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Abstract The rapid evolution of clinical medicine, materials science, and regenerative medicine has rendered traditional implantable scaffolds inadequate for addressing the complex therapeutic demands of various diseases. Currently, implantable scaffolds in clinical practice are mainly made of metal, with the disadvantages of high stiffness, poor toughness, and low deformation. This paper offers a thorough review of shape memory scaffolds (SMSs), emphasizing their distinctive self‐recovery and adaptive functionalities that enhance compatibility with injured tissues, surpassing the capabilities of conventional metallic biomaterials. It delves into the limitations of current clinical scaffolds and the requisite performance metrics for effective implants and outlines the essential materials and fabrication methods for SMSs. Moreover, we enumerate the biomedical applications of SMMs with different response types, including thermology‐responsive, water‐responsive, and light‐responsive. The discussion extends to the burgeoning applications of SMSs in biomedical engineering, including their utility in bone tissue engineering, cardiovascular stenting, tubular structures, and cardiac patches, which underscore their potential in minimally invasive procedures and dynamic tissue interactions. This review concludes with an analysis of current challenges and prospects, providing valuable insights for developing and applying SMSs in the biomedical sector.

Abstract Data clustering has attracted the interest of scholars in many fields. In recent years, using heuristic algorithms to solve data clustering problems has gradually become a tendency. The black hole algorithm (BHA) is one of the popular heuristic algorithms among researchers because of its simplicity and effectiveness. In this paper, an improved self-adaptive logarithmic spiral path black hole algorithm (SLBHA) is proposed. SLBHA innovatively introduces a logarithmic spiral path and random vector path to BHA. At the same time, a parameter is used to control the randomness, which enhances the local exploitation ability of the algorithm. Besides, SLBHA designs a replacement mechanism to improve the global exploration ability. Finally, a self-adaptive parameter is introduced to control the replacement mechanism and maintain the balance between exploration and exploitation of the algorithm. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, comparison experiments are conducted on 13 datasets creatively using the evaluation criteria including the Jaccard coefficient as well as the Folkes and Mallows index. The proposed methods are compared with the selected algorithms such as the whale optimization algorithm (WOA), compound intensified exploration firefly algorithm (CIEFA), improved black hole algorithm (IBH), etc. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm outperforms the compared algorithms on both external criteria and quantization error of the clustering problem.

Abstract Background Potentially inappropriate prescribing is common among older adults with multimorbidity due to various reasons, from concurrent application of multiple single-disease clinical guidelines to fragmentation of care. Interventions such as medication review have been implemented worldwide to reduce inappropriate prescribing for older adults. However, the implementability of such interventions are underexplored in the outpatient clinics in Singapore’s public hospitals. Hence, the Pro-M study aims to assess the feasibility of implementing a physician-pharmacist collaborative care intervention in geriatric medicine outpatient clinics to facilitate appropriate prescribing for older adults in Singapore. Methods This is a single-arm, non-randomised feasibility study using a pre-post evaluation design. This study consists of two parts: (1) implementation phase of the intervention (6 months) and an (2) evaluation phase (3 months). Eligible patients will be recruited from geriatric medicine outpatient clinics at two public hospitals in Singapore through convenience sampling. The main components of the Pro-M intervention are: (1) pharmacist-facilitated medication reviews with feedback on any medication issues and potential recommendations to physicians, and (2) physicians communicating changes to other relevant prescribers. The evaluation phase will involve surveying and interviewing physicians and pharmacists involved in the implementation of the intervention. A mixed-method approach will be employed for data collection and analysis. The quantitative and qualitative findings will be triangulated and reported using Proctor’s implementation outcomes: appropriateness, penetration, acceptability, fidelity, feasibility, and sustainability. A basic cost analysis will be conducted alongside the study. Discussion This is a phase 2 study to test the feasibility of implementing an intervention that was co-created with stakeholders during phase 1 development of an intervention to optimise prescribing for older adults with multimorbidity. The implementation will be assessed using Proctor’s implementation outcomes to provide insights on the process and the feasibility of implementing medication reviews for older adults with multimorbidity as a routine practice in outpatient clinics. Data collected from this study will inform a subsequent scale-up study. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05756478. Registered on 06 March 2023.

Abstract The endometrium is a unique human tissue with an extraordinary ability to undergo a hormone‐regulated cycle encompassing shedding, bleeding, scarless repair, and regeneration throughout the female reproductive cycle. The cyclical repair and regeneration of the endometrium manifest as changes in endometrial epithelialization, glandular regeneration, and vascularization. The mechanisms encompass inflammation, coagulation, and fibrinolytic system balance. However, specific conditions such as endometriosis or TCRA treatment can disrupt the process of cyclical endometrial repair and regeneration. There is uncertainty about traditional clinical treatments' efficacy and side effects, and finding new therapeutic interventions is essential. Researchers have made substantial progress in the perspective of regenerative medicine toward maintaining cyclical endometrial repair and regeneration in recent years. Such progress encompasses the integration of biomaterials, tissue‐engineered scaffolds, stem cell therapies, and 3D printing. This review analyzes the mechanisms, diseases, and interventions associated with cyclical endometrial repair and regeneration. The review discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the regenerative interventions currently employed in clinical practice. Additionally, it highlights the significant advantages of regenerative medicine in this domain. Finally, we review stem cells and biologics among the available interventions in regenerative medicine, providing insights into future therapeutic strategies.

Computer networks have touched every aspect of human life, it cannot be overstated that cyber security is of great importance and significance. Intrusion detection techniques play an important role in the field of network security, but it also faces significant challenges. In this paper, we propose a Hybrid Firefly and Black Hole Algorithm (HFBHA) for parameter tuning of the XGBoost model and apply it to the study of intrusion detection systems. Firstly, the algorithm designs a double black hole mechanism by introducing the concept of the second black hole and adjusting the moving trajectory of the stars using the attraction of both black holes. Secondly, an improved initialization method of the stars is proposed, where a star that crosses the event horizon of the black hole has an opportunity to be replaced by a new star around the black hole. Finally, a combination of the firefly perturbation strategy and mutation operator is proposed to improve the global search capability of the algorithm. Both the effectiveness of the proposed method on the XBGoost parameter tuning problem and the feasibility of this strategy on intrusion detection applications are verified by comparison experiments based on the NSL-KDD dataset.

