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In this narrative review, we explore developments in the field of computational musculoskeletal model personalization using the Physiome and Musculoskeletal Atlas Projects. Model geometry personalization; statistical shape modeling; and its impact on segmentation, classification, and model creation are explored. Examples include the trapeziometacarpal and tibiofemoral joints, Achilles tendon, gastrocnemius muscle, and pediatric lower limb bones. Finally, a more general approach to model personalization is discussed based on the idea of multiscale personalization called scaffolds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Early Cretaceous mafic dikes occur widely in the major gold districts of the eastern North China Craton (NCC), which are coeval and cospatial with many gold deposits, and these mantle-derived magmatic rocks provide a window to investigate the mantle compositions and metasomatism. Here, we present the Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic compositions of the Xiaoqinling mafic dikes and compare with regional geochemical and isotopic data for mafic dikes in Jiaodong, Xiaoqinling and interior of the NCC. The results indicate that the Early Cretaceous mafic dikes of Xiaoqinling and Jiaodong low-Ti group were derived from arc-like subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM), that of Jiaodong high-Ti group were derived from OIB-like asthenospheric mantle, and that of the interior NCC were derived from both of lithospheric and asthenospheric mantle. Further, their mantle sources during Early Cretaceous were dominantly metasomatized by aqueous fluids derived from subduction slab as well as by limited melt and carbonate. Furthermore, the mantle beneath the Jiaodong low-Ti and Xiaoqinling is mainly characterized by EM2 type, whereas that of the interior NCC is mainly of EM1 type. Besides, the whole-rock Nd and zircon Hf isotopic compositions of these mafic dikes show clearly temporal and spatial variations with their ages of 145 ~ 110 Ma, reflecting that the mantle of the eastern NCC changed from the ancient IAB-like SCLM to juvenile OIB-like mantle through metasomatism. This process was controlled by the slab rollback of the paleo-Pacific plate during the extension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We focus on utilizing the Labyrinth system for the detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in patients with lung nodules. Our aim is to evaluate CTCs isolated through the Labyrinth system as a biomarker for early-stage lung cancer (LC) detection. Methods: 167 patients with low dose computed tomography (LDCT) diagnostic results for lung nodules and 31 healthy volunteers (HV) were enrolled. Blood samples were processed for CTC detection. LDCT positive (LDCT+) patients underwent surgery and were categorized into those with LC and those with benign lung diseases (BLD) based on their biopsy results. BLD Patients, LDCT negative (LDCT-) patients and HV served as controls. The correlation of CTC counts with LC, BLD, LDCT- and HV was investigated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the Labyrinth system's diagnostic potential for early-stage LC. Results: Median CTC counts for LC, BLD, LDCT- and HV were 2.7 CTC/mL, 0.6 CTC/mL, 0.4 CTC/mL, 0 CTC/mL, respectively. Statistical analysis indicated CTC counts could distinguish LC from BLD, LDCT- and HV (p-Values < 0.001). Using a cut-off of 1 CTC/mL, the study showed 84.4% sensitivity and 82.4% specificity for LDCT+ patients. Specificity increased to 85.9% for patients with lung nodules and 88.2% for all participants. In conclusion, CTCs detected by the Labyrinth system can serve as a biomarker for early-stage LC detection for patients with lung nodules. Conclusions: CTCs identified by the Labyrinth system are a promising biomarker for early-stage LC detection in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) holds promise as a novel marker for heart failure. However, current detection methods fall short of meeting essential clinical requirements. Objectives The aim of this investigation was to assess the clinical significance of serum GDF-15 detection through the chemiluminescence method and to enhance its clinical application for predicting and evaluating heart failure in patients. Methods A total of 122 patients were included in the study. Serum GDF-15 levels were assessed using the chemiluminescence method and compared with results for NT-proBNP, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), growth stimulation expressed gene 2 (ST2), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Additionally, we conducted an analysis to evaluate the correlation between these indicators and heart failure events. Results LVEF, ST2, NT-proBNP, and GDF-15 exhibited significant associations with heart failure. In the multivariate proportional hazard analysis, subsequent to adjusting for the effects of other markers, however, only LVEF and GDF-15 retained their associations with heart failure events. Notably, GDF-15 emerged as the exclusive marker suitable for diagnosing heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Conclusion The chemiluminescence method proved efficient in the rapid and sensitive detection of GDF-15 in patients with heart failure. Additionally, GDF-15 combined with other markers created a robust multi-index model. This model is valuable for heart failure diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring, with broad clinical applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gallstones are strongly associated with eating occasion (EO) and energy distribution, but few studies have addressed this aspect. Therefore, we utilize the data from 2017 to 2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to explore the association between temporal eating patterns and energy distribution patterns with the incidence of gallstones. Methods: Our study comprised participants who completed the NHANES dietary intake interview and self-reported health questionnaire at age 20 or older. The self-report method for gallstones (have you ever been told by a doctor) was used. We use the latent class analysis (LCA) identified temporal eating patterns, and identified energy distribution patterns through latent profile analysis (LPA). The association between temporal eating patterns, energy distribution patterns, and gallstones was examined using logistic regression modeling. Results: The study included a total of 4,692 participants. LCA identified four temporal eating patterns labeled as “Conventional,” “Early breakfast,” “Later breakfast,” and “Grazing.” Compared to the “Conventional” pattern, the “Early breakfast” pattern (OR 0.809, 95%CI 0.808–0.811) was associated with a reduced risk of gallstones, while the “Later breakfast” (OR 1.435, 95%CI 1.432–1.438) and “Grazing” (OR 1.147, 95%CI 1.145–1.148) patterns were associated with an increased risk of gallstones. LPA identified four energy distribution patterns labeled as “Guideline,” “High carbohydrates,” “Carbs-fat balance,” and “High fat.” The “High carbohydrates” pattern (OR 1.329, 95%CI 1.326–1.331) was associated with an increased risk of gallstones compared to the “Guideline” pattern. The “Carbs-fat balance” pattern (OR 0.877, 95%CI 0.876–0.879) and the “High fat” pattern (OR 0.848, 95%CI 0.846-0.850) were significantly and negatively associated with the risk of gallstones. Conclusions: To summarize, inappropriate timing of eating and energy sources are associated with gallstones. As a dietary prevention measure for gallstones, we suggest adhering to a regular eating routine and avoiding overly casual and frequent food consumption. If the main EO routine occurs in the morning, this time should not exceed 9:00 a.m. Additionally, reducing carbohydrate intake and maintaining a moderate level of fat intake is believed to contribute to a lower risk of gallstones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cobalt is a critical and strategic metal mainly found as associated element in several types of deposits, of which skarn‐type deposits are the major sources. Han‐Xing type skarn iron deposit, having high grade iron ore and associated cobalt, is a typical skarn‐type iron ore in China. But the complete recovery and exploitation of cobalt are restricted because of the lower grade of related cobalt and the dearth of prior research on its occurrence condition and enrichment mechanism. In this paper, pyrite from five typical ore deposits in the Han‐Xing area was studied by using electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and laser‐ablation inductively‐coupled‐plasma mass‐spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS) techniques to decipher the occurrence state and enrichment mechanism of associated cobalt in skarn‐type iron deposits. The results show that Co2+ replaces Fe2+ in pyrite through isomorphism. The distribution of cobalt in pyrite from different deposits varies greatly, that is, in the Xishimen iron deposit, the cobalt content is comparatively enriched in the pyrite's core. In contrast, in other deposits, the