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Abstract Aims Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation, a therapy for end‐stage heart failure, is associated with platelet (PLT) activation. This study aims to evaluate the prognostic impact of PLT count in patients with LVAD implantation. Methods and Results Data from the Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) registry were investigated, and patients were divided into three groups according to tertiles. The dynamic change of PLT counts and its associations with long‐term outcomes were analysed. The primary outcome was long‐term mortality. A total of 19 517 patients who received the first continuous‐flow LVAD were identified from the INTERMACS registry. The PLT count underwent a dynamic change towards normalization after LVAD implantation. Compared with intermediate, both high (hazard ratio [HR], 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01 to 1.17, P = 0.033) and low (HR, 1.18, 95% CI: 1.10 to 1.27, P

Tissue engineering technology has advanced rapidly in recent years, offering opportunities to construct biologically active tissues or organ substitutes to repair or even enhance the functions of diseased tissues and organs. Tissue-engineered scaffolds rebuild the extracellular microenvironment by mimicking the extracellular matrix. Fibrin-based scaffolds possess numerous advantages, including hemostasis, high biocompatibility, and good degradability. Fibrin scaffolds provide an initial matrix that facilitates cell migration, differentiation, proliferation, and adhesion, and also play a critical role in cell-matrix interactions. Fibrin scaffolds are now widely recognized as a key component in tissue engineering, where they can facilitate tissue and organ defect repair. This review introduces the properties of fibrin, including its composition, structure, and biology. In addition, the modification and cross-linking modes of fibrin are discussed, along with various forms commonly used in tissue engineering. We also describe the biofunctionalization of fibrin. This review provides a detailed overview of the use and applications of fibrin in skin, bone, and nervous tissues, and provides novel insights into future research directions for clinical treatment.

Abstract Background The burden of common urologic diseases, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), urinary tract infections (UTI), urolithiasis, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, and prostate cancer, varies both geographically and within specific regions. It is essential to conduct a comprehensive and precise assessment of the global burden of urologic diseases. Methods We obtained data on incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) for the aforementioned urologic diseases by age, sex, location, and year from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021. We analyzed the burden associated with urologic diseases based on socio-demographic index (SDI) and attributable risk factors. The trends in burden over time were assessed using estimated annual percentage changes (EAPC) along with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results In 2021, BPH and UTI were the leading causes of age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) and age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR), with rates of 5531.88 and 2782.59 per 100,000 persons, respectively. Prostate cancer was the leading cause of both age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) and age-standardized DALYs rate (ASDR), with rates of 12.63 and 217.83 per 100,000 persons, respectively. From 1990 to 2021, there was an upward trend in ASIR, ASPR, ASMR, and ASDR for UTI, while urolithiasis showed a downward trend. The middle and low-middle SDI quintile levels exhibited higher incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALYs related to UTI, urolithiasis, and BPH, while the high and high-middle SDI quintile levels showed higher rates for the three cancers. The burden of these six urologic diseases displayed diverse age and sex distribution patterns. In 2021, a high body mass index (BMI) contributed to 20.07% of kidney cancer deaths worldwide, while smoking accounted for 26.48% of bladder cancer deaths and 3.00% of prostate cancer deaths. Conclusions The global burden of 6 urologic diseases presents a significant public health challenge. Urgent international collaboration is essential to advance the improvement of urologic disease management, encompassing the development of effective diagnostic screening tools and the implementation of high-quality prevention and treatment strategies.

Abstract The engineered TadA variants used in cytosine base editors (CBEs) present distinctive advantages, including a smaller size and fewer off-target effects compared to cytosine base editors that rely on natural deaminases. However, the current TadA variants demonstrate a preference for base editing in DNA with specific motif sequences and possess dual deaminase activity, acting on both cytosine and adenosine in adjacent positions, limiting their application scope. To address these issues, we employ TadA orthologs screening and multi sequence alignment (MSA)-guided protein engineering techniques to create a highly effective cytosine base editor (aTdCBE) without motif and adenosine deaminase activity limitations. Notably, the delivery of aTdCBE to a humanized mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) mice achieves robust exon 55 skipping and restoration of dystrophin expression. Our advancement in engineering TadA ortholog for cytosine editing enriches the base editing toolkits for gene-editing therapy and other potential applications.

Abstract Device-to-device (D2D) communications allow short-range communication devices to multiplex cellular-licensed spectrum to directly establish local connections for ultra-high number of terminal connections and greater system throughput. However, spectrum sharing also brings serious interference to the network. Therefore, a reliable and efficient resource allocation strategy is important to mitigate the interference and improve the system spectral efficiency. In this paper, we investigated spectrum access and power allocation in D2D communications underlay cellular networks based on deep reinforcement learning with the aim of finding a feasible resource allocation strategy to maximize data rate and system fairness. We proposed a value decomposition network-based resource allocation scheme for D2D communication networks. Our proposed scheme avoids frequent information exchanges among D2D users by centralized training, while allowing D2D users to make distributed joint resource allocation decisions. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme has stable convergence and good scalability, and can effectively improve the system capacity.

Shaped charge liner (SCL) has been extensively applied in oil recovery and defense industries. Achieving superior penetration capability through optimizing SCL structures presents a substantial challenge due to intricate rate-dependent processes involving detonation-driven liner collapse, high-speed jet stretching, and penetration. This study introduces an innovative optimization strategy for SCL structures that employs jet penetration efficiency as the primary objective function. The strategy combines experimentally validated finite element method with machine learning (FEM-ML). We propose a novel jet penetration efficiency index derived from enhanced cutoff velocity and shape characteristics of the jet via machine learning. This index effectively evaluates the jet penetration performance. Furthermore, a multi-model fusion based on a machine learning optimization method, called XGBOOST-MFO, is put forward to optimize SCL structure over a large input space. The strategy's feasibility is demonstrated through the optimization of copper SCL implemented via the FEM-ML strategy. Finally, this strategy is extended to optimize the structure of the recently emerging CrMnFeCoNi high-entropy alloy conical liners and hemispherical copper liners. Therefore, the strategy can provide helpful guidance for the engineering design of SCL.

Abstract The simultaneous construction of multiple stereogenic elements in a single step is highly appealing and desirable in the field of asymmetric synthesis. Furthermore, the catalytic enantioselective synthesis of inherently chiral calix[n]arenes with high enantiopurity has long been a challenging endeavor. Herein, we report an enantioselective cobalt-catalyzed C–H activation/annulation for the efficient construction of inherently chiral calix[4]arenes bearing multiple C–N axially chiral element. By employing the benzamide tethered calix[4]arene as the substrate, the C–H annulation with alkynes can be successfully accomplished, leading to the generation of multiple stereogenic elements. A wide range of calix[4]arenes and alkynes are found to be well compatible, and exhibit good yields, high enantioselectivity and excellent diastereoselectivity. Notably, the gram-scale reaction, catalytic application, synthetic transformations, and chiral recognition further showcase the potential applications of this protocol.