The clinical challenge of bone defects in the craniomaxillofacial region, which can lead to significant physiological dysfunction and psychological distress, persists due to the complex and unique anatomy of craniomaxillofacial bones. These critical-sized defects require the use of bone grafts or substitutes for effective reconstruction. However, current biomaterials and methods have specific limitations in meeting the clinical demands for structural reinforcement, mechanical support, exceptional biological performance, and aesthetically pleasing reconstruction of the facial structure. These drawbacks have led to a growing need for novel materials and technologies. The growing development of 3D printing can offer significant advantages to address these issues, as demonstrated by the fabrication of patient-specific bioactive constructs with controlled structural design for complex bone defects in medical applications using this technology. Poly (ether ether ketone) (PEEK), among a number of materials used, is gaining recognition as a feasible substitute for a customized structure that closely resembles natural bone. It has proven to be an excellent, conformable, and 3D-printable material with the potential to replace traditional autografts and titanium implants. However, its biological inertness poses certain limitations. Therefore, this review summarizes the distinctive features of craniomaxillofacial bones and current methods for bone reconstruction, and then focuses on the increasingly applied 3D printed PEEK constructs in this field and an update on the advanced modifications for improved mechanical properties, biological performance, and antibacterial capacity. Exploring the potential of 3D printed PEEK is expected to lead to more cost-effective, biocompatible, and personalized treatment of craniomaxillofacial bone defects in clinical applications.

Abstract Cells interact with their surrounding environment through a combination of static and dynamic mechanical signals that vary over stimulus types, intensity, space, and time. Compared to static mechanical signals such as stiffness, porosity, and topography, the current understanding on the effects of dynamic mechanical stimulations on cells remains limited, attributing to a lack of access to devices, the complexity of experimental set‐up, and data interpretation. Yet, in the pursuit of emerging translational applications (e.g., cell manufacturing for clinical treatment), it is crucial to understand how cells respond to a variety of dynamic forces that are omnipresent in vivo so that they can be exploited to enhance manufacturing and therapeutic outcomes. With a rising appreciation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) as a key regulator of biofunctions, researchers have bioengineered a suite of ECM‐mimicking hydrogels, which can be fine‐tuned with spatiotemporal mechanical cues to model complex static and dynamic mechanical profiles. This review first discusses how mechanical stimuli may impact different cellular components and the various mechanobiology pathways involved. Then, how hydrogels can be designed to incorporate static and dynamic mechanical parameters to influence cell behaviors are described. The Scopus database is also used to analyze the relative strength in evidence, ranging from strong to weak, based on number of published literatures, associated citations, and treatment significance. Additionally, the impacts of static and dynamic mechanical stimulations on clinically relevant cell types including mesenchymal stem cells, fibroblasts, and immune cells, are evaluated. The aim is to draw attention to the paucity of studies on the effects of dynamic mechanical stimuli on cells, as well as to highlight the potential of using a cocktail of various types and intensities of mechanical stimulations to influence cell fates (similar to the concept of biochemical cocktail to direct cell fate). It is envisioned that this progress report will inspire more exciting translational development of mechanoresponsive hydrogels for biomedical applications.

Abstract SARS‐CoV‐2 is an enveloped positive‐sense RNA virus that depends on host factors for all stages of its life. Membrane receptor ACE2 is a well‐established factor for SARS‐CoV‐2 docking. In addition to ACE2, whole‐genome genetic screens have identified additional proteins, such as endosomal trafficking regulators SNX27 and retromer, as key host factors required for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. However, it is poorly understood how SARS‐CoV‐2 utilize host endocytic transport pathways to produce productive infection. Here, we report that SNX27 interacts with the SARS‐CoV‐2 spike (S) protein to facilitate S protein surface expression. Interestingly, S protein binds to the PDZ domain of SNX27, although it does not contain a PDZ‐binding motif (PDZbm). Either abrogation of the SNX27 PDZ domain or S protein “MTSC” motif, which is critical for SNX27 binding, decreases surface expression of S protein and viral production. Collectively, our study highlights a novel approach utilized by SARS‐CoV‐2 to facilitate virion trafficking to establish virus infection.

Abstract Autonomous motion and motility are hallmarks of active matter. Active agents, such as biological cells and synthetic colloidal particles, consume internal energy or extract energy from the environment to generate self-propulsion and locomotion. These systems are persistently out of equilibrium due to continuous energy consumption. It is known that pressure is not always a state function for generic active matter. Torque interaction between active constituents and confinement renders the pressure of the system a boundary-dependent property. The mechanical pressure of anisotropic active particles depends on their microscopic interactions with a solid wall. Using self-propelled dumbbells confined by solid walls as a model system, we perform numerical simulations to explore how variations in the wall stiffness influence the mechanical pressure of dry active matter. In contrast to previous findings, we find that mechanical pressure can be independent of the interaction of anisotropic active particles with walls, even in the presence of intrinsic torque interaction. Particularly, the dependency of pressure on the wall stiffness vanishes when the stiffness is above a critical level. In such a limit, the dynamics of dumbbells near the walls are randomized due to the large torque experienced by the dumbbells, leading to the recovery of pressure as a state variable of density.

BackgroundThe rapid spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused people to worry, which has affected their mental health. This study aimed to access the impact of COVID-19 worry on the mental health of the economically active population (EAP) in a province of China.MethodsAn online cross-sectional survey study was conducted during an outbreak of COVID-19 in Guangdong, China. The survey used the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) to evaluate participants' mental health status and was completed by 1,584 of the 1,708 participants (a response rate of 92.74%). Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models were used to identify the correlation between COVID-19 worry and mental health.ResultsApproximately 42.05% of participants reported that they were very worried or extremely worried about the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 worry was negatively correlated with mental health (p < 0.01) and exhibited a stronger influence on the mental health of participants who were male, younger (aged 16–45), or unemployed than on the mental health of participants who were women, older (aged over 45), or employed.ConclusionThe findings suggest that COVID-19 worry has generated new inequalities in mental health among the EAP of China. The government should provide more public reassurance and psychological support to the EAP to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 worry and prevent mental health disorders.

Summary: Complex mechanisms govern the sorting of membrane (cargo) proteins at endosomes to ensure that protein localization to the post-Golgi endomembrane system is accurately maintained. Endosomal retrieval complexes mediate sorting by recognizing specific motifs and signals in the cytoplasmic domains of cargo proteins transiting through endosomes. In this review, the recent progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms of how the retromer complex, in conjunction with sorting nexin (SNX) proteins, operates in cargo recognition and sorting is discussed. New data revealing the importance of different SNX proteins and detailing how post-translational modifications can modulate cargo sorting to respond to changes in the environment are highlighted along with the key role that endosomal protein sorting plays in SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Background and AimsEmergency endoscopy is recommended for patients with acute esophageal variceal bleeding (EVB) and their prognosis has improved markedly over past decades due to the increased specialization of endoscopic practice. The study aimed to compare outcomes following emergency endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) and endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) in cirrhotic patients with acute EVB.MethodsCirrhotic patients with acute EVB who underwent emergency endoscopy were retrospectively enrolled from 2013 to 2020 across 34 university hospitals from 30 cities. The primary outcome was the incidence of 5-day rebleeding after emergency endoscopy. Subgroup analysis was stratified by Child-Pugh class and bleeding history. A 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed.ResultsA total of 1,017 and 382 patients were included in EIS group and EVL group, respectively. The 5-day rebleeding incidence was similar between EIS group and EVL group (4% vs. 5%, P = 0.45). The result remained the same after PSM (P = 1.00). Among Child-Pugh class A, B and C patients, there were no differences in the 5-day rebleeding incidence between the two groups after PSM (P = 0.25, 0.82, and 0.21, respectively). As for the patients with or without bleeding history, the differences between EIS group and EVL group were not significant after PSM (P = 1.00 and 0.26, respectively).ConclusionThe nationwide cohort study indicates that EIS and EVL are both efficient emergency endoscopic treatment strategies for acute EVB. EIS should not be dismissed as an economical and effective emergency endoscopic treatment strategy of acute EVB. ClincialTrials.gov number NCT04307264.