cobalt content is concentrated in the pyrite's rims, where it can be up to 1000 times higher than in the core. The cobalt mineralization in Han‐Xing area can be divided into several stages. The sulphur element of sulphide is mainly derived from evaporite, while cobalt mineralization occurred in the early stage with pyrite formation or in the late stage by metasomatism/cementation of Co‐rich ore‐forming fluid. The magma assimilated with the Ordovician evaporite not only promoted iron mineralization, but also became the main controlling factor for cobalt enrichment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to establish a random forest model for detecting the severity of Graves Orbitopathy (GO) and identify significant classification factors. This is a hospital-based study of 199 patients with GO that were collected between December 2019 and February 2022. Clinical information was collected from medical records. The severity of GO can be categorized as mild, moderate-to-severe, and sight-threatening GO based on guidelines of the European Group on Graves' orbitopathy. A random forest model was constructed according to the risk factors of GO and the main ocular symptoms of patients to differentiate mild GO from severe GO and finally was compared with logistic regression analysis, Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Naive Bayes. A random forest model with 15 variables was constructed. Blurred vision, disease course, thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibodies, and age ranked high both in mini-decreased gini and mini decrease accuracy. The accuracy, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and the F1 Score of the random forest model are 0.83, 0.82, 0.86, and 0.82, respectively. Compared to the three other models, our random forest model showed a more reliable performance based on AUC (0.85 vs. 0.83 vs. 0.80 vs. 0.76) and accuracy (0.83 vs. 0.78 vs. 0.77 vs. 0.70). In conclusion, this study shows the potential for applying a random forest model as a complementary tool to differentiate GO severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Miao medicine Radix Wikstroemia indica (RWI) is derived from the root of W. indica (L.) C. A. Mey. which has an analgesic effect, but its mechanism is not clear. Because of the toxicity of RWI, the research group used the "Sweat soaking method" to process RWI in the early stage to reduce its toxicity. Therefore, this study explored the analgesic effect and mechanism of processed RWI through network pharmacology and metabolomics. Purpose: To explore the analgesic effect and therapeutic mechanism of RWI processed by "Sweat soaking method". Materials and Methods: The torsion experiment was carried out with acetic acid. The metabolomic analysis of serum samples was carried out based on 1H-NMR technology, and the intersection targets of RWI and pain diseases were screened by network pharmacology for gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis. Results: RWI has an analgesic effect and is related to metabolites such as 4-pyridoxic acid, l-glutamic acid, and agmatine. It is involved in arginine and proline metabolism, arginine biosynthesis, and alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism. In network pharmacology, there were 404 common targets between RWI and pain diseases, and eight core targets were screened, including SRC, STAT3, and HSP90AA1. GO functional enrichment analysis found that RWI had effects on molecular processes such as protein phosphorylation and response to xenobiotic stimulus, cell composition such as receptor complex and membrane raft, and molecular functions such as enzyme binding. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis obtained 193 pathways. Arginine proline metabolism and nitrogen metabolism are involved in the same pathway as metabolomic analysis. Conclusion: RWI has an analgesic effect, and its therapeutic mechanism mainly involves arginine and proline metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Radix Wikstroemia indica (RWI) is one of the most commonly used drugs in Miao medicine. However, RWI is characterized by high toxicity. Objectives: In this study, we aimed to observe the effect of the "sweat soaking method" processed on reducing the hepatotoxicity of RWI and on cytochrome P450 (CYP) protein expression. Materials and Methods: The study focused on investigating the impact of both RWI raw products and RWI processed products on the proliferation of L-02 cells. To assess this, a cell counting kit-8 was employed. After the administration of RWI through oral gavage for a duration of 15 days in rats, the corresponding kits were utilized to determine the serum levels of the liver index factor. Furthermore, both hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and western blot analysis were conducted to analyze the liver tissues. Results: Both the raw RWI and the processed RWI at high doses inhibited the proliferation of L-02 cells, but the cell viability of the concoction group was higher than that of the raw group. The liver tissues of rats in the control and processed product groups were normal, while those in the raw product groups showed different degrees of liver damage. Additionally, compared with the control group, the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine transaminase (ALT) in the raw product groups was notably increased in a dose-dependent manner; the three enzyme activities of the processed group were lower than those of the raw product group. In addition, the expression levels of CYP3A4, 2C19, 2C9, 1A2, and 2E1 in the liver tissue of rats in the processed group were lower than those in the raw group, while the protein expression trend of CYP2D6 was irregular. Conclusion: The detoxication mechanism of RWI, after undergoing processing, appears to be associated with reduced protein expression of CYP1A2, CYP2E1, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP3A4, ultimately leading to decreased liver injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dauricine (DAU), a benzyl tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloid isolated from the root of Menispermum dauricum DC, exhibits promising anti-Alzheimer's disease (AD) effects, but its underlying mechanisms remain inadequately investigated. This paper aims to identify potential targets and molecular mechanisms of DAU in AD treatment. Methods: Network pharmacology and molecular docking simulation method were used to screen and focus core targets. Various transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans models were chosen to validate the anti-AD efficacy and mechanism of DAU. Results: There are 66 potential DAU-AD target intersections identified from 100 DAU and 3036 AD-related targets. Subsequent protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis identified 16 core targets of DAU for anti-AD. PIK3CA, AKT1 and mTOR were predicted to be the central targets with the best connectivity through the analysis of "compound-target-biological process-pathway network". Molecular docking revealed strong binding affinities between DAU and PIK3CA, AKT1, and mTOR. In vivo experiments demonstrated that DAU effectively reduced paralysis in AD nematodes caused by Aβ aggregation toxicity, downregulated expression of PIK3CA, AKT1, and mTOR homologues (age-1, akt-1, let-363), and upregulated expression of autophagy genes and the marker protein LGG-1. Simultaneously, DAU increased lysosomal content and enhanced degradation of the autophagy-related substrate protein P62. Thioflavin T（Th-T）staining experiment revealed that DAU decreased Aβ accumulation in AD nematodes. Further experiments also confirmed DAU's protein scavenging activity in polyglutamine (polyQ) aggregation nematodes. Conclusion: Collectively, the mechanism of DAU against AD may be related to the activation of the autophagy-lysosomal protein clearance pathway, which contributes to the decrease of Aβ aggregation and the restoration of protein homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aims to analyse changes in urinary kidney injury markers in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP), investigate the risk factors for MPP-related acute kidney injury (AKI) and establish a model to predict MPP-related AKI. Methods: Ninety-five children were enrolled based on the study's inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were divided into a severe MPP (SMPP) group and a non-SMPP group and then into an AKI group and a non-AKI group according to the presence of AKI. A univariate logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the early risk factors for AKI. Based on a multivariate logistic regression analysis and a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis, appropriate variables were selected to establish a prediction model, and R 4.2.2 software was used to draw nomograms and generate a dynamic nomogram website. Results: Seven urinary kidney injury markers were abnormally elevated in the SMPP group and the non-SMPP group: urinary N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), β2-microglobulin, α1-microglobulin, retinol-binding