Abstract Background The role of the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) as a prognostic factor in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) remains uncertain. Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the GNRI on mortality outcomes in critically ill patients with AKI. Methods For this retrospective study, we included 12,058 patients who were diagnosed with AKI based on ICD-9 codes from the eICU Collaborative Research Database. Based on the values of GNRI, nutrition-related risks were categorized into four groups: major risk (GNRI

Abstract The search for baryon-number-violating (BNV) nucleon decay is an intriguing probe of new physics beyond the SM in future neutrino experiments with enhanced sensitivity. The dark sector states such as an axion or axion-like particle (ALP) can induce nucleon decays with distinct signature and kinematics from the conventional nucleon decays. In this work, we study the ALP effective field theories (EFTs) with baryon number violation and the impact of light ALP on BNV nucleon decays. We revisit the dimension-8 BNV operators in the extended EFTs with an ALP field a respecting shift symmetry. The low-energy EFT operators with |∆(B – L)| = 2 and |∆(B – L)| = 0 are matched to the baryon chiral perturbation theory. We obtain the effective chiral Lagrangian and the BNV interactions between ALP and baryons/mesons. The ALP interactions lead to two-body baryon decays B → ℓ (or ν) a and three-body nucleon decays N → M ℓ (or ν) a. We obtain the constraints on the UV scale from the invisible Λ0 decay search at BESIII, the invisible neutron decay search at KamLAND and proton decay search at Super-K. We also show the projections of some other baryon/nucleon decays and present the distinct distributions of kinematic observable.

Abstract Fusarium oxysporum (Schl.) f.sp. melonis, which causes muskmelon wilt disease, is a destructive filamentous fungal pathogen, attracting more attention to the search for effective fungicides against this pathogen. In particular, Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have strong antimicrobial properties and they are not easy to develop drug resistance, which provides new ideas for the prevention and control of muskmelon Fusarium wilt (MFW). This paper studied the effects of AgNPs on the growth and development of muskmelon, the control efficacy on Fusarium wilt of muskmelon and the antifungal mechanism of AgNPs to F. oxysporum. The results showed that AgNPs could inhibit the growth of F. oxysporum on the PDA and in the PDB medium at 100–200 mg/L and the low concentration of 25 mg/L AgNPs could promote the seed germination and growth of muskmelon seedlings and reduce the incidence of muskmelon Fusarium wilt. Further studies on the antifungal mechanism showed that AgNPs could impair the development, damage cell structure, and interrupt cellular metabolism pathways of this fungus. TEM observation revealed that AgNPs treatment led to damage to the cell wall and membrane and accumulation of vacuoles and vessels, causing the leakage of intracellular contents. AgNPs treatment significantly hampered the growth of mycelia in the PDB medium, even causing a decrease in biomass. Biochemical properties showed that AgNPs treatment stimulated the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in 6 h, subsequently producing malondialdehyde (MDA) and increasing protective enzyme activity. After 6 h, the protective enzyme activity decreased. These results indicated that AgNPs destroy the cell structure and affect the metabolisms, eventually leading to the death of fungus.

Abstract Aims To explore rare and difficult cases of undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver (UESL) in children in a single centre, summarize the diagnosis and treatment experience and analyse the role of a computer-assisted surgery system (Hisense CAS), thus providing a new global vision and three-dimensional perspective. Methods We retrospectively collected the clinical data including the diagnoses and treatment processes, of children with UESL confirmed by histopathological examination in our hospital from January 2009 to December 2020. The relationship between the tumour volume and important blood vessels and between the liver volume and tumour volume, as well as other three-dimensional characteristics in the reconstructed three-dimensional model were analysed using Hisense CAS. The findings from this analysis can be used to aid in surgical decision-making and preoperative planning. Results Four children—3 girls and 1 boy—with UESL were included in the study. The age at onset ranged from 6 to 8 years. All four children presented with symptoms of abdominal discomfort, and abdominal masses were detected during physical examination. Owing to the wishes of their parents and the possibility that the disease was benign, all four children underwent one-stage radical surgery. For patient 1, a three-dimensional reconstruction was created during the initial diagnosis, which made accurate evaluation and planning of the preoperative procedure challenging. In patient 2, the tumour was located in the middle lobe of the liver and involved the first and second hepatic hilum. For patient 3, the pathological diagnosis of the tumour after surgery was challenging, but eventually, the diagnosis was confirmed through histochemistry and consultation with higher-level hospitals. Patient 4 had a giant tumour, which had a preoperative simulated future liver remnant volume (FLV) that was 21.0% of the total volume of the liver and tumour (TLTV). According to the standard liver volume (SLV) for children, the FLV was 77.0% of the SLV, making surgery feasible. All four children underwent complete resection, and only patient 4 experienced recurrence below the diaphragm 19 months after surgery. Currently, the 3-year overall survival rate is 100%, and the 3-year event-free survival rate is 75%. Conclusion UESL in children is rare, and the key to diagnosis and treatment is complete surgical resection. Through individualized three-dimensional surgical planning, accurate and complete resection of difficult and complex UESL in children can be achieved, leading to a favourable prognosis.

Abstract Mitochondrial dysfunction, characterized by elevated oxidative stress, impaired energy balance, and dysregulated mitochondrial dynamics, is a hallmark of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its comorbidities. Ferulic acid (FA), a principal phenolic compound found in whole grains, has demonstrated potential in ameliorating oxidative stress and preserving energy homeostasis. However, the influence of FA on mitochondrial health within the context of MetS remains unexplored. Moreover, the impact of FA on autophagy, which is essential for maintaining energy homeostasis and mitochondrial integrity, is not fully understood. Here, we aimed to study the mechanisms of action of FA in regulating mitochondrial health and autophagy using palmitate-treated HepG2 hepatocytes as a MetS cell model. We found that FA improved mitochondrial health by restoring redox balance and optimizing mitochondrial dynamics, including biogenesis and the fusion/fission ratio. Additionally, FA was shown to recover autophagy and activate AMPK-related cell signaling. Our results provide new insights into the therapeutic potential of FA as a mitochondria-targeting agent for the prevention and treatment of MetS.

Abstract Existing knowledge graph-based recommendation algorithms either use Knowledge Graphs (KGs) as auxiliary information or use KG prediction tasks as regular terms to constrain recommendation with multi-task learning. However, the first method, which introduces multi-hop neighbors to enhance item representations, also weakens the relationship information within individual triples to some extent. The second method ignores neighboring information and thus fails to capture the long-range connectivity between items, which leads to a lack of utilization of the structural information in the KG. In response to the limitations of existing recommendation algorithms that do not fully leverage the relational and structural information within KGs, we propose a novel method named Knowledge-Enhanced Multi-Task Parallelized Recommendation Algorithm Incorporating Attention-Embedded Propagation (KMPR-AEP). It employs a parallel approach to simultaneously incorporate KG as auxiliary information and a regular term. We take into account the multi-hop neighbor information of users and items as well as enhance the relations among individual triples, which considers both the structural and relational information of KG. Extensive experiments conducted on three real-world datasets for CTR prediction and Top-K recommendation scenarios demonstrate the superiority of our proposed method over the state-of-the-art. On average, our KMPR-AEP shows improvements of 2.44% in AUC, 3.49% in ACC, and 2.64% in F1.

