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We report the preliminary demonstration of continuous wave (cw) GaSb-based interband cascade lasers (ICLs) with hybrid cladding layers at high temperatures up to 80 °C near a wavelength of 3.72 μm. These ICLs have narrow-ridge widths of 7–11 μm with improved thermal dissipation compared to broad-area devices. They delivered a cw output power of more than 30 mW/facet at 20 °C and had a cw threshold current density of 270 A/cm2 with a voltage efficiency of 78% at 300 K. The obtained voltage efficiency of 78% is the highest ever reported among cw GaSb-based ICLs at room temperature, indicating an advantage of efficient carrier transport in the ICL with the hybrid cladding layers. The dependence of device performance on the narrow-ridge width and cavity length was investigated. The results suggested ways to further improve future devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanical engineering of 2D materials allows continuous and reversible modulation of their electronic and photonic properties. Although photoluminescence (PL) measurement is an effective way to monitor the effects of mechanical forces on 2D semiconductors, there is currently a lack of techniques to enhance PL signals during stress application. This study presents an innovative mechanical engineering approach that integrates a dielectric microsphere as an atomic force microscopy (AFM) probe into a Raman-AFM system. Force–distance curve tests and COMSOL simulations were performed to analyze and estimate the compressive stress exerted by the microsphere. Importantly, the PL signals of transition metal dichalcogenides subjected to microsphere probe's force were enhanced and reveal distinct mechanical responses depending on the substrate rigidity: compressive pressures for rigid substrates and tensile strains for flexible ones. Notably, this strategy not only amplifies spectral signals in real time but also achieves fine stress modulation in the precise targeted material region, demonstrating its superiority in sensitive mechanical engineering applications. Our work offers a new avenue for the deliberate design of mechanical strains in 2D materials, which is crucial for optimizing the performance of related devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new benzophenone derivative, 8′-hydroxymonomethylsulochrin (1), together with eighteen known compounds (2-19) were produced by the endophytic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus WJ-131, isolated from the stem of Gardenia jasminoides. The structure of 1 was determined by extensive spectroscopic analysis and X-ray crystallography. Under the condition of concentration of 20.0 μM, the splenic lymphocytes proliferation rates of compounds 1 and 7 induced by LPS were 39.4% and 38.1% (LPS, the splenic lymphocytes cell proliferation rates of 21.3%), and the splenic lymphocytes proliferation rate of compounds 7 induced by ConA is 44.6% (ConA, the splenic lymphocytes proliferation rates of 28.9%). Therefore, compounds 1 and 7 promoted the proliferation of ConA/LPS-stimulated splenic lymphocytes at 20.0 μM in vitro. In addition, compound 1 showed weak antibacterial activity against Fusarium oxysporum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A ternary system (GOB-SDS) was established for the ratiometric fluorescent detection of Berberine in an aqueous solution. In this ternary system (GOB-SDS), the fluorescence reporter B was grafted onto the edges of graphene oxide (GO) through the amido bond (C-(O)-NH). In the absence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), the fluorescence of B could be quenched via fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) due to the strong π–π stacking interaction between B and GO. With the addition of SDS, the formation of a B-SDS micelle weakened the interaction between GO and B, leading to the recovery of B's fluorescence. Then, Berberine was added. The easy formation of Berberine-SDS instead of B-SDS was due to the strong electrostatic interaction between Berberine and SDS, and B's fluorescence emission at 393 nm was again quenched by GO. Meanwhile, the AIE behavior of Berberine (fluorescence emission at 536 nm) was enhanced. Thus, a ratiometric fluorescent sensor (F536 nm/F393 nm) was achieved to realize the sensitive detection of Berberine. The characteristics of the obtained GOB-SDS and the detection mechanism of Berberine were fully studied using various methods. In addition, the high stability, selectivity, sensitivity, anti-interference, and sustainability of the ternary system toward Berberine were also demonstrated; the ratiometric fluorescent Berberine sensor showed a good linear range from 0 to 8.90 μM (0 to 3.00 μg/mL) with a detection limit of 23.4 nM (8.17 ng/mL). Furthermore, this system could be used to detect Berberine in real drugs with a low background, and a combination of this system with a smartphone could be applied for on-site analysis of Berberine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The connection between metabolic reprogramming and tumor progression has been demonstrated in an increasing number of researches. However, further research is required to identify how metabolic reprogramming affects interpatient heterogeneity and prognosis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). In this work, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) based deconvolution was utilized to create a malignant cell hierarchy with metabolic differences and to investigate the relationship between metabolic biomarkers and prognosis. Simultaneously, we created a machine learning-based approach for creating metabolism-related prognostic signature (MRPS). Gamma-glutamyltransferase 6 (GGT6) was further explored for deep biological insights through in vitro experiments. Compared to 51 published signatures and conventional clinical features, MRPS showed substantially higher accuracy. Meanwhile, high MRPS-risk samples demonstrated an immunosuppressive phenotype with more infiltrations of regulatory T cell (Treg) and tumour-associated macrophage (TAM). Following the administration of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), MRPS showed consistent and strong performance and was an independent risk factor for overall survival. GGT6, an essential metabolic indicator and component of MRPS, has been proven to support proliferation and invasion in ccRCC. MRPS has the potential to be a highly effective tool in improving the clinical results of patients with ccRCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A happy adolescent may live a healthy and successful life. This study focused on parental expectations in the Chinese cultural context and investigated whether and under what conditions adolescents' perceived parental expectations are associated with their happiness, the affective component of subjective well-being. Sample and methods: This cross-sectional study included a sample of 1510 Chinese adolescents; the average age of the adolescents was 12.39 years, and 55.40% were boys. A questionnaire including the perceived parental expectations scale, self-efficacy scale, connectedness subscale and one item that measured happiness was administered to the adolescents. Results: The results reveal that self-efficacy moderates the relationship between perceived parental expectations and happiness. For adolescents who exhibit higher levels of self-efficacy, perceived parental expectations are negatively correlated with happiness; in contrast, for adolescents who exhibit lower levels of self-efficacy, perceived parental expectations are not related to happiness. Moreover, the results reveal that connectedness moderates the relationship between perceived parental expectations and happiness. Among adolescents who exhibit higher levels of connectedness, a nonsignificant relationship is observed between perceived parental expectations and happiness; in contrast, among adolescents who exhibit lower levels of connectedness, perceived parental expectations are negatively related to happiness. Conclusions: This study reveals that, under conditions featuring higher levels of self-efficacy or lower levels of connectedness, perceived parental expectations are not conducive to their happiness. These findings have important implications with regard to parenting practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Knowledge sharing is an effective means of knowledge management in colleges and universities, which is of great significance for improving the quality and efficiency of universities and enhancing the balanced development of educational resources. The present study investigated the influence students' proactive personalities drive knowledge-sharing activities, and examined the significance of class climate and learning engagement as mediating factors, utilizing the perspectives of social exchange theory (SET) and the job demands and resources model (JD-R). Methods: A convenience sampling method was employed to survey 1,053 Chinese college students, and evaluated them using the Proactive Personality Scale (PPS), Learning Engagement Scale (LES), Class Climate Scale (CCS), and Knowledge Sharing Behavior Scale (KSBS). The structural equation model and bootstrap method to explore the significance of the mediating effect of class climate and learning engagement between proactive personality and knowledge sharing of college students. Results: (1) Proactive personality was positively associated with students' knowledge sharing behavior; (2) Class climate had a significant mediating effect between proactive personality and knowledge sharing behavior of college students, and the mediating effect of class climate is 21.2%; (3) Learning engagement mediated effect between proactive personality and knowledge sharing behavior, and the mediating effect ratio of learning engagement is 8.4%; (4) Class climate and learning engagement play a chain mediating role in the relationship