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As wearable electronic devices advance, there is a growing demand for stand-alone flexible thermoelectric materials and devices capable of harvesting low-grade thermal energy from human skin. The polar molecule DMSO is known to enhance the electrical properties of PEDOT, with the underlying mechanism believed to involve structural changes in PEDOT that improve carrier mobility, although carrier concentration has a more pronounced effect on conductivity. In this study, we examined the impact of varying DMSO concentrations on PEDOT. With the optimal addition of DMSO (10 vol.%), PSS and PEDOT were effectively separated, resulting in parallel lamellar microstructures that improved the continuity of the conductive network. Hall effect measurements showed significant increases in both carrier concentration and mobility. The PEDOT+ polaritons were arranged parallel to the lamellar structure, facilitating rapid charge transport along the molecular chains. This arrangement led to enhanced three-dimensional charge transfer, increased π-π conjugate stacking between microstructural layers, and a greater electron cloud density. The synergistic effect of these changes resulted in a three-fold increase in film conductivity. Additionally, lightly doping PEDOT with DMSO led to a 35% increase in the Seebeck coefficient with rising operating temperatures. The resulting free-standing, flexible films, characterized by low thermal conductivity and high electrical conductivity, are well-suited for use in miniature flexible sensors or wearable electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lasting for nearly 1,500 years, the Dawenkou Culture, especially the middle-late phase, was a critical period for the evolution from a relatively equal to a stratified community, as well as the formation of social complexity in the Haidai region. It was worth noting that the uniquely high-level funeral practices in this period was strikingly characterized by the specific tomb structure and exquisite funerary objects. As an essential part of human society, animals have played important roles in mortuary practices for millennia. This report presents a preliminary analysis of funerary animals, dating approximately to 5000–4500 BP., excavated in 2016–2017 from Jiaojia site, one of the most important high-ranking settlement sites discovered in recent years in the northern Shandong Province. Based on the investigation of faunal composition, skeletal elements, burial location and their relationship with diachronicity, burial grade, gender and identity of the deceased, we discussed the differences in the choice and preference for animals in the burial practices at Jiaojia community during the Dawenkou Culture period. These differences highlight the functional, social, or religious significance of specific species, which played a crucial role in exploring the unique funerary treatment for elite groups. Additionally, our findings offer new insights into the subsistence economy and habitat of the ancients during the Dawenkou Culture period at the Jiaojia site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lasting for nearly 1,500 years, the Dawenkou Culture, especially the middle-late phase, was a critical period for the evolution from a relatively equal to a stratified community, as well as the formation of social complexity in the Haidai region. It was worth noting that the uniquely high-level funeral practices in this period was strikingly characterized by the specific tomb structure and exquisite funerary objects. As an essential part of human society, animals have played important roles in mortuary practices for millennia. This report presents a preliminary analysis of funerary animals, dating approximately to 5000–4500 BP., excavated in 2016–2017 from Jiaojia site, one of the most important high-ranking settlement sites discovered in recent years in the northern Shandong Province. Based on the investigation of faunal composition, skeletal elements, burial location and their relationship with diachronicity, burial grade, gender and identity of the deceased, we discussed the differences in the choice and preference for animals in the burial practices at Jiaojia community during the Dawenkou Culture period. These differences highlight the functional, social, or religious significance of specific species, which played a crucial role in exploring the unique funerary treatment for elite groups. Additionally, our findings offer new insights into the subsistence economy and habitat of the ancients during the Dawenkou Culture period at the Jiaojia site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the divergent viewpoints regarding fearful stimuli in young children by analyzing variations in eye movement tracking and detection rates when confronted with the sudden appearance of either snakes or lizards. A total of 137 five to six-year-old Chinese children (43.8% male) participated in the study, which utilized the inattentional blindness paradigm. The results indicated that young children did not display any attentional bias toward snakes when compared with lizards, as evidenced by their detection rates and eye movement tracking. Interestingly, the children fixated on lizards earlier than snakes. These findings suggest that the notion of an evolution bias toward ancestral threats may not be as credible as previously believed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) may be present in the intestinal mucosa of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which is a chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The role of H. pylori in the pathogenesis of IBD remains unclear. In this study, bioinformatics techniques were used to investigate the correlation and co-pathogenic pathways between H. pylori and IBD. Methods: The following matrix data were downloaded from the GEO database: H. pylori -associated gastritis, GSE233973 and GSE27411; and IBD, GSE3365 and GSE179285. Differential gene analysis was performed via the limma software package in the R environment. A protein−protein interaction (PPI) network of DEGs was constructed via the STRING database. Cytoscape software, through the CytoHubba plugin, filters the PPI subnetwork and identifies Hub genes. Validation of the Hub genes was performed in the validation set. Immune analysis was conducted via the CIBERSORT algorithm. Transcription factor interaction and small molecule drug analyses of the Hub genes were also performed. Results: Using the GSE233973 and GSE3365 datasets, 151 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. GO enrichment analysis revealed involvement in leukocyte migration and chemotaxis, response to lipopolysaccharides, response to biostimulatory stimuli, and regulation of interleukin-8 (IL-8) production. Ten Hub genes (TLR4, IL10, CXCL8, IL1B, TLR2, CXCR2, CCL2, IL6, CCR1 and MMP-9) were identified via the PPI network and Cytoscape software. Enrichment analysis of the Hub genes focused on the lipopolysaccharide response, bacterial molecular response, biostimulatory response and leukocyte movement. Validation using the GSE27411 and GSE179285 datasets revealed that MMP-9 was significantly upregulated in both the H. pylori and IBD groups. The CIBERSORT algorithm revealed immune infiltration differences between the control and disease groups of IBD patients. Additionally, the CMap database identified the top 11 small molecule compounds across 10 cell types, including TPCA-1, AS-703026 and memantine, etc. Conclusion: Our study revealed the co-pathogenic mechanism between H. pylori and IBD and identified 10 Hub genes related to cellular immune regulation and signal transduction. The expression of MMP-9 is significantly upregulated in both H. pylori infection and IBD. This study provides a new perspective for exploring the prevention and treatment of H. pylori infection and IBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On 8 October 2017, persistent heavy rainfall triggered a rock collapse on Fenghuang Mountain in Wuxi Town, located within the Three Gorges Reservoir region of China. Subsequent field investigations and monitoring identified several potentially unstable rock masses in the area, posing a significant