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The reconstruction of visual stimuli from fMRI signals, which record brain activity, is a challenging task with crucial research value in the fields of neuroscience and machine learning. Previous studies tend to emphasize reconstructing pixel-level features (contours, colors, etc.) or semantic features (object category) of the stimulus image, but typically, these properties are not reconstructed together. In this context, we introduce a novel three-stage visual reconstruction approach called the Dual-guided Brain Diffusion Model (DBDM). Initially, we employ the Very Deep Variational Autoencoder (VDVAE) to reconstruct a coarse image from fMRI data, capturing the underlying details of the original image. Subsequently, the Bootstrapping Language-Image Pre-training (BLIP) model is utilized to provide a semantic annotation for each image. Finally, the image-to-image generation pipeline of the Versatile Diffusion (VD) model is utilized to recover natural images from the fMRI patterns guided by both visual and semantic information. The experimental results demonstrate that DBDM surpasses previous approaches in both qualitative and quantitative comparisons. In particular, the best performance is achieved by DBDM in reconstructing the semantic details of the original image; the Inception, CLIP and SwAV distances are 0.611, 0.225 and 0.405, respectively. This confirms the efficacy of our model and its potential to advance visual decoding research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cryptographic system is the foundation of blockchain security mechanisms. This paper constructs a blockchain security mechanism based on the Chinese national cryptographic SM2 algorithm, involving the generation of public–private key pairs and the signing of block information using key pairs. However, the original SM2 algorithm has a high computational complexity, which cannot meet the requirements of low on-chain delay in blockchain applications. To solve this problem, this paper optimizes the SM2 digital signature algorithm. The scalar multiplication operation in the digital signature algorithm has a large computational complexity, which affects the efficiency of a digital signature. To reduce its computational complexity, this paper improves the traditional window non-adjacent form (w-NAF) algorithm for the scalar multiplication operation and proposes a low computational complexity Fw-NAF algorithm based on the prime number precomputation window, which greatly reduces its computational complexity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evaluation of vestibular graviceptive pathway (VGP) in patients with unilateral peripheral vestibular dysfunction (UPVD) has received increasing attention from researchers. The study aimed to investigate the value of VGP evaluation in the diagnosis of UPVD. Methods: Ninety‐five UPVD patients were divided into attack and remission phase groups. VGP evaluation‐related indicators, including subjective visual vertical (SVV), subjective visual horizontal (SVH), head tilt, ocular torsion (OT), and skew deviation (SD), were measured, and their correlations with cochleovestibular function test results were analyzed. The possible etiologies of contralesional VGP (c‐VGP) were analyzed. Results: Positive rates of SVV, SVH, OT, and SD were significantly higher, and the degrees of SVV, SVH, and OT were significantly greater in the attack phase group than the remission phase group. The sides with abnormal VGP evaluation results were correlated with the sides with hearing loss, abnormal caloric, and video head impulse test (vHIT) results. A total of 14 patients showed c‐VGP, and possible etiologies included contralateral benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (n = 4), bilateral hearing loss (n = 8), bilateral vHIT gain reduction (n = 1), autoimmune diseases (n = 6), vascular risk factors (n = 6), lacunar infarction (n = 3), and endolymphatic hydrops (n = 3). Conclusions: Alterations in SVV, SVH, OT, and SD were noted in UPVD patients in different phases, which are presumed to be related to dynamic vestibular compensation; correlations between VGP evaluation results and cochleovestibular function test results indicate that VGP evaluation may be helpful for the diagnosis of the side affected in UPVD; the presence of c‐VGP may be related to bilateral labyrinth lesions or endolymphatic hydrops on the affected side; and the involvement of autoimmune mechanisms also deserves attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Wheat fixes CO2 by photosynthesis into kernels to nourish humankind. Improving the photosynthesis rate is a major driving force in assimilating atmospheric CO2 and guaranteeing food supply for human beings. Strategies for achieving the above goal need to be improved. Here, we report the cloning and mechanism of CO2ASSIMILATION RATE AND KERNEL‐ENHANCED 1 (CAKE1) from durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum). The cake1 mutant displayed a lower photosynthesis rate with smaller grains. Genetic studies identified CAKE1 as HSP90.2‐B, encoding cytosolic molecular chaperone folding nascent preproteins. The disturbance of HSP90.2 decreased leaf photosynthesis rate, kernel weight (KW) and yield. Nevertheless, HSP90.2 over‐expression increased KW. HSP90.2 recruited and was essential for the chloroplast localization of nuclear‐encoded photosynthesis units, for example PsbO. Actin microfilaments docked on the chloroplast surface interacted with HSP90.2 as a subcellular track towards chloroplasts. A natural variation in the hexaploid wheat HSP90.2‐B promoter increased its transcription activity, enhanced photosynthesis rate and improved KW and yield. Our study illustrated an HSP90.2–Actin complex sorting client preproteins towards chloroplasts to promote CO2 assimilation and crop production. The beneficial haplotype of Hsp90.2 is rare in modern varieties and could be an excellent molecular switch promoting photosynthesis rate to increase yield in future elite wheat varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Oogonial stem cells (OSCs) are germ cells that can sustain neo‐oogenesis to replenish the pool of primary follicles in adult ovaries. In lower vertebrates, fresh oocytes are produced by numerous OSCs through mitosis and meiosis during each reproduction cycle, but the OSCs in adult mammals are rare. The birds have retained many conserved features and developed