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Background: Primary headache and psychiatric diseases are bidirectional correlated. The real-world data of depression and anxiety in Chinese patients hospitalized for primary headache, considering all subtypes, remain unclear. Methods: This study enrolled patients attending eight Chinese headache centers from October 2022 to September 2023. A WeChat mini-program was designed to collect data. Headache was diagnosed and confirmed by two headache specialists. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 were used to assess depression and anxiety. Results: Overall, 1963 patients with primary headache were analyzed; the prevalence of depression and anxiety was 20.1% (396/1963) and 14.8% (290/1963), respectively. Of the 1963 patients, 217 (11.1%) had history of anxiety or depression and 184 (9.4%) had undergone assessments. Patients with both primary headache and depression were more likely to be women (77.8% vs 71.9%), experience more severe headache (numerical rating scale; 6.2 ± 1.9 vs 5.7 ± 1.9) and greater impacts on quality of life (Headache Impact Test-6; 65.3± 8.5 vs 58.1 ± 11.5). Those with both primary headache and anxiety exhibited similar results and were less educated. Depression and anxiety were more prevalent in chronic migraineurs (CM) than in episodic migraineurs (36.8% vs 16.9% and 28.9% vs 12.3%, respectively) and in those with chronic (CTTH) than in those with episodic tension-type headache (30.6% vs 15.1% and 20.1% vs 12.8%, respectively). Conclusion: Depression and anxiety are inadequately diagnosed and strongly associated with sex, severe headache, chronification and disability in patients with primary headache in China. To improve the health of patients with primary headaches, early screening for depression and anxiety is important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic manure or microbial fertilizers are essential sources of plant nutrients to supplement farmland soil, and organic and inorganic fertilizers are considered an effective way to achieve sustainable agriculture by improving the soil and increasing crop yields. This experimental material was used foxtail millet (Setaria italica) "Changsheng 07"and started in the growing season of 2017–2018 in a dry farming area of northern Shaanxi Province, with five different fertilizing patterns, and each four repetitions, including T1(N,45kg·hm-2),T2(N,60kg·hm-2; P2O5 30kg·hm-2),T3(N,90kg·hm-2;P2O5 45kg·hm-2),T4(N,60kg·hm-2;P2O5 40kg·hm-2,Organic matter 2000kg·hm-2),T5(N,60kg·hm-2;P2O5 40kg·hm-2; microbial fertilizer 5kg·hm-2). The results showed that: (1) the above-ground dry matter accumulation with T4 and T5 increased by 15.04% and 33.68% during the flowering and pustulation stages, and the root/shoot ratio of T4 increased by 9.32% and 12.46% over two experimental years, respectively. (2) the leaf water use efficiency (WUEL) of T4 increased by 15.61%, 0.51% in two stages, respectively, (3) the yields and water use efficiency (WUE) of T3 exhibited a significantly increased by 11.06% and 37.61%, 9.50% and 37.51%, and increased stably by 9.23%-35.17% and 8.73%-35.11% in T4 and T5 respectively, over two seasons. In summary, applying organic and inorganic manure could effectively regulate the accumulation and distribution of above-ground biomass of foxtail millet, and ensure the high and stable grain yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mural cells are essential for maintaining the proper functions of microvasculatures. However, a key challenge of microvascular tissue engineering is identifying a cellular source for mural cells. We showed that in vitro, circulating fibrocytes (CFs) can (1) shear and stabilize the microvasculatures formed by vascular endothelial cells (VECs) in a collagen gel, (2) form gap junctions with VECs and (3) induce basement membrane formation. CFs transplanted into nude mice along with VECs in either collagen gel or Matrigel exhibited activities similar to those mentioned above, that is, sheathing microvasculatures formed by VECs, inducing basement membrane formation and facilitating the connection of the engineered microvasculatures with the host circulation. Interestingly, the behaviour of CFs also differs from that of human brain vascular pericytes (HBVPs) in vitro, which often infiltrate the lumen of capillary-like structures in a mosaic pattern, actively proliferate and exhibit lower endocytosis and migration capacities. We concluded that CFs are a suitable cellular source for mural cells in the construction of tissue-engineered microvasculatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precise and long-term electroanalysis at the single-cell level is crucial for the accurate diagnosis and monitoring of brain diseases. The reliable protection in areas outside the signal acquisition points at sharp ultramicroelectrode (UME) tips has a significant impact on the sensitivity, fidelity, and stability of intracellular neural signal recording. However, it is difficult for existing UMEs to achieve controllable exposure of the tip functional structure, which affects their ability to resist environmental interference and shield noise, resulting in unsatisfactory signal-to-noise ratio and signal fidelity of intracellular recordings. To address this issue, we chose a dense and electrochemically stable diamond-like carbon (DLC) film as the UME protection coating and developed a method to precisely control the exposed degree of the functional structure by directly fixed-point processing of the UME tip by the strong site-selectivity and good controllability of the atmospheric microplasma jet. By analyzing the interaction between the microplasma jet and the UME tip, as well as the changes in the removal length and microstructure of UME tips with processing time, the exposed tip length was precisely controlled down to the submicron scale. Biocompatibility experiments, electrochemical aging tests and real-time intracellular pH recording experiments have demonstrated that the DLC-UME with effective tip protection processed by microplasma jet has the potential to enable long-term detection of intracellular high-fidelity signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aerobic training with blood flow restriction (AT-BFR) has shown promise in enhancing both aerobic capacity and exercise performance. The aim of this review was to systematically analyze the evidence regarding the effectiveness of this novel training method on aerobic capacity, muscle strength, and hypertrophy in young adults. Studies were identified through a search of databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE. A total of 16 studies, involving 270 subjects, were included in the meta-analysis. The results revealed that AT-BFR induced greater improvements in VO2max (SMD = 0.27, 95%CI: [0.02, 0.52], p < 0.05), and muscle strength (SMD = 0.39, 95%CI: [0.09, 0.69], p < 0.05), compared to aerobic training with no blood flow restriction (AT-noBFR). However, no significant effect was observed on muscle mass (SMD = 0.23, 95%CI: [-0.09, 0.56], p = 0.162). Furthermore, no moderating effects on the outcomes were found for individual characteristics or training factors. In conclusion, AT-BFR is more effective than AT-noBFR in improving aerobic capacity and muscle strength, making it a promising alternative to high-intensity training. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42024559872. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferroelectric capacitive memories (FCMs) utilize ferroelectric polarization to modulate device capacitance for data storage, providing a new technological pathway to achieve two-terminal non-destructive-read ferroelectric memory. In contrast to the conventional resistive memories, the unique capacitive operation mechanism of FCMs transfers the memory reading and in-memory computing to charge domain, offering ultra-high energy efficiency, better compatibility to large-scale array, and negligible read disturbance. In recent years, extensive research has been conducted on FCMs. Various device designs were proposed and experimentally demonstrated with progressively enhanced performance, showing remarkable potential of the novel technology. This article summarizes several typical FCM devices by introducing their mechanisms, comparing their performance, and discussing their limitations. We further investigate the capacitive crossbar array operation and review the recent progress in the FCM integration and array-level demonstrations. In addition, we present the computing-in-memory applications of the FCMs to realize ultra-low-power machine learning acceleration for future computing systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Methyltransferase-like (METTL) family protein plays a crucial role in the progression of malignancies. However, the function of METTL17 across pan-cancers, especially in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still poorly understood. Methods: All original data were downloaded from TCGA, GTEx, HPA, UCSC databases and various data portals. First, we comprehensively analyzed RNA-seq data from the HPA database of 25 human tissues. An array of bioinformatics methods was employed to explore the potential oncogenic roles of METTL17, including analyzing its related prognosis, mutation, landscapes, tumor stemness index, immune cell infiltration, and other factors among different tumors. Additionally, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to analyze pathways associated with METTL17 in HCC. