NPP) reduction rate in Guangxi province, China, which has large ecologically fragile Karst areas. We also aim to quantify the relative impact of each disaster on NPP loss. During the last 20 years (2000–2019), there was a decreasing trend for drought indicator (drought days), but an increasing trend for rainstorm (cumulated rainfall for daily rainfall higher than 50 mm and less than 99.9 mm), high temperature (daily maximum air temperature higher than 35°C and less than 37°C days), and low temperature (cumulated thermal time for daily minimum temperature less than 0°C) indictors. In the northeast area of study region, all the intensity of rainstorm, high- and low-temperature disasters showed an increasing trend. Under the more intense and frequent meteorological disasters, 87% study sites (60 stations/69 stations in total) showed an increasing trend in terms of NPP reduction rate. Results on grey correlation between each meteorological disaster and NPP reduction rate showed that high-temperature disaster had the greatest impact (27%) on vegetation growth, followed by drought (25%) and rainstorm (25%) disaster, and then low-temperature (23%) disaster. Our results would be helpful for meteorological disasters warning, vegetation protecting as well as policies making for governments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fabrication of high-performance gas-sensitive materials with enhanced moisture resistance is an important research topic. In this work, monodisperse Y-type CoO hierarchical nanostructures with a branch length of about 16 nm have been prepared, and then uniformly dispersed on the surface of reduced oxide graphene (rGO) by hot injection method. The composite exhibited a rapid response to NO 2 at room temperature. The optimal response was about 40–100 ppm NO 2 , the response time was 620 s to 10 ppm NO 2 and the detection limit was 0.01 ppm. It was due to the combination of more NO 2 adsorption active sites of Y-type CoO and faster carrier transfer of rGO. Even at high relative humidity (RH) conditions of 80%, the sensor still retained a high response value of about 90% of that measured at the normal RH (25%). The effective wrapping of stearate ligands inhibited the entrance of water vapor molecules, which could effectively improve the hydrophobic properties of the composite and resulted in enhanced moisture resistance. It may provide a new path for improved NO 2 detection with enhanced moisture resistance at room temperature. [Display omitted] • Y-type CoO/reduced graphene oxide was synthesized with a hot injection method. • The composite sensor exhibited a rapid response to NO 2 at room temperature. • The composite sensor also presented an improved moisture resistance. • The enhanced moisture resistance was due to the wrapping of stearate ligands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: HIV continues to be a global challenge. Key recommendations for HIV prevention and treatment are presented on rapid antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation. However, several studies showed a high prevalence of delayed ART initiation. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the prevalence of delayed ART initiation among HIV-infected patients globally. Methods: This review summarised eligible studies conducted between January 2015 and August 2022 on the prevalence of delayed ART initiation in HIV-infected adults (age ≥ 15). Relevant studies were systematic searched through PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and Chongqing VIP databases. Random-effects models were used to calculate pooled prevalence estimates. The heterogeneity was evaluated using Cochran's Q test and I2 statistics. Moreover, potential sources of heterogeneity were explored using univariate subgroup analysis. Results: Data on the prevalence of delayed ART initiation was pooled across 29 studies involving 34,937 participants from 15 countries. The overall pooled prevalence of delayed ART initiation was 36.1% [95% confidence interval (CI), 29.7–42.5%]. In subgroup analysis, the estimated pooled prevalence decreased with age. By sex, the prevalence was higher among male patients (39.3%, 95% CI: 32.2–46.4%) than female (36.5%, 95% CI: 26.9–50.7%). Patients with high CD4 cell count were more likely to delay ART initiation than those with low CD4 cell count (>500cells/mm3: 40.3%; 201-500cells/mm3: 33.4%; and ≤200cells/mm3: 25.3%). Conclusions: Our systematic review and meta-analysis identified a high prevalence of delayed ART initiation. The prolonged time interval between diagnosis and treatment is a prevalent and unaddressed problem that should spur initiatives from countries globally. Further research is urgently needed to identify effective strategies for promoting the early ART initiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laterally excited bulk acoustic resonators (XBARs) using interdigital electrodes are