between proactive personality and knowledge sharing behavior of students, and the chain mediating role accounted for 2.1% of the total effect. Conclusion: Proactive personality exerts a significant impact on students' knowledge-sharing behaviors. However, this effect is not direct; it is mediated by both class climate and learning engagement. Specifically, students exhibiting higher levels of proactivity are more likely to actively engage in the learning process and foster a positive class climate, which, in turn, enhances their propensity to share knowledge with peers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of transaxillary and transsubclavian approaches for endoscopic thyroidectomy has increased globally. However, studies examining the comparative outcomes of these procedures are scarce. In this study, we aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of thyroidectomy between the gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy transaxillary approach (GETTA) and gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy transsubclavian approach (GETTSA) in patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Medical records of patients with PTC who underwent GETTA or GETTSA performed by the same surgical team between August 2022 and August 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to mitigate potential selection bias and adjust for baseline clinical characteristic differences. After PSM using 10 covariates, 196 patients (GETTA: 98; GETTSA: 98) were included. In comparison to the GETTSA group, the GETTA group exhibited a longer duration of operation (120.00 [103.75–140.00] vs. 110.00 [90.00–125.00] min, P = 0.001), longer postoperative hospital stays (1.00 [1.00–3.00] vs. 1.00 [1.00–2.00] days, P = 0.008), higher hospitalisation costs (23,973.02 [22,640.80–25,379.80] vs. 23,306.00 [21,968.97–24,070.68] Yuan, P = 0.015), and greater postoperative drainage (60.00 [50.00–70.00] vs. 46.50 [40.00–56.25] mL, P < 0.001). Intraoperative parathyroid autotransplantation and vocal cord paralysis rates were not significantly different between groups. The number of lymph node metastases via central lymph node dissection was not significantly different between groups (0.00 [0.00–1.00] vs. 0.00 [0.00–1.00], P = 0.645). No significant procedural safety or completeness differences were observed between GETTA and GETTSA. GETTA had better cosmetic outcomes. GETTSA had shorter duration of operation durations, shorter hospital stays, lower hospitalisation costs, and lower postoperative drainage, making it a better option for clinical use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This paper introduces an area‐effective and low‐power readout circuit structure tailored for high dynamic range (HDR) CMOS image sensors (CISs) utilizing dual conversion gain (DCG) imaging technology. A switched capacitor amplifier, which is applied at the comparator input port of the column‐parallel single‐slope analog‐to‐digital converter (SS ADC), is proposed to compensate for the charge injection and clock feed‐through introduced when the pixel switches between high conversion gain (HCG) and low conversion gain (LCG) modes. The proposed SS ADC is supplemented by the integration of a configurable counter, and the counter is specifically crafted for performing the A/D conversion of the readout voltage within a DCG pixel. Compared to the conventional DCG readout circuit, the proposed readout circuit use only one ADC for A/D conversion of HCG signals and LCG signals, which greatly reduces the area and power consumption of the readout circuit. Simulation results under 110 nm CMOS technology illustrate that the proposed 10‐bit SS ADC has a DNL of +0.78/−0.91 LSB and an INL of +1.91/−1.69 LSB, with a SNR of 57.2 dB and a SNDR of 55.95 dB, corresponding to an ENOB of 9 bits. The power consumption of the proposed SS ADC is 56.4 μW per column with a conversion time of 12 μs, and the simulation results show that the power consumption is 23.35% lower than the conventional structure and the area is saved by 24.69%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, yellow-pigmented, catalase-positive, oxidase-positive, non-motile with no flagella and irregularly rod-shaped, denominated strain YIM 134122T, was isolated from a Stereocaulon tomentosum Fr. lichen gathered on Baima Snow Mountain in Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. The novel strain grew at pH 6.0–8.0 (optimum, pH 7.0–7.2), 4–35 ℃ (optimum,25–35 ℃), and with the existence of 0–10% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0–2%). Phylogenetic analysis on the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain YIM 134122T belonged to the genus Leifsonia and presented high levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Leifsonia kafniensis JCM 17021T (97.92%) and Leifsonia psychrotolerans CGMCC 1.12166T (97.79%). Based on the draft genome sequence, the G + C content of strain YIM 134122T was found to be 68.41%, and the average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridizations values between strain YIM 134122T and Leifsonia kafniensis JCM 17021T and Leifsonia psychrotolerans CGMCC 1.12166T were 73.78% and 73.75%, and 19.6% and 19.9%, respectively, which were extremely lower than the generally proposed threshold value for species delineation. The predominant polar lipids in strain YIM 134122T consisted of phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, three unknown glycolipids, two unknown phospholipids, and one unknown lipid, whereas MK-10, MK-11 and MK-12 were the main menaquinones. The major fatty acids (> 4%) of the strain contained iso-C15:0, anteiso-C15:0, iso-C16:0 and anteiso-C17:0. On the basis of phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic, phenotypic and genotypic evidences, it is concluded that strain YIM 134122T represents a novel species of the genus Leifsonia, for with the name Leifsonia stereocauli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 134122T (= CGMCC 1.62033T = MCCC 1K08590T = KCTC 59219T). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, yellow-pigmented, catalase-positive, oxidase-positive, non-motile with no flagella and irregularly rod-shaped, denominated strain YIM 134122T, was isolated from a Stereocaulon tomentosum Fr. lichen gathered on Baima Snow Mountain in Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. The novel strain grew at pH 6.0–8.0 (optimum, pH 7.0–7.2), 4–35 ℃ (optimum,25–35 ℃), and with the existence of 0–10% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0–2%). Phylogenetic analysis on the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain YIM 134122T belonged to the genus Leifsonia and presented high levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Leifsonia kafniensis JCM 17021T (97.92%) and Leifsonia psychrotolerans CGMCC 1.12166T (97.79%). Based on the draft genome sequence, the G + C content of strain YIM 134122T was found to be 68.41%, and the average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridizations values between strain YIM 134122T and Leifsonia kafniensis JCM 17021T and Leifsonia psychrotolerans CGMCC 1.12166T were 73.78% and 73.75%, and 19.6% and 19.9%, respectively, which were extremely lower than the generally proposed threshold value for species delineation. The predominant polar lipids in strain YIM 134122T consisted of phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, three unknown glycolipids, two unknown phospholipids, and one unknown lipid, whereas MK-10, MK-11 and MK-12 were the main menaquinones. The major fatty acids (> 4%) of the strain contained iso-C15:0, anteiso-C15:0, iso-C16:0 and anteiso-C17:0. On the basis of phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic, phenotypic and genotypic evidences, it is concluded that strain YIM 134122T represents a novel species of the genus Leifsonia, for with the name Leifsonia stereocauli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 134122T (= CGMCC 1.62033T = MCCC 1K08590T = KCTC 59219T). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Large language models (LLMs) offer opportunities to enhance radiological applications, but their performance in handling complex tasks remains insufficiently investigated Purpose: To evaluate the performance of LLMs integrated with Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (CEUS LI-RADS) in diagnosing small (≤20mm) hepatocellular carcinoma (sHCC) in high-risk patients. Materials and Methods: From November 2014 to December 2023, high-risk HCC patients with untreated small (≤20mm) focal liver lesions (sFLLs), were included in this retrospective study. ChatGPT-4.0, ChatGPT-4o, ChatGPT-4o mini, and Google Gemini were integrated with imaging features from structured CEUS LI-RADS reports to assess their diagnostic performance for sHCC. The diagnostic efficacy of LLMs for small HCC were compared using McNemar test. Results: The final population consisted of 403 high-risk patients (52 years ± 11, 323 men). ChatGPT-4.0 and ChatGPT-4o demonstrated substantial to almost perfect intra-agreement for CEUS LI-RADS categorization (κ values: 0.76-1.0 and 0.7-0.94, respectively), outperforming ChatGPT-4o mini (κ values: 0.51-0.72) and Google Gemini (κ values: -0.04-0.47). ChatGPT-4.0 had higher sensitivity in detecting sHCC than ChatGPT-4o (83%-89% vs. 70%-78%, p < 0.02) with comparable specificity (76%-90% vs. 83%-86%, p > 0.05). Compared to human readers, ChatGPT-4.0 showed superior sensitivity (83%-89% vs. 63%-78%, p < 0.004) and comparable specificity (76%-90% vs. 90%-95%, p > 0.05) in diagnosing sHCC. Conclusion: LLM integrated with CEUS LI-RADS offers potential tool in diagnosing sHCC for high-risk patients. ChatGPT-4.0 demonstrated satisfactory consistency in CEUS LI-RADS categorization, offering higher sensitivity in diagnosing sHCC while maintaining comparable specificity to that of human readers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, the influence of P2O5 on the break temperature