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A growing body of research documents that the use of pornography is becoming more frequent among male sexual minorities. According to the sexual script acquisition, activation, application model of mediated sexual socialization (3AM), pornography can be considered a potential factor influencing an individual's partner preference. In addition, perceived realism could moderate the link between pornography consumption and partner preferences. This study explored the relationship between pornographic video consumption and partner preference among male sexual minorities and the moderating role of perceived realism. A total of 595 male sexual minorities aged 18 to 47 years (M = 21.70, SD = 3.83), including 82.9% gay men and 17.1% bisexual men, were enrolled in the study. Our results revealed the following: (1) The frequency of pornographic video consumption and male sexual minorities' preferences for appearance and sexual ability in partner selection were positively correlated (r =.06/.07, ps <.05). (2) When perceived realism was low, pornographic video consumption was not significantly associated with appearance and sexual ability preference. (3) Conversely, when perceived realism was high, pornographic video consumption was positively associated with appearance and sexual ability preference (β =.17/.16, ps <.01). Findings highlight the mechanisms behind pornographic video consumption and partner preference in sexual minority males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the nonlinear rheological behavior of aqueous suspensions composed of two typical nanocellulose [rod-like cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and filamentous cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs)] was examined and compared by using various large-amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) analysis methods, such as Fourier-transform rheology, stress decomposition, Chebyshev polynomials, and the sequence of physical processes. From our analysis, the nonlinear rheological parameters of higher harmonics, dissipation ratio, strain hardening ratio, shear thickening ratio, transient modulus, and cage modulus were obtained and quantitatively analyzed. CNCs tend to assemble to form anisotropic structures in an aqueous medium while the CNFs are entangled to form gels. The CNF suspensions demonstrated a significant viscous modulus overshoot and had stronger yield stresses, but the yield of CNC suspensions was more ductile. In the case of low concentrations, the CNF suspensions demonstrated stronger intracycle shear thickening behavior in medium-amplitude oscillatory shear region and lower dissipation ratios at small strain amplitudes. Although both nanocellulose suspensions revealed the existence of four intracycle rheological transition processes (viscoplastic deformation, structural recovery, early-stage yielding, and late-stage yielding), the CNF suspensions exhibited a stronger structural recovery ability. Larger strain amplitudes did not invariably result in a broader range of intracycle rheological transitions, which are also affected by the excitation frequency. The application of the various LAOS analysis methods provided valuable intracycle nonlinear rheological insights into nanocellulose suspensions, which are of great importance for enhancing their industrial perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of small organic molecules that have different molecular structures with the same luminescent core, which produces fluorescence, phosphorescence or delayed fluorescence, is fascinating. Of course, the regulation of elaborate chemical structures is a reliable way to achieve these emission properties. In this study, five carbazole derivatives with different functional groups were obtained via C–N coupling reactions: Cz–C8, Cz–C8–Br, Cz–C8–OH, Cz–C8–Tu and Cz–C7–COOH. Our results reveal that small differences in functionalized tail groups can produce a huge contrast in photoluminescence behavior. Obviously, more polar tails, such as −Tu and −COOH, contribute more to high-performance organic room temperature phosphorescent materials. The non-polar tail of –H favors delayed fluorescence, while the mid-polar group of –OH enables phosphorescence and delayed fluorescence in Cz–C8–OH. These two different behaviors can be artificially modulated by external stimuli, such as photoactivation and thermal annealing. A study of the internal mechanism shows that intermolecular interactions and the molecular aggregation state are the main factors affecting the photoluminescence performance. Finally, advanced applications in the fields of data encryption, data storage, and anti-counterfeiting are illustrated using time-resolved techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Time-series experiments are crucial for understanding the transient and dynamic nature of biological phenomena. These experiments, leveraging advanced classification and clustering algorithms, allow for a deep dive into the cellular processes. However, while these approaches effectively identify patterns and trends within data, they often need to improve in elucidating the causal mechanisms behind these changes. Building on this foundation, our study introduces a novel algorithm for temporal causal signaling modeling, integrating established knowledge networks with sequential gene expression data to elucidate signal transduction pathways over time. Focusing on Escherichia coli's (E. coli) aerobic to anaerobic transition (AAT), this research marks a significant leap in understanding the organism's metabolic shifts. By applying our algorithm to a comprehensive E. coli regulatory network and a time-series microarray dataset, we constructed the cross-time point core signaling and regulatory processes of E. coli's AAT. Through gene expression analysis, we validated the primary regulatory interactions governing this process. We identified a novel regulatory scheme wherein environmentally responsive genes, soxR and oxyR, activate fur, modulating the