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Abstract Translating RNA-seq into clinical diagnostics requires ensuring the reliability and cross-laboratory consistency of detecting clinically relevant subtle differential expressions, such as those between different disease subtypes or stages. As part of the Quartet project, we present an RNA-seq benchmarking study across 45 laboratories using the Quartet and MAQC reference samples spiked with ERCC controls. Based on multiple types of ‘ground truth’, we systematically assess the real-world RNA-seq performance and investigate the influencing factors involved in 26 experimental processes and 140 bioinformatics pipelines. Here we show greater inter-laboratory variations in detecting subtle differential expressions among the Quartet samples. Experimental factors including mRNA enrichment and strandedness, and each bioinformatics step, emerge as primary sources of variations in gene expression. We underscore the profound influence of experimental execution, and provide best practice recommendations for experimental designs, strategies for filtering low-expression genes, and the optimal gene annotation and analysis pipelines. In summary, this study lays the foundation for developing and quality control of RNA-seq for clinical diagnostic purposes.

Abstract Constructing powerful anode/cathode interphases by modulate ion solvation structure is the principle of electrolyte design. However, the methodological and theoretical design principles of electrolyte/solvation structure and their effect on electrochemical performance are still vague. Here, we propose a cationic weakly coordinating-intervention strategy for modulating the Na+ solvation sheathes and constructing robust anode/cathode interphases in sodium-metal batteries. Unlike the local highly concentrated electrolytes, 1,2-difluorobenzene can weakly coordinate with Na+ thus transforming the solvation structure into Na+-anion-incorporated structures and strengthening anode/cathode interphases formation by combining with salt decomposition. Furthermore, the correlations between the electrode interface properties and solvation structure are revealed, which can be tuned by the weakly coordination. Ultimately, the modulated electrolyte achieves 97.5% Coulombic efficiency for 600 cycles in Na‖Cu cells at 1 mA cm−2 and a beneficial lifetime (2500 h) in Na‖Na cells. Meanwhile, Na‖PB cells have achieved long-term operation at 4.8 V, along with operation at wide temperatures.

Abstract Background Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), the most common pathological subtype of kidney cancer, accounts for approximately 70% to 80% of all cases. Histone deacetylase 10 (HDAC10) belongs to the HDAC class IIb subgroup, one of the histone deacetylases (HDAC) family. Previous studies suggest that HDAC10 may regulate the development of multiple tumor types. The specific molecular mechanisms employed by HDAC10 in the etiology of ccRCC still need to be discovered. Methods The analysis included examining HDAC10 expression levels and their clinical importance within a cohort of inpatients and ccRCC patients documented in the Tumor Genome Atlas (TCGA). Moreover, the biological functions and underlying molecular mechanisms of HDAC10 were investigated. Results HDAC10 showed increased expression in ccRCC tumor tissues. Subsequent analysis revealed overexpression of HDAC10 was associated with advanced clinical phenotype and unfavorable prognosis. The absence of HDAC10 significantly decreased ccRCC cell proliferation and migration capabilities. Mechanistic research suggests that HDAC10 may promote RCC development by activating the Notch-1 pathway and downregulating PTEN expression levels. Conclusion In summary, HDAC10 can modulate critical biological processes in ccRCC, including proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. Notably, the Notch-1 pathway and PTEN serve as crucial signaling pathways and target genes through which HDAC10 regulates the progression of ccRCC. These findings offer a novel outlook for ccRCC treatment.

Abstract Understanding how organisms have adapted to persist in unpredictable environments is a fundamental goal in biology. Bet hedging, an evolutionary adaptation observed from microbes to humans, facilitates reproduction and population persistence in randomly fluctuating environments. Despite its prevalence, empirical evidence in microalgae, crucial primary producers and carbon sinks, is lacking. Here, we report a bet-hedging strategy in the unicellular microalga Haematococcus pluvialis. We show that isogenic populations reversibly diversify into heterophenotypic mobile and non-mobile cells independently of environmental conditions, likely driven by stochastic gene expression. Mobile cells grow faster but are stress-sensitive, while non-mobile cells prioritise stress resistance over growth. This is due to shifts from growth-promoting activities (cell division, photosynthesis) to resilience-promoting processes (thickened cell wall, cell enlargement, aggregation, accumulation of antioxidant and energy-storing compounds). Our results provide empirical evidence for bet hedging in a microalga, indicating the potential for adaptation to current and future environmental conditions and consequently conservation of ecosystem functions.

Halogenated organic compounds are persistent pollutants that pose a serious threat to human health and the safety of ecosystems. Cobamides are essential cofactors for reductive dehalogenases (RDase) in organohalide-respiring bacteria (OHRB), which catalyze the dehalogenation process. This review systematically summarizes the impact of cobamides on organohalide respiration. The catalytic processes of cobamide in dehalogenation processes are also discussed. Additionally, we examine OHRB, which cannot synthesize cobamide and must obtain it from the environment through a salvage pathway; the co-culture with cobamide producer is more beneficial and possible. This review aims to help readers better understand the importance and function of cobamides in reductive dehalogenation. The presented information can aid in the development of bioremediation strategies.

Network neuroscience, especially causal brain network, has facilitated drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) studies, while surgical success rate in patients with DRE is still limited, varying from 30% $\sim ~70$ %. Predicting surgical outcomes can provide additional guidance to adjust treatment plans in time for poorly predicted curative effects. In this retrospective study, we aim to systematically explore biomarkers for surgical outcomes by causal brain network methods and multicenter datasets. Electrocorticogram (ECoG) recordings from 17 DRE patients with 58 seizures were included. Ictal ECoG within clinically annotated epileptogenic zone (EZ) and non-epileptogenic zone (NEZ) were separately computed using six different algorithms to construct causal brain networks. All the brain network results were divided into two groups, successful and failed surgeries. Statistical results based on the Mann-Whitney-U-test show that: causal connectivity of $\alpha $ -frequency band ( $8~\sim ~13$ Hz) in EZ calculated by convergent cross mapping (CCM) gains the most significant differences between the surgical success and failure groups, with a P value of 7.85e-08 and Cohen’s d effect size of 0.77. CCM-defined EZ brain network can also distinguish the successful and failed surgeries considering clinical covariates (clinical centers, DRE types) with ${P}\lt {0}.{001}$ . Based on the brain network features, machine learning models were developed to predict the surgical outcomes. Among them, the SVM classifier with Gaussian kernel function and Bayesian optimization demonstrates the highest average accuracy of 84.48% by 5-fold cross-validation, further indicating that the CCM-defined EZ brain network is a reliable biomarker for predicting DRE surgical outcomes.