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed on clinical samples to validate the differential expression of METTL17 in HCC and normal tissues. Ultimately, we constructed a METTL17-related risk-score model of HCC and validated its prognostic classification efficiency. Survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Statistical significance was defined as P < 0.05. Results: METTL17 was differentially expressed in various cancers. METTL17 maintained strong correlations with the cancer patient's prognosis, genetic alterations, tumor stemness index, and immune-infiltrated cells, etc. In addition, IHC experiments verified that METTL expression was significantly decreased in liver tissues of HCC patients compared to normal liver tissue. GESA analysis indicated METTL17 mainly involves oncogenic and immune-related pathways among HCC. MRPS5, CHCHD2, NCBP1, LRPPRC, DAP3, and BMS1 were included in a prognostic model based on METTL17's interaction networks. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis of the prognostic model showed that the overall survival (OS) of the low-risk group was significantly better than that of the high-risk group (P < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of the 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year OS were 0.747, 0.671, and 0.631, respectively. Conclusions: METTL17 may serve as a novel prognostic marker and therapeutic target for human tumors, offering a theoretical foundation for formulating more effective and tailored clinical treatment options for cancers, particularly HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To prevent the overaggressive treatment of axillary lymph nodes (ALNs) in breast cancer, it is necessary to develop a convenient analysis method that accurately and comprehensively reflects whether ALNs are metastatic or nonmetastatic. We retrospectively analyzed data from patients who underwent surgery for breast cancer at the Weifang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine between January 2019 and June 2023. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to predict the metastasis status of ALNs. The developmental data set included 531 patients (January 2019–June 2023). The validation set included separate data points (n = 178, January 2019–June 2023). Multivariate analysis revealed that positive findings on breast physical examination, ultrasound grades of ALNs, lymphovascular invasion, and Her-2 status had significant predictive value for metastatic ALNs. Based on these findings, a 5-grade risk scoring system and 3-level management recommendations were developed. The risk of metastasis ranged from 11.25 to 93.46%, which was positively correlated with an increase in risk grade. The areas under the curve of the development and validation sets were 0.895 and 0.865, respectively. Ultimately, a convenient, accurate and comprehensive web-based predictive model was constructed using various breast cancer clinical, imaging and pathological criteria to stratify ALNs according to the metastasis probability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to explore the changes in gut microbiota and its metabolites in different pathophysiological stages of doxorubicin (DOX)-induced heart failure (DIHF) and the relationship between gut microbiota and metabolites in various degrees of DIHF. Materials and methods: C57BL/6 J mice were injected intraperitoneally with 5 mg/kg of DOX once a week for 5 consecutive weeks. At different times after injection, the cardiac function and histopathological analysis was conducted, the serum levels of creatine kinase (CK), CK-MB, lactic dehydrogenase, and cardiac troponin T were determined. 16S rRNA gene sequencing of feces and the nontargeted metabolomics analysis of serum were performed. Multi-omics analyses were used to explore the correlation between gut microbiota and serum metabolites. Results: The results showed that DOX caused cardiac contractile dysfunction and left ventricular (LV) dilation. The levels of myocardial enzymes significantly increase in 3 and 5 weeks after DOX injection. DOX-treated mice showed significant differences in the composition and abundance of gut microorganisms, and the levels of serum metabolites at different times of treatment. Multi-omics analyses showed that intestinal bacteria were significantly correlated with the differential metabolites. Some bacteria and metabolites can be used as biomarkers of DIHF (AUC > 0.8). KEGG analyses showed the involvement of different metabolic pathways in various degrees of DIHF. Conclusion: Marked differences were found in the composition and abundance of gut microorganisms, the levels of serum metabolites and metabolic pathways in different degrees of DIHF. The intestinal bacteria were significantly correlated with differential metabolites in different degrees of DIHF. The gut microbiota may serve as new targets for the treatment of DIHF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Increased backfat thickness of sows in early gestation is negative to reproductive performance. Endometrial receptivity is an important determinant of reproductive success, but it is unclear whether the effect of sow backfat thickness on litter size is associated with endometrial receptivity and whether melatonin treatment may have benefits. The present study seeks to answer these questions through in vitro and in vivo investigations. Results: Excessive lipid deposition and lower melatonin levels in the uterus are detrimental to endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation in high backfat thickness sows. In cells treated with melatonin, the MT2/PI3K/LIF axis played a role in reducing lipid accumulation in porcine endometrial epithelium cells and improved endometrial receptivity. Furthermore, we found a reduction of lipids in the uterus after eight weeks of intraperitoneal administration of melatonin to HFD mice. Notably, melatonin treatment caused a significant reduction in the deposition of endometrial collagen, an increase in the number of glands, and repair of the pinopode structure, ultimately improving endometrial receptivity, promoting embryo implantation, and increasing the number of litter size of mice. Conclusions: Collectively, the finding reveals the harmful effects of high backfat thickness sows on embryo implantation and highlight the role of melatonin and the MT2/PI3K/LIF axis in improving endometrial receptivity by enhancing metabolism and reducing the levels of uterine lipids in obese animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Immune cells may have a significant role in the pathophysiology of asthma, according to increasing evidence, although it is yet unclear how immune cells cause asthma. Therefore, we aimed to use Mendelian randomization (MR) methods to investigate this causal relationship. Methods: This study explored the causal effects between immune cells and asthma using a two-sample MR technique. Using publicly available genetic data, the causal connection between asthma risk and 731 immune cell phenotypes was investigated. Sensitivity analysis guaranteed the results' stability. To further evaluate the existence of reverse causality, we employed reverse MR analysis. Results: According to the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method, five immune cell phenotypes were found to be statistically significantly associated with asthma risk (p < 0.001). Among them, TCRgd %T cell (OR = 0.968, 95%CI = 0.951 − 0.986), TCRgd %lymphocyte (OR = 0.978, 95%CI = 0.965 − 0.991), HLA DR + NK AC (OR = 0.966, 95% CI = 0.947 − 0.986) and CD3 on CD4 Treg (OR = 0.956, 95%CI= 0.931 − 0.981), four phenotypes that resulted in a decreased risk of asthma. CD25 on transitional (OR = 1.033, 95%CI = 1.014 − 1.052) resulted in an increased risk of asthma. Reverse MR analysis revealed that asthma increases HLA DR + NK AC levels (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The results of MR analysis showed a causal relationship between immune cell phenotype and asthma risk, which provides a direction for future asthma treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neuroblastoma (NB), the most prevalent solid tumor in children, arises from sympathetic nervous system and accounts for 15% of pediatric cancer mortality. This malignancy exhibits substantial genetic and clinical heterogeneity, thus complicating treatment strategies. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1), a key enzyme catalyzing polyADP-ribosylation (PARylation), plays critical roles in various cellular processes, and contributes to tumorigenesis and aggressiveness. However, the functions and regulatory mechanisms of PARP1 in NB progression still remain to be determined. Methods: The association of PARP1 expression with NB patients' survival was analyzed by mining of R2 database. Western blotting, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, MTT colorimetric, soft agar, and matrigel invasion assays were utilized to assess PARP1 expression and its effects on aggressiveness of NB cell lines. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) sequencing and ChIP assays were employed to investigate the binding of Yin Yang 1 (YY1) to PARP1 promoter. Protein interactions were explored by BioGRID database analysis, molecular docking, and co-immunoprecipitation assay. RNA sequencing and crosslinking-immunoprecipitation high throughput sequencing datasets were used to identify precursor mRNA splicing targets of non-POU domain containing octamer binding protein (NONO). Results: High PARP1 expression was associated with poor survival of NB patients. PARP1 over-expression enhanced the proliferation and invasion of NB cell lines, confirming its oncogenic roles. YY1 was identified as a key transcriptional regulator facilitating PARP1 expression. Additionally, PARP1 interacted with NONO to induce its PARylation, resulting in stabilization of NONO protein via preventing ubiquitin-mediated degradation. NONO facilitated the splicing and mRNA maturation of target genes a disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain 8 (ADAM8) and testis-expressed gene 14 (TEX14) in a PARylation-dependent manner. Rescue experiments indicated that YY1 facilitated PARP1-mediated PARylation of NONO and subsequent mRNA maturation of ADAM8 and TEX14 in NB cells. In clinical NB cases, high expression of YY1, PARP1, NONO, ADAM8, or TEX14 was associated with poor survival of patients. Conclusions: These findings indicate that YY1 drives PARP1 expression essential for PARylation of NONO in mRNA maturation during NB progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To assess the value of preoperatively contrast-enhanced MRI and clinical characteristics for identification of SMAD4-mutated pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients. Materials and methods: This retrospective study included patients with surgically confirmed PDAC from January 2016 to December 2022. Based on immunostaining results indicating the mutation of SMAD4, the enrolled participants were grouped into SMAD4-mutated PDAC and non-SMAD4-mutated PDAC. Contrast-enhanced MRI findings, clinical-pathological characteristics, and prognosis were recorded and reviewed. The pathological findings and clinical prognosis were compared between the two groups. Uni- and multivariable logistic regression analyses were further performed to determine the radiological and clinical predictive factors for the mutation of SMAD4. Results: In total, 428 PDAC patients were enrolled and analyzed, who were grouped as SMAD4-mutated PDAC (n = 224) and non-SMAD4-mutated PDAC (n = 204). SMAD4-mutated PDAC demonstrated higher frequency of pathological fatty infiltration (83.4% vs. 74.2%, P = 0.016), peripheral nerve infiltration (84.4% vs. 76.5%, P = 0.039). and higher recurrence rates (43.6% vs. 58.9%, P = 0.045) than non-SMAD4-mutated PDAC. The 3-year recurrence-free survival rates were worse for SMAD4-mutated PDAC (28.7% vs. 39.1%). In multivariable logistic regression analyses, CA19-9 > 100 U/mL (odds ratio [OR] = 1.519, P = 0.041), CBD dilation (OR = 1.564, P = 0.036), and rim enhancement (OR = 1.631, P = 0.025) were independent predictive factors. Conclusion: Rim enhancement, CBD dilation on contrast-enhanced MRI and higher CA19-9 level are promising radiological and clinical factors for identifying SMAD4-mutated PDAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A newly generic microspheres, sustained-release formulation of triptorelin acetate 3.75 mg has been developed. Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and safety of triptorelin 1-month formulation in Chinese patients with prostate cancer. Design: An open-label, multicenter clinical trial with one arm testing a 1-month sustained-release triptorelin formulation in prostate cancer patients. Methods: Patients with prostate cancer received three consecutive 28-day injections of triptorelin acetate. The primary endpoint was the proportion of successful patients over the total number of evaluable patients. Treatment success was defined as testosterone suppression below the clinical castration level (i.e., <0.5 ng/mL) at day 28 and maintenance of clinical castration until study completion (day 84). The frequency of patients with testosterone concentrations <0.2 ng/mL was also studied. Results: The study included 125 patients. All 125 patients received at least one dose of the study drug and 122 completed the study. The successful patient proportion among the evaluable patients was 97.6% (122/125; 95% CI, 92.7–99.2). 95.1% (116/122) achieved testosterone concentrations <0.2 ng/mL. The pharmacokinetic profile of triptorelin during the first 3 months of treatment, evaluated in a subset of the study population (n = 11), showed sustained release of triptorelin from the formulation. Values for AUC0−τ calculated from day 0 to 28, and day 56 to 84 were 134.42 (28.76), and 154.72 (21.86) h*ng/mL, respectively. The most common treatment-related adverse events were increased alanine aminotransferase (18.4%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (16.0%), and hot flashes (9.6%). Prolonged QT interval on electrocardiogram, erectile dysfunction, and decreased libido each occurred in ⩽4% of the patients. The frequently reported local adverse reaction was pain at the injection site, experienced by 2.4% (3/125) of the patients. Conclusion: 3.75-mg Triptorelin acetate microspheres for injection were effective in achieving and maintaining testosterone suppression and were well tolerated in patients with prostate cancer. Trial registration: chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR2000033188). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective abatement of air-pollution-induced health damages requires a comprehensive understanding of the changing roles of individual sources and cross-regional transport. Here, we estimate premature mortality attributable to specific source categories, precursor species, and regions within mainland China. We find that the marginal national premature deaths, dominated by PM2.5 exposure, have declined from 151,842 per 10% growth of emissions in 2013 to 111,271 in 2020, and would further to 54,293 in 2035 following a carbon peaking and carbon neutrality pathway. The impacts of certain species-category combinations have grown including NOX from industrial combustion and off-road traffic. The proportions of cross-provincial to marginal health burden have remained stable at around 50%. Provinces with net exporting of premature deaths were intensively located in the north of China while those with net importing were in the south. Our findings highlight the need for a location-precursor/sector-specific strategy of emission controls in China's public health regulatory framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), characterized by acute respiratory lesions in cattle, is a major infectious disease caused by bovine alphaherpesvirus-1 (BoAHV-1). Control of this disease is primarily depending on vaccination. Madin-Darby bovine kidney cells (MDBK) being the main host cells and the important production platform for IBR vaccines. However, innate immune genes inhibit viral replication. Accordingly, the aim of this study was developing of IRF7 gene deleted MDBK cells to facilitate the production of