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We used the quantile vector autoregressive (QVAR) dynamic connectedness framework to examine whether leading stock markets in America and Europe would have any impact on major stock markets in Asia.1 More precisely, we analyzed systematically the stock market connectedness in 15 countries, namely Germany, the UK, the USA, and 12 Asian countries, which include five major ASEAN countries, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand from 1996 to 2023. The findings indicated that Hong Kong and Singaporean stocks were major transmitters of financial shocks at the extreme low price market condition, while Germany and UK were minor transmitters. By contrast, the USA could be considered the major transmitter of financial shock during the extreme high market price returns condition. In the normal market condition, these three countries in Europe and America are important transmitters of financial shock. More interestingly, the empirical findings indicated the centrality of Singapore in the stock market connectedness in Asia. 1 The authors are grateful to Professor David Gabauer who makes available the R codes for all calculations in this paper.

The macroscopic electromagnetic properties of type-II superconductors are mainly influenced by the behavior of microscopic superconducting flux quantum units. Time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau (TDGL) theory is a well-known tool for describing and examining both the statics and dynamics of these superconducting entities. It have been instrumental in replicating and elucidating numerous experimental results over the past decades. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the progress in TDGL simulations, focusing on three key aspects of superconductor applications. We delve first into vortex rectification in superconductors described within the TDGL framework, specifically highlighting the achievement of superconducting diode effect through asymmetric pinning landscapes and the reversible manipulation of vortex ratchets with dynamic pinning landscapes. In terms of the achievements of TDGL simulations concerning the critical current density of superconductors, we emphasize particularly on the optimization of pinning sites, including vortex pinning and dynamics in polycrystalline Nb3Sn with grain boundaries. In the third aspect, we concentrate on numerical modeling of vortex penetration and dynamics in superconducting radio-frequency cavities, including a discussion on superconductor-insulator-superconductor multilayer structures. Finally, we present key findings, insights, and perspectives derived from the discussed simulations.

Medium Mn steels are the primary candidates in the fields of automobile, construction machinery et al. due to the advantages of high strength-ductility combination, and low costs. By now, the balance of good performance and high preparation efficiency is still a critical issue to be unsolved, which restricts their further applications. This work designs a novel Al-contained medium Mn low-density steel and explores the effect of a short intercritical-annealing process. The microstructure evolution of multi-scales, especially the austenite characteristics and Mn partitioning behaviors is analyzed, and the relationship between austenite and tensile properties is discussed. The results indicate Al can broaden the annealing processing window and improve the annealing temperature. When annealed at 780 °C, the austenite reverted transformation happens quickly and after annealing for 3 min, the austenite volume fraction maintains stable in the range of 52.4–56.7 vol%, but the morphology and Mn concentration are very different. A large amount of blocky austenite with a coarse size of more than 1 μm and a low Mn concentration of 8–9 wt% forms at the longer annealing time of 20 min, while the austenite almost presents a lath-like shape with a high Mn concentration exceeding 10 wt% at annealing time of 4 min. The tensile properties are closely related to the volume fraction and mechanical stability of austenite, and the sample annealed for 4 min exhibited the best performance with tensile strength of 1192 MPa and total elongation of 33 %, due to its slow TRIP effect.

This article presents a comprehensive review of the factors influencing the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transplantation and its association with platelet concentrates (PCs). It focuses on investigating the impact of PCs’ composition, the age and health status of platelet donors, application methods, and environmental factors on the outcomes of relevant treatments. In addition, it delves into the strategies and mechanisms for optimizing MSCs transplantation with PCs, encompassing preconditioning and combined therapies. Furthermore, it provides an in-depth exploration of the signaling pathways and proteomic characteristics associated with preconditioning and emphasizes the efficacy and specific effects of combined therapy. The article also introduces the latest advancements in the application of biomaterials for optimizing regenerative medical strategies, stimulating scholarly discourse on this subject. Through this comprehensive review, the primary goal is to facilitate a more profound comprehension of the factors influencing treatment outcomes, as well as the strategies and mechanisms for optimizing MSCs transplantation and the application of biomaterials in regenerative medicine, offering theoretical guidance and practical references for related research and clinical practice.