Abstract Corynespora cassiicola is a highly diverse fungal pathogen that commonly occurs in tropical, subtropical, and greenhouse environments worldwide. In this study, the isolates were identified as C. cassiicola, and the optimum growth and sporulation were studied. The phenotypic characteristics of C. cassiicola, concerning 950 different growth conditions, were tested using Biolog PM plates 1–10. In addition, the strain of C. cassiicola DWZ from tobacco hosts was sequenced for the using Illumina PE150 and Pacbio technologies. The host resistance of tobacco Yunyan 87 with different maturity levels was investigated. In addition, the resistance evaluation of 10 common tobacco varieties was investigated. The results showed that C. cassiicola metabolized 89.47% of the tested carbon source, 100% of the nitrogen source, 100% of the phosphorus source, and 97.14% of the sulfur source. It can adapt to a variety of different osmotic pressure and pH environments, and has good decarboxylase and deaminase activities. The optimum conditions for pathogen growth and sporulation were 25–30 °C, and the growth was better on AEA and OA medium. The total length of the genome was 45.9 Mbp, the GC content was 51.23%, and a total of 13,061 protein-coding genes, 202 non-coding RNAs and 2801 and repeat sequences were predicted. Mature leaves were more susceptible than proper mature and immature leaves, and the average diameter of diseased spots reached 17.74 mm at 12 days. None of the tested ten cultivars exhibited obvious resistance to Corynespora leaf spot of tobacco, whereby all disease spot diameters reached > 10 mm and > 30 mm when at 5 and 10 days after inoculation, respectively. The phenotypic characteristics, genomic analysis of C. cassiicola and the cultivar resistance assessment of this pathogen have increased our understanding of Corynespora leaf spot of tobacco.

Understanding interactions between viruses and their hosts is conducive to enabling better application of viruses as biocontrol agents. Certain viruses carried by parasitic wasps enhance the parasitic efficiency of wasp-larvae by protecting them against the immune system of their Lepidopteran host. However, the relationship between prey pests and viruses found in predatory natural enemies remains unclear. Herein, we report the interaction between Arma chinensis virus-1 (AcV-1), originally isolated from a predatory natural enemy, Arma chinensis (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), and one of its prey species, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). The results showed that the AcV-1 virus appeared harmful to the novel host S. frugiperda by inhibiting larval diet consumption and increasing pupal mortality. Meanwhile, sequencing data indicated that the virus altered the gene expression profiles of S. frugiperda. KEGG analysis showed that the proteasome and phagosome pathways related to protein degradation and immune response were significantly enriched. Although the expression levels of digestive enzyme genes did not change significantly, the total protease activity of AcV-1 virus-positive individuals was significantly decreased, suggesting that the virus inhibited diet consumption of S. frugiperda via the down-regulation of digestive enzyme activities. These results indicate that a virus initially isolated in a predatory natural enemy can decrease the fitness of its prey species. The virus was found to impact the host proteasome and phagosome pathways related to protein degradation and immunity, providing a potential mechanism to enhance controlling efficiency.

IN738LC alloy is a typical γ’ phase precipitation-strengthened nickel-based superalloy, commonly used in high-temperature components such as gas turbines and aero-engines.In order to further enhance its high-temperature wear resistance, IN738 alloy samples were prepared using laser cladding technology with four different laser powers in a 99.99%pure nitrogen environment, followed by heat treatment at 850 ℃for 24 h.The microstructure and properties were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-temperature friction and wear testing machines and JMatPro software.Results showed that with the increase in laser power, the mean hardness of the samples without heat treatment increased gradually from 40.74 HRC to 41.92 HRC, while the mean hardness of the samples after heat treatment was 43.0 HRC.The average friction coefficients of the samples without heat treatment and after heat treatment at normal temperature were 0.70 and 0.65, respectively.The average friction coefficient at 800 ℃of the samples after heat treatment was 0.35.The wear resistance of the samples first increased and then decreased with the increase in laser power within a certain range of laser power.The wear resistance of the samples prepared at room temperature and at 800 ℃was highest when the laser power was 750 W and 650 W,respectively.The wear resistance of samples prepared under the same laser power at a high temperature of 800 ℃was much better than that at room temperature.

Abstract Objective This study aimed at evaluating the effects of online and offline hybrid weight management approach based on the Fogg behavior model on total gestational weight gain and perinatal outcomes. Methods Pregnant women in Hainan, the southernmost province of China, were recruited into a randomized controlled trial, which was designed to develop a WeChat platform for pregnancy weight management, and implement individualized and continuous pregnancy weight management services for pregnant women under the guidance of the Fogg behavior model. All pregnant women participating in the study were included in the full analysis set (FAS) for analysis. The pregnant women who completed the intervention and provided all outcome indicators were included in the per protocol set (PPS) for outcome evaluation. Results Fifty-eight pregnant women were included in FAS analysis, and 52 pregnant women were finally included in PPS analysis. There was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) between the two groups at baseline. The gestational weight gain of the intervention group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P

Abstract Background The epidemiology and risk factors for postoperative complications related to free flap reconstruction in head and neck cancer patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) are unknown. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients with free flap reconstruction of head and neck cancer between September 2015 and April 2023 admitted to the ICU of Beijing Tongren Hospital. The univariate and multivariate analyses were used to explore the risk factors for postoperative complications related to free flap reconstruction admitted to ICU, including flap necrosis, bleeding, fistula, and infection. Results A total of 239 patients were included in this study, and 38 (15.9%) patients had postoperative complications related to free flap reconstruction. The median length of ICU stay was 1 day (interquartile range, 1–2 days). Multivariate analysis found that low BMI (P

Abstract Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) possesses a poor prognosis and treatment outcome. Dysregulated metabolism contributes to unrestricted growth of multiple cancers. However, abnormal metabolism, such as highly activated pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) in the progression of ESCC remains largely unknown. Herein, we report that high-mobility group AT-hook 1 (HMGA1), a structural transcriptional factor involved in chromatin remodeling, promoted the development of ESCC by upregulating the PPP. We found that HMGA1 was highly expressed in ESCC. Elevated HMGA1 promoted the malignant phenotype of ESCC cells. Conditional knockout of HMGA1 markedly reduced 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4NQO)-induced esophageal tumorigenesis in mice. Through the metabolomic analysis and the validation assay, we found that HMGA1 upregulated the non-oxidative PPP. With the transcriptome sequencing, we identified that HMGA1 upregulated the expression of transketolase (TKT), which catalyzes the reversible reaction in non-oxidative PPP to exchange metabolites with glycolytic pathway. HMGA1 knockdown suppressed the PPP by downregulating TKT, resulting in the reduction of nucleotides in ESCC cells. Overexpression of HMGA1 upregulated PPP and promoted the survival of ESCC cells by activating TKT. We further characterized that HMGA1 promoted the transcription of TKT by interacting with and enhancing the binding of transcription factor SP1 to the promoter of TKT. Therapeutics targeting TKT with an inhibitor, oxythiamine, reduced HMGA1-induced ESCC cell proliferation and tumor growth. Together, in this study, we identified a new role of HMGA1 in ESCCs by upregulating TKT-mediated activation of PPP. Our results provided a new insight into the role of HMGA1/TKT/PPP in ESCC tumorigenesis and targeted therapy.