nitrogen metabolism regulators fnr and nac. This regulatory cascade controls the stress regulators ompR and lrhA, ultimately affecting the cell motility gene flhD, unveiling a novel regulatory axis that elucidates the complex regulatory dynamics during the AAT process. Our approach, merging empirical data with prior knowledge, represents a significant advance in modeling cellular signaling processes, offering a deeper understanding of microbial physiology and its applications in biotechnology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schistosomiasis, the second largest parasitic disease in the world after malaria, poses a significant threat to human health and causes public health issues. The disease primarily affects populations in economically underdeveloped tropical regions, earning it the title of "neglected tropical disease". Schistosomiasis is difficult to eradicate globally if medication alone is used. One of the essential elements of thorough schistosomiasis prevention and control is the management and disruption of the life cycle of intermediate host snails. The key approach to controlling the transmission of schistosomiasis is to control the intermediate hosts of the schistosome to disrupt its life cycle. We believe that approaching it from the perspective of the intermediate host's immunity could be an environmentally friendly and potentially effective method. Currently, globally significant intermediate host snails for schistosomes include Oncomelania hupensis, Biomphalaria glabrata, and Bulinus truncatus. The immune interaction research between B. glabrata and Schistosoma mansoni has a history of several decades, and the complete genome sequencing of both B. glabrata and B. truncatus has been accomplished. We have summarized the immune-related factors and research progress primarily studied in B. glabrata and B. truncatus and compared them with several humoral immune factors that O. hupensis research focuses on: macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), Toll-like receptors (TLRs), and thioredoxin (Trx). We believe that continued exploration of the immune interactions between O. hupensis and Schistosoma japonicum is valuable. This comparative analysis can provide some direction and clues for further in-depth research. Comparative immunological studies between them not only expand our understanding of the immune defense responses of snails that act as intermediaries for schistosomes but also facilitate the development of more comprehensive and integrated strategies for schistosomiasis prevention and control. Furthermore, it offers an excellent opportunity to study the immune system of gastropods and their co-evolution with pathogenic organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The large amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) has been extensively studied for understanding the rheological responses of yield stress fluids. However, the employed methodology for determining the yield stress remains uncertain albeit the fact that many classical or plausible methods exist in the literature. Along these lines, herein, based on Fourier transform (FT) rheology, stress decomposition, and stress bifurcation, a new straightforward method termed as algebraic stress bifurcation was developed. More specifically, the main goal was to determine the yield stress and investigate the solid–liquid transition of fluids in LAOS. A simple and efficient mathematical framework was established and verified by the KVHB, Saramito, Giesekus models, and FT rheology. The main strength of this approach is that only the data from the stress/strain sweep are required instead of Lissajous curves. Alternative curves based on the first harmonic were constructed to demonstrate the non-critical role of both higher harmonics and phenomenological Lissajous curves in determining yield stress. The determined start and end yield points in the solid–liquid transition were compared with the already existing methods. Furthermore, the resulting solid–liquid transition region was analyzed by FT rheology, stress decomposition, and sequence of the physical process to obtain information on nonlinearity and intracycle/intercycle yielding. Our work provides fruitful insights for explaining and reducing the complexities of the stress bifurcation technique by using an easy-to-understand and implement format. Therefore, a concise theoretical framework was introduced for understanding the concept of yield stress, the intercycle yielding process, and the rational choice of yield stress measurement techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bismuth (Bi) metallic material is one of the most widely used heavy metals because of its low cost, excellent light conversion efficiency, and high X-ray attenuation coefficient. However, large-scale synthesis of highly processable and oxidation-resistant Bi nanoparticles remains challenging. Based on the above concerns, we report a facile, scalable, polyol-mediated synthesis of high-quality Bi nanoparticles using citrate as a capping agent and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a dispersant. The presence of citrate and PVP improved Bi nanoparticle's oxidation resistance and processability. These nanoparticles can maintain excellent oxidation resistance in an ambient atmosphere for more than 120 days and form high-quality suspensions in various commonly used solvents. Moreover, large-scale and rapid synthesis of the nanoparticles was achieved by simply using the green reagent stannous citrate [tin (II) citrate] as a reducing agent. These properties make them promising as complementary conductive fillers in electrically conductive adhesives (ECAs). The Bi nanoparticles could be effectively combined with silver flakes in epoxy resins to enhance the conductivity of ECAs significantly. With the addition of only 5 wt % Bi nanoparticles, the resistivity of ECAs could be reduced to 1/3000 of that of ECAs with the same silver content, showing great promise in next-generation ECA products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents an easy, low-cost, high-yield fabrication method for spherical cellulose nanocrystals (SCNCs) from raw celluloses of eucalyptus pulp (EP) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) via a synergetic strategy of swelling-enzymolysis-mechanical treatment. The effects of swelling, enzymolysis, and homogenization on the morphology and properties of the SCNCs obtained from the two raw celluloses were systematically investigated. In comparison with the method that only resulted in low-yield (at most 8%) SCNCs from the supernatants prepared by swelling and enzymolysis of raw celluloses in sequence or simultaneously, high-yield, well-dispersed SCNCs with a high purity of more than 98% was obtained by high-pressure homogenization of centrifugal precipitates of the swollen and enzymatically hydrolyzed raw celluloses. The total yields of SCNCs with diameters of 20–50 nm were ca. 72% and 74% from EP and MCC, respectively. The deconvolution fitting of FT-IR showed that the intermolecular and intramolecular hydrogen bonds related to O(6) within the anhydroglucose unit of cellulose were largely destroyed in the process of enzymatic hydrolysis, which was closely associated with the degradation of partial crystalline regions by endonuclease under high enzyme activity, thus promoting the depolymerization of cellulose and the formation of SCNCs. The crystal structure of the resulting SCNCs did not change. In particular, compared with SCNCs from EP, the SCNCs obtained from MCC possessed high crystallinity (88.5%), thermal stability (decomposition temperature, 341.7 °C), and hydrophobicity. The unique morphology and excellent properties of SCNCs may broaden the application of cellulose-based nanomaterials in high value-added fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrophobic materials possess exceptional properties, making them extensively useful in daily production and life. However, developing low‐cost and flexible hydrophobic materials remains a challenging task. In this study, a series of composite emulsions were prepared by introducing hydroxyl‐terminated polydimethylsiloxane as a modifier into polyurethane acrylate via a solvent‐free approach. The composite emulsions were then used to fabricate polymer films using the solvent evaporation technique. The effects of varying siloxane content on the properties of composite emulsions and polymer membranes were examined. The results showed that increasing the siloxane content improved the hydrophobic properties and flexibility of the film materials. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the introduction of the SiOSi group into the polyurethane chain structure, the absorption peak for asymmetric stretching vibration of SiOSi is at 1100 cm−1. The mechanical properties test revealed that the film had excellent elongation at break (278.96 ± 0.01%), and a hydrophobic surface with a contact angle of 101.94° was obtained. The composite materials showed improved water resistance and thermal stability with the increase in siloxane content. The hydrophobic film is a promising material for application in decoration, architecture, and flexible wearable devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI) is a severe and life-threatening condition with high morbidity and mortality among emergency patients, and it poses a significant risk of chronic renal failure. Clinical treatments for SA-AKI remain reactive and non-specific, lacking effective diagnostic biomarkers or treatment targets. In this study, we established an SA-AKI mouse model using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and performed proteomics and metabolomics analyses. A variety of bioinformatic analyses, including gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), protein and protein interactions (PPI), and MetaboAnalyst analysis, were conducted to investigate the key molecules of SA-AKI. Integrated proteomics and metabolomics analysis revealed that sepsis led to impaired renal mitochondrial function and metabolic disorders. Immune-related pathways were found to be activated in kidneys upon septic infection. The catabolic products of polyamines accumulated in septic kidneys. Overall, our integrated analysis provides a multidimensional understanding of SA-AKI and identifies potential pathways for this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The typical imaging findings of hairy polyps have been described mostly in case reports. This study was conducted to describe the CT and MRI features of hairy polyps and their common associated abnormalities. Methods: Medical records of 14 patients with pathological diagnosis of hairy polyps were collected for this study. For each patient, the medical records, including demographics, clinical manifestations, and imaging findings were reviewed. Results: The female-to-male ratio was 3.7:1. The age at first episode varied from birth to 2.7 years. The masses were derived from the back side of the soft palate in seven (50.0%) cases, from the lateral pharyngeal wall in four (28.6%) cases, from the soft palate in one (7.1%) case, from the nasal vestibule in one (7.1%) case, and from the parapharyngeal space in one (7.1%) case. A total of 11 (78.6%) cases presented with pedicled masses containing fat and a central core of soft tissue, there were 3 (21.4%) cases whose imaging findings were atypical, and there were 6 (42.9%) patients who had other pathologies. Conclusions: Hairy polyps typically presented as pedicled masses containing fat and a central core of soft tissue, but sometimes their imaging findings can be atypical and they can be associated with other congenital abnormalities. CT and MRI are reliable methods for the diagnosis of hairy polyps and their associated abnormalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Benign splenic lesions are rarely encountered. This study aimed to review the clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes in a case series of 30 pediatric patients.Methods: From January 1st, 2001 to December 31st, 2021, 30 pediatric patients from a