and phase composition of slag from the double slag converter steelmaking process is investigated comprehensively. The composition and micromorphology of crystallized phase are analyzed by X‐Ray diffractometer and scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive spectrometer. The results reveal that the break temperature of slag increases owing to an increase of P2O5 content. When the P2O5 content is 2%, the break temperature is 1198 °C, and it increases to 1209 °C for the slag with 4% P2O5. With the increase of P2O5 content from 2% to 8%, the activation energy for viscous flow shows an upward trend. The crystallized phase at the same temperature with different P2O5 contents remains nearly unchanged, but the diffraction peak intensity is different. When the P2O5 content remains constant, a decrease in temperature results in significant changes in the micromorphology of crystallized phases. The present results improve the knowledge about the P‐rich slag, and are also significant in optimizing the double slag converter steelmaking process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Tomato is one of the most economically important vegetable crops in the world and has been seriously affected by the devastating agricultural pest root‐knot nematodes (RKNs). Current understanding of tomato resistance to RKNs is quite limited. VQ motif‐containing family proteins are plant‐specific regulators; however, whether and how tomato VQs regulate resistance to RKNs is unknown. Here, we found that SlVQ15 recruited SlWRKY30IIc to coordinately control tomato defence against the RKN Meloidogyne incognita without affecting plant growth and productivity. The jasmonate (JA)‐ZIM domain (JAZ) repressors of the phytohormone JAs signalling associated and interfered with the interaction of SlVQ15 and SlWRKY30IIc. In turn, SlWRKY30IIc bound to SlJAZs promoters and cooperated with SlVQ15 to repress their expression, whereas this inhibitory effect was antagonized by SlJAZ5, forming a feedback regulatory mechanism. Moreover, SlWRKY30IIc expression was directly regulated by SlMYC2, a SlJAZ‐interacting negative regulator of resistance to RKNs. In conclusion, our findings revealed that a regulatory circuit of SlVQ15‐SlWRKY30IIc and the JA pathway fine‐tunes tomato defence against the RKN M. incognita, and provided candidate genes and clues with great potential for crop improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acanthocephalans (thorny headed worms) of the genus Pseudoacanthocephalus mainly parasitize amphibians and reptiles across the globe. Some species of the genus Pseudoacanthocephalus also can accidentally infect human and cause human acanthocephaliasis. Current knowledge of the species composition of the genus Pseudoacanthocephalus from amphibians and reptiles in China is incomplete. An insufficiency of genetic data on species of the genus Pseudoacanthocephalus, including the complete mitochondrial genomes, has limited the use of molecular-based methods to better define the taxonomy and phylogeny of the genus Pseudoacanthocephalus. A more rigorous molecular phylogeny with broader representatives of the genus Pseudoacanthocephalus is required to further clarify the systematic status of the family Pseudoacanthocephalidae. Methods: Many specimens of the genus Pseudoacanthocephalus collected from toads and frogs in China were identified to species level using integrated morphological methods (light and scanning electron microscopy) and molecular approaches (sequencing different nuclear and mitochondrial genetic markers). The Assemble Species by Automatic Partitioning (ASAP) and Bayesian inference (BI) methods were applied for species delimitation. The complete mitochondrial genomes of two Pseudoacanthocephalus species were also sequenced and annotated to enrich the body of mitogenomic data on acanthocephalans. Additionally, phylogenetic analyses based on the amino acid sequences of 12 protein-coding genes (PCGs) of mitochondrial genomes of acanthocephalans using maximum likelihood (ML) and BI were performed to further investigate the phylogenetic position of the family Pseudoacanthocephalidae in the order Echinorhynchida. Results: Three Pseudoacanthocephalus species, including P. sichuanensis sp. n., P. previatesticulus sp. n. and P. nguyenthileae were described. The results of ASAP and BI analyses based on the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 and subunit 2 (cox1, cox2) and 12S ribosomal RNA (12S) sequences supported the separation of P. sichuanensis and P. previatesticulus from the congeneric species. The results of BI inference using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), cox1, cox2 and 12S sequence data indicated that P. sichuanensis and P. nguyenthileae have a closer relationship than P. previatesticulus and P. bufonis in Pseudoacanthocephalus. The complete mitogenomes of P. sichuanensis and P. nguyenthileae have 15,812 and 13,701 bp, respectively, with both including 36 genes and two non-coding regions. Phylogenetic results based on mitogenomic data demonstrated that the two families Pseudoacanthocephalidae and Arhythmacanthidae have a sister relationship in the order Echinorhynchida. Conclusions: Two new species of the genus Pseudoacanthocephalus, namely P. sichuanensis sp. n. and P. previatesticulus sp. n., were identified based on integrated evidence. This is the first report of P. nguyenthileae in China. A revised key for the species of the genus Pseudoacanthocephalus was provided. Molecular analyses revealed that the mitochondrial cox1, cox2 and 12S genes as genetic markers seem to be more suitable for species delimitation of Pseudoacanthocephalus than the nuclear ITS region. BI results suggested a close affinity between P. sichuanensis and P. nguyenthileae. The mitochondrial genomic data of P. sichuanensis and P. nguyenthileae are provided for the first time. Mitogenomic phylogenetic results further confirmed the validity of the family Pseudoacanthocephalidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction with high morbidity and mortality. Various studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of Chinese tonic medicines (CTMs) in treating sepsis or septic shock. However, trials directly comparing the efficacy and safety of different CTMs for sepsis or septic shock are still lacking. To identify the most optimal CTM for treating sepsis or septic shock, we plan to perform a systematic review and network meta-analysis of various CTMs used for sepsis or septic shock patients. Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the efficacy and safety of CTMs for patients with sepsis or septic shock will be systematically searched in Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, Web Of Science, CBM, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases from inception to November 2023. The quality of the included studies will be assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias V.2.0. tool. The confidence of evidence will be evaluated through the CINeMA (Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis) web application. Primary outcomes include the delta Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (△SOFA) score at day 7 after interventions and 28-day mortality. Secondary outcomes comprise delta serum lactate levels (△Lac) and delta mean arterial pressure (△MAP) at day 7 after interventions as well as total dose and duration of vasoactive drugs. Safety outcome includes adverse drug reactions or adverse drug events (ADRs/ADEs). The Bayesian network meta-analysis will be conducted using the "BUGSnet" package in R version 4.2.2. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) values will be used to rank each treatment. Statistical inconsistency assessment, publication bias assessment, heterogeneity analysis, sensitivity analysis, and subgroup analysis will be performed. Discussion: This study will provide new insights into the efficacy and safety of various CTMs used in sepsis or septic shock patients, providing help for future clinical practice and research. Systematic review registration: CRD42023482572 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The requirement for agricultural crops continues to enhance with the continuous growth of the human population globally. Plant pathogenic diseases outbreaks are enhancing and threatening food security and safety for the vulnerable in different regions worldwide. Silicon (Si) is considered a non-essential element for plant growth. It regulates the biological functions, plant development and productivity, and balance the defense mechanism in response to fungal, bacterial and pest attacks. The optimum crop yield can be achieved by applying Si in agricultural systems through different methods to replace or minimize the use of synthetic fertilizers. This approach can be effective on crop production during limited resources, extreme climates, pests and diseases, and environmental pollution. Silicon can be applied as foliar spray, priming of seeds, soil water irrigation, soil amendment and soilless medium (hydroponic) to enhance plant performance and stress tolerance capacity during stress conditions. This article summarized the effective roles of Si and the ability to perform in agroecosystems for better crop production, food security and safety for sustainable agriculture in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of sensory nodes has grown rapidly with the development of Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT), bringing about challenges in terms of hardware integration and redundant data transfer. Here, to address these problems, we propose a highly compact thermal in-sensor computing system based on a sensory crossbar array and leaky integrate-and-fire (LIF) neurons, both constructed using TaOx-based memristors. Benefiting from the self-rectifying capabilities (>104), high uniformity (3.77%) and switching mechanism-based temperature-sensing characteristics (298–418 K) of this