unique features of ovarian physiology during evolution, and the presence of OSCs within avian species remain unknown. Materials and Methods: In this study, we investigated the existence and function of OSCs in adult chickens. The chicken OSCs were isolated and expanded in culture. We then used cell transplantation system to evaluate their potential for migration and differentiation in vivo. Results: DDX4/SSEA1‐positive OSCs were identified in both the cortex and medulla of the adult chicken ovary. These putative OSCs undergo meiosis in the reproductively active ovary. Furthermore, the isolated OSCs were expanded in vitro for months and found to express germline markers similar to those of primordial germ cells. When transplanted into the bloodstream of recipient embryos, these OSCs efficiently migrated into developing gonads, initiated meiosis, and then derived oocytes in postnatal ovaries. Conclusions: This study has confirmed the presence of functional OSCs in birds for the first time. The identification of chicken OSCs has great potential for improving egg laying and preserving endangered species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) are important assets to fight COVID-19, but most existing nAbs lose the activities against Omicron subvariants. Here, we report a human monoclonal antibody (Ab08) isolated from a convalescent patient infected with the prototype strain (Wuhan-Hu-1). Ab08 binds to the receptor-binding domain (RBD) with pico-molar affinity (230 pM), effectively neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 and variants of concern (VOCs) including Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Mu, Omicron BA.1 and BA.2, and to a lesser extent for Delta and Omicron BA.4/BA.5 which bear the L452R mutation. Of medical importance, Ab08 shows therapeutic efficacy in SARS-CoV-2-infected hACE2 mice. X-ray crystallography of the Ab08-RBD complex reveals an antibody footprint largely in the β-strand core and away from the ACE2-binding motif. Negative staining electron-microscopy suggests a neutralizing mechanism through which Ab08 destructs the Spike trimer. Together, our work identifies a nAb with therapeutic potential for COVID-19. Author summary: To fight against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants, we screened and selected one human monoclonal antibody (Ab08) previously isolated from a convalescent patient infected with the SARS-CoV-2 prototype strain (Wuhan-Hu-1). The features of Ab08 are as followed: (1) Ab08 can effectively neutralize SARS-CoV-2 and variants of concern (VOCs) including Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Mu, Omicron BA.1 and BA.2, and to a lesser extent, Delta and Omicron BA.4/BA.5. (2) Ab08 can act as a therapeutic agent in SARS-CoV-2-infected hACE2 mice which are highly susceptible to infection. (3) Ab08 could destruct the Spike trimer which is essential for SARS-CoV-2 entry into the host cells. Together, our work identifies an effective neutralizing antibody with therapeutic potential for COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The NAC (NAM, ATAF1/2 and CUC2) is a large gene family of plant-specific transcription factors that play a pivotal role in various physiological processes and abiotic stresses. Due to the lack of genome-wide characterization, intraspecific and interspecific synteny, and drought-responsive expression pattern of NAC genes in poplar, the functional characterization of drought-related NAC genes have been scarcely reported in Populus species. Here, we identified a total of 170 NAC domain-containing genes in the P. trichocarpa genome, 169 of which were unevenly distributed on its nineteen chromosomes. These NAC genes were phylogenetically divided into twenty subgroups, some of which exhibited a similar pattern of exon–intron architecture. The synteny and Ka/Ks analysis indicated that the expansion of NAC genes in poplar was mainly due to gene duplication events occurring before and after the divergence of Populus and Salix. Ten PdNAC (P. deltoids × P. euramericana cv.'Nanlin895') genes were randomly selected and cloned. Their drought-responsive expression profiles showed a tissue-specific pattern. The transcription factor PdNAC013 was verified to be localized in the nucleus. Our research results provide genomic information for the expansion of NAC genes in the poplar genome, and for further characterizing putative poplar NAC genes associated with water-deficit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

QT interval length is an important risk factor for adverse cardiovascular outcomes; however, the genetic architecture of QT interval remains incompletely understood. We conducted a genome-wide association study of 76,995 ancestrally diverse Kaiser Permanente Northern California members enrolled in the Genetic Epidemiology Research on Adult Health and Aging cohort using 448,517 longitudinal QT interval measurements, uncovering 9 novel variants, most replicating in 40,537 individuals in the UK Biobank and Population Architecture using Genomics and Epidemiology studies. A meta-analysis of all 3 cohorts (n = 117,532) uncovered an additional 19 novel variants. Conditional analysis identified 15 additional variants, 3 of which were novel. Little, if any, difference was seen when adjusting for putative QT interval lengthening medications genome-wide. Using multiple measurements in Genetic Epidemiology Research on Adult Health and Aging increased variance explained by 163%, and we show that the 6 measurements in Genetic Epidemiology Research on Adult Health and Aging was equivalent to a 2.4 increase in sample size of a design with a single measurement. The array heritability was estimated at 17%, approximately half of our estimate of 36% from family correlations. Heritability enrichment was estimated highest and most significant in cardiovascular tissue (enrichment 7.2, 95% CI= 5.7–8.7, P = 2.1e-10), and many of the novel variants included expression quantitative trait loci in heart and other relevant tissues. Comparing our results to other cardiac function traits, it appears that QT interval has a multifactorial genetic etiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brain decoding is to predict the external stimulus information from the collected brain response activities, and visual information is one of the most important sources of external stimulus information. Decoding functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) based