Abstract Filamentous fungi produce polysaccharide-degrading enzymes, which is controlled by poorly understood transcriptional circuits. Here we show that a circuit comprising RsrC-RsrA-RsrB (Rsr: production of raw-starch-degrading enzyme regulator) that positively regulates production of raw starch-degrading enzymes in Penicillium oxalicum. Transcription factor (TF) RsrA is essential for biosynthesis of raw starch-degrading enzymes. RsrB and RsrC containing Zn2Cys6- and C2H2-zinc finger domains, act downstream and upstream of RsrA, respectively. RsrA activates rsrB transcription, and three nucleotides (G-286, G-287 and G-292) of rsrB promoter region are required for RsrA, in terms of TF, for binding. RsrB165−271 binds to DNA sequence 5’-TCGATCAGGCACGCC-3’ in the promoter region of the gene encoding key raw-starch-degrading enzyme PoxGA15A. RsrC specifically binds rsrA promoter, but not amylase genes, to positively regulate the expression of rsrA and the production of raw starch-degrading enzymes. These findings expand complex regulatory network of fungal raw starch-degrading enzyme biosynthesis.

Abstract This paper presents a multi-strategy improved grasshopper optimization algorithm (MSIGOA), which aims to address the shortcomings of the grasshopper optimization algorithm (GOA), including its slow convergence, vulnerability to trapping into local optima, and low accuracy. Firstly, to improve the uniformity of the population distribution in the search space, the MSIGOA uses circle mapping for the population initialization. A nonlinear decreasing coefficient is utilized instead of an original linear decreasing coefficient to improve the local exploitation and global exploration capabilities. Then, the modified golden sine mechanism is added during the position update stage to change the single position update mode of GOA and enhance the local exploitation capability. The greedy strategy is added to greedily select the new and old positions of the individual to retain a better position and increase the speed of convergence. Finally, the quasi-reflection-based learning mechanism is utilized to construct new populations to improve population multiplicity and the capability to escape from the local optima. This paper verifies the efficacy of MSIGOA by comparing it with other advanced algorithms on six engineering design problems, CEC2017 test functions, and 12 classical benchmark functions. The experimental results show that MSIGOA performs better than the original GOA and other compared algorithms and has stronger comprehensive optimization capabilities.

Abstract Background The dirigent (DIR) genes encode proteins that act as crucial regulators of plant lignin biosynthesis. In Solanaceae species, members of the DIR gene family are intricately related to plant growth and development, playing a key role in responding to various biotic and abiotic stresses. It will be of great application significance to analyze the DIR gene family and expression profile under various pathogen stresses in Solanaceae species. Results A total of 57 tobacco NtDIRs and 33 potato StDIRs were identified based on their respective genome sequences. Phylogenetic analysis of DIR genes in tobacco, potato, eggplant and Arabidopsis thaliana revealed three distinct subgroups (DIR-a, DIR-b/d and DIR-e). Gene structure and conserved motif analysis showed that a high degree of conservation in both exon/intron organization and protein motifs among tobacco and potato DIR genes, especially within members of the same subfamily. Total 8 pairs of tandem duplication genes (3 pairs in tobacco, 5 pairs in potato) and 13 pairs of segmental duplication genes (6 pairs in tobacco, 7 pairs in potato) were identified based on the analysis of gene duplication events. Cis-regulatory elements of the DIR promoters participated in hormone response, stress responses, circadian control, endosperm expression, and meristem expression. Transcriptomic data analysis under biotic stress revealed diverse response patterns among DIR gene family members to pathogens, indicating their functional divergence. After 96 h post-inoculation with Ralstonia solanacearum L. (Ras), tobacco seedlings exhibited typical symptoms of tobacco bacterial wilt. The qRT-PCR analysis of 11 selected NtDIR genes displayed differential expression pattern in response to the bacterial pathogen Ras infection. Using line 392278 of potato as material, typical symptoms of potato late blight manifested on the seedling leaves under Phytophthora infestans infection. The qRT-PCR analysis of 5 selected StDIR genes showed up-regulation in response to pathogen infection. Notably, three clustered genes (NtDIR2, NtDIR4, StDIR3) exhibited a robust response to pathogen infection, highlighting their essential roles in disease resistance. Conclusion The genome-wide identification, evolutionary analysis, and expression profiling of DIR genes in response to various pathogen infection in tobacco and potato have provided valuable insights into the roles of these genes under various stress conditions. Our results could provide a basis for further functional analysis of the DIR gene family under pathogen infection conditions.

Abstract Background Limited research has examined the impact of lower limb length discrepancy (LLLD) alteration on spinopelvic compensation in individuals with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). This study aimed to investigate the effects of LLLD on spinopelvic compensation following total hip arthroplasty (THA) and elucidate the complex biomechanical adaptations in the spinopelvic structures. Methods A retrospective review of DDH patients undergoing THA from January 2014 to December 2021 categorized individuals with Crowe type I and II into the low dislocation group (LDG, n = 94) and those with Crowe type III and IV into the high dislocation group (HDG, n = 43). Demographic data, as well as preoperative, postoperative, and last follow-up imaging data, including lower limb length (LLL), sacral obliquity (SO), iliac obliquity (IO), hip obliquity (HO), Cobb angle, apical vertebral translation (AVT), and coronal decompensation (CD), were collected for analysis. Results Patients in the LDG had a significantly higher surgical age and shorter disease duration (P0.05). The variation in LLLD correlated significantly with the variations in SO, IO, and HO (P0.05). The variation in LLLD correlated significantly with the variations in SO, IO, HO, and CD (P

Abstract DNA base editors enable direct editing of adenine (A), cytosine (C), or guanine (G), but there is no base editor for direct thymine (T) editing currently. Here we develop two deaminase-free glycosylase-based base editors for direct T editing (gTBE) and C editing (gCBE) by fusing Cas9 nickase (nCas9) with engineered human uracil DNA glycosylase (UNG) variants. By several rounds of structure-informed rational mutagenesis on UNG in cultured human cells, we obtain gTBE and gCBE with high activity of T-to-S (i.e., T-to-C or T-to-G) and C-to-G conversions, respectively. Furthermore, we conduct parallel comparison of gTBE/gCBE with those recently developed using other protein engineering strategies, and find gTBE/gCBE show the outperformance. Thus, we provide several base editors, gTBEs and gCBEs, with corresponding engineered UNG variants, broadening the targeting scope of base editors.

Abstract Background Ciprofol is a promising sedative. This study aims to explore the median effective dose (ED50) of ciprofol in inhibiting responses to fiberoptic bronchoscopy in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) of different genders and ages when combined with 0.15 μg/kg sufentanil, and to evaluate its efficacy and safety, providing a reference for the rational use of ciprofol in clinical practice. Methods PTB patients who underwent bronchoscopy examination and treatment at The Third People’s Hospital of Changzhou between May 2023 and June 2023 were selected and divided into four groups using a stratified random method. All patients received intravenous injection of 0.15 μg/kg sufentanil followed by injection of the test dose of ciprofol according to Dixon’s up-and-down method. The initial dose of ciprofol in all four groups was 0.4 mg/kg, with an adjacent ratio of 1:1.1. The next patient received a 10% increase in the dose of ciprofol if the previous patient in the same group experienced positive reactions such as choking cough, frowning, and body movements during the endoscopy. Otherwise, it was judged as a negative reaction, and the next patient received a 10% decrease in the dose of ciprofol. The transition from a positive reaction to a negative reaction was defined as a turning point, and the study of the group was terminated when seven turning points occurred. Hemodynamic parameters, oxygen saturation and adverse reactions were recorded at different time points in all groups. The Probit regression analysis method was used to calculate the ED50 of ciprofol in the four groups and compare between the groups. Results The ED50 of ciprofol combined with 0.15 μg/kg sufentanil for bronchoscopy in the four groups were 0.465 mg/kg, 0.433 mg/kg, 0.420 mg/kg and 0.396 mg/kg, respectively. Conclusion The ED50 of ciprofol used for fiberoptic bronchoscopy varied among PTB patients of different genders and ages. Trial registration The Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2300071508, Registered on 17 May 2023.