Abstract Background Various laboratory-developed metabolomic methods lead to big challenges in inter-laboratory comparability and effective integration of diverse datasets. Results As part of the Quartet Project, we establish a publicly available suite of four metabolite reference materials derived from B lymphoblastoid cell lines from a family of parents and monozygotic twin daughters. We generate comprehensive LC–MS-based metabolomic data from the Quartet reference materials using targeted and untargeted strategies in different laboratories. The Quartet multi-sample-based signal-to-noise ratio enables objective assessment of the reliability of intra-batch and cross-batch metabolomics profiling in detecting intrinsic biological differences among the four groups of samples. Significant variations in the reliability of the metabolomics profiling are identified across laboratories. Importantly, ratio-based metabolomics profiling, by scaling the absolute values of a study sample relative to those of a common reference sample, enables cross-laboratory quantitative data integration. Thus, we construct the ratio-based high-confidence reference datasets between two reference samples, providing “ground truth” for inter-laboratory accuracy assessment, which enables objective evaluation of quantitative metabolomics profiling using various instruments and protocols. Conclusions Our study provides the community with rich resources and best practices for inter-laboratory proficiency tests and data integration, ensuring reliability of large-scale and longitudinal metabolomic studies.

BackgroundHypertension is increasingly prevalent among young and middle-aged populations in rural China, accompanied by suboptimal self-management. Given that this population forms the backbone of the labor force, enhancing their self-management capabilities is crucial for improving overall population health. Studies indicate that individuals with good health literacy are more likely to effectively manage their health.MethodsGrounded in the health literacy skills framework, a model was constructed in this study to examine the impact of health literacy on self-management among young and middle-aged hypertensive patients in rural China. Meanwhile, the mediating roles of illness perception and self-efficacy were also verified. Using a multi-stage stratified random sampling method, 338 patients were recruited to participate in the study. Structural equation modeling was utilized to establish the relationship model, and bootstrap tests were carried out to examine the mediating effects.ResultsThe average self-management score was 70.45 ± 11.36. Health literacy exhibited a positive correlation with self-management (standardized β = 0.372, p

ImportanceThis research, utilizing discrete choice experiments, examines the preferences and willingness to pay for home-based healthcare and support services among residents in China, a country grappling with severe aging population, an area often underexplored in international scholarship.ObjectivesThis study aims to solicit the preferences of primary care patients for home-based healthcare and support services in China.Design, setting, and participantsA discrete choice experiment (DCE) was conducted on 312 primary care patients recruited from 13 community health centers in Wuhan and Kunming between January and May 2023. The experimental choice sets were generated using NGene, covering five attributes: Scope of services, health professionals, institutions, insurance reimbursements, and visiting fees.Main outcomes and measuresThe choice sets were further divided into three blocks, and each participant was asked to complete one block containing 12 choice tasks. Mixed logit models were established to estimate the relevant importance coefficients of and willingness to pay for different choices, while Latent Class Logit (LCL) modeling was conducted to capture possible preferences heterogeneity.ResultsThe relevant importance of the scope of services reached 67.33%, compared with 19.84% for service institutions and 12.42% for health professionals. Overall, respondents preferred physician-led diagnostic and treatment services. LCL categorized the respondents into three groups: Group one (60.20%) was most concerned about the scope of services, prioritizing disease diagnosis and treatment over preventive care and mental health, while group two (16.60%) was most concerned about care providers (hospitals and medical doctors were preferred), and group three (23.20%) was most concerned about financial burdens.ConclusionPrimary care patients prefer physical health and medical interventions for home-based healthcare and support services. However, heterogeneity in preferences is evident, indicating potential disparities in healthcare and support at home services in China.

Abstract Background Genomic DNA reference materials are widely recognized as essential for ensuring data quality in omics research. However, relying solely on reference datasets to evaluate the accuracy of variant calling results is incomplete, as they are limited to benchmark regions. Therefore, it is important to develop DNA reference materials that enable the assessment of variant detection performance across the entire genome. Results We established a DNA reference material suite from four immortalized cell lines derived from a family of parents and monozygotic twins. Comprehensive reference datasets of 4.2 million small variants and 15,000 structural variants were integrated and certified for evaluating the reliability of germline variant calls inside the benchmark regions. Importantly, the genetic built-in-truth of the Quartet family design enables estimation of the precision of variant calls outside the benchmark regions. Using the Quartet reference materials along with study samples, batch effects are objectively monitored and alleviated by training a machine learning model with the Quartet reference datasets to remove potential artifact calls. Moreover, the matched RNA and protein reference materials and datasets from the Quartet project enables cross-omics validation of variant calls from multiomics data. Conclusions The Quartet DNA reference materials and reference datasets provide a unique resource for objectively assessing the quality of germline variant calls throughout the whole-genome regions and improving the reliability of large-scale genomic profiling.

Exploring simple, efficient and applicable interfacial optimisation methods is important to enhance the overall performance of basalt fibre (BF) fabric-reinforced thermoplastic composite laminates. Graphene oxide (GO) was introduced on the surface of BF fabric through electrostatic self-assembly to improve the interfacial bonding of BF fabric-reinforced polyamide 6 (PA6) composites laminates (BF/PA6) for enhancing the mechanical and frictional wear properties of the composites. It was concluded that surface electrostatic assembly of GO resulted in a significant increase in surface roughness, wettability, surface energy and surface chemical activity of BF fabrics without damaging the fibre backbone structure. With the GO concentration of 0.8 g/L, the interlaminar shear strength, impact strength, flexural strength and flexural modulus of the BF/PA6 composites were increased by 85.1 %, 43.2 %, 53.2 % and 63.4 %, and the average friction coefficient and wear rate was reduced by 15.2 % and 40.5 %, respectively. The introduced homogeneous GO strengthens the interfacial bonding of such fibre-fabric reinforced thermoplastic composites by creating mechanical engagement, similar compatibility and chemical cross-linking between the BF fabrics and the PA6 matrix. With enhanced interfacial bonding, the BF fabric reinforced thermoplastic composites possess enhanced stress damage resistance. Under frictional reciprocating stress, the introduced GO inhibited the generation and expansion of microcracks, formed frictional transfer film to play solid lubrication and anti-wear role, and enhanced the thermal stability of the composites to mitigate the frictional thermal damage. The interfacial enhancement method of BF fabric-reinforced thermoplastic composites provided in this study is simple, green, efficient and has good potential for application.

Abstract The Quartet Data Portal facilitates community access to well-characterized reference materials, reference datasets, and related resources established based on a family of four individuals with identical twins from the Quartet Project. Users can request DNA, RNA, protein, and metabolite reference materials, as well as datasets generated across omics, platforms, labs, protocols, and batches. Reproducible analysis tools allow for objective performance assessment of user-submitted data, while interactive visualization tools support rapid exploration of reference datasets. A closed-loop “distribution-collection-evaluation-integration” workflow enables updates and integration of community-contributed multiomics data. Ultimately, this portal helps promote the advancement of reference datasets and multiomics quality control.

