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In recent years, with the continuous development of urban transportation, the durability of concrete bridge structures has become increasingly prominent. Many in-service concrete bridges exhibit issues such as cracks, excessive deflection, and a significant reduction in load-bearing capacity during their service life. To meet the requirements of sustainable development, it is urgent to assess the durability of bridges accurately. Therefore, this paper establishes a scientific and reliable evaluation index system for the durability of in-service concrete bridges. Based on a review of the literature and relevant standards and specifications, this paper establishes an evaluation index system for the durability of in-service concrete bridges and calculates the weights using a combination weighting method. The durability of the bridges is assessed using the extension cloud model theory, and MATLAB is utilized for efficient and accurate computation and analysis, ultimately determining the durability grades of the bridges. The method was applied to the durability assessment of five in-service concrete bridges, and the results were in high agreement with the measured data, proving its effectiveness and accuracy. The research results provide a scientific basis for the management and maintenance of concrete bridges, which can help extend their service life. Future studies will expand the sample to cover more bridge types to comprehensively assess and enhance the durability of bridges.Article Highlights: A scientific and reliable durability evaluation index system for in-service concrete Bridges has been established. Weight optimization: Based on grey correlation weight and entropy weight to find the combined weight. The perfect integration of extension theory and cloud model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atrial fibrosis is one of the main causes of the onset and recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF), for which there is no effective treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect and mechanism of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on AF in rats. Methods: The rat model of AF was established by rapid pacing induction after angiotensin-II (Ang-II) induced atrial fibrosis to verify the relationship between atrial fibrosis and the AF. The expression levels of TGF-β/Smad3 pathway molecules and lysyl oxidase (LOX) in AF were detected. Subsequently, EGCG was used to intervene Ang-II-induced atrial fibrosis to explore the role of EGCG in the treatment of AF and its inhibitory mechanism on fibrosis. It was further verified that EGCG inhibited the production of collagen and the expression of LOX through the TGF-β/Smad3 pathway at the cellular level. Results: The results showed that the induction rate and maintenance time of AF in rats increased with the increase of the degree of atrial fibrosis. Meanwhile, the expressions of Col I, Col III, molecules related to TGF-β/Smad3 pathway, and LOX increased significantly in the atrial tissues of rats in the Ang-II induced group. EGCG could reduce the occurrence and maintenance time of AF by inhibiting the degree of Ang-induced rat atrial fibrosis. Cell experiments confirmed that EGCG could reduce the synthesis of collagen and the expression of LOX in cardiac fibroblast induced by Ang-II. The possible mechanism is to down-regulate the expression of genes and proteins related to the TGF-β/Smad3 pathway. Conclusion: EGCG could downregulate the expression levels of collagen and LOX by inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad3 signaling pathway, alleviating Ang-II-induced atrial fibrosis, which in turn inhibited the occurrence and curtailed the duration of AF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With the fast-paced advancements of robot technology, human–robot interaction (HRI) has become increasingly popular and complex, and self-efficacy in HRI has received extensive attention. Despite its popularity, this topic remains understudied in China. Objective: In order to provide a psychometrically sound instrument in China, this study aimed to translate and validate the Self-Efficacy in Human–Robot Interaction Scale (SE-HRI) in two Chinese adult samples (N1 = 300, N2 = 500). Methods: The data was analyzed by SPSS 26.0 and Amos 24.0. Item analysis and exploratory factor analysis were conducted using Sample 1 data. Confirmatory factor analysis, criterion-related validity analysis, and reliability analysis were then performed using Sample 2 data. Results: The results revealed that the Chinese SE-HRI scale consisted of 13 items in a two-factor model, suggesting a good model fit. Moreover, general self-efficacy and willingness to accept the use of artificial intelligence (AI) were both positively correlated with self-efficacy in HRI, while negative attitudes toward robots showed an inverse correlation, proving the Chinese SE-HRI scale exhibited excellent criterion-related validity. Conclusion: The Chinese SE-HRI scale is a reliable assessment tool for evaluating self-efficacy in HRI in China. The study discussed implications and limitations, and suggested future directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgical resection is presently the primary treatment method for solid tumors due to its capability to eliminate tumor tissue to the maximum extent and decrease the malignant proliferation rate of tumor cells. While some patients may benefit from the procedure, a significant number of patients are vulnerable to complications such as postoperative inflammatory toxicity, malformed tissue repair, tumor recurrence, and metastasis. As compared to systematic drug delivery, local treatments may enhance drug concentration in the operative site and manifest the corresponding therapeutic function. Therefore, the application of local drug delivery can mitigate the severe side effects caused by surgical resection of tumors. In the field of local drug delivery, hydrogels have displayed excellent performance and made significant strides in the treatment of surgical wound-related diseases. Based on varying application purposes and methods, hydrogels can be categorized into several types, such as implantable hydrogels, injectable hydrogels, stimulus-responsive hydrogels, temperature-sensitive hydrogels, and others. This paper provides an overview of the application of different hydrogels in the treatment of tumors post-surgery and elaborates on their advantages and disadvantages as adjuvant treatments for tumors. Moreover, the potential optimal design of hydrogels is discussed, and their deep application in clinical tumor therapy is prospected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fine particle liquid–solid flow in porous media is involved in many industrial processes such as oil exploitation, geothermal reinjection and particle filtration. Understanding the migration characteristics of single fine particles in liquid–solid flow in porous media can provide micro-detailed explanations for the fine particle liquid–solid flow in porous media. In this paper, an existing lattice Boltzmann method–discrete element method (LBM-DEM) is improved by introducing a new boundary thickening direct forcing (BTDF) immersed boundary method (IBM) to replace the classical IBM. The new method is used to investigate the migrations of one, two or three fine particles in a flow field in porous media and the reactions of one, two or three fine particles on the flow field. It is found that the movement distance of a fine particle in porous media does not show a linear correlation with the fine particle's density. A fine particle with a higher density may move a shorter