KDF1 has been reported to be correlated with carcinogenesis. However, its role and mechanism are far from clear. To explore the possible role and underlying mechanism of KDF1 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), we investigated KDF1 expression in LUAD tissues and the influence of KDF1 in the phenotype of LUAD cells (A549 and PC-9) as well as the underlying mechanism. Compared to non-tumor lung epithelial cells, KDF1 was upregulated in the cancer cells of the majority of LUAD patients, and its expression was correlated with tumor size. Patients with enhanced KDF1 in cancer cells (compared with paired adjacent non-neoplastic lung epithelial cells) had shorter overall survival than patients with no increased KDF1 in cancer cells. Knockdown of KDF1 inhibited the migration, proliferation and invasion of LUAD cells in vitro. And overexpression of KDF1 increased the growth of the subcutaneous tumors in mice. In terms of molecular mechanisms, overexpression of KDF1 induced the expression of AKT, p-AKT and p-STAT3. In KDF1-overexpressing A549 cells, inhibition of the STAT3 pathway decreased the level of AKT and p-AKT, whereas inhibition of the AKT pathway had no effect on the activation of STAT3. Inhibition of STAT3 or AKT pathways reversed the promoting effects of KDF1 overexpression on the LUAD cell phenotype and STAT3 inhibition appeared to have a better effect. Finally, in the cancer cells of LUAD tumor samples, the KDF1 level was observed to correlate positively with the level of p-STAT3. All these findings suggest that KDF1, which activates STAT3 and the downstream AKT pathway in LUAD, acts as a tumor-promoting factor and may represent a therapeutic target.

Seoul orthohantavirus (SEOV) has been identified as one of the main causative agents of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in China. The virus was found circulating in rodent populations in almost all provinces of the country, reflecting the wide distribution of HFRS. Here, using the direct immunofluorescence assay (DFA) and real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) approach, we performed screening in 1784 small mammals belonging to 14 species of three orders captured in the main areas of HFRS endemicity in Yunnan province (southwestern China) and identified 37 SEOV-positive rats (36 Rattus norvegicus and 1 Rattus tanezumi). A 3-year surveillance of HFRS epidemics and dynamics of rodent reservoir density and virus prevalence implied a potential correlation between them. The subsequent meta-transcriptomic sequencing and phylogenetic analyses revealed three SEOV variants, among which two are completely novel. The ancestral character state reconstruction (ACSR) analysis based on both novel variants and documented strains from 5 continents demonstrated that SEOV appeared to originate near the southwestern area (Yunnan-Kweichow Plateau) of China, then could spread to other regions and countries by their rodent carriers, resulting in a global distribution today. In summary, these data furthered the understanding regards genetic diversity and the potential origin for SEOV. However, the expanding endemic foci in the province suggest that the virus is spreading over a wider region and is much more diverse than previous depicted, which means that increased sampling is necessary. Author summary: Hantaviruses are primarily hosted by small mammals such as rodents, shrews, moles, and bats. In recent years, the diseases caused by rodent-associated hantaviruses become more frequent among humans in Yunnan province. In order to curb human infections, it is necessary to monitor the dynamics of virus prevalence in their natural reservoir populations. As expected, we detected 37 SEOV strains harbored by rats in the main endemic areas of the province, and the subsequent meta-transcriptomic and phylogenetic analyses revealed two SEOV variants that diverged early from the rest of the viruses, based on which Yunnan-Kweichow Plateau appears to be the region where earlier SEOV was originated. Further studies and more samples are needed to clarify how the virus migrates worldwide, and the pathogenicity of newly discovered viruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increasing number of research suggests that the microRNA (miRNA)–microbiome interaction plays an essential role in host health and diseases. This bibliometric analysis aimed to identify the status of global scientific output, research hotspots, and frontiers regarding the study of miRNA–microbiome interaction over the past decade. We retrieved miRNA–microbiome-related studies published from 2011 to 2021 from the Web of Science Core Collection database; the R package bibliometrix was used to analyze bibliometric indicators, and VOSviewer was used to visualize the field status, hotspots, and research trends of miRNA–microbiome interplay. In total, 590 articles and reviews were collected. A visual analysis of the results showed that significant increase in the number of publications over time. China produced the most papers, and the United States contributed the highest number of citations. Shanghai Jiaotong University and the University of California Davis were the most active institutions in the field. Most publications were published in the areas of biochemistry and molecular biology. Yu Aiming was the most prolific writer, as indicated by the h-index and m-index, and Liu Shirong was the most commonly co-cited author. A paper published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences in 2017 had the highest number of citations. The keywords “expression” and “gut microbiota” appeared most frequently, and the top three groups of diseases that appeared among keywords were cancer (colorectal, et al.), inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), and neurological disorders (anxiety, Parkinson’s disease, et al.). This bibliometric study revealed that most studies have focused on miRNAs (e.g., miR-21, miR-155, and miR-146a), gut microbes (e.g., Escherichia coli, Bifidobacterium, and Fusobacterium nucleatum), and gut bacteria metabolites (e.g., butyric acid), which have the potential to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of diseases. We found that therapeutic strategies targeting the miRNA–microbiome axis focus on miRNA drugs produced in vitro; however, some studies suggest that in vivo fermentation can greatly increase the stability and reduce the degradation of miRNA. Therefore, this method is worthy of further research.

