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Exploring non-noble and high-performance metal catalysts to replace platinum-based catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) via electrochemical water splitting significantly alleviates environmental pollution and the energy crisis. However, the synthetic approaches of such electrocatalysts are generally complex and challenging for large-scale production. Herein, a facile and green solid-state synthesis of Ni nanoparticles decorated with N-doped porous carbon is presented. These materials are derived from chitosan as carbon, nitrogen sources, and nickel acetate as a nickel source with NaCl as a template. The synthesis procedure is simple to scale up without an organic solvent. Benefiting from its porous structure, splendid conductivity, and the synergistic effect of Ni nanoparticles and holey N-doped carbon, the as-prepared Ni@CN exhibits superior HER performance in 1 M KOH with a low potential of 121 mV at 10 mA cm-2 . These findings indicate that the convenient and environmentally friendly synthesis approach provides a novel method for large-scale synthesis of HER electrocatalysts for industrial electrolytic water splitting applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the occupational and health-related consequences of workplace bullying have received extensive research attention, the effects of workplace bullying on the family domain have been largely ignored. Based on the PRISMA framework, the Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and PubMed databases were searched up to May 12, 2024, for articles on associations between workplace bullying and family functioning. A total of 1347 articles were identified, of which 37 were found after review to meet the criteria for inclusion. All the included studies found a direct or indirect association between workplace bullying and family functioning. Most studies are grounded in the conservation of resources (COR) theory, spillover theory, crossover theory, and work-family interface model. Negative affect (emotions), work-family conflict (WFC), and burnout were considered essential mechanisms explaining the links between workplace bullying and family functioning, with personal resources (demands) as the main moderators. Most studies focus on the one-way impact of workplace bullying on family functioning, mainly using cross-sectional, non-randomized self-report designs. Future research will benefit from using a longitudinal design, continued characterization of the workplace bullying-family functioning relationship, including its nature, direction, processes, and boundary conditions in various industrial and cultural contexts, together with the use of models for the integration of research findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tigecycline is a last-resort drug used to treat serious infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. tet(X4) is a recently discovered plasmid-mediated tigecycline resistance gene that confers high-level resistance to tigecycline and other tetracyclines. Since the first discovery of tet(X4) in 2019, it has spread rapidly worldwide, and as a consequence, tigecycline has become increasingly ineffective in the clinical treatment of multidrug-resistant infections. In this study, we identified and analyzed tet(X4)-positive Escherichia coli isolates from duck farms in Hunan Province, China. In total, 976 samples were collected from nine duck farms. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) were performed to establish the phenotypes and genotypes of tet(X4)- positive isolates. In addition, the genomic characteristics and transferability of tet (X4) were determined based on bioinformatics analysis and conjugation. We accordingly detected an E. coli strain harboring tet(X4) and seven other resistance genes in duck feces. Multi-locus sequence typing analysis revealed that this isolate belonged to a new clone, and subsequent genetic analysis indicated that tet(X4) was carried in a 4608-bp circular intermediate, flanked by ISVsa3-ORF2-abh elements. Moreover, it exhibited transferability to E. coli C600 with a frequency of 10-5. The detection of tet(X4)-harboring E, coli strains on duck farms enhances our understanding of tigecycline resistance dynamics. The transferable nature of the circular intermediate of tet(X4) contributing to the spread of tigecycline resistance genes poses a substantial threat to healthcare. Consequently, vigilant monitoring and proactive measures are necessary to prevent their spread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the effectiveness and tolerability of both PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors in advanced cervical cancer (CC), focusing on varying PD-L1 levels. Methods: A comprehensive exploration was carried out on EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Library databases as well as Web of Science up to May 25, 2024, for studies involving advanced CC patients receiving PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. Inclusion criteria were studies reporting objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), median progression-free survival (PFS), as well as median overall survival (OS). Data extraction and quality assessment were performed by two reviewers using the JBI Case Series Critical Appraisal Checklist, followed by a meta-analysis via STATA/MP 16.0. Results: Five eligible studies comprising 223 patients were chosen. ORR and DCR were 42% (95% CI: 17%-66%, P = 0.00) and 70% (95% CI: 22%-117%, P = 0.00), respectively, in the PD-L1 positive patients and were 36% (95% CI: 17%-54%, P = 0.00) and 47% (95% CI: 30%-63%, P = 0.00), respectively, in patients with PD-L1 negativity. For patients exhibiting PD-L1 positivity, median PFS and median OS were 3.98 months (95% CI: 0.80-7.16, P = 0.01) and 11.26 months (95% CI: 3.01-12.58, P = 0.00), respectively. Conclusion: With PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, PD-L1 positive CC patients demonstrate superior ORR, DCR, median PFS, and median OS, underscoring PD-L1 as one biomarker for immunotherapy response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the electrocatalytic transformation of carbon dioxide (CO2) to multi-carbon (C2þ) products is of great importance. Here we developed a nitrogen-doped Cu catalyst, by which the maximum C2þ Faradaic efficiency can reach 72.7% in flow-cell system, with the partial current density reaching 0.62 A cm-2. The in situ Raman spectra demonstrate that the *CO adsorption can be strengthened on such a N-doped Cu catalyst, thus promoting the *CO utilization in the subsequent C--C coupling step. Simultaneously, the water activation can be well enhanced by N doping on Cu catalyst. Owing to the synergistic effects, the selectivity and activity for C2þ products over the N-deoped Cu catalyst are much improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alport syndrome (AS) is a common cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) with various clinical symptoms and incomplete manifestation. Patients with AS and other renal disorders are often misdiagnosed. This study reported three X-linked dominant Alport syndrome (XLAS) pedigrees with nephrotic syndrome (NS) as the predominant phenotype and analyzed COL4A5 gene alterations. Methods: Three Han Chinese XLAS pedigrees were recruited, and clinical phenotypes were obtained. The pre-certified individuals' peripheral blood DNA was taken, and whole-genome next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed for candidate genes and mutation screening, followed by NGS or Sanger sequencing of suspected mutant types in participating family members. Results: Both probands A and B were diagnosed with NS through biochemical tests, and X-linked Alport syndrome-associated renal injury was diagnosed by renal biopsy. The biopsy revealed focal foamy cells in the renal interstitium, tearing and delamination changes in the glomerular basement membrane, and negative α3 and α5 chains of type IV collagen. Proband C, who was earlier diagnosed with NS, has now advanced to ESRD, along with his mother and proband A's mother. Genetic sequencing of all three pedigrees identified three mutations, namely, c.5020C>T, c.4435_4445del, and c.1584_1587+6del in the X-linked dominant gene COL4A5 (NM_000495.5). These mutations lead to the production of shortened proteins, potentially impacting the function of COL4A5 and causing pathogenic effects. Conclusion: The novel c.4435_4445del and c.1584_1587+6del mutations not only enrich the spectrum of mutations in the COL4A5 gene but also indicate that carriers of both mutation sites and those with mutation c.5020C>T may present NS as their primary clinical manifestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Metastasis remains the leading cause of mortality among colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Identification of new metastasis-related genes are critical to improve colorectal cancer prognosis. Methods: Data on mRNA expression in metastatic and primary CRC was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, including GSE81986, GSE41568, GSE71222, GSE21510, and GSE14333. Additionally, data concerning mRNA expression in colon cancer (COAD) and adjacent normal tissues were acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Hub genes were identified by weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) and differential gene expression analysis. Moreover, we assessed the impact of hub gene expression on both overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in patients and identified ZG16 as a potential target. We generated CRC cell lines transfected with lentivirus OE-ZG16 to investigate proliferation, invasion, and migration in vitro. To further elucidate the involvement of ZG16, we utilized gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) to identify enriched pathways, which were subsequently validated via Western blot analysis. Results: Five datasets containing primary and metastatic CRC samples from GEO database and CRC samples from TCGA database were included in this study and 29 hub genes were identified by WGCNA and differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis. Low expression of the hub genes (CLCA1 and ZG16) was associated with poor DFS and OS. We confirmed the low expression of ZG16 in CRC using external database and IHC analysis at both transcriptional and protein levels. In addition, the expression of ZG16 was notably elevated in NCM460 cells in comparison to CRC cell lines. The overexpression of ZG16 in CRC cells has been shown to inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and migration of CRC cells. Furthermore, the overexpression of ZG16 has been found to suppress the activation of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and Wnt/b-catenin signaling pathways in CRC. Conclusion: ZG16 may serve as a promising therapeutic target for metastatic CRC treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This meta-analysis aims to examine differences in biochemical markers of bone metabolism between individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and non-T2DM control groups. Materials and methods: Two independent evaluators searched five databases: PubMed, EMBASE, EBSCOhost, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. We aimed to identify observational studies investigating the impact of T2DM on biochemical markers of bone metabolism. Literature retrieval covered the period from the establishment of the databases up to November 2022. Studies were included if they assessed differences in biochemical markers of bone metabolism between T2DM patients and non-T2DM control groups using cross-sectional, cohort, or case-control study designs. Results: Fourteen studies were included in the analysis, comprising 12 