Abstract Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a rapidly developing and sometimes lethal pulmonary disease. Accurately predicting COVID-19 mortality will facilitate optimal patient treatment and medical resource deployment, but the clinical practice still needs to address it. Both complete blood counts and cytokine levels were observed to be modified by COVID-19 infection. This study aimed to use inexpensive and easily accessible complete blood counts to build an accurate COVID-19 mortality prediction model. The cytokine fluctuations reflect the inflammatory storm induced by COVID-19, but their levels are not as commonly accessible as complete blood counts. Therefore, this study explored the possibility of predicting cytokine levels based on complete blood counts. Methods We used complete blood counts to predict cytokine levels. The predictive model includes an autoencoder, principal component analysis, and linear regression models. We used classifiers such as support vector machine and feature selection models such as adaptive boost to predict the mortality of COVID-19 patients. Results Complete blood counts and original cytokine levels reached the COVID-19 mortality classification area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.9678 and 0.9111, respectively, and the cytokine levels predicted by the feature set alone reached the classification AUC value of 0.9844. The predicted cytokine levels were more significantly associated with COVID-19 mortality than the original values. Conclusions Integrating the predicted cytokine levels and complete blood counts improved a COVID-19 mortality prediction model using complete blood counts only. Both the cytokine level prediction models and the COVID-19 mortality prediction models are publicly available at http://www.healthinformaticslab.org/supp/resources.php .

Abstract Background Batch effects are notoriously common technical variations in multiomics data and may result in misleading outcomes if uncorrected or over-corrected. A plethora of batch-effect correction algorithms are proposed to facilitate data integration. However, their respective advantages and limitations are not adequately assessed in terms of omics types, the performance metrics, and the application scenarios. Results As part of the Quartet Project for quality control and data integration of multiomics profiling, we comprehensively assess the performance of seven batch effect correction algorithms based on different performance metrics of clinical relevance, i.e., the accuracy of identifying differentially expressed features, the robustness of predictive models, and the ability of accurately clustering cross-batch samples into their own donors. The ratio-based method, i.e., by scaling absolute feature values of study samples relative to those of concurrently profiled reference material(s), is found to be much more effective and broadly applicable than others, especially when batch effects are completely confounded with biological factors of study interests. We further provide practical guidelines for implementing the ratio based approach in increasingly large-scale multiomics studies. Conclusions Multiomics measurements are prone to batch effects, which can be effectively corrected using ratio-based scaling of the multiomics data. Our study lays the foundation for eliminating batch effects at a ratio scale.

Abstract Objective Cognitive comorbidities are common in epilepsy; however, symptomatic treatment is currently the only available effective therapy. Sleep, cognition, and epilepsy are closely associated. Therefore, many studies on epilepsy and cognition have focused on sleep structures, such as sleep spindles, which are considered windows to understanding the sleeping brain. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between sleep spindles and the severity of cognitive impairment in adult epilepsy. Methods Fifty‐seven adults with epilepsy underwent overnight sleep electroencephalogram recordings and cognitive testing. Slow (9–12 Hz) and fast (12–15 Hz) spindle characteristics during N2 sleep were calculated using a convolutional neural network‐based sleep staging system and automatic spindle detection algorithm. Repeated‐measures analysis of variance was used to analyze differences in fast and slow spindle densities among subgroups of patients based on cognitive impairment severity. Results A significant between‐group effect was observed for both slow and fast spindle densities. Multiple comparisons showed that slow and fast spindle densities of the severe cognitive impairment subgroup were lower than those of the noncognitive impairment subgroup (P

Abstract Background Radical nephrectomy with thrombectomy in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and level IV thrombus extending to the right atrium (RA) offers improved survival. However, this procedure is associated with significant perioperative morbidity and mortality. In this report, we describe a novel milking technique for patients with RA tumor thrombus using abdominal access, which does not require diaphragmic incision, sternotomy, right atriotomy, or cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Methods Between January 2019 and January 2022, four patients underwent resection of renal cell carcinoma extending into RA by a milking technique developed to avoid diaphragmic incision, sternotomy, or CPB. Patient characteristics, perioperative data, pathological features, and survival were evaluated. Results Complete resection was successful through pure transabdominal access without diaphragmic incision, sternotomy, or CPB in all patients. Conclusion We conclude that radical nephrectomy and thrombectomy in optimized cases with renal cell carcinoma extending into RA can be safely and effectively performed without diaphragmic incision, sternotomy, or CPB, avoiding serious perioperative complications while providing acceptable oncological outcomes.

This paper presents a comprehensive model that considers the effects of magnetic field and radiation on the coupling of flow and heat transfer in a generalized second-grade fluid influenced by an exponentially accelerating plate that extends to infinity. The classical Cattaneo law has been expanded to the heat transfer equation, and the constitutive relationship has been established using the fractional calculus technique. By utilizing the fractional Laplace transform and Cayley–Hamilton theorem, semi-analytical solutions in the Laplace domain are derived for both the velocity field and temperature field. To avoid contour integrals, the discrete Laplace transformations are calculated numerically using Matlab software. Graphical representations are provided to illustrate the numerical results of the velocity field and temperature field for different parameter values. The solutions for cases without a magnetic field, cases where the magnetic field only depends on the temperature gradient, cases without radiation, cases without energy anomalous diffusion in the generalized second-grade fluid, as well as cases for Newtonian fluid and classical second-grade fluid, are obtained as limiting cases. Finally, a detailed discussion is conducted regarding the effects of fractional parameters, magnetic force, radiation, and Prandtl number.

IntroductionRadiation exposure in medical settings stands as the primary source of artificial radiation, compounded by the yearly rise in healthcare worker numbers. Ensuring radiation protection is crucial for safeguarding their occupational health. Nevertheless, existing studies on radiation protection behavior exhibit considerable heterogeneity due to various factors.ObjectiveThis scoping review aims to explore the current status of research on radiation protection behavior and identify research gaps, intending to guide future research directions.Methods and analysisThe scoping review will follow the Arksey and O'Malley framework and the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. A systematic search will be conducted across English databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Medline, as well as Chinese databases such as CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and China Biomedical Literature Database. Two independent reviewers will screen the studies based on predefined eligibility criteria and extract the data. Any disagreements will be resolved through discussion by a third reviewer. The review will be reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews.Strengths and limitations of this studyA stakeholder consultation will provide an opportunity to validate the findings and address any potential gaps in the article. In this scoping review, all types of studies will be considered. The effectiveness of the methodological quality of the included studies will not be reported, which may lead to some studies of poor quality being included. Only studies published in English or Chinese after 2010 will be considered in this review, potentially leading to the omission of relevant papers.

