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Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection results in a serious disease, posing a huge economic threat to the global swine industry. The transient receptor potential mucolipin proteins (TRPMLs) have been shown to be strongly associated with virus infection and other physiological processes in humans, but their tissue distribution and responses to PRRSV in pigs remain unknown.

Background: Anlotinib is a novel oral small-molecule receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor. However, the efficacy and safety of its combined use with chemotherapy remain unclear in patients with advanced ovarian cancer. Objectives: To assess the efficacy and safety of the combined use of Anlotinib with chemotherapy in patients with advanced ovarian cancer. Design: A multi-center retrospective real-world analysis and a meta-analysis. Data sources and methods: We enrolled patients with advanced ovarian cancer who received a combination therapy of Anlotinib and chemotherapy from 15 medical centers. We also searched electronic databases for studies assessing the efficacy and safety of the combined use of Anlotinib with chemotherapy in patients with ovarian cancer. The outcomes of interest included objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and median progression-free survival (mPFS). Results: A total of 71 patients, who were predominantly recurrent cases, were included in the real-world study. The ORR and DCR of the included patients were 40.8% and 76.1%, respectively; and their mPFS was 4.6 months. The log-rank test showed that previous antiangiogenic therapy was related to a longer mPFS (p < 0.05). Five studies in total were eligible for meta-analysis. The random-effects meta-analysis model showed that the ORR, DCR, and mPFS were 33.8% [95% confidence interval (CI) 22.7–44.8% from four studies], 90.6% (95% CI 73.6–99.9% from five studies), and 6.6 months (95% CI 4.9–8.4 months from five studies). The most common adverse events were hand-foot syndrome and hypertension. Conclusion: The combined use of Anlotinib with chemotherapy showed potential in treating patients with advanced ovarian cancer, with a tolerable safety profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In May 2020, China formulated the Internal Circulation Strategy (ICS) to address the risks of global economic downturns caused by deglobalization. This study is the first to empirically examine the impacts of China's ICS on its stock market performance, focusing on investor behavior. Using data from the Baidu search index and the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges for the period 27 July 2020 to 5 May 2023, the results reveal that stock returns are negatively associated with investor attention to China's ICS, while stock volatilities are positively associated. This suggests that the ongoing and profound shift in economic strategy might have raised concerns among investors. Furthermore, our analysis of heterogeneity finds that the negative association with stock market returns is statistically significant only during times of high policy uncertainty or geopolitical risk. The positive association with stock market volatility is statistically significant only during times of high geopolitical risk. This indicates that the stability of the internal and external environment plays a crucial role in alleviating investor concerns. We also observe mixed impacts on different sectors of the stock markets, with some sectors unaffected while others primarily experiencing a decline in returns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two‐dimensional metal‐organic frameworks (2D MOFs) with more exposed active sites and stable structures are auspicious electrode materials for high‐performance lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). In the current work, ultrasonic treatment was used to prepare two‐dimensional CoNi‐BDC ultrathin nanosheets (N‐CoNi‐BDC) by coordinating Ni2+, Co2+, and benzenedicarboxylic acid (BDC). The N‐CoNi‐BDC was used as the anode of LIBs, demonstrating an exceptional reversible storage capacity of 1358 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 0.1 A g−1. In addition, a charging capacity of 757 mAh g−1 was observed at a high current density of 1 A g−1 without observable capacity degradation up to 300 cycles. The superior behavior of N‐CoNi‐BDC was attributed to its distinct morphology of ultrathin nanosheets with more exposed active sites and stable structures. Ex‐situ FTIR and XPS results revealed that the benzene ring, carboxylate, and Ni2+ in N‐CoNi‐BDC were the active parts of lithium‐ion storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to verify effect of the industrial policies on solving the problem of market failure, we collect the data from China A-share listed companies among 2008-2019, and analyze the effect of government subsidies on the entity over-financialization. The results show that government subsidies significantly inhibit the entity over-financialization. Because the government subsidies could increase the performance of enterprise's main business and level of the enterprise's profitability. Subsequently, the enterprise's arbitrage from cross-industries and the managers' composition could be decreased. Consequently, government subsidies could reduce the entity over-financialization by the reduce of enterprise's arbitrage from multi-industries and increase of the managers' composition which is related to the enterprise's performance. The results also indicate that the entity financialization is mainly motivated by enterprise arbitrage rather than 'preventive reserve' in China. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of government subsidies on the entity over-financialization is only significant in the enterprises with non-state-owned, high-tech, and higher level of demand of innovation. Thus, the government should accurately implement subsidy policies for the enterprises and increase the supports for enterprises with high-tech and higher level of demand of innovation, which could promote economy high-quality development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumption trends demand healthier meat products and require research into reformulation strategies. Ambiguities in consumer preferences for two processed meat reformulation strategies (i.e., ingredient "reduction" and nutrient "addition") were investigated. Using physical prototypes of omega-3-enriched pork sausages and sensory evaluation to reduce hypothetical bias, followed by a choice-based conjoint experiment, results suggested that consumers valued both "addition" and "reduction" reformulation strategies, and consumers' willingness-to-pay (WTP) premiums were the highest for omega-3 addition, followed by fat reduction, and were lowest for salt reduction. Moreover, WTP was influenced by sensory preferences and was positively correlated with sensory liking levels. Providing health-related information improved consumers' sensory perceptions of omega-3-enriched sausages. Findings imply that reformulated healthier meat products are acceptable to consumers. Moreover, to enhance consumers' valuation on new launches of healthier processed meat products, meat manufacturers should inform consumers of health-related reformulation information, provide consumers with opportunities to taste newly developed healthier processed meat products, and continuously optimize consumers' sensory experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As marketing tools, nutrition claims (NCs) and health claims (HCs) can be used to convey the nutritional properties and health benefits of food to consumers, but their respective effects on consumers' perceptions of healthier meat products are inconsistent in the literature. Using a physical prototype of omega-3-enriched sausages as a research interest, this paper explores how HCs and NCs differently influence consumers' sensory preferences and willingness to pay (WTP). Sensory tests were carried out among 330 participants, followed by a choice-based conjoint (CBC) experiment to measure consumers' WTP. Results indicate that, in comparison with the uninformed condition, labeling an omega-3 nutrition claim increased consumers' sensory liking for omega-3-enriched sausages in the attributes of appearance and texture. Moreover, consumers were willing to pay more for healthier sausages, but labeling HCs did not significantly improve participants' WTP for omega-3-enriched sausages more than NCs. Hence, HCs did not significantly outperform NCs, when it comes to positively influencing consumers' sensory liking and paying intentions for omega-3-enriched sausages. The findings of this study have implications for the meat industry in developing healthier sausage formulations with greater likelihood of success in the market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanical behaviors at fatigue crack tips of cracked specimens under negative loading ratios are studied in detail by the finite element method in this paper. Three factors induced by specimen type and loading type on fatigue crack field are discussed, including constraint, compressive loading effect (CL effect) and crack contact closure. For mode I crack under negative loading ratios, the effects of the CL effect and crack contact closure on plastic strain accumulations are dominant, with the constraint effect being minor. The constraint effect has effects on the monotonous plastic zone, while the CL effect and contact closure both have effects on the reversed plastic zone (RPZ) and residual tensile plastic zone (RTPZ). That is, the higher the constraint, the smaller the size of the monotonous plastic zone; the greater the CL effect, or the smaller the contact degree, the larger the size of RPZ and RTPZ. For mode II crack, there is only CL effect on the crack tip field without the effect of constraint and contact closure, so plastic strain accumulation at the mode II crack tip is much greater than that at the mode I crack tip when they are under the same loading level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of the One Country–Two Systems policy, Shenzhen and Hong Kong have rapidly grown into a dual-core international