crosssectional studies and 2 cohort studies. Compared to the non-T2DM control group, T2DM patients showed reduced levels of Osteocalcin and P1NP, which are markers of bone formation. Conversely, levels of Alkaline phosphatase and Bonespecific alkaline phosphatase, other bone formation markers, increased. The bone resorption marker CTX showed decreased levels, while TRACP showed no significant difference. Conclusion: In individuals with T2DM, most bone turnover markers indicated a reduced rate of bone turnover. This reduction can lead to increased bone fragility despite higher bone mineral density, potentially increasing the risk of osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the effect of oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery (OBCS) on the psychological status, quality of life (QoL) and survival prognosis of patients with early breast cancer (BC). In this study, one hundred BC patients with early breast cancer were divided into two groups according to the random number table method. They were treated with traditional breast conserving surgery (BCS) and OBCS. The results showed that compared with the traditional BCS treatment group, the operation time of OBCS treatment group was significantly longer, while the intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage and hospital stay were significantly shorter; in terms of cosmetic effect, the excellent and good rate of OBCS (92.00%) was significantly higher than that of traditional BCS (74.00%); the Hamilton Anxiety Rating (HAMA) and Hamilton Depression Rating (HAMD) scores of patients in the postoperative OBCS were significantly lower than those in the traditional BCS; the scores of all items in the OBCS were significantly higher than those in the traditional breast conserving surgery treatment group; the total complication rate of OBCS was significantly lower than that of traditional BCS; within 1 year of follow-up, there was no significant difference in the recurrence rate and metastasis rate between the two groups (p > 0.05). It can be seen that compared with BCS, OBCS has better cosmetic effect, improves the poor psychological state of patients, improves the quality of life of patients, and has fewer complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Endovascular treatment (EVT) is a well-established approach for acute ischemic stroke. Whether bridging intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) before EVT confers any benefits remains uncertain. The objective of the study was to compare the efficacy and safety of direct EVT with or without bridging IVT in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO). Methods This multicenter cohort study enrolled 647 patients with acute BAO who underwent either bridging IVT before EVT or direct EVT from the BASILAR registry. The primary outcome was an independent functional outcome measured by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0--2. Secondary outcomes included excellent functional outcome (mRS 0--1), favorable functional outcome (mRS 0--3), and mortality rate at 90 days, as well as symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and successful reperfusion between the two treatment groups. Results Direct EVT and bridging IVT before EVT exhibited similar primary outcomes (27.3% vs 27.7%, respectively) and distributions of mRS scores at 90 days. Moreover, rates of sICH and 90-day mortality were not significantly different between the two groups (7.3% vs 6.0%, adjusted OR (aOR) 0.79, 95% CI 0.34 to 1.86, P=0.84 for sICH; 46.8% vs 43.7%, aOR 0.86, 95% CI 0.54 to 1.38, P=0.53 for mortality). Conclusions Among patients with acute BAO, functional outcomes were similar between those treated with bridging IVT before EVT and those treated with direct EVT, and there was no difference between the two groups in terms of sICH and mortality rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common pregnancy disorder associated with an increased risk of pre-eclampsia and macrosomia. Recent research has shown that the buildup of excess lipids within the placental trophoblast impairs mitochondrial function. However, the exact lipids that impact the placental trophoblast and the underlying mechanism remain unclear. GDM cases and healthy controls were recruited at Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital. The placenta and cord blood were taken during birth. Confocal and electron microscopy were utilized to examine the morphology of the placenta and mitochondria. We determined the lipid composition using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry in data-independent analysis mode (LC/MSE). In vitro studies were carried out on choriocarcinoma cells (JEG3) to investigate the mechanism of trophoblast mitochondrial dysfunction. Results showed that the GDM placenta was distinguished by increased syncytial knots, chorangiosis, lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor-1 (LOX-1) overexpression, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) 16:0 was significantly elevated in the cord blood LDL of GDM patients. In vitro, we demonstrated that LPC dose-dependently disrupts mitochondrial function by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and HIF-1α signaling. In conclusion, highly elevated LPC in cord blood plays a pivotal role in GDM, contributing to trophoblast impairment and pregnancy complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health care is entering a new era where data mining is applied to artificial intelligence. The number of dental implant systems has been increasing worldwide. Patient mobility from different dental offices can make identification of implants for clinicians extremely challenging if there are no past available records, and it would be advantageous to use a reliable tool to identify the various implant system designs in the same practice, as there is a great need for identifying the systems in the field of