threat to the safety of nearby residents and their property. In this study,the Rapid Mass Movement Simulation (RAMMS) numerical tool was used to perform a back analysis of the rock collapse event. The well calibrated numerical model was then used to assess the risk of the potential unstable rock masses in the study area. The rock collapse on Fenghuang Mountain descended rapidly along the slope, with the dislodged material accumulating at the base and obstructing the road at the foot of the slope. Some debris breached the embankment and entered the Daning River. The computed maximum velocity during the rock collapse event was approximately 9.14 m/s, with an average maximum deposit thickness of around 4.48 m. The back-analysis of the rock collapse event closely aligns with the observed failure process and deposit morphology documented through field investigation. Using the well calibrated numerical model, a dynamic analysis was conducted on the potential unstable rock mass. The risk assessment indicates that the potential unstable rock mass is prone to instability, with a high likelihood of a subsequent rockfall under extreme rainfall conditions. The computed average maximum velocity for the potential rockfall is 33.83 m/s, with an average maximum deposit thickness of 2.20 m. The computed maximum impact pressure is about 164 kPa, which would result in significant damage to the road below. Additionally, a maximum wave height of 1.38 m from the surge caused by potential rockfall entering the Daning River was calculated by a semi-empirical model. This research offers a novel approach and methodology for assessing the risk of such hazardous events in similar geological setting globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study presents a novel design for a biomass gasification reactor, focusing on analyzing the static mechanical and dynamic vibration characteristics of its kiln shell. Methods: The Taguchi L9 method and Gaussian surface fitting were used to analyze static mechanical properties under varied support positions. Additionally, four different kiln shell configurations were investigated to assess the effects of heat exchange tubes, support positions, and rib reinforcements on vibration displacement characteristics. Results and Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, the support positions have a considerable impact on the static mechanical characteristics of its kiln shell. Moreover, the heat exchange tubes can significantly increase the natural frequencies of the kiln shell，and the suppression of vibration displacements in risk areas can be achieved through the use of rib reinforcements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sauce glazed wares of Yaozhou kilns are famous for their high gloss and distinctive glaze color palette varying from yellowish‐brown to reddish‐brown. In this work, sauce glazes were successfully replicated using the traditional technology of Yaozhou kilns. Micro‐Raman spectroscopy, combined with optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, x‐ray fluorescence, and reflective spectroscopy, was systematically applied to analyze the chemical composition, nature and distribution of crystals, and the coloration of the glazes. The results show that the yellowish‐brown glaze is mainly original from dendritic ε‐Fe2O3 crystals, whereas the reddish‐brown color is mainly derived from dendritic hematite crystals. Such dendritic structure could account for slightly color variations of the glaze surface observed in different angles, which also reported in Japanese Bizen ceramics. The principal component analysis (PCA) was further applied to study the Raman spectra of these iron oxides. The PCA results effectively indicates the structural disorders of these crystals introduced by ion substitutions. These substitutions could not only stabilize the crystals but also darken the crystals color. Besides, high Mg in the raw materials was found to benefit the growth of magnesioferrite crystals. The relative low level of Fe2O3, high level of SiO2, and CaO may relate to the formation of ε‐Fe2O3 crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black and white porcelain plays a critical role in Chinese decorative porcelain history. It is famous for its decorative styles and techniques, which create a strong black and white color contrast in its appearance. In this study, representative black and white porcelains produced in Shanxi province were analyzed by X‐ray fluorescence, Raman spectroscopy, and SEM‐EDS. The results show that both Ca‐rich (~5.33 wt%) and Ca‐poor (~1.99 wt%) glazes were used leading to quite different microstructures. The pigment particles of Ca‐rich glazes are characterized by small size (≤2 μm), wide distribution, and tightly wrapped by anorthite. In contrast, they are larger (≥2 μm) and tightly cumulated together in Ca‐poor glazes. Hematite is the major crystal in pigment, double‐substituted by Al and Ti. The Al/Fe ratios are similar, but Ti/Fe ratios are quite different: They do not exceed 0.03% in Ca‐poor glazes, whereas they reach 0.12% in Ca‐rich glazes, suggesting that the origin of the pigments must be different. Al‐rich mineral such as kaolin was added to the pigment preparation in Ca‐rich glazes. The color of the pattern is mainly influenced by the size, quantity, and concentration of brown Ti‐doping hematite, as well as the thickness of the glaze layer and other crystals and Fe ions. The fired atmosphere of Ca‐rich glaze type seems less oxidizing than for Ca‐poor glaze type. Overall, the results confirm that black and white porcelain has a variety of production techniques, which is attributed to the craftsman adjusting the techniques according to the composition of raw materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yangshao culture, as the most important Neolithic culture in China, is famous for its finely decorated pottery. In this work, Yangshao potteries excavated in Shanxi province, one of the core distribution areas, were studied by micro‐Raman spectroscopy combined with optical microscopy, X‐ray fluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The color of the red decor is derived from hematite and maghemite. The black decorations on the surface are more complex, which could be divided into two types according to the Mn/Fe ratios and crystalline types: (1) low MnO2/Fe2O3 ratio and jacobsite and magnetite and (2) high MnO2/Fe2O3 ratio and hausmannite. The former color is obviously brighter than the latter. This study also demonstrates the potential of micro‐Raman microscopy in analyzing the nature of colorant crystals in Yangshao painted potteries and, therefore, better deciphering the technical details involved in the potteries of Yangshao culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) stands out as a malignancy of the stem cell precursors of the myeloid lineage. Bone-marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (BMSC-exos) affect AML progression. We explored the effects and mechanism of BMSC-exos on AML cell proliferation and apoptosis. Methods: Human AML cells (MOLM-16, MV-4-11) and normal human hematopoietic cells (GM12878) cultured in vitro were treated with exos extracted from BMSCs that transfected with microRNA (miR)-139-5p-mimics, ovβ-catenin, or miR-139-5p-inhibitor. BMSC morphology was observed by a microscopy, and its adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation abilities were assessed by oil red O staining and alizarin red S staining. BMSC-exos were extracted by ultracentrifugation, and their morphology was observed by a transmission electron microscopy. BMSC-exos were identified by nanoparticle tracking analysis and Western blot. The binding sites between miR-139-5p and β-catenin were predicted by TargetScan database, and then validated by dual-luciferase reporter assay. mRNA levels of miR-139-5p and β-catenin, cell proliferation, and apoptosis were evaluated by RT-qPCR, CCK-8, and flow cytometry. The expressions of CD63, CD81, TSG101, and GRP94 and the proteins of β-catenin, Bax, and Bcl-2 were determined by Western blot. Results: miR-139-5p was poorly expressed in AML cell lines. miR-139-5p overexpression reduced AML cell viability/proliferation/Bcl-2 level, and raised