on visual stimulation is helpful in understanding the working mechanism of the brain visual function regions. Traditional brain decoding algorithms cannot accurately extract stimuli features from fMRI. To address these shortcomings, this paper proposed a brain decoding algorithm based on a graph convolution network (GCN). Firstly, 11 regions of interest (ROI) were selected according to the human brain visual function regions, which can avoid the noise interference of the non-visual regions of the human brain; then, a deep three-dimensional convolution neural network was specially designed to extract the features of these 11 regions; next, the GCN was used to extract the functional correlation features between the different human brain visual regions. Furthermore, to avoid the problem of gradient disappearance when there were too many layers of graph convolutional neural network, the residual connections were adopted in our algorithm, which helped to integrate different levels of features in order to improve the accuracy of the proposed GCN. The proposed algorithm was tested on the public dataset, and the recognition accuracy reached 98.67%. Compared with the other state-of-the-art algorithms, the proposed algorithm performed the best. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A tree model identified adults age ≤34 years, Johnson & Johnson primary series recipients, people from racial/ethnic minority groups, residents of nonlarge metro areas, and those living in socially vulnerable communities in the South as less likely to be boosted. These findings can guide clinical/public health outreach toward specific subpopulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs), osimertinib, aumolertinib, and furmonertinib represent a new treatment option for patients with EGFR p.Thr790 Met (T790 M)-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Currently, there are no studies reporting the simultaneous quantification of these three drugs. A simple ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the simultaneous quantitative determination of osimertinib, aumolertinib, and furmonertinib concentrations in human plasma, and it was applied for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). Plasma samples were processed using the protein precipitation method (acetonitrile). A positive ion monitoring mode was used for detecting analytes. D3-Sorafenib was utilized as the internal standard (IS), and the mobile phases were acetonitrile (containing 0.1% formic acid) and water with gradient elution on an XSelect HSS XP column (2.1 mm × 100.0 mm, 2.5 µm, Waters, Milford, MA, USA) at a flow rate of 0.5 mL·min−1. The method's selectivity, precision (coefficient of variation of intra-day and inter-day ≤ 6.1%), accuracy (95.8–105.2%), matrix effect (92.3–106.0%), extraction recovery, and stability results were acceptable according to the guidelines. The linear ranges were 5–500 ng·mL−1, 2–500 ng·mL−1, and 0.5–200 ng·mL−1 for osimertinib, aumolertinib, and furmonertinib, respectively. The results show that the method was sensitive, reliable, and simple and that it could be successfully applied to simultaneously determine the osimertinib, aumolertinib, and furmonertinib blood concentrations in patients. These findings support using the method for TDM, potentially reducing the incidence of dosing blindness and adverse effects due to empirical dosing and inter-patient differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose an alternative approach to Lüscher's formula for extracting two-body scattering phase shifts from finite volume spectra with no reliance on the partial wave expansion. We use an effective-field-theory-based Hamiltonian method in the plane wave basis and decompose the corresponding matrix elements of operators into irreducible representations of the relevant point groups. The proposed approach allows one to benefit from the knowledge of the long-range interaction and avoids complications from partial wave mixing in a finite volume. We consider spin-singlet channels in the two-nucleon system and pion-pion scattering in the ρ-meson channel in the rest and moving frames to illustrate the method for non-relativistic and relativistic systems, respectively. For the two-nucleon system, the long-range interaction due to the one-pion exchange is found to make the single-channel Lüscher formula unreliable at the physical pion mass. For S-wave dominated states, the single-channel Lüscher method suffers from significant finite-volume artifacts for a L = 3 fm box, but it works well for boxes with L > 5 fm. However, for P-wave dominated states, significant partial wave mixing effects prevent the application of the single-channel Lüscher formula regardless of the box size (except for the near-threshold region). Using a toy model to generate synthetic data for finite-volume energies, we show that our effective-field-theory-based approach in the plane wave basis is capable of a reliable extraction of the phase shifts. For pion-pion scattering, we employ a phenomenological model to fit lattice QCD results at the physical pion mass. The extracted P-wave phase shifts are found to be in a good agreement with the experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wearable devices are increasingly popular for health monitoring via electrocardiograms (ECGs) as they can portably monitor heart conditions over a long time. However, so far there are no publicly available ECG data sets collected from wearable devices. Most ECG analysis algorithms target ECG data collected by hospital equipment. In the present study, we used the IREALCARE2.0 Flexible Cardiac Monitor Patch as the wearable device to collect ECG signals and formed ECG data sets. Wearable ECG data tended to contain more interference and be large in size. This article proposed a deep CNN approach, named time–spatial convolutional neural networks (TSCNNs), for the automatic classification and analysis of ECG signals from wearable devices. First, the original long-term ECG signals were divided into separate heartbeats and input into the TSCNN. Second, we applied convolution over time and spatial filtering for each heartbeat to extract abundant features. Finally, the cascaded small-scale kernel convolution was applied to improve classification performance and reduce the number of network parameters. To avoid overfitting, some regularized methods such as dropout and batch normalization were adopted. In the experiments, the