distance and then stagnates. Although a fine particle with a smaller diameter has a better following performance in a flow field, it is also likely to be stranded in a low-infiltration area in porous media. Under the same increase ratio, the increase in the diameter of a fine particle causes an increased pressure drop of the liquid–solid flow. In some cases, the increase in the quantity of fine particles can intensify the disturbance of fine particles on the flow field, improving the movement of fine particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the cornerstone of tissue engineering and regeneration medicine research, developing a cost‐effective and bionic extracellular matrix (ECM) that can precisely modulate cellular behavior and form functional tissue remains challenging. An artificial ECM combining polysaccharides and fibrillar proteins to mimic the structure and composition of natural ECM provides a promising solution for cardiac tissue regeneration. In this study, we developed a bionic hydrogel scaffold by combining a quaternized β‐chitin derivative (QC) and fibrin‐matrigel (FM) in different ratios to mimic a natural ECM. We evaluated the stiffness of those composite hydrogels with different mixing ratios and their effects on the growth of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The optimal hydrogels, QCFM1 hydrogels were further applied to load HUVECs into nude mice for in vivo angiogenesis. Besides, we encapsulated human pluripotent stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC‐CMs) into QCFM hydrogels and employed 3D bioprinting to achieve batch fabrication of human‐engineered heart tissue (hEHT). Finally, the myocardial structure and electrophysiological function of hEHT were evaluated by immunofluorescence and optical mapping. Designed artificial ECM has a tunable modulus (220–1380 Pa), which determines the different cellular behavior of HUVECs when encapsulated in these. QCFM1 composite hydrogels with optimal stiffness (800 Pa) and porous architecture were finally identified, which could adapt for in vitro cell spreading and in vivo angiogenesis of HUVECs. Moreover, QCFM1 hydrogels were applied in 3D bioprinting successfully to achieve batch fabrication of both ring‐shaped and patch‐shaped hEHT. These QCFM1 hydrogels‐based hEHTs possess organized sarcomeres and advanced function characteristics comparable to reported hEHTs. The chitin‐derived hydrogels are first used for cardiac tissue engineering and achieve the batch fabrication of functionalized artificial myocardium. Specifically, these novel QCFM1 hydrogels provided a reliable and economical choice serving as ideal ECM for application in tissue engineering and regeneration medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone cancer pain (BCP) represents a prevalent symptom among cancer patients with bone metastases, yet its underlying mechanisms remain elusive. This study investigated the transcriptional regulation mechanism of Kv7(KCNQ)/M potassium channels in DRG neurons and its involvement in the development of BCP in rats. We show that HDAC2-mediated transcriptional repression of kcnq2/kcnq3 genes, which encode Kv7(KCNQ)/M potassium channels in dorsal root ganglion (DRG), contributes to the sensitization of DRG neurons and the pathogenesis of BCP in rats. Also, HDAC2 requires the formation of a corepressor complex with MeCP2 and Sin3A to execute transcriptional regulation of kcnq2/kcnq3 genes. Moreover, EREG is identified as an upstream signal molecule for HDAC2-mediated kcnq2/kcnq3 genes transcription repression. Activation of EREG/EGFR-ERK-Runx1 signaling, followed by the induction of HDAC2-mediated transcriptional repression of kcnq2/kcnq3 genes in DRG neurons, leads to neuronal hyperexcitability and pain hypersensitivity in tumor-bearing rats. Consequently, the activation of EREG/EGFR-ERK-Runx1 signaling, along with the subsequent transcriptional repression of kcnq2/kcnq3 genes by HDAC2 in DRG neurons, underlies the sensitization of DRG neurons and the pathogenesis of BCP in rats. These findings uncover a potentially targetable mechanism contributing to bone metastasis-associated pain in cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on consumers' trust toward interaction with Artificially Intelligent (AI) social robots in service delivery has gained much more interest due to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. However, this topic has not been widely invesgiated in China. To provide a psychometrically sound instrument in diverse cultural contexts, this study was to validate a scale of Social Service Robot Interaction Trust (SSRIT) that measures consumers' trust toward interaction with AI social robots in service delivery in a Chinese sample of adults. The results showed that the Chinese version of the SSRIT was validated with reliability and validity, suggesting that the Chinese version of the SSRIT could be used as an effective tool to assess trust in AI social robots in service delivery within the Chinese context. The implications of the findings were also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Application programming interface (API) recommendation plays a crucial role in facilitating smart contract development by providing developers with a ranked list of candidate APIs for specific recommendation points. Deep learning‐based approaches have shown promising results in this field. However, existing approaches mainly rely on token sequences or abstract syntax trees (ASTs) for learning recommendation point‐related features, which may overlook the essential knowledge implied in the relations between or within statements and may include task‐irrelevant components during feature learning. To address these limitations, we propose a novel code graph called pruned and augmented AST (pa‐AST). Our approach enhances the AST by incorporating additional knowledge derived from the control and data flow relations between and within statements in the smart contract code. Through this augmentation, the pa‐AST can better represent the semantic features of the code. Furthermore, we conduct AST pruning to eliminate task‐irrelevant components based on the identified flow relations. This step helps mitigate the interference caused by these irrelevant parts during the model feature learning process. Additionally, we extract the API sequence surrounding the recommendation point to provide supplementary knowledge for the model learning. The experimental results demonstrate our proposed approach achieving an average mean reciprocal rank (MRR) of 68.02%, outperforming the baselines' performance. Furthermore, through ablation experiments, we explore the effectiveness of our proposed code representation approach. The results indicate that combining pa‐AST with the API sequence yields improved performance compared with using them individually. Moreover, our AST augmentation and pruning techniques significantly contribute to the overall results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes a multi-objective optimization method based on a hybrid of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and experimental techniques, which integrates a weighted average surrogate model and the NSGA-II intelligent algorithm. To validate the feasibility of this method, structural optimization for the self-excited oscillation mixer (SEOM) was conducted. The optimization objectives aimed to reduce potential abrasives accumulation in the mixed-flow cavity and minimize erosion on the elbow of the slurry outlet caused by mixed slurry, thereby enhancing the service life and rust removal efficiency of the mixed flow rotary jet descaling (MFD). A comparison between the optimized model and original