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This study examined how social media influence the knowledge gap between low and high socioeconomic status (SES) groups in artificial intelligence (AI), a highly debated scientific subject warranting immediate scholarly attention. A national survey of U.S. adults (N = 965) was conducted. The results showed that education and social media exposure to AI information (SME) predicted greater AI knowledge, and SME did not moderate the SES-based AI knowledge gap. Furthermore, information elaboration moderated the association between SME and the AI knowledge gap. SME was associated with a smaller AI knowledge gap when information elaboration was high rather than low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Testicular cancer usually occurs in young adult men between the ages of 20 and 40 years, which largely coincides with the age of men’s reproductive intentions. However, a serious side effect of testicular cancer therapy could reduce the fertility of patients. Purpose: To explore the experience of fertility concerns in patients with testicular cancer. Methods: A phenomenological research was conducted on 12 patients with testicular cancer. Data collection was from May 2023 to August 2023, and Colaizzi analysis method was used to analyze the data. Results: Four themes were found: (1) multiple worries and negative emotions, (2) fertility decision-making faces many challenges, (3) self-coping strategies for facing fertility concerns, (4) unmet supportive care needs. Conclusion: Medical staff should pay attention to the fertility needs of patients with testicular cancer and provide relevant interventions and support to reduce their fertility concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many invertebrates and vertebrates secrete mucus from their body surface, which plays a crucial role in protecting themselves from attacks by microorganism or predators. This study reports on the potential functions of mucus secreted from the body surface of larvae of the moth Phauda flammans (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Phaudidae). We tested whether the mucus could inhibit the growth of the fungus Beauveria bassiana PfBb (Bals.‐Criv.) Vuill. (Hypocreales) and attract and/or deter predators such as the crazy ant, Paratrechina longicornis (Latreille) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), and the predatory bug Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). Our results showed that de‐ and rehydrated mucus concentrations of 0.5–1.0 mg mL−1 had an inhibitory effect on the conidial germination and colony growth of B. bassiana PfBb; however, P. flammans mucus did not significantly affect fungal sporulation. Raw mucus and mucus concentrations of 1.0–4.0 mg mL−1 attracted P. longicornis workers in a Y‐tube olfactometer, whereas the physical viscosity of raw mucus hindered their foraging for food in a laboratory test. The E. furcellata adults did not display a preference for the odour of P. flammans mucus. Therefore, P. flammans mucus may inhibit pathogenic microorganisms and attract or repel predators, but the mucus does not act as a complete deterrent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the survival benefit of preoperative bone scan in asymptomatic patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: This retrospective study included patients with radical resection for stage T1N0M0 NSCLC between March 2013 and December 2018. During postoperative follow-up, we monitored patient survival and the development of bone metastasis. We compared overall survival, bone metastasis-free survival, and recurrence-free survival in patients with or without preoperative bone scan. Propensity score matching and inverse probability of treatment weighting were used to minimize election bias. Results: A total of 868 patients (58.19 ± 9.69 years; 415 men) were included in the study. Of 87.7% (761 of 868) underwent preoperative bone scan. In the multivariable analyses, bone scan did not improve overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] 1.49; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.91–2.42; p = 0.113), bone metastasis-free survival (HR 1.18; 95% CI 0.73–1.90; p = 0.551), and recurrence-free survival (HR 0.89; 95% CI 0.58–1.39; p = 0.618). Similar results were obtained after propensity score matching (overall survival [HR 1.28; 95% CI 0.74–2.23; p = 0.379], bone metastasis-free survival [HR 1.00; 95% CI 0.58–1.72; p = 0.997], and recurrence-free survival [HR 0.76; 95% CI 0.46–1.24; p = 0.270]) and inverse probability of treatment weighting. Conclusion: There were no significant differences in overall survival, bone metastasis-free survival, and recurrence-free survival between asymptomatic patients with clinical stage IA NSCLC with or without preoperative bone scan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the role of dynamic fear in the effectiveness of communicating health threats (i.e. fear appeals) of ground-level ozone among Chinese citizens. An online survey revealed that fear appeal messages effectively enhance the audience's risk perceptions, efficacy beliefs, and acceptance of the message. Crucially, dynamic fear reduction process positively predicts engagement in protective behaviors (i.e. danger control process) and negatively predicts engagement in fear control processes, such as message denial. Presenting severity before susceptibility resulted in a more positive attitude toward the message recommendation. These findings highlight that communicating health-threats about climate pollution is effective in raising awareness and motivating protective behaviors. Furthermore, our study underscores the importance of dynamic fear, specifically fear reduction, in increasing fear appeals' effectiveness in communicating climate issues from a health perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Current vaccines against COVID-19 administered via parenteral route have limited ability to induce mucosal immunity. There is a need for an effective mucosal vaccine to combat SARS-CoV-2 virus replication in the respiratory mucosa. Moreover, sex differences are known to affect systemic antibody responses against vaccines. However, their role in mucosal cellular responses against a vaccine remains unclear and is underappreciated. Methods: We evaluated the mucosal immunogenicity of a booster vaccine regimen that is recombinant protein-based and administered intranasally in mice to explore sex differences in mucosal humoral and cellular responses. Results: Our results showed that vaccinated mice elicited strong systemic antibody (Ab), nasal, and bronchiole alveolar lavage (BAL) IgA responses, and local T cell immune responses in the lung in a sex-biased manner irrespective of mouse genetic background. Monocytes, alveolar macrophages, and CD103+ resident dendritic cells (DCs) in the lungs are correlated with robust mucosal Ab and T cell responses induced by the mucosal vaccine. Discussion: Our findings provide novel insights into optimizing next-generation booster vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 by inducing spike-specific lung T cell responses, as well as optimizing mucosal immunity for other respiratory infections, and a rationale for considering sex differences in future vaccine research and vaccination practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the compatibility between Portland cement and bamboo fibre, bamboo fibres were modified by acetic acid and fermentation treatment and the modified bamboo fibres/Porland cement composites were prepared. The hydration curves of the bamboo fibres/Porland cement composites were measured and the area ratio under the cement hydration heat curve was used as the compatibility coefficient to evaluate the compatibility of bamboo fiber and cement. The hydration products at different hydration times were characterized by XRD, FTIR, and SEM. Moreover, the mechanical strengths of standard test blocks of Portland cement/bamboo fibre composites were tested to further verify the improved compatibility of bamboo fiber and Portland cement. The study shows that the compatibility between bamboo fibre and Portland cement was improved from 9% to 87%, the bending strength of Portland cement/bamboo fibre composite was increased from 638 N to 3678 N, and the compressive strength