protein, urinary immunoglobulin G, urinary transferrin and urinary microalbumin. Sixteen children were identified with AKI during hospitalisation. The AKI group had higher levels of urinary NAG, α1-microglobulin, β2-microglobulin, urinary microalbumin, urinary transferrin and retinol-binding protein than the non-AKI group (P < 0.05). The MPP-related AKI prediction model consists of four indicators (serum immunoglobulin M [IgM], C-reactive protein [CRP], urine NAG and sputum plug presence) and a dynamic nomogram. Conclusion: Urinary kidney injury markers are often elevated in children with MPP; urinary NAG is the marker most likely to be elevated, and it is especially evident in severe cases. The nomogram of the prediction model, comprising serum IgM, CRP, urinary NAG and sputum plug presence, can predict the probability of AKI in children with MPP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The digital correlator is one of the most crucial data processing components of a radio telescope array. With the scale of radio interferometeric array growing, many efforts have been devoted to developing a cost-effective and scalable correlator in the field of radio astronomy. In this paper, a 192-input digital correlator with six CASPER ROACH2 boards and seven GPU servers has been deployed as the digital signal processing system for Tianlai cylinder pathfinder located in Hongliuxia observatory. The correlator consists of 192 input signals (96 dual-polarization), 125-MHz bandwidth, and full-Stokes output. The correlator inherits the advantages of the CASPER system, for example, low cost, high performance, modular scalability, and a heterogeneous computing architecture. With a rapidly deployable ROACH2 digital sampling system, a commercially expandable 10 Gigabit switching network system, and a flexible upgradable GPU computing system, the correlator forms a low-cost and easilyupgradable system, poised to support scalable large-scale interferometeric array in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triply interlocked [2]catenane complexes featuring two identical, mechanically interlocked units are extraordinarily rare chemical compounds, whose properties and applications remain open to detailed studies. Herein, we introduce the rational design of a new ligand precursor, L1, suitable for the synthesis of six triply interlocked [2]catenanes by coordination‐driven self‐assembly. The interlocked compounds can be reversibly converted into the corresponding simple triangular prism metallacage by addition of H2O or DMF solvents to their CH3OH solutions, thereby demonstrating the importance of π⋅⋅⋅π stacking and hydrogen bonding interactions in the formation of triply interlocked [2]catenanes. Moreover, extensive studies have been conducted to assess the remarkable photothermal conversion performance. Complex 6 a, exhibiting outstanding photothermal conversion performance (conversion efficiency in solution : 31.82 %), is used to prepare novel photoresponsive elastomer in combination with thermally activated liquid crystal elastomer. The resultant material displays robust response to near‐infrared (NIR) laser and the capability of completely reforming the shape and reversible actuation, paving the way for the application of half‐sandwich organometallic units in photo‐responsive smart materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triply interlocked [2]catenane complexes featuring two identical, mechanically interlocked units are extraordinarily rare chemical compounds, whose properties and applications remain open to detailed studies. Herein, we introduce the rational design of a new ligand precursor, L1, suitable for the synthesis of six triply interlocked [2]catenanes by coordination‐driven self‐assembly. The interlocked compounds can be reversibly converted into the corresponding simple triangular prism metallacage by addition of H2O or DMF solvents to their CH3OH solutions, thereby demonstrating the importance of π⋅⋅⋅π stacking and hydrogen bonding interactions in the formation of triply interlocked [2]catenanes. Moreover, extensive studies have been conducted to assess the remarkable photothermal conversion performance. Complex 6 a, exhibiting outstanding photothermal conversion performance (conversion efficiency in solution : 31.82 %), is used to prepare novel photoresponsive elastomer in combination with thermally activated liquid crystal elastomer. The resultant material displays robust response to near‐infrared (NIR) laser and the capability of completely reforming the shape and reversible actuation, paving the way for the application of half‐sandwich organometallic units in photo‐responsive smart materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Awards can propel academic careers. They also reflect the culture and values of the scientific community. But do awards incentivize greater transparency, inclusivity, and openness in science? Our cross-disciplinary survey of 222 awards for the "best" journal articles across all 27 SCImago subject areas revealed that journals and learned societies administering such awards generally publish little detail on their procedures and criteria. Award descriptions were brief, rarely including contact details or information on the nominations pool. Nominations of underrepresented groups were not explicitly encouraged, and concepts that align with Open Science were almost absent from the assessment criteria. At the same time, 10% of awards, especially the recently established ones, tended to use article-level impact metrics. USA-affiliated researchers dominated the winner's pool (48%), while researchers from the Global South were uncommon (11%). Sixty-one percent of individual winners were men. Overall, Best Paper awards miss the global calls for greater transparency and equitable access to academic recognition. We provide concrete and implementable recommendations for scientific awards to improve the scientific recognition system and incentives for better scientific practice. Research awards are an integral part of the universal "prestige economy" in science, but do they incentivize greater transparency, inclusivity, and openness? This study uses cross-disciplinary data to explore the level of transparency of publicly available award descriptions and assessment criteria, asking whether such awards contribute to or propagate existing reproducibility crises and inequities in science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microwave irradiation has exceptional advantages for materials preparation and extractive metallurgy with its unique and distinguished characteristic of volumetric and selective heating. Here, we design a new experimental apparatus and construct an efficient microwave heating reaction system between MgO-CaO and Al-C powders to prepare magnesium using microwave heating method by the reasonable addition of graphite powders into the reaction sample at atmospheric pressure. First, the effect of ball milling on the microwave heating characteristics of the reaction sample was investigated by using Material studio software. Then, the effects of ball milling, forming pressure of sample and composition of reducing agents on the reduction ratio of MgO were studied as well. Furthermore, the sample and reduzates were characterized by XRD, SEM and EDS; the reaction mechanism reinforced by microwave irradiation was revealed as well. It was found that the reaction samples were rapidly heated up to 1323 K, when the microwave irradiation time is about 1000 s. Moreover, the CaC2 phase was formed during the reduction of MgO, which could improve the reduction efficiency of MgO. These results show that microwave irradiation has a good reinforcing effect on the reaction, and our results could offer new insight into high-efficiency magnesium producing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the water level coseismic response characteristics of Sichuan fluid network to the three iarge earthquakes, the 2022 Lushan MS6. 1, the 2022 Maerkang MS6. 0 and the 2022 Luding MS6. 8 earthquakes, are analyzed statistically. The results show that the three strong earthquakes induced different degrees of water level coseismic response in most areas of Sichuan. The coseismic responses amplitude of water level induced by the three earthquakes are significantly correlated with the earthquake magnitude, while not significantly correlated with well-epicenter distances. In a large range, the coseismic response amplitude of water level are influenced by the aquifer lithology, geological structure, and wellbore conditions. The coseismic response types of water level are mainly affected by the well-epicenter distances, and little related to the wellbore-depth. For the 2022 Luding MS6. 8 earthquake, the reason for the large difference in the coseismic response amplitude of water level of wells Chuan-20, Chuan-49 and Chuan-50 may be the different wellbore bearing capacity. Due to the effects from the aquifer lithology, the location in the fault zone and the wellbore bearing capacity, the coseismic response amplitude of the water level of wells Chuan-46, Chuan-47 and Chuan-48, being close to each other in the same fault zone, are different in the three strong earthquakes. In the 2022 Lushan MS6. 