Using the apparent magnitude-limited Main galaxy sample of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 10, we examine the K-band luminosity–density relation at fixed parameters or for different galaxy families. It is found that the limiting or fixing galaxy properties, such as galaxy morphology, stellar mass, and color, exert substantial influence on the environmental dependence of the K-band luminosity of galaxies, which suggests that the K-band luminosity–density relation is likely attributable to the relation between these galaxy properties and density.

Inter-nuclear ophthalmoplegia (INO) may not always have overt or obvious clinical signs during bedside examination. In patients presenting with mild/subtle INO with no focal neurological deficits or cerebellar signs, an unremarkable radiographic imaging and blood work, diagnosis will be challenging. Results of bedside head thrust tests will also be confounded and difficult to interpret, leading to discordant impressions among physicians of different specialties. Patients with mild INO will still require active surveillance to watch for any progression and development of clinical signs and should be managed by neuro-ophthalmology specialty. Video-oculography can assist with the interpretation of bedside head thrust and reveal slowing of adduction that is otherwise not obvious bedside. This has downstream implications on the management of patients with mild INO as they may be “volleyed” among different medical specialties if covert bedside signs are overlooked. Greater caution is needed on interpreting positive head thrust/video head impulse test as a peripheral vestibular sign in the presence of disconjugate oculomotor movements. Patients with mild INO may be relatively asymptomatic but may still have some functional impairments that should be addressed appropriately.

Porous polycaprolactone (PCL) bone scaffolds were prepared by selective laser sintering and chitosan/hydroxyapatite(CS/HA) suspension was prepared by in situ synthesis. The CS/HA was attached to the surface of the PCL scaffold by vacuum immersion, low speed centrifugation and freezing gel, to improve the biocompatibility and cell proliferation activity of the PCL scaffolds. The phase and porous structure of the composite scaffolds were observed by X ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The compressive strength and Young's modulus of the scaffolds were measured, the water contact angles on the surface of the scaffolds were measured and the biological properties of the composite scaffolds were studied by in vitro cell experiments. The experimental results show that hydroxyapatite (HA) is prepared by in situ synthesis, and CS/HA gel adhered well to the surface of PCL bone scaffold. The hydrophilicity of the surface of the PCL scaffold is improved by CS/HA, and the biocompatibility and cell proliferation activity of them are greatly enhanced.

Developing efficient N2 and O2 gas sensors is of great importance to our daily life and industrial technology. In this work, first-principles calculations are performed to study the N2 and O2 gas-sensing properties of pure and defected PtSe2. It is found that both N2 and O2 adsorb weakly on pure PtSe2, and adsorption of the molecules induces negligible changes in the electrical and optical properties. Whereas the Pt@Se anti-site defect significantly improves the N2 adsorption capacity of PtSe2 and induces notable changes in the electrical property. Similar results are also observed for the Pt and Se vacancies and Pt@Se anti-site defects when examining O2 adsorption. In addition, notable changes in the optical absorption spectra of the PtSe2 with Pt@Se defect are induced upon N2 adsorption, which also occurs for PtSe2 with Pt and Se vacancies and Pt@Se anti-site defects upon O2 adsorption. These results demonstrate that PtSe2 with the corresponding defects can be both excellent electrical and optical sensors for detecting N2 and O2 gases. Our work offers a new avenue for preparing efficient gas sensors.

Endosomes are essential cellular stations where endocytic and secretory trafficking routes converge. Proteins transiting at endosomes can be degraded via lysosome, or recycled to the plasma membrane, trans-Golgi network (TGN), or other cellular destinations. Pathways regulating endosomal recycling are tightly regulated in order to preserve organelle identity, to maintain lipid homeostasis, and to support other essential cellular functions. Recent studies have revealed that both pathogenic bacteria and viruses subvert host endosomal recycling pathways for their survival and replication. Several host factors that are frequently targeted by pathogens are being identified, including retromer, TBC1D5, SNX-BARs, and the WASH complex. In this review, we will focus on the recent advances in understanding how intracellular bacteria, human papillomavirus (HPV), and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) hijack host endosomal recycling pathways. This exciting work not only reveals distinct mechanisms employed by pathogens to manipulate host signaling pathways, but also deepens our understanding of the molecular intricacies regulating endosomal receptor trafficking.

Endocytic recycling of internalized transmembrane proteins is essential for many important physiological processes. Recent studies have revealed that retromer-related Sorting Nexin family (SNX)-Bin/Amphiphysin/Rvs (BAR) proteins can directly recognize cargoes like cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor (CI-MPR) and Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R); however, it remains poorly understood how SNX-BARs select specific cargo proteins and whether they recognize additional ligands. Here, we discovered that the binding between SNX-BARs and CI-MPR or IGF1R is mediated by the phox-homology (PX) domain of SNX5 or SNX6 and a bipartite motif, termed SNX-BAR-binding motif (SBM), in the cargoes. Using this motif, we identified over 70 putative SNX-BAR ligands, many of which play critical roles in apoptosis, cell adhesion, signal transduction, or metabolite homeostasis. Remarkably, SNX-BARs could cooperate with both SNX27 and retromer in the recycling of ligands encompassing the SBM, PDZ-binding motif, or both motifs. Overall, our studies establish that SNX-BARs function as a direct cargo-selecting module for a large set of transmembrane proteins transiting the endosome, in addition to their roles in phospholipid recognition and biogenesis of tubular structures.