method proposed in this letter is compared with other eight ECG classification algorithms. Our method attained the highest classification accuracy. The experimental results indicated that the proposed method can achieve better performance for wearable ECG data and can effectively monitor whether the wearer has an abnormal ECG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silver nanowires (AgNWs) are a promising substitute for indium tin oxide (ITO) transparent conductive films (TCFs). However, AgNWs suffer the insufficiencies in contact resistance between the nanowires and light loss. Here, graphene oxide and moth-eye-like antireflection nanostructure have been introduced to physically "weld" the AgNWs junctions and modulate the AR properties, respectively. The sandwich structure AgNWs TCFs achieved resistance of 26.26 Ω sq−1 and transmittance of 98.67%, exhibiting promoted photoelectronic performance compared with the pure AgNWs films. The stability of sandwich structure AgNWs TCFs was improved, and their wettability was also discussed with water contact angle changed from 92.55° to 69.18°, switched from hydrophobic to hydrophilic. Though a simple solution process without mechanical or heat post-treatment, we proposed a stable sandwich structure to obviously improve the electrical and optical capabilities of AgNWs. The enhanced AgNWs TCFs with superior photoelectronic performance are believed to boost the practical applications and future development of AgNWs-based TCFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strain localization is a common phenomenon existing in various multiscale materials or structures, e.g., the bulking bands of thin-walled structures, the local collapse of porous materials, and the crack in solid materials, etc. However, this phenomenon cannot be captured by the conventional homogenization methods, such as mean-field homogenization (e.g., Mori–Tanaka method), first-order or high-order computational homogenization (e.g., the Finite Element Square method), etc., due to the high strain gradient associated with strain localization. Aiming at this, a hybrid Direct FE2 method is proposed by combining the D-FE2 (Direct FE2) and the traditional FE methods, while the multiscale structure is modeled using the D-FE2 method in the region exhibiting low deformation gradient, and the other region displaying high deformation gradient is modeled using the traditional FE method. Moreover, a node displacement constraint and an overall node displacement constraint derived from the multilevel equilibrium equations using the Gauss–Ostrogradsky theorem are respectively prescribed to the interface between the D-FE2 model and the FE model of the multiscale structure, to enforce the energy equilibrium and deformation continuity. The proposed hybrid D-FE2 method is then applied to predict the strain localization behavior of multiscale materials or structures, including local bulking of honeycomb structures, in-situ crack propagation, and localized plastic deformation in fiber reinforced composites, etc. Comparison of the simulation results obtained from the hybrid D-FE2 method and the traditional FE method validates the accuracy, efficiency and ease of numerical implementation of the proposed hybrid D-FE2 method. • A hybrid D-FE2 method was proposed for m ultiscale modeling of strain localization. • Displacement constraints were derived for d eformation continuity at the interface. • The hybrid D-FE2 method is accurate and more e fficient compared to DNS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Either arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi or earthworms as soil organisms promote plant growth, while their interaction on nitrogen (N) content in plants, soil, and glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP) is not known. In this study, an AM fungus (Funneliformis mosseae) and an earthworm (Pheretima guillelmi), either in single or in combination, were introduced into soil growing white clover to analyze their effects on plant growth, chlorophyll, soluble protein, N contents in leaves, roots, GRSP, and soil, and the contribution of N in purified GRSP to soil total N. The four-week introduction of earthworms significantly increased root mycorrhizal colonization rate, and accelerated an improved AM effect on chlorophyll and plant growth. The single introduction of earthworms significantly increased root N and soil total N contents, while the single introduction of AM fungi distinctly elevated N contents in leaves, roots, easily extractable GRSP, and soil (nitrate N and total N). The N in total GRSP was 5.78–7.70 mg g−1, accounting for 3.46 %–5.45 % of the soil total N, of which the contribution of N from easily extractable GRSP and difficult-to-extract GRSP was 1.84 %–3.07 % and 1.34 %–2.39 %, respectively. AM fungi, but not earthworms, significantly increased the contribution of N in GRSP to soil total N, and the introduction of earthworms further accelerated the increased effect of mycorrhizas on the contribution of N in easily extractable and total GRSP to soil total N. These results demonstrated that the introduction of earthworms into mycorrhizosphere can facilitate N storage in GRSP and thus a contribution to soil total N. • Effects of earthworms and AMF on N content of soil and plants were studied. • Dual earthworms and AMF addition recorded higher plant growth and chlorophyll than single addition. • Earthworms increased root N and soil total N, while AMF elevated N in plants, EE-GRSP, and soil NO 3 −−N and total N. • Dual addition recorded higher N contents in GRSPs than single addition. • Earthworm accelerated the AMF effect on the contribution of N in EE-GRSP and T-GRSP to soil total N. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earthworms and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are beneficial organisms in the soil and play an important role in improving soil fertility and plant growth. The objective of this study was to analyze the response of single versus dual inoculation of earthworms (Pheretima guillelmi) and AMF (Funneliformis mosseae) on mycorrhizal growth, root morphology, and rhizosphere properties of white clover (Trifolium repens). Addition of earthworms significantly increased the degree of root AMF colonization, while decreased hyphal length and spore number in the soil. Single or dual inoculation of F. mosseae and P. guillelmi significantly increased root traits (total length, area, volume, and average diameter), soil phosphatase activities (acid, neutral, and alkaline), easily extractable and total glomalin-related soil protein content, the percentage of soil water-stable aggregates at the size of 2–4 mm, 1–2 mm and 0.5–1 mm, aggregate stability, Bray-P, and soil organic carbon (SOC) contents. Among them, the dual inoculation further amplified the effect on glomalin production, phosphatase activity, and aggregate stability, but did not show a superposition effect on root improvement, Bray-P, and SOC. Our study, hence, suggested that AMF and earthworms have synergistic roles in elevating rhizosphere properties vis-à-vis agronomic responses of white clover. • Effects of earthworm-AMF (singly and in combination) on rhizosphere environment and crop response were studied. • Earthworms increased root AMF colonization, but reduced hyphae and spores in soils. • AMF or earthworms singly improved root traits, Bray-P, and soil organic carbon contents, but dual application of AMF and earthworms did not show a major effect than single application. • Single AMF or earthworms increased aggregation, phosphatase, GRSP, and dual addition amplified these responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A special topography and ultra-high atmospheric boundary layer conditions in the Tarim Basin (TB) lead to the unique spatial–temporal distribution characteristics of dust aerosols. A typical dust storm with persistent floating dust over the TB from 27 April to 1 May 2015 was used to investigate the characteristics of the dust radiative effect using the Weather Research and Forecasting Model with Chemistry (WRF-Chem). Based on reasonable evaluations involving in situ sounding observations, as well as remotely sensed MODIS observations of meteorology, dust aerosols, and the ultra-high atmospheric boundary layer, the simulation characterized the complete characteristics of the dust direct radiative effect (DDRE) during the dust storm outbreak stage and persistent floating dust stage over the TB. During the daytime, the shortwave (SW) radiative effect heated the atmosphere and cooled the land surface (SUR), whereas the longwave (LW) radiative effect had the opposite effect on the TB. Regarding low-level dust, the LW radiative effect was greater than the SW DDRE in the atmosphere, while for high-level dust the situation was reversed. During the nighttime, the LW DDRE at the top of the atmosphere (TOA), at the SUR, and in the atmosphere was less than that during the daytime, when the DDRE at the SUR was the most significant. In contrast to the daytime, the near-surface dust aerosols exerted an LW warming effect in the atmosphere during the nighttime; however, the dust LW radiative effect had a cooling effect from above a 100 m altitude until the top of the dust layer. In contrast, the DDRE heating rate peaked at the top of the dust layer within the TB. The event-averaged net DDRE was 0.53, −5.90, and 6.43 W m−2 at the TOA, at the SUR, and in the atmosphere over the TB, respectively. The dust SW radiative effect was stronger than the dust L4W radiative effect over the TB at the SUR and in the atmosphere. Moreover, the DDRE at the TOA was weaker than that at the SUR. Overall, the study revealed noteworthy radiative effect features of dust aerosols during typical dust storms with persistent floating dust over the TB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is the most common and lethal malignancy of the biliary tract that lacks effective therapy. In many GBC cases, infiltration into adjacent organs or distant metastasis happened long before the diagnosis, especially the direct liver invasion, which is the most common and unfavorable way of spreading. Methods: Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), spatial transcriptomics (ST), proteomics, and multiplexed immunohistochemistry (mIHC) were performed on GBC across multiple tumor stages to characterize the tumor microenvironment (TME), focusing specifically on the preferential enrichment of neutrophils in GBC liver invasion (GBC-LI). Results: Multi-model Analysis reveals the immunosuppressive TME of GBC-LI that was characterized by the enrichment of neutrophils at the invasive front. We identified the context-dependent transcriptional states of neutrophils, with the Tumor-Modifying state being associated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) metabolism. In vitro assays showed that the direct cell-cell contact between GBC cells and neutrophils led to the drastic increase in oxLDL uptake of neutrophils, which was primarily mediated by the elevated OLR1 on neutrophils. The oxLDL-absorbing neutrophils displayed a higher potential to promote tumor invasion while demonstrating lower cancer cytotoxicity. Finally, we identified a neutrophil-promoting niche at the invasive front of GBC-LI that constituted of KRT17+ GBC cells, neutrophils, and surrounding fibroblasts, which may help cultivate the oxLDL-absorbing neutrophils. Conclusions: Our study reveals the existence of a subset of pro-tumoral neutrophils with a unique ability to absorb oxLDL via OLR1, a phenomenon induced through cell-cell contact with KRT17+ GBC cells in GBC-LI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The liver is an essential metabolic organ of the human body, and malignant liver tumors seriously affect and threaten human life. The segmentation algorithm for liver and liver tumors is one of the essential branches of computer-aided diagnosis. This paper proposed a two-stage liver and tumor segmentation algorithm based on the convolutional neural network (CNN). In the present study, we used two stages to segment the liver and tumors: liver localization and tumor segmentation. In the liver localization stage, the network segments the liver region, adopts the encoding–decoding structure and long-distance feature fusion operation, and utilizes the shallow features' spatial information to improve liver identification. In the tumor segmentation stage, based on the liver segmentation results of the first two steps, a CNN model was designed to accurately identify the liver tumors by using the 2D image features and 3D spatial features of the CT image slices. At the same time, we use the attention mechanism to improve the segmentation performance of small liver tumors. The proposed algorithm was tested on the public data set Liver Tumor Segmentation Challenge (LiTS). The Dice coefficient of liver segmentation was 0.967, and