model revealed a 2.51% increase in negative pressure within the cavity of the optimized model, as well as a 10.36% decrease in velocity at the outlet of mixed slurry based on simulation results. Experimental methods measured both mass flow rate of inhaled abrasive particles and impact force of mixed slurry outlet. The experimental results demonstrated that compared to its original counterpart, the optimized model exhibited superior performance with a 22.81% increase in abrasive particle flow rate and an 11.34% reduction in mixed slurry impact force indirectly, verifying better simulation effectiveness for SEOM with optimized structure. This approach also enhanced efficiency and surface quality of MFD processing strip steel, providing guidance for structural optimization of similar SEOMs used in mixed flow descaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ningbo Birth Cohort of Population Undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology (NBart) is a study conducted in Ningbo, China, that examines the effects of assisted reproductive technology (ART) on pregnancy complications and children's health. The study recruited 11,954 couples undergoing ART treatment, resulting in 5,328 live births and 587 children followed for up to 6 years. Data was collected through questionnaires, physical examinations, medical records, and laboratory testing. The cohort data is available for researchers interested in the NBart data. The study aims to explore the relationship between ART interventions and pregnancy complications, assess factors affecting the growth and health of ART-conceived offspring, and examine the immune response of pregnant women who underwent ART. The study found that certain protocols and methods in ART treatment achieved comparable pregnancy rates, and correlations were found between sperm DNA fragmentation and various outcomes in ART treatment. The study also compared the incidence rates of pregnancy complications and perinatal outcomes between women who conceived via ART and those who conceived naturally. The NBart cohort has strengths such as a homogenous population and comprehensive health monitoring systems, but also weaknesses such as potential biases in cohort selection and limited long-term follow-up of ART offspring. Researchers interested in the NBart cohort can contact Lindan Ji for potential collaborations and access to the data. The study was approved by the Ningbo University Medical Science Research Ethics Committee. [Extracted from the article]

With increasing use of robots in social life, individuals need to interact with robots more frequently, and user-anxiety about robots has attracted an extensive research attention. However, this topic has not been explored as much in China. To provide a scale for research on robot anxiety in China, this study translated and examined the reliability and validity of the Robot Anxiety Scale (RAS). The results showed that the Chinese version of RAS had an acceptable content validity. The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) showed that only one factor was extracted in this study, and the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) verified the factor structure, with the model-fitting index reaching an acceptable standard: χ2/df = 3.26, SRMR =.02, CFI =.99, GFI =.96, TLI =.98, RMSEA =.06. These findings were cross validated using Rasch measurement, in addition to further investigation of other RAS psychometric properties under the Rasch framework. Moreover, criterion validity analysis results also showed that robot anxiety was significantly positively correlated with state anxiety, trait anxiety, and negative emotions, while robot anxiety was significantly negatively correlated with trust in automation and positive emotions. In conclusion, the Chinese version of RAS is an effective tool for measuring robot anxiety in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, remains long-term and challenging to diagnose. Furthermore, there is currently no medication to completely cure AD patients. Rapamycin has been clinically demonstrated to postpone the aging process in mice and improve learning and memory abilities in animal models of AD. Therefore, rapamycin has the potential to be significant in the discovery and development of drugs for AD patients. Objective: The main objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the effects and mechanisms of rapamycin on animal models of AD by examining behavioral indicators and pathological features. Methods: Six databases were searched and 4,277 articles were retrieved. In conclusion, 13 studies were included according to predefined criteria. Three authors independently judged the selected literature and methodological quality. Use of subgroup analyses to explore potential mechanistic effects of rapamycin interventions: animal models of AD, specific types of transgenic animal models, dosage, and periodicity of administration. Results: The results of Morris Water Maze (MWM) behavioral test showed that escape latency was shortened by 15.60 seconds with rapamycin therapy, indicating that learning ability was enhanced in AD mice; and the number of traversed platforms was increased by 1.53 times, indicating that the improved memory ability significantly corrected the memory deficits. CONCLUSIONS: Rapamycin therapy reduced age-related plaque deposition by decreasing AβPP production and down-regulating β-secretase and γ-secretase activities, furthermore increased amyloid-β clearance by promoting autophagy, as well as reduced tau hyperphosphorylation by up-regulating insulin-degrading enzyme levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) This paper, based on the characteristics of complex steel structures as well as difficult points in the process of their detailed design, introduces the product design concept of DfMA (Design for Manufacturing and Assembly) from the manufacturing industry and studies the detailed design method of BIM-FEM model conversion. The BIM software Revit (2020) is used as the basis for the BIM detailed design of the project, which achieves the purpose of rapid modeling and provides a detailed design model basis for finite element analysis. (2) Utilizing the Revit API and C# for secondary development as the technical means, this approach involves converting the geometric entity model described by CSG-Brep into an APDL stream. This creates an interface with the finite element analysis software ANSYS (12.0) to implement the detailed design of BIM-FEM model conversion, optimizing the algorithm for converting complex analysis models that require high precision for special-shaped steel structures. (3) This research addresses issues such as the disconnection between the design, manufacturing, and construction of special-shaped steel structures, providing support for design decisions. Moreover, it enhances the detailed design method by improving the standardization of special-shaped components under the condition of design diversity. (4) These studies provide sustainability for engineering design, manufacturing, and construction projects, enabling the maximization of benefits and product lifecycle management (PLM) through these projects. (5) Finally, a case study analysis was conducted on the Wuhan City New Generation Weather Radar Construction Project, designed by the Central South Architectural Design Institute (CSADI), to verify the detailed design of BIM-FEM model conversion. This proved the scientific validity, practicality, and necessity of this research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to investigate the efficacy of the CT-based peritoneal cancer index (PCI) to predict the overall survival of patients with peritoneal