This study investigated the association between living arrangements and psychological well-being (PWB) among older adults in rural China and whether activities of daily living (ADL) disability moderate this association. The study data were drawn from the sixth to eighth waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. The baseline sample included 4,042 individuals aged 65 years and above. PWB was measured using seven mood-related and personality-related questions. ADL disability was measured using Katz’s 6 items of ADL. Living arrangements were categorized into six categories. Linear mixed-effect models were used to examine the association between older adults’ living arrangements and PWB as well as the moderating effect of ADL disability on this relationship. The results showed that compared with living alone, living with spouse only, and living with spouse and children were positively associated with PWB (β = .621, p

【Objective】In order to reduce the initial nutrient release rate of urea formaldehyde (UF) and to increase the mid- to late-stage nutrient release rate, citric acid (CA) was used to chemically modify urea formaldehyde to improve the UF nutrient release rate and to better match it to crop growth patterns.【Method】A new type of slow release fertilizers with excellent nitrogen nutrient retarding effect was prepared by copolymerization of citric acid and hydroxymethyl urea (MU), the reactive precursor of urea formaldehyde, using solution polycondensation with reactive extrusion process. The functional groups and molecular structure of the citric acid modified urea formaldehyde slow release fertilizer (CAUF) were characterized by FTIR and NMR, its crystallinity was characterized by XRD, its thermal stability and thermal degradation behavior were characterized by TG and DSC, and the surface morphology of CAUF were observed by SEM. The mechanical property of the fertilizer granules and the nitrogen nutrient release behavior of CAUF in still water was determined, and the effect of CAUF on the growth of rape plants was investigated by pot experiments.【Result】The FTIR and NMR results show that the terminal -COOH of citric acid reacts with -NH2 to form amide bonds, confirming the polymerization reaction between hydroxymethyl urea and urea, and the strong hydrogen bonding is formed between them. The XRD result shows that the citric acid modification makes the crystallinity of UF significantly lower. The TG and DSC analysis shows that the maximum pyrolysis temperature of CAUF decreases from 304 ℃ to 297 ℃, which reduces the thermal stability and makes the material easier to degrade. The compression strength test shows that CAUF has better mechanical property. After 56 d of treatment, the cumulative nitrogen release rates of citric acid modified urea formaldehyde CAUF20, CAUF30 and CAUF40 are 30.20%, 38.84% and 47.21%, respectively, which are 2.83, 11.47 and 19.84 percentage points higher than UF, while the initial N release rates of CAUF20 and CAUF30 are 1.79 and 1.32 percentage points lower than UF, respectively. The results of rapes growth trials in pots show that the fresh weights of rapes obtained from five groups of treatments: CK, UF, CAUF20, CAUF30, and CAUF40 at the same nitrogen application rate are 1.57, 1.90, 2.24, 3.25, and 3.32 g, respectively, and the dry weights are 0.10, 0.14, 0.15, 0.18, and 0.22 g. Both growth indicators, fresh weight and dry weight, increase with increasing citric acid weight fraction.【Conclusion】Citric acid modified urea formaldehyde reduces the initial release rate of nitrogen nutrients, significantly increases the mid to late-stage release rate and promotes the growth of rapes.

【Objective】The study was conducted to develop a slow-release fertilizer with multiple nutrients, excellent nitrogen slow-release performance, simple process, and semi-interpenetrating network structure.【Method】By using solution polymerization with in situ extrusion technology, the polymerization and processing processes were combined. With amino acid powder (AARP) and ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) as raw materials, AARP and AARPFe were compounded with urea-formaldehyde (UF) macromolecular chains to form slow-release fertilizers with semi-interpenetrating network structures (AARP-UF and AARPFe-UF). The structures of the slow-release fertilizers were characterized and analyzed by infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetry, and the surface morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The compression strength and nitrogen nutrient release rate in still water and soil were measured to investigate the effects of adding AARP and AARPFe on the slow-release performance and to analyze the reasons for their performance improvement.【Result】The crystallinity of the three slow-release fertilizers UF, AARP-UF, and AARPFe-UF were 67.9%, 59.2%, and 57.4%, respectively, and the compression strengths were 1.64, 3.01 and 4.06 MPa. The initial nitrogen release rates in still water were 24.8%, 18.6%, and 15.1% respectively, and the cumulative release rates in soil after 90-day-treatment were 55.9%, 51.4%, and 46.3%, respectively. The addition of AARP and AARPFe disrupted the crystal structure of UF molecular chains and formed hydrogen bonding interactions, which reduced the crystallinity of the slow-release fertilizer, increased the compression strength, and significantly improved the nitrogen slow-release performance. Combining all the results, the effect of slow-release fertilizer AARPFe-UF was optimal.【Conclusion】The prepared new slow-release fertilizer solves the problem of the high initial nitrogen release rate of urea-formaldehyde fertilizer and avoids the waste of resources. The fertilizer prepared with green and environment-friendly raw materials shows excellent comprehensive performance, which is conducive to industrial production. AARP contains natural nutrients that have ecological effects and contribute to sustainable development of agricultural systems.

Abstract Photothermal therapy has shown great promise for cancer treatment and second near-infrared (NIR-II) -absorbing particles could further improve its precision and applicability due to its superior penetration depth and new imaging ability. Herein, high NIR-II-absorbing polymer particles were prepared by using soluble isobutyl-substituted diammonium borates (P-IDI). The P-IDI showed stronger absorption at 1000–1100 nm, which exhibited excellent photostability, strong photoacoustic imaging ability and high photothermal conversion efficiency (34.7%). The investigations in vitro and in vivo demonstrated that the excellent photothermal effect facilitated complete tumor ablation and also triggered immunogenic cell death in activation of the immune response. The high solubility and excellent photothermal conversion ability demonstrated that polymer IDI particles were promising theranostic agents for treatment of tumors with minor side effects.

Oxidative stress causes gut dysfunction and is a contributing factor in several intestinal disorders. Intestinal epithelial cell survival is essential for maintaining human and animal health under oxidative stress. 18beta-Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) is known to have multiple beneficial effects, including antioxidant activity; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been well established. Thus, the present study evaluated the therapeutic effects of GA on H2O2-induced oxidative stress in intestinal porcine epithelial cells. The results showed that pretreatment with GA (100 nM for 16 h) significantly increased the levels of several antioxidant enzymes and reduced corresponding intracellular levels of reactive oxidative species and malondialdehyde. GA inhibited cell apoptosis via activating the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway, as confirmed by RNA sequencing. Further analyses demonstrated that GA upregulated the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and Akt and the protein level of B cell lymphoma 2, whereas it downregulated Cytochrome c and tumor suppressor protein p53 levels. Moreover, molecular docking analysis predicted the binding of GA to Vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor 1, a primary membrane receptor, to activate the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Collectively, these results revealed that GA protected against H2O2-induced oxidative damage and cell apoptosis via activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, suggesting the potential therapeutic use of GA to alleviate oxidative stress in humans/animals.

Shenzhen Bay (SZB) in southern China is a typical eutrophic area, with internal pollution from its sediments representing an important nutrient source. However, the transport paths and sources of sediments in SZB remain unclear, making it difficult to analyze the nutritional budget and propose effective sediment management strategies. To address this, we linked a sediment fingerprinting technique to a Bayesian mixing model (MixSIAR) and conducted provenance analyses. We collected particle samples from SZB sediment and surrounding areas, including the Shenzhen River (SZR), Pearl River Estuary (PRE), and the northern South China Sea (SCS). Two groups of natural tracers were measured to trace different phases of sediments: (1) C and N parameters for the fates of the organic phase of sediments, and (2) rare earth element (REE) patterns for the provenance of mineral fragments. The results showed that the concentrations of total organic C and total N were 0.89–1.44 % and 0.05–0.13 %, respectively. MixSIAR suggested that fluvial inputs from SZR and PRE contributed 46.6 % and 30.3 % of organic matter, respectively. The organic matter in the PRE mainly originated from sewage and the upper reaches of the Pearl River. The concentration range of REEs in SZB sediments was 153.12–480.09 mg/kg with clear enrichment for light REE. MixSIAR results showed that the mineral fragments mainly originated from the outer bay (SCS and PRE, which contributed 57.2 % and 32.7 %, respectively). These results indicate that organic pollution follows a different path from the inorganic base, which is mainly related to anthropogenic input from land. This study highlights that complex sediment transport processes and pollution intrusions from the Pearl River are the issues that must be considered for eutrophication restoration in SZB.