Abstract Background The pathogenesis of thyroid-associated orbitopathy (TAO) remains incompletely understand. The interaction between immunocytes and orbital fibroblasts (OFs) play a critical role in orbital inflammatory and fibrosis. Accumulating reports indicate that a significant portion of plasma exosomes (Pla-Exos) are derived from immune cells; however, their impact upon OFs function is unclear. Methods OFs were primary cultured from inactive TAO patients. Exosomes isolated from plasma samples of patients with active TAO and healthy controls (HCs) were utilized for functional and RNA cargo analysis. Functional analysis in thymocyte differentiation antigen-1+ (Thy-1+) OFs measured expression of inflammatory and fibrotic markers (mRNAs and proteins) and cell activity in response to Pla-Exos. RNA cargo analysis was performed by RNA sequencing and RT-qPCR. Thy-1+ OFs were transfected with miR-144-3p mimics/inhibitors to evaluate its regulation of inflammation, fibrosis, and proliferation. Results Pla-Exos derived from active TAO patients (Pla-ExosTAO−A) induced stronger production of inflammatory cytokines and hyaluronic acid (HA) in Thy-1+ OFs while inhibiting their proliferation. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis and single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) suggested that the difference in mRNA expression levels between Pla-ExosTAO−A and Pla-ExosHC was closely related to immune cells. Differential expression analysis revealed that 62 upregulated and 45 downregulated miRNAs in Pla-ExosTAO−A, with the elevation of miR-144-3p in both Pla-Exos and PBMCs in active TAO group. KEGG analysis revealed that the target genes of differentially expressed miRNA and miR-144-3p enriched in immune-related signaling pathways. Overexpression of the miR-144-3p mimic significantly upregulated the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and HA in Thy-1+ OFs while inhibiting their proliferation. Conclusion Pla-Exos derived from patients with active TAO were immune-active, which may be a long-term stimulus casual for inflammatory and fibrotic progression of TAO. Our finding suggests that Pla-Exos could be used as biomarkers or treatment targets in TAO patients.

Objectives The micro‐nano structure of 3D‐printed porous titanium (Ti) alloy with excellent performance in avoiding stress shielding and promoting bone tissue differentiation provides a new opportunity for the development of bone implants, but it necessitates higher requirements for bone tissue differentiation and the antibacterial properties of bone implants in clinical practice. Methods This study investigated the preparation, antimicrobial properties, and osteogenesis‐promoting ability of the 3D printed porous Ti alloy anodic oxidized Ag‐carrying (Ag@3D‐TiO2) scaffolds. The 3D printed porous Ti alloy (3D‐Ti), anodized 3D printed porous Ti alloy (3D‐TiO2), and Ag@3D‐TiO2 scaffolds were synthesized using electron beam melting. The antimicrobial properties of the scaffolds were examined using antibacterial tests and their cytocompatibility was assessed using a cell proliferation assay and acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining. In vitro cellular assays were used to investigate the effects of the scaffold microstructural features on cell activity, proliferation, and osteogenesis‐related genes and proteins. In vivo animal experiments were used to evaluate the anti‐inflammatory and osteogenesis‐promoting abilities of the scaffolds. Results The Ag@3D‐TiO2 scaffolds exhibited sustained anti‐microbial activity over time, enhanced cell proliferation, facilitated osteogenic differentiation, and increased extracellular matrix mineralization. In addition, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), collagen type I (COL‐I), and osteocalcin (OCN)‐related genes and proteins were upregulated. In vivo animal implantation experiments, the anti‐inflammatory effect of the Ag@3D‐TiO2 scaffolds were observed using histology, and a large amount of fibrous connective tissue was present around it; the Ag@3D‐TiO2 scaffolds were more bio‐compatible with the surrounding tissues compared with 3D‐Ti and 3D‐TiO2; a large amount of uniformly distributed neoplastic bone tissue existed in their pores, and the chronic systemic toxicity test showed that the 3D‐Ti, 3D‐TiO2, and Ag@3D‐TiO2 scaffolds are biologically safe. Conclusion The goal of this study was to create a scaffold that exhibits antimicrobial properties and can aid bone growth, making it highly suitable for use in bone tissue engineering.

Abstract The axion-like particle (ALP) may induce flavor-changing neutral currents (FCNCs) when the fermions’ Peccei-Quinn charges are not generation universal. The search for flavor-violating ALP couplings with a bottom quark so far focused on FCNC processes of B mesons at low energies. The recent measurements of B → K + X rare decays place stringent bounds on the quark flavor violations of a light ALP in different decay modes. In this work we propose a novel direct search for bottom flavor-violating interaction of a heavy ALP at the LHC and its upgrades, namely QCD production of an ALP associated with one b jet and one light jet p p → b j a. We consider the decay of the ALP to photons, muons and invisible ALP decays. The Boosted Decision Tree (BDT) algorithm is used to analyze the events and we train the BDT classifier by feeding in the kinematic observables of signal and backgrounds. Finally, we show the complementarity between the search prospects of hadron colliders and the low-energy B meson constraints from B meson mixing and B meson decays to a light ALP.

Abstract Background Metabolic syndrome (Mets) is commonly seen in bipolar disorder (BD). As the key component and early biological index of Mets, insulin resistance (IR) among BD has received more and more attention. However, little is known about the prevalence of IR and its associated factors in drug-naïve patients with (BD), especially among Han Chinese population. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 125 drug-naïve patients with bipolar disorder (BD) and 85 healthy controls (HC). The Homeostatic Model Assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated, and IR was defined as HOMA-IR greater than the 75th percentile value for health controls (2.35). Clinical characteristics of BD were collected through semi-structural interview performed by a trained interviewer with background of psychiatric education. Results Among the measured anthropocentric variables including BMI, waist circumference, abdomen circumference, hipline, and hip-waist ratio, waist circumference was found to be the most closely related to IR (0R = 1.070, 95%CI = 1.031–1.110, P

Spatio-temporal permittivity modulation can simultaneously impart wave vector and frequency shifts during an indirect photonic transition process where nonreciprocal responses are accomplished. Here, we combine the nonreciprocity with exceptional points (EPs) by employing line parameter trajectory to a spatio-temporally modulated waveguide. The instantaneous state evolutions on direction-dependent Riemann sheets are thus different in forward and backward directions. Light propagates through the structure is nonreciprocal. Forwardly, an arbitrary incident wave will convert to a combination of the two waveguide modes with same intensity. Backwardly, the waves almost entirely convert to one specific mode. The conversion efficiency is more than 80% and robust to the line design. The operating wavelength is in the telecommunications band, conducive to integration with other chips. Compared to the widely used loop path, the line path has the merit of easy preparation in experiments as only one parameter is changed. The research sheds light on the optical devices such as isolator and amplifier.