single center were consecutively included. Electronic medical records were reviewed and patients were followed up. Clinical presentations, imaging features, surgical procedures, pathological diagnoses, and prognoses were summarized. The lesion locations and 7-day postoperative platelet levels were compared between total and partial splenectomy patients.Results: Eighteen males and twelve females were included, with mean age at surgery 116.4 ± 43.6 months. The clinical presentations included abdominal pain (16/30), splenomegaly (6/30), skin petechia (2/30), hemolytic jaundice (1/30), and no symptoms (5/30). Pathological diagnoses included congenital epithelial cyst (CEC, 17/30), vascular malformation (8/30), sclerosing angiomatoid nodular transformation (SANT, 3/30), hamartoma (1/30), and leiomyoma (1/30). Patients undergone total splenectomy were more likely to have a lesion involving the hilum than those undergone partial splenectomy (68.4% vs 31.6%, P = 0.021). The 7-day postoperative platelet level was higher in total splenectomy patients than partial splenectomy patients (adjusted means 694.4 × 109/L vs 402.4 × 109/L, P = 0.002).Conclusions: Various clinical characteristics of pediatric benign splenic lesions are summarized. The most common pathological diagnoses are congenital epithelial cyst and vascular malformation. Partial and total splenectomy result in good prognosis with a low recurrence rate, and the former is preferred to preserve splenic function if possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is interest in the role of peripheral interleukin-6 (IL-6) in depression and the effect of treatment (e. g., pharmacologic, psychosocial, neurostimulation). However, the relationship between cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), IL-6 and depression has not yet been established. We conducted a meta-analysis to explore the association between CBT and change of peripheral IL-6 levels in depressive symptoms or major depressive disorder (MDD). A systematic search of online databases (i.e., PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library) was completed from inception to May 2021. In total, 10 eligible papers with 940 participants reporting peripheral IL-6 levels before and after CBT were included in the analysis. The main result indicates that peripheral levels of IL-6 were significantly lower after CBT intervention in individuals with depression, with a small effect (SMD = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.69, p = 0.02). The results of subgroup analyses demonstrate that (1) there was a significant decrease in IL-6 for studies that were equal to or <8 weeks in duration vs. more than 8 weeks in duration, and (2) IL-6 was significantly reduced in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) diagnosis (i.e., DSM-IV, DSM-IV-TR, or DSM-V) of MDD, but not for the subgroup without DSM diagnosis. Publication year was identified as a potential contributor to heterogeneity of the results from our analysis. Taken together, our findings support the notion that CBT influences peripheral IL-6 in individuals with depression and represents a point of commonality with other antidepressant treatment modalities (e.g., antidepressants). Systematic Review Registration: https://doi.org/10.17605/osf.io/tr9yh, identifier: 10.17605/osf.io/tr9yh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Importance: Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children. More than 90% of cases are classified as embryonic RMS (ERMS) or alveolar RMS (ARMS). ERMS has a worse prognosis than ARMS. Early differential diagnosis is of paramount importance for optimization of treatment. Objective: To identify genes that are differentially expressed between ARMS and ERMS, which can be used for accurate rhabdomyosarcoma classification. Methods: Three Gene Expression Omnibus datasets composed of ARMS and ERMS samples were screened and 35 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and area under the curve analysis was performed for these 35 DEGs and seven candidate genes with the best differential expression scores between ARMS and ERMS were determined. The expression of these seven candidate genes was validated by immunohistochemical analysis of pre‐chemotherapy ARMS and ERMS specimens. Results: The levels of DCX and CRABP2 were confirmed to be remarkably different between paraffin‐embedded ARMS and ERMS tissues, while EGFR abundance was only marginally different between these two RMS subtypes. Interpretation: DCX and CRABP2 are potential biomarkers for distinguishing ARMS from ERMS in pre‐chemotherapy pediatric patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbonic anhydrase IX (CA9), a pH-regulating transmembrane protein, is highly expressed in solid tumors, and particularly in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). The catalytic mechanisms of CA9 are well defined, but its roles in mediating cell migration/invasion and survival in ccRCC remain to be determined. Here, we confirmed that the mRNA expression of CA9 in ccRCC was significantly higher than that in para-carcinoma tissues from analysis of the datasets in The Cancer Genome Atlas. CA9 knockdown upregulated oxidative phosphorylation-associated proteins and increased mitochondrial biogenesis, resulting in the reversal of the Warburg phenotype and the inhibition of cell growth. Our study revealed that CA9 knockdown upregulated mitochondrial arginase 2 (ARG2), leading to the accumulation of putrescine, which suppressed ccRCC proliferation. Surfaceomics analysis revealed that CA9 knockdown downregulated proteins associated with extracellular matrix (ECM)—receptor interaction and cell adhesion, resulting in decreased cell migration. CA9 silencing also downregulated amino acid transporters, leading to reduced cellular amino acids. Collectively, our data show that CA9 knockdown suppresses proliferation via metabolic reprogramming and reduced cell migration, reaffirming that CA9 is a potential therapeutic target for ccRCC treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]