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Background: We aimed to verify the effectiveness of electroacupuncture on postoperative ileus prevention after abdominal surgery by meta‐analysis and trial sequential analysis (TSA). Methods: From inception to May 14, 2024, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase databases were searched. TSA was used to determine an optimal sample size and control false‐positive findings. The primary outcome was the time to first defecation (hours). Results: Fourteen studies were included, with 1105 participants. Meta‐analysis and TSA revealed firm evidence for benefits that electroacupuncture shorted the time to first defecation (mean difference [MD] −12.73 h, I2 = 22%, P < 0.01), the time to first flatus (MD −7.03 h, I2 = 25%, P < 0.01), the time to start of sips of water (MD −12.02 h, I2 = 0%, P < 0.01), and the time to start of liquid diet (MD −12.97 h, I2 = 0%, P < 0.01) compared with usual care. While compared with sham electroacupuncture, meta‐analysis and TSA also confirmed that electroacupuncture shortened the time to first defecation (MD −10.81 h, I2 = 31%, P = 0.02) and the time to first flatus (MD −10.81 h, I2 = 0%, P < 0.01). However, TSA revealed that firm evidence for benefit or futility was not reached for the length of hospital stay and the rates of postoperative prolonged ileus. Conclusions: Electroacupuncture shortened the duration of postoperative ileus in patients undergoing abdominal surgery, and the adverse events related to electroacupuncture were minor. Further investigation of the effect of electroacupuncture on the risk of prolonged postoperative ileus is warranted in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To summarize the clinical characteristics and investigate the efficacy of ethanol embolotherapy in the treatment of chest well arteriovenous malformation (AVM). Treatment-associated complications were also explored. Materials and Methods: Between March 2017 and August 2021, 32 consecutive patients (mean age, 23.7 years; age range, 5–54 years) who underwent ethanol embolotherapy for chest well AVMs under general anesthesia were included in this study. Embolization was performed through a direct puncture, transarterial catheterization, or a combination of the 2 procedures. The mean follow-up duration after the last treatment was 18.0 months (range, 3–42 months). The degree of devascularization on follow-up (assessed using angiography or computed tomography), and the clinical signs and symptoms of AVMs were evaluated as the therapeutic outcomes. The major and minor complications associated with the procedures were recorded. Results: A total of 103 embolization procedures (mean, 3.2; range, 2–7) comprising 101 ethanol embolization and 2 coil embolizations were performed on 32 patients with chest wall AVMs. The AVM nidus was accessed through the transarterial approach alone in 4 patients, by direct puncture in 11, and a combined procedure in 17 patients. Overall, more than 80% of the procedures were performed using the combined approach. Complete AVM devascularization was achieved in 12 (37.5%) patients. Moreover, 76% to 99% AVM was achieved in 18 patients (56.3%), and 50% to 75% in 2 patients (6.3%). Bleeding, pain, heart failure, and cosmetic deformities were the indications for treatment. For 3 patients (3/32, 9.4%) who had bleeding, the treatment stopped the hemorrhage. Complete pain relief was reported in 8 patients (8/32, 25.0%), whereas complete relief from congestive heart failure post-embolization was observed in 5 of the 6 patients with congestive heart failure (5/6, 83.3%). Complete correction of cosmesis deformities after embolization was achieved in 10 patients (10/32, 31.3%). Two patients who underwent surgery to correct persistent deformity after embolization only showed insignificant improvement. In addition, 6 (18.8%) patients developed 13 complications including blister, necrosis, hemothorax, transient hemoglobinuria, and transient pulmonary artery hypertension. Conclusions: Ethanol embolotherapy is a safe and effective procedure for chest well AVMs. Surgery is required for some patients with residual cosmesis deformity. Clinical Impact: Currently, there is no standard treatment for chest well AVMs due to their rarity and high heterogeneity. The present study shows that thanol embolotherapy is a safe and clinically effective treatment procedure for the chest well AVMs. Transarterial embolization in combination with direct puncture embolization can reach the AVM nidus. Ethanol embolotherapy can achieve complete obliteration of the AVM nidus in the majority of patients. Surgery may still be needed to correct cosmetic deformity after embolization. The present study provides valuable evidence to inform clinical decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective for headache disorders. However, it is unclear whether the emerging digital CBT is noninferior to face-to-face CBT. An indirect treatment comparison (ITC) meta-analysis was conducted to assess the relative effects between them using standard mean differences (SMDs). Effective sample size (ESS) and required sample size (RSS) were calculated to demonstrate the robustness of the results. Our study found that digital CBT had a similar effect on headache frequency reduction (SMD, 0.12; 95%CI, −2.45 to 2.63) compared with face-to-face CBT. The ESS had 84 participants, while the RSS had 466 participants to achieve the same power as a non-inferior head-to-head trial. Digital CBT is as effective as face-to-face CBT in preventing headache disorders. Due to the heterogeneity (I2 = 94.5%, τ2 = 1.83) and the fact that most of the included studies were on migraine prevention, further head-to-head trials are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to quantify the global cardiovascular disease (CVD) burden attributable to diet low in fiber among adults aged 60 years and older using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2019. Methods: We extracted data on CVD mortality, disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), and risk-factor exposures from the GBD 2019 study for people aged 60 and older. Age-period-cohort models were used to estimate the overall annual percentage change in mortality and DALY rate (net drift, % per year), mortality and DALY rate for each age group from 1990 to 2019 (local drift, % per year), longitudinal age-specific rate corrected for period bias (age effect), and mortality and Daly rate for each age group from 1990 to 2019 (local drift, % per year). And period/cohort relative risk (period/cohort effect). Results: From 1990 to 2019, global age-standardized cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality rates attributable to low dietary fiber intake decreased by 2.37% per year, while disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) fell by 2.48% annually. Decreases were observed across all sociodemographic index regions, with fastest declines in high and high-middle SDI areas. CVD mortality and DALY rates attributable to low fiber increased exponentially with age, peaking at 85–89 years, and were higher in men than women. Regarding period effects, mortality and DALY rates declined since 2000, reaching nadirs in 2015–2019. For birth cohort patterns, risks attributable to low fiber intake peaked among early 1900s births and subsequently fell, with more pronounced reductions over time in women. Conclusions: Low dietary fiber intake is a leading contributor to the global cardiovascular disease burden, accounting for substantial mortality and disability specifically among older adults over recent decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corneal injury and trauma present a significant challenge in terms of healing, as natural tissue repair leads to fibrosis and scar formation, which can have a detrimental impact on vision. Therefore, it is necessary to develop effective treatment methods that will reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair while maintaining the native transparency of tissue and vision. When applied to the skin, collagen can inhibit the progression of inflammation and facilitate the repair of damaged skin. Herein, we investigated the potential of collagen for the repair of corneal injuries, utilizing nanoscale dimensions that minimize ocular surface irritation. Electrospun collagen nanofibers (eCFs) retain the natural properties of collagen and have a large surface area and high porosity, rendering them highly suitable for mimicking the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) and providing a favorable microenvironment for cell growth. In vitro models of inflammation were constructed using human corneal epithelial cells (hCECs) and human corneal stromal fibroblasts (hCSFs). The addition of eCFs significantly inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced corneal inflammation. In vitro cell experiments and three-dimensional culture models were established to test the influence of eCFs on cell behavior as scaffolds. The eCFs promoted cell proliferation, migration, and stretching and are beneficial for maintaining a quiescent phenotype. Nanoscale collagen demonstrated superior wound-healing effects in animal models, promoting epithelial healing and maintaining transparency of the corneal stroma. In conclusion, eCFs considerably suppressed the production of LPS-induced inflammatory cytokines in vitro, while promoting the healing and repair of the corneal epithelium and inhibiting corneal stromal fibrosis. Thus, this type of collagen nanofiber has great potential in the biomedical field, providing a perspective for the optimization of clinical treatment strategies for corneal injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Depression is a disorder that can have a serious impact on functioning and quality of life. Understanding the global, regional, and national epidemiology of depression in working‐age populations (15–49 years) is important for informing mental health policies and services. However, up‐to‐date data have been lacking, especially in developing regions. Methods. This study delved into the prevalence of depression among individuals in the working‐age group, specifically those between 15 and 49 years, by analyzing data from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD). The comprehensive analysis aimed to determine the age‐standardized prevalence, incidence, and disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) associated with depression across diverse groups. It considered factors such as geographical regions, age brackets, genders, and sociodemographic indices, spanning a time frame from 1990 to 2019. Results. Globally, the estimated prevalent cases, incident cases, and DALYs for depression increased from 1990 to 2019. Regionally, certain regions like Central Latin America saw rapid increases in age‐standardized prevalence and incidence rates over time. By sociodemographic regions, all tiers witnessed rises in incident cases, with high sociodemographic index (SDI) areas having the greatest burden in 2019. Nationally, countries such as India, China, and the United States had the highest total prevalence and incidence in 2019, while nations like Yemen and Angola reported exceptionally high age‐standardized rates (ASRs). Peak prevalence risk occurred in the mid‐to‐late 40s age range. Period effects showed declining risks over time. Earlier birth cohorts, especially before the mid‐1960s, faced higher risks than more recent generations. Population growth rather than epidemiological changes appeared to drive increases in disease burden. Conclusion. From 1990 to 2019, the overall trend of depression burden in working‐age individuals presents regional and national variations and differs by age, sex, period, and cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: Breast cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women worldwide. This study aimed to assess the global burden of breast cancer and identify attributable risk factors across 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2021. Methods: Using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, we analyzed the incidence, mortality, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and risk factors associated with breast cancer. We obtained and analyzed the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), age-standardized death rate (ASDR), and age-standardized DALYs rate from 1990 to 2021. We assessed geographical variations and the impact of the Socio-demographic Index (SDI) using regression analysis and stratification by SDI quintiles. Additionally, we estimated the risk factors attributable to breast cancer deaths and DALYs using the comparative risk assessment framework of the GBD study. Results: Globally, breast cancer incident cases increased from 875,657 in 1990 to 2,121,564 in 2021. The ASIR rose from 16.42 to 26.88 per 100,000 (95% CI: 1.54–1.60). High SDI regions showed the highest ASIR (66.89 per 100,000 in 2021), while Low SDI regions had the lowest (6.99 per 100,000 in 2021). The global ASDR decreased from 10.42 to 8.54 per 100,000, and the age-standardized DALYs rate decreased from 313.36 to 261.5 per 100,000 between 1990 and 2021. However, these improvements were not uniform across SDI regions. Risk factors included high body-mass index, alcohol use, tobacco, and high fasting plasma glucose, with variations across SDI regions. Conclusion: The global burden of breast cancer has increased significantly from 1990 to 2021, with disparities observed across SDI regions. While high SDI areas show improvements in mortality and DALYs, lower SDI regions face increasing burdens. Targeted interventions addressing modifiable risk factors and improving healthcare access in less developed regions are crucial for reducing the global impact of breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Migraine, a widespread neurological condition, substantially affects the quality of life, particularly for adolescents and young adults. While its impact is significant, there remains a paucity of comprehensive global research on the burden of migraine in younger demographics. Our study sought to elucidate the global prevalence, incidence, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) associated with migraine in the 15–39 age group from 1990 to 2021, utilizing data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 study. Methods: Our comprehensive study analyzed migraine data from the GBD 2021 report, examining the prevalence, incidence, and DALYs across 204 countries and territories over a 32-year span. We stratified the information by age, sex, year, geographical region, and Socio-demographic Index (SDI). To evaluate temporal trends in these metrics, we employed the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) calculation. Results: Between 1990 and 2021, the worldwide prevalence of migraine among 15–39 year-olds increased substantially. By 2021, an estimated 593.8 million cases were reported, representing a 39.52% rise from 425.6 million cases in 1990. Global trends showed increases in age-standardized prevalence rate, incidence rate, and DALY rate for migraine during this period. The EAPC were positive for all three metrics: 0.09 for ASPR, 0.03 for ASIR, and 0.09 for DALY rate. Regions with medium SDI reported the highest absolute numbers of prevalent cases, incident cases, and DALYs in 2021. However, high SDI regions demonstrated the most elevated rates overall. Across the globe, migraine prevalence peaked in the 35–39 age group. Notably, female rates consistently exceeded male rates across all age categories. Conclusion: The global impact of migraine on youths and young adults has grown considerably from 1990 to 2021, revealing notable variations across SDI regions, countries, age groups, and sexes. This escalating burden necessitates targeted interventions and public health initiatives, especially in areas and populations disproportionately affected by migraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we