Based on phylogenetic analysis, Candolleomyces (Psathyrellaceae, Agaricales) was established with Psathyrella candolleana as the type species. The basidiomes range from small to large and are typically terrestrial, lignicolous, and rarely fimicolous. We analysed the Candolleomyces species collected during five years in China, and based on morphological and molecular data (nrITS, nrLSU, and tef-1α), we propose seven new Candolleomyces species viz. C. brevisporus, C. gyirongicus, C. lignicola, C. luridus, C. shennongdingicus, C. shennongjianus, and C. sichuanicus. Full descriptions, colour photographs, illustrations, phylogenetic analyses results, and comparisons with related Candolleomyces species of the new taxa are provided. This study enriches the species diversity of Candolleomyces in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yunnan province in China shares its borders with three neighboring countries: Myanmar, Vietnam, and Laos. The region is characterized by a diverse climate and is known to be a suitable habitat for various arthropods, including midges which are notorious for transmitting diseases which pose significant health burdens affecting both human and animal health. A total of 431,100 midges were collected from 15 different locations in the border region of Yunnan province from 2015 to 2020. These midges were divided into 37 groups according to the collection year and sampling site. These 37 groups of midges were then homogenized to extract nucleic acid. Metatranscriptomics were used to analyze their viromes. Based on the obtained cytochrome C oxidase I gene (COI) sequences, three genera were identified, including one species of Forcipomyia, one species of Dasyhelea, and twenty-five species of Culicoides. We identified a total of 3199 viruses in five orders and 12 families, including 1305 single-stranded positive-stranded RNA viruses (+ssRNA) in two orders and seven families, 175 single-stranded negative-stranded RNA viruses (−ssRNA) in two orders and one family, and 1719 double-stranded RNA viruses in five families. Six arboviruses of economic importance were identified, namely Banna virus (BAV), Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), Akabane virus (AKV), Bluetongue virus (BTV), Tibetan circovirus (TIBOV), and Epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV), all of which are capable, to varying extents, of causing disease in humans and/or animals. The survey sites in this study basically covered the current distribution area of midges in Yunnan province, which helps to predict the geographic expansion of midge species. The complexity and diversity of the viral spectrum carried by midges identified in the study calls for more in-depth research, which can be utilized to monitor arthropod vectors and to predict the emergence and spread of zoonoses and animal epidemics, which is of great significance for the control of vector-borne diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]