This study investigates the effect of normal feeding (starvation for 0 days, control), starvation for 3 (S3), 9 (S9), 15 days (S15) and refeeding for 3 (S9R3), 9 (S9R9), 15 days (S15R15) on the expression of genes related to lipid and glycogen metabolism, the content of biochemical molecules, the activities of enzymes and the morphological structure of the hepatopancreas of C. sinensis. Results showed that the expression levels of cpt-I, acox, gdh, tre and pepck in hepatopancreas, cpt-I and acc in gonads, and tre and pepck in mantle initially increased and then decreased during starvation. the expression levels of gdh and pkm gradually increased with the duration of starvation. the mRNA level of cpt-I, dgat1 and acc reached a peak level in the S15R15 group, while the expression levels of gdh and pepck in mantle increased in the S9R3 and S9R9 groups. The hepatopancreatic LPS, LPL, and HK activity in the hepatopancreas and mantle of C. sinensis increased during starvation. Moreover, the TG content in the hepatopancreas and GN content in the mantle decreased with the prolongation of starvation. After refeeding, TG levels in the hepatopancreas increased slightly but remained significantly lower than in controls. The GN content in the hepatopancreas and mantle of the S9R9 and S15R15 groups was higher than those of the control group. The number of lipid droplets in the hepatopancreatic tubular decreased with prolonged starvation, but the content of lipid droplets in the hepatopancreatic tubular increased slightly after refeeding. However, with the increase in the duration of starvation, the wall of the hepatopancreatic tubular becomes thin and the number of vacuoles increases. These results indicate that lipid and glycogen metabolism are involved in this clam’s physiological regulation in response to starvation stress.

Climate change is profoundly impacting Himalayan ecosystems, with substantial challenges to keystone species like Rhododendron arboreum. Present study attempted to investigate R. arboreum response to varying environmental conditions at altitudes between 1500 and 3000 m in three western Himalayan temperate forests, through evaluating plant functional traits. IPCC's internal vulnerability framework, characterised by two dimensions: sensitivity and adaptive capacity was applied. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was applied to elucidate the relationship between traits and the dimensions. Sensitivity was analysed using sub components like Light Harvesting, Nutrient and Gas Fluxes, while adaptive capacity by Resource Efficiency, Architecture and Defence, Resource Limitation and Resource Facilitation. The results revealed high sensitivity (0.64) in moru oak forests, high adaptive capacity in moist temperate deciduous forests (0.59), and high vulnerability in ban oak forests (0.54). SEM Models for sensitivity and adaptive capacity were significant. Sensitivity exhibited positively significant influence of Nutrient and Gas Fluxes with path coefficient of 1.07 and 0.80, respectively. Adaptive capacity showed a positive relationship with the Resource Limitation and Architecture and Defence, while a negative relationship with Resource Facilitation, with a path coefficient of 0.94, 0.42 and −0.11, respectively. Overall, the vulnerability of R. arboreum to environmental changes is shaped by a complex interplay of physical characteristics (morphological), biological functions (physiological), and interactions with surroundings (ecological). These insights underscore the importance of understanding trait vulnerability dynamics for effective forest management strategies amidst changing environmental conditions.

Artificial light at night (ALAN) is a common form of light pollution worldwide, and the intensity, timing, duration, and wavelength of light exposure can affect biological rhythms, which can lead to metabolic, reproductive, and immune dysfunctions and consequently, host–pathogen interactions. Insect vector-borne diseases are a global problem that needs to be addressed, and ALAN plays an important role in disease transmission by affecting the habits and physiological functions of vector organisms. In this work, we describe the mechanisms by which ALAN affects host physiology and biochemistry, host–parasite interactions, and vector-borne viruses and propose preventive measures for related infectious diseases to minimize the effects of artificial light on vector-borne diseases.

Abstract Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide and is characterized by progressive retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration and vision loss. Since irreversible neurodegeneration occurs before diagnosable, early diagnosis and effective neuroprotection are critical for glaucoma management. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are demonstrated to be potential novel biomarkers and therapeutics for a variety of diseases. In this study, it is found that intravitreal injection of circulating plasma‐derived sEVs (PDEV) from glaucoma patients ameliorated retinal degeneration in chronic ocular hypertension (COH) mice. Moreover, it is found that PDEV‐miR‐29s are significantly upregulated in glaucoma patients and are associated with visual field defects in progressed glaucoma. Subsequently, in vivo and in vitro experiments are conducted to investigate the possible function of miR‐29s in RGC pathophysiology. It is showed that the overexpression of miR‐29b‐3p effectively prevents RGC degeneration in COH mice and promotes the neuronal differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). Interestingly, engineered sEVs with sufficient miR‐29b‐3p delivery exhibit more effective RGC protection and neuronal differentiation efficiency. Thus, elevated PDEV‐miR‐29s may imply systemic regulation to prevent RGC degeneration in glaucoma patients. This study provides new insights into PDEV‐based glaucoma diagnosis and therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.

Abstract Euxinia, a crucial geological condition, usually signifies more severe extinction events attributed to deoxygenation in Earth's history. Despite extensive exploration of various proxies in paleoredox studies, most are primarily utilized to reconstruct atmospheric pO2, the proportion of anoxic water relative to the entire basin, and broader trends in redox states. Few, however, hold the capacity to precisely delineate local euxinia within confined areas. To address this gap and gain insights into the temporal and spatial extent of benthic euxinia, we propose leveraging the synergistic analysis of total nitrogen isotopes (δ15NTN) and pyrite sulfur isotopes (δ34Spy). Our study focuses on the Triassic Chang 7 Member from the Yanchang Formation, Ordos Basin, North China. Through coupling the δ15NTN and δ34Spy systematics on 11 drill cores within the Ordos Basin, we reconstruct the temporal and spatial distribution of the benthic euxinia zone during the Chang‐7 period. Our results suggest strong spatial heterogeneity of benthic redox conditions, with the euxinia boundary shifting from the central lake to the southwestern sections. Moreover, we identify redox‐controlling factors, including organic carbon loading, water depth, and potential water circulation, and evaluate their interplay with benthic euxinia. Furthermore, the discernment of water circulation patterns may provide an innovative approach to restore the paleowind direction. These findings highlight the effectiveness of coupling δ15NTN and δ34Spy in reconstructing the local benthic redox landscape of benthic environments, and enrich our understanding of biogeochemical processes.

Assessing the risk of human pathogens in the environment is crucial for controlling the spread of diseases and safeguarding human health. However, conducting a thorough assessment of low-abundance pathogens in highly complex environmental microbial communities remains challenging. This study compiled a comprehensive catalog of 247 human-pathogenic bacterial taxa from global biosafety agencies and identified more than 78 million genome-specific markers (GSMs) from their 17,470 sequenced genomes. Subsequently, we analyzed these pathogens’ types, abundance, and diversity within 474 shotgun metagenomic sequences obtained from diverse environmental sources. The results revealed that among the four habitats studied (air, water, soil, and sediment), the detection rate, diversity, and abundance of detectable pathogens in the air all exceeded those in the other three habitats. Air, sediment, and water environments exhibited identical dominant taxa, indicating that these human pathogens may have unique environmental vectors for their transmission or survival. Furthermore, we observed the impact of human activities on the environmental risk posed by these pathogens, where greater amounts of human activities significantly increased the abundance of human pathogenic bacteria, especially in water and air. These findings have remarkable implications for the environmental risk assessment of human pathogens, providing valuable insights into their presence and distribution across different habitats.