developed a numerical model of a slab continuous casting mold coupled with multi-phase and multi-physical fields, known as MPF-Mold, and explored the effect of Fc-Mold on fluid flow, heat transfer, and solidification in the mold. Firstly, the simulation results were carefully verified from five perspectives. Next, the fast Fourier transform (FFT) is introduced to discuss the difference between MPF-Mold and the model considering only the fluid flow in the simulation results of level fluctuation. Typically, mold oscillation can be disregarded when analyzing the degree of level fluctuation through numerical simulation. However, neglecting multi-phase heat transfer and solidification may lead to overestimations of the severity of level fluctuation, especially in the region near the narrow meniscus. When coupling MPF-Mold with Fc-Mold, the upper backflow in the mold becomes stable, increasing symmetry and reducing level fluctuation severity and abnormalities. The shell uniformity index on the wide face meniscus and the lower part of the narrow face in the mold is significantly improved. This suggests that the upper and lower magnetic poles of Fc-Mold are beneficial to the shell uniform growth of the wide face meniscus and lower part of the narrow face, respectively. However, a new 'concave' appears in the shell near the corner of the mold, as a result of the horizontal vortex caused by deviations in the jet flow. Therefore, the magnetic field needs to be optimized to stabilize the flow field. MPF-Mold demonstrates advantages in achieving a reasonable match of steel grade, equipment, and process, and contributing to the digital transformation of continuous casting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Telemedicine systems, while overcoming physical space constraints, often lack personalized interactions. By incorporating a push service and leveraging prediction-oriented algorithms, these systems can offer an improved user experience. Such enhancements enable timely treatment options and reduce unnecessary resource usage in on-site outpatient clinics. This research work starts by creating a robust algorithm using data mining techniques. Next, it establishes the foundation for a telemedicine push service. The service includes essential modules for disease differentiation, doctor recommendations, and diagnosis predictions. To optimize these modules, a merged algorithm combining k-nearest neighbor classification, nearest neighbor recommendation, and FP-growth is needed. This work aims to enhance treatment options for patients and streamline resource usage in on-site outpatient clinics. Moreover, this work has carried out empirical research for identification of algorithm by using available data at a public Chinese telemedicine system. The results of data analysis show the follows: 1. For disease diagnosis, the KNN model (k=1) is more accurate but less efficient, SVM and LibSVM are more efficient but less accurate than the KNN model; 2. In terms of doctor recommendation, nearest neighbor recommendation performs better but is not as efficient as matrix factorization; 3. in diagnostic prediction, the combination of introducing association mining and data segmentation can play a better role. The developed algorithm and its conclusions from this study could make easier and more efficient to provide treatment options for undecided-condition patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the primary treatment for advanced prostate cancer (PCa). However, prolonged ADT inevitably results in therapy resistance with the emergence of the castration-resistant PCa phenotype (CRPC). Hence, there is an urgent need to explore new treatment options capable of delaying PCa progression. Hispidin (HPD) is a natural polyketide primarily derived from plants and fungi. HPD has been shown to have a diverse pharmacological profile, exhibiting anti-inflammatory, antiviral, cardiovascular and neuro-protective activities. However, there is currently no research regarding its properties in the context of PCa treatment. This research article seeks to evaluate the anti-cancer effect of HPD and determine the underlying molecular basis in both androgen-sensitive PCa and CRPC cells. Cell growth, migration, and invasion assays were performed via the MTS method, a wound healing assay and the transwell method. To investigate if HPD affected the expression of proteins, Western blot analysis was conducted. Furthermore, apoptosis was assessed by Annexin V-FITC/PI staining and Western blot analyses. HPD exhibited a favorable pharmaceutical profile to inhibit cell growth; disrupt the cell cycle; attenuate wound healing, migration and invasion; and induce apoptosis in PCa cells in vitro. The mechanistic results demonstrated that HPD reduced AR, MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression and activated the caspase-related pathway, leading to programmed cell death in PCa cells. We showed the anti-cancer effect of HPD on PCa cells and confirmed its feasibility as a novel therapeutic agent. This study provides significant insights into the delineation of the molecular mechanism of HPD in PCa cells and the development of an effective and safe therapy using HPD to eliminate PCa progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The growing prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in younger populations, particularly those of working age (15–64 years), has become a public health concern. Being diagnosed at a younger age implies a greater likelihood of accruing disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) later in life due to potential progression to conditions such as cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. This study aims to analyze NAFLD prevalence trends over three decades globally, regionally, and nationally, with a focus on age, period, and birth cohort associations. Methods: Global, regional, and country time trends in the prevalence of NAFLD among working-age people from 1990 to 2019: Age-period-cohort analysis based on Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 estimates and 95% uncertainty interval (UI) of NAFLD prevalence in the working age population was extracted from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries and Risk Factors Study 2019. Age-period-cohort models were used to estimate the prevalence within each age group from 1990 to 2019 (local drift, % per year), fitted longitudinal age-specific rates adjusted for period bias (age effect), and period/cohort relative risk (period/cohort effect). Results: The global age-standardized prevalence (ASPR) of NAFLD increased significantly from 1990 (14,477.6 per 100 000) to 2019 (19,837.6 per 100 000). In the Western Pacific, there were 42,903.8 NAFLD cases in 2019, 54.15% higher than in 1990. The ASPR also increased significantly in the region over the past three decades. At the national level, Palau had the highest ASPR while Brunei Darussalam had the lowest. Age-period-cohort analysis showed that in the Western Pacific, unlike globally, the risk of NAFLD declined after age 60–64 years. Relative to 1980–1989, incidence and DALY risks decreased but prevalence increased in subsequent birth cohorts. Future predictions indicate an upward trend in NAFLD burden, especially among women and medium (SDI) regions like China. Conclusion: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease imparts an immense health burden that continues to grow globally and in the Asia Pacific region. Our work highlights working age adults as an at-risk group and calls attention to socioeconomic gradients within Western Pacific countries. Upward future projections demonstrate that NAFLD prevention is an urgent priority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heparin is an important anticoagulant drug, and microbial heparin biosynthesis is a potential alternative to animal-derived heparin production. However, effectively using heparin synthesis enzymes faces challenges, especially with