currently limited in potential 5G applications due to the accompanied spurious modes and small capacitance. This Letter presents an XBAR with scattering vias in electrodes, named SV-BAR. The non-parallel boundaries thoroughly disrupt the coherent formation of standing waves in the lateral direction, thereby suppressing the higher-order spurious modes. The duty factor of SV-BAR is optimized as 0.5 using COMSOL Multiphysics finite element analysis for the 50 Ω impedance matching. The SV-BAR is fabricated using a 390 nm Z-cut LiNbO3 on an insulator substrate and exhibits an impressive ratio of Zp/Zs near 64.5 dB, a Kt2 of 21.80% at 4.762 GHz, as well as a large value f · Bode_Qmax · Kt2 (3.43 × 1011). The measured temperature coefficient of frequency is −69.8 ppm/°C, which can be compensated using SiO2 thin films. The SV-BAR provides an effective solution for high-performance radio frequency filters for 5G communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To utilize the UV and visible lights and to improve the separation of photoinduced carriers, a composite composed of NaLiTi3O7 and graphite-carbon nitride (g-C3N4) was constructed. The morphology and microscopic structural details of NaLiTi3O7/g-C3N4 photocatalyst were characterized using XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, FT-IR, UV-DRS, and TGA techniques. XRD and SEM results showed that well-crystalline NaLiTi3O7 nanoparticles were well dispersed on the surface of g-C3N4 sheets and that the introduction of g-C3N4 effectively alleviated the aggregation of NaLiTi3O7 nanoparticles. UV-DRS results further suggested that the light absorption edge of the NaLiTi3O7/g-C3N4 composite had a significant redshift. Due to these advantages, NaLiTi3O7/g-C3N4 composites exhibited good photocatalytic performance. The hydrogen production performance of all NaLiTi3O7/g-C3N4 samples was much better than that of pure g-C3N4 and NaLiTi3O7 under solar irradiation, and the best NaLiTi3O7/g-C3N4 composite produced 18 times more hydrogen than pure NaLiTi3O7 and 4 times more hydrogen than pure g-C3N4. Compared with pure NaLiTi3O7 or g-C3N4 phases, coupling NaLiTi3O7 with g-C3N4 significantly improved the photocatalytic performance due to the formation of the heterojunction interface between them, which was favorable for the effective separation of the photogenerated electron and hole in a wide light absorption range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of information technology, individuals are able to receive rumor information through various channels and subsequently act based on their own perceptions. The significance of the disparity between media and individual cognition in the propagation of rumors cannot be underestimated. In this paper, we establish a dual-layer rumor propagation model considering the differences in individual cognition to study the propagation behavior of rumors in multiple channels. Firstly, we obtain the threshold for rumor disappearance or persistence by solving the equilibrium points and their stability. The threshold is related to the number of media outlets and the number of rumor debunkers. Moreover, we have innovatively designed a class of non-periodic intermittent noise stabilization methods to suppress rumor propagation. This method can effectively control rumor propagation based on a flexible control scheme, and we provide specific expressions for the control intensity. Finally, we have validated the accuracy of the theoretical proofs through experimental simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Piezoelectric actuators (PEAs) have the benefits of a high-resolution and high-frequency response and are widely applied in the field of micro-/nano-high-precision positioning. However, PEAs undergo nonlinear hysteresis between input voltage and output displacement, owing to the properties of materials. In addition, the input frequency can also influence the hysteresis response of PEAs. Research on tracking the control of PEAs by using various adaptive controllers has been a hot topic. This paper presents a finite-time sliding-mode controller (SMC) based on the disturbance observer (DOB) and a radial basis function (RBF) neural network (NN) (RBF-NN). RBF-NN is used to replace the hysteresis model of the dynamic system, and a novel finite-time adaptive DOB is proposed to estimate the disturbances of the system. By using RBF-NN, it is no longer necessary to establish the hysteresis model. The proposed DOB does not rely on any priori knowledge of disturbances and has a simple structure. All the solutions of closed-loop systems are practical finite-time-stable, and tracking errors can converge to a small neighborhood of zero in a finite time. The proposed control method was compiled in C language in the VC++ environment. A series of comparative experiments were conducted on a platform of a commercial PEA to validate the method. According to the