high-titer vaccines. The CRISPR/Cas9 technology was used to knock out the IRF7 gene in MDBK cells and the impact on virus replication was examined using virus growth curves, CCK-8 assays, cell scratch assays, and qPCR. The knockout of the IRF7 gene in MDBK cells led to an increased replication capacity of IBRV and a significant reduction in type I interferons expression, specifically IFN-α and IFN-β. This indicates that IRF7 −/−MDBK cell lines can effectively result in production of IBRV with high-titer, which will enhance the development of inactivated or attenuated vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Strengthening youth sports and comprehensively promoting the participation of Chinese university students in sports to enhance their social acceptance are key initiatives for delivering high-quality talent for China's economic and social development. Methods: Using the China Comprehensive Social Survey as the data source and considering social mentality and social identity, we constructed corresponding statistical models to explore how sports participation influences the social identity (class identity, economic status, and emotional belonging) of Chinese university students. Results: Regarded from a holistic perspective, sports participation can enhance the social identity of college students in all its aspects, and the benefits of sports participation are positively related to its frequency. Under the condition of social mentality, sports participation has a positive effect on the social identity of college students in general and a nonsignificant effect only on certain dimensions. Under the social identity condition, the significance of sports participation for college students' social identity decreases from lower to higher levels of education. Conclusion: Sports participation significantly enhances the social identity of Chinese university students, and the specific mechanism of the enhancement varies across the social mentality and social identity conditions. In this context, strengthening the role of sports participation in promoting the social identity of college students in the new era is necessary. Deepening the ideological content of physical education courses should be taken as the starting point to enhance the effectiveness of sports participation on the social identity of college students under the condition of social mentality. The effectiveness of sports participation on the social identity of college students with different social identities should be differentiated and enhanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly enantioselective Rh‐catalyzed allylic substitution of the racemic branched allylic substrates with 2‐fluoromalonate was realized enabled by a novel chiral sulfoxide‐imine‐olefin ligand under mild reaction conditions. The utilization of CuSO4 is beneficial for improving the enantioselectivity. Notably, the chiral fluoro‐containing allyl products can be employed in a selective cyclic esterification to form chiral α‐fluorolactone bearing vicinal stereogenic centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rumen-protected glucose (RPG) and taurine (TAU) are crucial for the nutrition and physiology of ruminants, enhancing production performance and mitigating negative energy balance. This study aimed to assess the impact of RPG levels and TAU supplementation on the body weight, antioxidant capacity, immune function and stress responses in yaks before and after transport. Thirty-two healthy male yaks, aged 3 years and weighing 172.5 ± 10.2 kg, were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments: (1) low RPG and low TAU (LRLT), with 1% RPG and 5 g/d TAU; (2) low RPG and high TAU (LRHT), with 1% RPG and 15 g/d TAU; (3) high RPG and low TAU (HRLT), with 3% RPG and 5 g/d TAU; and (4) high RPG and high TAU (HRHT), with 3% RPG and 15 g/d TAU. The yaks were treated with the corresponding diet for 7 days, then received 9 h of transportation, and finally fed the same diet at their destination for 30 days. The weight was measured before and on days 0 and 30 after transport, and the plasma was collected before and on day 0, 10, and 30 after transport for analysis of biochemical, antioxidant, immune, and stress response indicators. We observed that transport increased plasma concentrations of total cholesterol, total protein, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, malondialdehyde, cortisol and lipopolysaccharides of yaks among treatments, while decreased their BW and plasma IL-10 concentration. Increasing TAU supplementation reduced weight loss (8.42 vs. 11.9 kg) and weight loss percent (4.83% vs. 6.87%) in yaks after transport. The concentration of MDA in plasma was lower in HRHT than in LRLT at day 0 after transport (p = 0.03). The activity of GSH-PX was higher in HRHT than in LRLT at day 10 after transport (p = 0.04). Concentrations of IL-10 at day 0 and 10 after transport was higher in HRHT than in LRLT and HRLT (p = 0.02, p = 0.01, respectively). With the increase of TAU supplementation, concentrations of IL-1β at day 30 after transport (p = 0.02), TNF- α at day 0 after transport (p = 0.02), COR at day 10 (p = 0.03) and 30 (p = 0.05) after transport as well as LPS at day 0 after transport (p = 0.04) decreased. In addition, concentrations of COR at day 0 after transport was lower in LRHT and HRHT than in LRLT (p = 0.03). Based on all the results, we demonstrated that increasing TAU supplementation levels reduced post-transport weight loss in yaks, improved their antioxidant capacity and immune function, and alleviated stress responses. Considering the effect of resistance to transport stress and costs, the optimal treatment identified in this study involved a diet containing 1% RPG and supplemented with 15 g/d TAU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urea plays a crucial role in agricultural production; however, issues of misuse and low utilization persist. To address this, a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) modified metal–phenolic networks (MPNs) coating was developed to enable the slow release of urea. The coating formulations involved blending tannic acid (TA) and Fe3+ at different molar ratio, along with varying amount of PVA. The resulting TA‐Fe3+‐PVA coating with a 1:3 molar ratio of TA:Fe3+ and 1 mg/mL of PVA formulation exhibited stable and dense properties. Urea granules were then coated with this formulation using a fluidized bed technique, leading to reduction in nutrient release rate and increase in longevity. Especially, the nutrient release rate was approximately 10 days in soil. Pot experiments confirmed that the coated urea effectively enhanced cotton yield and quality. Therefore, the newly developed TA‐Fe3+‐PVA coated urea shows promising potential in agriculture for maintaining yield while reducing urea application amounts in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experimental determination of heat generation rates is crucial in the thermal safety design of automotive batteries. A thermal protection method (TPM) is proposed to determine the heat generation rates of 18650 cylindrical lithium-ion batteries under different discharge rates. The physical model based on the thermal protection method is established, and its feasibility is demonstrated through theoretical analysis. In the experimental setup, by introducing lateral thermal protection batteries (TPB) to minimize the heat loss of the center test battery (CTB), heat generation rates of the battery can be obtained based on the temperature change of the CTB. The average heat generation rates of the battery at 1, 2, and 3 C discharge rates are found to be 0.255, 0.844, and 1.811 W, respectively, which can be quadratically correlated with the discharge rate. In addition, a benchmark test of the present measurement against the commonly used accelerating rate calorimeter (ARC) was conducted. Relatively small deviations of 3.77%, 4.20%, and 1.09% were identified in the heat generation rates for the discharge rates at 1, 2, and 3 C. In comparison with the ARC equipment, the present TPM can be more representative of the transient battery heat generation characteristics with a much shorter time for thermal equalization. Finally, to further verify the accuracy of the present method, standard samples of the same size as the actual battery were made, which were capable of controlling heat generation through a direct current power supply. A comparison of the heat inputs of the standard sample with the heat generation rates measured by the thermal protection method shows a relative deviation of 1.01% maximum. With high measurement