was increased from 1.5 MPa to 34.35 MPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES The Haller index (HI) is widely utilized as a quantitative indicator to assess the extent of the pectus excavatum (PE) deformity, which is the most common chest wall abnormality in children. Both preoperative correction planning and postoperative follow-up need to be based on the standard of normal thoracic growth and development. However, there is currently no established reference range for the HI in children. Consequently, the goal of this study was to conduct a preliminary investigation of normal HI values among children to understand thoracic developmental characteristics. METHODS Chest computed tomography images obtained from January 2012 to March 2022 were randomly selected from the imaging system of the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University. We divided the images of children into a total of 19 groups: aged 0–3 months (1 group), 4–12 months (1 group) and 1 year to 17 years (17 groups), with 50 males and 50 females, totaling 100 children in each group. HI was measured in the plane where the lowest point of the anterior thoracic wall was located and statistically analysed using SPSS 26.0 software. RESULTS A total of 1900 patients were included in the study. Our results showed that HI, transverse diameter and anterior-posterior diameter were positively correlated with age (P  <   0.05). Using age as the independent variable and HI as the dependent variable, the best-fit regression equations were HI-male = 2.047 * Age0.054(R2 = 0.276, P<0.0001) and HI-female = 2.045 * Age0.067(R2 = 0.398, P<0.0001). Males had significantly larger thoracic diameters than females, and there was little difference in the HI between the 2 sexes. CONCLUSIONS The HI rapidly increases during the neonatal period, slowly increases during infancy and stops increasing during puberty, with no significant differences between the sexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the association between social media use and attitudes toward AI technologies. A nationally representative two-wave longitudinal survey (N = 5110) examined the mediating roles of perceived AI fairness and threat concerning three AI technologies: algorithms, facial recognition technology, and driverless passenger vehicles. Hypotheses were derived from media effect theories and the heuristic and systematic model of human-AI adoption. The results showed that social media use predicted more positive attitudes toward the three AI technologies indirectly through increased perceived AI fairness and reduced perceived AI threat. The findings contribute to our understanding of social media effects on attitudes toward AI and the underlying psychological mechanisms, providing valuable theoretical insights and practical implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes a case of Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) in a 24-year-old patient who also had autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein astrocytopathy (GFAP-A), a rare autoimmune condition of the central nervous system. The patient experienced symptoms such as fever, headache, and seizures, and was initially treated with various medications before being diagnosed with FMF and GFAP-A. Treatment with immunoglobulin and steroids led to significant improvement in the patient's condition. This is the first reported case of FMF with concurrent GFAP-A in an adult. [Extracted from the article]

Formate has been considered an inactive molecule and thus cannot be further reduced under CO2 reduction conditions, which limits its widespread application as feedstock. Here we present an electrochemical redox conversion of formate to CO through the potential‐dependent generation of carbon dioxide radical anions (CO2⋅−) on Fe−Co layered double hydroxides (Fe−Co LDHs) and the subsequent reduction of CO2⋅− to CO on Au catalysts. We present an electrodeposition protocol for the synthesis of Fe−Co LDHs with precise composition control and find that Fe1Co4 exhibits a promising potential window for CO2⋅− formation between 1.14 and 1.4 V and an optimized potential at 1.24 V at a neutral pH condition. We further determined the formation of CO2⋅− at 1.24 V via electron paramagnetic resonance and CO2 at >1.4 V through differential electrochemical mass spectrometry. This work provides a redox chemistry route for converting formate into CO through a coupled slit parallel‐plate electrode system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A putative β-glucosidase gene, BglAc, was amplified from Acidilobus sp. through metagenome database sampling from a hot spring in Yellowstone National Park. BglAc is composed of 485 amino acid residues and bioinformatics analysis showed that it belongs to the GH1 family of β-glucosidases. The gene was successfully expressed in Escherichia coli with a molecular weight of approximately 55.3 kDa. The purified recombinant enzyme showed the maximum activity using p-nitrophenyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (pNPG) as the substrate at optimal pH 5.0 and 100 °C. BglAc exhibited extraordinary thermostability, and its half-life at 90 °C was 6 h. The specific activity, Km, Vmax, and Kcat/Km of BglAc toward pNPG were 357.62 U mg−1, 3.41 mM, 474.0 μmol min−1·mg−1, and 122.7 s−1mM−1. BglAc exhibited the characteristic of glucose tolerance, and the inhibition constant Ki was 180.0 mM. Furthermore, a significant ethanol tolerance was observed, retaining 96% relative activity at 10% ethanol, and even 78% at 20% ethanol, suggesting BglAc as a promising enzyme for cellulose saccharification. BglAc also had a strong ability to convert the major soybean isoflavone glycosides (daidzin, genistin, and glycitin) into their corresponding aglycones. Overall, BglAc was actually a new β-glucosidase with excellent thermostability, ethanol tolerance, and glycoside hydrolysis ability, indicating its wide prospects for applications in the food industry, animal feed, and lignocellulosic biomass degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The causal relationships between plasma metabolites and cholelithiasis/cholecystitis risks remain elusive. Using two-sample Mendelian randomization, we found that genetic proxied plasma campesterol level showed negative correlation with the risk of both cholelithiasis and cholecystitis. Furthermore, the increased risk of cholelithiasis is correlating with the increased level of plasma campesterol. Lastly, genetic colocalization study showed that the leading SNP, rs4299376, which residing at the ABCG5/ABCG8 gene loci, was shared by plasma campesterol level and cholelithiasis, indicating that the aberrant transportation of plant sterol/cholesterol from the blood stream to the bile duct/gut lumen might be the key in preventing cholesterol gallstone formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the effects on drying time (Y1), the color difference (Y2), unit energy consumption (Y3), polysaccharide content (Y4), rehydration ratio (Y5), and allantoin content (Y6) of yam slices were investigated under different drying temperatures (50–70 °C), slice thicknesses (2–10 mm), and radiation distances (80–160 mm). The optimal drying conditions were determined by applying the BP neural network wolf algorithm (GWO) model based on response surface methodology (RMS). All the above indices were significantly affected by drying conditions (p < 0.05). The drying rate and effective water diffusion coefficient of yam slices accelerated with increasing temperature and decreasing slice thickness and radiation distance. The selection of lower temperature and slice thickness helped reduce the energy consumption and color difference. The polysaccharide content increased and then decreased with drying temperature, slice thickness, and radiation distance, and it was highest at 60 °C, 6 mm, and 120 mm. At 60 °C, lower slice thickness and radiation distance favored the retention of allantoin content. Under the given constraints (minimization of drying time, unit energy consumption, color difference, and maximization of rehydration ratio, polysaccharide content, and allantoin content), BP-GWO was found to have higher coefficients of determination (R2 = 0.9919 to 0.9983) and lower RMSEs (reduced by 61.34% to 80.03%) than RMS. Multi-objective optimization of BP-GWO was