periodontology and restorative dentistry. However, there have not been any studies devoted to using artificial intelligence/convolutional neural networks to classify implant attributes. Thus, the present study used artificial intelligence to identify the attributes of radiographic images of implants. An average accuracy rate of over 95% was achieved with various machine learning networks to identify three implant manufacturers and their subtypes placed during the past 9 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ischemic stroke is mainly caused by cerebral artery thrombosis. This study investigated the role of glycine receptor beta subunit (GlyR-β) in the recovery from cerebral ischemia stroke/reperfusion. Methods: The oxygen glucose deprivation and recovery (OGD/R) bEnd3 cell model and the middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) mouse model were used in this study. Results: Expression of both the GlyR-β gene and vascular endothelial growth factor (Vegf ), cell proliferation, and tube formation ability was decreased in bEnd3 cells after OGD/R, and was reversed by overexpression of GlyR-β. Neurological function, asindicated by Zea Longa scores, area of cerebral ischemia, and pathological changes were increased in mice after MCAO/R, and were ameliorated by overexpression of the glycine receptor beta (Glrb) gene at 24 h and 7 d after MCAO/R. Expression of GlyR-β and Gap-43 was decreased, and the expression of CD34, Vegf, and Bdnf, and cell growth as determined by a bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) assay, increased in the affected brain tissue of MCAO/R mice in a time-dependent manner. GlyR-β overexpression resulted in enhanced expression of CD34, Vegf, Growth association protein 43 (Gap-43), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) and cell growth in affected brain tissue of MCAO/R mice in a time-dependent manner. Conclusions: GlyR-β promoted potential angiogenesis and neurological regeneration in affected brain tissue, thus promoting recovery from cerebral ischemia stroke/reperfusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addressing the threats of climate change, pollution, and overfishing to marine ecosystems necessitates a deeper understanding of coastal and oceanic fluid dynamics. Within this context, Lagrangian Coherent Structures (LCS) emerge as essential tools for elucidating the complexities of marine fluid dynamics. Methods used to detect LCS include geometric, probabilistic, cluster-based and braid-based approaches. Advancements have been made to employ Finite-time Lyapunov Exponents (FTLE) to detect LCS due to its high efficacy, reliability and simplicity. It has been proven that the FTLE approach has provided invaluable insights into complex oceanic phenomena like shear, confluence, eddy formations, and oceanic fronts, which also enhanced the understanding of tidal-/wind-driven processes. Additionally, FTLE-based LCS were crucial in identifying barriers to contaminant dispersion and assessing pollutant distribution, aiding environmental protection and marine pollution management. FTLE-based LCS has also contributed significantly to understanding ecological interactions and biodiversity in response to environmental issues. This review identifies pressing challenges and future directions of FTLE-based LCS. Among these are the influences of external factors such as river discharges, ice formations, and human activities on ocean currents, which complicate the analysis of ocean fluid dynamics. While 2D FTLE methods have proven effective, their limitations in capturing the full scope of oceanic phenomena, especially in 3D environments, are evident. The advent of 3D LCS analysis has marked progress, yet computational demands and data quality requirements pose significant hurdles. Moreover, LCS extracted from FTLE fields involves establishing an empirical threshold that introduces considerable variability due to human judgement. Future efforts should focus on enhancing computational techniques for 3D analyses, integrating FTLE and LCS into broader environmental models, and leveraging machine learning to standardize LCS detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MnxGe1-x quantum dots (QDs), with a high Curie temperature and superior magnetic properties, have significant application and research values for spintronic devices for high-density memory devices. However, the lattice mismatch between silicon and germanium leads to the formation of intermetallic precipitates, thereby constraining the utilization of MnxGe1-x QDs in spintronic device applications. In this work, we report the first preparation of Mn0.05Ge0.95 QDs/graphene heterostructures by ion beam cosputtering. Growth time-dependent QD density and formation of nanoislands were investigated systematically, indicating a transition of n-type to p-type conductivity in the sample with increasing deposition time, and high hole transport properties were observed in samples with quantum dots. A Curie temperature of 342 K observed in MnxGe1-x QDs is higher than room temperature. Circularly polarized light-induced spin currents and linearly polarized light-excited currents were confirmed in the QD samples. The relationship between circularly polarized light-induced spin current signals and incident angles was examined. Our research offers a cost-effective method to integrate MnxGe1-x low-dimensional materials with two-dimensional materials, achieving high Curie temperatures above room temperature along with favorable hole transport properties, thereby facilitating further studies on spintronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar-supported ZVI have received increasing attention for their potential to remove nitrobenzene in groundwater and soil. However, the capacity of this material to enhance the biological reduction of nitrobenzene and alter microbial communities in anaerobic groundwater have