Background: Guidelines in Ontario, Canada, recommend timely referral for multidisciplinary kidney care to facilitate planned dialysis initiation. Many patients do not receive recommended multidisciplinary kidney care prior to dialysis. Objective: To better understand why this gap in pre-dialysis care exists, we conducted a study to describe the pathways by which patients initiate maintenance dialysis. Design: A retrospective cohort study. Setting: Population-based, using health care administrative databases from Ontario, Canada. Patients: Adults initiating maintenance dialysis from April 2016 to March 2019. Measurements and methods: Patients were grouped based on whether they received recommended multidisciplinary kidney care prior to dialysis initiation (at least 1 year of care with at least 2 visits). For those who did not receive recommended care, we grouped patients as having no identified care gap or into the following groups: (1) lack of timely chronic kidney disease (CKD) screening, (2) late nephrology referral (

Bone cystic echinococcosis (CE) is one of the most complex and dangerous of all echinococcoses. The lack of typical imaging features and clinical manifestations makes diagnosis and treatment of this disease difficult. X-ray and computed tomography (CT) images of bone CE are similar to those of bone cysts, giant-cell bone tumors, and bone metastases, but magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows good diagnostic value due to excellent soft-tissue imaging features. Serological tests cannot be used as a definitive diagnostic method for bone CE due to cross-reactivity, which can lead to false-positive or false-negative results. The development of novel antigens can open new frontiers in the diagnosis of the disease. Currently, views conflict on how to diagnose and treat bone CE. Both surgical and pharmacological treatments can be used, but determining which is appropriate is difficult due to the different sites and clinical manifestations of bone CE. Radical resection is not indicated for large-bone injuries, and Pharmacotherapy becomes important. This article reviews the progress of research into the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of, and diagnostic strategies and treatment options for, bone CE. We aimed to provide a reference for clinical diagnosis and -treatment options.

BackgroundJuvenile myoclonus epilepsy (JME) is an idiopathic generalized epilepsy syndrome. Functional connectivity studies based on graph theory have demonstrated changes in functional connectivity among different brain regions in patients with JME and healthy controls. However, previous studies have not been able to clarify why visual stimulation or increased cognitive load induces epilepsy symptoms in only some patients with JME.MethodsThis study constructed a small-world network for the visualization of functional connectivity of brain regions in patients with JME, based on system mapping. We used the node reduction method repeatedly to identify the core nodes of the resting brain network of patients with JME. Thereafter, a functional connectivity network of the core brain regions in patients with JME was established, and it was analyzed manually with white matter tracks restriction to explain the differences in symptom distribution in patients with JME.ResultsPatients with JME had 21 different functional connections in their resting state, and no significant differences in their distribution were noted. The thalamus, cerebellum, basal ganglia, supplementary motor area, visual cortex, and prefrontal lobe were the core brain regions that comprised the functional connectivity network in patients with JME during their resting state. The betweenness centrality of the prefrontal lobe and the visual cortex in the core functional connectivity network of patients with JME was lower than that of the other brain regions.ConclusionThe functional connectivity and node importance of brain regions of patients with JME changed dynamically in the resting state. Abnormal discharges originating from the thalamus, cerebellum, basal ganglia, supplementary motor area, visual cortex, and prefrontal cortex are most likely to lead to seizures in patients with JME. Further, the low average value of betweenness centrality of the prefrontal and visual cortices explains why visual stimulation or increased cognitive load can induce epileptic symptoms in only some patients with JME.

Among all malignant tumors, lung cancer has the highest mortality and morbidity rates. The non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) are the most common histological subtypes. Although there are a number of internationally recognized lung cancer therapy regimens, their therapeutic effects remain inadequate. The outlook for individuals with lung carcinoma has ameliorated partly thanks to the intensive study of the tumor microenvironment and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Numerous cancers have been effectively treated with immunotherapy, which has had positive therapeutic results. Global clinical trials have validated that PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors are effective and safe for treating lung cancer either independently or in combination, and they are gradually being recommended as systemic treatment medications by numerous guidelines. However, the immunotherapy resistance restricts the immunotherapy efficacy due to the formation of tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment and tumor mutations, and immunotherapy is only effective for a small percentage of lung cancer patients. To summarize, while tumor immunotherapy is benefiting an increasing number of lung cancer patients, most of them still develop natural or acquired resistance during immunotherapy. Consequently, a crucial and urgent topic is understanding and tackling drug resistance triggered by immunotherapy in lung cancer treatment. This review will outline the presently recognized mechanisms of immunotherapy resistance and reversal strategies in lung cancer.

This article focuses on the exploration of novel soliton molecules for the (2+1)-dimensional Korteweg–de Vries equation. Specifically, Hirota bilinear form is derived through Bell polynomial method, and the hybrid solution comprising one lump soliton and an arbitrary number of line solitons or/and lump chains is derived through the introduction of a long wave limit and new constraint conditions between the parameters of the N-soliton solutions and velocity resonance. The paper presents both analytical and graphical demonstrations of a range of interactions, showcasing the propagation of nonlinear localized waves. The findings of this study could contribute to a better understanding of physical phenomena associated with the propagation of nonlinear localized waves.

In this study, whey protein (WPI-E+MA) modified with enzyme combined malic acid was added to set yoghurt in order to improve the texture and bile salt-binding ability. The effects of WPI-E+MA on quality, gel structure and cholate binding ability of set yoghurt were evaluated. The results showed that WPI-E+MA could improve the water holding capacity, apparent viscosity, shear stress and viscoelasticity of set yoghurt. And the optimal value was obtained at the addition amount of 8%. Besides, the gel mesh crosslinked structure of yogurt became more denser and had higher degree of polymerization with the addition of WPI-E+MA. The binding rate of sodium deoxycholate (SDC), sodium cholate (SC) and sodium taurocholate (STC) also reached the maximum value at 8%. WPI-E+MA could effectively improve the quality of set yoghurt and enhance the cholate binding ability.

There are huge differences in the layouts and numbers of sensors in different smart home environments. Daily activities performed by residents trigger a variety of sensor event streams. Solving the problem of sensor mapping is an important prerequisite for the transfer of activity features in smart homes. However, it is common practice among most of the existing approaches that only sensor profile information or the ontological relationship between sensor location and furniture attachment are used for sensor mapping. The rough mapping seriously restricts the performance of daily activity recognition. This paper presents a mapping approach based on the optimal search for sensors. To begin with, a source smart home that is similar to the target one is selected. Thereafter, sensors in both source and target smart homes are grouped by sensor profile information. In addition, sensor mapping space is built. Furthermore, a small amount of data collected from the target smart home is used to evaluate each instance in sensor mapping space. In conclusion, Deep Adversarial Transfer Network is employed to perform daily activity recognition among heterogeneous smart homes. Testing is conducted using the public CASAC data set. The results have revealed that the proposed approach achieves a 7–10% improvement in accuracy, 5–11% improvement in precision, and 6–11% improvement in F1 score, compared with the existing methods.