apoptosis/Bax level. BMSC-exos repressed AML cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis via miR-139-5p. miR-139-5p targeted to inhibit β-catenin expression. Subsequently, up-regulated β-catenin partially counteracted the effects of miR-139-5p in BMSC-exos on AML cell proliferation and apoptosis. Conclusion: BMSC-exos targeted to repress β-catenin expression by miR-139-5p, limited AML cell proliferation and facilitated apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sleep-wake disorder is one of the most common nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). Melatonin has the potential to improve sleep-wake disorder, but its mechanism of action is still unclear. Our data showed that melatonin only improved the motor and sleep-wake behavior of a zebrafish PD model when melatonin receptor 1 was present. Thus, we explored the underlying mechanisms by applying a rotenone model. After the PD zebrafish model was induced by 10 nmol/L rotenone, the motor and sleep-wake behavior were assessed. In situ hybridization and real-time quantitative PCR were used to detect the expression of melatonin receptors and lipid-metabolism-related genes. In the PD model, we found abnormal lipid metabolism, which was reversed by melatonin. This may be one of the main pathways for improving PD sleep-wake disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolism reprogramming within the tumor microenvironment (TME) can have a profound impact on immune cells. Identifying the association between metabolic phenotypes and immune cells in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) may reveal mechanisms of resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Metabolic phenotypes were classified by expression of metabolic genes. Somatic mutations and transcriptomic features were compared across the different metabolic phenotypes. The metabolic phenotype of LUAD is predominantly determined by reductase-oxidative activity and is divided into two categories: redoxhigh LUAD and redoxlow LUAD. Genetically, redoxhigh LUAD is mainly driven by mutations in KEAP1, STK11, NRF2, or SMARCA4. These mutations are more prevalent in redoxhigh LUAD (72.5%) compared to redoxlow LUAD (17.4%), whereas EGFR mutations are more common in redoxlow LUAD (19.0% vs. 0.7%). Single-cell RNA profiling of pre-treatment and post-treatment samples from patients receiving neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy revealed that tissue-resident memory CD8+ T cells are responders to ICIs. However, these cells are significantly reduced in redoxhigh LUAD. The redoxhigh phenotype is primarily attributed to tumor cells and is positively associated with mTORC1 signaling. LUAD with the redoxhigh phenotype demonstrates a lower response rate (39.1% vs. 70.8%, p = 0.001), shorter progression-free survival (3.3 vs. 14.6 months, p = 0.004), and overall survival (12.1 vs. 31.2 months, p = 0.022) when treated with ICIs. The redoxhigh phenotype in LUAD is predominantly driven by mutations in KEAP1, STK11, NRF2, and SMARCA4. This phenotype diminishes the number of tissue-resident memory CD8+ T cells and attenuates the efficacy of ICIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A previous study has confirmed the upregulation of circ_0007142 expression in CC. Here, we aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of circ_0007142 in CC progression. The expression of circ_0007142, microRNA-128-3p (miR-128-3p), S100 calcium-binding protein A14 (S100A14), and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT)–related markers was measured by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Cell proliferative, migratory, and invasion abilities were evaluated using cell counting Kit-8, cell colony formation, 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine, and transwell assays, respectively. The interaction among circ_0007142, miR-128-3p and S100A14 was identified by dual-luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. In vivo experiment was implemented to investigate the effect of circ_0007142 on tumor growth. CC tissues and cells displayed high expression of circ_0007142 and S100A14, and low expression of miR-128-3p in comparison to the controls. Knockdown of circ_0007142 resulted in the inhibition of cell proliferation, migration invasion, and EMT in vitro. In support, circ_0007142 deficiency hindered tumor growth and EMT in vivo. In rescue experiments, downregulation of miR-128-3p relieved circ_0007142 absence-mediated anticancer impacts. MiR-128-3p overexpression-induced inhibitory effects on cell growth and metastasis were attenuated by S100A14 overexpression. Importantly, circ_0007142 regulated S100A14 expression by sponging miR-128-3p. Circ_0007142 knockdown suppressed CC cell malignant behaviors by miR-128-3p/S100A14 pathway, providing a possible circRNA-targeted therapy for CC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shallow landslides and debris flows triggered by heavy rainfall are widespread catastrophic geological disasters in mountainous areas. Landslides with complex terrain are often the material source of debris flows as a disaster chain. However, the failure mechanism and dynamic process of landslide triggered debris flow are still not clear. In July 2023, an obvious rockslide occurred during heavy rainfall in Changtan Town, Chongqing City, Southwest China, resulting in one death and seven houses collapsed. In this paper, back analysis in the dynamic process of the Yanghuachi (YHC) landslide triggered debris flow is carried out by the coupled particle flow model and elastic viscoplastic model. The reults indicate that the sliding body moves downward along the sliding surface, pushing the loose deposits at the lower part of the landslide to slip and then extending along the gully to the right bank of the Modao River. The overall movement duration of the landslide in the study area is approximately 180 s, with a maximum sliding velocity of about 22.08 m/s and a final deposition thickness of approximately 10.91 m. This study provides a methodology for analyzing the dynamic process of landslide triggered debris flows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monsoon precipitation variability over the Indo‐China Peninsula (ICP) has become more complicated affected by global warming. In this study, the modulation of Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) on the relationship between El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the rainy season onset over the ICP were investigated. The results showed that the ICP rainy season onset were predominantly correlated with winter sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs) in the East Pacific Ocean, with late and early onsets following El Niño and La Niña events, respectively. During the warm and cold PDO phase, the correlations tended to be substantially strengthened and weakened, respectively. Further analysis indicates that PDO significantly influenced the effects of ENSO on the ICP rainy season onset by modulating SSTAs and low‐level wind fields. During the El Niño events, abnormal easterlies over the Bay of Bengal (BoB) and southern ICP suppressed water vapour transporting to the ICP, which may be related to the zonal SST anomaly gradient between the Indian Ocean and the Northwest Pacific Ocean. When the El Niño occurred during the warm PDO phase, the rainy season onsets were later. The anomalous easterlies became stronger corresponds to the increasing zonal sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) gradient between the Indian Ocean and the Northwest Pacific Ocean. There was no significant anomaly on the rainy season onset during the cold PDO phase. During the La Niña events, the abnormal westerlies in BOB accelerated water vapour transport, and the rainy season onset were earlier during the warm and cold PDO phase. The modulating effects of PDO on La Niña were less than those on El Niño. These results suggest that the predictability of rainy season onset over the ICP can be improved through PDO and thus help agricultural planning and water resources management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/Introduction: To assess whether the sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, henagliflozin, improves cognitive impairment in patients with type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods: We carried out a prospective study on 290 patients with type 2 diabetes and cognitive impairment. Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores and plasma phosphorylated tau181 levels were used to assess cognition. The association between henagliflozin use and changes in cognition was examined using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores at enrollment and after 6 months were 21 (interquartile range [IQR]19–23) versus 22 (IQR 20–25; P < 0.0001) in all patients, 21 (IQR 19–23) versus 24 (IQR 22–26; P < 0.0001) in the henagliflozin group and 21 (IQR 19–22) versus 21 (IQR 19–23; P > 0.05) in the non‐sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor group. Logistic regression analysis showed that henagliflozin treatment was associated with Montreal Cognitive Assessment score improvement independent of potential confounders (odds ratio [OR] 3.670, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.224–6.056, P < 0.0001). Additionally, plasma phosphorylated tau181 levels significantly decreased at 6‐month follow up in all patients (OR 11.5, 95% CI 9.9–13.7 vs OR 10.1, 95% CI 7.8–12.9, P < 0.0001) and in the henagliflozin group (OR 11.5, 95% CI 10.3–13.0 vs OR 9.2, 95% CI 7.1–10.7, P < 0.0001), but not in the non‐sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor group. Henagliflozin treatment was independently associated with decreased phosphorylated tau181 levels (OR 3.670, 95% CI 1.598–4.213, P < 0.0001). Conclusions: Henagliflozin treatment was independently associated with improvements in Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores and plasma phosphorylated tau181 levels, indicating significant beneficial effects on cognitive impairment in patients with type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shikonin is a plant medicine extracted from Lithospermum, which dominate influential antioxidant and antitumor effect. Here, we report that shikonin was capable of inducing human esophageal cancer EC9706 cell apoptosis and autophagy, in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. Shikonin exposure repressed cell viability and migration and invasion capabilities and caused EC9706 cell autophagy and apoptosis by activating the AMPK/mTOR/ULK axis. Autophagy inhibition secured EC9706 cells against shikonin‐induced autophagy and apoptosis and reversed the upregulation of AMPK and ULK phosphorylation and downregulation of mTOR phosphorylation provoked by shikonin. In summary, shikonin instigates EC9706 cell apoptosis and autophagy using the target AMPK/mTOR/ULK signal pathway axis, which provides a potential new target to treat human esophageal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asthma and lung cancer are both significant public health concerns worldwide. Previous observational studies have indicated a potential link between asthma and an increased risk of lung cancer, whereas the causal relationship remains uncertain. We aimed to investigate the potential causal relationship between asthma and lung cancer risk utilizing Mendelian randomization (MR) design.The present study employed a two-sample MR analysis utilizing summary statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) with European descent of asthma and lung cancer. The MR analysis was performed using inverse variance weighting (IVW), supplemented with MR-Egger regression and weighted median method to investigate the potential causality between asthma and lung cancer. Furthermore, Sensitivity analyses were also conducted to ensure the reliability of the findings. The MR analysis showed that genetically predicted asthma had suggestive causal association with the elevated risk of lung cancer [odds ratio (OR), 1.05 (95%Cl,1.01–1.09), P = 0.01]. The consistent direction of effects observed in the three methods further supported this finding. In addition, sensitivity analyses demonstrated the reliability of the results. This study provided potential evidence supporting a causal association between asthma and lung cancer. These findings highlighted the importance of early detection and prevention strategies for lung cancer in individuals with asthma. Further research was needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms linking asthma and lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Chinese nurses in promoting physical activity among cancer survivors and the relationships between these attributes and to identify the factors hindering nurses’ clinical practice. Methods: Nurses from oncology-related departments of 10 public tertiary hospitals in Shandong Province completed self-administered questionnaires that included information about demographics; knowledge, attitudes, and practices of physical activity promotion; and barriers to clinical practice. The STROBE statement for observational studies was applied. Results: A total of 502 valid questionnaires were obtained. The average standardized scores of knowledges, attitudes, and practice were 75.33%, 82.36%, and 62.60%, respectively. Oncology specialist nurses and nurses who had received relevant training had higher levels of knowledge, nurses from general hospitals reported higher levels of practice, and nurses who had learned the relevant guidelines were better in terms of knowledge, attitude, and level of practice. Attitude had a statistically significant mediating effect between knowledge and practice. Lack of time, lack of multidisciplinary clinical teams, and lack of clear guidelines were the most frequently reported barriers to practice. Conclusion: In China, nurses have a moderate level of knowledge and practice in promoting physical activity among cancer survivors, but a positive attitude. Numerous barrier factors present challenges in nurses’ clinical practice. Attitude plays a partial mediating role between knowledge and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of combined treatment with compound fluocinolone acetonide cream and guaiazulene in patients with neurodermatitis. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 92 outpatient patients diagnosed with neurodermatitis at our dermatology department from January 2022 to December 2023. Using a random number table, these patients were evenly divided into a control group and an experimental group, with 46 individuals in each group. The control group received treatment with compound fluocinolone acetonide alone, while the experimental group additionally received oral guaiazulene tablets. Clinical symptom and sign scores, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores, skin lesion itching scores, comprehensive efficacy, treatment onset time, adverse reactions, and quality of life were monitored, recorded, and compared. Results: In the 2-week treatment period, patients in the experimental group showed significant improvement in skin symptoms and signs, with scores significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). After treatment, VAS and skin lesion itching scores in the experimental group were significantly reduced (P < 0.05), demonstrating a more pronounced therapeutic advantage compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Although the effective rate in the experimental group was as high as 86.96%, there was no significant advantage compared to the control group, and the difference in treatment efficacy was not significant (P > 0.05). The treatment onset time in the experimental group was significantly shorter than that in the control group (P < 0.05), and the incidence of adverse reactions was lower (P < 0.05). The quality of life in the experimental group improved significantly after treatment, with DLQI scores lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Combined treatment with compound fluocinolone acetonide cream and guaiazulene demonstrates excellent efficacy and feasibility in the management of neurodermatitis. Compared to standard treatment alone, it yields superior clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of the Article Cerebral proliferative angiopathy (CPA) is a rare and recently characterized vascular malformation that is often mistaken for a large, diffuse arteriovenous