experimental results of the sinusoidal and triangular trajectories under the frequencies of 1, 50, 100, and 200 Hz, the proposed control method is feasible and effective in improving the tracking control accuracy of the PEA platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: It is well known that alcohol can cause bone loss and that bone mineral density has an inverse relationship with bone marrow adipocyte (BMA). However, little is known about the mechanisms that link alcohol and bone loss, and existing studies lack data on BMA in alcohol-induced bone loss. Here, wild-type (WT) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha knockout (TNF-α KO) mice were used to examine the effects of alcohol on bone metabolism. Methods: The effects of alcohol on bone metabolism were demonstrated in vivo by feeding WT and TNF-α KO mice with alcohol. The osteogenesis and adipogenesis of primary bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) derived from WT and TNF-α KO mice under alcohol intervention were compared in vitro. Tissue staining, cell staining, micro-CT, and quantitative RT-PCR were used to explore the potential mechanism. Results: Alcohol induced trabecular bone loss, increased BMA, and promoted the mRNA expression of Adipoq, Fabp4, visfatin， Pparg, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in BMA in WT mice, but not in TNF-α KO mice. In addition, alcohol promoted BMSC adipogenesis and inhibited BMSC osteogenesis, while TNF-α knockout could restrain this situation. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that alcohol may reduce bone mass by disrupting the balance of osteogenesis and adipogenesis in bone marrow, and TNF-α plays an important role in this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The achievement of bifunctional metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) remains a huge challenge due to their lack of dual active sites. Herein, dual sites in the Co‐catecholate (Co‐CAT) are created through Ru, Ir, or Rh doping for overall water splitting. Among them, RuCo‐CAT exhibits excellent bifunctional activities, outperforming benchmarked Pt/C for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and RuO2 for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The theoretical calculations demonstrate that the doped Ru atoms with optimal absorption energy for the hydrogen intermediate and the Co centers with a reduced energy barrier for the rate‐determining step are the active sites for HER and OER, respectively. Furthermore, the incorporation of Ru atoms can improve the electrical conductivity and capacity of water adsorption of Co‐CAT greatly, synergistically improving the bifunctional activity. This strategy for engineering dual active sites offers novel insights into designing bifunctional MOFs for overall water splitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine and metabolic disorder characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation. Previous studies have demonstrated that the gut microbiome can affect the host tissue cells' mRNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications. This study aimed to understand the role of intestinal flora in ovarian cells inflammation by regulating mRNA m6A modification particularly the inflammatory state in PCOS. The gut microbiome composition of PCOS and Control groups was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing, and the short chain fatty acids were detected in patients' serum by mass spectrometry methods. The level of butyric acid was found to be decreased in the serum of the obese PCOS group (FAT) compared to other groups, and this was correlated with increased Streptococcaceae and decreased Rikenellaceae based on the Spearman's rank test. Additionally, we identified FOSL2 as a potential METTL3 target using RNA-seq and MeRIP-seq methodologies. Cellular experiments demonstrated that the addition of butyric acid led to a decrease in FOSL2 m6A methylation levels and mRNA expression by suppressing the expression of METTL3, an m6A methyltransferase. Additionally, NLRP3 protein expression and the expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) were downregulated in KGN cells. Butyric acid supplementation in obese PCOS mice improved ovarian function and decreased the expression of local inflammatory factors in the ovary. Taken together, the correlation between the gut microbiome and PCOS may unveil crucial mechanisms for the role of specific gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of PCOS. Furthermore, butyric acid may present new prospects for future PCOS treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Advanced paternal age has been reported to be associated with a variety of short-term outcomes in offspring, but long-term effects are rarely examined. The present study evaluated the impact of advanced paternal age on offspring's longevity.Methods: We studied the effect of paternal