device, it can be integrated into a crossbar array to execute both sensing and preprocessing functions simultaneously and efficiently. Moreover, this TaOx-based memristor shows the ability to integrate spatial-temporal information like biological dendrite neurons. Thus, we combine our device in series with a threshold switching unit to realize LIF neuron function. Combining the sensory crossbar array, LIF neurons and a three-layer artificial neural network, a thermal in-sensor computing system for fingerprint recognition was constructed finally and achieved 100% accuracy based on the FVC 2004 database in simulation. This work provides a new design concept for a highly compact and efficient thermal in-sensor computing system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Midbrain dopamine (mDA) neurons participate in a wide range of brain functions through an intricate regulation of DA biosynthesis. The epigenetic factors and mechanisms in this process are not well understood. Here we report that histone demethylase JMJD3 is a critical regulator for DA biosynthesis in adult mouse mDA neurons. Mice carrying Jmjd3 conditional knockout or undergoing pharmaceutical inhibition of JMJD3 showed consistent reduction of DA content in midbrain and striatum. Histological examination of both mice confirmed that TH and NURR1, two key molecules in DA biosynthesis pathway, were decreased in mDA neurons. Mechanistic experiments in vivo and in vitro further demonstrated that the transcriptions of Th and Nurr1 in mDA neurons were suppressed by JMJD3 deficiency, because of increased repressive H3K27me3 and attenuated bindings of JMJD3 and NURR1 on the promoters of both genes. On behavioral level, a significant prolonged inflammation-induced mechanical hyperalgesia was found in conditional knockout mice regardless of sex and age, whereas motor function appeared to be intact. Our findings establish a novel link between DA level in mDA neurons with intrinsic JMJD3 activity, and suggest prolonged chronic inflammatory pain as a major loss-of-function consequence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared to quantitative real-time PCR (q-PCR), CRISPR-Cas-mediated technology is more suitable for point-of-care testing (POCT) and has potential for wider application in the future. Generally, the operational procedure of CRISPR-Cas-mediated diagnostic method consists of two independent steps, the reaction of signal amplification and the CRISPR-Cas-mediated signal detection. Complex multi-step procedures can easily lead to cross-contamination. To develop a convenient and rapid method for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) detection, we propose a MCTOP method (M ultiple cross displacement amplification- C RISPR-Cas12b-based t esting in o ne- p ot), which targets the open reading frame 1ab (ORF1ab) and nucleocapsid protein (N) gene of SARS-CoV-2. This method combines MCDA isothermal amplification and CRISPR-Cas-mediated sequence-specific detection into a one-pot reaction. The optimal reaction was achieved with isothermal amplification of 40 min and CRISPR-Cas-based detection of 15 min, both at 64°C. Then, the results can be visualized by the real-time fluorescence instrument and also lateral flow biosensor. The lowest detection limit of the proposed method is 10 copies of each of target sequences, and it has no cross-reactivity with non-SARS-CoV-2 templates. In a clinical test of 70 pharyngeal swab samples, MCTOP assay showed a specificity of 100% and sensitivities of 98 and 96% for the real-time fluorescence instrument and lateral flow biosensor, respectively. The MCTOP developed in this study is a rapid, convenient, highly sensitive, and specific method for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid detection. It can be used as an effective point-of-care testing (POCT) tool for clinical diagnosis and epidemiologic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 infections, especially suitable for the basic, field and clinical laboratory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Venous thromboembolic events (VTEs) are the second‐leading cause of death in cancer patients, with an incidence of 5%–17% in lymphoma patients, particularly higher in those with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Existing risk assessment models (RAMs) like the Khorana and ThroLy scores have limitations and are inadequately validated for NHL patients. Coagulation markers such as D‐dimer, thrombin–antithrombin complex (TAT), and thrombomodulin (TM) show a potential predictive value for cancer‐associated VTE but lack extensive research in NHL. Objectives: This study aimed to analyze characteristics and predictive risk factors for VTE in newly diagnosed NHL patients and to evaluate and improve the clinical applicability of the Khorana and ThroLy scores. Methods: Data were collected from newly diagnosed NHL patients to analyze characteristics and potential predictive risk factors for VTE. The clinical applicability of the Khorana and ThroLy scores was evaluated, and the ThroLy score was improved by adjusting the hemoglobin cutoff and combining it with D‐dimer testing. Sequential testing with TM and TAT levels was also performed. Results: VTE developed in 7.09% of NHL patients. Independent risk factors for VTE included clinical Stage III/IV, mediastinal involvement, history of VTE, D‐dimer≥ 1345 μg/dL, and platelet (PLT)≥ 298 × 109, and Hb≥ 110 g/L was an independent protective factor for VTE. The ThroLy score was improved by adjusting the hemoglobin cutoff and combining it with D‐dimer testing. Sequential testing of TM and TAT achieved a sensitivity of 66.7%, specificity of 100%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 100%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 96.7%. Conclusions: VTE is a significant complication in NHL patients. The study highlighted independent risk factors and proposed a modified risk assessment model that effectively predicted VTE risk, potentially optimizing prevention and reducing healthcare costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) represent a category of serious illnesses characterized by the progressive deterioration of neuronal structure and function. The exploration of natural compounds as potential therapeutic agents has gained increasing attention in recent years owing to their wide range of pharmacological activities and minimal side effects. Baicalin (BAI) and baicalein (BE), polyphenolic flavonoids, derived from the root of Scutellaria baicalensis , evidently show potential in treating NDDs. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of the roles of BAI and BE in alleviating neuroinflammation, a pivotal pathological process implicated in various NDDs. Studies conducted prior to clinical trials have shown that BAI and BE exert protective effects on the nervous system in different animal models of NDDs. Furthermore, mechanistic studies indicate that BAI and BE exert anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines, suppressing microglial activation, and regulating microglial phenotypes. These effects are mediated through the modulation of inflammatory signaling cascades, including Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), amp-activated protein kinase (AMPK), NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain-associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/hemoglobin oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Overall, BAI and BE exhibit promising potential as natural compounds with anti-inflammatory properties and offer innovative therapeutic approaches for managing NDDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser patterning of perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) in polymer matrix enables in situ synthesis, easy integration, and much improved long‐term stability, holding great promises for varieties of photonics, and optoelectronics applications. Although multi‐color PQD patterns have been demonstrated through tuning the halide stoichiometry, it remains significantly challenging to achieve full‐color patterns due to the slow and spontaneous crystallization of the chlorinated perovskite precursor at room temperature. Herein, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) is introduced to serve as the matrix material, the excess cyano groups of which would coordinate with dissociative cesium and lead cations in the precursor film, leading to the suppression of the unprompted crystallization process. Taking advantage of the nonthermal and contactless ultrafast femtosecond laser, full‐color PQDs are in situ fabricated by tuning the halide stoichiometry in the PAN matrix, with the emission wavelength in the range of 425–685 nm, spanning from deep blue to deep red color, and a sub‐diffraction feature size of ≈400 nm. The approach allows ultrafine and programmable fabrication of full‐color PQD arrays and arbitrary patterns with high resolution and stability. This facile, efficient, and reliable technique believed to offer a novel pathway for precise manufacturing of various photonic or optoelectronic devices based on patterned PQDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) has significantly advanced; however, the underlying genetic mechanisms remain elusive. Clonal events and genetic alterations are recognized as pivotal in the pathogenesis of MM. It is now understood that a multitude of gene mutations, including those affecting RAS, TP53 , RB1 , and 1q21 amplification, are prevalent in this disease. The incorporation of several high-risk genetic factors into the Second Revision of the International Staging System (R2-ISS) underscores the prognostic significance of genetic aberrations in MM. The retinoblastoma gene (RB1), located in 13q14, encodes the retinoblastoma protein (pRB), a tumor suppressor that regulates cell cycle progression. Deletion of RB1 , which is a frequent event in MM, contributes to tumorigenesis by disrupting cell cycle control. In