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has swept the whole world with high mortality. Since droplet transmission is the main route of transmission, wearing a mask serves as a crucial preventive measure. However, the virus has spread quite quickly, causing severe mask shortage. Finding alternative materials for homemade masks while ensuring the significant performance indicators will help alleviate the shortage of masks. Referring to the national standard for the "Surgical Mask" of China, 17 materials to be selected for homemade masks were tested in four key indicators: pressure difference, particle filtration efficiency, bacterial filtration efficiency and resistance to surface wetting. Eleven single-layer materials met the standard of pressure difference (≤49 Pa), of which 3 met the standard of resistance to surface wetting (≥3), 1 met the standard of particle filtration efficiency (≥30%), but none met the standard of bacterial filtration efficiency (≥95%). Based on the testing results of single-layer materials, fifteen combinations of paired materials were tested. The results showed that three double-layer materials including double-layer medical non-woven fabric, medical non-woven fabric plus non-woven shopping bag, and medical non-woven fabric plus granular tea towel could meet all the standards of pressure difference, particle filtration efficiency, and resistance to surface wetting, and were close to the standard of the bacterial filtration efficiency. In conclusion, if resources are severely lacking and medical masks cannot be obtained, homemade masks using available materials, based on the results of this study, can minimize the chance of infection to the maximum extent.

In solving classification problems in the field of machine learning and pattern recognition, the pre-processing of data is particularly important. The processing of high-dimensional feature datasets increases the time and space complexity of computer processing and reduces the accuracy of classification models. Hence, the proposal of a good feature selection method is essential. This paper presents a new algorithm for solving feature selection, retaining the selection and mutation operators from traditional genetic algorithms. On the one hand, the global search capability of the algorithm is ensured by changing the population size, on the other hand, finding the optimal mutation probability for solving the feature selection problem based on different population sizes. During the iteration of the algorithm, the population size does not change, no matter how many transformations are made, and is the same as the initialized population size; this spatial invariance is physically defined as symmetry. The proposed method is compared with other algorithms and validated on different datasets. The experimental results show good performance of the algorithm, in addition to which we apply the algorithm to a practical Android software classification problem and the results also show the superiority of the algorithm.

The apparent magnitude-limited Main galaxy sample of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 7 is used to investigate the environmental dependence of u–r, u–g, g–r, r–i and i–z colors. All the five colors strongly correlate with the local environment: red galaxies tend to be located in dense regions, while blue galaxies tend to be located in low density regions. We also note that with increasing of redshift, the environmental dependence of galaxy colors becomes weaker, especially in the high redshift region (z between 0.17 and 0.20). This can be explained accepting that subsamples with high redshifts contain only luminous and red galaxies.

Using many-body dissipative particle dynamics (MDPD), polymer solutions with concentrations spanning dilute and semidilute regimes are modeled. The parameterization of MDPD interactions for systems with liquid–vapor coexistence is established by mapping to the mean-field Flory–Huggins theory. The characterization of static and dynamic properties of polymer chains is focused on the effects of hydrodynamic interactions and entanglements. The coil–globule transition of polymer chains in dilute solutions is probed by varying solvent quality and measuring the radius of gyration and end-to-end distance. Both static and dynamic scaling relations for polymer chains in poor, theta, and good solvents are in good agreement with the Zimm theory with hydrodynamic interactions considered. Semidilute solutions with polymer volume fractions up to 0.7 exhibit the screening of excluded volume interactions and subsequent shrinking of polymer coils. Furthermore, entanglements become dominant in the semidilute solutions, which inhibit diffusion and relaxation of chains. Quantitative analysis of topology violation confirms that entanglements are correctly captured in the MDPD simulations.

Abstract Background HLA-DRB1 allele polymorphisms have been reported to be associated with hepatocellular carcinoma susceptibility, but the results of these previous studies have been inconsistent. The purpose of the present study was to explore whether specific HLA-DRB1 alleles (DRB1*07, DRB1*12, DRB1*15) confer susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods Case-control studies on HLA-DRB1 alleles association with HCC were searched up to January 2010 through a systematic review of the literature. The odds ratios (ORs) of HLA-DRB1 allele distributions in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma were analyzed against healthy controls. The meta-analysis software REVMAN 5.0 was applied for investigating heterogeneity among individual studies and for summarizing all the studies. Meta-analysis was performed using fixed-effect or random-effect methods, depending on absence or presence of significant heterogeneity. Results Eight case-control studies were included in the final analysis. Among the 3 HLA-DRB1 alleles studied, DRB1*07 and DRB1*12 were significantly associated with the risk of HCC in the whole populations (OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.08-2.51, P = 0.02 and OR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.09-2.32, P = 0.02, respectively). No significant association was established for DRB1*15 allele with HCC in the whole populations. Subgroup analysis by ethnicity showed that DRB1*07, DRB1*12 and DRB1*15 alleles significantly increased the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in Asians (OR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.06-4.14, P = 0.03; OR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.17-2.57, P = 0.006 and OR = 2.88, 95%CI: 1.77-4.69, P <0.001, respectively). Conclusion These results support the hypothesis that specific HLA-DRB1 alleles might influence the susceptibility of hepatocellular carcinoma. Large, multi-ethnic confirmatory and well designed studies are needed to determine the host genetic determinants of hepatocellular carcinoma.

The timing of Barleik Formation in Xinjiang, NW China, has not been constrained by accurate geochronology yet, while this work is of great significance to help reconstruct the geological tectonic evolution of Western Junggar. Based on the LA-ICP-MS U–Pb geochronology study, the weighted average age of magmatic zircons collected from the tuff in Barleik Formation, which reflects the formation age of the tuff, is 372 ± 2 Ma (N = 57, mean square of weighted deviates (MSWD) = 1.15). The first report in this study of the zircon U–Pb dating result indicates that Barleik Formation along the West Junggar tectonic belt occurred in the Late Devonian rather than in the middle Devonian period as previously claimed. Meanwhile, chronology data and the geochemical features comparing with the Island Arc-related rocks in the adjacent area, as well as stratigraphic structural relationship, suggest that volcanic activities may exist in the Late Devonian, and the relevant volcanic ash deposited in the Barleik forearc basin may be derived from the adjacent island arc (current geographic coordinate). In addition, the fossil assemblage dominated by bathyal-abyssal invertebrate fossils and bathyal-abyssal facies indicates that the Barleik Formation is a bathyal-abyssal sedimentary environment.