microbial recombinant expression of active heparan sulfate N-deacetylase/N-sulfotransferase. Here, we introduce the monosaccharide N-trifluoroacetylglucosamine into Escherichia coli K5 to facilitate sulfation modification. The Protein Repair One-Stop Service-Focused Rational Iterative Site-specific Mutagenesis (PROSS-FRISM) platform is used to enhance sulfotransferase efficiency, resulting in the engineered NST-M8 enzyme with significantly improved stability (11.32-fold) and activity (2.53-fold) compared to the wild-type N-sulfotransferase. This approach can be applied to engineering various sulfotransferases. The multienzyme cascade reaction enables the production of active heparin from bioengineered heparosan, demonstrating anti-FXa (246.09 IU/mg) and anti-FIIa (48.62 IU/mg) activities. This study offers insights into overcoming challenges in heparin synthesis and modification, paving the way for the future development of animal-free heparins using a cellular system-based semisynthetic strategy. Microbial heparin bioproduction is hampered by the difficulty of recombinant expression of active heparan sulfate N-deacetylase/N-sulfotransferase. Here, the authors solve the problem by developing a cellular system-based semisynthetic strategy and achieve the production of active heparin by engineered E. coli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Accumulating evidence suggests a pivotal role of vitamin B2 in the pathogenesis and progression of prostate cancer (PCa). Vitamin B2 intake has been postulated to modulate the screening rate for PCa by altering the concentration of prostate-specific antigen(PSA). However, the relationship between vitamin B2 and PSA remains indeterminate. Hence, we conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the association between vitamin B2 intake and PSA levels, utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database. Methods: From a pool of 20,371 participants in the NHANES survey conducted between 2003 and 2010, a cohort of 2,323 participants was selected for the present study. The male participants were classified into four distinct groups based on their levels of vitamin B2 intake. We employed a multiple linear regression model and a non-parametric regression method to investigate the relationship between vitamin B2 and PSA levels. Results: The study cohort comprised of 2,323 participants with a mean age of 54.95 years (± 11.73). Our findings revealed a statistically significant inverse correlation between vitamin B2 intake (mg) and PSA levels, with a reduction of 0.13 ng/ml PSA concentration for every unit increase in vitamin B2 intake. Furthermore, we employed a fully adjusted model to construct a smooth curve to explore the possible linear relationship between vitamin B2 intake and PSA concentration. Conclusions: Our study in American men has unveiled a notable inverse association between vitamin B2 intake and PSA levels, potentially posing a challenge for the identification of asymptomatic prostate cancer. Specifically, our findings suggest that individuals with higher vitamin B2 intake may be at a greater risk of being diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in the future, possibly indicating a detection bias. These results may offer a novel explanation for the observed positive correlation between vitamin B2 intake and prostate cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It remains unclear whether conservative oxygen therapy (COT) or liberal oxygen therapy (LOT) is more beneficial to the clinical outcomes of intensive care unit (ICU) patients. We systematically reviewed the efficacy and safety of conservative versus liberal oxygen therapy for ICU patients. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ClinicalTrials.gov, MedRxiv, and BioRxiv for reports on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the effects of COT versus LOT on the clinical outcomes of ICU patients published in English before April 2024. The primary outcome was the mortality rate, secondary outcomes included ICU and hospital length of stay, days free from mechanical ventilation support (MVF), vasopressor-free time (VFT), and adverse events. Results: In all, 13 RCTs involving 10,632 patients were included in analyses. Meta-analysis showed COT did not reduce mortality at 30-day (risk ratio [RR] = 1.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.94 to 1.09, I2 = 42%, P = 0.78), 90-day (RR = 1.01, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.08, I2 = 9%, P = 0.69), or longest follow-up (RR = 1.00, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.06, I2 = 22%, P = 0.95) compared to LOT in ICU patients. In subgroup analyses, no significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of the different ICU, baseline P/F, and actual PaO2. In addition, COT did not affect ICU length of stay, hospital length of stay, or VFT, it only affected MVF days. Conclusions: COT did not reduce all-cause mortality in ICU patients. Further RCTs are urgently needed to confirm the impact of COT strategy on specific populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A radical 1,4-aryl migration enabling a cross-electrophile coupling reaction toward remote transalkylation of N-benzyl alanine has been developed. In this strategy, with the occurrence of a radical-mediated Turce-Smiles rearrangement, key α-aminoalkyl radicals are generated. The as-formed α-aminoalkyl radical serves as a robust coupling partner for cross-electrophilic coupling with vinyl triflates, affording a series of olefin-tethered amino acid motifs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most important pathogens causing respiratory tract infection in humans, especially in infants and the elderly. The identification and structural resolution of the potent neutralizing epitopes on RSV fusion (F) protein enable an "epitope-focused" vaccine design. However, the display of RSV F epitope II on the surface of the widely-used human hepatitis B virus core antigen (HBcAg) has failed to induce neutralizing antibody response in mice. Here, we used the hepadnavirus core protein (HcAg) from different mammalian hosts as scaffolds to construct chimeric virus-like particles (VLPs) presenting the RSV F epitope II. Mouse immunization showed that different HcAg-based chimeric VLPs elicited significantly different neutralizing antibody responses, among which the HcAg derived from roundleaf bat (RBHcAg) is the most immunogenic. Furthermore, RBHcAg was used as the scaffold platform to present multiple RSV F epitopes, and the immunogenicity was further improved in comparison to that displaying a single epitope II. The designed RBHcAg-based multiple-epitope-presenting VLP formulated with MF59-like adjuvant elicited a potent and balanced Th1/Th2 immune response, and offered substantial protection in mice against the challenge of live RSV A2 virus. The designed chimeric VLPs may serve as the potential starting point for developing epitope-focused vaccines against RSV. Our study also demonstrated that RBHcAg is an effective VLP carrier for presenting foreign epitopes, providing a promising platform for epitope-focused vaccine design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The appropriate and adjustable band structure and positive visible-light response enable the halide perovskite MAPbBr3 to be a promising photocatalyst for CO2 reduction. Considering the extremely poor water resistance and severe carrier complexation trends, rational design and control of steam stable MAPbBr3-based heterojunction nanocrystals to exploit their potential for photocatalytic CO2 reduction in steam is important while being a challenging topic. Here, an efficient MAPbBr3/Pb-MOF heterojunction photocatalyst is developed, ensuring in situ growth of Pb-MOF on the surface of the perovskite via a self-sacrificial template method, thus creating tightly connected interfaces to mitigate the sluggish charge transfer due to the discontinuous interfaces. The experimental results confirm that construction of