carried out to obtain the optimal drying conditions, as follows: temperature 63.57 °C, slice thickness 4.27 mm, radiation distance 91.39 mm, corresponding to the optimal indices, as follows: Y1 = 133.71 min, Y2 = 7.26, Y3 = 8.54 kJ·h·kg−1, Y4 = 20.73 mg/g, Y5 = 2.84 kg/kg, and Y6 = 3.69 μg/g. In the experimental verification of the prediction results, the relative error between the actual and predicted values was less than 5%, proving the model's reliability for other materials in the drying technology process research to provide a reference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wide heterogeneity exists in cancer patients' survival, ranging from a few months to several decades. To accurately predict clinical outcomes, it is vital to build an accurate predictive model that relates the patients' molecular profiles with the patients' survival. With complex relationships between survival and high‐dimensional molecular predictors, it is challenging to conduct nonparametric modeling and irrelevant predictors removing simultaneously. In this article, we build a kernel Cox proportional hazards semi‐parametric model and propose a novel regularized garrotized kernel machine (RegGKM) method to fit the model. We use the kernel machine method to describe the complex relationship between survival and predictors, while automatically removing irrelevant parametric and nonparametric predictors through a LASSO penalty. An efficient high‐dimensional algorithm is developed for the proposed method. Comparison with other competing methods in simulation shows that the proposed method always has better predictive accuracy. We apply this method to analyze a multiple myeloma dataset and predict the patients' death burden based on their gene expressions. Our results can help classify patients into groups with different death risks, facilitating treatment for better clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: Numerous previous studies have assessed the prognostic role of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography (18F FDG PET) in patients with biliary tract cancer (BTC), but those results were inconsistent. The present study aims to determine the predictive value of 18F FDG PET in BTC patients via a meta-analysis. Methods: The underlying studies related to 18F FDG PET and BTC patients' outcomes were searched and identified in the online databases. The interested parameters include total lesion glycolysis (TLG), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), primary tumor and metastatic lymph node (LN) maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), as well as change of SUVmax (ΔSUVmax) during treatment. Overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and progression-free survival (PFS) were considered as the primary endpoints. Hazard ratio (HR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were defined as the effective measure and calculated by a pooled analysis. Publication bias was assessed by funnel plot, Bagg's and Egger's tests. Results: Totally, 23 studies involving 1478 patients were included in the present meta-analysis. After a pooled analysis, it revealed that a high SUVmax was significantly associated with a poor OS (HR:2.07, 95%CI: 1.74–2.46, P = 0.000) and DFS (HR: 2.28, 95%CI: 1.53–3.41, P = 0.000). In addition, an increased TLG level contributed to a shorter OS (HR:1.91, 95%CI: 1.26–2.90, P = 0.002) and DFS (HR: 4.34, 95%CI: 1.42–13.27, P = 0.01). Moreover, we confirmed that an elevated MTV was significantly associated with increased mortality (HR:2.04, 95%CI:1.26–3.31, P = 0.004) and disease relapse (HR: 3.88, 95%CI:1.25–12.09, P = 0.019) risks. Besides, the present study uncovered that increased ΔSUVmax could predict poor OS (HR:1.26, 95%CI:1.06–1.50, P = 0.008) instead of PFS (HR: 1.96, 95%CI: 0.82–4.72, P = 0.280). Lastly, we found that LN SUVmax did not link to OS (HR: 1.49, 95%CI: 0.83–2.68, P = 0.178). No obvious publication bias was detected in the present study. Conclusion: 18F FDG PET parameters, including SUVmax, TLG, MTV, and ΔSUVmax, could be applied as convenient and reliable factors for predicting BTC patients' outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Osteosarcoma, a primary malignant bone tumour prevalent among adolescents and young adults, remains a considerable challenge despite protracted progress made in enhancing patient survival rates over the last 40 years. Consequently, the development of novel therapeutic approaches for osteosarcoma is imperative. Sanguinarine (SNG), a compound with demonstrated potent anticancer properties against various malignancies, presents a promising avenue for exploration. Nevertheless, the intricate molecular mechanisms underpinning SNG's actions in osteosarcoma remain elusive, necessitating further elucidation. Experimental Approach: Single-stranded DNA-binding protein 1 (SSBP1) was screened out by differential proteomic analysis. Apoptosis, cell cycle, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial changes were assessed via flow cytometry. Western blotting and quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) were used to determine protein and gene levels. The antitumour mechanism of SNG was explored at a molecular level using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and dual luciferase reporter plasmids. Key Results: Our investigation revealed that SNG exerted an up-regulated effect on SSBP1, disrupting mitochondrial function and inducing apoptosis. In-depth analysis uncovered a mechanism whereby SNG hindered the JAK/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signalling pathway, relieved the inhibitory effect of STAT3 on SSBP1 transcription, and inhibited the downstream PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling axis, ultimately activating apoptosis. Conclusions and Implications: The study delved further into elucidating the anticancer mechanism of SNG in osteosarcoma. Notably, we unravelled the previously undisclosed apoptotic potential of SSBP1 in osteosarcoma cells. This finding holds substantial promise in advancing the development of novel anticancer drugs and identification of therapeutic targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minimizing frictional resistance is crucial for ensuring the safety and smooth progress of pipe jacking construction. However, due to the unpredictability of geological conditions, it is difficult to grasp the frictional resistance during construction, which poses challenges to safe and smooth construction. In order to reduce the frictional resistance during the process of pipe jacking, an automated pipe jacking friction resistance identification and warning system is thus innovatively proposed. This system uses jacking resistance sensors to identify resistance during the jacking process. When the jacking resistance exceeds a certain threshold, the system will send alerts, which could prompt construction workers to adjust the rheological slurry ratio according to the on-site soil conditions. This system includes the following major components: (1) an analysis of primary factors influencing pipe frictional resistance and a model for resistance calculation, (2) the examination of forces exerted on disturbed soil during pipe jacking construction to determine the optimal placement of resistance sensors, (3) the design and operational principles for an automated resistance identification and warning system, and (4) the application of a slurry shield construction method for resistance reduction. The research has practical significance in providing a reference for developing intelligent pipe jacking and contributing to the improvement in construction safety levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, cryotherapy has gained increasing acceptance as a treatment for prostate cancer, offering complementary therapeutic benefits when combined with radical surgery and radiotherapy. Despite the potential for surgical complications, it stands as a safe and viable therapeutic modality. Cryotherapy provides an efficient approach for elderly patients, especially those with compromised physical conditions and individuals experiencing recurrence after initial treatment. It has shown promise in extending survival periods and improving the overall quality of life for these patients. This article aims to comprehensively examine the