malformation (AVM). However, distinguishing the two entities is critical, as while the diseases may appear similar on imaging, they are completely different entities. The most distinguishing features of CPA compared to AVM are the presence of normal functioning brain within the 'nidus' of the abnormality and the proliferative nature of the nidus. While the management of AVM is considered well understood, the management of CPA is unclear. Typical treatment may include conservative management, targeted embolization, and/or surgical revascularization. Materials and Methods Here, we present a patient who was initially diagnosed with a large, diffuse AVM in the posterior fossa. Initially managed conservatively, the development of progressive, debilitating neurologic symptoms prompted treatment. We pursued staged endovascular intervention and improved her initial outlook. Thereafter, volume-staged stereotactic radiosurgery (VS-SRS) was pursued to attempt to achieve a definitive treatment. Results and Conclusions Ultimately, while the treatment proved successful clinically and radiographically, the post-treatment course was exceptionally challenging. In retrospect, it is clear the working diagnosis was incorrect, and CPA was the true diagnosis. To our knowledge, this is the first known application of this treatment approach for CPA. However, the post-treatment course and final clinical outcome likely reflect the important differences between AVM and CPA. For these reasons, we are cautious to recommend the treatment course as prescribed in this case but hope to highlight important lessons learned in managing this rare condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Umeclidinium plus vilanterol (UMEC/VI) is an inhaled long-acting muscarinic antagonist/long-acting beta2-agonist (LAMA/LABA), recently approved as once-daily maintenance therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This meta-analysis aims to assess the efficacy and safety of UMEC/VI compared with fluticasone propionate plus salmeterol (FP/SAL). Methods A systematic search was conducted by a trained medical research librarian across MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM) for randomized controlled trials comparing UMEC/VI with FP/SAL in COPD patients. Two reviewers independently assessed the risk of bias and extracted data. The primary outcome was 0–24 h weighted mean (wm) forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), trough FEV1. The secondary outcomes were other lung functions, symptoms, quality of life, and safety. Results Three studies with 2119 patients were included in the meta-analysis. UMEC/VI showed improvement in 0–24 h wm FEV1 (mean difference (MD) 0.08 L, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.06 to 0.10, P  < 0.01, moderate quality) and trough FEV1 (MD 0.09 L, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.11, P  < 0.01, moderate quality) in comparison with FP/SAL. UMEC/VI statistically significantly improved all other lung functions compared with FP/SAL. However, there were no significant differences between UMEC/VI and FP/SAL in rescue-medication use, symptomatic endpoints, and health outcomes. UMEC/VI also demonstrated fewer drug-related adverse effects (risk ratio 0.47, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.82, P  = 0.01, low quality). Conclusions UMEC/VI, when compared with FP/SAL, demonstrated significant improvements in lung functions with fewer drug-related adverse effects. However, the conclusion was limited by the scarcity of studies and long-term trials. Key message What is already known on this topic Recent trials have demonstrated that umeclidinium/vilanterol boasts a favorable safety profile and delivers notable and sustained enhancements in lung function. However, there has been no definitive conclusion regarding the comparative efficacy of UMEC/VI versus FP/SAL. What this study adds This research not only evaluates the efficacy of UMEC/VI compared with FP/SAL on lung functions but also delves into its impact on symptomatic endpoints, health outcomes, and safety measures. How this study might affect research, practice or policy Given the potential advantages offered by UMEC/VI, we advocate for its utilization in COPD treatment and anticipate that forthcoming long-term trials will place emphasis on mortality and cardiovascular outcomes. Registration number CRD42021249409 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early diagnosis has a pivotal role in the effective control and prevention of disease in fruit crops. Loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) has emerged as a prominent modality for disease diagnosis owing to its rapid detection, heightened sensitivity, exceptional specificity and easy operational procedures. The advent of LAMP‐coupled CRISPR‐Cas12, multiplex LAMP (mLAMP) and digital LAMP (dLAMP) has contributed to a paradigm shift in the field and increased the applicability of LAMP technology in viral disease detection. Such advancements have further extended the reach and efficacy of LAMP methodologies in diagnostic research. Here, we review LAMP detection technology application to identify viral diseases in fruits (e.g., apple, passion fruit, banana and citrus) and summarize current developments in LAMP technology and its future prospects, which could enhance its application in the detection of fruit viral diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the formation of Lewy bodies (LBs), primarily constituted of α‐synuclein (α‐Syn). Microglial cells exhibit specific reactivity toward misfolded proteins such as α‐Syn. However, the exact clearance mechanism and related molecular targets remain elusive. Methods: BV2 cells, primary microglia from wild‐type and MT1 knockout mice, and primary cortical neurons were utilized as experimental models. The study investigated relevant mechanisms by modulating microglial MT1 expression through small RNA interference (RNAi) and lentiviral overexpression techniques. Furthermore, pathological aggregation of α‐Syn was induced using pre‐formed fibrils (PFF) α‐Syn. Co‐immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, Western blot (WB), and quantitative real‐time PCR were used to elucidate the mechanisms of molecular regulation. Results: In this study, we elucidated the regulatory role of the melatonin receptor 1 (MT1) in the microglial phagocytic process. Following MT1 knockout, the ability of microglial cells to engulf latex beads and zymosan particles decreased, subsequently affecting the phagocytic degradation of fibrillar α‐Syn by microglial cells. Furthermore, the loss of MT1 receptors in microglial cells exacerbates the aggregation of α‐Syn in neurons induced by pre‐formed fibrils (PFF) α‐Syn. Mechanistically, MT1 influences the phagocytic function of microglial cells by regulating the Rubicon‐dependent LC3‐associated phagocytosis (LAP) pathway. Conclusion: Taken together, the results suggest the neuroprotective function of microglial cells in clearing α‐Syn through MT1‐mediated LAP, highlighting the potential key role of MT1 in pathogenic mechanisms associated with α‐Syn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Levodopa‐induced dyskinesia (DYS) adversely affects the quality of life of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. However, few studies have focused on the relationship between DYS and sleep and electroencephalography (EEG). Our study aimed to establish the objective physiological indicators assessed by polysomnography (PSG) that are associated with DYS in PD patients. Method s : We enrolled 122 patients with PD, divided into two groups: PD with DYS (n = 27) and PD without DYS group (non‐DYS, n = 95). The demographics and clinical characteristics and sleep assessment in the two groups were collected. More importantly, overnight six‐channel PSG parameters were compared in the two groups. We also compared different bands and brain regions of average power spectral density within each group. Results: Compared with the non‐DYS group, the DYS group tended to have a significantly higher percentage of nonrapid eye movement sleep (NREM). Gender, levodopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD), rapid eye movement (REM) sleep (min), and the NREM