1 earthquake, the coseismic response types of water level between wells Chuan-46 and Chuan-47 are different, which may be related to the different main control factors of dynamic or static stress on the wells water level. The statistical and analytical results of water level coseismic response are affected by the sampling rate of instruments. The analysis results of water level coseismic response, using minute water level data, may not be accurate enough. The seconds water level data can provide more accurate and rich water seismic waves information for the detailed study of the water level coseismic response characteristics and mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myocardial infarction (MI) remains a major threat to human health due to the limited energy supply, disordered cell metabolism, massive cardiomyocyte death, and restricted regeneration. Although currently available therapies may relieve myocardial damage, restoring the dysregulated energy metabolism to normal levels has not yet been achieved. MOTS‐c has recently been identified as a regulator of biological metabolism to combat aging; however, its role in reprogramming cardiac metabolism remains to be elucidated. Here, MOTS‐c is chemically conjugated to self‐assembling Q11 peptide to fabricate an injectable hydrogel (MQgel) aimed to improve mitochondria function and cardiomyocyte metabolism post‐MI. It is observed that MQgel effectively protects mitochondria from oxidative damage and normalized cardiomyocyte metabolism, including glucose uptake, glycolysis, and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, thereby inhibiting cardiomyocyte death and enhancing cardiomyocyte activity. In a rat MI model, intramyocardial injection of MQgel successfully minimizes the infarct area and fibrosis, promotes angiogenesis, suppresses myocardial hypertrophy, and improves cardiomyocyte survival and metabolic enzyme activity, all of which collaboratively attenuate the maladaptive cardiac remodeling and boost cardiac function and tissue repair. The findings suggest that the self‐assembled mitochondria metabolism‐regulatory peptide hydrogel effectively treats MI, and cellular bioenergy modulation provides a new therapeutic approach for tissue repair after injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a common inherited metabolic disease that causes premature atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, and even death at a young age. Approximately 95% of FH-causing genetic variants that have been identified are in the LDLR gene. However, only 10% of the FH population worldwide has been diagnosed and adequately treated, due to the existence of numerous unidentified variants, uncertainties in the pathogenicity scoring of many variants, and a substantial number of individuals lacking access to genetic testing. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify a novel variant in the LDLR gene that causes FH in a Chinese family, thereby expanding the spectrum of FH-causing variants. Methods: Patients were recruited from Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University. FH diagnosis was made according to the Dutch Lipid Clinical Network (DLCN) criteria. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was conducted to identify the FH-causing variant in the proband, and amplicon sequencing was used to verify the variant in his family members. Results: A three-generation Chinese family was recruited, and two FH patients were clinically diagnosed, both without known FH-causing variants. These two FH patients and another possible patient carried a novel variant, NC_000019.9(NM_000527.5):c.89_92dup (NP_000518.1:p.Phe32Argfs*21), in the ligand-binding domain of the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor that led to a frameshift. The FH adults in the family showed severe clinical symptoms and statin therapy resistance. Conclusion: This study identified a novel pathogenic LDLR variant, c.89_92dup, associated with severe FH clinical manifestations and statin therapy resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on ERA5 reanalysis data, the present study analyzed the thermal energy development mechanism and kinetic energy conversion characteristics of two extreme rainstorm processes in relation to the shallow southwest vortex in the warm-sector during a "rain-generated vortex" process and the deep southwest vortex in a "vortex-generated rain" process. The findings were as follows: (1) During the extreme rainstorm on August 11, 2020 (hereinafter referred to as the "8·11" process), intense surface heating and a high-energy unstable environment were observed. The mesoscale convergence system triggered convection to produce heavy rainfall, and the release of latent condensation heat generated by the rainfall promoted the formation of a southwest vortex. The significant increase (decrease) in atmospheric diabatic heating and kinetic energy preceded the increase (decrease) in vorticity. By contrast, the extreme rainstorm on August 16, 2020 (hereinafter referred to as the "8·16" process) involved the generation of southwest vortex in a low-energy and highhumidity environment. The dynamic uplift of the southwest vortex triggered rainfall, and the release of condensation latent heat from rainfall further strengthened the development of the southwest vortex. The significant increase (decrease) in atmospheric diabatic heating and kinetic energy exhibited a delayed progression compared to the increase (decrease) in vorticity. (2) The heating effect around the southwest vortex region was non-uniform, and the heating intensity varied in different stages. In the "8·11" process, the heating effect was the strongest in the initial stage, but weakened during the vortex's development. On the contrary, the heating effect was initially weak in the "8·16" process, and intensified during the development stage. (3) The available potential energy of the "8·11" process significantly increased in kinetic energy converted from rotational and divergent winds through baroclinic action, and the divergent wind energy continued to convert into rotational wind energy. By contrast, the "8·16" process involved the conversion of rotational wind energy into divergent wind energy, which in turn converted kinetic energy back into available potential energy, thereby impeding the further development and maintenance of the southwest vortex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a comprehensive investigation on the mass function (MF) of a snake-like stellar structure in the solar neighbourhood, building on our previous discovery. To ensure the reliability of the data, we reselect the member stars of the Stellar 'Snake' in the latest Gaia Data Release 3 using the same approach as the initial series of articles. We also precisely measure the physical parameters of the clusters within the Stellar Snake. In light of the high completeness of the member stars in the cluster regions, we develop a simulated model colour–magnitude diagram-based inference method to derive the mass function, binary fraction, and mass-ratio distribution of the clusters in the Stellar Snake. Notably, despite their similar ages and metallicity, we discover systematic variations in the MFs along the elongation direction of the Snake in the mass range of 0.5 to 2.0 M⊙. The 'head' of the Snake conforms to a canonical initial mass function with a power-law slope of α ∼ −2.3. Extending towards the 'tail', the MF becomes more top-light, indicating a deficiency of massive stars within these clusters. This result provides evidence for the delayed formation of massive stars in the clusters. Such clues give support to the hypothesis that the Stellar Snake constitutes as a hierarchically primordial structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the finding of four changing look (CL) Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN). We selected these sources due to their potential as interesting targets when considering their relatively large optical flux variations and related mid-infrared flux variations. To identify their CL feature, we use archival spectra from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) taken at least 8 yr ago as well as spectra taken recently from the Transient Name Server (TNS) and with the 2.4-m LiJiang telescope (LJT). We study the sources' spectral changes by fitting and determining the Hα and Hβ components and verify their CL behaviour. When comparing the TNS and/or LJT spectra to the SDSS ones, all four sources showed the appearance of a broad or a stronger broad Hα component and a relatively weak broad Hβ component. As two of the four sources are established to have a brighter-and-bluer feature in the photometric data, during the time periods in which the TNS and LJT spectra were taken, this feature likely accompanied the turn-on of the broad components. Thus, we suggest that this brighter-and-bluer feature can be used as a