developmental trajectory, surgical techniques, indications, therapeutic outcomes, and potential complications associated within prostate cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emotions shared by posters on social media can have a profound impact on individuals and society. This was particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. To examine the types, trends, and dynamics of emotions communicated by the public, government, and media, this study collected 67,689 public posts, 36,740 government posts, and 126,988 media posts on Sina Weibo during the first 6 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. The vector autoregression model and Granger causality analysis were used to measure affective agenda networks and examine affective agenda dynamics. The findings show that the public, government, and media predominantly expressed positive emotions on Sina Weibo. The findings also reveal the significant influence of government emotions on media emotions, which subsequently affects public emotions. This study extends agenda-setting theory by integrating the dimension of emotional contagion. It underscores the potential for government and media to shape public emotions during health crises in order to maintain social order and increase compliance with emergency policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorectal cancer (CRC) survival rates continue to improve, but the risk of developing a second primary malignancy (SPM) has also increased. The most common type of SPM observed after CRC is lung cancer. In this study, we explored the prognostic factors and clinical management decisions of patients with second primary lung cancer after colorectal cancer (SPLC-CRC). We identified the data of 1637 patients with SPLC-CRC from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 2004 and 2015. Cox regression modeling was used to construct a nomogram for predicting the prognosis of SPLC-CRC patients. The Fine–Gray competing risk model was used to determine the association between factors and cancer-specific mortality. After this, survival analyses were performed to assess the benefit of each treatment method on overall survival (OS). According to a multivariate analysis, age, gender, surgery, and chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors for the first primary malignancy (FPM), whereas age, primary site, TNM stage, tumor size, and treatment were independent prognostic factors for the second primary malignancy (SPM). For the training cohort column chart as well as the validation cohort column chart, using the concordance index of OS, 0.7611 and 0.7605 were calculated. A Fine–Gray competing risk model and survival analysis showed that there is a significant correlation between the treatment of FPM and the improvement in SPM survival rates, FPM-diagnosed patients who undergo surgery in different pathological stages exhibit higher overall survival rates, Patients in stages II, III, and IV benefit from combined surgery and chemotherapy. SPM surgery (P < 0.001, HR = 0.230, 95%CI 0.032–0.426) was a protective factor for lung cancer-specific mortality. Patients with local, regional, and even distant metastases may benefit more from SPM surgery (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively). In patients who did not undergo SPM surgery, radiotherapy (P < 0.001) and chemotherapy (P = 0.008) improved OS. Treatment strategy for the first tumor affects the prognosis of the second tumor significantly. SPLC-CRC is treated primarily with surgery, regardless of whether the patient has metastases, as surgery may improve outcomes. In the event that a patient is unable to undergo surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy should be considered. Treatment decisions for SPLC-CRC patients may be influenced by these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Lymphatic malformations (LMs) are rare vascular anomalies predominantly affecting infants, which can be debilitating or life‐threatening when complicated with intralesional bleeding or infection. Effective and safe management strategies are essential in such cases. Case presentation: We report a case series involving four Chinese neonates with life‐threatening LMs, initially treated with oral sirolimus. All patients achieved rapid relief and sustained remission, using a lower sirolimus dosage than previously recommended. Furthermore, adverse events were rarely recorded during follow‐up. Conclusion: Sirolimus can be considered a promising choice for neonates with intricate and life‐threatening LMs. Initiation with a reduced sirolimus dose is advisable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using hot air drying (HAD) and combined infrared hot air drying (IR-HAD) test devices, the drying kinetics, unit energy consumption, color difference values, rehydration rate, microstructure, and changes in polysaccharide and allantoin contents of yam slices were examined at various temperatures (50 °C, 55 °C, 60 °C, 65 °C, and 70 °C). The findings demonstrated that each of the aforementioned parameters was significantly impacted by the drying temperature. IR-HAD dries quicker and takes less time to dry than HAD. The Deff of IR-HAD is higher than that of HAD at the same temperature and increases with the increase in temperature. The activation energy required for IR-HAD (26.35 kJ/mol) is lower than that required for HAD (32.53 kJ/mol). HAD uses more energy per unit than IR-HAD by a factor of greater than 1.3. Yam slices treated with IR-HAD had higher microscopic porosity, better rehydration, lower color difference values, and higher polysaccharide and allantoin levels than HAD-treated yam slices. The IR-HAD at 60 °C had the greatest comprehensive rating after a thorough analysis of the dried yam slices using the coefficient of variation method. Three statistical indicators were used to evaluate six thin-layer drying models, and the Weibull model was most applicable to describe the variation of drying characteristics of yam slices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Burkholderia cepacia is an aerobic opportunistic Gram-negative pathogen that mainly infects immunodeficiency patients. However, soft tissue infections with fractures due to Burkholderia cepacia are rare with no cases reported. Here, we report a rare case of 3 years of brain death in a 43-year-old woman with Burkholderia cepacia resulting in an occipital subcutaneous abscess and fracture. Through the second-generation sequencing of the whole genome of this strain, it was found that there were no high virulence genes and virulence factors. The patient received targeted antibiotic therapy and showed improvement in clinical symptoms and radiological signs. Bone destruction because of Burkholderia cepacia is easily overlooked due to the lack of characteristic symptoms and limited clinical examination. This case reminds us that Burkholderia cepacia without major virulence factors could damage the bone in immune-compromised patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare the effects of remimazolam and dexmedetomidine on early postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in aged gastric cancer patients. Methods: From June to December 2022, 104 elderly patients (aged 65–80 years) received laparoscopic radical resection of gastric cancer at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University. Using the random number table approach, the patients were separated into three groups: remimazolam (Group R), dexmedetomidine (Group D), and saline (Group C). The primary outcome was the incidence of POCD, and secondary outcomes included TNF-α and S-100β protein concentrations, hemodynamics, VAS scores, anesthesia recovery indicators, and the occurrence of adverse events within 48 h postoperatively. Results: At 3 and 7 days after surgery, there were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of POCD, the MMSE and MoCA scores between groups R and D (p>0.05). However, compared to the saline group, both groups had higher MMSE and MoCA scores and decreased incidences of POCD. These differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). Between group R and group D, there were no statistically significant changes (p>0.05) in the levels of TNF-α and S-100β protein at the three time points (at the end of the surgery, 1 day later, and 3 days