Abstract Background Psychosocial impacts of lung cancer screening (LCS) can cause both harm to individuals and serve as barriers to screening participation and adherence. Early data suggest that the psychosocial impacts of LCS are moderated by certain factors (e.g. sociodemographic characteristics and beliefs), but evidence synthesis is lacking. This systematic review aimed to understand individual‐level risk factors for psychosocial burden during LCS as a precursor to developing strategies to identify and support participants, and improve LCS engagement. Methods Four databases were searched for full‐text articles published in English reporting any association between participant factors and psychosocial outcomes experienced during LCS. Study quality was assessed by two independent investigators; findings were synthesised narratively. The review was pre‐registered with PROSPERO and adhered to PRISMA guidelines. Results Thirty‐five articles were included; most (33/35) studies were assessed at high or moderate risk of bias. Study designs were pre‐post (n = 13), cross‐sectional (n = 13), qualitative (n = 8) and mixed‐methods (n = 1) and conducted primarily in the United States (n = 17). Psychological burden in LCS varied, and was often associated with younger age, female gender, current smoking status or increased smoking history, lower education, lower socio‐economic group, not being married or co‐habiting and experience with cancer. However, results were mixed, and non‐significant associations were also reported across all factors. Beliefs (e.g. fatalism, stigma and expectation of LDCT results) and comorbid psychological burden were also linked to psychosocial outcomes, but evidence was sparse. Associations between risk perception, other participant factors and other psychosocial outcomes was inconclusive, likely reflecting individual biases in risk conceptualisation. Conclusion(s) Several participant factors are consistently reported to be associated with psychosocial impacts of LCS, though study heterogeneity and high risk of bias necessitate more robust evaluation. Further research on how perceptions, beliefs and expectations can be used to improve psychosocial outcomes during LCS is needed.

Daylily (Hemerocallis citrina) is a perennial herb of the genus Hemerocallis of Liliaceae. It is also an economically important crop and is widely cultivated. Daylily has nutritional, medicinal and ornamental values. The research literature shows that daylily is a high-quality food raw material rich in soluble sugars, ascorbic acid, flavonoids, dietary fiber, carotenoids, mineral elements, polyphenols and other nutrients, which are effective in clearing heat and diuresis, resolving bruises and stopping bleeding, strengthening the stomach and brain, and reducing serum cholesterol levels. This article reviews the main nutrients of daylily and summarizes the drying process of daylily. In addition, due to the existence of active ingredients, daylily also has a variety of biological activities that are beneficial to human health. This article also highlights the nutritional quality of daylily, the research progress of dried vegetable rehydration technology and dried daylily. In the end, the undeveloped molecular mechanism and functional research status of daylily worldwide are introduced in order to provide reference for the nutritional quality research and dried processing industry of daylily.

ObjectivesDepressive symptoms are the most prevalent comorbidity in individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The objective of this study was to investigate the dynamic characteristics of resting-state neural activities in OCD patients with depressive symptoms.MethodsWe recruited 29 OCD patients with depressive symptoms, 21 OCD patients without depressive symptoms, and 27 healthy controls, and collected data via structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). We analyzed the fMRI results using the dynamic amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (dALFF) and support vector machine (SVM) techniques.ResultsCompared with OCD patients without depressive symptoms, OCD patients with depressive symptoms exhibited an increased dALFF in the left precuneus and decreased dALFF in the right medial frontal gyrus. The SVM indicated that the integration of aberrant dALFF values in the left precuneus and right medial frontal gyrus led to an overall accuracy of 80%, a sensitivity of 79%, and a specificity of 100% in detecting depressive symptoms among OCD patients.ConclusionTherefore, our study reveals that OCD patients with depressive symptoms display neural activities with unique dynamic characteristics in the resting state. Accordingly, abnormal dALFF values in the left precuneus and right medial frontal gyrus could be used to identify depressive symptoms in OCD patients.

The fragmentation size distribution is an important index to evaluate blasting effect. Based on stress wave theory, a blasting fragmentation distribution model is established, and the key influencing factors were clarified. Then, the distribution characteristics of rock fragmentation in water-coupled blasting and air-coupled blasting were compared and verified by numerical simulation and field test. The results show that the rock blasting fragmentation size is negatively correlated with borehole pressure and unit explosive consumption when blasting rock is determined. The existence of water slows down the attenuation of blasting load, prolongs the duration, and makes the blasting pressure transmitted to hole wall significantly greater than air-coupled one, which is equivalent to increasing the unit explosive consumption. Moreover, the rock fracture development speed and fragmentation degree of water-coupled blasting is significantly higher than air-coupled blasting. Comprehensively determined in same charging parameters, water-coupled blasting compared with air-coupled blasting can improve the degree of rock fragmentation, the average size of rock after blasting is smaller, more uniform particle size distribution. The research results for the control of blasting and optimization of explosive energy utilization have important reference significance.

Abstract In response to the climate goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, efficient electrochemical energy conversion devices are garnering increasing attention. However, the enhancement of electrochemical performance using noble metal electrocatalysts, along with cost reduction and electrode fabrication, remain significant challenges. Noble metal hybrid nanostructures, possessing multiple surface functionalities, lead to outstanding electrocatalytic performances and low‐cost potential. Strain effects can bolster the bonding strength between the noble metal layers and the substrate or core layers, while simultaneously affecting electrocatalytic performance through tuning the binding strength between catalytically active sites and reactants, including intermediates. This review encapsulates the research efforts directed towards improving the performance of noble metal electrocatalysts and provides an overview of the latest advancements in controlling the surface state of noble metals by incorporating a secondary component. We discuss systematic approaches to adjusting surface strain effects on noble metals, characterization techniques, and application case studies, while extracting key design indicators for readers to consider from a macroscopic perspective. Further, we outline the challenges encountered and current solutions when advancing noble metal catalysts from theoretical mechanisms to practical use. Finally, the perspectives on the future research of noble metal surface layer control techniques were also provided.

Abstract The neural network method is a type of machine learning that has made significant advances over the past few years in a variety of fields, particularly text, speech, images, videos, etc. In areas where data is unstructured, traditional machine learning has not been able to surpass the ’glass ceiling’; therefore, researchers have turned to neural networks as auxiliary tools to achieve significant breakthroughs or develop new research methods. An array of computational chemistry challenges can be addressed using neural networks, including virtual screening, quantitative structure-activity relationships, protein structure prediction, materials design, quantum chemistry, and property prediction, among others. This paper proposes a strategy for predicting the chemical properties of fruits by using graph neural networks, and it aims to provide some guidance to researchers and streamline the identification process.

Skeletal stem cells (SSC) have gained attentions as candidates for the treatment of osteoarthritis due to their osteochondrogenic capacity. However, the immunomodulatory properties of SSC, especially under delivery operations, have been largely ignored. In the study, we found that Pdpn+ and Grem1+ SSC subpopulations owned immunoregulatory potential, and the single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data suggested that the mechanical activation of microgel carriers on SSC induced the generation of Pdpn+Grem1+Ptgs2+ SSC subpopulation, which was potent at suppressing macrophage inflammation. The microgel carriers promoted the YAP nuclear translocation, and the activated YAP protein was necessary for the increased expression of Ptgs2 and PGE2 in microgels-delivered SSC, which further suppressed the expression of TNF-ɑ, IL-1β and promoted the expression of IL-10 in macrophages. SSC delivered with microgels yielded better preventive effects on articular lesions and macrophage activation in osteoarthritic rats than SSC without microgels. Chemically blocking the YAP and Ptgs2 in microgels-delivered SSC partially abolished the enhanced protection on articular tissues and suppression on osteoarthritic macrophages. Moreover, microgel carriers significantly prolonged SSC retention time in vivo without increasing SSC implanting into osteoarthritic joints. Together, our study demonstrated that microgel carriers enhanced SSC reprogramming towards immunomodulatory phenotype to regulate macrophage phenotype transformation for effectively osteoarthritic therapy by promoting YAP protein translocation into nucleus. The study not only complement and perfect the immunological mechanisms of SSC-based therapy at the single-cell level, but also provide new insight for microgel carriers in stem cell-based therapy.