this respect, RB1 loss has been implicated in the progression of MM through its influence on interleukin-6 (IL-6) secretion and cell proliferation. This review comprehensively summarizes the role of RB1 in MM and expounds on the potential of targeting RB1 as a therapeutic strategy for this malignancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous research has established connections between the acromion index (AI), critical shoulder angle (CSA), acromiohumeral distance (AHD), and lateral acromion angle (LAA) with the incidence of rotator cuff tears (RCTs). Despite numerous international studies exploring the variability of shoulder joint morphology and parameters, research incorporating these parameters has yet to be conducted in Somalia. This study aims to analyze and describe the radiological parameters of acromion morphology in the Somali populations. Furthermore, to investigate the relationship of these parameters with rotator cuff tears within the Somali population. Methods: The data and physical examination of 188 patients who had a CT scan of the shoulder from 2018 to 2023 were retrospective analyses, including 107 patients (49 females, 58 males) with RCT and 81 patients (20 females, 61 males) with non-RCT. Using Three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT), parameters such as the AI, CSA, AHD, and LAA were compared between the RCT and non-RCT groups. Two independent assessors measured Each parameter from anterior views of the scapula. The inter- and intra-observer reliability was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Additionally, the relationship between these parameters and the presence of rotator cuff tears was explored, and the predictive value of each parameter was assessed through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results: The results showed excellent intra- and inter-observer reliability, with all ICC values above 0.75. Among these, the CSA exhibited the greatest measurement stability, with an intra-observer ICC of 0.929 and an inter-observer ICC of 0.911. Significant positive correlations were identified between the AI, CSA, and the presence of RCTs, with CSA exhibiting the strongest correlation (r = 0.629; P < 0.001). Additionally, significant negative correlations were found between the presence of RCTs and both AHD (–0.247) and LAA (–0.338; P < 0.001 for both). The ROC analysis revealed that the CSA is the most effective parameter for identifying the presence of RCT (area under the ROC curve. 0.857). Conclusion: The outcome of this study shows that AI, CSA, AHD, and LAA are independent factors associated with rotator cuff tears in the East African, particularly the Somali population. Specifically, larger AI, CSA, and smaller AHD and LAA are correlated with an increased likelihood of RCTs in this population. In patients with shoulder disease suspected of RCTs, using a 3D-CT scan to measure the CSA may be helpful, as it is the best predictor measurement. Clinical trial number: Not Applicable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous research has established connections between the acromion index (AI), critical shoulder angle (CSA), acromiohumeral distance (AHD), and lateral acromion angle (LAA) with the incidence of rotator cuff tears (RCTs). Despite numerous international studies exploring the variability of shoulder joint morphology and parameters, research incorporating these parameters has yet to be conducted in Somalia. This study aims to analyze and describe the radiological parameters of acromion morphology in the Somali populations. Furthermore, to investigate the relationship of these parameters with rotator cuff tears within the Somali population. Methods: The data and physical examination of 188 patients who had a CT scan of the shoulder from 2018 to 2023 were retrospective analyses, including 107 patients (49 females, 58 males) with RCT and 81 patients (20 females, 61 males) with non-RCT. Using Three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT), parameters such as the AI, CSA, AHD, and LAA were compared between the RCT and non-RCT groups. Two independent assessors measured Each parameter from anterior views of the scapula. The inter- and intra-observer reliability was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Additionally, the relationship between these parameters and the presence of rotator cuff tears was explored, and the predictive value of each parameter was assessed through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results: The results showed excellent intra- and inter-observer reliability, with all ICC values above 0.75. Among these, the CSA exhibited the greatest measurement stability, with an intra-observer ICC of 0.929 and an inter-observer ICC of 0.911. Significant positive correlations were identified between the AI, CSA, and the presence of RCTs, with CSA exhibiting the strongest correlation (r = 0.629; P < 0.001). Additionally, significant negative correlations were found between the presence of RCTs and both AHD (–0.247) and LAA (–0.338; P < 0.001 for both). The ROC analysis revealed that the CSA is the most effective parameter for identifying the presence of RCT (area under the ROC curve. 0.857). Conclusion: The outcome of this study shows that AI, CSA, AHD, and LAA are independent factors associated with rotator cuff tears in the East African, particularly the Somali population. Specifically, larger AI, CSA, and smaller AHD and LAA are correlated with an increased likelihood of RCTs in this population. In patients with shoulder disease suspected of RCTs, using a 3D-CT scan to measure the CSA may be helpful, as it is the best predictor measurement. Clinical trial number: Not Applicable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study investigated the role and mechanisms of 1.25(OH)2D3 in proliferative glomerulonephritis and its effect on the regulation of mesangial cells. Methods: Sixty male SD rats were randomly divided into four groups: control (CG), nephritis (NG), nephritis + 1.25(OH)2D3(NVG), and nephritis + 1.25(OH)2D3+ rapamycin (NVRG) (n = 15 per group). Three rats from each group were sacrificed on days 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 after intervention. Urine samples were collected over 24 hours on day 0 to measure urinary protein excretion. Renal tissue samples were stained with HE and PAS to evaluate the extent of renal injury, while immunohistochemistry was employed to quantify PCNA and mTOR expression in the renal tissues. Results: Compared to the NG, mesangial cell proliferation in the renal tissues was significantly reduced in the NVG and NVRG at all time points (all p<0.05). PCNA expressionwas significantly higher in the NG compared to the CG (p < 0.05) and significantly lower in the NVG and NVRG (p < 0.05). mTOR expression was also significantly increased in the NG compared to the CG, with a significant reduction observed in the NVG and NVRG compared to the NG. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that 1.25(OH)2D3significantly inhibits the proliferation of glomerular mesangial cells in rats. Additionally, mTOR protein is involved in the regulation of glomerular mesangial cells by 1.25(OH)2D3. These results further elucidate the molecular mechanism by which 1.25(OH)2D3alleviates renal injury in glomerulonephritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in shoreline morphology are closely related to the distribution of water resources, directly affecting the stability and health of aquatic ecosystems such as lakes and rivers. However, the high dynamics of Poyang Lake, characterized by "expansive waters in flood seasons and contracted waters in dry seasons, pose challenges for continuous shoreline morphology studies. This paper synthesizes annual data from 1987 to 2021 using the Google Earth Engine cloud computing platform and employs the Canny-Otsu algorithm to extract the shoreline of Poyang Lake. Morphological indices are then applied for quantitative analysis. The study reveals that over 35 years: (1) The shoreline of Poyang Lake is mainly distributed at the junction of the main lake area and the butterfly-shaped lake area, exhibiting significant interannual variability with notable instability, but the spatial orientation of the shoreline remains relatively stable, with minor and irregular centroid movements; (2) The shoreline of Poyang Lake is rich in resources, with an average length of 1 111 km, characterized by a longitudinally flattened and intricately convoluted shape, with mean SDI and SBD values of 8.53 and 1.36, respectively; (3) As the lake area gradually decreases, shoreline resources diminish accordingly, with shoreline morphology tending towards longitudinal flattening and increasing complexity and irregularity; (4) The circularity and SDI values of the Poyang Lake shoreline are primarily influenced by the lake area, while the SBD value is mainly determined by the shoreline length. These findings can provide a scientific basis for the formulation of ecological protection strategies and are significant for understanding the morphological evolution of the Poyang Lake shoreline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates how Chinese parents' narratives about the father's and the mother's influence on child development reveal their gender beliefs and socialization goals. Drawing on interviews of 62 father-mother pairs from a mixed-method longitudinal study in Nanjing, China, we found that contrary to the assumption that parents of both genders benefit children's development in their respective, gender-typical ways in extant literature, our participants believed that mothers as executor of 'trivial' childrearing tasks provide few positive influences than fathers who steer the 'broad' directions of child development and cultivation of male traits. Parents emphasized the importance of instilling masculinity in both boys and girls, which differs from the valuation of mothers' same-gender role modeling for