Abstract Background This study aims to assess the associations of admission systolic blood pressure (SBP) level with spontaneous reperfusion (SR) and long-term prognosis in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. Methods Data from 3809 STEMI patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention within 24 h, as recorded in the Chinese STEMI PPCI Registry (NCT04996901), were analyzed. The primary endpoint was SR, defined as thrombolysis in myocardial infarction grade 2–3 flow of IRA according to emergency angiography. The second endpoint was 2-year all-cause mortality. The association between admission BP and outcomes was evaluated using Logistic regression or Cox proportional hazards models with restricted cubic splines, adjusting for clinical characteristics. Results Admission SBP rather than diastolic BP was associated with SR after adjustment. Notably, this relationship exhibits a nonlinear pattern. Below 120mmHg, There existed a significant positive correlation between admission SBP and the incidence of SR (adjusted OR per 10-mmHg decrease for SBP ≤ 120 mm Hg: 0.800; 95% CI: 0.706–0.907; p120 mm Hg: 1.019; 95% CI: 0.958–1.084, p = 0.552). In the analysis of the endpoint event of mortality, patients admitted with SBP ranging from 121 to 150 mmHg exhibited the lowest mortality compared with those SBP ≤ 120mmHg (adjusted HR: 0.653; 95% CI: 0.495–0.862; p = 0.003). In addition, subgroups analysis with Killip class I-II showed SBP ≤ 120mmHg was still associated with increased risk of mortality. Conclusion The present study revealed admission SBP above 120 mmHg was associated with higher SR,30-d and 2-y survival rate in STEMI patients. The admission SBP could be a marker to provide clinical assessment and treatment. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04996901), 07/27/2021.

Rapid antigen test (RAT) is widely used for SARS-CoV-2 infection diagnostics. However, test sensitivity has decreased recently due to the emergence of the Omicron variant and its sublineages. Here we developed a panel of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (NP) specific mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and assessed their sensitivity and specificity to important SARS-CoV-2 variants. We identified seven mAbs that exhibited strong reactivity to SARS-CoV-2 variants and recombinant NP (rNP) by Western immunoblot or ELISA. Their specificity to SARS-CoV-2 was confirmed by negative or low reactivity to rNPs from SARS-CoV-1, MERS, and common human coronaviruses (HCoV-HKU1, HCoV–CO43, HCoV-NL63, and HCoV-229E). These seven mAbs were further tested by immunoplaque assay against selected variants of concern (VOCs), including two Omicron sublineages, and five mAbs (F461G13, F461G7, F459G7, F457G3, and F461G6), showed strong reactions, warranting further suitability testing for the development of diagnostic assay.

The Tibetan Plateau (TP) and the Arctic are the most sensitive regions to global climate change. However, the interdecadal varibility of winter extreme precipitation over the TP and its linkage with Arctic sea ice are still unclear. In this study, the characteristics and mechisnems of the TP extreme precipitation (TPEP) influenced by Arctic sea ice on interdecadal timescale are studied based on the daily precipitation, monthly sea ice concentration and ERA5 reanalysis data from 1980 to 2018. We found that the dominant mode of the TPEP in winter mostly exhibits a uniform spatial variation on the interdecadal timescale, with an opposite weak variation in the southeastern TP, and the Arctic sea ice concentration (SIC) before 2002 are larger than that after 2003. The interdecadal variation of TPEP is affected by two teleconnection wave trains regulated by the Barents and Kara Sea ice. In the light ice years, a remarkable positive geopotential height (HGT) anomaly appears over the Barents‒Kara Sea and a remarkable negative HGT anomaly is located over the Lake Baikal. Two wave trains originating over the Barents‒Kara Sea can be observed. The southern branch forms a wave train through the North Atlantic along the subtropical westerly jet stream, showing a ‘+ − + − +’ pattern of HGT anomalies from Arctic to the TP. Negative HGT anomaly controls the western TP, which creates dynamic and water vapor conditions for the TPEP. The northern branch forms a wave train through the Lake Baikal and the southeast of the TP, showing a ‘+ − +’ HGT anomaly distribution. Positive HGT anomaly controls the southeastern TP, which is not conducive to precipitation in the region. When the SIC in the Barents‒Kara Sea increases, the situation is opposite. The above analysis also reveals the reason for the difference in the east‒west distribution of the TPEP.

Abstract The clinical implications of extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) in cancer therapy remain largely elusive. Here, we present a comprehensive analysis of ecDNA amplification spectra and their association with clinical and molecular features in multiple cohorts comprising over 13,000 pan-cancer patients. Using our developed computational framework, GCAP, and validating it with multifaceted approaches, we reveal a consistent pan-cancer pattern of mutual exclusivity between ecDNA amplification and microsatellite instability (MSI). In addition, we establish the role of ecDNA amplification as a risk factor and refine genomic subtypes in a cohort from 1015 colorectal cancer patients. Importantly, our investigation incorporates data from four clinical trials focused on anti-PD-1 immunotherapy, demonstrating the pivotal role of ecDNA amplification as a biomarker for guiding checkpoint blockade immunotherapy in gastrointestinal cancer. This finding represents clinical evidence linking ecDNA amplification to the effectiveness of immunotherapeutic interventions. Overall, our study provides a proof-of-concept of identifying ecDNA amplification from cancer whole-exome sequencing (WES) data, highlighting the potential of ecDNA amplification as a valuable biomarker for facilitating personalized cancer treatment.

Abstract Background The aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), a tool with limited expense and widespread availability, is a promising noninvasive alternative to liver biopsy for detecting hepatic fibrosis. The objective of this study was to systematically review the performance of the APRI in predicting significant fibrosis and cirrhosis in hepatitis B-related fibrosis. Methods Areas under summary receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROC), sensitivity and specificity were used to examine the accuracy of the APRI for the diagnosis of hepatitis B-related significant fibrosis and cirrhosis. Heterogeneity was explored using meta-regression. Results Nine studies were included in this meta-analysis (n = 1,798). Prevalence of significant fibrosis and cirrhosis were 53.1% and 13.5%, respectively. The summary AUCs of the APRI for significant fibrosis and cirrhosis were 0.79 and 0.75, respectively. For significant fibrosis, an APRI threshold of 0.5 was 84% sensitive and 41% specific. At the cutoff of 1.5, the summary sensitivity and specificity were 49% and 84%, respectively. For cirrhosis, an APRI threshold of 1.0-1.5 was 54% sensitive and 78% specific. At the cutoff of 2.0, the summary sensitivity and specificity were 28% and 87%, respectively. Meta-regression analysis indicated that the APRI accuracy for both significant fibrosis and cirrhosis was affected by histological classification systems, but not influenced by the interval between Biopsy & APRI or blind biopsy. Conclusion Our meta-analysis suggests that APRI show limited value in identifying hepatitis B-related significant fibrosis and cirrhosis.