not been explored. In this study, the nitrobenzene removal performance and mechanism of modified biochar-supported zerovalent iron (ZVI) composites were explored in anaerobic soil. The results showed that the 700 °C biochar composite enhanced the removal of nitrobenzene and inhibited its release from soil to the aqueous phase. NaOH-700-Fe50 had the highest removal rate of nitrobenzene, reaching 64.4%. However, the 300 °C biochar composite inhibited the removal of nitrobenzene. Microbial degradation rather than ZVI-mediated reduction was the main nitrobenzene removal pathway. The biochar composites changed the richness and diversity of microbial communities. ZVI enhanced the symbiotic relationship between microbial genera and weakened competition between soil microbial genera. In summary, the 700 °C modified biochar composite enhanced the removal of nitrobenzene by increasing microbial community richness and diversity, by upregulating functional genes, and by promoting electron transfer. Overall, the modified biochar-supported ZVI composites could be used for soil remediation, and NaOH-700-Fe50 is a promising composite material for the on-site remediation of nitrobenzene-contaminated groundwater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a technology that assists couples experiencing infertility to conceive children. However, unsuccessful attempts can lead to significant physical and financial strain. Some individuals opt for electro-acupuncture (EA) during IVF, even though there is limited evidence regarding the efficacy of this practice. Thus, this pilot study aims to explore the effectiveness and safety of EA during IVF on pregnancy outcomes. Methods and analysis: This clinical trial is a parallel, randomized, shamcontrolled study. It aims to include a total of 118 infertile women who intend to undergo IVF. The participants will be randomly divided into three groups in a 1:1:1 ratio: the EA + IVF group, the placebo electro-acupuncture (pEA) +IVF group, and the IVF control group. All of the patients will be required to use ovarian stimulation drugs, while those in the EA + IVF and pEA + IVF groups will receive acupuncture treatment at three sessions per week (every other day) until trigger day with a minimum five session. The primary outcome of this trial will focus on the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR). CPR is defined as the rate of achieving clinical pregnancy from the first fresh/frozen embryo transfer cycle with an ultrasound-confirmed gestational sac in the uterine cavity. The secondary outcomes will assess embryology data, biochemical pregnancy rate, early miscarriage rate, Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Fertile Quality of Life (FertiQoL), patient retention rate, treatment adherence, and safety outcomes. Ethics and dissemination: Ethics approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of Sichuan Jinxin Xi'nan Women and Children Hospital (number 2021-007). The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications. The participants gave informed consent to participate in the study before taking part in it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one lethal malignancy in women's reproductive systems, ovarian cancer (OC) is frequently detected at an advanced phase during diagnosis. when the disease has spread widely. The absence of obvious symptoms and powerful screening tools in the early stages makes treatment difficult and the prognosis poor. Despite the clinical remission that can be achieved in some patients after initial treatment, the recurrence rate is conspicuous, posing a considerable challenge in treating recurrent OC (ROC). In the retrospective analysis, we compared the effects of two treatment regimens, aqupla combined with paclitaxel liposome (NP group) versus aqupla combined with docetaxel (ND group), on survival and biomarkers in patients with ROC. The study included 121 OC patients, and clinical data were collected through an electronic medical record system, outpatient review records, and a follow-up record system. The results revealed a notably higher overall remission rate in the ND group than the NP group, but revealed no notable inter-group discrepancy in toxicities, implying that the aqupla combined with docetaxel regimen may be more effective in platinum-sensitive ROC patients. Additionally, post-treatment CA125 levels were lower in patients in the ND group, suggesting that the regimen may be more effective in reducing tumour load. Survival analysis further revealed that treatment regimen, FIGO stage, number of recurrent lesions, and pretreatment CA125 level were independent prognostic factors affecting patients' 5-year OS and PFS. Overall for ROC patients, especially platinum-sensitive patients, the aqupla in combination with docetaxel regimen provided an improved survival benefit with a comparable safety profile, highlighting the importance of individualised treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The trajectory tracking accuracy of high-clearance mobile robots could be affected by phenomena such as wheel slippage caused by changes in the working surface material and motion state. To reveal the impact of slippage factor and improve the tracking precision of wheeled mobile robots, this study proposed a sliding mode of trajectory tracking control with soft switching. Considering the slippage working environment of mobile robots, a three-degrees-of-freedom kinematic model of mobile robots containing slip rate was established. Based on the kinematic model of the system, a trajectory tracking controller utilizing soft switching sliding mode control was developed, followed by a comprehensive stability analysis. The MATLAB platform was utilized to verify the circular trajectory tracking performance of the mobile robot under both slipping and nonslipping conditions. Results demonstrate that: (1) Under ideal conditions (disregarding