accuracy and an easy-to-build experimental setup, the proposed method has promising prospects in automotive applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the urgent challenges posed by global climate change and the ongoing energy crisis, fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) have emerged as a promising solution. Incorporating sophisticated energy management strategies (EMSs) into FCEVs can significantly enhance the efficiency of the complex powertrain under diverse driving conditions. In this paper, a dual-model predictive control energy management strategy based on long short-term memory (LSTM)-based driving condition recognition is proposed to enhance the economic performance of FCEVs and robustness across diverse driving conditions. Firstly, to improve the generalization capability and adaptability of the LSTM model and to enhance the accuracy of driving condition recognition, wavelet transform (WT) is introduced into both the offline training and online application of LSTM. Secondly, to enhance the real-time performance and control effectiveness of the EMS, model predictive control (MPC) and explicit model predictive control (eMPC) are established based on a unified optimization objective and constraints. Thirdly, a dual MPC switching logic is developed using the information of driving condition prediction, ensuring the coordination of dual MPCs in practical applications and enhancing their adaptability to various conditions. Finally, an evaluation of the simulations demonstrates that the proposed dual-model predictive control energy management strategy based on wavelet transform LSTM driving condition recognition (WTL-DMPC EMS) can improve economic performance. Compared with other baselines, the energy-saving capability is remarkable, showcasing its promising performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the field of point cloud representation learning, many self-supervised learning methods aim to address the issue of conventional supervised learning methods relying heavily on labeled data. Particularly in recent years, contrastive learning-based methods have gained an increasing popularity. However, most of the current contrastive learning methods solely rely on conventional random augmentation, limiting the effectiveness of representation learning. Moreover, to prevent model collapse, they construct positive and negative sample pairs or explicit clustering centers, which adds complexity to data preprocessing operations. To address these challenges effectively and achieve accurate point cloud classification and segmentation, we propose PointSL, a self-learning network for point clouds based on contrastive learning. PointSL incorporates a learnable point cloud augmentation (LPA) module, which transforms samples with high precision, significantly improving the augmentation effect. To further enhance feature discrimination, PointSL introduces a self-learning process along a refined feature predictor (FFP). This innovative approach leverages the attention mechanism to facilitate mutual feature prediction between pairs of point clouds, thereby continuously improving discriminant performance. Additionally, the network constructed a simple yet effective self-adaptive loss function that optimizes the entire network through gradient feedback. For pretraining, it is beneficial to obtain encoders with a better generalization and a higher accuracy. We evaluate PointSL on benchmark datasets such as ModelNet40, Sydney Urban Objects and ShapeNetPart. Experimental results demonstrate that PointSL outperforms state-of-the-art self-supervised methods and supervised counterparts, achieving exceptional performance in classification and segmentation tasks. Notably, on the Sydney Urban Objects and ModelNet40 datasets, PointSL achieves OA and AA metrics of 80.6%, 69.9%, 94.2% and 91.4%, respectively. On the ShapeNetPart dataset, PointSL achieves Inst.mIoU and Cls.mIoU metrics of 86.3% and 85.1%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolic dysregulation is emerging as a critical factor in tumorigenesis, and reprogramming of serine metabolism has been identified as an essential factor in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Studies have shown that LKB1 deficiency can activate mTOR to upregulate the serine synthesis pathway (SSP) and promote tumor progression. Our team discovered that ubiquitin‐specific protease 10 (USP10) can inhibit HCC proliferation through mTOR, but its relationship with SSP needs further investigation. The metabolite assays revealed a significant increase in serine content in HCC tissues. Through the LKB1/mTOR/activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) axis, loss of USP10 may increase serine biosynthesis and promote the proliferation of HCC in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, it was found that USP10 could activate LKB1 through deubiquitination. Analyzing clinical HCC tissues revealed a positive correlation between USP10 and LKB1. Additionally, those with high expression of USP10 in HCC tissues showed a better degree of tumor differentiation and longer overall survival time. Moreover, we found increased expression of both serine and its synthase in liver tumor tissues of USP10 liver‐specific KO mice. Loss of USP10 inhibits the activity of LKB1, contributing to the stimulation of the mTOR/ATF4 axis and SSP and then promoting the proliferation of HCC. This work presents a novel approach for serine‐targeted treatment in HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A reduced-dimension robust Capon beamforming method using Krylov subspace techniques (RDRCB) is a diagonal loading algorithm with low complexity, fast convergence and strong anti-interference ability. The diagonal loading level of RDRCB is known to become invalid if the initial value of the Newton iteration method is incorrect and the Hessel matrix is non-positive definite. To improve the robustness of RDRCB, an improved RDRCB (IRDRCB) was proposed in this study. We analyzed the variation in the loading factor with the eigenvalues of the reduced-dimensional covariance matrix and derived the upper and lower boundaries of the diagonal loading level; the diagonal loading level of the IRDRCB was kept within the bounds mentioned above. The computer simulation results show that the IRDRCB can effectively solve the problems of a sharp decline in the signal-to-noise ratio gain and an invalid diagonal loading level. The experimental results demonstrate that the interference noise of the IRDRCB is 3~5 dB higher than that of conventional adaptive beamforming, and the computational complexity is reduced by 15% to 20% compared with that of the RCB method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the first-order shear deformation theory, the vibration balance equation of composite sandwich plates with embedded viscoelastic layers (CSPEVL) is obtained by using Hamilton principle. The Navier closed-loop solution is used to solve the damping plate structure with four simply supported constraints. The correctness of the derived vibration balance equation is proved by comparing with the simulation results and reference. The verified equations are employed to analyze the dynamic characteristics of the CSPEVL. The results show that as the relative thickness of damping layer decreases, the first four order vibration frequencies of the whole structure all show a declining trend. However, the first four order loss factors are all distributed in an upward convex parabola. In addition, the damping performance of composite damping plate can be significantly enhanced by increasing the width/thickness ratio and aspect ratio of composite plate. More importantly, when the total thickness of the damping layer is constant, the symmetrical distribution of multilayer damping film greatly improves the dynamic performance of the composite structure. The work provides theoretical guidance for the dynamic optimization and structural design of damping sandwich composite structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-temperature multi-effect distillation (LT-MED) can be used to desalinate and demineralize highly mineralized mine water, facilitating the recycling and reuse of water resources. This study conducted a simulation of LT-MED technology for treating highly mineralized mine water using Aspen Plus and proposed a novel cross-flow optimization scheme. Initially, the impact of operational parameters such as process configuration, number of evaporation effects, and steam input on the gained output ratio (GOR) and scaling risk of a conventional