daughters in Western-based studies. Yet underneath the father's 'masculine' influences are concerns about children's ability to meet increasingly rigid and narrow standards for masculinity in today's China, which imposes pressure on mothers, fathers, and sons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the influence of Bacillus subtilis adhesion on the corrosion and cavitation erosion resistance of high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) sprayed WC-10Co-4Cr coatings. The polished HVOF-sprayed WC-10Co-4Cr coatings were divided into two groups: one immersed in artificial seawater (ASW) and the other immersed in ASW containing Bacillus subtilis (BASW). Following an immersion period of 42 days, chromium oxide was detected on the ASW-immersed coating according to x-ray diffraction, while the BASW-immersed coating showed no signs of oxidation or corrosion. Electrochemical testing indicated compromised corrosion resistance in both the coatings. Nonetheless, the corrosion resistance of the BASW-immersed coating was much better than the ASW-immersed coating, suggesting that the Bacillus subtilis biofilm protected the coating surface from the corrosive substances in ASW, such as chloride ions and oxygen. Cavitation erosion testing revealed that prior immersion in ASW accelerated the erosion process, while the BASW-immersed coating displayed better resistance to cavitation erosion due to the inhibited corrosion attained by the Bacillus subtilis biofilm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STUDY QUESTION Are there significant differences in fertility outcomes between transferring two cleavage-stage embryos in a single fresh cycle and transferring one cleavage-stage embryo in a fresh cycle and one blastocyst-stage embryo in the subsequent frozen-thawed cycle? SUMMARY ANSWER In women aged <38 years with two embryos available, transferring one cleavage-stage embryo in a fresh cycle and one blastocyst-stage embryo in the subsequent frozen-thawed cycle increased live birth rates and decreased multiple live birth rates compared to transferring two cleavage-stage embryos in a single fresh cycle. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The strategy of repeated single embryo transfer (SET) has emerged as a solution to address the reduced live birth rates associated with SET per cycle. There is substantial evidence indicating that the cumulative live birth rate after repeated SET is comparable to that of double embryo transfer (DET), while significantly reducing the incidence of multiple pregnancies. Evidence regarding the outcomes of transferring two cleavage-stage embryos in a single fresh cycle versus transferring one cleavage-stage embryo in one fresh cycle and one blastocyst-stage embryo in the subsequent frozen-thawed cycle is scarce. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This study is a retrospective matched cohort study, where data were gathered from the clinical database of women who underwent IVF treatment at the Reproductive Center of Peking University Third Hospital between January 2011 and December 2019, with follow-up extending until December 2021. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The study group included cycles with a fresh cleavage-stage SET and a subsequent frozen-thawed blastocyst-stage SET (2xSET, N = 976). Fresh cleavage-stage DET was the control group (DET, N = 976). Included cycles were divided into subgroups based on age (≥38 years vs <38 years) and total number of utilizable (transferred or cryopreserved) embryos (=2 vs >2). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The duration of infertility, prevalence of unexplained infertility, and controlled ovarian stimulation regimes differed significantly between the two groups and were adjusted for in the further analysis. We observed a significant increase in clinical pregnancies (55.5% vs 42%, adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.87 [1.55–2.26]) and live births (44.8% vs 34.5%, adjusted OR 1.63 [1.35–1.97]) in favor of the 2xSET group. The preterm birth rate was lower in the study group (adjusted OR 0.64 [0.42–0.96]). Neonatal birth weight of singletons was similar between the two groups (adjusted B 4.94 g [−84.5 to 94.4]). The beneficial effect on the live birth rate disappeared in cases where aged 38 years and older or when only two embryos were utilizable. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This study is limited by differences in baseline characteristics of the two groups. Analyzing two consecutive SETs at the cleavage stage was not feasible. Additionally, the homogeneous population limits generalizability to other ethnic groups, which should be considered when interpreting the results broadly. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS We recommend a combination strategy for women under 38 years old and with more than two embryos available: transfer one cleavage-stage embryo in the fresh cycle, followed by one blastocyst-stage embryo in the subsequent frozen-thawed cycle. This strategy reduces the risk of blastocyst culture failure while maintaining a high success rate. It offers hope to families seeking additional children and avoids unnecessary embryo disposal. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) B.W.M. had received grants from NHMRC, Ferring, Merck, and Guerbet, consulting fees and stock options from ObsEva, is on the advisory board of ObsEva, and reports consultancy for Guerbet, none of which are in relation to the present manuscript. All other authors have no conflict of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous organisms in nature have demonstrated enhanced biocompatibility, precise tumor targeting capabilities, and efficient tissue traversal within the human body. Drawing inspiration from these organisms, researchers have employed bioengineering, bioconjugation, and micro‐ or nanotechnology to fabricate bioinspired micro‐ and nanostructured systems. These systems play a crucial role in addressing the limitations of conventional anticancer drugs and nanomaterials concerning biocompatibility, effective penetration of physiological barriers, as well as selective tumor targeting, thereby leading to improved therapeutic efficacy while minimizing nonspecific adverse effects on healthy cells. Consequently, extensive exploration of these bioinspired micro‐ and nanostructured systems has been undertaken across various cancer treatment modalities with some progressing into preclinical or clinical stages. However, our understanding of this field remains limited which may impede research progress, clinical translation efforts, and practical applications. Therefore, this study presents a systematic classification of bioinspired micro‐ and nanostructured systems for cancer therapy that comprehensively elucidates their sources of inspiration and design principles. Furthermore, it extensively discusses the current status of clinical translation efforts while identifying prevailing challenges and exploring future prospects. This work will establish a robust theoretical framework and serve as a valuable reference to facilitate advancements in research and clinical application within this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is the most common endocrine disorder in neonates, but its etiology is still poorly understood. Objective We performed whole exome sequencing to identify a novel causative gene for CH and functional studies to validate its role in the occurrence of CH. Methods Whole exome sequencing in 98 CH patients not harboring known CH candidate genes and bioinformatic analysis were performed. Functional analysis was performed using morpholino, a synthetic short antisense oligonucleotide that contains 25 DNA bases on a methylene morpholine backbone, in zebrafish and CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene knockout in mice. Results Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4B (EIF4B) was identified as the most promising candidate gene. The EIF4B gene was inherited in an autosomal recessive model, and 1 patient with thyroid dysgenesis carried EIF4B biallelic variants (p.S430F/p.P328L). In zebrafish, the knockdown of eif4ba/b expression caused thyroid dysgenesis and growth retardation. Thyroid hormone levels were significantly decreased in morphants compared with controls. Thyroxine treatment in morphants partially rescued growth retardation. In mice, the homozygous conceptuses of Eif4b +/− parents did not survive. Eif4b knockout embryos showed severe growth retardation, including thyroid dysgenesis and embryonic lethality before E18.5. Conclusion These experimental data support a role for EIF4B function in the pathogenesis of the hypothyroid phenotype seen in CH patients. Our work indicates that EIF4B was identified as a novel candidate gene in CH. EIF4B is essential for animal survival, but further studies are needed to validate its role in the pathogenesis of CH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Root‐knot nematodes (RKNs; Meloidogyne spp.) are a serious threat to crop production. The competition between plants and pathogens for assimilates influences the outcome of their interactions. However, the mechanisms by which plants and nematodes compete with each other for assimilates have not been elucidated. In this study, we demonstrated that miR396a plays a negative role in defense against RKNs and a positive role in sugar accumulation in tomato roots. The overexpression of SlGRF8 (Solanum lycopersicum growth‐regulating factor 8), the target of miR396a, decreased the sugar content of the roots and the susceptibility to RKNs, whereas the grf8‐cr mutation had the opposite effects. Furthermore, we confirmed that SlGRF8 regulated the sugar content in roots by directly activating the transcription of SlSTP10 (Solanum lycopersicum sugar transporter protein 10) in response to RKN stress. Moreover, SlSTP10 was expressed primarily in the tissues surrounding giant cells, and the