Abstract Background Esophageal carcinoma is the highly lethal cancer in the world, predominantly in some areas of East Asia. We previously reported that overexpression of cytoskeleton regulator Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein and SCAR Homolog (WASH) associates with poor prognosis of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, the molecular mechanism and clinical significance involved in WASH overexpression have not been fully elucidated. Methods Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay were used to predict and validate miR-637 as a regulator of WASH in ESCC cell lines. qRT-PCR, Western blotting and ELISA assays were performed to examine RNA expression and protein levels, respectively. Next, the biological functions of miR-637 were explored by tumor sphere formation assay in vitro and nude mouse tumor xenograft in vivo. Finally, we evaluated the association of miR-637 levels with clinical features in ESCC patients. Results We identified miR-637 as a WASH-targeting miRNA. miR-637 mimic strongly attenuated the downstream IL-8 production and tumor sphere formation in esophageal cancer cells, whereas miR-637 inhibitor displayed an opposite effect. IL-8 could facilitate stem-like properties and partially rescue the phenotypes induced by miR-637 mimic. Furthermore, miR-637 inhibitor dramatically promoted IL-8 expression and cancer stemness properties in a WASH-dependent manner. Ectopic expression of miR-637 also inhibited tumor growth in a mouse model. Clinically, low expression of miR-637 was observed in tumor tissues and the low expression levels of miR-637 were correlated with poor survival of ESCC patients. In particular, plasma miR-637 could be used as a noninvasive biomarker for ESCC patients. Conclusions These results implicate the potential application of miR-637 for diagnosis and prognosis of esophageal cancer.

Measurement(s) RNA expression profiling • whole-exome sequencing (WES) • somatic mutations • copy number alterations (CNAs) Technology Type(s) RNA sequencing • DNA sequencing • OncoScan CNV assay Factor Type(s) Intervention or procedure Sample Characteristic - Organism Homo sapiens Sample Characteristic - Location China

In order to prepare novel fluorocarbon resin coatings with outstanding wear and corrosion resistance, this manuscript prepared few-layer fluorinated graphene (FG) nanosheets through a simple mechanical exfoliation method, and nanofilled them into the fluorocarbon resin/epoxy resin (FEVE/EP) blended matrix to prepare FG-FEVE/EP nanocomposite coating. The exfoliated FG was 4–7 layers and contained active O–H and C=C functional groups in addition to abundance of C–F bonds that were identical to those of FEVE. The as-prepared FG layers were freely stacked and possessed low orientation, and exhibited good dispersion and interfacial compatibility in the FEVE/EP matrix. The FG-FEVE/EP nanocomposite coating filled with 0.1 wt% FG (0.1% FG-FEVE/EP) achieved the hardness of 3H and adhesion strength of 7.7 MPa. Compared with pure FEVE/EP coating, the 0.1% FG-FEVE/EP reduced the friction coefficient by 10.6% and 30.7% and the wear rate by 55.1% and 56.1% under dry friction and simulated seawater friction conditions, respectively. In addition, the EIS testing and fitting data yielded that the impedance modulus of the 0.1% FG-FEVE/EP was two orders of magnitude higher than that of the FEVE/EP coating after 15 days of immersion in NaCl solution, and the coating resistance (Rc) still reached 1.6 × 109 Ω cm2, showing excellent corrosion resistance. The excellent wear and corrosion resistance of the FG-FEVE/EP was attributed to the fact that the FG prepared by mechanical peeling was uniformly dispersed and interfacially compatible in the FEVE/EP matrix, which contributed to the excellent interlayer lubrication, stress resistance and barrier corrosion protection of FG.

This paper investigates the space–time shifted nonlocal Sasa-Satsuma equation which is constructed by imposing a space–time shifted symmetry constraint on the two-component Sasa-Satsuma system. By applying the direct reduction approach, specific parameter values are determined to obtain N-soliton solutions of the shifted nonlocal equation. The resulting one-soliton and two-soliton solutions are analyzed both theoretically and graphically. Additionally, the asymptotic behavior of two-soliton solution with two purely imaginary eigenvalues is studied. The findings shed light on the mathematical properties and dynamic behaviors of shifted nonlocal integrable systems.

Abstract Background Autoamputation of the appendix, i.e., complete separation of a part of the appendix without any surgical intervention, has been rarely documented in the literature in recent years. Herein, we report a case where the amputated part of the appendix was viable after autoamputation and reviewed the related literature. Case presentation A 39-year-old female patient was admitted to our hospital complaining of abdominal pain and subsequently underwent an emergency laparoscopic appendectomy (LA). Intraoperatively, we found an abnormally short appendix protruding from the cecum and a strip-like tissue attached to the mesoappendix, considered a duplex appendix, was resected. Finally, in conjunction with the histopathology findings and the past medical history, the patient was diagnosed with “Pseudo-duplication of the Appendix”. Conclusions Autoamputation of the appendix resulting in preserved tissue viability and absence of necrosis at both ends, can be termed as “Pseudo-duplication of the Appendix”. This condition is very rare in clinical practice and has not been reported in China, to the best of our knowledge. It has been established that the autoamputated appendix can produce chronic inflammation, intestinal fistulae and even cancer, affecting the patient’s quality of life. Accordingly, a clear diagnosis and timely management are essential. In this report, we established a novel classification for “Pseudo-duplication of the Appendix”, hoping that our report will help surgeons better understand this anatomical anomaly of the appendix, to help during the differential diagnosis process and avoid confusion.

Abstract Background Township hospitals in China face the challenge of shortage and turnover of healthcare workers. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between organisational support for career development (OSCD), organisational commitment, and turnover intentions among healthcare workers in township hospitals. Methods The data in this study were obtained from the Health Service Capacity Survey of Primary Health Institutions (2020), one of the special surveys of rural health poverty alleviation in Henan, China. The sample comprised 298 healthcare workers. Three standardised instruments were used: the turnover intention scale, OSCD scale, and organisational commitment scale. Descriptive statistics, One-way Analysis of Variance, Pearson correlation analysis, and the simple mediation model were used for data analysis. Results The results showed that the mean score of the healthcare workers’ turnover intentions was 2.21 ± 0.77, which was low. The healthcare workers’ turnover intentions had significant differences in gender, age, marital status, education, professional title, and organisational tenure. OSCD had no significant direct relationship with turnover intentions, while having a significant positive direct relationship with organisational commitment. Organisational commitment had a significant negative direct relationship with turnover intentions, and played a fully mediating role in the relationship between OSCD and turnover intentions. Conclusions OSCD had an indirect negative effect on healthcare workers’ turnover intentions in township hospitals through the full mediation of organisational commitment. The findings of this study suggest the importance of policymakers and organisation managers to improve OSCD practice and pay attention to ‘humanistic management’. In addition, the formulation and implementation of talent retention policies should consider socio-demographic differences.