metropolis. However, a huge barrier is the commuting cost incurred by the tariff policy, which blocks the road to the high-quality development of the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). Based on traffic accessibility and kernel density analysis of the subway network and points of interest (POIs) of urban functional areas with ArcGIS, this study analyzed the commute time and convenience level of the functional areas in the two separate tariff zones. The traffic (commute) time in 75 min was taken as the turning point of the efficiency of the Shenzhen–Hong Kong connection, and it was found that both the customs clearance time and the accessible areas show the shape of a parabolic function with an upward opening. It was also found that, in Shenzhen and Hong Kong, the commute time in most of the business, commercial, residential, and industrial areas is 60–75 min. In particular, the comfortable range within 45 min was not achieved. It is necessary to further promote the effectiveness of the Shenzhen–Hong Kong customs clearance system and continuously reduce the customs clearance cost so as to promote the integration of Shenzhen and Hong Kong in order to implement the national strategy of "dual circulation" and innovation-driven development and efficiently drive the coordinated construction of the GBA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Heart sound monitor (HSM), a device suitable for home-use, can be used to acquire heart sounds. It enables the telemonitoring of cardiac function, which has been largely evolved and widely used in recent years. Nevertheless, the designers paid little attention to the consistency of information model and data interaction of HSM, thus the data could not be shared and aggregated among healthcare systems. Consequently, the device's development and its application in person-centered telehealth are hindered. Objective: To solve this problem and to build interoperability for HSM, this article proposes a HSM interoperability framework that is constructed by using standardized modeling methods. Methods: The authors collected the common device-output information of HSM involved in telemonitoring, leveraged the standardized interoperability framework defined in ISO/IEEE 11073 Personal Health Device (11073-PHD) standards to model the static data structure and dynamic interaction behaviors of HSM. Results: Via a meta-analysis, the HSM device-output information includes collected data (heart sound measurement), and derived data (e.g., device status). Based on such information, an 11073-PHD-compliant domain information model has been successfully created. This enables the interoperability between HSM and aggregation device, allowing inter-device plug-and-play using the service model and communication model. A prototype of this design has been implemented and validated via Continua Enabling Software Library. Conclusions: The ISO/IEEE 11073-PHD standard framework has the potential to accommodate the HSM, which implicate HSM can be integrated into the interoperable ecosystem to achieve holistic health solution. Findings in this article may be taken as a reference for standard developing organizations to establish a standardized interoperability framework for HSM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid, quantitative, and sensitive assays for the multiplexed detection of bacterial pathogens are urgently needed for public health. Here, we report the generation of dual-modified phage sensors for the simultaneous detection of multiple pathogenic bacteria. The M13KE phage was dual modified to display the targeting peptide on the minor coat protein pIII (∼5 copies) and the streptavidin-binding (StrB) peptide on the major coat protein pVIII (∼2700 copies). The targeting peptide specifically recognizes the target bacteria, and the StrB peptide acts as the efficient signal amplification and transduction unit upon binding with fluorescently tagged streptavidin. The bright fluorescence emitted from individual target bacteria can be clearly distinguished from the background via both the flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. Three different dual-modified phages targeting E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were constructed, and high specificity was verified via a large excess of other non-target bacteria. Using a 40 mL sample volume, the target bacteria detection limit was approximately 102 cells/mL via flow cytometry measurement in the presence of other non-target bacteria. By combining these three dual-modified phages into a cocktail, simultaneous detection and quantification of three target bacterial pathogens was demonstrated with good linearity. The strategy of constructing dual-modified phage represents a promising tool in the detection of bacterial pathogens. [Display omitted] • Using dual-modified phage, a rapid and sensitive method was developed for the specific detection of bacterial pathogens. • Phages targeting E. coli O157:H7, S. Typhimurium, and P. aeruginosa were constructed and verified with high specificity. • The bright fluorescence of single target bacteria can be