metastasis in gastric cancer (GCPM) after two cycles of chemotherapy. Methods: This retrospective study registered 112 individuals with peritoneal metastasis in gastric cancer in our hospital. Abdominal and pelvic enhanced CT before and after chemotherapy was independently analyzed by two radiologists. The PCI of peritoneal metastasis in gastric cancer was evaluated according to the Sugarbaker classification, considering the size and distribution of the lesions using CT. Then we evaluated the prognostic performance of PCI based on CT, clinical characteristics, and imaging findings for survival analysis using multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression. Results: The PCI change ratio based on CT after treatment (ΔPCI), therapy lines, and change in grade of ascites were independent factors that were associated with overall survival (OS). The area under the curve (AUC) value of ΔPCI for predicting OS with 0.773 was higher than that of RECIST 1.1 with 0.661 (P < 0.05). Patients with ΔPCI less than −15% had significantly longer OS. Conclusion: CT analysis after chemotherapy could predict OS in patients with GCPM. The CT-PCI change ratio could contribute to the determination of an appropriate strategy for gastric cancer patients with peritoneal metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is a common complication of diabetes. Previous studies have implicated that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a role in the development of PDN, but its pathogenesis and mechanism have not been fully investigated. Methods: In this study, we used high‐fat diet/low‐dose streptozotocin‐induced rats as a model of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Behavioral testing, whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, and complex sensory nerve conduction velocity studies were used to assess peripheral neuropathy. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), ATP, tissue reactive oxygen species, and transmission electron microscopy were used to evaluate the function and morphology of mitochondria in DRG. Real‐time PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence were performed to investigate the mechanism. Results: We found that damaged mitochondria were accumulated and mitophagy was inhibited in PDN rats. The expression of sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), which is an NAD+‐dependent deacetylase in mitochondria, was inhibited. Overexpression of SIRT3 in DRG neurons by intrathecally administered LV‐SIRT3 lentivirus ameliorated neurological and mitochondrial dysfunctions. This was evidenced by the reversal of allodynia and nociceptor hyperexcitability, as well as the restoration of MMP and ATP levels. Overexpression of SIRT3 restored the inhibited mitophagy by activating the FoxO3a‐PINK1‐Parkin signaling pathway. The effects of SIRT3 overexpression, including the reversal of allodynia and nociceptor hyperexcitability, the improvement of impaired mitochondria and mitophagy, and the restoration of PINK1 and Parkin expression, were counteracted when FoxO3a siRNA was intrathecally injected. Conclusion: These results showed that SIRT3 overexpression ameliorates PDN via activation of FoxO3a‐PINK1‐Parkin‐mediated mitophagy, suggesting that SIRT3 may become an encouraging therapeutic strategy for PDN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the optimal delivery system of quercetin, in this paper, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) extracted from rice bran were used to stabilize the Pickering emulsion and Pickering emulsion gels (PEGs) with quercetin. To compare the emulsion properties, stability, antioxidation activity, encapsulation rate, and bioaccessibility of the quercetin, four emulsions of CNC Pickering emulsion (C), CNC Pickering emulsion with quercetin (CQ), CNC Pickering gel emulsion (CG), and CNC Pickering gel emulsions with quercetin (CQG) were prepared. All four emulsions exhibited elastic gel network structure and good stability. The quercetin significantly reduced the particle size, increased the stability, and improved the antioxidant capacity of CQ and CQG. Compared to C and CG, the ABTS+ radical scavenging capacities of CQ and CQG were respectively enhanced by 46.92% and 3.59%. In addition, CQG had a higher encapsulation rate at 94.57% and higher bioaccessibility (16.17) compared to CQ. This study not only indicated that CNC from rice bran could be exploited as an excellent stabilization particle for Pickering emulsions, but also provided a highly stable and bioaccessible delivery system for water-insoluble functional active factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thismia Griff. (Thismiaceae) is a holo-mycoheterotrophic genus with more than 100 species. In this study, phylogenetic analyses supported that T. malipoensis from Yunnan is a new species in T. sect. Glaziocharis. Morphologically, this new species can be distinguished from its phylogenetic sister species T. abei by having the annulus of the flower expanded and modified into a cucullate (hood-like) structure with zygomorphic symmetry with one opening on one side. Biogeographical inference showed that SW China to Indo-Burma and the Sunda Shelf region was suggested as the ancestral distribution region of Thismia s.s., then eastward to SE China and Japan, and southward to New Guinea to Australia, respectively. The Chinese species should have originated from at least two different ancestral sources, and geographical isolation caused the divergence between T. malipoensis and T. abei at 17.47 Mya. Citation: Ya J.-D. Chen H.-Y. Zhang W. Zhu R.-B. Cai J. & Yu W.-B. 2024: Phylogenetic and biogeographical analyses of Thismia (Thismiaceae) support T. malipoensis as the eighth species in China. – Willdenowia 54: 47–63. Version of record first published online on 28 February 2024 ahead of inclusion in April 2024 issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensing data from vessel operations are of great importance in reflecting operational performance and facilitating proper decision-making. In this paper, statistical analyses of vessel operational data are first conducted to compare manual noon reports and autolog data from sensors. Then, new indicators to identify data aberrations are proposed, which are the errors between the reported values from operational data and the expected values of different parameters based on baseline models and relevant sailing conditions. A method to detect aberrations based on the new indicators in terms of the reported power is then investigated, as there are two independent measured power values. In this method, a sliding window that moves forward along time is implemented, and the coefficient of variation (CV) is calculated for comparison. Case studies are carried out to detect aberrations in autolog and noon data from a commercial vessel using the new indicator. An analysis to explore the source of the deviation is also conducted, aiming to find the most reliable value in operations. The method is shown to be effective for practical use in detecting aberrations, having been initially tested on both autolog and noon report from four different commercial vessels in 14 vessel years. Approximately one triggered period per vessel per year with a conclusive deviation source is diagnosed by the proposed method. The investigation of this research will facilitate a better evaluation of operational performance, which is beneficial to both the vessel operators and crew. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a TiN/TiCN/Al2O3/TiN coating deposited onto cemented carbide matrix by chemical vapor deposition was irradiated by high-current pulsed electron beam (HCPEB). The influence of pulse times on the phase composition, microstructure, and mechanical properties of the coating investigated. The results showed that no new phase was produced, the grain size of the coating surface was refined, the surface became flat, and the surface roughness decreased after HCPEB treatment. The TiN/TiCN/Al2O3/TiN coating presented a smooth surface with good mechanical performance after HCPEB. A maximum hardness was obtained after 15 pulses, and the 15-pulse irradiated coating showed better wear resistance. The improvement in the coating's performance after irradiation was mainly attributed to the formation of grain refinement and crystal defects, as well as the change of stress field inside the coating. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of HCPEB modification in the preparation of high-performance coating by analyzing the microstructure and property of coating under different pulses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aberrant secretion and excessive deposition of type I collagen (Col1) are important factors in the pathogenesis of myocardial fibrosis in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying the synthesis and secretion of Col1 remain unclear. Methods and results: RNA-sequencing analysis revealed an increased HtrA serine peptidase 1 (HTRA1) expression in patients with DCM, which is strongly correlated with myocardial fibrosis. Consistent findings were observed in both human and mouse tissues by immunoblotting, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence analyses. Pearson's analysis showed a markedly positive correlation between HTRA1 level and myocardial fibrosis indicators, including extracellular volume fraction (ECV), native T1, and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), in patients with DCM. In vitro experiments showed that the suppression of HTRA1 inhibited the conversion of cardiac fibroblasts into myofibroblasts and decreased Col1 secretion. Further investigations identified the role of HTRA1 in promoting the formation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) exit sites, which facilitated the transportation of Col1 from the ER to the Golgi apparatus, thereby increasing its secretion. Conversely, HTRA1 knockdown impeded the retention of Col1 in the ER, triggering ER stress and subsequent induction of ER autophagy to degrade misfolded Col1 and maintain ER homeostasis. In vivo experiments using adeno-associated virus-serotype 9-shHTRA1-green fluorescent protein (AAV9-shHTRA1-GFP) showed that HTRA1 knockdown effectively suppressed myocardial fibrosis and improved left ventricular function in mice with DCM. Conclusions: The findings of this study provide valuable insights regarding the treatment of DCM-associated myocardial fibrosis and highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting HTRA1-mediated collagen secretion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heart transplantation is the gold standard for treating patients with advanced heart failure. Although improvements in immunosuppressive therapies have significantly reduced the frequency of cardiac graft rejection, the incidences of T cell-mediated rejection (TCMR) and antibody-mediated rejection remain almost unchanged. A four-archetype analysis (4AA) model, developed by Philip F. Halloran, illustrated this problem well. It provided a new dimension to improve the accuracy of diagnoses and an independent system for recalibrating the histology guidelines. However, this model was based on the invasive method of endocardial biopsy, which undoubtedly increased the postoperative risk of heart transplant patients. Currently, little is known regarding the associated genes and specific functions of the different phenotypes. We performed bioinformatics analysis (using machine-learning methods and the WGCNA algorithm) to screen for hub-specific genes related to different phenotypes, based Gene Expression Omnibus accession number GSE124897. More immune cell infiltration was observed with the ABMR, TCMR, and injury phenotypes than with the stable phenotype. Hub-specific genes for each of the four archetypes were verified successfully using an external test set (accession number GSE2596). Logistic-regression models based on TCMR-specific hub genes and common hub genes were constructed with accurate diagnostic utility (area under the curve > 0.95). RELA, NFKB1, and SOX14 were identified as transcription factors important for TCMR/injury phenotypes and common genes, respectively. Additionally, 11 Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs were chosen from the DrugBank Database for each four-archetype model. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors may be a promising new option for transplant rejection treatment. KRAS signaling in cardiac transplant rejection is worth further investigation. Our results showed that heart transplant rejection subtypes can be accurately diagnosed by detecting expression of the corresponding specific genes, thereby enabling precise treatment or medication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of Petrocosmea (Gesneriaceae), P. wangii M.Q.Han, J.Cai & J.D.Ya from Shiping County and P. yei M.Q.Han, C.Liu & Y.X.Gong from Mojiang and Zhenyuan Counties, Yunnan Province, China, are described and illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iodine acetonitrile (IAN) is an important halogenated acetonitrile (HANs) with potential toxic effect on organism. However, no in vivo toxicological study has been reported on IAN. To quantify the toxicity of IAN, we sought to use adult Drosophila as a model for studying IAN-induced neurotoxicity. Adult Drosophila flies were exposed to 1000 mg/L, 100 mg/L, 10 mg/L, and 1 mg/L IAN or dibromoacetonitrile (DBAN, used as positive control) for 4 days to observe fly survival rate, and for 7 days to study climbing behavior. One hundred percent lethality was observed at 1000 mg/L IAN or DBAN. Kaplan‒Meier survival curves demonstrated that the overall survival of flies treated with 1 mg/L IAN was significantly shorter than that of flies treated with 1 mg/L DBAN. The climbing assay showed that the 10 mg/L IAN and 100 mg/L DBAN conditions started to reduce the climbing ability of the flies, suggesting that IAN and DBAN are neurotoxicity. In conclusion, IAN is more toxic than DBAN. It is recommended that attention be paid to toxicity, and IAN be included in the water test criteria to limit its concentration. In addition, IAN exposure was associated with changes in climbing behavior in flies, which might be associated with neurotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of hypoxia in terms of affecting mammary epithelial cells (MECs) proliferation is closely associated with the milk synthesis of lactating mammals. Primary bovine MECs were cultured at 1, 6, 11, 16, and 21% O2 for 24 h. The results showed that cell proliferation decreased linearly, and hypoxic inducible factor (HIF)-1α expression increased linearly along with the declining O2. The linear increase in oxidative stress resulted in the accumulation of malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species and decreased antioxidant enzyme activities following the reduced O2. Concerning mitochondria, the dynamin-related protein 1 showed improved expression, and optin atrophy protein 1 decreased along with the decreasing O2 gradient, which led to decreased mitochondrial mass and mitophagy emerging under 1% O2. Oxygen concentration-trend RNA-seq analysis was conducted. Specifically, HIF-1-MAPK (1% O2), PI3K-Akt-MAPK (6% O2), and p53-Hippo (11 and 16% O2) were found to primarily regulate cell proliferation in response to hypoxia compared with normoxia (21%), respectively. In conclusion, our study suggests that bMEC proliferation is suppressed in low-oxygen conditions, and is exacerbated following the reduced oxygen supply. The cross-oxygen gradient comparisons suggest that MAPK and Hippo, which are core pathways of mammary cell proliferation, are repressed by hypoxia via oxidative-stress-dependent signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Plastic bronchitis (PB), a rare complication of respiratory infection characterized by the formation of casts in the tracheobronchial tree, can lead to airway obstruction and severe condition. Adenovirus is one of the common pathogens of PB caused by infection. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical features and risk factors for PB in children with severe adenovirus pneumonia. Methods: A retrospective study of children with severe adenovirus pneumonia with bronchoscopy results at Guangzhou Women and Children's Hospital between January 2018 and January 2020 was performed. Based on bronchoscopy, we divided children with severe adenovirus pneumonia into two groups: PB and non-PB. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for PB in patients with severe adenovirus pneumonia after univariate analysis. Results: Our study examined 156 patients with severe adenovirus pneumonia with bronchoscopy results in hospital. Among them, 18 developed PB and 138 did not. On multivariate analysis, the independent risk factors of PB in children with severe adenovirus pneumonia were history of allergies (OR 10.147, 95% CI 1.727– 59.612; P=0.010), diminished breath sounds (OR 12.856, 95% CI 3.259– 50.713; P=0.001), and increased proportion of neutrophils (> 70%; OR 8.074, 95% CI 1.991– 32.735; P=0.003). Conclusion: Children with severe adenovirus pneumonia with a history of allergies, diminished breath sounds, and increased the proportion of neutrophils > 70% may show higher risk of PB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additive Manufacturing (AM) processes are known as revolutionary manufacturing processes that fabricate a part using a 3D model layer upon layer. These techniques gained more attention from various industries due to their advantages like low waste material. Also, these processes can produce any part with high degrees of complexity in a short period of time. The Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) process is a material extrusion-based technique which works by extruding a fine molten polymeric filament through a heated nozzle on the heated platform named printer bed. In this method, some important manufacturing parameters play a crucial role in controlling the mechanical properties and quality of the final fabricated part. However, all printed specimens through the FDM process should be tested based on the standards under some critical circumstances. Thus, in the current research paper, five and three test speeds are considered in tensile and fracture testing procedures, respectively to evaluate how these speeds can affect the mechanical and mode I fracture properties. Also, as the FDM specimens present elastic–plastic behavior, the critical value of J-integral is assumed as a fracture assessment and calculated from the finite element analysis. Among the mechanical properties, ultimate tensile strength is affected significantly by the test speed. For instance, the ultimate tensile strength of FDM specimens is 39.02, 38.58, 42.33, 48.09, and 52.11 for test speeds of 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 mm/min, respectively. But vice-versa results are detected for the mode I fracture behavior and corresponding values of J for the FDM-PLA specimens. Finally, experimental and numerical results together with comprehensive discussions about the considered speeds and obtained results are reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The precise mechanisms underlying the inhibitory effects of SIRT3, a mitochondrial sirtuin protein, on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development, as well as its impact on mitochondrial respiration, remain poorly understood. We assessed sirtuins 3 (SIRT3) levels in HCC tissues and Huh7 cells cultured under hypoxic condition. We investigated the effects of SIRT3 on cell proliferation, glycolytic metabolism, mitochondrial respiration, mitophagy, and mitochondrial biogenesis in Huh7 cells. Besides, we explored the potential mechanisms regulating SIRT3 expression in hypoxically cultured Huh7 cells. Gradual reduction in SIRT3 expressions were observed in both adjacent tumor tissues and tumor tissues. Similarly, SIRT3 expressions were diminished in Huh7 cells cultured under hypoxic condition. Forced expression of SIRT3 attenuated the growth of hypoxically cultured Huh7 cells. SIRT3 overexpression led to a decrease in extracellular acidification rate while increasing oxygen consumption rate. SIRT3 downregulated the levels of hexokinase 2 and pyruvate kinase M2. Moreover, SIRT3 enhanced mitophagy signaling, as indicated by mtKeima, and upregulated key proteins involved in various mitophagic pathways while reducing intracellular reactive oxygen species levels. Furthermore, SIRT3 increased proxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1α levels and the amount of mitochondrial DNA in Huh7 cells. Notably, β-catenin expressions were elevated in Huh7 cells cultured under hypoxic condition. Antagonists and agonists of β-catenin respectively upregulated and downregulated SIRT3 expressions in hypoxically cultured Huh7 cells. The modulationsof glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration represent the primary mechanism through which SIRT3, suppressed by β-catenin, inhibits HCC cell proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obesity has been related to depression and adhering healthy lifestyle was beneficial to lower the risk of depression; however, little is known about the relationship between body composition and fat distribution with depression risk and the influence of body composition and fat distribution on the association of lifestyle and depression. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether body composition and fat distribution were associated with the adverse events of depression and the relationship between lifestyle and depression. Methods: We included 330,131 participants without depression at baseline in the UK Biobank (mean age, 56.9 years; 53.83% females). The assessment of depression was sourced from health outcomes across self-report, primary care, hospital inpatient data, and death data. Body composition was determined by bioelectrical impedance. Seven lifestyles (no current smoking, moderate alcohol consumption, regular physical activity, healthy diet, less sedentary behavior, healthy sleep pattern, and appropriate social connection) were used to generate a lifestyle score. Results: During a median of 11.7 years of follow-up, 7576 incident depression occurred. All the body composition measures were positively associated with depression risk, with the Hazard ratios (HR) for the uppermost tertile (T3) versus the lowest tertile (T1) ranging from 1.26 (95% CI: 1.15–1.39) for trunk fat-free mass (TFFM) to 1.78 (1.62–1.97) for leg fat percentage (LFP). In addition, we found significant interactions between fat mass-related indices, especially leg fat mass (LFM) (p = 1.65 × 10−9), and lifestyle score on the risk of depression, for which the beneficial associations of a healthy lifestyle with the risk of depression were more evident among participants with low body fat measurement. Conclusions: High levels of body composition measures were associated with an increased depression risk. Adverse body composition measures may weaken the link between a healthy lifestyle and a reduced