percentage were positively correlated with the occurrence of DYS. After adjusting for gender, disease duration, LEDD, taking amantadine or not, and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), NREM%, N3%, and REM (min), the percentage of NREM sleep (p = 0.035), female (p = 0.002), and LEDD (p = 0.005), and REM sleep time (min) (p = 0.012) were still associated with DYS. There was no significant difference in whole‐night different bands of average power spectral density between two groups. There was no significant difference in normalized average power spectral density of slow wave activity (SWA) (0.5–2 Hz, 0.5–4 Hz, and 2–4 Hz) of early and late NREM sleep in the DYS group. Dynamic normalized average power spectral density of SWA of low‐frequency (0.5–2 Hz) reduction in the frontal region (p = 0.013) was associated with DYS in logistic regression after adjusting for confounding factors. Conclusion: PD patients with DYS have substantial sleep structure variations. Higher NREM percentage and less REM percentage were observed in PD patients with DYS. Dynamic normalized average power spectral density of low‐frequency (0.5–2 Hz) SWA reduction in the frontal area could be a new electrophysiological marker of DYS in PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, W. Berndt and S. Sra (Hlawka-Popoviciu inequalities on positive definite tensors. Linear Algebra Appl. 2015;486:317–327) proved a Popoviciu type inequality for any arbitrary finite number of positive definite matrices. In this paper, we proved a quantitative Popoviciu type inequality for four positive semi-definite matrices, which is stronger than Berndt-Sra's corresponding result and also a generalization of Hong-Qi's (Refinements of two determinantal inequalities for positive semidefinite matrices. Math Inequal Appl. 2022;25(3):673–678) result. As applications, we partially recovered our early result in F. Wang (A quantitative Popoviciu type inequality, submitted.] and obtained a quantitative Hartfiel inequality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaerobically digested sludge-derived biochar was produced through pyrolysis at 700 °C, called BC700. BC700 was characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method. The factors influencing the adsorption process and the mechanism involved in adsorbing tricyclazole and 2,4-D in single and binary systems were revealed. The theoretical maximum adsorption capacities of BC700 for tricyclazole and 2,4-D in a single system were 11.86 mg/g and 7.89 mg/g, respectively. In the binary system, the theoretical saturated adsorptive capacities of tricyclazole and 2,4-D were 5.27 mg/g and 3.20 mg/g, respectively. The adsorption of tricyclazole and 2,4-D by BC700, whether in single or binary systems, matched closely with the Freundlich isotherm and the pseudo-second-order model. This study indicates that anaerobically digested sludge-derived biochar is potentially valuable for removing pesticide contamination in surface water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disordered breathing disorder, which can cause serious damage to multiple human systems. Although polysomnography (PSG) is the current gold standard for diagnosis, it is complex and expensive. Therefore, it is of great significance to find a simple, economical and rapid primary screening and diagnosis method to replace PSG for the diagnosis of OSA. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to propose a new method for the diagnosis and classification of OSA, which is used to automatically detect the duration of sleep apnea hypopnea events (AHE), so as to estimate the ratio(S) of the total duration of all-night AHE to the total sleep time only based on the sound signal of sleep respiration, and to identify OSA. METHODS: We performed PSG tests on participants and extracted relevant sleep breathing sound signal data. This study is carried out in two stages. In the first stage, the relevant PSG report data of eligible subjects were recorded, the total duration of AHE in each subject's data was extracted, and the S value was calculated to evaluate the severity of OSA. In the second stage, only the sleep breath sound signal data of the same batch of subjects were used for automatic detection, and the S value in the sleep breath sound signal was extracted, and the S value was compared with the PSG diagnosis results to calculate the accuracy of the experimental method. RESULTS: Among 225 subjects. Using PSG as the reference standard, the S value extracted from the PSG diagnostic data report can accurately diagnose OSA(accuracy rate 99.56%) and distinguish its severity (accuracy rate 95.11%). The accuracy of the S value detected in the sleep breathing sound signal in the diagnosis of severe OSA reached 100%. CONCLUSION: The results show that the experimental parameter S value is feasible in OSA diagnosis and classification. OSA can be identified and evaluated only by sleep breathing sounds. This method helps to simplify the diagnostic grading of traditional OSA and lays a foundation for the subsequent development of simple diagnostic grading equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beryllium is a lightweight metal that is toxic to humans. The critical health effects related to beryllium exposure are liver toxicity, immune system toxicity, and chronic beryllium disease (CBD). This study investigated the effects of occupational beryllium exposure on liver and lung function and hematologic parameters among beryllium smelter workers. A cross-sectional study was performed by comparing 65 exposed workers and 34 non-exposed workers. Health information was collected through questionnaire surveys and biochemical tests. The concentration of urinary beryllium was determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The findings indicated that the urinary beryllium levels of the exposed workers and the controls were 0.48 (0.115, 1.19) μg/mL and 0.0125 (0.005, 0.005) μg/mL, respectively (p < 0.001). Compared with the controls, the exposed workers showed a significant increase in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level, hemoglobin (HGB) concentration, white blood cell (WBC) count, red blood cell (RBC) count, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP) (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the HGB concentration and ALT level were significantly correlated with the concentration of beryllium in urine (p < 0.05). The exposed workers had increased urinary concentrations of beryllium, in contrast to the control subjects. Moreover, the urinary beryllium levels among the exposed workers are much higher than that in the Chinese general population. Beryllium-exposed workers may be at risk of liver and hematologic impairments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are important carriers of signaling molecules, such as nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids, and have become a focus of increasing interest due to their numerous physiological and pathological functions. For a long time, most studies on EV components focused on noncoding RNAs; however, in recent years, extracellular vesicle proteins (EVPs) have been found to play important roles in diagnosis, treatment, and drug resistance and thus have been considered favorable biomarkers and therapeutic targets for various tumors. In this review, we describe the general protocols of research on EVPs and summarize their multifaceted roles in precision medicine applications, including cancer diagnosis, dynamic monitoring of therapeutic efficacy, drug resistance research, tumor microenvironment interaction research, and anticancer drug delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, with the continuous progress of Internet of things technology, the typical application of Internet of things has been gradually launched. The virtual reality platform of the Internet of things technology provides an effective means for the multi-path development of technology, and provides an important reference for the refinement of management mode. Virtual reality technology is the extension of network information. It sets up a virtual scene for people and realizes the integration between people and machines. As the most advanced