Context: Chronic inflammation is usually caused by persistent irritation or uncontrolled infection and is characterized by ongoing tissue damage, injury-induced cellular proliferation and tissue repair. Colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) isone of the classic examples of tumors that are tightly related to chronic inflammation. Background: To investigated the key pharmacodynamic genes of HQT interventions in CAC by using transcriptome predictions and experiments.Materials & Methods: We used the azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate method to induce the mice CAC model. After preventive administration of HQT to the mice model, colonic tissues were taken for transcriptome sequencing and the transcriptome results were then experimentally validated using quantitative Real-Time PCR technique. Results: Transcriptome sequencing revealed that the effect of the mechanism of HQT on the CAC mice model maybe related to its inhibition of accelerated epithelial mesenchymal transition and induction of pyroptosis. The levels of Matrix-metalloproteinases such as MMP-2, MMP-9 were significantly reduced in CAC mice treated with HQT; The mRNA expression for Krt17, App, CD44 and WNT pathway related sites such as Lrrc15, Cldn-1, Mpc1, Agr2 which are related factors affecting the epithelial mesenchymal transition were significantly reduced in CAC mice treated with HQT; the aberrant mRNA expression of inflammasome components that drive pyroptosis, including Nlrp3, Caspase-1, ASC, GSDMD and its mediated product IL-18 have been improved. Conclusions: Our findings provide preliminary clarification that inhibiting the progression of CAC by using HQT is effective, the mechanism of action may be relatedto the inhibition of epithelial mesenchymal transition and induction of pyroptosis during tumorigenesis.

Measurement(s) miRNA expression profiling Technology Type(s) Next Generation Sequencing Factor Type(s) organ • age • sex Sample Characteristic - Organism Rattus norvegicus

Improving the imaging of cancer may enhance the treatment of patients, Here, the authors develop a Mn(II) based nanoparticle contrast agent for MRI imaging and show that the nanoparticles can cross the brain barrier and image glioma cells.

Abstract Background Different from Fe ions in Fenton reaction, Mn ions can function both as catalyst for chemodynamic therapy and immune adjuvant for antitumor immune responses. In Mn-mediated Fenton-like reaction, bicarbonate ( $${\text{HCO}}_{3}^{ - }$$ HCO 3 - ), as the most important component to amplify therapeutic effects, must be present, however, intracellular $${\text{HCO}}_{3}^{ - }$$ HCO 3 - is strictly limited because of the tight control by live cells. Results Herein, Stimuli-responsive manganese carbonate-indocyanine green complexes (MnCO3-ICG) were designed for intracellular marriage of bicarbonate and Mn ions as “immune ion reactors” to regulate intracellular redox homeostasis and antitumor immune responses. Under the tumor acidic environment, the biodegradable complex can release “ion reactors” of Mn2+ and $${\text{HCO}}_{3}^{ - }$$ HCO 3 - , and ICG in the cytoplasm. The suddenly increased $${\text{HCO}}_{3}^{ - }$$ HCO 3 - in situ inside the cells regulate intracellular pH, and accelerate the generation of hydroxyl radicals for the oxidative stress damage of tumors cells because $${\text{HCO}}_{3}^{ - }$$ HCO 3 - play a critical role to catalyze Mn-mediated Fenton-like reaction. Investigations in vitro and in vivo prove that the both CDT and phototherapy combined with Mn2+-enhanced immunotherapy effectively suppress tumor growth and realize complete tumor elimination. Conclusions The combination therapy strategy with the help of novel immune adjuvants would produce an enhanced immune response, and be used for the treatment of deep tumors in situ.

Different from the traditional railway trains, the combined levitation and guidance EDS maglev train is more likely to rotate after being disturbed. Therefore, the rotational electromagnetic stiffnesses are significant operating parameters for the train. In this paper, the different effects of each translational offset generated in the rotational motion on the corresponding rotational electromagnetic stiffnesses in the EDS maglev train are analyzed and calculated. Firstly, a three-dimensional model of the maglev train is established. Then, based on the space harmonic method and the equivalent circuit of the levitation and guidance circuits, the formulas of rolling, pitching and yawing stiffness are presented. Finally, by comparing with the three-dimensional finite element simulation results, the key translational displacements in the rotational motion which has a great impact on the stiffness are obtained. Hence, the three-dimensional analytical formula can be simplified and the computation can be reduced. In addition, the accuracy of the calculation results is verified by comparing with the experimental data of Yamanashi test line.

【Objective】The nutrient release cycle of urea-formaldehyde (UF) slow-release fertilizer is too long, usually up to 1-2 years, which is not conducive to the full absorption of nutrients by crops. In order to shorten the nutrient release cycle of UF, the phosphate was used to modify UF in order that the nutrient release of the prepared slow-controlled release fertilizer was more suitable for the law of crop growth.【Method】With the combination of solution polymerization and in-situ extrusion technology, in the process of generating UF, phosphates (calcium dihydrogen phosphate MCP, ammonium dihydrogen phosphate ADP and phosphate rock powder PRP) were interspersed between the formed UF macromolecular chains. A new type of slow-controlled release fertilizer containing nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients was prepared. The structure and functional groups of the fertilizer were characterized and analyzed by means of TG, XRD and FTIR, and the changes in the surface element valence state of the fertilizer were studied by XPS.【Result】ADP had the best dispersibility in the UF matrix and the greatest damage to the intermolecular hydrogen bonds of UF. After being treated for 90 days, the cumulative nitrogen release rates of UF, MCP-modified UF (MCP-UF), ADP-modified UF (ADP-UF) and PRP-modified UF (PRP-UF) were 68.46%, 76.47%, 80.45% and 78.17%, respectively, which increased by 7.15%, 10.20%, 9.1%, and 10.83% respectively compared with those at 42 d. In summary, the addition of phosphate reduced the crystallinity of the modified slow-controlled release fertilizer, and the nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients showed an excellent slow-release effect.【Conclusion】Slowcontrolled release fertilizers MCP-UF, ADP-UF and PRP-UF were prepared. The addition of phosphate to UF improves the release of nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients, making it more suitable for crop growth, which is conducive to the largescale in dustrial production of fertilizers.

【Objective】A soilless culture substrate with double cross-linking network hydrogel containing fertilizer with controllable pores and substrate integration was developed.【Method】With polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and sodium alginate (SA) solution as raw materials, the Ca2+-PVA/SA double cross-linking network hydrogel medium with controllable pores was prepared by chemical pore-making method with pore-making agent calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and pore-making agent citric acid (C6H8O7). By adding hydroxymethylurea (MU), calcium dihydrogen phosphate[Ca(H2PO4)2]provided nutrients for plant growth, and a soilless culture substrate of Ca2+-PVA/SA-MU with controllable holes was prepared. The structure of the prepared substrate was characterized by FTIR and TG, and the surface morphology of the substrate was observed by SEM. The effects of ratio of raw materials as well as ratio of SA and Ca2+ on the mechanical properties of the substrate and the density and size of the pores were studied. The effects of different ratios of substrate on fresh weight, dry weight and seedling emergence rate of rapeseed were studied by culture experiment.【Result】The structure characterization result showed that Ca2+-PVA/SA-MU hydrogel had macropore and micropore cross structure. FTIR and TG tests showed that MU was indeed compounded into Ca2+-SA/PVA double cross-linked hydrogel, and MU had hydrogen bonding with PVA. The mechanical properties showed that PVA ∶ SA=20 ∶ 1 substrate had the best compression performance, and the addition of MU slightly affected the mechanical properties of hydrogel. Culture experiments showed that the germination rate of Ca2+-SA/PVA-MU double crosslinking network hydrogel reached the highest at the 3rd day when SA ∶ CaCO3=40 ∶ 1, and reached 100% after 5 days. The germination rate of Ca2+-SA/PVA-MU double crosslinking network hydrogel added with MU was better than that of conventional SA/PVA hydrogel.【Conclusion】PVA and SA are safe and green materials, which are suitable to be selected as soilless culture substrates for plant growth.