criterion for efficiently finding CL sources among previously spectroscopically classified type 2 AGN, such as from among the sources provided by the SDSS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diet plays an important role in Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection, and our objective was to investigate potential connections between dietary patterns, specific food groups, and HP infection status in U.S. adults. Methods: The data for this study was obtained from the NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Survey) database for the year 1999–2000. This cross-sectional study involved the selection of adults aged 20 years and older who had undergone dietary surveys and HP testing. Factor analysis was employed to identify dietary patterns, and logistic regression models were utilized to assess the association between these dietary patterns and specific food groups with HP infection status. Result: Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, our final analysis included 2,952 individuals. The median age of participants was 51.0 years, and 48.7% were male. In the study population, the overall prevalence of HP infection was 44.9%. Factor analysis revealed three distinct dietary patterns: High-fat and high-sugar pattern (including solid fats, refined grains, cheese, and added sugars); Vegetarian pattern (comprising fruits, juices, and whole grains); Healthy pattern (encompassing vegetables, nuts and seeds, and oils). Adjusted results showed that the high-fat and high-sugar pattern (OR = 0.689, 95% CI: 0.688–0.690), vegetarian pattern (OR = 0.802, 95% CI: 0.801–0.803), and healthy pattern (OR = 0.717, 95% CI: 0.716–0.718) were all linked to a lower likelihood of HP infection. Further analysis of the high-fat and high-sugar pattern revealed that solid fats (OR = 0.717, 95% CI: 0.716–0.718) and cheese (OR = 0.863, 95% CI: 0.862–0.864) were protective factors against HP infection, while refined grains (OR = 1.045, 95% CI: 1.044–1.046) and added sugars (OR = 1.014, 95% CI: 1.013–1.015) were identified as risk factors for HP infection. Conclusion: Both the Vegetarian pattern and the Healthy pattern are associated with a reduced risk of HP infection. Interestingly, the High-fat and High-sugar pattern, which is initially considered a risk factor for HP infection when the score is low, becomes a protective factor as the intake increases. Within this pattern, animal foods like solid fats and cheese play a protective role, while the consumption of refined grains and added sugars increases the likelihood of HP infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phenomenon of polymorphism is ubiquitous in nature, the controlled manipulation of which not only increases our ontological understanding of nature but also facilitates the conceptualization and realization of novel functional materials. However, achieving targeted polymorphism in supramolecular assemblies (SAs) remains a formidable challenge, largely because of the constraints inherent in controlling the specific binding motifs of noncovalent interactions. Herein, we propose self‐adaptive aromatic cation‐π binding motifs to construct polymorphic SAs in both the solid and solution states. Using distinct discrete cation‐π‐cation and long‐range cation‐π binding motifs enables control of the self‐assembly directionality of a C2h‐symmetric bifunctional monomer, resulting in the successful formation of both two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional crystalline SAs (2D‐CSA and 3D‐CSA). The differences in the molecular packing of 3D‐CSA compared with that of 2D‐CSA significantly improve the charge separation and carrier mobility, leading to enhanced photocatalytic activity for the aerobic oxidation of thioanisole to methyl phenyl sulfoxide (yield of 99 % vs 57 %). 2D‐CSA, which has a vertical extended structure with favorable stronger interaction with toluene though face‐to‐face cation‐π interactions than methylcyclohexane, shows higher toluene/methylcyclohexane separation efficiency than 3D‐CSA (96.9 % for 2D‐CSA vs 56.3 % for 3D‐CSA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phenomenon of polymorphism is ubiquitous in nature, the controlled manipulation of which not only increases our ontological understanding of nature but also facilitates the conceptualization and realization of novel functional materials. However, achieving targeted polymorphism in supramolecular assemblies (SAs) remains a formidable challenge, largely because of the constraints inherent in controlling the specific binding motifs of noncovalent interactions. Herein, we propose self‐adaptive aromatic cation‐π binding motifs to construct polymorphic SAs in both the solid and solution states. Using distinct discrete cation‐π‐cation and long‐range cation‐π binding motifs enables control of the self‐assembly directionality of a C2h‐symmetric bifunctional monomer, resulting in the successful formation of both two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional crystalline SAs (2D‐CSA and 3D‐CSA). The differences in the molecular packing of 3D‐CSA compared with that of 2D‐CSA significantly improve the charge separation and carrier mobility, leading to enhanced photocatalytic activity for the aerobic oxidation of thioanisole to methyl phenyl sulfoxide (yield of 99 % vs 57 %). 2D‐CSA, which has a vertical extended structure with favorable stronger interaction with toluene though face‐to‐face cation‐π interactions than methylcyclohexane, shows higher toluene/methylcyclohexane separation efficiency than 3D‐CSA (96.9 % for 2D‐CSA vs 56.3 % for 3D‐CSA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the aesthetic developmental characteristics of contour features (curved and sharp corners) among children and adolescents with different levels (high and low) of visual aesthetic sensitivity in three grades (4, 6, and 8). The results revealed that (1) there was a significant main effect of contour features, with children and adolescents liking curved contours and perceiving them as more beautiful than sharp-angled contours; (2) there was a significant interaction with contour features in grades 6 and 4, and there was no significant difference in liking curved contours and perceiving them to be more beautiful between students in grades 6 and 4. However, grade 6 students disliked sharp-angled contours and perceived them as more unattractive than grade 4 students; and (3) there was a significant interaction between the level of visual aesthetic sensitivity and contour features, as children and adolescents with both high and low levels of visual aesthetic sensitivity preferred curved contours and considered them more beautiful. However, children and adolescents with high-level visual aesthetic sensitivity disliked sharp-angled contours and considered them more unattractive compared to students with low-level visual aesthetic sensitivity. The results proposed that children and adolescents preferred curved contours, 6th graders were more sensitive to curved contours than 4th graders, and children and adolescents with high-level visual aesthetic sensitivity were more sensitive to sharp-angled contours than children and adolescents with low-level visual aesthetic sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Observational studies have found an association between autoimmune liver disease (AILD) and Sjögren's syndrome (SS). However, the causal relationship between the two remains unknown. Clinical guidelines indicate that the coexistence of AILD with other autoimmune diseases may impact prognosis and quality of life; hence, early recognition and management of extrahepatic autoimmune diseases is particularly crucial. Against this backdrop, this study aimed to utilize Mendelian randomization (MR) methods to investigate the potential causal relationship between AILD and SS. Methods: We extracted summary statistics on AILD and SS from publicly available genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) databases to identify appropriate instrumental variables (IVs). The inverse‐variance weighted (IVW) method was utilized as the primary approach, with the weighted median (WM) method and MR‐Egger method employed as supplementary methods to evaluate the potential causal relationship between the two conditions. Sensitivity analyses, including Cochran's Q test, MR‐polynomial residuals and outliers (MR‐PRESSO), MR‐Egger intercept test, and the leave‐one‐out test, were performed to assess the stability of the results. Results: The MR study results indicate a significant causal relationship between PBC and PSC with the risk of SS in the European population (IVW: odds ratio [OR] = 1.155, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.092–1.222, p <.001; IVW: OR = 1.162, 95% CI: 1.051–1.284, p =.003). A series of sensitivity analyses have confirmed the reliability of the results. Conclusions: Our study indicates that the presence of both PBC and PSC increases the susceptibility to SS. However, no reliable causal relationship was found between SS and the risk of PBC or PSC. These findings contribute to elucidating the