Pleosporales is a highly diverse (and the largest) order in Dothideomycetes, and it is widespread in decaying plants in various environments around the world. During a survey of fungal diversity in Sichuan Province, China, specimens of hyphomycetous and Thyridaria-like fungi were collected from dead branches of pine trees and cherry trees. These taxa were initially identified as members of Massarinaceae and Thyridariaceae through morphological examination. Phylogenetic analyses of the Thyridariaceae, combining ITS, SSU, LSU, RPB2, and TEF1 sequence data, indicated a distinct clade sister to Pseudothyridariella and Thyridariella, distinct from any genus in the family. Thus, a new genus, Vaginospora, is proposed to accommodate the type species Vaginospora sichuanensis, which is characterized by semi-immersed globose to oblong ascomata with an ostiolar neck, cylindrical to clavate asci with an ocular chamber, and hyaline to dark brown, fusiform, 3–5-transversely septate ascospores with an inconspicuous mucilaginous sheath. Based on the morphological comparisons and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses (ITS, SSU, LSU, RPB2, and TEF1) of the Massarinaceae, we have identified three collections belonging to the genus Helminthosporium, leading us to propose H. filamentosa sp. nov., H. pini sp. nov., and H. velutinum as a new host record. According to Phylogenetic analysis, H. pini formed an independent clade sister to H. austriacum and H. yunnanense, and H. filamentosa represents the closest sister clade to H. quercinum. Helminthosporium pini is distinct from H. austriacum by the shorter conidiophores and H. yunnanense by the longer and wider conidia. The H. filamentosa differs from H. quercinum in having longer conidiophores and smaller conidia. This study extends our understanding of diversity within Thyridariaceae and Helminthosporium. Our findings underscore the rich biodiversity and potential for discovering novel fungal taxa within these groups.

Pine trees play a crucial role in the forests of Sichuan Province, boasting rich species diversity and a lengthy evolutionary history. However, research and investigation on fungi associated with pine trees are insufficient. This study investigated the diversity of hyphomycetes fungi associated with pine trees in Sichuan Province, China. During the survey, we collected five specimens of hyphomycetes from branches and bark of species of Pinus. Five barcodes were selected for study and sequenced, including ITS, SSU, LSU, TEF1, and RPB2. Morphological examination and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses revealed three new species, viz. Catenulostroma pini sp. nov. within Teratosphaeriaceae, Kirschsteiniothelia longisporum sp. nov. within Kirschsteiniotheliaceae, Sporidesmiella sichuanensis sp. nov. within Junewangiaceae, and two known species, Paradictyoarthrinium diffractum and P. hydei within Paradictyoarthriniaceae, which are the new host records from Pinus species. Catenulostroma pini, distinguished from other species in the genus by its unique morphology, has three conidial morphologies: small terminal helicoconidia, scolecoconidia with many septa, and phragmoconidia conidia. Kirschsteiniothelia longisporum has longer spores when compared to the other species in the genus. According to phylogenetic analysis, Sporidesmiella sichuanensis formed an independent clade sister to S. aquatica and S. juncicola, distinguished by differences in conidial size.

Marine microplastics have become a pernicious global pollution issue. As field surveys to determine microplastic abundance in the marine environment and/or biota become more common, it is important to refine collection techniques to minimize contamination of samples. However, most contemporary sampling equipment is fabricated with plastic components. Microplastic contamination during sample collection can be minimized from the onset by employing techniques that are plastic-less or with minimal plastic-to-sample contact. Here we describe plastic-less equipment and techniques for field sampling of water, sediment, and organisms. Some of these are traditional designs that pre-date the plastic era and can be revived or repurposed for microplastic sampling. Others are self-developed and fabricated using materials such as metal, wood, silk, and cork. For relatively small costs in time and funds, it is possible to greatly reduce, or eliminate, plastics from the field sampling process.

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are involved in the regulation of biotic and abiotic stresses in plants. The molecular mechanisms of BRs that alleviate the drought stress in quinoa have rarely been reported. Here, quinoa seedlings were treated with 24-epibrassinolide (EBR) and we transiently transferred CqBIN2 to the quinoa seedlings’ leaves using VIGS technology to analyze the molecular mechanism of the BR mitigation drought stress. The results showed that EBR treatment significantly increased the root growth parameters, the antioxidant enzyme activities, and the osmolyte content, resulting in a decrease in the H2O2, O2∙−, and malondialdehyde content in quinoa. A transcriptome analysis identified 8124, 2761, and 5448 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among CK and Drought, CK and EBR + Drought, and Drought and EBR + Drought groups. WGCNA divided these DEGs into 19 modules in which these characterized genes collectively contributed significantly to drought stress. In addition, the EBR application also up-regulated the transcript levels of CqBIN2 and proline biosynthesis genes. Silenced CqBIN2 by VIGS could reduce the drought tolerance, survival rate, and proline content in quinoa seedlings. These findings not only revealed that exogenous BRs enhance drought tolerance, but also provided insight into the novel functions of CqBIN2 involved in regulating drought tolerance in plants.

In order to study the seawater stress corrosion resistance and corrosion mechanism of a new type of high manganese steel used in marine engineering，the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) sensitivity of high manganese steel and 9Ni steel in 3.5 %NaCl solution was tested by slow strain rate tension (SSRT).The microstructure，electrochemical behavior，SSRT performance，fracture morphology features and crack propagation law of the samples were compared and studied.Results showed that the elongation，reduction of fracture surface area and energy absorbed during fracture of the two steels in corrosive medium were all lower than those in air medium.The strain energy density ratio of high manganese steel deviated further from 1，and the comprehensive stress corrosion index (ISSRT) was also larger，showing higher SCC sensitivity.Moreover，the fracture morphology of all the samples in air exhibited the characteristics of dimple micropore ductile fracture.In solution，the SSRT fracture morphology of 9Ni steel presented typical ductile-brittle mixed fracture characteristics，while that of high manganese steel presented obvious transgranular quasi cleavage brittle fracture characteristics.Besides，the pretensile deformation sample of high manganese steel had higher corrosion current density and more negative corrosion potential.Mn had a strong grain boundary segregation effect，which was easy to cause transgranular SCC.In general，the SCC mechanism of high manganese steel could be attributed to the combined action of hydrogen induced cracking (HIC) and anodic dissolution (AD).

Abstract Aim To explore the actual experience of training effect of Baduanjin on patients with hemiplegic limb dysfunctions after cerebral infarction through semistructured interviews and promote Baduanjin training application in clinical and community settings. Design This qualitative study was conducted using the conventional content analysis approach. Methods Twenty‐five patients with hemiplegic limb dysfunctions after cerebral infarction were recruited as participants by applying purposive sampling method between September 2017–December 2020 in the physical therapy department of a rehabilitation hospital affiliated with Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China. Semistructured interviews were conducted after patients participated in Baduanjin training for 6 weeks. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis method of Graneheim and Lundman. Results Three major themes were identified after analysis, namely improving functions of hemiplegic limbs, improving the condition of the entire body and the feelings of practice. The participants indicated that Baduanjin could improve the limb functions and general conditions of hemiplegic patients. Their experience in practicing Baduanjin was generally positive, and they were willing to continue practicing.