readily detected by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. • The detection limit of the target bacteria was approximately 102 cells/mL via flow cytometric measurement. • By using phage cocktail, simultaneous detection and linearity quantification of three target bacterial pathogens was demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, we aimed to investigate the network structure of COVID-19 symptoms and its related psychiatric symptoms, using a network approach. Specifically, we examined how COVID-19 symptoms relate to psychiatric symptoms and highlighted potential pathways between COVID-19 severity and psychiatric symptoms. With a sample of six hundred seventy-five recovered COVID-19 patients recruited 1 month after hospital discharge, we respectively integrated COVID-19 symptoms with PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptoms and analyzed the three network structures. In all three networks, COVID-19 severity and ICU admission are not linked directly to COVID-19 symptoms after hospitalization, while COVID-19 severity (but not ICU admission) is linked directly to one or more psychiatric symptoms. Specific pathways between COVID-19 symptoms and psychiatric symptoms were discussed. Finally, we used directed acyclic graph estimation to show potential causal effects between COVID-19 related variables and demographic characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The gene expression of three TRPMLs is abundant in mouse spleen, lung, and kidney tissues. • Three TRPMLs show different responses to pathogen stimuli in lung tissue and A549 cells. • The responses of three TRPMLs to pathogen stimuli that occur similarly in other tissues. • LPS exhibits a significant effect on three overexpressed TRPMLs in A549 cells. • Both TRPML1- and TRPML3-specific activators show dose-dependent upregulation of inflammatory factors. The transient receptor potential mucolipin (TRPML) subfamily in mammalian has three members, namely TRPML1, TRPML2, and TRPML3, who play key roles in regulating intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis, endosomal pH, membrane trafficking and autophagy. Previous studies had shown that three TRPMLs are closely related to the occurrence of pathogen invasion and immune regulation in some immune tissues or cells, but the relationship between TRPMLs expression and pathogen invasion in lung tissue or cell remains elusive. Here, we investigated the expression distribution of three TRPML channels in mouse different tissues by qRT-PCR, and then found that all three TRPMLs were highly expressed in the mouse lung tissue, as well as mouse spleen and kidney tissues. The expression of TRPML1 or TRPML3 in all three mouse tissues had a significant down-regulation after the treatment of Salmonella or LPS, but TRPML2 expression showed a remarkable increase. Consistently, TRPML1 or TRPML3 but not TRPML2 in A549 cells also displayed a decreased expression induced by LPS stimulation, which shared a similar regulation pattern in the mouse lung tissue. Furthermore, the treatment of the TRPML1 or TRPML3 specific activator induced a dose-dependent up-regulation of inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6 and TNFα, suggesting that TRPML1 and TRPML3 are likely to play an important role in immune and inflammatory regulation. Together, our study identified the gene expression of TRPMLs induced by pathogen stimulation in vivo and in vitro , which may provide novel targets for innate immunity or pathogen regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate coordination of chromosome replication and cell division is essential for cellular processes, yet the regulatory mechanisms governing the bacterial cell cycle remain contentious. The lack of quantitative data connecting key cell cycle players at the single-cell level across large samples hinders consensus. Employing high-throughput flow cytometry, we quantitatively correlated the expression levels of key cell cycle proteins (FtsZ, MreB, and DnaA) with DNA content in individual bacteria. Our findings reveal distinct correlations depending on the chromosome number (CN), specifically whether CN ≤2 or ≥4, unveiling a mixed regulatory scenario in populations where CN of 2 or 4 coexist. We observed function-dependent regulations for these key proteins across nonoverlapping division cycles and various nutrient conditions. Notably, a logarithmic relationship between total protein content and replication origin number across nutrient conditions suggests a unified mechanism governing cell cycle progression, confirming the applicability of Schaechter's growth law to cells with CN ≥4. For the first time, we established a proportional relationship between the synthesis rates of key cell cycle proteins and chromosome dynamics in cells with CN ≥4. Drug experiments highlighted CN 2 and 4 as pivotal turning points influencing cellular resource allocation. This high-throughput, single-cell analysis provides interconnected quantitative insights into key molecular events, facilitating a predictive understanding of the relationship between cell growth and cell cycle.