information technology in the current situation, cloud computing technology and ubiquitous network contain innovative ideas. In the current era, CG image has entered into many fields, such as film, game, network, medical treatment, industry and so on, and quickly become the new focus of cultural industry. As an art form of art technology integration, CG image brings unprecedented development prospects for film and television art with its outstanding plasticity and simulacrity. In this paper, we use the ubiquitous Internet of things technology to build a CG virtual reality framework. The proposed model is validated under different database and the performance is tested with different information sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Converting low-grade thermal energy into electrical energy is crucial for the development of modern smart wearable energy technologies. The free-standing films of PEDOT@Bi2Te3 prepared by tape-casting hold promise for flexible thermoelectric technology in self-powered sensing applications. Bi2Te3 nanosheets fabricated by the solvothermal method are tightly connected with flat-arranged PEODT molecules, forming an S-Bi bonded interface in the composite materials, and the bandgap is reduced to 1.63 eV. Compared with the PEDOT film, the mobility and carrier concentration of the composite are significantly increased at room temperature, and the conductivity reaches 684 S/cm. Meanwhile, the carrier concentration decreased sharply at 360 K indicating the creation of defect energy levels during the interfacial reaction of the composites, which increased the Seebeck coefficient. The power factor was improved by 68.9% compared to PEDOT. In addition, the introduction of Bi2Te3 nanosheets generated defects and multidimensional interfaces in the composite film, which resulted in weak phonon scattering in the conducting polymer with interfacial scattering. The thermal conductivity of the film is decreased and the ZT value reaches 0.1. The composite film undergoes 1500 bending cycles with a 14% decrease in conductivity and has good flexibility. This self-supporting flexible thermoelectric composite film has provided a research basis for low-grade thermal energy applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of information management system is the basis to consider the management level of an enterprise, so the construction of enterprise management information system is an important problem to be solved by enterprises. Using advanced software technology is an important way to improve the level of enterprise management. At the same time, innovative management form is also an important embodiment of enterprise system innovation. The development of cloud platform and Internet of things technology has brought revolutionary impact on enterprise management mode, methods and means. Based on information reconstruction model and Internet of things technology, this paper constructs an enterprise integrated management system, in order to provide reference for the development of enterprises. Novelty of the paper is: (1) Infrastructure level. The comprehensive management informatization is very important to the enterprise management decision-making, which is the key to improve the management level of the enterprise, hence, we use the novel MIS model to make the system efficient. We improve the traditional MIS model to make it fit for the business analytic process. (2) Algorithm design level. The traditional genetic algorithm will converge to a point in the iterative solution, resulting in inbreeding and destroying the diversity of the population. Therefore, the algorithm can only get the internal optimal value and cannot get the global optimal solution. Hence, we consider the novel data analytic model to make the system efficient. We optimize the traditional GA to make it robust for the complex data scenarios. (3) Application level. The business intelligence scenario is considered as the applications. The performance of the proposed pipeline is verified through the experimental analysis, we compare the proposed model with the latest ones and test the performance on regression performance, average response time of the system, number of hits per second of the system and the overall comparison analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is one of the most costly and serious complications of diabetes. Treatment of DFU is usually challenging and new approaches are required to improve the therapeutic efficiencies. This review aims to update new and upcoming adjunctive therapies with noninvasive characterization for DFU, focusing on bioactive dressings, bioengineered tissues, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) based therapy, platelet and cytokine‐based therapy, topical oxygen therapy, and some repurposed drugs such as hypoglycemic agents, blood pressure medications, phenytoin, vitamins, and magnesium. Although the mentioned therapies may contribute to the improvement of DFU to a certain extent, most of the evidence come from clinical trials with small sample size and inconsistent selections of DFU patients. Further studies with high design quality and adequate sample sizes are necessitated. In addition, no single approach would completely correct the complex pathogenesis of DFU. Reasonable selection and combination of these techniques should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-quality visibility forecasting benefits traffic transportation safety, public services, and tourism. For a more accurate forecast of the visibility in the Guizhou region of China, we constructed several visibility forecasting models via progressive refinements in different compositions of input observational variables and the adoption of the Unet architecture to perform hourly visibility forecasts with lead times ranging from 0 to 72 h over Guizhou, China. Three Unet-based visibility forecasting models were constructed according to different inputs of meteorological variables. The model training via multiple observational variables and visibility forecasts of a high-spatiotemporal-resolution numerical weather prediction model (China Meteorological Administration, Guangdong, CMA-GD) produced a higher threat score (TS), which led to substantial improvements for different thresholds of visibility compared to CMA-GD. However, the Unet-based models had a larger bias score (BS) than the CMA-GD model. By introducing the U2net architecture, there was a further improvement in the TS of the model by approximately a factor of two compared to the Unet model, along with a significant reduction in the BS, which enhanced the stability of the model forecast. In particular, the U2net-based model performed the best in terms of the TS below the visibility threshold of 200 m, with a more than eightfold increase over the CMA-GD model. Furthermore, the U2net-based model had some improvements in the TS, BS, and RMSE (root-mean-square error) compared to the LSTM_Attention model. The spatial distribution of the TS showed that the U2net-based model performed better at the model grid scale of 3 km than at the scale of individual weather stations. In summary, the visibility forecasting model based on the U2net algorithm, multiple observational variables, and visibility data from the CMA-GD model performed the best. The compositions of input observational variables were the key factor in improving the deep learning model's forecasting capability, and these improvements could improve the value of forecasts and support the socioeconomic needs of sectors reliant on visibility forecasting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrocatalytic reduction reactions play a crucial role in electrochemical energy conversion and storage technology, which are emerging technologies to ameliorate environmental problems. Spinel oxides are widely explored in electrocatalytic oxidation reactions but have a poor intrinsic ability to reduction reactions, making their electrocatalytic ability less effective. To improve this, defect engineering is a valuable method for regulating the electronic structure and coordination environment. Herein, this manuscript discusses the use of defect spinel oxides in electrocatalytic reduction reactions, including