later). Even though neither group’s concentration of the two factors was as high as that of the saline group, the differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). At all three time points—following induction (T2), 30 min into the operation (T3), and at the conclusion of the surgery (T4)—the heart rate and blood pressure in group R were greater than those in groups D and C. Statistics showed that the differences were significant (p<0.05). The incidence of intraoperative hypotension was highest in group D and lowest in group R (p<0.05). The dose of propofol and remifentanil, group C>group R>group D. Extubation and PACU residence times did not differ statistically significantly (p<0.05) between the three groups. There was no significant difference in VAS scores between groups R and D after 24 h postoperatively (p>0.05), although both had lower scores than group C, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). The VAS scores between the three groups at 72 h (T6) and 7 days (T7) were not statistically significant (p>0.05). Adverse reactions such as respiratory depression, hypotension, bradycardia, agitation, drowsiness, and nausea and vomiting had the lowest incidence in group R and the highest incidence in group C (p<0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A drying temperature precision control system was studied to provide technical support for developing and further proving the superiority of the variable-temperature drying process. In this study, an improved neural network (INN) proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller (INN-PID) was designed. The dynamic performance of the PID, neural network PID (NN-PID) and INN-PID controllers was simulated with unit step signals as an input in MATLAB software. A drying temperature precision control system was set up in an air impingement dryer, and the drying temperature control experiment was carried out to verify the performance of the three controllers. Linear variable-temperature (LVT) and constant-temperature drying experiments of cantaloupe slices were carried out based on the system. Moreover, the experimental results were evaluated comprehensively with the brightness (L value), colour difference (ΔE), vitamin C content, chewiness, drying time and energy consumption (EC) as evaluation indexes. The simulation results show that the INN-PID controller outperforms the other two controllers in terms of control accuracy and regulation time. In the drying temperature control experiment at 50 °C–55 °C, the peak time of the INN-PID controller is 237.37 s, the regulation time is 134.91 s and the maximum overshoot is 4.74%. The INN-PID controller can quickly and effectively regulate the temperature of the inner chamber of the air impingement dryer. Compared with constant-temperature drying, LVT is a more effective drying mode as it ensures the quality of the material and reduces the drying time and EC. The drying temperature precision control system based on the INN-PID controller meets the temperature control requirements of the variable-temperature drying process. This system provides practical and effective technical support for the variable-temperature drying process and lays the foundation for further research. The LVT drying experiments of cantaloupe slices also show that variable-temperature drying is a better process than constant-temperature drying and is worthy of further study to be applied in production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corrugated box is an important transport packaging container in the global logistics. The research on its raw material, that is, corrugated fibreboard, has always been an important topic in the packaging field. However, the research objects nearly focus on the corrugated fibreboard of traditional corrugated medium. The innovative research on the structure of corrugated fibreboard is also still rare. Since the pandemic COVID‐19 in 2020, the international corrugated packaging industry has faced new dilemma. The development of new corrugated boxes and fibreboard is the way to break the situation in innovation and transformation. This study aims to design a new fibreboard with laminated structure medium for obtaining a new type of corrugated fibreboard for packaging with better cushioning and anti‐vibration performance than traditional corrugated fibreboard. The verification experiments show that the new fibreboard has better recovery and structural stability due to its unique three‐layer structure. The static and dynamic cushioning performance and anti‐vibration performance of the proposed fibreboard have been greatly improved compared with those of the traditional one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adoption of the internet, social media, and e-cigarettes are on the rise among U.S. youth. Uses of social media and online platforms increase the probability for youth to encounter e-cigarette advertisements. Departing from this line of reasoning, we examine the underlying mechanisms of how online e-cigarettes exposure promotes youth's e-cigarette use. Drawing on insights from the social construction of risk model, this study looks at how perceived social norms and risk perception mediate the link between online e-cigarette advertisement exposure and e-cigarette use. Youth aged 12–17 from the Public Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study Waves 2–4 (2014–2018) were included (N = 6,067). Controlling for demographic and other known risk factors for e-cigarette use, respondents who had been exposed to online e-cigarette ads at Wave 2 perceived higher levels of positive social norms of e-cigarette use at Wave 3 (β = 0.13, p <.001) which was associated with lower e-cigarette risk perception at Wave 3 (β = −0.22, p <.001). Lower e-cigarette risk perception at Wave 3 resulted in a higher likelihood of e-cigarette use at Wave 4 (AOR = 0.51, p <.001). Online e-cigarettes ads exposure at Wave 2 predicted e-cigarette use at Wave 4 (AOR = 1.87, p <.001). The results indicate that norm perception associated with online e-cigarettes ads may twist youth's e-cigarette risk perception that is associated with subsequent usage. Interventions to curb youth's e-cigarette use can target social norms of e-cigarette use and restrict e-cigarette advertisement exposure to youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study combined an artificial neural network (ANN) with a genetic algorithm (GA) to obtain the model and optimal process parameters of drying-assisted walnut breaking. Walnuts were dried at different IR temperatures (40 °C, 45 °C, 50 °C, and 55 °C) and air velocities (1, 2, 3, and 4 m/s) to different moisture contents (10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%) by using air-impingement technology. Subsequently, the dried walnuts were broken in different loading directions (sutural, longitudinal, and vertical). The drying time (DT), specific energy consumption (SEC), high kernel rate (HR), whole kernel rate (WR), and shell-breaking rate (SR) were determined as response variables. An ANN optimized by a GA was applied to simulate the influence of IR temperature, air velocity, moisture content, and loading direction on the five response variables, from which the objective functions of DT, SEC, HR, WR, and SR were developed. A GA was applied for the simultaneous maximization of HR, WR, and SR and minimization of DT and SEC to determine the optimized process parameters. The ANN model had a satisfactory prediction ability, with the coefficients of determination of 0.996, 0.998, 0.990, 0.991, and 0.993 for DT, SEC, HR, WR, and SR, respectively. The optimized process parameters were found to be 54.9 °C of IR temperature, 3.66 m/s of air velocity, 10.9% of moisture content, and vertical loading direction. The model combining an ANN and a GA was proven to be an effective method for predicting and optimizing the process parameters of walnut breaking. The predicted values under optimized process parameters fitted the experimental data well, with a low relative error value of 2.51–3.96%. This study can help improve the quality of walnut breaking, processing efficiency, and energy conservation. The ANN modeling and GA multiobjective optimization method developed in this study provide references for the process optimization of walnut and other similar