LT-MED system was analyzed. It was found that the number of effects and heating steam flow rate had the most significant influence on GOR, while different processes exhibited limitations regarding GOR and scaling trends. To address these issues, this paper introduced a cross-flow operation process that combined forward, backward, and parallel flow. The simulation results indicated that, under conditions of eight effects, a maximum evaporation temperature of 70 °C, a temperature difference between adjacent effects of 4 °C, and a feed temperature of 45 °C, the cross-flow process—where the feed was introduced from the sixth effect—achieved the highest GOR and significantly reduced scaling risks compared to parallel and backward flow configurations. Finally, to further utilize low-pressure exhaust steam from the final effect of the cross-flow LT-MED system, mechanical vapor compression (MVC) and thermal vapor compression (TVC) were integrated into the LT-MED process. The thermodynamic performance of the coupled system was analyzed, and the simulations demonstrated that the coupled system outperformed the standalone use of either TVC or MVC, with the LT-MED-MVC-TVC system showing superior performance overall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We fabricated full spectrum V1−xTixSe2 samples (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) and systematically studied their crystal structure and electrical properties and their band structure. Ti was found by X-ray diffraction to substitute for V atoms. Our results show that the electrical properties of V1−xTixSe2 are highly tunable, suggesting a promising application in future electronic devices. In addition, we have observed weak localization in VSe2 and TiSe2 single crystals, and the strength of weak localization can be modulated by the defect density. The charge density wave transition for both pure samples, TiSe2 and VSe2, is significantly suppressed by doping. Band structure calculations on a subset of V1−xTixSe2 compositions are in line with the experimental observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Observational studies and experimental evidence have shown that chemokines play important roles in lung cancer development, progression, and treatment. However, few studies have examined the causal association between them. Methods: Summary data of chemokines and lung cancer were obtained from genome-wide association studies. Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were performed by five methods, Inverse variance weighted (IVW), Weighted median estimation, MR-Egger, Simple mode and Weighted, with IVW as the primary analysis method. Sensitivity analysis was used to assess the reliability of the MR results. Multivariate Mendelian randomization studies were used to infer whether causality was influenced by potential mediators. The expression levels of CCL21 were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. Results: We found that CCL21 was negatively associated with lung adenocarcinoma risk. CCL25 was positively associated with lung squamous cell carcinoma risk. CCL5 was negatively associated with small cell lung cancer risk. CCL21, CCL24, CCL27, and CCL28 was positively associated with small cell lung cancer risk. After multivariate Mendelian randomization adjustment for smoking behavior, it was found that the effect of CCL25 on lung squamous cell cancer disappeared, and the effect of CCL21 on small cell lung cancer was quite opposite to the univariate. The receiver operating characteristic curve indicated that chemokines had high accuracy in the diagnosis of lung cancer. CCL21 expression levels showed large differences in lung adenocarcinoma cells. Conclusion: These results highlighted the causal effects of chemokines on lung cancer and suggested a mediating role of smoking behavior in the association between chemokines and lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capturing forceful interaction with deformable objects during manipulation benefits applications like virtual reality, telemedicine, and robotics. Replicating full hand-object states with complete geometry is challenging because of the occluded object deformations. Here, we report a visual-tactile recording and tracking system for manipulation featuring a stretchable tactile glove with 1152 force-sensing channels and a visual-tactile joint learning framework to estimate dynamic hand-object states during manipulation. To overcome the strain interference caused by contact with deformable objects, an active suppression method based on symmetric response detection and adaptive calibration is proposed and achieves 97.6% accuracy in force measurement, contributing to an improvement of 45.3%. The learning framework processes the visual-tactile sequence and reconstructs hand-object states. We experiment on 24 objects from 6 categories including both deformable and rigid ones with an average reconstruction error of 1.8 cm for all sequences, demonstrating a universal ability to replicate human knowledge in manipulating objects with varying degrees of deformability. The authors report a stretchable tactile array with strain insensitivity, and a visual-tactile joint learning framework, achieving high-accuracy force measurement and replicating full states of hand and manipulated objects with fine-grained geometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In addition to inheriting the merits of interleaved parallel inverters, the internal parallel structure (IPS) inverter has the advantages of reduced circulating current and lower switching loss. Currently, however, the suppression of circulating current and output current ripple individually results in an evident increase in the number and volume of inductors. In this work, an inductor integration scheme is developed to improve the IPS inverter. Two integrated inductors are developed for different application configurations. As a result, the circulating current and output current ripple are simultaneously suppressed by an integrated inductor, making each phase of the IPS inverter to be equipped with only one integrated inductor implemented by wounding two coils on one magnetic core. The feasibility of the inductor integration scheme for the IPS inverter is experimentally verified by a downscale prototype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine biodiversity is increasingly threatened by overfishing and marine pollution. A comprehensive understanding of the biodiversity in the Yellow and Bohai Seas is essential for resource conservation. This study conducted a large-scale survey of fishery resources in the Yellow and Bohai Seas to investigate fish community structure and diversity using eDNA technology. The results showed that 57 and 65 fish species were recorded in spring and summer, respectively, with 46 species identified in both seasons. A total of nine dominant species were identified in spring, mainly belonging to Perciformes, while seven dominant species were identified in summer, primarily from Clupeiformes. In different regions, no significant differences in fish α diversity were observed between spring and summer. However, significant seasonal differences were found in both α and β diversity. At the spatial level, fish species in the Yellow and Bohai Seas occupied similar ecological niches. However, at the temporal level, there are certain differences in the ecological niches of fish communities between seasons. Phylogenetic diversity showed no significant differences at the spatial scale, yet notable seasonal variations were observed at the temporal scale, with spring (661.46) significantly exceeding summer (540.30). The Mantel test indicated that nitrate and salinity were key environmental factors influencing α diversity. RDA analysis revealed that the dominant species in spring were mainly influenced by chlorophyll-a and water temperature, while those in summer were mainly affected by water depth, nitrite, water temperature, and salinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermoelectric materials' unique merits attract considerable attention. Among those merits, the straight transformation between heat and electricity makes this material potential. The energy of the human body is released in the form of heat, which can be transformed into effective electricity by wearable thermoelectric materials. The nanotechnology‐based materials improve thermoelectric properties and heat absorption abilities for nanostructures will help maintain good electrical conductivity and reduce thermal conductivity. Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) is extensively investigated for its high conductivity, flexibility, good transparency, and so on. This article reviews its mechanism and describes the preparation techniques and thermoelectric properties of nanotechnology‐based PEDOT, inorganic semiconductor composite, and low‐dimensional metal composite thermoelectric materials. The recent research progress on PEDOT‐based thermoelectric materials, the application of wearable low‐dimensional PEDOT‐based thermoelectric materials, and methods to improve the thermoelectric performance of PEDOT‐based composite materials, device design, and commercialization are specifically discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilizing long-wavelength laser diodes (LDs) for pumping to achieve high-power fiber laser output is an effective method for attaining high quantum efficiency and excellent thermal management. In this work, we report on a Master Oscillator Power Amplifier (MOPA)-structured long-tapered Yb3+-doped fiber laser directly pumped by long-wavelength laser diodes. By shifting the center wavelength of the pump source to 1010 nm, the heat generation within the fiber laser is effectively controlled, thereby increasing the transverse mode instability (TMI) threshold. Additionally, the use of a long-tapered fiber enlarges the mode area and suppresses stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) effects that typically arise from increased fiber length. As a result, an output of 6030 W is achieved with an optical-to-optical (O–O) efficiency of 83.7%, a SRS suppression ratio exceeding 50 dB, and no occurrence of dynamic TMI. This approach provides a valuable reference for optimizing long-wavelength pumping to suppress nonlinear effects and also holds potential for wide-temperature operational applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A detailed morphological study has been conducted for the first time on theropod tracks found in the Lower Cretaceous Tugulu Group in the Turpan-Hami Basin, Xinjiang. Based on the small size, the low length/width ratio, and the low anterior triangle length/width ratio, these theropod tracks are classified into cf. Eubrontes. These findings provide direct evidence for the presence of theropod dinosaurs within the Hami pterosaur fauna. Furthermore, by considering the length of the footprints, it is estimated that the trackmakers had a hip height of approximately 65 cm and a body length of about 171 cm, indicating that these tracks were made by small theropods. Additionally, when taking into account the invertebrate traces, the sedimentary structure, and the lithostratigraphic sequence of the section, these footprints were likely left along the shoreline of a shallow lake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the flow structures and wear characteristics of solid–liquid two-phase flow in a centrifugal pump under stall conditions using the numerical method. The Computational Fluid Dynamics-Discrete Element Method coupling approach is employed to model the particle–particle and particle–liquid interactions; furthermore, the entropy theory is utilized to evaluate the energy loss and Erosion-Corrosion Research Center model is used to predict wear characteristics. The results indicate that compared to the critical stall condition, deep stall condition leads to a significant increase in the number and size of stall vortices within the impeller channel, which results in a 22% increase in channel blockage and a more uneven particle distribution. The dominant frequency of pressure pulsation in the impeller is the shaft frequency (fn), and the secondary frequency of 0.11 fn is the characteristic frequency of stall vortex. As the stall degree increases, the amplitude of pressure pulsation increases. Turbulent dissipation entropy production and wall entropy production are identified as the primary contribution to energy loss. The majority of energy loss in the centrifugal pump occurs within the impeller and volute, and the entropy production increases proportionally to the stall degree. Wear rate is strongly correlated with the impact frequency, as the stall degree increases, both the impact frequency and wear rate exhibit a gradual decrease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustained near‐surface ozone pollution despite stringent emission controls in China has drawn wide attention. However, how such rapid regional emission reductions affect global tropospheric ozone remains unexplored. Here, using an ensemble of measurements and global model simulations, we find Chinese emission reductions during 2013–2020 have increased domestic surface ozone; particularly in North China, they have decreased the global tropospheric ozone burden by 2.7 Tg (54% of China's anthropogenic contribution and 7% of global anthropogenic contribution in 2019) and ozone radiative forcing by 8.8 mW m−2 (64% of China's anthropogenic contribution and 9% of global anthropogenic contribution in 2019). Nitrogen oxides (NOx) associated nonlinear chemistry and height‐dependent atmospheric transport patterns primarily cause the contrasting impacts. Future Chinese NOx emission controls would continue to decrease global tropospheric ozone, while regional surface ozone may still increase unless NOx reductions exceed ∼53% of the 2019 level. Our results reveal the substantial benefit of regional emission reductions in China on global tropospheric ozone mitigation. Plain Language Summary: Tropospheric ozone is an important air pollutant and greenhouse gas and mainly produced by atmospheric photochemical reactions. Its levels are largely impacted by anthropogenic emission sources. Over the past decade, anthropogenic emissions in China have greatly declined, which may alter tropospheric ozone on a global scale. Using numerical simulations from a global chemical transport model, we show that emission reductions in China have substantially decreased the global tropospheric ozone burden over 2013–2020. The emission reductions have reduced the global anthropogenic tropospheric ozone radiative forcing and the Chinese contributions by 9% and 64%, respectively, although the emission reductions increased domestic surface ozone over North China. The differences in the nitrogen oxides (NOx) associated ozone formation regimes and atmospheric transport mechanisms over the surface of North China and the free troposphere primarily cause the contrasting impacts. We estimate that further emission reductions of NOx in China would cause nonlinear domestic and global tropospheric ozone changes. Our assessment demonstrates that emission reductions in China help global tropospheric ozone mitigation. Deep emission reductions are needed to further reduce domestic ozone pollution in China. Key Points: Emission reductions in China have substantially decreased the global tropospheric ozone burden and its radiative forcingDifferences in ozone chemistry and atmospheric transport mechanisms cause contrasting domestic and global impactsFuture NOx reductions in China would further mitigate global tropospheric ozone despite short‐term domestic surface ozone increases [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Surgical approach in the treatment of thymoma is varied. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of different surgical approaches in the treatment of thymoma. Methods: From January 2020 to December 2023, a total of 208 patients underwent thoracoscopic surgical treatment and were diagnosed with thymoma by postoperative pathological result in our institution. We collected and then analysed potential factors including general conditions, surgical approaches, preoperative clinical symptoms, surgical procedures, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative drainge, postoperative pain score, postoperative complications and postoperative follow-up. Results: Of the 208 patients, 98 patients underwent surgery via subxiphoid approach (47.1%) and 110 patients via lateral intercostal approach (52.8%). The duration of the surgical procedure (P = 0.02), intraoperative blood loss (P = 0.045), total postoperative drainage (P = 0.021), postoperative drainage per day (P = 0.004) and Postoperative pain score (Day1 P = 0.010 and Day2 P = 0.002)showed a significant difference between these two groups. 