MAPbBr3/Pb-MOF heterojunctions suppresses the recombination of photogenerated carriers. Meanwhile, the prepared MAPbBr3/Pb-MOF exhibits better steam stability, CO2 adsorption capacity, and higher separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers. The heterostructure enables the photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CO at an excellent rate of 21.5 μmol g−1 under visible light irradiation, which is 4.8 times larger than that of pristine MAPbBr3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The risk assessment of heavy metals (HMs) in sewage sludge (SS) is essential before land application. Six HMs in nineteen SS collected in the Yangtze River Delta were analyzed to assess risks to environment, ecosystem, and human health. HMs concentrations were ranked in the order of Zn > Cu > Cr > Ni > Pb > Cd, with Cu, Zn, and Ni in a total of 16% of samples exceeding the legal standard. Zn showed greatest extractability according to EDTA-extractable concentrations. HMs in 16% of SS samples posed heavy contamination to the environment with Zn as the major pollutant. HMs in 26% of samples posed ecological risk to the ecosystem and Cd was the highest risky HM. The probabilistic health risk assessment revealed that HMs posed carcinogenic risks to all populations, but non-carcinogenic risks only to children. This work will provide fundamental information for land application of SS in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In recent years, headache disorders have garnered significant attention as a pressing global health issue. This concern is especially pronounced in low- to middle-income countries and exhibits a notable increase in prevalence among adolescents and young adults. Such a surge in these disorders has invariably diminished the quality of life for affected individuals. Despite its global impact, comprehensive studies exploring the ramifications of headache disorders in the younger population remain scant. Our study endeavored to quantify the global prevalence of headache disorders in individuals between the ages of 15 and 39, over a three-decade span from 1990 to 2019. Methods: Our study, conducted from 1990 to 2019, evaluated the impact of headache disorders, specifically migraines and tension-type headaches (TTH), in 204 different countries and territories. This comprehensive assessment included a detailed analysis of incidence rates, prevalence, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) across various demographics such as age, gender, year, geographical location, and Socio-demographic Index (SDI). Results: In 2019, there were an estimated 581,761,847.2 migraine cases globally (95% UI: 488,309,998.1 to 696,291,713.7), marking a 16% increase from 1990. Concurrently, TTH cases numbered at 964,808,567.1 (95% UI: 809,582,531.8 to 1,155,235,337.2), reflecting a 37% rise since 1990. South Asia reported the highest migraine prevalence with 154,490,169.8 cases (95% UI: 130,296,054.6 to 182,464,065.6). High SDI regions exhibited the most substantial migraine prevalence rates both in 1990 (22,429 per 100,000 population) and 2019 (22,606 per 100,000 population). Among the five SDI classifications, the middle SDI region recorded the highest tally of TTH cases in both 1990 (210,136,691.6 cases) and 2019 (287,577,250 cases). Over the past 30 years, East Asia experienced the most pronounced surge in the number of migraine cases. On the whole, there was a discernible positive correlation between the disease burden of migraine and TTH and the SDI. Conclusion: Migraine and TTH represent formidable challenges in global health. The intensity of their impact exhibits marked disparities across nations and is distinctly elevated among women, individuals within the 30–39 age bracket, and populations characterized by a high SDI. The results of our research emphasize the imperative of assimilating migraine and TTH management into contemporary healthcare paradigms. Such strategic integration holds the potential to amplify public cognizance regarding pertinent risk factors and the spectrum of therapeutic interventions at hand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disordered rocksalt cathodes have shown attractive electrochemical performance via oxygen redox, but are limited by a necessary Li‐excess level above the percolation threshold (x > 1.09 in LixTM2‐xO2, TM = transition metals) to obtain electrochemical activity. However, a relatively low‐Li content is essential to alleviate excessive oxygen charge compensation in rocksalt oxides. Herein, taking the homogeneous Li2MnO3 and LiMn2O4 as the starting point, disordered rocksalt‐like cathodes are prepared with initial Li‐deficient nanostructures, cation vacancies, and partial spinel‐type structures that provide a solution for the acquisition of fast Li+ percolation channels under Li‐deficient condition. As a result, the prepared sample exhibits high initial discharge capacity (363 mAh g−1) and energy density (1081 Wh kg−1). Advanced spectroscopy and in situ measurements observe highly reversible charge compensation during electrochemical process and assign coupled Mn‐ and O‐related redox contribution. Theoretical calculations also suggest the novel and chemical reversible trapped molecular O2 model in the rocksalt structure with vacancies, demonstrating a dual role of Li‐deficient structure in promoting cationic oxidation and extending reversible oxygen redox boundary. This work is expected to breakthrough the existing ideas of oxygen oxidation and opens up a higher degree of freedom in the design of disordered rocksalt structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crystal structure of a target‐ligand plays an indispensable role in rational drug design, structural optimization, and understanding the molecular interaction mechanism. For drug targets without crystal structures, the simulated 3D structure will provide an alternative important reference. However, the credibility of the simulated structure and its difference from the real crystal structure deserve deep consideration. The complex crystal structures of the target Hsp90N and its four small molecular inhibitors has previously been successfully determined. Herein, computer‐aided molecular docking technology is applied to predict complex 3D structures, and the comparison between the simulated 3D structures and crystal structures is analyzed. Compared with the complex crystal structures, the simulated 3D structures of the four groups have higher consistency with the main chains, whereas the branch chains, binding modes of inhibitors, and molecular interactions are different in detail. Thus, the simulated 3D complex structure can provide useful information to guide drug design and structural optimization of inhibitors when the crystal structure is missing, but it cannot replace the crystal structure and should be used with caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), is a prominent insect for the bioconversion of various organic wastes. As a saprotrophic insect, the BSF inhabits microbe‐rich environments. However, the influences of the intestinal microorganisms on BSF growth and development are not very clear. In this study, the dynamics of the intestinal bacterial community of BSF larvae (BSFL) were analyzed using pyrosequencing. Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria were the most prevalent bacterial phyla in the intestines of all larval instars. The dynamic changes in bacterial community compositions among different larval instars were striking at the genus level. Klebsiella, Clostridium, Providencia, and Dysgonomonas were the relatively most abundant bacteria in the 1st‐ to 4th‐instar BSFL, respectively. Dysgonomonas and Providencia also dominated the 5th‐ and 6th‐instar larvae, at ratios of 31.1% and 47.2%, respectively. In total, 148 bacterial strains affiliated with 20 genera were isolated on different media under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Among them, 6 bacteria, BSF1–BSF6, were selected for further study. The inoculation of the 6 isolates independently into germ‐free BSFL feeding on an artificial diet showed that all the bacteria, except BSF4, significantly promoted BSF growth and development compared with the germ‐free control. Citrobacter, Dysgonomonas, Klebsiella, Ochrobactrum, and Providencia promoted BSF development significantly by increasing the weight gains of larvae and pupae, as well as increasing the prepupae and eclosion rates. In addition, Citrobacter, Klebsiella and Providencia shortened the BSF life cycle significantly. The results illustrate the promotive effects of intestinal bacteria on BSF growth and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrating anisotropy and nonlinearity of physical properties in 2D materials is of great importance to the progress of nanoelectronic, nanophotonic, and nano‐optoelectronic applications. In this work, Nb3SeI7, a newly discovered ternary layered material with non‐centrosymmetric lattices, is introduced, which exhibits strong second harmonic generation (SHG), in‐plane anisotropic electricity, and light absorption. Symmetry breaking of 2D Nb3SeI7 induced by the polar off‐center displacement of niobium leads to a high nonlinear optical response with a second‐order susceptibility of 6.71 pm V−1 and a high anisotropic factor of photoresponsivity up to 4.6, which are higher than most of the 2D materials. These properties of 2D Nb3SeI7 create new possibilities for chip‐integrated nonlinear optics devices and future‐proof polarization‐sensitive optoelectronic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the adult stem cells, SSCs can transmit genetic information to offspring and play a crucial role in the spermatogenesis of male animals. According to the biological characteristics of SSCs and effective cell separation methods, SSCs in testis can be separated and further purified and cultured in vitro, so as to further study their related mechanisms. With the development and maturity of sequencing technology and gene editing technology, the research means and application range of SSCs are also expanding. Therefore, the paper mainly summarizes the biological characteristics, identification, isolation, purification, and in vitro culture of SSCs, as well as the new technologies used in combination with SSCs research, in order to provide references for the selection of in vitro culture methods of SSCs and related studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a popular direction of research in micro-energy storage devices, improving the comprehensive performance of all-solid-state planar on-chip micro-supercapacitors (MSCs) has received increasing attention. Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are a new type of nano-scale electrode materials that can improve the electrochemical performance of devices. In addition, the doping of nitrogen/oxygen heteroatoms can further improve the electrochemical activity of the electrode materials. In this paper, nitrogen-oxygen co-doped graphene quantum dots (NO-GQDs) were used as electrode materials, and a modified liquid-air interface self-assembly method was used to fabricate the electrode films. Finally, the MSCs with narrow interdigital electrode configuration were prepared by photolithography with an electrode width/interdigital gap of 3 μm/1 μm. The prepared MSCs have excellent electrochemical performance, including an area capacitance of 150.63 μF cm−2, an energy density of 20.92 nWh cm−2, a power density of 175.49 μW cm−2, a relaxation time constant of 3.53 μs, and a capacitance retention of 90.42%. As shown by the results, the combination of NO-GQDs and narrow interdigital electrode configuration provides a significant improvement in the comprehensive electrochemical performance of the all-solid-state planar on-chip MSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Li2MnO3 is the parent compound of Li-rich Mn-based cathode materials for high energy density Li-ion batteries. The existence of oxygen vacancies yields anomalous capacity and can significantly increase the electrochemical activity of Li2MnO3, attracting considerable interest. However, the mechanism behind oxygen vacancies in Li2MnO3 is still under debate, due to the challenges in directly observing O and following relevant changes upon electrochemical cycling. Herein, to address the poor electrochemical activity of Li2MnO3 and further reveal its reaction mechanism, a mechanical thermal activation engineering strategy was used to synthesize Li2MnO3 with different contents of oxygen vacancies. The electronic structure can be effectively modulated by introducing different contents of oxygen vacancies in the local atomic coordination around Mn and O, which induces the distortion of the interfacial structure with a higher lattice d-spacing and effectively stimulates the electrochemical activity. By combining in situ XRD, ex situ XPS and ex situ Raman to investigate the evolution of Mn and O in Li2MnO3 during cycling. It is found that the Mn–O hybridization shows strong correlations with the oxygen redox behaviors, and high electrochemical activity and excellent cycling stability cannot coexist. Thus, the electrochemical activity and stability of Li2MnO3 are affected synchronously by lattice vacancies and local coordination configuration. This work provides valuable insights into the origin of electrochemical activity in Li2MnO3, which may inspire the design of high energy density cathode materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biliary tract cancers (BTCs) are aggressive tumors of the biliary system, which are often diagnosed at the advanced stage with a dismal prognosis. Among BTC patients, germline or somatic breast cancer‐related gene 1/2 (BRCA1/2) mutation has been reported and the use of poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase inhibitor (PARPi) has achieved a certain effect, with no obvious severe side effects. The frequencies and mutated types of BRCA1/2 in advanced BTCs vary among studies. BRCA1 and BRCA2 play distinct roles in the development of BTC regardless of age or gender difference. Surprisingly, some BTC patients with germline BRCA mutation can achieve better therapeutic effects than those with a somatic mutation, and patients who carry BRCA mutation are more likely to benefit from immunotherapy alone or in combination. Herein, we provide an overview of the targeted therapies in BRCA‐mutant BTCs, with a particular focus on the differences between germline and somatic BRCA1/2 mutations, as well as review the current status and perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although short bamboo nodes function in mechanical support and fluid exchange for bamboo survival, their structures are not fully understood compared to unidirectional fibrous internodes. Here, we identify the spatial heterostructure of the bamboo node via multiscale imaging strategies and investigate its mechanical properties by multimodal mechanical tests. We find three kinds of hierarchical fiber reinforcement schemes that originate from the bamboo node, including spatially tightened interlocking, triaxial interconnected scaffolding and isotropic intertwining. These reinforcement schemes, built on porous vascular bundles, microfibers and more-refined twist-aligned nanofibers, govern the structural stability of the bamboo via hierarchical toughening. In addition, the spatial liquid transport associated with these multiscale fibers within the bamboo node is experimentally verified, which gives perceptible evidence for life-indispensable multidirectional fluid exchange. The functional integration of mechanical reinforcement and liquid transport reflects the fact that the bamboo node has opted for elaborate structural optimization rather than ingredient richness. This study will advance our understanding of biological materials and provide insight into the design of fiber-reinforced structures and biomass utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silymarin has been used