In order to study the corrosion status and reasons of the sulfur - resistant tubings in Tahe oilfield and provide reasonable suggestions for tubing corrosion protection, the causes of corrosion failure of P110S tubing in a well were comprehensively analyzed by means of macro - morphological observation, physical and chemical property testing, metallographic structure analysis, scanning electron microscope observation and energy spectrum analysis based on field conditions. Results showed that the tubing’s chemical composition, mechanical properties and metallographic structure met API SPEC 5CT-2011 requirements, and a corrosion environment with high contents of CO2, Cl - and H2O was the main reason for the local corrosion of the inner wall of the tubing, which subsequently led to a serious thinning and fracture of the inner wall of the tubing. With the increase of the well depth, the service temperature of the tubing increased, and the corrosion degree of the tubing increased as well.

It is of practical significance to use the updated Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) models to study the impact of changes in land‒sea thermodynamic contrast (TC) on the Asian summer monsoon under different scenarios and to compare the similarities and differences of the impact mechanisms between different monsoon regions. In this study, we investigated future changes of the Asian summer monsoon under four Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) scenarios using 19 CMIP6 models. The intensity of the South Asian summer monsoon (SASM) is projected to decrease by 2.6%, 6.3%, 10.1%, and 11.1%, while the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) intensity is projected to increase by 4.6%, 7.9%, 7.4%, and 9.8% until the end of the 21st century for SSP126, SSP245, SSP370, and SSP585 scenarios, respectively. Moreover, summer precipitation in Asia is projected to increase remarkably in 2015–2099 under all four scenarios. The inconsistent warming trends over the Tibetan Plateau (TP), Northwest Pacific, and tropical Indian Ocean would greatly impact the monsoon circulations. The upper-troposphere warming trend over the surrounding oceans is remarkably greater than that over the TP, while the near-surface warming trend over the surrounding oceans is smaller than that over the TP. The decrease of upper-troposphere TC between the TP and tropical Indian Ocean results in a weakening of the SASM circulation. The enhancement of the lower-troposphere TC between the TP and Northwest Pacific would strengthen the EASM circulation. Moisture budget analysis shows that the water-vapor would increase in the future, which would thermodynamically enhance summer precipitation through the anomalous vertical moisture transport associated with mean flow. The strengthening of the meridional circulation of the EASM would increase monsoon precipitation, while the weakening of zonal circulation of the SASM would dynamically reduce South Asian summer precipitation.

Abstract Objective To investigate the perceptions of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) and rehabilitation care amongst women after radical hysterectomy and to explore ways to improve quality of care. Methods Thirty-six women who underwent radical hysterectomy at a hospital in southeast China were enrolled via purposive sampling. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted. The texts were analysed via qualitative content analysis. Results Four themes were obtained: serious lack of knowledge, heavy psychological burden, different coping strategies and great eagerness to receive multiparty support on PFD rehabilitation care. Conclusion The society and professional staff should strengthen health education on PFD. Professionals should offer education before and after surgery and actively provide rehabilitation consultation to promote the availability of rehabilitation to support women with PFD rehabilitation care. In addition, family-centred care is an important way to support women to return to normal life, and women's need for family support should be more actively expressed. Moreover, knowledge of medical insurance should be popularised, especially in rural areas in China.

To determine whether the capability of the CMIP6 version of Beijing Climate Center (BCC) models (BCC-ESM1 and BCC-CSM2-MR) in simulating China summer surface air temperature (SAT) has improved, we presented a multidimensional evaluation of the summer SAT in China including the trends, modes, and influencing factors. Critical comparisons are also made with the results of CMIP5 (BCC-CSM1.1 and BCC-CSM1.1m). In general, the CMIP6, especially BCC-CSM2-MR, has smaller deviations in the trends, the means, the mutations, the maximum centers, the variances, and the spatial patterns of the dominant modes from observatio relative to those of CMIP5. However, the BCC CMIP6 models still underestimate the SAT variation in the Qinghai‒Tibetan Plateau and the northeastern regions of China, and the performance is unsatisfactory with respect to the physical drivers of the dominant modes. Importantly, all the BCC models can capture the spatio-temporal characteristics of the first mode well and can, in general, characterize the spatial pattern of the second mode, but none of the models perform well in the principal component of the second mode (PC2) due to the low performance with respect to the interannual variation of PC2. Furthermore, the factors influencing the leading two modes are evaluated. The two CMIP6 can simulate better the Northern Hemisphere subtropical high northern boundary affecting the first mode. Another factor, the Asia polar vortex area, can only be simulated better by two low-resolution models (BCC-CSM1.1 and BCC-ESM1). For the second mode, all four models simulate the influence of Asian zonal circulation well, but poorly simulate that of the southern Indian Ocean dipole due to a large deviation in the Indian Ocean surface temperature.

Water-in-oil (W/O) microemulsions exhibit delivery matrix and exhibit poor lipid solubility. Therefore, increasing the stability of W/O microemulsions is necessary to broaden their applications. In our experiment, a protein microemulsion system was constructed and its stability was investigated. The effects of surfactants, co-surfactants, quality ratio of them (Km) and hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) values were determined by using the pseudo-ternary phase diagrams and the area of microemulsions (MEs) as the indexes. The results showed that MEs’ stability was the best when the limonene was used as oil phase, Tween 20 + span 80 as the surfactant, and anhydrous alcohol as co-surfactant, if and only if HLB = 6.0 and Km = 3:1. Under this condition, the area of micro-emulsion was the largest, and the quality of microemulsion was better when the mass ratio of oil phase and emulsifier was 7:5.The protein microemulsion was a water-in-oil type, with a particle size of 1.41 ± 0.03 μm, containing 1127.37 ± 30.87 μg/g of proteins. Moreover, the temperature, light, and sample observation tests showed that the solution’s protein retention rate was lower than those in the microemulsion. Low-concentration NaCl, less than 9% of glucose and maltose exerted no significant influence on the protein microemulsion stability.