the Dice coefficient of tumor segmentation was 0.725. The proposed algorithm can accurately segment the liver and liver tumors in CT images. Compared with other state-of-the-art algorithms, the segmentation results of the proposed algorithm rank the highest in the Dice coefficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: Exercise has been reported to improve the health and mental status of drug dependents. However, as a special exercise treatment, how Tai Chi (TC) affects executive functions (EFs) of methamphetamine (MA) dependents has yet to be established. The study aimed to explore the effects of TC on the EF and physical fitness of MA dependents. METHODS: A total of 76 MA dependents were randomly assigned to the exercise and control group. The exercise group received three 60-min sessions of TC training per week for 12 weeks. The control group was trained with conventional exercises including the 9th Guang Bo Ti Cao and square dance under the supervision of administrators. Physical fitness and EF assessment evaluating inhibitory control (IC, go/no-go task), working memory (3-back task), and attention switching ability (switch task) were performed at baseline and 12 weeks. A repeated-measures ANOVAs was applied to analyze the differences of groups and times. RESULTS: The exercise group showed decreased response time (RT) with significant main effect of time in the go/no-go task (F(1, 68) = 9.6, p < 0.05). The interaction effect between time and group was significant in accuracy (F(1, 61) = 4.73, p = 0.03), and the main effect of time was significant in RT (F(1, 61) = 4.66, p < 0.05) in the 3-back task. Significant changes in BMI (f(1,68)=19.57, p < 0.05), vital capacity (f(1,68)=6.00, p < 0.05), and systolic blood pressure (f(1,68)=6.11, p < 0.05) were also observed in the exercise group. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide evidence that 3 months of TC training can improve the IC and maintain the working memory and attention switching ability of MA dependents. Other data imply that TC may improve the physical fitness of MA dependents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With a quark level interaction, we give a unified description of the loosely bound molecular systems composed of the heavy flavor hadrons (D ¯ , D ¯ ∗) , (Λ c , Σ c , Σ c ∗) , and (Ξ c , Ξ c ′ , Ξ c ∗) . Using the P c states as inputs to fix the interaction strength of light quark-quark pairs, we reproduce the observed P cs and T cc + states and predict another narrow T cc ′ + state with quantum numbers [ D ∗ D ∗ ] J = 1 I = 0 . If we require a satisfactory description of the T cc + and P c states simultaneously, our framework prefers the assignments of the P c (4440) and P c (4457) as the [ Σ c D ¯ ∗ ] J = 1 / 2 I = 1 / 2 and [ Σ c D ¯ ∗ ] J = 3 / 2 I = 1 / 2 states, respectively. We propose the isospin criterion to explain naturally why the experimentally observed T cc , P c , and P cs molecular candidates prefer the lowest isospin numbers. We also predict the loosely bound states for the bottom di-hadrons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Numerous studies have demonstrated that brain metastases patients may benefit from intracranial radiotherapy combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). However, it is unclear whether this treatment is effective for patients with small cell lung cancer brain metastases (SCLC‐BMs). Methods: We conducted a retrospective study by analyzing medical records of patients with SCLC‐BMs from January 1, 2017 to June 1, 2022. Data related to median overall survival (mOS), median progression‐free survival (mPFS), and intracranial progression‐free survival (iPFS) were analyzed. Results: A total of 109 patients were enrolled, of which 60 received WBRT and 49 received WBRT‐ICI. Compared to the WBRT alone cohort, the WBRT‐ICI cohort showed longer mOS (20.4 months vs. 29.3 months, p = 0.021), mPFS (7.9 months vs. 15.1 months, p < 0.001), and iPFS (8.3 months vs. 16.5 months, p < 0.001). Furthermore, WBRT‐ICI cohort had a better response rate for both BMs. (p = 0.035) and extracranial diseases (p < 0.001) compared to those receiving WBRT alone. Notably, the use of WBRT before ICI was associated with longer mOS compared to the use of WBRT after ICI (23.3 months for the ICI‐WBRT group vs. 34.8 months for the WBRT‐ICI group, p = 0.020). Conclusion: Our results indicated that WBRT combined with immunotherapy improved survival in SCLC‐BMs patients compared to WBRT monotherapy. Administering WBRT prior to ICI treatment is associated with improved survival outcomes compared to WBRT following ICI treatment, for patients with SCLC‐BMs. These findings highlight the significance of conducting further prospective researches on combination strategies of intracranial radiotherapy and ICI in SCLC‐BMs patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stabilization of a G-quadruplex (G4) in the promotor of the c-MYC proto-oncogene leads to inhibition of gene expression, and it thus represents a potentially attractive new strategy for cancer treatment. However, most G4 stabilizers show little selectivity among the many G4s present in the cellular complement of DNA and RNA. Intriguingly, a crescent-shaped cell-penetrating thiazole peptide, TH3, preferentially stabilizes the c-MYC G4 over other promotor G4s, but the mechanisms leading to this selective binding remain obscure. To investigate these mechanisms at the atomic level, we performed an in silico comparative investigation of the binding of TH3 and its analogue TH1 to the G4s from the promotors of c-MYC, c-KIT1, c-KIT2, and BCL2. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations, combined with in-depth analyses of non-covalent interactions and bulk and per-nucleotide binding free energies, revealed that both TH3 and TH1 can induce the formation of a sandwich-like framework through stacking with both the top and bottom G-tetrads of the c-MYC G4 and the adjacent terminal capping nucleotides. This framework produces enhanced binding affinities for c-MYC G4 relative to other promotor G4s, with TH3 exhibiting an outstanding binding priority. Van der Waals interactions were identified to be the key factor in complex formation in all cases. Collectively, our findings fully agree with available experimental data. Therefore, the identified mechanisms leading to specific binding of TH3 towards c-MYC G4 provide valuable information to guide the development of new selective G4 stabilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To summarize the best evidence for lung cancer screening and follow-up management of pulmonary nodules, and to provide reference for clinical practice. Methods Extensive literature search on lung cancer screening and follow-up management of pulmonary nodules was conducted in CNKI, WANFANG, VIP, PubMed, EMbase and Web of Science. The information extraction, quality evaluation and summary of evidence were carried out, and the retrieval period was up to December 1, 2022. Results A total of 33 articles were included in this study, including 5 guidelines, 2 expert consensuses, 2 expert recommendations, 14 systematic reviews and 10 cohort studies. Finally, 6 recommendations on lung cancer screening were concluded, including screening process, recommended screening age, recommended high-risk groups, recommended screening means, recommended screening frequency, and smoking cessation intervention among smokers. And 2 recommendations on pulmonary nodule management were concluded. Conclusion This study summarizes evidence of lung cancer screening and pulmonary nodules management, which can provide reference for health care personnel to conduct early screening and follow-up management of lung cancer in high-risk groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Residents of long-term care (LTC) facilities constitute a population that is vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection; COVID-19 vaccination effectively reduces severe COVID-19 in these settings. To examine demographic differences in primary and up-to-date vaccination status against COVID-19 among LTC facility residents, a descriptive analysis of COVID-19 vaccination data from the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) COVID-19 vaccination data from October 31, 2022, to May 7, 2023, were analyzed. Being up to date was defined as having received a bivalent COVID-19 vaccine dose or having completed a primary vaccination series <2 months earlier. Geographic disparities in vaccination coverage were identified, with substantially lower prevalences of up-to-date status among LTC facility residents in the South (Region 6) (37.7%) and Southeast (Region 4) (36.5%) than among those in the Pacific Northwest (Region 10) (53.3%) and Mountain West (Region 8) (59.6%) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regions. Up-to-date status was lowest among Black or African American (39.9%) and multiracial (42.2%) LTC facility residents. Strategies to increase up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination among LTC facility residents could include and address these geographic and racial differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common degenerative disease among the elderly population. In addition to cognitive impairment, AD is often accompanied by behavioral manifestations. However, little attention has been paid to changes in bone metabolism and related mechanisms in patients with AD. We found that AD mice (APPswe/PS1dE9) had reduced bone density, weakened bone strength, and amyloid beta (Aβ) deposition in the bone tissue. It was further found that targeting autophagy receptors Optineurin (OPTN) and Sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1) increased bone density and bone strength in AD mice, promoted the clearance of Aβ in the bone tissue, and maintained bone homeostasis. Our study suggests that abnormal Aβ deposition may be the co-pathogenesis of AD and osteoporosis (OP). Targeting OPTN and SQSTM1 has a dual-functional effect of alleviating both AD and OP through selective autophagy that specifically targets Aβ for clearance. Therapeutic strategies targeting autophagy may help guide the treatment of patients with AD complicated with OP. • Alzheimer's disease is often accompanied by behavioral manifestations. • Aβ deposition may be the co-pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and osteoporosis. • Selective autophagy contributes to the clearance of abnormally deposited Aβ. • Targeting autophagy is beneficial for Alzheimer's disease and osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Referred somatic pain triggered by hyperalgesia is common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It was reported that sprouting of sympathetic nerve fibers into the dorsal root ganglion (DGR) and neurogenic inflammation were related to neuropathic pain, the excitability of neurons, and afferents. The purpose of the study was to explore the potential and mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) at Zusanli (ST36) for the intervention of colon inflammation and hyperalgesia. Sprague-Dawley (SD) was randomly divided into four groups, including control, model, EA, and sham-EA. Our results showed EA treatment significantly attenuated dextran sulfate sodium- (DSS-) induced colorectal lesions and inflammatory cytokine secretion, such as TNF-α, IL-1β, PGE2, and IL-6. EA also inhibited mechanical and thermal pain hypersensitivities of colitis rats. Importantly, EA effectively abrogated the promotion effect of DSS on ipsilateral lumbar 6 (L6) DRG sympathetic-sensory coupling, manifested as the sprouting of tyrosine hydroxylase- (TH-) positive sympathetic fibers into sensory neurons and colocalization of and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Furthermore, EA at Zusanli (ST36) activated neurogenic inflammation, characterized by decreased expression of substance P (SP), hyaluronic acid (HA), bradykinin (BK), and prostacyclin (PGI2) in colitis rat skin tissues corresponding to the L6 DRG. Mechanically, EA treatment reduced the activation of the TRPV1/CGRP, ERK, and TLR4 signaling pathways in L6 DRG of colitis rats. Taken together, we presumed that EA treatment improved colon inflammation and hyperalgesia, potentially by suppressing the sprouting of sympathetic nerve fibers into the L6 DGR and neurogenic inflammation via deactivating the TRPV1/CGRP, ERK, and TLR4 signaling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyzes laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 case incidence rates among residents in nursing homes by up-to-date vaccination status in the U.S. from October 10-2022 to January 8, 2023. The study calculated the proportion of up-to-date nursing home residents who received bivalent COVID-19 booster doses. Possible reasons for not receiving booster doses include low booster vaccine effectiveness, misinformation about the severity of illness, or vaccination fatigue.