for improving hepatic damage and lipid disorders, but its action mechanism remains to be clarified. Here, we investigate the contributions of the gut microbiota to the improvement of liver lipid metabolism by silymarin. We find i) strong and significant microbial shifts upon silymarin but not silibinin treatment; ii) over 60% variations of liver fat are explained by silymarin-induced bacterial B12 production in male rats but not in male germ-free mice; iii) fecal microbiota transplantation confirms their protective roles against liver fat accumulation; iv) upregulation of one-carbon metabolism and fatty acid degradation pathways are observed based on the liver transcriptome analyses; and v) in humans the delta changes of serum B12 associate negatively with the fluctuations of serum triglycerides. Overall, we reveal a mechanism of action underpinning the lipid-lowering effect of silymarin via the gut microbiota and its vitamin B12 producing capabilities.Silymarin has been used for improving hepatic damage and lipid disorders, but its action mechanism remains to be clarified. Here, the authors reveal a mechanism of action underpinning the lipid-lowering effect of silymarin via the gut microbiota and its vitamin B12 producing capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trigonal planar units with large polarizability anisotropy and high physicochemical stability are ideal structural units for exploring nonlinear optical (NLO) materials. Integrating the merits of two types of triangular‐like moieties, a family of second‐order NLO‐active hybrid halides, MATX (X = Cl (1), Br (2), and I (3)), are achieved. MATX crystallizes in a nonpolar space group of P6¯$P\overline 6 $2c but exhibits the optimal spatial arrangement and superior NLO performance. The low coordination planar trigonal AgX3 units enable segregation in layers of the three‐winged propeller‐like Me3TPA units. All of the layers are packed in a perfect parallel fashion, making the functional materials exhibit superior NLO performances, including the phase matchable behavior with strong SHG responses (6.2/1, 6.5/2, and 7.6/3 times that of potassium dihydrogen phosphate), large birefringence (0.232/1, 0.252/2 and 0.260/3 at 1064 nm), high laser damage threshold, wide transparent window, and easiness of crystal growth. The first‐principles calculations reveal that the coexistence of strong linear and nonlinear optical properties are ascribed to the synergistic effect of the trigonal moieties. This study points out a useful path for the rational design of excellent NLO materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over-applied copper (Cu)-based agrochemicals are toxic to citrus trees. However, less information is available discussing the ultrastructural alterations in Cu-stressed citrus species. In the present study, seedlings of Citrus sinensis and Citrus grandis that differed in Cu-tolerance were sandy-cultured with nutrient solution containing 0.5 µM Cu (as control) or 300 µM Cu (as Cu toxicity) for 18 weeks. At the end of the treatments, the physiological parameters and ultrastructural features of the citrus leaves and roots were analyzed. The results indicate that Cu toxicity significantly decreased the ratio of shoot biomass to dry weight, the Cu translocation factor and the total chlorophyll of two citrus species. The anatomical and ultrastructural alterations verified that excessive Cu resulted in starch granules accumulated in the leaves and roots of the two citrus species. Under Cu toxicity, increased root flocculent precipitate and thickened root cell wall might reduce the Cu translocation from citrus roots to the shoots. Compared with C. sinensis, C. grandis maintained a relatively integral root cellular structure under Cu toxicity, which provided a structural basis for a higher Cu tolerance than C. sinensis. The present results increase our understanding of the physiological and ultrastructural responses to Cu toxicity in citrus species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify and describe the certainty of evidence of gynecology and obstetrics systematic reviews (SRs) using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Method: Database searches of SRs using GRADE, published between 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2020, in the 10 "gynecology and obstetrics" journals with the highest impact factor, according to the Journal Citation Report 2019. Selected studies included those SRs using the GRADE approach, used to determine the certainty of evidence. Results: Out of 952 SRs, ninety-six SRs of randomized control trials (RCTs) and/or nonrandomized studies (NRSs) used GRADE. Sixty-seven SRs (7.04%) rated the certainty of evidence for specific outcomes. In total, we identified 946 certainty of evidence outcome ratings (n = 614 RCT ratings), ranging from very-low (42.28%) to low (28.44%), moderate (17.65%), and high (11.63%). High and very low certainty of evidence ratings accounted for 2.16% and 71.60% in the SRs of NRSs, respectively, compared with 16.78% and 26.55% in the SRs of RCTs. In the SRs of RCTs and NRSs, certainty of evidence was mainly downgraded due to imprecision and bias risks. Conclusions: More attention needs to be paid to strengthening GRADE acceptance and building knowledge of GRADE methods in gynecology and obstetrics evidence synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trigonal planar units with large polarizability anisotropy and high physicochemical stability are ideal structural units for exploring nonlinear optical (NLO) materials. Integrating the merits of two types of triangular‐like moieties, a family of second‐order NLO‐active hybrid halides, MATX (X = Cl (1), Br (2), and I (3)), are achieved. MATX crystallizes in a nonpolar space group of P6¯$P\overline 6 $2c but exhibits the optimal spatial arrangement and superior NLO performance. The low coordination planar trigonal AgX3 units enable segregation in layers of the three‐winged propeller‐like Me3TPA units. All of the layers are packed in a perfect parallel fashion, making the functional materials exhibit superior NLO performances, including the phase matchable behavior with strong SHG responses (6.2/1, 6.5/2, and 7.6/3 times that of potassium dihydrogen phosphate), large birefringence (0.232/1, 0.252/2 and 0.260/3 at 1064 nm), high laser damage threshold, wide transparent window, and easiness of crystal growth. The first‐principles calculations reveal that the coexistence of strong linear and nonlinear optical properties are ascribed to the synergistic effect of the trigonal moieties. This study points out a useful path for the rational design of excellent NLO materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the possible link between dietary theobromine intake and symptoms of depression. Materials and methods: These results are based on the responses of 3637 people who took part in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2017–2018. Participants' daily theobromine intake was determined using a 24-h food questionnaire from the 2017–2018 cycle. Presence of depression was defined as a score of 5 or above on the Patient Health Questionnaire. Association between theobromine intake and depression was examined using a multivariate logistic regression adjusting for several relevant sociodemographic, lifestyle and health-related factors. Results: A total of 6903 participants were included in the study. The results of multivariate logistic regression showed a correlation between depressive symptoms and theobromine intake (OR:1.17, 95%CI:1.02–1.34). Conclusions: Our cross-sectional population based study suggests that increased theobromine intake is associated with increased risk for depression. Nevertheless, more investigations are needed to confirm our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over-application of copper (Cu) is prevalent in citrus orchards of South China. Therefore, the evaluation of citrus Cu tolerance is of significance for better nutrient management and in the