Summary: Background: TILRR (Toll-like Interleukin-1 Receptor Regulator) is a modulator of many genes in NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) signaling. It promotes the production of inflammatory mediators and the migration of immune cells. Recently, we showed that TILRR protein circulates in human blood. Thus, it could influence systemic inflammation. Systemic and mucosal inflammations increase the susceptibility to HIV infection. In this study, we analyzed the TILRR protein levels of the archived plasma samples of women enrolled in the Pumwani cohort to determine whether the plasma TILRR protein levels before seroconversion are correlated with differential risk of HIV seroconversion. Methods: TILRR protein of 941 archived HIV negative plasma samples from 390 women who were HIV negative at the cohort enrollment was quantified with an in-house developed multiplex bead array method. Proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines were measured using a 14-plex bead array method. Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to determine the correlation between plasma TILRR protein and proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was conducted to evaluate whether the median plasma TILRR protein levels correlate with increased risk of HIV seroconversion. Findings: The level of plasma TILRR protein was positively correlated with plasma IL-1β (rho: 0.2593, p

The roles of gut microbiota and metabolomics in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are not well understood. This study investigated the gut metabolomic profiling of GDM rats and GDM rats treated with probiotic supplements. Associations between gut metabolites and microbiota were also studied in GDM rats. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to detect gut metabolites in GDM rats and GDM rats treated with probiotic supplements of 0.5 g (low-dose group) or 1 g (high-dose group) for 15 days. Each gram of probiotic supplement contained 5 × 107 colony-forming units (CFU) of Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG and 1 × 108 CFU of Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis Bb12. The association between gut metabolites and microbiota in GDM rats was investigated using Spearman’s correlation. Finally, 10 rats in the normal pregnant group, eight rats in the GDM model group, eight GDM rats in the low-dose probiotics group, and nine GDM rats in the high-dose probiotics group were further studied. Serum parameters and pancreatic and colon histology were significantly changed in GDM rats, and these were restored using probiotic supplements. In total, 999 gut metabolites were detected in the feces, and GDM rats were distinguished from normal rats. The levels of 44 metabolites were increased in GDM rats, and they were alleviated using probiotic supplements. Changes in metabolites in GDM rats were associated with amino acids and bile acids metabolism signaling pathways. Furthermore, changes in metabolites after probiotic supplementation were associated with porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism pathways. We found that the Allobaculum genus displayed strong positive correlations, whereas the Bryobacter and Gemmatimonas genera displayed strong negative correlations with metabolisms of amino acids and bile acids in GDM rats. The Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genera were positively correlated with gut metabolites. Overall, our results showed that metabolism signaling pathways of amino acids and bile acids are associated with the development of GDM. Probiotic supplements alleviate the pathology of GDM through the metabolism pathways of amino acids, bile acids, porphyrin, and chlorophyll.

In the stage of vehicle demonstration and development, equipment finalization test, and equipment service, an important role is played by the mobility prediction and evaluation method of tracked vehicles under complex road conditions, in which vehicle vibration response evaluation is the main content of off-road mobility prediction and evaluation. In this paper, based on the principle of multibody dynamics, a high-speed tracked vehicle action system model was established by using the simulation analysis method. The vibration response of the vehicle on uneven pavement was evaluated from four aspects: driver comfort, driver absorbed power, occupant handling efficiency, and suspension dynamic travel. Simultaneously, the shock vibration peak value was utilized to evaluate the vibration response of the vehicle during obstacle crossing. Three fitting methods, namely polynomial response surface, Kriging method, and radial basis function neural network, were used to establish approximate models between the design variables and the objective function, respectively. The pros and cons of each approximate model were analyzed by comparing the approximate errors between the predicted values of the fitting model and the actual response values of the simulation model. The results of this paper are of reference significance for the prediction and evaluation of the off-road mobility of high-speed tracked vehicles.

Despite the ubiquity of sea anemones (Cnidaria: Actiniaria) in tropical ecosystems, our understanding of their biodiversity and taxonomy is limited. Here we re-establish the identity of an intertidal zooxanthellate species, Phymanthus pinnulatus Martens in Klunzinger, 1877. Originally described from a single preserved specimen in the Berlin Museum by CB Klunzinger, his brief footnote lacked crucial details to positively identify the species. Our redescription is based on more than 50 living individuals of P. pinnulatus collected from its type locality, Singapore. These were examined and compared with type materials of the species and its congeners. Specimens of P. pinnulatus differ from syntypes of species described as Phymanthus levis Kwietniewski, 1898 from Indonesia, as well as Phymanthus sansibaricus Carlgren, 1900 and Phymanthus strandesi Carlgren, 1900, both described from East Africa. Phymanthus pinnulatus was encountered on the lower intertidal, among coral rubble and between rocky crevices. It is vibrantly coloured and has 96 marginal tentacles with branching outgrowths along each, resulting in a ‘frilly’ appearance. The anemone has a flat expanded oral disc, with discal tentacles that are inconspicuous and reduced, unlike syntypes of its congeners. Details of its live appearance, musculature, and cnidom are also provided for the first time. Overall, types of cnidae and capsule sizes differ from other known species of Phymanthus documented elsewhere. It is inferred that P. pinnulatus has a wide distribution that extends eastwards from Singapore, as far as Ambon and the Torres Straits. Some individuals reported as Phymanthus muscosus Haddon and Shackleton, 1893 and Phymanthus buitendijki Pax, 1924 are probably P. pinnulatus. This morphological analysis provides new insights into the characters used to delimit P. pinnulatus, clarifies its geographical distribution, and contributes to an ongoing revision of the genus Phymanthus.

Person re-identification (PReID) has received increasing attention due to it being an important role in intelligent surveillance. Many state-of-the-art PReID methods are part-based deep models. Most of these models focus on learning the part feature representation of a person's body from the horizontal direction. However, the feature representation of the body from the vertical direction is usually ignored. In addition, the relationships between these part features and different feature channels are not considered. In this paper, we introduce a multi-branch deep model for PReID. Specifically, the model consists of five branches. Among the five branches, two branches learn the part features with spatial information from horizontal and vertical orientations; one branch aims to learn the interdependencies between different feature channels generated by the last convolution layer of the backbone network; the remaining two branches are identification and triplet sub-networks in which the discriminative global feature and a corresponding measurement can be learned simultaneously. All five branches can improve the quality of representation learning. We conduct extensive comparison experiments on three benchmarks, including Market-1501, CUHK03, and DukeMTMC-reID. The proposed deep framework outperforms other competitive state-of-the-art methods. The code is available at https://github.com/caojunying/person-reidentification.

As a main source of power, diesel engines are widely used in large mechanical systems. Fire failure is a kind of common fault condition, which seriously affects the power and economy of the diesel engine. Previously, scholars mostly used single-channel signal to diagnose the misfire fault of the diesel engine. However, the single-channel signal has limitations in reflecting the information of fault. A novel fault diagnosis method based on MEMD and dispersion entropy is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the multichannel vibration signal of the diesel engine cylinder head is decomposed by multivariate empirical mode decomposition (MEMD), which obtains the IMF component groups with the same frequency in the same order. Then, the IMF component with a large correlation coefficient with the original signal in each group is selected to reconstruct new signal, and dispersion entropy (DE) of the reconstructed signal is calculated as a fault feature vector. Finally, the fault feature vector is input into the support vector machine (SVM) for misfire fault classification. Compared with the other three methods, the results show that the diagnosis method proposed in this paper can effectively extract the fault features and accurately identify the fault type, which is superior to the comparison method.