potential pathogenic mechanisms of the disease and are of significant importance for the management of patients with PBC and PSC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dysregulation of iron metabolism has been associated with impaired chronic wound healing. However, changes in iron metabolism have yet to be reported in pressure injuries, a type of chronic wound. In this study, we aimed to investigate changes in iron metabolism and associated regulatory mechanisms in pressure injuries. We collected tissue biopsies and data from 20 consenting stage IV‐pressure injuries patients and 5 non‐pressure injuries patients hospitalised at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University between March 2021 and June 2021. In addition, we measured the iron content by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and Prussian blue staining in deep tissue pressure injury mouse models. An Enzyme‐linked immune sorbent assay measured the expression of ferritin, ferroportin‐1 and transferrin. Immunofluorescence staining, high‐throughput transcriptome sequencing, Western blot and RT‐qPCR further analysed the fundamental mechanisms regulating iron metabolism. In this study, we observed numerous inflammatory cells infiltrating the marginal tissues of stage IV pressure injury patients and in deep tissue pressure injury models. The expression levels of pro‐inflammatory factors, such as inducible nitric oxide synthase and interleukin‐6, were significantly increased (p < 0.05). The iron level was proportional to the degree of progression, with the most significant change appearing on the third day in deep tissue pressure injury models (p < 0.05). Enzyme‐linked immune sorbent assay results suggested abnormal gene expression was related to iron metabolism, including a substantial increase in ferritin and a significant decrease in the expression of ferroportin‐1 (p < 0.05). In addition, immunofluorescence staining and Western blot showed that the expression of macrophage membrane receptor CD163 was abnormally elevated (p < 0.05). Both high‐throughput transcriptome sequencing and qRT‐PCR results suggested aberrant expression of the CD163/Homx‐1‐mediated signalling pathway. Dysfunctional iron metabolism was suggested to be related to the aberrant CD163/Homx‐1 signalling pathway in deep tissue pressure injury models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-Dimensional Ground Penetrating Radar (3D GPR) detects subsurface targets non-destructively, rapidly, and continuously. The complex environment around urban roads affects the positioning accuracy of 3D GPR. The positioning accuracy directly affects the data quality, as inaccurate positioning can lead to distortion and misalignment of 3D GPR data. This paper proposed a multi-level robust positioning method to improve the positioning accuracy of 3D GPR in dense urban areas in order to obtain more accurate underground data. In environments with good GNSS signals, fast and high-precision positioning can be achieved based on GNSS data using differential GNSS technology; in scenes with weak GNSS signals, high-precision positioning of subsurface data can be achieved by using GNSS and IMU as well as using GNSS/INS tightly coupled solution technology; in scenes with no GNSS signals, SLAM technology is used for positioning based on INS data and 3D point cloud data. In summary, this method ensures a positioning accuracy of 3D GPR better than 10 cm and high-quality 3D images of underground urban roads in any environment. This provides data support for urban road underground structure surveys and has broad application prospects in underground disease detection and prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To solve the current problem of insufficient exploration of three-dimensional spatial information detected by 3D ground penetrating radar (3D GPR) and the data processing mainly based on the analysis and interpretation of two-dimensional slice images, a method is proposed to extract underground target based on the local entropy feature of discrete point clouds after the voxelization of 3D GPR data. First, the acquired 3D GPR data was voxelized into discrete three-dimensional point clouds. Then the local entropy feature of the voxelized point clouds over the entire region were calculated. The soil background and underground targets were distinguished by classifying them from multiple dimensions through Support Vector Machine (SVM). Finally, the urban road underground environment was taken as the research object, and this method was used for experimental analysis using measured data. The experimental results show that the accuracy of this method in extracting underground targets is as high as 90.1%, and the missing detection rate of missing underground targets is as low as 7.8%. The proposed method is accurate and effective, providing a new approach for 3D GPR to extract underground target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Epidemiological and observational studies have indicated an association between Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and Parkinson's disease (PD). However, consistent conclusions have not been reached due to various limitations. In order to determine whether SS and PD are causally related, we conducted a Mendelian randomization study (MR) with two samples. Methods: Data for SS derived from the FinnGen consortium's R9 release (2495 cases and 365 533 controls). Moreover, data for PD were acquired from the publicly available GWAS of European ancestry, which involved 33 674 cases and 449 056 controls. The inverse variance weighted, along with four other effective methodologies, were employed to comprehensively infer the causal relationships between SS and PD. To assess the estimation's robustness, a number of sensitivity studies were performed. To determine the probability of reverse causality, we performed a reverse MR analysis. Results: There was no evidence of a significant causal effect of SS on PD risks based on the MR [odds ratio (OR) = 1.03; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.95–1.11; p =.45]. Similarly, no evidence supported the causal effects of PD on SS (OR = 0.92; 95% CI = 0.81–1.04; p =.20). These findings held up under rigorous sensitivity analysis. Conclusions: MR bidirectional analysis did not reveal any cause‐and‐effect relationship between SS and PD, or vice versa. Further study of the mechanisms that may underlie the probable causal association between SS and PD is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is closely associatedwith chronic liver diseases, particularly liver cirrhosis, which has an altered extracellular matrix (ECM) composition. The influence and its mechanism of the cirrhotic-ECM on the response of HCC to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) remains less clarified. Methods: In silico, proteomic and pathological assessment of alteration of cirrhotic-ECM were applied in clinical cohort. Multiple pre-clinical models with ECM manipulation were used to evaluate cirrhotic-ECM's effect on ICI treatment. In silico, flow cytometry and IHC were applied to explore how cirrhotic-ECM affect HCC microenvironment. In vitro and in vivo experiments were carried out to identify the mechanism of how cirrhotic-ECM undermined ICI treatment. Results: We defined "a pro-tumor cirrhotic-ECM" which was featured as the up-regulation of collagen type 1 (Col1). Cirrhotic-ECM/Col1 was closely related to impaired T cell function and limited anti PD-1 (aPD-1) response of HCC patients from the TCGA pan cancer cohort and the authors' institution, as well as in multiple pre-clinical models. Mechanically, cirrhotic-ECM/Col1 orchestrated an immunosuppressive microenvironment (TME) by triggering Col1-DDR1-NFκB-CXCL8 axis, which initiated neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation to shield HCC cells from attacking T cells and impede approaching T cells. Nilotinib, an inhibitor of DDR1, reversed the neutrophils/NETs dominant TME and efficiently enhanced the response of HCC to aPD-1. Conclusions: Cirrhotic-ECM modulated a NETs enriched TME in HCC, produced an immune suppressive TME and weakened ICI efficiency. Col1 receptor DDR1 could be a potential target synergically used with ICI to overcome ECM mediated ICI resistance. These provide a mechanical insight and novel strategy to overcome the ICI resistance of HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Demodex blepharitis (DB) is a common disease of the ocular surface. The characteristics of the bacterial community in eyelash roots after Demodex infestation are still unknown. Knowledge of the characteristics of the bacterial community of eyelash follicles in patients with DB can provide valuable insights for guiding the diagnosis and treatment of DB. Methods: Twenty-five patients with DB (DB group) and 21 non-DB volunteers (control group) were enrolled in the study. Eyelashes from the upper eyelid of the right eye were sampled, and 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequencing was performed to determine the V3-V4 regions of the microbial 16S rDNA gene within 1 month of infestation. The sequencing data of the two groups were analyzed and compared. The effect of the bacterium Burkholderia on the survival of Demodex mites was evaluated using Demodex obtained from 12 patients with DB other that the patients in the DB group. Results: A total of 31 phyla and 862 genera were identified in the DB and control groups. The five most abundant phyla in the two groups were Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Cyanobacteria. The abundance of Actinomycetes was significantly higher in the DB group than in the control group. At the genus level, the five most abundant genera in the two groups were Pseudomonas, Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderia, Rolstonia and Acinetobacter; Clostridium sensu stricto 1 was abundant in the control group and Corynebacterium_1 was abundant in the DB group. Compared with the control group, the abundance of Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderia was 2.36-fold lower in the DB group. Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size (LEfSe) analysis revealed Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderia, SC84_unclassified, Nonmyxobacteria and Succinvibrio to be the major biomarkers in the control group and Catenibacterium and Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group to be the major biomarkers in the DB group. To explore the performance of these optimal marker models, receiver operational characteristic curve analysis was performed, and the average area under the curve value of Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderia was 0.7448. Burkholderia cepacia isolated from normal human eyelashes was fermented, and the Demodex mites isolated from patient eyelashes were cultured together with its fermented supernatant. The results showed that the fermentation supernatant could significantly reduce the survival time of the Demodex mites, suggesting the potential therapeutic value of this bacterium against Demodex. Conclusions: The composition of the bacterial community in the eyelashes of DB patients differed from that in eyelashes of healthy volunteers, revealing a decrease in bacterial diversity in infested eyelashes. This decrease may be related to the occurrence and development of DB. The supernatant of Burkholderia cepacia culture medium was found to inhibit the growth of Demodex in eyelash hair follicles, providing a new insight with potential applications for the clinical treatment of Demodex infestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Lupus nephritis is a prevalent renal manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and represents a significant cause of morbidity and mortality associated with the disease. This study endeavors to undertake a meticulous bibliometric analysis of LN publications to comprehend the research hotspots and future directions. Methods: The literature on LN was acquired from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). Co-occurrence and cooperative relationship analysis of authors, institutions, countries, journals, references and keywords in the publication was performed through CiteSpace, VOSviewer and a bibliometric online analysis platform. The knowledge graphs were created, and clustering and emergence analyses were performed. Results: According to the search strategy, a total of 2077 publications related to lupus nephritis (LN) have been identified, with China being the largest contributor globally. The Ohio State University emerged as the most prolific institution. Lupus is the most cited and published journal. Jan J Weening and Brad Rovin were the most prolific and cocited authors. The current research focus revolved around the "nirp3 inflammasome," "biomarker," and "voclosporin". "international society," "thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA)," and "pathway" were identified to be future research hotpots by keyword burst analysis. Conclusions: This bibliometric analysis summarizes for the first time the progress of LN research (2012–2022), and qualitatively and quantitatively evaluates the bibliometric information of LN research. There has been a steady increase in the scientific literature on LN over the past 11 years, with an average growth rate of 7.27%. In this field, researchers are primarily based in China and the United States. The pathogenic mechanisms, management strategies and prognostic outcomes of LN are acknowledged as prospective research hotspots. Bibliometrically, the research status and trends of LN publications may greatly assist and be a significant reference for future research in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of 3d–4f heterometallic complexes, namely [Ln2Co2(2,3‐DCB)10(phen)2] [Ln=Nd (1), Sm (2), Eu (3), Gd (4), Tb (5), Dy (6), Er (7)], were obtained through the self‐assembly reactions of Ln(NO3)3 ⋅ nH2O, Co(NO3)2 ⋅ 6H2O, 2,3‐dichlorobenzoic acid (2,3‐HDCB), NaOH and 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen) under solvothermal conditions. Their crystal structures were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. They were also characterized by elemental analysis, FT‐IR, powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermoanalysis (DTA). These seven complexes have the same molecular formula but different crystal structures. Complexes 1–3, 4 and 5 as well as 6 and 7 are crystallographically isomorphous, respectively. They all exhibit zero‐dimensional (0D) linear tetranuclear cluster structures. These 0D linear tetranuclear clusters can be further connected into a two‐dimensional (2D) supramolecular network via the extensive intermolecular π–π interactions between 2,3‐DCB and phen. The photoluminescent properties of 3, 5 and 6 and the magnetic properties of 1–2 and 4–7 were investigated. Complex 6 shows a slow magnetic relaxation behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, Long-Term Evolution Vehicle-to-Everything (LTE-V2X) communication technology has received extensive attention. Timing synchronization is a crucial step in the receiving process, addressing Timing Offsets (TOs) resulting from random propagation delays, sampling frequency mismatches between the transmitter and receiver or a combination of both. However, the presence of high-speed relative movement between nodes and a low antenna height leads to a significant Doppler frequency offset, resulting in a low Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) for received signals in LTE-V2X communication scenarios. This paper aims to investigate LTE-V2X technology with a specific focus on time synchronization. The research centers on the time synchronization method utilizing the Primary Sidelink Synchronization Signal (PSSS) and conducts a comprehensive analysis of existing algorithms, highlighting their respective advantages and disadvantages. On this basis, a robust timing synchronization algorithm for LTE-V2X communication scenarios is proposed. The algorithm comprises three key steps: coarse synchronization, frequency offset estimation and fine synchronization. Enhanced robustness is achieved through algorithm fusion, optimal decision threshold design and predefined frequency offset values. Furthermore, a hardware-in-the-loop simulation platform is established. The simulation results demonstrate a substantial performance improvement for the proposed algorithm compared to existing methods under adverse channel conditions characterized by high frequency offsets and low SNR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information hiding is a crucial technology in the field of information security. Embedding capacity and stego-image quality are two key performance metrics in information hiding. In recent years, many information-hiding methods have been proposed to enhance embedding capacity and stego-image quality. However, through the study of these methods, we found that there is still room for improvement in terms of performance. This paper proposes a high-capacity information-hiding method based on a chunking matrix (CM). CM divides a 256×256 matrix into blocks, where each block contains k×k corresponding secret numbers. A pair of pixels is extracted from the original image and used as the coordinates for the matrix. In the search domain at that coordinate position, the corresponding secret number is found, and the matrix coordinates of the secret information are used as the pixel value for the stego-image. This paper evaluates the security and effectiveness of CM through measures such as embedding capacity, peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), and bit-plane analysis. CM achieves a maximum embedding capacity of 4.806 bits per pixel (bpp) and maintains a PSNR value of more than 30 dB. Furthermore, the bit-plane analysis fails to detect the presence of the information hidden using CM method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to develop a Streptococcus suis type 2 (SS2) vaccine medium with a high antigenic activity. SS2 CVCC60615 strain was used as the experimental object. The SS2 vaccine medium was developed by a single factor test, Plackett-Burman test, steepest ascent test and response surface analysis. The culture medium fermentation verification results showed that the maximum viable count in the culture medium of SS2 vaccine was 1.09 x 109 CFU/mL, which was 2.41 times higher than that obtained by using TSB medium. Through the determination of SS2 antigenic activity at different time points, it was found that the antigenic activity of bacteria was the highest within 1~3 h after the count of viable bacteria reached the maximum in the fermentation culture process of SS2. The mice infection test showed that the inactivated vaccine prepared when the SS2 antigen activity was the highest had a higher IgG antibody titer and a vaccine protection rate than the commercial inactivated vaccine. The study indicates that the inactivated vaccine prepared using the developed high antigen activity SS2 vaccine culture medium has the advantages of high IgG antibody titer and strong immune protection force. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water-borne viral diseases are a significant concern for public health. In particular, they threaten the health of people and animals in countries that lack proper water treatment facilities. Novel water treatment technology may efficiently improve water quality and prevent the spread of waterborne viral pathogens. Laser-induced graphene (LIG) has been shown to inactivate viruses and bacteria with its photothermal properties, electrochemical reaction, and rough surface texture. However, LIG's activity to prevent virus transmission via contaminated water has not been fully explored. Here, we demonstrated that enveloped and non-enveloped viruses in seawater could be rapidly inactivated by LIG technology. After being activated by 3 V of electricity, the LIG electrodes inactivated both types of viruses spiked in water within 30 min. In addition, the electrolyzed seawater exhibited virucidal effects even after the cessation of the electrical charge. The generation of different oxidants, such as chlorine, chlorine dioxide, and hydrogen peroxide, may play an essential role in the antiviral mechanism of the LIG electrodes. Furthermore, after 10 min of electrolysis, the pH of the seawater dropped from approximately 8–5, which may also have contributed to the virucidal effects of the LIG technology. The virucidal activity of LIG technology highlighted its potential for preventing the spread of viral infections via seawater systems which may have public health implications in areas where seawater is used in the sewage system. It may also have applications in aquaculture, where viral diseases do not have treatments and can cause high fish mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Orthokeratology (OK) lens wear increases the risk of bacterial infection, but little is known about the microbiota of the conjunctival sac in myopic children wearing OK lenses. This study aimed to investigate the changes of conjunctival microbiota in children after treatment with OK lenses using 16 S rDNA sequencing. Methods: Twenty-eight myopic children who had been continuously wearing OK lenses for 12 to 13 months were enrolled in this prospective study. Twenty-two gender- and age-matched myopic children who had not worn OK lenses or discontinued OK lens wear at least 1 year ago were recruited as controls. Conjunctival swabs from each participant were collected for exploration of the microbiota profiles, targeting the V3–V4 regions of the 16 S rRNA gene by MiSeq sequencing. The differences in the microbial community structure and diversity were also compared between groups. Results: The bacterial alpha diversity indices in the OK lens group were not different from those in the non-wearer group (P > 0.05, Wilcoxon test), while beta diversity examined using principle coordinate analysis of unweighted UniFrac divided the two groups into different clusters. Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes were the abundant phyla in the conjunctival sac microbiota in both groups (P < 0.05, Mann–Whitney U test). Among children in the OK lens group, the Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size identified the compositional changes in OK lens-associated bacteria. Key functional genera such as Blautia, Parasutterella, and Muribaculum were enriched, whereas Brevundimonas, Acinetobacter, Proteus, and Agathobacter decreased significantly (P < 0.05, Mann–Whitney U test). Phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states also showed altered bacterial metabolic pathways in OK lens-associated microbiota. Moreover, using receiver operating characteristic curves, Brevundimonas, Acinetobacter, Proteus, and Agathobacter alone (the area under the curve was all > 0.7500) or in combination (the area under the curve was 0.9058) were revealed to discriminate OK lens wearers from controls. Conclusions: The relative abundance of the microbial community in the conjunctival sac of myopic children can alter after OK lens wear. Brevundimonas, Acinetobacter, Proteus, and Agathobacter may be candidate biomarkers to distinguish between OK lens wearers and non-wearers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Orthokeratology (OK) lens wear increases the risk of bacterial infection, but little is known about the microbiota of the conjunctival sac in myopic children wearing OK lenses. This study aimed to investigate the changes of conjunctival microbiota in children after treatment with OK lenses using 16 S rDNA sequencing. Methods: Twenty-eight myopic children who had been continuously wearing OK lenses for 12 to 13 months were enrolled in this prospective study. Twenty-two gender- and age-matched myopic children who had not worn OK lenses or discontinued OK lens wear at least 1 year ago were recruited as controls. Conjunctival swabs from each participant were collected for exploration of the microbiota profiles, targeting the V3–V4 regions of the 16 S rRNA gene by MiSeq sequencing. The differences in the microbial community structure and diversity were also compared between groups. Results: The bacterial alpha diversity indices in the OK lens group were not different from those in the non-wearer group (P > 0.05, Wilcoxon test), while beta diversity examined using principle coordinate analysis of unweighted UniFrac divided the two groups into different clusters. Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes were the abundant phyla in the conjunctival sac microbiota in both groups (P < 0.05, Mann–Whitney U test). Among children in the OK lens group, the Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size identified the compositional changes in OK lens-associated bacteria. Key functional genera such as Blautia, Parasutterella, and Muribaculum were enriched, whereas Brevundimonas, Acinetobacter, Proteus, and Agathobacter decreased significantly (P < 0.05, Mann–Whitney U test). Phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states also showed altered bacterial metabolic pathways in OK lens-associated microbiota. Moreover, using receiver operating characteristic curves, Brevundimonas, Acinetobacter, Proteus, and Agathobacter alone (the area under the curve was all > 0.7500) or in combination (the area under the curve was 0.9058) were revealed to discriminate OK lens wearers from controls. Conclusions: The relative abundance of the microbial community in the conjunctival sac of myopic children can alter after OK lens wear. Brevundimonas, Acinetobacter, Proteus, and Agathobacter may be candidate biomarkers to distinguish between OK lens wearers and non-wearers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Asparagi Radix (AR) is one of the widely used Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs) for clinical applications, owning the effects of clearing the lungs and promoting body fluid, nourishing yin, and moistening the lung. To reduce the loss of active ingredients and improve production efficiency, the integrated processing technology of primary processing was used to obtain the decoction pieces of AR. However, there are no specific processing methods and index ingredients of AR in Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 edition). Materials and Methods: This study aimed to establish a method of content determination of protodioscin and asparagine by high-performance liquid chromatography with charged aerosol detector (HPLC-CAD) as the index of process optimization. Furthermore, Box-Behnken design was used to optimize the integrated processing technology of primary processing. Results: The result showed the contents of protodioscin and asparagine could reach 0.2678% and 0.4114%, respectively, both above the traditional process. After verification, the actual value (99.56) and predicted value (101.15) were similar, indicating that the integrated technology was feasible. In particular, the optimized process parameters of boiling time, drying time, and temperature were 25 min, 12 h, and 60°C, respectively. Conclusion: In summary, these research findings may provide a reference for the primary processing and quality control of AR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]