commodities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: vasopressin is commonly used as a second-line vasopressor for patients with septic shock, but the optimal timing of initiation is uncertain. This study was designed to investigate when vasopressin initiation may be beneficial for 28-day mortality in septic shock patients. Methods: This was a retrospective observational cohort study from the MIMIC-III v1.4 and MIMIC-IV v2.0 databases. All adults diagnosed with septic shock according to Sepsis-3 criteria were included. Patients were stratified into two groups based on norepinephrine (NE) dose at the time of vasopressin initiation, defined as the low doses of NE group (NE<0.25 µg/kg/min) and the high doses of NE group (NE ≥ 0.25 µg/kg/min). The primary end‐point was 28‐day mortality after diagnosis of septic shock. The analysis involved propensity score matching (PSM), multivariable logistic regression, doubly robust estimation, the gradient boosted model, and an inverse probability‐weighting model. Results: A total of 1817 eligible patients were included in our original cohort (613 in the low doses of NE group and 1204 in the high doses of NE group). After 1:1 PSM, 535 patients from each group with no difference in disease severity were included in the analysis. The results showed that vasopressin initiation at low doses of NE was associated with reduced 28-day mortality (odds ratio [OR] 0.660, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.518–0.840, p < 0.001). Compared with patients in the high doses of NE group, patients in the low doses of NE group received significantly shorter duration of NE, with less intravenous fluid volume on the first day after initiation of vasopressin, more urine on the second day, and longer mechanical ventilation-free days and CRRT-free days. Nevertheless, there were no significant differences in hemodynamic response to vasopressin, duration of vasopressin, and ICU or hospital length of stay. Conclusions: Among adults with septic shock, vasopressin initiation when low-dose NE was used was associated with an improvement in 28-day mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major challenge in communicating health-related information is the involvement of multiple complex systems from the creation of the information to the sources and channels of dispersion to the information users themselves. To date, public health communications approaches have often not adequately accounted for the complexities of these systems to the degree necessary to have maximum impact. The virality of COVID-19 misinformation and disinformation has brought to light the need to consider these system complexities more extensively. Unaided, it is difficult for humans to see and fully understand complex systems. Luckily, there are a range of systems approaches and methods, such as systems mapping and systems modeling, that can help better elucidate complex systems. Using these methods to better characterize the various systems involved in communicating public health-related information can lead to the development of more tailored, precise, and proactive communications. Proceeding in an iterative manner to help design, implement, and adjust such communications strategies can increase impact and leave less opportunity for misinformation and disinformation to spread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrothermal carbonation carbon (HTCC) is a promising semiconductor material for the photocatalytic degradation of pollutants. However, the poor charge transfer capability of HTCC and the unclear mechanism of photocatalysis limit its practical application. In this study, a novel Z-type heterojunction photocatalyst of silver carbonate (Ag2CO3) and HTCC (Ag2CO3/HTCC) was developed for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) and tetracycline (TC) from wastewater using a hydrothermal- coprecipitation method. Compared to Ag2CO3 and HTCC, 40% Ag2CO3/HTCC had excellent photocatalytic activity and stability. The free radical scavenger experiments showed that •O2− and h+ were the main substances for the degradation of MB and TC. The intermediates formed during the photodegradation were identified by HPLC–MS, and a possible mechanism and pathway for the degradation of MB and TC by Ag2CO3/HTCC was proposed. This study provides a new idea for the synthesis of Z-type HTCC heterojunction with a high-photocatalytic efficiency and its photocatalytic mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During transitional periods, college freshmen may experience mental health issues. The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale—21-item version (DASS-21) is commonly used for mental health assessment in China. However, evidence is lacking regarding its applicability with freshmen as a demographic. Debates also exist regarding its factor structure. This study aimed to evaluate the DASS-21′s psychometric properties with Chinese college freshmen and investigate its association with three kinds of problematic Internet use. A convenience sampling method was used to recruit two samples of freshmen—one of 364 (female 248; mean age 18.17 years) and the other of 956 (female 499; mean age 18.38 years) participants. McDonald's ω and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted to evaluate both the scale's internal reliability and construct validity. The results indicated acceptable reliability, with a one-factor structure inferior to a three-factor structure in terms of model fit. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that problematic Internet use was significantly and positively associated with depression, anxiety, and stress among Chinese college freshmen. Based on the prerequisite of measurement equivalence across two samples, the study also found that freshmen's problematic Internet use and psychological distress were likely to be affected by the strict measures put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strategies to generate high-valence metal species capable of oxidizing water often employ composition and coordination tuning of oxide-based catalysts, where strong covalent interactions with metal sites are crucial. However, it remains unexplored whether a relatively weak “non-bonding” interaction between ligands and oxides can mediate the electronic states of metal sites in oxides. Here we present an unusual non-covalent phenanthroline-CoO2 interaction that substantially elevates the population of Co4+ sites for improved water oxidation. We find that phenanthroline only coordinates with Co2+ forming soluble Co(phenanthroline)2(OH)2 complex in alkaline electrolytes, which can be deposited as amorphous CoOxHy film containing non-bonding phenanthroline upon oxidation of Co2+ to Co3+/4+. This in situ deposited catalyst demonstrates a low overpotential of 216 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and sustainable activity over 1600 h with Faradaic efficiency above 97%. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the presence of phenanthroline can stabilize CoO2 through the non-covalent interaction and generate polaron-like electronic states at the Co-Co center.If and how non-bonding ligands mediate the electronic states of metal sites is interesting yet remains to be explored. Here the authors show that a non-covalent phenanthroline can promote the population of Co4+ and induce polaron-like Co sites for improved water oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infection following lung transplantation has been the focus of clinical concerns. The colonization rate of commensal bacteria of the urogenital tract, including Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU), and herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2), is high, which may cause secondary infection after transplantation. Case presentation: Twenty-three-year-old and 67-year-old women underwent lung transplantation for different causes. Shortly after the operation, they developed perineal skin ulcers, hypoxia, and intractable epilepsy. Subsequent computed tomography (CT) of the chest showed lung consolidation, and cranial CT showed shallowing sulci and gyri. UU and HSV-2 were detected in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid by next-generation sequencing, and HSV-2 was shown in the cerebrospinal fluid of both patients. Despite active treatment, both suffered irreversible brain