risk of depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploitation of key protected wild plant resources makes great sense, but their limited populations become the major barrier. A particular strategy for breaking this barrier was inspired by the exploration of a resource‐saving fungal endophyte Penicillium sp. DG23, which inhabits the key protected wild plant Schisandra macrocarpa. Chemical studies on the cultures of this strain afforded eight novel indole diterpenoids, schipenindolenes A−H (1–8), belonging to six diverse skeleton types. Importantly, semisyntheses suggested some key nonenzymatic reactions constructing these molecules and provided targeted compounds, in particular schipenindolene A (Spid A, 1) with low natural abundance. Remarkably, Spid A was the most potent HMG‐CoA reductase (HMGCR) degrader among the indole diterpenoid family. It degraded statin‐induced accumulation of HMGCR protein, decreased cholesterol levels and acted synergistically with statin to further lower cholesterol. Mechanistically, transcriptomic and proteomic profiling suggested that Spid A potentially activated the endoplasmic reticulum‐associated degradation (ERAD) pathway to enhance the degradation of HMGCR, while simultaneously inhibiting the statin‐activated expression of many key enzymes in the cholesterol and fatty acid synthesis pathways, thereby strengthening the efficacy of statins and potentially reducing the side effects of statins. Collectively, this study suggests the potential of Spid A for treating cardiovascular disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploitation of key protected wild plant resources makes great sense, but their limited populations become the major barrier. A particular strategy for breaking this barrier was inspired by the exploration of a resource‐saving fungal endophyte Penicillium sp. DG23, which inhabits the key protected wild plant Schisandra macrocarpa. Chemical studies on the cultures of this strain afforded eight novel indole diterpenoids, schipenindolenes A−H (1–8), belonging to six diverse skeleton types. Importantly, semisyntheses suggested some key nonenzymatic reactions constructing these molecules and provided targeted compounds, in particular schipenindolene A (Spid A, 1) with low natural abundance. Remarkably, Spid A was the most potent HMG‐CoA reductase (HMGCR) degrader among the indole diterpenoid family. It degraded statin‐induced accumulation of HMGCR protein, decreased cholesterol levels and acted synergistically with statin to further lower cholesterol. Mechanistically, transcriptomic and proteomic profiling suggested that Spid A potentially activated the endoplasmic reticulum‐associated degradation (ERAD) pathway to enhance the degradation of HMGCR, while simultaneously inhibiting the statin‐activated expression of many key enzymes in the cholesterol and fatty acid synthesis pathways, thereby strengthening the efficacy of statins and potentially reducing the side effects of statins. Collectively, this study suggests the potential of Spid A for treating cardiovascular disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cascaded relativistic magnetron array with symmetric feeder structure was first proposed as a multi-port phase-coherent high-power microwave source, which is intrinsically equipped with high structural symmetry. Two symmetrically positioned slow-wave structures surround the feeder structure, which reduces axial electron drifting in each resonant system and ensures the phase-locking process. In this paper, a theory of structure-provided coupling coefficient and oscillator-required coupling coefficient is proposed as the phase-locking prerequisites. The method is evaluated by adopting two A6-type resonant systems. The symmetrically driven cascaded relativistic magnetron array employs a typical π-mode with an anode voltage of 450 kV and an axial magnetic field of 0.47 T. The phase-locked state was achieved in 17 ns with a jitter less than 5 deg. The total output power exceeds 2.3 GW at a frequency of 2.15 GHz, and the power flow in each output port exceeds 350 MW. The transversely opposed driven scheme can be combined with other phase-locking patterns for additional uses, and further optimization of resonant system could be applied for enhancing device performance. The theory of coupling prerequisites is also sufficient for analyzing other cascaded relativistic magnetrons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a progressive decline in cognitive and behavioral function. Studies have shown that genetic factors are one of the main causes of AD risk. genome-wide association study (GWAS), as a novel and effective tool for studying the genetic risk of diseases, has attracted attention from researchers in recent years and a large number of studies have been conducted. This study aims to summarize the literature on GWAS in AD by bibliometric methods, analyze the current status, research hotspots and future trends in this field. Methods: We retrieved articles on GWAS in AD published between 2002 and 2022 from Web of Science. CiteSpace and VOSviewer software were applied to analyze the articles for the number of articles published, countries/regions and institutions of publication, authors and cited authors, highly cited literature, and research hotspots. Results: We retrieved a total of 2,751 articles. The United States had the highest number of publications in this field, and Columbia University was the institution with the most published articles. The identification of AD-related susceptibility genes and their effects on AD is one of the current research hotspots. Numerous risk genes have been identified, among which APOE, CLU, CD2AP, CD33, EPHA1, PICALM, CR1, ABCA7 and TREM2 are the current genes of interest. In addition, risk prediction for AD and research on other related diseases are also popular research directions in this field. Conclusion: This study conducted a comprehensive analysis of GWAS in AD and identified the current research hotspots and research trends. In addition, we also pointed out the shortcomings of current research and suggested future research directions. This study can provide researchers with information about the knowledge structure and emerging trends in the field of GWAS in AD and provide guidance for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous syndrome with a constellation of cardiometabolic risk factors. We aimed to investigate if the association of body fat mass (BFM) and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) with cardiometabolic risk differed in PCOS subtypes. (2) Methods: 401 participants (245 PCOS and 156 controls) were assessed for anthropometric measurements, glucose–lipid profiles, reproductive hormones and body composition with propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis. The association of the cardiometabolic risk score (z score, calculated based on levels of obesity and gluco-lipid measurements) with BFM (estimated by trunk BFM/Height2) and SMM (estimated by SMM/Height2) was calculated. (3) Results: Trunk BFM/Height2 and SMM/Height2 were both positively associated with cardiometabolic risk in PCOS (trunk BFM/Height2, OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.49–3.65; SMM/Height2, OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.12–3.76). SMM/Height2 associated with increased cardiometabolic risk in obese PCOS (BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2, OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.15–4.47). For those with lower BMI (<28 kg/m2), trunk BFM/Height2 showed a higher OR in both groups (PCOS, OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.06–4.24; control 2.04, 95% CI 1.04–4.02). Moreover, distinct