Rapid quantification of microbial contamination in fruit juice is highly desired for food safety control. Yet, the complex sample matrix and the diversity of bacterial contaminants present a great challenge. Employing a laboratory-built nano-flow cytometer (nFCM), here we report the development of a label-free approach for the detection of bacteria population in fruit juice. The weak autofluorescence of bacterial cells was used as a hallmark for the identification of bacteria. The sample pretreatment protocol was optimized to reduce fluorescence background, lyse residual plant cells and debris, and attain a good recovery of bacteria from juice samples. It was demonstrated that the nFCM was able to enumerate individual bacteria of very weak autofluorescence, and a clear differentiation from residual juice particulates was achieved. For bacteria spiked in the orange juice, the recovery rate was around 95% and a linear correlation between nFCM analysis and plate counting was acquired in the range of 3 × 10 4 to 3 × 10 8 cfu/mL. The assay, including sample pretreatment and instrument analysis, can be accomplished within 1 h, which is far more efficient than plate counting. Using a 40 mL sample volume, the detection limit in apple juice was ∼10 2 cells/mL. The as-developed method was successfully applied to bacterial measurement of freshly made orange juice and apple juice purchased from grocery stores. We believe it could also have potential practical application in microbial control analysis of other juices and water.

Background: Heart sound monitor (HSM), a device suitable for home-use, can be used to acquire heart sounds. It enables the telemonitoring of cardiac function, which has been largely evolved and widely used in recent years. Nevertheless, the designers paid little attention to the consistency of information model and data interaction of HSM, thus the data could not be shared and aggregated among healthcare systems. Consequently, the device's development and its application in person-centered telehealth are hindered. Objective: To solve this problem and to build interoperability for HSM, this article proposes a HSM interoperability framework that is constructed by using standardized modeling methods. Methods: The authors collected the common device-output information of HSM involved in telemonitoring, leveraged the standardized interoperability framework defined in ISO/IEEE 11073 Personal Health Device (11073-PHD) standards to model the static data structure and dynamic interaction behaviors of HSM. Results: Via a meta-analysis, the HSM device-output information includes collected data (heart sound measurement), and derived data (e.g., device status). Based on such information, an 11073-PHD-compliant domain information model has been successfully created. This enables the interoperability between HSM and aggregation device, allowing inter-device plug-and-play using the service model and communication model. A prototype of this design has been implemented and validated via Continua Enabling Software Library. Conclusions: The ISO/IEEE 11073-PHD standard framework has the potential to accommodate the HSM, which implicate HSM can be integrated into the interoperable ecosystem to achieve holistic health solution. Findings in this article may be taken as a reference for standard developing organizations to establish a standardized interoperability framework for HSM.

A laboratory-built high-sensitivity flow cytometer (HSFCM) was employed for the rapid and accurate detection of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and their viability in probiotic products. LAB were stained with both the cell membrane-permeable SYTO 9 green-fluorescent nucleic acid stain and the red-fluorescent nucleic acid stain, propidium iodide, which penetrates only bacteria with compromised membranes. The side scatter and dual-color fluorescence signals of single bacteria were detected simultaneously by the HSFCM. Ultra-high temperature processing milk and skim milk spiked with Lactobacillus casei were used as the model systems for the optimization of sample pretreatment and staining. The viable LAB counts measured by the HSFCM were in good agreement with those of the plate count method, and the measured ratios between the live and dead LAB matched well with the theoretical ratios. The established method was successfully applied to the rapid quantification of live/dead LAB in yogurts and fermented milk beverages of different brands. Moreover, the concentration and viability status of LAB in ambient yogurt, a relatively new yet popular milk product in China, are also reported.