【Objective】The study aims to develop a moisturizing high-adhesion slow-release foliar fertilizer with a semi-interpenetrating polymer network structure and excellent adhesion, water absorption and slow release properties.【Method】Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and acrylic acid (AA) were used as raw materials to prepare water-absorbent resin, and semi-interpenetrating network technology used to interpenetrate urea aldehyde into the water-absorbing and water-retaining network to prepare moisturizing high-adhesion slow-release foliar fertilizer. The effects of mass ratio of polyvinyl alcohol to acrylic acid (mPVA/mAA) and addition amount of cross-linking agent on the water absorption property of foliar fertilizer and the effects of addition amount of water-absorbent resin on the adhesion and slow-release properties of foliar fertilizer were studied.【Result】When mPVA/mAA is 1 ∶ 2 and the addition amount of cross-linking agent is 0.5%, the prepared foliar fertilizer has the maximum water absorption rate, which is 68.5 g/g in tap water. When m(PVA+AA)/ m (Urea) = 2 ︰ 1, the retention rates of nitrogen and phosphorus of foliar fertilizer on cabbage leaves reach 80% and 40%, respectively; the release of nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients of leaf fertilizer achieves balance in 7-10 days, with good slow-release performance.【Conclusion】The research is of great significance to solve the problems of poor adhesion, no water absorption, and no slow-release properties of conventional foliar fertilizers.

Based on the panel data of Changjiang Economic Corridor (CEC), this paper includes agricultural carbon emissions as an unwanted output into the evaluation index system for agricultural carbon emissions performance (ACEP), and measured the ACEP of the 11 provinces in the CEC of 2005–2018, using the minimum distance to weak efficient frontier (MinDW) model. In addition, a Tobit model was constructed for empirical analysis on the impactors of CEC ACEP. The results show that: In general, the CEC achieved an excellent ACEP, with certain differences between the provinces; the ACEP trends varied between the upper, middle, and lower reaches of the CEC, and the lower reaches had a much higher ACEP than the upper and middle reaches; the results of Tobit model demonstrate that industrial upgrading and rural power consumption have significant positive correlations with CEC ACEP, while human capital, planting structure, and agricultural disaster have significantly negative correlations with CEC ACEP.

Interactive visualization is an effective way to promote the reproducibility of results presented in biomedical publications and to facilitate additional exploration of the reported data. However, there is a lack of convenient tools that balance reproducibility with ease of use. To address this problem, we develop BioVisReport, a lightweight solution for the rapid generation of an interactive website based on a user-defined Markdown file, which acts as a text markup language without requiring users to master complex syntax and allows them to preview the results in real-time. Interactive websites generated by the tool can help readers conveniently reproduce research findings and perform further in-depth analyses beyond those reported in the original peer-reviewed publications. Currently, BioVisReport offers 17 basic types of plots for visualizing published data. In addition, the extensibility of BioVisReport supports flexible integration of user-developed Python plugins with multiple programming languages. BioVisReport is freely available at https://biovis.report/.

Objective. Epilepsy may cause chronic cognitive impairment by disturbing sleep plasticity. Sleep spindles play a crucial role in sleep maintenance and brain plasticity. This study explored the relationship between cognition and spindle characteristics in adult epilepsy. Methods. Participants underwent one-night sleep electroencephalogram recording and neuropsychological tests on the same day. Spindle characteristics during N2 sleep were extracted using a learning-based system for sleep staging and an automated spindle detection algorithm. We investigated the difference between cognitive subgroups in spindle characteristics. Multiple linear regressions were applied to analyze associations between cognition and spindle characteristics. Results. Compared with no/mild cognitive impairment, epilepsy patients who developed severe cognitive impairment had lower sleep spindle density, the differences mainly distributed in central, occipital, parietal, middle temporal, and posterior temporal (P

Introduction: Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have been widely used in clinical genomic testing for drug response phenotypes. However, the inherent limitations of short reads make accurate inference of diplotypes still challenging, which may reduce the effectiveness of genotype-guided drug therapy.Methods: An automated Pharmacogenomics Annotation tool (PAnno) was implemented, which reports prescribing recommendations and phenotypes by parsing the germline variant call format (VCF) file from NGS and the population to which the individual belongs.Results: A ranking model dedicated to inferring diplotypes, developed based on the allele (haplotype) definition and population allele frequency, was introduced in PAnno. The predictive performance was validated in comparison with four similar tools using the consensus diplotype data of the Genetic Testing Reference Materials Coordination Program (GeT-RM) as ground truth. An annotation method was proposed to summarize prescribing recommendations and classify drugs into avoid use, use with caution, and routine use, following the recommendations of the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC), etc. It further predicts phenotypes of specific drugs in terms of toxicity, dosage, efficacy, and metabolism by integrating the high-confidence clinical annotations in the Pharmacogenomics Knowledgebase (PharmGKB). PAnno is available at https://github.com/PreMedKB/PAnno.Discussion: PAnno provides an end-to-end clinical pharmacogenomics decision support solution by resolving, annotating, and reporting germline variants.

Water transparency is an important parameter to characterize water quality of rivers, lakes and wetlands. We measured the water quality data such as water transparency and the water spectral data of Shahu Lake. GF-1 image data were preprocessed to assure that the measured data were consistent with the reflectance curve of the remote sensing image data, and then selected an empirical method and semi-empirical/semi-analysis method of water transparency for remote sensing estimation of water transparency and constructed a remote sensing estimation model suitable for studying the water transparency of Shahu Lake. The new model was combined with GF-1 image data to analyze the total temporal and spatial variation characteristics of the water. The results showed that the empirical model based on the measured band 1/B4 of the spectral data was the best model for water transparency remote sensing estimation of Shahu Lake. The model was expression: SD = 0.3336 × (1/B1) + 27.94. The coefficient of determination of the verification model was 0.7454. The estimation of the water transparency model showed that the water in Shahu Lake has the transparency of the central lake and intake was higher and the transparency of the Third Drainage, Bird Island and Old Wharf were lower compared to each region. These findings were consistent with the measured numerical characteristics. The transparency of Shahu Lake is mainly affected by the water quality index, tourism activities, ecological hydration and distribution of reeds.