associations among BMI-stratified groups were validated in hierarchical clustering identifying metabolic and reproductive clusters. (4) Conclusions: BFM and SMM are synergistically associated with higher cardiometabolic risk in PCOS women. Although BFM contributes to increased cardiometabolic risk, SMM also plays a primary role in obese PCOS. Our results highlight the importance of body composition in the management of PCOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the applicability of bone reamer and trephine for foraminoscopy in percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD), and to provide a theoretical basis for foraminoplasty options in clinical practice. Methods: This study was a prospective cohort study. Sixty-three consecutive patients who underwent PELD for lumbar disc herniation between May 2021 and July 2022 were analysed. Foraminoplasty were performed by bone reamer or trephine. The amount of bone removed and the foramen area enlarged during foraminoplasty by both tools were measured by 3D slicer and Digimizer software, and the numbers of fluoroscopic views were recorded. Results: The bone reamer removed less bone in the Superior Articular Process (SAP) than the trephine (t = 17.507, P < 0.001), and the area enlarged by the bone reamer was smaller than that of the trephine (t = 10.042, P = 0.002). The overall numbers of fluoroscopic views were significantly more in the bone reamer group than in the trephine group (t = 19.003, P < 0.001). In the bone reamer group, when the area of preoperative (FPZ) was no less than 54.55 mm2, the mean number of fluoroscopic views significantly decreased (t = 14.443, P = 0.001). Conclusion: Bone reamer was safer and trephine was more efficient for foraminoscopy in PELD. An area of preoperative (FPZ) of 54.55 mm2 can be used as a critical value: bone reamer reduced the risk for cases above the value, while trephine improved the efficiency for cases less than the value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a data-driven modeling method for precast concrete (PC) balcony components was proposed to solve the problems of low informatization and the difficult modeling of components at the design stage. Through the analysis of the characteristics of PC balcony components and the combination of modular design methods, the paper designed a data structure for the components and developed a data-driven modeling tool for PC balcony components that can realize the input of structural design data, automatically generating component models. First, this paper introduced the data-driven modeling concept and the modeling process. Second, the PC balcony components in common prefabricated residential projects were analyzed to identify their characteristics. By using a modular design approach, these components were divided and a module dataset was created based on the split modules. Consequently, a data structure for the prefabricated balcony component model was established, wherein both conventional parameters and adaptive parameters between modules were interrelated. Finally, the function of data-driven modeling was achieved by developing a modular design tool on the Revit platform using the C# programming language. The application conducted on a prefabricated building project demonstrated that the software tool and modeling method in this paper effectively improve the level of informatization and modeling efficiency of PC balcony components. The modular design approach was satisfied with the standardization and diversification requirements of balcony components, thereby offering insights for modeling other complex components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The willingness to use service robots plays a pivotal role in human–robot interaction. To establish a valid measure in the Chinese context, this study aimed to revisit the validity and reliability of the Service Robot Integration Willingness (SRIW) Scale among Chinese adults. A total of 955 participants were recruited to complete the Chinese version of the SRIW. Our findings revealed a four-factor model comprising 31 items, indicating a strong model fit. Furthermore, trust in automation correlated positively with the Chinese SRIW, while negative attitudes toward robots exhibited a significant inverse correlation, supportting the Chinese SRIW's substantial criterion-related validity. In conclusion, this article introduces an updated Chinese SRIW, underscoring its efficacy in measuring the readiness to adopt service robots in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this investigation is to evaluate the characteristics associated with degradation of toluene through the utilization of non-thermal plasma (NTP) generated via application of a low-work-function electrode and nanosecond pulsed power supply. Initially, a comparative analysis is made between toluene removal efficiency utilizing the low-work-function electrode and that achieved with the conventional stainless-steel electrode. The outcomes demonstrate that NTP generated by the low-work-function electrode exhibits markedly superior removal efficiency for toluene in comparison to the stainless-steel electrode operating at the same voltage. Subsequently, the impacts of voltage, pulse frequency, and initial concentration of toluene on the removal efficiency and production of by-products are investigated. It is found that as the voltage and frequency increase, the removal efficiency also increases, and a maximum toluene removal efficiency of 87.2% is achieved at a voltage of 12,000 V and pulse frequency of 2000 Hz. The removal efficiency first increases and then decreases with increasing toluene initial concentration. The investigation also finds that energy yield is negatively correlated with voltage and pulse frequency and positively correlated with the initial concentration. Finally, the reaction products were subjected to quantitative analysis using GC–MS. Based on the analysis results, potential reaction pathways are inferred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tumor suppressor P53 is a known regulator of autophagy, which has been reported to be associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) cells' drug resistance. However, the molecular mechanisms of P53 regulating autophagic responses remain incompletely clear in CRC. HCT-116 and HT-29 cell line are colorectal cancer cell line with wild type and mutant P53 gene. Here, we aimed to investigate the mechanisms of P53 regulating the starvation-induced autophagy in HCT-116 and HT-29 cells. After P53 was inhibited by siRNA following treatment with EBSS or EBSS combination with bafilomycin A1, the hallmarks of autophagy were examined by real-time PCR and western blot. We found that P53 knockdown led to the accumulation of p62 in HCT-116 cells, indicating the autophagy flux was blocked. In addition, P53 knockdown caused the decreased p62 in HT-29 cells and the autophagy flux was activated. Furthermore, the expression of signaling pathway genes and autophagy related genes (ATG) showed an opposite pattern between two cell lines after P53 inhibition. Specially, the expression of autophagy regulating genes ATG14, VPS34 and TSC1 were significantly decreased by P53 knockdown in HCT-116 cells, and the expression of PTEN, DRAM1 and ULK2 were dramatically increased in HT-29 cells. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that P53 can promote autophagy by increasing the expression of signaling pathway genes and ATG in HCT-116 cells but inhibit autophagy by an opposite pattern in HT-29 cell line. These findings might be hopeful for the targeting therapy of different types of CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]