wheel slippage), the sliding mode tracker based on model design quickly achieves high-precision tracking of the robot's trajectory, with the tracking error controlled at 0.002 m within 0.6 s in a circular trajectory, capable of adjusting and tracking the desired circular trajectory in a short time and maintaining consistent posture. (2) When considering the effect of slippage, the uncompensated sliding mode control produces a larger periodic tracking error (the amplitude of the circular trajectory reaches 0.065 m) and a larger direction angle error at the trough of the lateral position, causing a sudden change in the direction angle. Nevertheless, the proposed sliding compensation in this study can improve its accuracy by about twice, with the tracking error controlled around 0.03 m in circular trajectories, effectively improving the system's tracking accuracy. This study expands the working environment of mobile robots and provides a basis for their high-performance operation in complex environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Epigenetics makes substantial contribution to the aetiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and may harbour a unique opportunity to prevent the development of ASD. We aimed to identify novel epigenetic genes involved in ASD aetiology. Methods Trio-based whole exome sequencing was conducted on ASD families. Genome editing technique was used to knock out the candidate causal gene in a relevant cell line. ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq and RNA-seq were performed to investigate the functional impact of knockout (KO) or mutation in the candidate gene. Results We identified a novel candidate gene NASP (nuclear autoantigenic sperm protein) for epigenetic dysregulation in ASD in a Chinese nuclear family including one proband with autism and comorbid atopic disease. The de novo likely gene disruptive variant tNASP(Q289X) subjects the expression of tNASP to nonsense-mediated decay. tNASP KO increases chromatin accessibility, promotes the active promoter state of genes enriched in synaptic signalling and leads to upregulated expression of genes in the neural signalling and immune signalling pathways. Compared with wild-type tNASP, tNASP(Q289X) enhances chromatin accessibility of the genes with enriched expression in the brain. RNA-seq revealed that genes involved in neural and immune signalling are affected by the tNASP mutation, consistent with the phenotypic impact and molecular effects of nasp-1 mutations in Caenorhabditis elegans. Two additional patients with ASD were found carrying deletion or deleterious mutation in the NASP gene. Conclusion We identified novel epigenetic mechanisms mediated by tNASP which may contribute to the pathogenesis of ASD and its immune comorbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The safety and efficacy of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in ischemic stroke patients with intracranial artery stenosis (ICAS) remain contentious. Aims: This study evaluates DAPT's effectiveness and safety for these patients. Methods: This review was reported following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, CNKI, WanFang, VIP, and SinoMed up to June 20, 2023, for randomized controlled trials comparing efficacy and safety of DAPT against single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) in ischemic stroke patients with ICAS. The primary outcome was a composite of ischemic and bleeding events. Secondary outcomes included stroke (cerebral infarction and hemorrhage), ischemic events, and cerebral infarction. Safety outcomes assessed were bleeding events, cerebral hemorrhage, and mortality. Risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were synthesized using Review Manager 5.4. Results: Analysis of 21 randomized controlled trials involving 3,591 patients revealed that DAPT significantly lowered the rate of ischemic and bleeding events (RR = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.46-0.59, p < 0.001) and recurrent stroke (RR = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.30-0.44, p < 0.001) compared to SAPT. There was no significant increase in bleeding events (RR = 1.34; 95% CI: 0.97-1.85, p = 0.07) or cerebral hemorrhage (RR = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.17-1.31, p = 0.15). Conclusion: DAPT proveed to be effective and safe for ischemic stroke patients with ICAS and significantly reduced stroke and the composite endpoint of ischemic and bleeding events without elevating bleeding risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Associations between parental anxiety and adolescent internet addiction have been documented in the literature; however, few studies have analyzed the role of the family environment in this relationship. This study aims to explore the relationship between parental anxiety and adolescent internet addiction while also investigating the indirect relationships involving multiple dimensions of the family environment and child emotional behavior issues. Methods: Surveys were conducted among 6,296 parent-child pairs. We administered SDQ, CIAS-R, and FES-CV to assess adolescents’ issues and internet addiction, and evaluate family environment. Additionally, parents completed GAD-7 to assess parental anxiety levels.Results: Correlation analysis revealed that the family environment and adolescent emotional behavior issues played an indirect relationship in the link between parental anxiety and internet addiction. Discussion: The findings emphasize the importance of addressing parental anxiety and fostering a positive family environment as effective measures to alleviate adolescent emotional behavior problems and reduce the risk of internet addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early initiation of antipsychotic treatment plays a crucial role in the management of first-episode schizophrenia (FES) patients, significantly