function damage within 72 h of the seizure. Conclusions: Clinicians should know that commensal bacteria of urogenital tract infections can lead to fatal multiple organ dysfunction after lung transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spontaneous migration of the totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP) catheter is a common complication, and its mechanism remains obscure. Interventional radiological procedures, including the pigtail catheter and snare, are adequate minimally invasive alternatives to reposition the migrated catheter. We describe a novel technique for repositioning a migrated TIVAP catheter by biopsy forceps. The biopsy forceps may be an alternative to the pigtail catheter and snare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Male animals often adjust their sperm investment in response to sperm competition environment. To date, only a few studies have investigated how juvenile sociosexual settings affect sperm production before adulthood and sperm allocation during the first mating. Yet, it is unclear whether juvenile sociosexual experience (1) determines lifetime sperm production and allocation in any animal species; (2) alters the eupyrene : apyrene sperm ratio in lifetime ejaculates of any lepidopteran insects, and (3) influences lifetime ejaculation patterns, number of matings and adult longevity. Here we used a polygamous moth, Ephestia kuehniella, to address these questions. Upon male adult emergence from juveniles reared at different density and sex ratio, we paired each male with a virgin female daily until his death. We dissected each mated female to count the sperm transferred and recorded male longevity and lifetime number of matings. We demonstrate for the first time that males ejaculated significantly more eupyrenes and apyrenes in their lifetime after their young were exposed to juvenile rivals. Adult moths continued to produce eupyrene sperm, contradicting the previous predictions for lepidopterans. The eupyrene : apyrene ratio in the lifetime ejaculates remained unchanged in all treatments, suggesting that the sperm ratio is critical for reproductive success. Male juvenile exposure to other juveniles regardless of sex ratio caused significantly shorter adult longevity and faster decline in sperm ejaculation over successive matings. However, males from all treatments achieved similar number of matings in their lifetime. This study provides insight into adaptive resource allocation by males in response to juvenile sociosexual environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sex pheromone-binding proteins (PBPs) play an important role in sex pheromone recognition in Lepidoptera. However, the mechanisms of chemical communication mediating the response to sex pheromones remain unclear in the diurnal moths of the superfamily Zygaenoidea. In this study, Phauda flammans (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Zygaenoidea: Phaudidae) was used as a model insect to explore the molecular mechanism of sex pheromone perception in the superfamily Zygaenoidea. Two novel pheromone-binding proteins (PflaPBP1 and PflaPBP2) from P. flammans were identified. The two pheromone-binding proteins were predominantly expressed in the antennae of P. flammans male and female moths, in which PflaPBP1 had stronger binding affinity to the female sex pheromones Z-9-hexadecenal and (Z, Z, Z)-9, 12, 15-octadecatrienal, PflaPBP2 had stronger binding affinity only for (Z, Z, Z)-9, 12, 15-octadecatrienal, and no apparent binding affinity to Z-9-hexadecenal. The molecular docking results indicated that Ile 170 and Leu 169 are predicted to be important in the binding of the sex pheromone to PflaPBP1 and PflaPBP2. We concluded that PflaPBP1 and PflaPBP2 may be responsible for the recognition of two sex pheromone components and may function differently in female and male P. flammans. These results provide a foundation for the development of pest control by exploring sex pheromone blocking agents and the application of sex pheromones and their analogs for insect pests in the superfamily Zygaenoidea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of China's efforts to achieve green economic development and adjust the spatial layout of industries, this article focuses on pollution-intensive industries. Based on the panel data of 30 Chinese provinces from 2003 to 2018, the spatial locational characteristics and development directions of pollution-intensive industrial agglomeration and environmental pollution are revealed. The effects of environmental regulations and polluting industrial agglomeration on ecological pollution are explored by constructing a dynamic spatial panel Durbin model. The research found that: ➀Both the concentration of pollution-intensive industries and environmental pollution tend to shift from the east to the central and western parts of China; ②Environmental regulations have a significant inhibitory effect on environmental pollution, and there is a negative spatial spillover effect; ➂Pollution Industrial agglomeration and ecological pollution have an inverted "U"-shaped nonlinear relationship, and there is a positive spatial spillover effect. The research conclusions of this paper provide a theoretical basis for optimizing the spatial layout of pollution-intensive industries, alleviating environmental problems, and realizing the development of the green economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute respiratory and circulatory collapse might occasionally happen after pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA). We aimed to investigate the utilization of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) after PEA and potential risk factors. Methods: Demographic characteristics, clinical and surgical data were collected for all patients who underwent PEA from December 2016 to June 2022. All factors were compared between patients in the ECMO group and those in the other group. The most characteristic risk factors were obtained by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression and support vector machine machine learning, and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) Curve analysis was performed to verify the diagnostic value of the obtained risk factors. Results: A total of 117 patients underwent PEA, and 8 (6.8%) of them received ECMO treatment intraoperatively or postoperatively. There were significant differences between the two groups in terms of cardiac function, pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), preoperative inflammation and cardiopulmonary bypass time. The PVR and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (N/L ratio) were the most characteristic risk factors with an area under the ROC curve of 0.847 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.7517–0.9420, p =.005) and 0.896 (95% CI = 0.803–0.989, p =.001), respectively. The ECMO group had higher PVR (1549.4 ± 600.7 vs. 952.9 ± 466.9 dyn.s.cm−5, p =.004) and N/L ratio (6.3 ± 5.6 vs. 2.4 ± 1.7, p =.001). Conclusions: PVR and N/L ratio can correctly predict who is likely to receive ECMO treatment after PEA. Therefore, addressing the preoperative inflammatory status might be beneficial but further research is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skeletal undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (SUPS) is an invasive pleomorphic soft tissue sarcoma with a high degree of malignancy and poor prognosis. It is prone to recur and metastasize. The tumor microenvironment (TME) and the pathophysiology of SUPS are barely described. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) provides an opportunity to dissect the landscape of human diseases at an unprecedented resolution, particularly in diseases lacking animal models, such as SUPS. We performed scRNA-seq to analyze tumor tissues and paracancer tissues from a SUPS patient. We identified the cell types and the corresponding marker genes in this SUPS case. We further showed that CD8+ exhausted T cells and Tregs highly expressed PDCD1, CTLA4 and TIGIT. Thus, PDCD1, CTLA4 and TIGIT were identified as potential targets in this case. We applied copy number karyotyping of aneuploid tumors (CopyKAT) to distinguish malignant cells from normal cells in fibroblasts. Our study identified eight malignant fibroblast subsets in SUPS with distinct gene expression profiles. C1-malignant Fibroblast and C6-malignant Fibroblast in the TME play crucial roles in tumor growth, angiogenesis, metastasis and immune response. Hence, targeting malignant fibroblasts could represent a potential strategy for this SUPS therapy. Intervention via tirelizumab enabled disease control, and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) of PD-1 may be considered as the first-line option in patients with SUPS. Taken together, scRNA-seq analyses provided a powerful basis for this SUPS treatment, improved our understanding of complex human diseases, and may afforded an alternative approach for personalized medicine in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuropeptides and neuropeptide receptors are crucial regulators to insect physiological processes. The 21.0 Gb bases were obtained from Illumina sequencing of two libraries representing the female and male heads of Phauda flammans (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Phaudidae), which is a diurnal defoliator of ficus plants and usually outbreaks in the south and south-east Asia, to identify differentially expressed genes, neuropeptides and neuropeptide receptor whose tissue expressions were also evaluated. In total, 99,386 unigenes were obtained, in which 156 up-regulated and 61 down-regulated genes were detected. Fifteen neuropeptides (i.e., F1b, Ast, NP1, IMF, Y, BbA1, CAP2b, NPLP1, SIF, CCH2, NP28, NP3, PDP3, ARF2 and SNPF) and 66 neuropeptide receptor genes (e.g., A2-1, FRL2, A32-1, A32-2, FRL3, etc.) were identified and well-clustered with other lepidopteron. This is the first sequencing, identification neuropeptides and neuropeptide receptor genes from P. flammans which provides valuable information regarding the molecular basis of P. flammans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate the sleep quality of women pregnant with a second child and the influencing factors and provide a scientific basis for health care guidance to clinically improve the sleep quality of pregnant women. Methods: A total of 162 women pregnant with a second child at a first-class tertiary hospital in Changsha from January to August 2018 were selected as the research subjects. General demographic characteristics were collected, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scale was used to assess their sleep quality. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors of the sleep quality of women pregnant with a second child. Results: The PSQI score (except hypnotic drugs) and total score of pregnant women with second birth were higher than those of normal female population, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Univariate analysis showed statistically significant differences in sleep quality among women pregnant with a second child of different ages, marital relationships, gender expectations, education levels, monthly family incomes, planned or unplanned pregnancy, and gestational weeks (P < 0.05). The results of the multi-factor analysis showed that the low education level (OR = 0.224, P = 0.001), low family monthly income (OR = 3.035, P = 0.014), expectation of gender (OR = 0.065, P = 0.038), and dissatisfaction with marital relationship (OR = 0.275, P = 0.001) were the primary risk factors of poor sleep quality of in women with second pregnant. Conclusions: The overall sleep quality of women pregnant with a second child is poor, and 37.65% have sleep quality problems. Low education levels, low family monthly incomes, fetal gender expectations, and poor relationship between husband and wife are the main factors affecting the sleep quality of women pregnant with a second child. Pregnant women with the above factors should pay attention to their sleep quality and take necessary measures for intervention and guidance to improve the level of health care during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jujubes have been favored by consumers because of their rich nutrition and wide use. Hot air drying has been commercially and typically used to prolong shelf life and acquire the dried produce. Jujube slices were dried with hot air combined with radio frequency (RF) at different drying stages, namely, early (0–2 h, E-HA + RF), middle (2–4 h, M-HA + RF), later (4–6 h, L-HA + RF), and whole (0–6 h, W-HA + RF) stages. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different RF application stages on the microstructure, moisture absorption rate, color, and ascorbic acid of jujube slices. Compared with the hot air drying (HA) group, the E-HA + RF group obtained the best results among the experimental groups because it reduced the cells with a roundness of less than 0.4 by 5%. Moreover, the M-HA + RF group showed better results than those of other groups, with an 18.6% and 48.8% reduction in cells for a cross-sectional area less than 200 µm2 and a perimeter less than 25 µm, respectively. The minimum total color difference (ΔE = 9.21 ± 0.31) and maximum retention of ascorbic acid (285.06 mg/100 g) were also observed in this group. Therefore, the method of hot air drying assisted by phased RF is viable in the drying industry to improve the quality of dried agricultural products and reduce energy consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In this study, we tested the pathogenicity of Beauveria bassiana PfBb on the important agricultural pest Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) by determining the relative activities of protective enzymes and detoxifying enzymes in different larval instars. Our results show that the B. bassiana PfBb strain could infect all six larval instars of S. frugiperda, and its virulence to S. frugiperda larvae gradually increased with an increase in spore concentration. Furthermore, the activities of protective enzymes (i.e., catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase) and detoxifying enzymes (i.e., glutathione S-transferases, carboxylesterase, and cytochrome P450) in S. frugiperda larvae of the first three instars infected with B. bassiana PfBb changed significantly with infection time, but such variations were not obvious in the fifth and sixth instars. These findings laid the foundation for further research on the mechanism by which B. bassiana controls S. frugiperda. Exploring the pathogenicity of a new fungus strain to non-target host pests can provide essential information on a large scale for potential application in pest control. In this study, we tested the pathogenicity of Beauveria bassiana PfBb on the important agricultural pest Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) by determining the relative activities of protective enzymes and detoxifying enzymes in different larval instars. Our results show that the B. bassiana PfBb strain could infect all six larval instars of S. frugiperda, and its virulence to S. frugiperda larvae gradually increased with an increase in spore concentration. Seven days after inoculation, the LC50 of B. bassiana PfBb was 7.7 × 105, 5.5 × 106, 2.2 × 107, 3.1 × 108, 9.6 × 108, and 2.5 × 1011 spores/mL for first to sixth instars of S. frugiperda, respectively, and the LC50 and LC90 of B. bassiana PfBb for each S. frugiperda instar decreased with infection time, indicating a significant dose effect. Furthermore, the virulence of B. bassiana PfBb to S. frugiperda larvae gradually decreased with an increase in larval instar. The activities of protective enzymes (i.e., catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase) and detoxifying enzymes (i.e., glutathione S-transferases, carboxylesterase, and cytochrome P450) in S. frugiperda larvae of the first three instars infected with B. bassiana PfBb changed significantly with infection time, but such variations were not obvious in the fifth and sixth instars. Additionally, after being infected with B. bassiana PfBb, the activities of protective enzymes and detoxification enzymes in S. frugiperda larvae usually lasted from 12 to 48 h, which was significantly longer than the control. These results indicate that the pathogenicity of B. bassiana PfBb on the non-target host S. frugiperda was significant but depended on the instar stage. Therefore, the findings of this study suggest that B. bassiana PfBb can be used as a bio-insecticide to control young larvae of S. frugiperda in an integrated pest management program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]