breeding of Cu-tolerant citrus species. In this study, seedlings of 'Xuegan' [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] and 'Shatian pummelo' [Citrus grandis (L.) Osbeck] were treated with 0.5 µM Cu (Control) or 300 µM Cu (Cu toxicity) for 18 weeks in sandy culture medium. The results demonstrated that excess Cu decreased seedling biomass, plant height, and root length and significantly increased Cu accumulation of C. sinensis and C. grandis. The Cu distribution in citrus tissues was following the order: lateral roots > primary roots > stems > leaves. Compared to C. sinensis, C. grandis had a 22.4% higher Cu concentration in the lateral roots under Cu toxicity. According to the stomata limiting theory, the inhibition of the net photosynthetic rate of C. sinensis leaves by Cu toxicity was mainly attributed to non-stomata limitation. The chlorophyll a transient indicated much more severe damage to the structure and function of leaf photosynthetic system II (PS II) in C. sinensis than C. grandis by Cu toxicity. Conclusively, a higher Cu retention in the lateral roots, the maintenance of a stable PS II structure, and higher electron transferring rate from PS II to PS I implied the relatively higher Cu tolerance of C. grandis seedlings. These results provide essential information for further investigation on the Cu-tolerant mechanisms of citrus species and the future breeding of Cu-tolerant citrus species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Previous studies have indicated that dietary consumption of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and the Ca-to-Mg (Ca:Mg) ratio were associated with different health outcomes. However, no study has evaluated the association of pre-diagnostic Ca, Mg, and Ca:Mg ratio consumption with ovarian cancer (OC) survival. Methods: The aforementioned associations were investigated in a cohort of 853 Chinese women diagnosed with OC between 2015 and 2020. A validated food frequency questionnaire was used to evaluate pre-diagnostic diet information. Deaths were recorded until March 31, 2021 via medical records and active follow-up. Cox proportional hazards model was applied to calculate the adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: A total of 130 deaths were observed during a median follow-up of 37.2 months. After adjustment for potential confounders, pre-diagnostic Ca (HR< 600 vs. > 1000 = 1.45, 95% CI = 0.47–4.46, p for trend = 0.69) and Mg (HR< 250 vs. > 330 = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.39–2.08, p for trend = 0.77) intakes were found to be unrelated to OC survival, whereas a higher Ca:Mg intake ratio was significantly associated with worse survival (HR< 1.7 vs. > 2.5 = 2.72, 95% CI = 1.28–5.78, p for trend < 0.05). A significant result was also observed when treating the Ca:Mg ratio as a continuous variable (HR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.12–2.55) for one-unit increment. Conclusion: Pre-diagnostic consumption of Ca and Mg was unrelated to OC survival, while a higher Ca:Mg intake ratio was strongly associated with worse survival among OC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this letter, we report the related transport properties of (La1-yPry)0.5Sr0.5MnO3 (y = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5) films prepared by pulsed laser deposition. The transport properties of the films with different fields applied, such as optical field, magnetic field and strain field, were investigated. The results show that the resistance increases and the metal–insulator transition temperature shifts to lower temperature with the increasing of Pr doping. However, the film with the doping amount of 0.5 exhibits an insulation characteristic, and showed transient photoconductivity effect, with a relative change of photo-resistance of 7.2% at low temperature. Otherwise, a negative magneto-resistance of 54% was observed at 80 K and 1 T magnetic field. Further, by using an external electric field to modulate the films grown on the PbMg1/3Nb2/3O3-PbTiO3 substrate, it was found that the electric field reduced the resistance and had a faking effect on the relative change of the photo-resistance. It is mainly attributed to the influence of the external field on lattice distortion and charge carrier delocalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acer pseudosieboldianum is a kind of excellent color-leafed plants, and well known for its red leaves in autumn. At the same time, A. pseudosieboldianum is one of the native tree species in the northeast of China, and it plays an important role in improving the lack of color-leafed plants in the north. In previous study, we found a mutant of the A. pseudosieboldianum that leaves intersect red and green in spring and summer. However, it is unclear which genes cause the color change of mutant leaves. Results: In order to study the molecular mechanism of leaf color formation, we analyzed the leaves of the mutant group and the control group from A. pseudosieboldianum by RNA deep sequencing in this study. Using an Illumina sequencing platform, we obtained approximately 276,071,634 clean reads. After the sequences were filtered and assembled, the transcriptome data generated a total of 70,014 transcripts and 54,776 unigenes, of which 34,486 (62.96%) were successfully annotated in seven public databases. There were 8,609 significant DEGs identified between the control and mutant groups, including 4,897 upregulated and 3,712 downregulated genes. We identified 13 genes of DEGs for leaf color synthesis that was involved in the flavonoid pathway, 26 genes that encoded transcription factors, and eight genes associated with flavonoid transport. Conclusion: Our results provided comprehensive gene expression information about A. pseudosieboldianum transcriptome, and directed the further study of accumulation of anthocyanin in A. pseudosieboldianum, aiming to provide insights into leaf coloring of it through transcriptome sequencing and analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute respiratory infections are widespread in vulnerable populations of all ages and are characterized by a variety of symptoms. The underlying infection can be caused by a multitude of microorganisms, including viruses and bacteria. Early detection of respiratory infections through rapid pathogen screening is vital in averting infectious respiratory disease epidemics. This study utilized a multiplex real-time PCR system to develop a three-tube reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) assay, enabling simultaneously detect nine respiratory pathogens, including: influenza A and B, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Streptococcus pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila, Haemophilus influenzae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. This technique utilizes a one-step assay, with specifically designed TaqMan primer–probe sets combined in the same tube. This assay provided rapid and simplified detection of the nine prevalent pathogens, as well as increased sensitivity and reduced cross-contamination. This assay was evaluated using 25 related viral/bacterial strains as positive references, the other 25 irrelevant strains as negative controls, and clinical specimens from 179 patients. All positive strains were detected with no amplification of the non-target microorganism mixtures and the assay's detection limits ranged between 250–500 copies/ml (1.25–2.5 copies/reaction). A total of 167 (93.3%) samples tested positive for at least one of the pathogens identified; 109 of these samples were from patients confirmed to have RSV infections. The diagnostic accuracy of our assay was further confirmed by matching results from classical direct immunofluorescence assay and nucleotide sequencing. These data demonstrate the innovative multiplex real-time PCR assay as a promising alternative to the current approaches used for early screening of acute respiratory infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]