improving their prognosis. However, limited attention has been given to the long-term effects of antipsychotic drug therapy on FES patients. In this research, we examined the changes in abnormal brain regions among FES patients undergoing long-term treatment using a dynamic perspective. A total of 98 participants were included in the data analysis, comprising 48 FES patients, 50 healthy controls, 22 patients completed a follow-up period of more than 6 months with qualified data. We processed resting-state fMRI data to calculate coefficient of variation of fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (CVfALFF), which reflects the brain regional activity stability. Data analysis was performed at baseline and after long-term treatment. We observed that compared with HCs, patients at baseline showed an elevated CVfALFF in the supramarginal gyrus (SMG), parahippocampal gyrus (PHG), caudate, orbital part of inferior frontal gyrus (IOG), insula, and inferior frontal gyrus (IFG). After long-term treatment, the instability in SMG, PHG, caudate, IOG, insula and inferior IFG have ameliorated. Additionally, there was a positive correlation between the decrease in dfALFF in the SMG and the reduction in the SANS total score following long-term treatment. In conclusion, FES patients exhibit unstable regional activity in widespread brain regions at baseline, which can be ameliorated with long-term treatment. Moreover, the extent of amelioration in SMG instability is associated with the amelioration of negative symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) affects older adults, but traditional approaches have limited the understanding of the neural mechanisms of SVD. This study aimed to explore the effects of SVD on brain regions and its association with cognitive decline using the four-dimensional (spatiotemporal) consistency of local neural activity (FOCA) method. Methods: Magnetic resonance imaging data from 42 patients with SVD and 38 healthy controls (HCs) were analyzed using the FOCA values. A two-sample t test was performed to compare the differences in FOCA values in the brain between the HCs and SVD groups. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to analyze the association of various brain regions with SVD scores. Results: The results revealed that the FOCA values in the right frontal_inf_oper, right temporal_pole_sup, and default mode network decreased, whereas those in the temporal_inf, hippocampus, basal ganglia, and cerebellum increased, in patients with SVD. Most of these varying brain regions were negatively correlated with SVD scores. Discussion: This study suggested that the FOCA approach might have the potential to provide useful insights into the understanding of the neurophysiologic mechanisms of patients with SVD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taking a certain crane cab as the research object, firstly, according to the geometric model of the cab body-in-white, the finite element simulation model is established, and the finite element simulation modal calculation is carried out, and the first six natural frequencies and mode shapes of the cab simulation calculation are analyzed. The test natural frequency and modal shape of the body-in-white are obtained through the LMS data acquisition system, and the modal theory is used to analyze the modal correlation between the calculated mode and the experimental mode. Correctness is checked and verified. The results show that the finite element simulation model has high accuracy and can simulate the overall performance of the actual structure, which can provide real data for later product optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Appropriate coral reef monitoring methods and descriptors determine the effectiveness of ecosystem status assessment. We combined line intercept transect (LIT) and SfM technologies for image acquisition, and the POS information of images is defined and assigned in the relative coordinate system we build. Then, constructed high-resolution orthomosaics of coral reefs along measuring tapes in Metashape. We compared the estimates of coral cover by three methodologies (LIT, LIT on orthomosaic (LITO), surface analyses on orthomosaic (SAO)) and used virtual transects on orthomosaics and their estimates of coral cover to assess the consistency and reliability of LIT. The results show that the estimation of coral cover by LITO or LIT is more consistent and reliable when coral cover is higher, and the probability of overestimation is lower. SfM technology is increasingly used in coral reef survey and assessment, and has the potential to become the new standard for coral reef survey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neuro-inflammation is regarded as one of the critical pathogenesis in neurodegenerative diseases, which is characterized by the activated microglial cells. Pectolinarin (Pec), a natural flavonoid that exists in many Chinese herbal medicines, has been reported to have various biological activities. However, the effects and mechanisms on neuro-inflammation are not clear. Methods: In this study, the inhibitory effects and mechanisms of Pec on neuro-inflammation were investigated in the LPS-stimulated microglial BV2 cells. BV2 microglial cells were treated with Pec or vehicle, followed by LPS. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, real-time quantitative PCR, nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species assay, and western blot were performed to examine the effects of Pec on neuro-inflammatory responses. Results: We showed that Pec significantly inhibited the expression of tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6 in mRNA and protein levels induced by LPS. Moreover, the production of nitric oxide, iNOS, reactive oxygen species, and COX-2 were suppressed by Pec in LPS-stimulated microglial BV2 cells. In addition, Pec inhibited LPS-induced inflammation via nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway, as evidenced by the reduction of the phosphorylation of inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase, the degradation of IκBα, and the nuclear translocation of p65. Conclusion: Taken together, Pec exhibited anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-stimulated microglial BV2 cells via nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway, which might provide therapeutic potential for neuro-inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: When assessing bilingual children's speech, it is important to determine whether the errors are indicative of a true speech sound disorder or a speech sound difference. The purpose of this tutorial is to provide cultural and linguistic background of Mandarin in comparison to English and to outline the process of speech production assessment for Mandarin--English bilingual children. Method: Pertinent literature was reviewed around varieties of Chinese, unique features of the Mandarin sound system, commonly used transcription methods (International Phonetic Alphabet and Pinyin), and patterns of Mandarin-influenced English. Previous research findings on the acquisition of consonants, vowels, and tones in monolingual Mandarin-speaking children were summarized. Results: The assessment process including consonants, vowels, tones, syllable structures, and lexical stress was described and illustrated with flow charts. Recourses related to cultural and linguistic information of Mandarin and accessible assessment materials are referenced. Conclusions: A thorough knowledge of a child's language background is crucial in planning assessment of speech production for Mandarin--English bilingual children. A comparative understanding of the sound systems of Mandarin and English facilitates clinical decision making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To explore the effectiveness of diffusion quantitative parameters derived from advanced diffusion models in detecting brain microstructural changes in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: The study comprised 44 CKD patients (eGFR<59 mL/min/1.73 m²) and 35 age-and sex-matched healthy controls. All patients underwent diffusion spectrum imaging (DSI) and conventional magnetic resonance imaging. Reconstructed to obtain diffusion MRI models, including diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) and Mean Apparent Propagator (MAP)-MRI, were processed to obtain multiparameter maps. The Tract-Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS) analysis was utilized for detecting microstructural differences and Pearson correlation analysis assessed the relationship between renal metabolism markers and diffusion parameters in the brain regions of CKD patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis assessed the diagnostic performance of diffusion models, with AUC comparisons made using DeLong’s method. Results: Significant differences were noted in DTI, NODDI, and MAP-MRI parameters between CKD patients and controls (p < 0.05). DTI indicated a decrease in Fractional Anisotropy(FA) and an increase in Mean and Radial Diffusivity (MD and RD) in CKD patients. NODDI indicated decreased Intracellular and increased Extracellular Volume Fractions (ICVF and ECVF). MAP-MRI identified extensive microstructural changes, with elevated Mean Squared Displacement (MSD) and Q-space Inverse Variance (QIV) values, and reduced Non-Gaussianity (NG), Axial Non-Gaussianity (NGAx), Radial Non-Gaussianity (NGRad), Return-to-Origin Probability (RTOP), Return-to-Axis Probability (RTAP), and Return-toPlane Probability (RTPP). There was a moderate correlation between serum uric acid (SUA) and diffusion parameters in six brain regions (p < 0.05). ROC analysis showed the AUC values of DTI_FA ranged from 0.70 to 0.793. MAP_NGAx in the Retrolenticular part of the internal capsule R reported a high AUC value of 0.843 (p < 0.05), which was not significantly different from other diffusion parameters (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The advanced diffusion models (DTI, NODDI, and MAP-MRI) are promising for detecting brain microstructural changes in CKD patients, offering significant insights into CKD-affected brain areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent technology breakthroughs in spatially resolved transcriptomics (SRT) have enabled the comprehensive molecular characterization of cells whilst preserving their spatial and gene expression contexts. One of the fundamental questions in analyzing SRT data is the identification of spatially variable genes whose expressions display spatially correlated patterns. Existing approaches are built upon either the Gaussian process-based model, which relies on ad hoc kernels, or the energy-based Ising model, which requires gene expression to be measured on a lattice grid. To overcome these potential limitations, we developed a generalized energy-based framework to model gene expression measured from imaging-based SRT platforms, accommodating the irregular spatial distribution of measured cells. Our Bayesian model applies a zero-inflated negative binomial mixture model to dichotomize the raw count data, reducing noise. Additionally, we incorporate a geostatistical mark interaction model with a generalized energy function, where the interaction parameter is used to identify the spatial pattern. Auxiliary variable MCMC algorithms were employed to sample from the posterior distribution with an intractable normalizing constant. We demonstrated the strength of our method on both simulated and real data. Our simulation study showed that our method captured various spatial patterns with high accuracy; moreover, analysis of a seqFISH dataset and a STARmap dataset established that our proposed method is able to identify genes with novel and strong spatial patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]