SlSTP10 knockout increased both the sugar content in the roots and the plant's susceptibility to RKNs. Overall, this study provides important insight into the molecular mechanism through which the miR396a‐SlGRF8‐SlSTP10 module regulates sugar allocation in roots under RKN stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The sub‐acromioclavicular (SAC) decompression is often performed during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. However, the impact of SAC decompression on patients with postoperative shoulder stiffness (POSS) are controversial and unclear. This study is aim to evaluate the impact of additional sub‐acromioclavicular (SAC) decompression during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair on the postoperative shoulder stiffness (POSS) in patients. Methods: This retrospective study examined digital data from patients with full‐thickness rotator cuff tears who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair at a local institution. Patient‐reported outcomes were evaluated using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Score, the University of California–Los Angeles (UCLA) score, and visual analog scale (VAS) scores. Restricted shoulder mobility occurring within 6 months postoperatively, lasting more than 12 weeks, characterized by a passive forward flexion angle of <120° or an external rotation angle of <30°, with or without associated shoulder pain was identified as POSS. Factors affecting POSS were analyzed by binary logistic regression analysis. The patient‐reported outcomes scores were analyzed by generalized estimating equations to examine the impact of SAC decompression. Results: A total of 155 patients met the set criteria and were included in the study. The analysis of binary logistic regression showed that diabetes (p = 0.001) and SAC decompression (p = 0.003) were independent factors for POSS. In the analysis of each follow‐up point, only at the 3‐month follow‐up, the ASES scores (p = 0.003), UCLA scores (p = 0.045), and VAS scores (p = 0.005) showed significant differences between the SAC decompression group and the non‐decompression group. For the intergroup comparison, the results showed a significant difference in the ASES scores (β = −4.971, p = 0.008), UCLA scores (β = −1.524, p = 0.019), and VAS scores (β = 0.654, p = 0.010) throughout the study duration between the SAC decompression group and the non‐decompression group. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggested that SAC decompression during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair increase the risk of POSS compared with those without the decompression, which indicate surgeons do not perform SAC decompression unless necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MnO2/CoMoO4/ NF (Nickel foam) was obtained by loading MnO2 onto the surface of CoMoO4/NF using electrodeposition. The results of degradation experiments showed that the degradation efficiency of levofloxacin (LVF) (15 ppm, pH = 6.12) over MnO2/CoMoO4//NF reached 80.4% in 30 min when the PMS concentration was 0.08 mM. When the pH was lower or higher than the pH value of the original solution, the performance of the material significantly decreased due to the repulsive effect between the catalyst and SO52−. Cobalt and manganese ions exhibited a synergistic effect on the activation of PMS. The HCO3− ions showed the most significant inhibitory effect on the degradation of LVF. The free radical trapping experiments indicated that ·OH, and O2·− were the main active species in the degradation process of levofloxacin. The cyclic stability experiments proved the MnO2/CoMoO4/NF catalysts were efficient, stable and easy to recover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, an innovative online adaptive high-efficiency control strategy is proposed to improve the power generation efficiency of a marine micro gas turbine under partial load. Firstly, a mathematical model of the micro-gas turbine is established, and a control strategy consisting of an on-board prediction model and an online update model is proposed. To evaluate the performance changes of the gas turbine, we applied deep learning techniques to enhance the extreme learning machine (ELM) algorithm, resulting in the development of a high-precision, high-real-time deep extreme learning machine (DL_ELM) prediction model. This model effectively monitors changes in the gas turbine's performance. Furthermore, an online time-series deep extreme learning machine with a dynamic forgetting factor (DFF_DL_OSELM) model is designed to achieve the real-time tracking of performance variations. When the DL_ELM model detects a gas turbine's performance change, a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is employed to iteratively calculate the DFF_DL_OSELM model, determining the optimal speed control scheme to ensure the gas turbine operates at maximum efficiency. To validate the superiority of the proposed control strategy, a comparison is made with traditional high-efficiency control strategies based on polynomial fitting and BP neural networks. The results demonstrate that although all three strategies can achieve efficient operation under constant conditions, traditional strategies fail to identify and adjust to performance changes in real time, leading to decreased control performance and potential engine damage as engine characteristics degrade. In contrast, the proposed online adaptive control strategy dynamically adjusts the speed control plan based on performance degradation, ensuring that the gas turbine operates efficiently while keeping the turbine inlet and exhaust temperatures within safe limits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore the community of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in the rhizosphere soil with different generations of the hybridized progeny of wild Erianthus arundinaceus and sugarcane. Rhizosphere soils were collected from E. arundinaceus (P), and the F1, F3, and F5 progeny of its hybrid with sugarcane, and community of AMF in the rhizosphere soil was analyzed using Illumina Miseq high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that a total of 159 AMF fungal OTUs were obtained from the sequencing analysis, belonging to 1 phylum, 4 classes, 6 orders, 11 families, 14 genera, and 42 species. Alpha diversity analysis showed that the Chao1 and ACE indices decreased with increasing of the generations, that is, the highest species abundance was in parent P, and significant differences were observed between P and F1, F3, and F5 (P < 0.05). The Shannon index in P was the highest, with significant differences between P and F3, and F5. The dominant genus in P was Acaulospora, while that in F1 was Glomus, that in F3 was Claroideoglomus, and that in F5 was Glomus. Diversispora and Dentiscutata were the dominant genera unique to P. Glomus, Claroideoglomus, Acaulospora, Rhizophagus, and Gigaspora were present in the rhizosphere soil of different generations. PCoA analysis showed significant differences in the distribution of AMF communities in the rhizosphere soils of different generations. Significant differences were observed between the inter-group comparisons of the AMF community at the genus level, with significant differences in the relative abundance of Glomus and Acaulospora in different generations on the levels P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively. These findings indicate that the community of AMF in the rhizosphere soils with different generations of the hybridized progeny of E. arundinaceus with sugarcane is different, but some AMF groups do not change with addition of the generations. Further research is needed to determine whether these characteristics are related to the agronomic traits of the crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wuzhizhou Island (WZZ) is one of the most mature tourism islands on the coast of the South China Sea, and its surrounding waters are rich in tropical coral reef fishes. Tourism could affect marine biodiversity, especially the coral reef fish community. In order to understand the species diversity of fish surrounding WZZ, environmental DNA (eDNA) samples were collected from six sampling sites around the island, located in the core and non-core tourism areas, respectively, from 2022 to 2023. In total, 188 fish species, belonging to 124 genera, 63 families and 17 orders, were detected using eDNA method. The Perciformes contained the highest number of species (n = 130, 69.15% of total number). Compared to traditional fishing nets, eDNA could provide more information on fish species. The results indicated that species richness and Margalef's index were higher at the sampling sites in the core area of tourism of WZZ, which maybe relevant to tourism-based provisioning. By contrast, the Shannon–Wiener index, Pielou's index and dominant species of fish did not display significant differences between core and non-core tourism areas. On the basis of the results of the β-diversity index, the differences in fish communities had a closer relationship to geographical location. Furthermore, there were obvious differences in fish communities in different seasons, which may be attributed to the influence of ocean currents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continual learning addresses the challenge of acquiring and retaining knowledge over time across multiple tasks and environments. Previous research primarily focuses on offline settings where models learn through increasing tasks from samples paired with ground truth annotations. In this work, we focus on an unsolved, challenging, yet practical scenario, specifically, the semi-supervised online continual learning in autonomous driving and mobile robotics. In our settings, models are tasked with learning new distributions from streaming unlabeled samples and performing 3D object detection as soon as the LiDAR point cloud arrives. Additionally, we conducted experiments on both the KITTI dataset, our newly built IUSL dataset and Canadian Adverse Driving Conditions (CADC) Dataset. The results indicate that our method achieves a balance between rapid adaptation and knowledge retention, showcasing its effectiveness in the dynamic and complex environment of autonomous driving and mobile robotics. The developed ROS packages and IUSL dataset will be publicly available at: . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the IGRA, TST, and TBST by combining diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) analysis and network meta-analysis (NMA) to increase the reliability and accuracy of diagnostic methods and promote the eradication of TB. An electronic search of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases was conducted, from the date of establishment to September 30, 2024. Data were synthesized with frequentist random-effects network meta-analyses, a single-group rate meta-analysis algorithm, and a bivariate mixed-effects logistic regression model. Summarized receiver operating characteristic curves and Fagan nomograms were used to assess diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility. Deeks' funnel plots and the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 tools were used to assess publication bias and risk of bias. Sources of heterogeneity were investigated using subgroup analyses. Forty-nine studies were identified. The diagnostic performance of the three diagnostic methods for TB infection is summarized as follows: the pooled sensitivity was 77.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69–0.856), and the pooled specificity was 80.3% (95% CI, 0.75–0.86). The sensitivity and specificity of the IGRA were 82.1% (95% CI, 0.78–0.86) and 81.1% (95% CI, 0.75–0.86), respectively, both higher than the TST. However, the TBST exhibited the highest specificity, at 98.5% (95% CI, 0.96–1.00), with a sensitivity of 78.7% (95% CI, 0.68–0.88), which was between that of the IGRA and TST. Subgroup analysis found that population categories and reference standards, among other factors, may be attributed to heterogeneity. In addition, the TST and IGRA add-on TBST can significantly improve diagnostic accuracy. In our study, the IGRA showed higher sensitivity, whereas the TBST showed higher specificity. Interestingly, under certain conditions, TST add-on TBST and IGRA add-on TBST showed better accuracy than TST and IGRA alone and could provide more effective guidance for clinical practice (PROSPERO CRD42023420136). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the detection of high-energy gamma-ray emission towards the G305 star-forming region. Using almost 15 yr of observation data from Fermi Large Area Telescope, we detected an extended gamma-ray source in this region with a significance of |$\sim 13 \sigma$|⁠. The gamma-ray radiation reveals a clear pion-bump feature and can be fitted with the power-law parent proton spectrum with an index of |$-2.5$|⁠. The total cosmic ray (CR) proton energy in the gamma-ray production region is estimated to be of the order of |$10^{49}\ \rm erg$|⁠. We further derived the CR radial distribution from both the gamma-ray emission and gas distribution and found it roughly obeys the |$1/r$| type profile, though a constant profile is not ruled out. This is consistent with other similar systems and expected from the continuous injection of CRs by the central powerful young massive star cluster Danks 1 or Danks 2 in this region. Together with former detections of similar gamma-ray structures, such as Cygnus cocoon, Westerlund 1, Westerlund 2, NGC 3603, and W40, the detection supports the hypothesis that young massive star clusters are CR accelerators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an efficacious medium for enhancing oil recovery, CO2 has been extensively employed in the domain of petroleum extraction and can effectively improve the oil recovery rate to a certain extent. However, the mechanisms of oil–gas distribution and migration in low-permeability reservoirs remain unclear and require further study. The development of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) testing provides a new method for visualizing displacement experiments. This research investigates CO2 displacement and NMR testing on low-permeability cores, simultaneously focusing on multiple controlling factors such as injection pressure, temperature, core permeability, and CO2 phase state. Cores were selected based on NMR assessments of pore-permeability characteristics, followed by four sets of displacement experiments. Results show that injection pressure and core permeability are the primary factors influencing oil recovery. High injection pressure can enhance oil recovery and effective recovery occurs when pressure exceeds the threshold (about 6 MPa for core #3 in this study), with recovery rates above 30%. Low-permeability cores do not form effective displacement channels, while high-permeability cores, especially those with fractures, are prone to CO2 breakthrough, reducing recovery efficiency, such as core #6. During low-pressure recovery, there is a discernible migration of oil from smaller to larger pores before extraction, totally differing from the pattern observed in high-pressure recovery. Additionally, temperature increases were found to improve recovery slightly, but the impact of CO2 phase on recovery remains inconclusive due to the limitation of the equipment and need further discussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the variable selection problem in expectile regression under nonparametric conditions. In practical scenarios, data often exhibits heterogeneity and has a heavy‐tailed distribution. Expectile regression combines the advantages of mean regression and quantile regression, and can show the distribution characteristics of data at different expectile values. For actual data obtained, not all variables are important, selecting important variables can significantly reduce the cost of data collection and also reduce computational overhead. To extract representative feature subsets, various variable selection methods have been proposed for linear expectile regression models. However, in practice, there may be complex nonparametric relationships between explanatory and response variables. This paper extends the nonlinear variable selection method based on deep neural network DFS to nonparametric expectile regression to study the distribution correlation between explanatory and response variables in nonparametric situations. We validated the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method in numerical simulations and applied it to the used car transaction price dataset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Long non-coding RNA metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) has been identified in multiple myeloma (MM); its influence on the homing behavior in MM cells is unclear. This study elucidates the impact and mechanism by which MALAT1 affects the homing behavior in MM cells. Methods: Bone marrow was obtained from patients with MM. MALAT1 and C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) expression in cluster of differentiation 138-purified (CD138) plasma cells were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. MALAT1, CXCR4, and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) influences on MM cell viability, proliferation, and invasion was monitored by CCK-8, 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine, and Transwell assays. qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and ELISA were utilized to detect homing effect-related proteins in MM cells, including intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and very late antigen-4 (VLA-4). Results: MALAT1 and CXCR4 were overexpressed in CD138-purified plasma cells from bone marrow of MM patients, associating with bone damage. MALAT1 upregulated CXCR4 in MM cells. MALAT1 overexpression enhanced MM cell viability, proliferation, and invasion, whereas CXCR4 silencing reversed them. CXCR4 silencing attenuated MALAT1 induction on ICAM-1 and VLA-4 expression in MM cells. CXCL12 upregulation intensified MM cell proliferation and invasion and ICAM-1 and VLA-4 expression in MM cells. MALAT1 silencing counteracted the impact of CXCL12. Conclusion: MALAT1 silencing may repress CXCL12 induction on MM cell proliferation, invasion, and homing behavior by inhibiting CXCR4. MALAT1 may be a promising target for MM treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this laboratory, FOX-7@Al composites were developed by spray-drying technique. The effects of inlet temperature, feed rate and nitrogen flow rate and their interactions on the morphology and yield of FOX-7@Al were investigated by response surface methodology (RSM). Corresponding empirical equations were derived to show these interactions. The optimum process conditions determined by RSM were as follows: inlet temperature of 90°C, nitrogen flow rate of 450 L·h−1 and feed rate of 4.25 mL·min−1. The crystal structure, surface element distribution and thermal decomposition performance of FOX-7@Al in optimal condition were researched. Small crystallinity and low crystallinity of FOX-7 were observed in the XRD pattern, which were caused by the recrystallization of FOX-7 during the spray drying process. FOX-7@Al exhibited a concentrated energy release efficiency and a uniformed component distribution. The surface of aluminum nanoparticle was covered by FOX-7 and Viton, which effectively suppressed the agglomeration of aluminum nanoparticles and enhanced the heat and mass transfer properties. The work present here not only gives information for predicting, optimizing and improving the preparation conditions of energetic composites, but also provides a spray drying method for dealing with the materials distribution and thermal decomposition performance of composite aluminized explosives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]