31 patients (14.9%) received postoperative radiotherapy. One patient died due to postoperative radiotherapy. No recurrence occurred in one-year follow-up. Conclusions: The present study not only showed that subxiphoid approach was a safe and feasible technique for thymoma, with a potentially faster postoperative recovery and less postoperative pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a lethal malignancy. There is mounting evidence indicating that lncRNAs are crucial players with dual roles as both biomarkers and regulators across various cancers. It was reported that LINC00941 plays a cancer‐promoting role in NSCLC. However, its impact on tumour autophagy remains poorly understood. In this study, we developed a risk assessment model and identified an autophagy‐related lncRNA LINC00941, which has independent predictive and early diagnostic potential. Using RT‐qPCR analysis, we confirmed the upregulation of LINC00941 in tumour tissues and cell lines of human lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Functional assays, such as CCK8, colony formation and xenograft models, demonstrated the cancer‐promoting activity of LINC00941 both in vitro and in vivo. Further analysis using Western blotting analysis, mRFP‐GFP‐LC3 double fluorescence lentivirus vector and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed that the knockdown of LINC00941 triggered autophagy. These results indicate that knockdown of LINC00941 induces autophagy and impairs the proliferation of LUAD. Therefore, we propose LINC00941 as an independent biomarker for early diagnosis as well as a therapeutic target in LUAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Nanping geothermal field in Hainan is situated within the Wuzhi Mountain fold belt of the South China fold system based on its geotectonic units. Although there is abundant surface heat detected and widespread distribution of Late Mesozoic granite in the area, the geological background of geothermal resources remains unclear. In this article, we collected core samples from boreholes within the Nanping geothermal field to conduct testing and analysis on rock thermal conductivity and heat-production rate. By combining these results with temperature logging data, we discuss a method for diterming the heat flow background of convective geothermal system. Furthermore, the study analyzed the geothermal flux and deep thermal structure of the research area. The results demonstrate that the average radioactive heat production rate of the Baocheng rock mass in the study area is 3.16 μW/m³, primarily attributed to the decay heat of Th and U, while the heat contribution of K is negligible. The thermal conductivity values of the rocks are relatively high, ranging from 2.29 to 3.75 W/(mK), slightly exceeding the average thermal conductivity of the upper crust. The study area represents a typical convective geothermal field influenced by groundwater convection, exhibiting a high geothermal temperature gradient. Using the groundwater-correction method, the geothermal flux in the study area is calculated to be 89–108.27 mW/m², of which the thermal conduction component is 73.17 mW/m² and the convective component is 15.83–35.1 mW/m². Among these components, heat generated from radioactive decay of crustal radioactive elements contributes 35.44 mW/m² to thermal conduction, while deep mantle conduction accounts for a heat flux is 37.73 mW/m², with a ratio of 1:1.07 between them. The difference between crustal and mantle heat fluxes is minimal in this region, indicating an approximation towards a "crust-mantle heat source balance zone". Furthermore, the thickness of the "hot" lithosphere in the study area ranges from 42 to 46 km, indicating significant characteristics of extension-thinning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the effect of Japanese foxtail (Alopecurus japonicus Steud.) at different densities on the photosynthetic physiology of wheat, "Yangmai 16" wheat was cultivated in a field using two sowing rates (150 kg ha−1, conventional seeding rate; 225 kg ha−1, high seeding rate) and with different densities of A. japonicus for two years. A. japonicus affected the physiological characteristics of wheat, such as its leaf photosynthetic rate, fluorescence parameters, Hill reaction activity, Rubisco activity, yield and yield components, to varying degrees. However, the physiological responses of wheat at different seeding rates varied; the effect of A. japonicus on wheat was more severe at the conventional seeding rate than at the high seeding rate. A. japonicus affected wheat leaf morphology and inhibited photosynthetic processes, leading to decreased PSII electron transport, energy metabolism and photosynthate accumulation, ultimately reducing wheat yield. An appropriate increase in the wheat seeding rate could improve specific leaf weight, maintain Rubisco activity, reduce photoinhibition, and alleviate the stress caused by A. japonicus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Engaging in exercise not only encompasses its intrinsic attributes but also signifies its social dimensions. It reflects an underlying emotional tone and cumulative value attributed to exercise by individuals, forming a broad, macro-level socio-psychological relationship in alignment with the conceptual definition of societal mentality. The social mentality is an indicator of a nation's governance capacity and mirrors the overall socio-psychological profile and needs of its citizens. This study, therefore, aims to investigate the influence of exercise, specifically through the lens of sports, on the sociall mentality of the Chinese population, encompassing aspects of social trust and social equity. Additionally, we explore the distinct mechanisms underlying differences in social class, generation disparities, and spatial dimensions. This inquiry aims to contribute to enhancing governance capabilities and societal stability. Method: Data for this study was sourced from the 2023 China General Social Survey. We selected 20 variables and analyzed a sample of 6,746 individuals. We employed Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) multiple linear regression models to construct our analysis. Results: The findings indicate that exercise has a positive influence on the social mentality of the Chinese population. A higher frequency of participation in sports correlates with a more advanced level of social mentality development. Notably, significant disparities exist between the macro-level and micro-level impacts of exercise, suggesting ample room for improvement. Social class, generational disparities, and spatial dimensions demonstrate substantial impact, each exhibiting unique characteristics depending on the specific research question. Furthermore, the weightings of social trust orientation and social equity orientation within the societal mentality dimensions exhibit variability and fluctuations. Conclusion: When exploring the topic of social mentality, it is recommended to separately discuss the various dimensions it encompasses, thus providing a comprehensive, detailed, and precise portrayal of specific issues. To bolster the influence of exercise on the social mentality, as well as to enhance governance capabilities and societal stability, the following recommendations are proposed: (1) In-depth exploration of differences within social strata to optimize the mechanisms through which exercise influences the social mentality; (2) Balancing generational disparities to establish a solid foundation for the influence of exercise on the social mentality; (3) Recognizing spatial dimensions to harness the spatial dynamism of exercise in shaping the social mentality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relative conservation of the influenza hemagglutinin (HA) stem compared to that of the immunodominant HA head makes the HA stem an attractive target for broadly protective influenza vaccines. Here we report the first-in-human, dose-escalation, open-label trial (NCT04579250) evaluating an unadjuvanted group 2 stabilized stem ferritin nanoparticle vaccine based on the H10 A/Jiangxi-Donghu/346/2013 influenza HA, H10ssF, in healthy adults. Participants received a single 20 mcg dose (n = 3) or two 60 mcg doses 16 weeks apart (n = 22). Vaccination with H10ssF was safe and well tolerated with only mild systemic and local reactogenicity reported. No serious adverse events occurred. Vaccination significantly increased homologous H10 HA stem binding and neutralizing antibodies at 2 weeks after both first and second vaccinations, and these responses remained above baseline at 40 weeks. Heterologous H3 and H7 binding antibodies also significantly increased after each vaccination and remained elevated throughout the study. These data indicate that the group 2 HA stem nanoparticle vaccine is safe and induces stem-directed binding and neutralizing antibodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]