the different types of defects, construction methods, and characterization techniques. It also outlines the various applications of defect spinel oxides in different electrocatalytic reduction reactions. Finally, it goes over the challenges and future outlooks for defect spinels. This review aims to thoroughly explain how defect spinels work in electrocatalytic reduction reactions and serve as a helpful guide for creating effective electrocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complicated neurodegenerative disease, characterized by the accumulation of α-synuclein (α-syn) in Lewy bodies and neurites, and massive loss of midbrain dopamine neurons. Increasing evidence suggests that gut microbiota and microbial metabolites are involved in the development of PD. Among these, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), the most abundant microbial metabolites, have been proven to play a key role in brain-gut communication. In this review, we analyze the role of SCFAs in the pathology of PD from multiple dimensions and summarize the alterations of SCFAs in PD patients as well as their correlation with motor and non-motor symptoms. Future research should focus on further elucidating the role of SCFAs in neuroinflammation, as well as developing novel strategies employing SCFAs and their derivatives to treat PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have suggested that dogs were domesticated during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) in Siberia, which contrasts with previous proposed domestication centers (e.g. Europe, the Middle East, and East Asia). Ancient DNA provides a powerful resource for the study of mammalian evolution and has been widely used to understand the genetic history of domestic animals. To understand the maternal genetic history of East Asian dogs, we have made a complete mitogenome dataset of 120 East Asian canids from 38 archaeological sites, including 102 newly sequenced from 12.9 to 1 ka BP (1,000 years before present). The majority (112/119, 94.12%) belonged to haplogroup A, and half of these (55/112, 49.11%) belonged to sub-haplogroup A1b. Most existing mitochondrial haplogroups were present in ancient East Asian dogs. However, mitochondrial lineages in ancient northern dogs (northeastern Eurasia and northern East Asia) were deeper and older than those in southern East Asian dogs. Results suggests that East Asian dogs originated from northeastern Eurasian populations after the LGM, dispersing in two possible directions after domestication. Western Eurasian (Europe and the Middle East) dog maternal ancestries genetically influenced East Asian dogs from approximately 4 ka BP, dramatically increasing after 3 ka BP, and afterwards largely replaced most primary maternal lineages in northern East Asia. Additionally, at least three major mitogenome sub-haplogroups of haplogroup A (A1a, A1b, and A3) reveal at least two major dispersal waves onto the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in ancient times, indicating eastern (A1b and A3) and western (A1a) Eurasian origins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Incubation behaviour, an instinct for natural breeding in poultry, is strictly controlled by the central nervous system and multiple neuroendocrine hormones and neurotransmitters, and is closely associated with the cessation of egg laying. Therefore, it is essential for the commercial poultry industry to clarify the molecular regulation mechanism of incubation behaviour. Here, we used high-throughput sequencing technology to examine the pituitary transcriptome of Changshun green-shell laying hen, a local breed from Guizhou province, China, with strong broodiness, in two reproductive stages, including egg-laying phase (LP) and incubation phase (BP). We also analyze the differences in gene expression during the transition from egg-laying to incubation, and identify critical pathways and candidate genes involved in controlling the incubation behaviour in the pituitary. Results: In this study, we demonstrated that a total of 2089 differently expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the pituitary, including 842 up-regulated and 1247 down-regulated genes. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed that steroid biosynthesis pathway and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction were significantly enriched based on DEGs commonly identified in pituitary. Further analysis revealed that SRC, ITGB4, ITGB3, PIK3R3 and DRD2 may play crucial roles in the regulation of incubation behaviour. Conclusions: We identified 2089 DEGs and the key signaling pathways which may be closely correlated with incubation in Changshun green-shell laying hens, and clarified the molecular regulation mechanism of incubation behaviour. Our results indicate the complexity and variety of differences in reproductive behaviour of different chicken breeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the effects of the nitrogen (N) application period and level on the fate of fertilizer N and the contribution of N absorption and translocation to apple organ N. Two N application periods (labeled by the 15N tracer technique in spring and summer, represented by SP and SU, respectively) and three N levels (N0, MN, and HN) were used to determine the physiological indexes and aboveground, root, and soil 15N content of 4-year-old dwarf ('Red Fuji'/M9T337) and arborized ('Red Fuji'/Malus hupehensis Rehd.) apple trees. The results showed that HN led to shoot overgrowth, which was not conducive to the growth of the apple root system (root length, root tips, root surface area, and root volume) or the improvement of root activity. The contribution of soil N to apple organ N accounted for more than 50%, and the contribution of N application in summer to fruit N was higher than that in spring. Under HN treatment, the proportion of soil N absorbed by trees decreased, while that of fertilizer N increased; however, the highest proportion was still less than 50%, so apple trees were highly dependent on soil N. Under MN treatment, fertilizer N residue was similar to soil N consumption, and soil N fertility maintained a basic balance. Under HN treatment, fertilizer N residue was significantly higher than soil N consumption, indicating that excessive N application increased fertilizer N residue in the soil. Overall, the 15N utilization rate of arborized trees (17.33–22.38%) was higher than that of dwarf trees (12.89–16.91%). A total of 12.89–22.38% of fertilizer 15N was absorbed by trees, 30.37–35.41% of fertilizer 15N remained in the soil, and 44.65–54.46% of fertilizer 15N was lost. The 15N utilization rate and 15N residual rate of summer N application were higher than those of spring N application, and the 15N loss rate was lower than that of spring N application. High microbial biomass N (MBN) may be one of the reasons for the high N utilization rate and the low loss rate of N application in summer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons and aggregation of α‐synuclein (α‐syn). Ferroptosis, a form of cell death induced by iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation, is involved in the pathogenesis of PD. It is unknown whether melatonin receptor 1 (MT1) modulates α‐syn and ferroptosis in PD. Here, we used α‐syn preformed fibrils (PFFs) to induce PD models in vivo and in vitro. In PD mice, α‐syn aggregation led to increased iron deposition and ferroptosis. MT1 knockout exacerbated these changes and resulted in more DA neuronal loss and severe motor impairment. MT1 knockout also suppressed the Sirt1/Nrf2/Ho1/Gpx4 pathway, reducing resistance to ferroptosis, and inhibited expression of ferritin Fth1, leading to more release of ferrous ions. In vitro experiments confirmed these findings. Knockdown of MT1 enhanced α‐syn PFF‐induced intracellular α‐syn aggregation and suppressed expression of the Sirt1/Nrf2/Ho1/Gpx4 pathway and Fth1 protein, thereby aggravating ferroptosis. Conversely, overexpression of MT1 reversed these effects. Our findings reveal a novel mechanism by which MT1 activation prevents α‐syn‐induced ferroptosis in PD, highlighting the neuroprotective role of MT1 in PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]