reproductive age on the lifespan of male offspring using a Chinese genealogy data set that spans 226 years of the Qing Dynasty (1683-1909). Multivariable-adjusted Cox regression analyses of 1274 men with survival data were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) of advanced parental age at reproduction. We also evaluated whether the lifespan of brothers differed when they were born to the same parents at different ages.Results: In models adjusted for maternal age, advanced paternal age was negatively associated with the lifespan of male offspring. Individuals born to fathers aged >40 years had a 32 % higher HR of a lifespan shorter than those born to fathers aged 25-29 years (adjusted HR 1.320, 95 % CI: 1.066-1.634). The adjusted HR for offspring born to fathers aged 35-39 years was 1.232 (95 % CI: 1.013-1.500). Older brothers born to fathers aged 20-34 years had a significantly lower risk of a reduced lifespan compared with their younger brothers with fathers aged ≥35 years at reproduction (P < 0.01).Conclusion: Advanced paternal age at reproduction is a negative factor for male offspring's life expectancy. With the sustained increase in paternal age over the past generation, further investigation is warranted into the impact on birth outcomes and public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Himalayan glaciers have been shown by satellite observations to be losing mass at accelerated rates since the mid-1970s, posing severe challenges to downstream water resource availability, ecological functioning, and glacial hazard prevention. Reconstructing long-term glacier fluctuations beyond the satellite era is consequently crucial to fully understand this acceleration. However, glacier reconstructions in the Himalayas are mainly based on discontinuous moraine chronologies, with the most recent ones marking only the timing and position of the Little Ice Age (LIA; 1250–1850 CE) maxima of Himalayan glaciers. Here, we reconstruct continuous records of the activity of Qiangyong Glacier, southern Tibetan Plateau, since the onset of the LIA (1316–2004 CE) and associated variation in precipitation, by retrieving glacier melting and advancing signals from grain size and analysing leaf wax hydrogen isotopes in the same glaciolacustrine sediments. We show that the glacier was relatively stable during the LIA, with its terminus shifting within ∼100 m, depending on the combined effects of precipitation and temperature. However, it retreated by ∼150 m under maximum precipitation conditions at the end of the LIA (approximately 1845–1866 CE) and, most importantly, has exhibited accelerated mass loss since the mid-1880s. Comparisons with regional and Northern Hemisphere temperatures suggest that climate warming rather than decreased precipitation since the end of the LIA plays a primary role in driving this accelerated mass loss. Our glaciolacustrine record add a continuous perspective on the variability of Himalayan glaciers, especially their mass loss status since the end of the LIA. • Continuous dynamic activity of Himalayan Qiangyong Glacier since the onset of the Little Ice Age was studied using lake sediments. • Precipitation variations were reconstructed using the same lake sediments. • The Qiangyong Glacier was relatively stable during the Little Ice Age. • The Qiangyong Glacier has retreated and lost mass at accelerated rates since the mid-1880s. • Climate warming rather than decreased precipitation drove the accelerated mass loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid‐state lithium‐oxygen batteries (SSLOBs) offer high energy density with enhanced safety. However, the challenge of energy loss induced by the high polarization of the solid‐state air electrode has become a major bottleneck for its further development. Here, a homonuclear Fe‐Fe catalyst (Fe2‐N‐C) matched to reactants (Li2‐xO2, 0 ≤ x ≤ 2) size to alleviate the redox polarization in solid‐state electrodes is designed. Atomically resolved transmission electron microscopy reveals that the spatial size of Fe‐Fe clusters (1.5–2 Å) is commensurate with Li2‐xO2 (1.2–2.2 Å), which can overcome the challenges associated with catalyst/reactant size mismatch. In‐depth theoretical analyses show that orbital coupling and spin state jumping between Fe‐Fe sites allows the Fe centers to exhibit d‐orbital delocalization and high electronic spin states. These features enhance the activation of paramagnetic oxygen species, optimize the binding strength to LiO2 and reduce the charge/discharge voltage gap. Meanwhile, the size‐matching effect induces the ductile growth of the discharge product into a highly reversible film‐like morphology. The Fe2‐N‐C cathode with low overpotential exhibits significantly improved round‐trip efficiency (84.9%). The concept of this work opens up new opportunities for designing high‐performance SSLOBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]