Emerging research suggests a potential association of progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) with alterations in synaptic currents and mitochondrial dynamics. However, the specific associations between these pathological changes remain unclear. In this study, we utilized Aβ42-induced AD rats and primary neural cells as in vivo and in vitro models. The investigations included behavioural tests, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) analysis, Nissl staining, thioflavin-S staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Golgi-Cox staining, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), immunofluorescence staining, proteomics, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) detection, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assessment, mitochondrial morphology analysis, electrophysiological studies, Western blotting, and molecular docking. The results revealed changes in synaptic currents, mitophagy, and mitochondrial dynamics in the AD models. Remarkably, intervention with Dengzhan Shengmai (DZSM) capsules emerged as a pivotal element in this investigation. Aβ42-induced synaptic dysfunction was significantly mitigated by DZSM intervention, which notably amplified the frequency and amplitude of synaptic transmission. The cognitive impairment observed in AD rats was ameliorated and accompanied by robust protection against structural damage in key brain regions, including the hippocampal CA3, primary cingular cortex, prelimbic system, and dysgranular insular cortex. DZSM intervention led to increased IDE levels, augmented long-term potential (LTP) amplitude, and enhanced dendritic spine density and length. Moreover, DZSM intervention led to favourable changes in mitochondrial parameters, including ROS expression, MMP and ATP contents, and mitochondrial morphology. In conclusion, our findings delved into the realm of altered synaptic currents, mitophagy, and mitochondrial dynamics in AD, concurrently highlighting the therapeutic potential of DZSM intervention.

Abstract The present study aimed to accelerate the humification and to investigate how MnO2 modification of biochar (MBC) drives the humus formation during composting with chicken manure. In this study, compared with the control group (CK), the addition of MBC caused an increase in the concentration of both humus and humic acid (HA), with a respective enhancement of 29.1% and 37.2%. In addition, MBC also improved the stability of compost products. Hetero two-dimensional correlation spectra further exhibited that the MBC could alter the formation mechanism of humus fractions during composting. Random forest analysis showed that Microbacterium, Bacteroides, Kroppenstedtia, Gracilibacillus, and Lentibacillus were significantly related to humus formation (P

Abstract Objective To investigate the factors associated with brain frailty and the effect of brain frailty in patients with anterior circulation large artery occlusion (AC-LAO). Methods 1100 patients with AC-LVO consecutively admitted to the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, North China between June 2016 and April 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The variables associated with brain frailty and stroke outcome were analyzed by ANOVA analysis, the Mann-Whitney U test and multiple linear regression. Based on previous research. Brain frailty score comprises 1 point each for white matter hyperintensity (WMH), old infarction lesions, and cerebral atrophy among 983 participants with baseline brain magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography. Results Among AC-LAO participants, baseline brain frailty score ≥ 1 was common (750/983, 76.3%). Duration of hypertension > 5 years (mean difference [MD] 0.236, 95% CI 0.077, 0.395, p = 0.004), multiple vessel occlusion (MD 0.339, 95% CI 0.068, 0.611, p = 0.014) and basal ganglia infarction (MD -0.308, 95% CI -0.456, -0.160, p 5 years, and multiple vessel occlusion influenced the brain frailty score. Brain frailty score was independently associated with the occurrence of stroke events in AC-LAO patients.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the learning curve and complications in unilateral biportal endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (ULIF) using the Cumulative Sum (CUSUM) analysis and Risk-adjusted Cumulative Sum (RA-CUSUM) analysis. Methods This study retrospectively analyzed 184 consecutive patients who received ULIF in our hospital, including 104 males and 80 females. CUSUM analysis and RA-CUSUM analysis were used to evaluate the learning curve of ULIF based on the operation time and surgical failure rate, respectively. All postoperative complications were defined as surgical failure. Variables of different phases were compared based on the learning curve. Results The CUSUM analysis showed the cutoff point for ULIF was 29 cases, and the RA-CUSUM analysis showed the cutoff point for ULIF was 41 cases. Operating time and hospital stay were significantly decreased as the learning curve progressed (P

Abstract Despite the successful application of immune checkpoint therapy, no response or recurrence is typical in lung cancer. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been identified as a crucial player in immunotherapy-related resistance. Ferroptosis, a form of cell death driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, is highly regulated by cellular metabolism remolding and has been shown to have synergistic effects when combined with immunotherapy. Metabolic adaption of CSCs drives tumor resistance, yet the mechanisms of their ferroptosis defense in tumor immune evasion remain elusive. Here, through metabolomics, transcriptomics, a lung epithelial-specific Cpt1a-knockout mouse model, and clinical analysis, we demonstrate that CPT1A, a key rate-limiting enzyme of fatty acid oxidation, acts with L-carnitine, derived from tumor-associated macrophages to drive ferroptosis-resistance and CD8+ T cells inactivation in lung cancer. Mechanistically, CPT1A restrains ubiquitination and degradation of c-Myc, while c-Myc transcriptionally activates CPT1A expression. The CPT1A/c-Myc positive feedback loop further enhances the cellular antioxidant capacity by activating the NRF2/GPX4 system and reduces the amount of phospholipid polyunsaturated fatty acids through ACSL4 downregulating, thereby suppressing ferroptosis in CSCs. Significantly, targeting CPT1A enhances immune checkpoint blockade-induced anti-tumor immunity and tumoral ferroptosis in tumor-bearing mice. The results illustrate the potential of a mechanism-guided therapeutic strategy by targeting a metabolic vulnerability in the ferroptosis of CSCs to improve the efficacy of lung cancer immunotherapy.

Objective To explore the the potential risks of antiretroviral therapy(ART) drugs on blood safety among blood donors in Shenzhen. Methods High pressure liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) was used to measure ART drugs concentrations in the plasma of regular blood donors (negative control group, n=86) and anti-HIV positive individuals (experimental group, n=98, detected from approximately 440 000 blood donors during 2019—2023). The baseline plasma concentrations of ART drugs in the negative control group were clarified, and the impact of ART drugs on blood safety was analyzed. Results The baseline concentrations of ART drugs were not detected in 86 samples of negative control group. Four positive ART drugs samples were detected in 1∶2 pooled plasma samples of 98 anti-HIV positive blood donors plasma in the resolution test. The ART positive rate of anti-HIV positive donors was 4.08%, with tenofovir, lamivudine and efavirenz detected in three blood donors and lamivudine, lopinavir, ritonavir and zidovudine detected in one blood donor. Conclusion ART drugs were found among anti-HIV positive blood donors in Shenzhen. Additional research is needed to investigate the motivation of these specific donors, so as to ascertain the groups most susceptible to potential risks, and guarantee blood safety.