Objectives: In summer 2021, the number of COVID-19–associated hospitalizations in the United States increased with the surge of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant. We assessed how COVID-19 vaccine initiation and dose completion changed during the Delta variant surge, based on jurisdictional vaccination coverage before the surge. Methods: We analyzed COVID-19 vaccination data reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We classified jurisdictions (50 states and the District of Columbia) into quartiles ranging from high to low first-dose vaccination coverage among people aged ≥12 years as of June 30, 2021. We calculated first-dose vaccination coverage as of June 30 and October 31, 2021, and stratified coverage by quartile, age (12-17, 18-64, ≥65 years), and sex. We assessed dose completion among those who initiated a 2-dose vaccine series. Results: Of 51 jurisdictions, 15 reached at least 70% vaccination coverage before the Delta variant surge (ie, as of June 30, 2021), while 35 reached that goal as of October 31, 2021. Jurisdictions in the lowest quartile of vaccination coverage (44.9%-54.9%) had the greatest absolute (9.7%-17.9%) and relative (18.1%-39.8%) percentage increase in vaccination coverage during July 1–October 31, 2021. Of those who received the first dose during this period across all jurisdictions, nearly 1 in 5 missed the second dose. Conclusions: Although COVID-19 vaccination initiation increased during July 1–October 31, 2021, in jurisdictions in the lowest quartile of vaccination coverage, coverage remained below that of jurisdictions in the highest quartile of vaccination coverage before the Delta variant surge. Efforts are needed to improve access to and increase confidence in COVID-19 vaccines, especially in low-coverage areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanisms underlying osteoarthritis (OA) have recently been hypothesized to involve a dysfunctional immune system. In this study, we collected synovium, synovial fluid (SF), and peripheral blood from 21 patients. Mononuclear cells were characterized using FCM. H&E staining and mIHC histological assessment of synovium were performed. Cytokine levels in the SF were measured using ELISA. We observed similar frequencies of immune cells in the synovium and SF, which were enriched in DCs. Notably, CD1c+CD163+ DC3s were expanded in the synovium and SF. Furthermore, we found that DC3s were primarily located within the ectopic lymphoid-like structure (ELLS) in close proximity to CD8+ T cells. Finally, the level of TNF-α and IL12p70 in the SF correlated with the severity of OA. These data suggest that OA is an immune system-related disease and that DC3s may play an active role in OA progression by promoting ELLS formation and inflammatory responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dust aerosols persistently affect nearly all landscapes worldwide, and the saltation activity caused by dusty weather (e.g., dust days) releases considerable amounts of aerosol into the atmosphere. Nevertheless, dust-induced saltation activity may also occur on non-dust days. To date, few studies have investigated the saltation activity characteristics on non-dust days. Moreover, the contribution of non-dust days to the total saltation activity remains ambiguous. This study comprehensively investigates the characteristics of saltation activity on non-dust days. Specifically, we analyze the influence of the saltation activity of non-dust days on dust aerosols by utilizing saltation, atmospheric, soil, dust aerosol (i.e., PM10 and aerosol optical depth), and weather record data obtained from the Taklimakan Desert, China, between 2008 and 2010. Our results show that lower temperature, vapor pressure, and soil moisture on non-dust days reduces the saltation threshold velocity (5.9 m/s) more compared to on dust days (6.5 m/s). Furthermore, regarding wind speed, relatively strong monthly saltation activity occurs from March to August, and daily saltation activity occurs from 9:00 to 16:00. Although non-dust days only contribute 18.5% and 7.7% to saltation time and saltation count, respectively, both significantly influence the dust aerosols. Therefore, the effect of saltation activity on non-dust days cannot be undervalued, particularly while performing dust aerosol studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Higher COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates in rural than in urban areas are well documented (1). These disparities persisted during the B.1.617.2 (Delta) and B.1.1.529 (Omicron) variant surges during late 2021 and early 2022 (1,2). Rural populations tend to be older (aged ≥65 years) and uninsured and are more likely to have underlying medical conditions and live farther from facilities that provide tertiary medical care, placing them at higher risk for adverse COVID-19 outcomes (2). To better understand COVID-19 vaccination disparities between urban and rural populations, CDC analyzed county-level vaccine administration data among persons aged ≥5 years who received their first dose of either the BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) or mRNA-1273 (Moderna) COVID-19 vaccine or a single dose of the Ad.26.COV2.S (Janssen [Johnson & Johnson]) COVID-19 vaccine during December 14, 2020-January 31, 2022, in 50 states and the District of Columbia (DC). COVID-19 vaccination coverage with ≥1 doses in rural areas (58.5%) was lower than that in urban counties (75.4%) overall, with similar patterns across age groups and sex. Coverage with ≥1 doses varied among states: 46 states had higher coverage in urban than in rural counties, one had higher coverage in rural than in urban counties. Three states and DC had no rural counties; thus, urban-rural differences could not be assessed. COVID-19 vaccine primary series completion was higher in urban than in rural counties. However, receipt of booster or additional doses among primary series recipients was similarly low between urban and rural counties. Compared with estimates from a previous study of vaccine coverage among adults aged ≥18 years during December 14, 2020-April 10, 2021, these urban-rural disparities among those now eligible for vaccination (aged ≥5 years) have increased more than twofold through January 2022, despite increased availability and access to COVID-19 vaccines. Addressing barriers to vaccination in rural areas is critical to achieving vaccine equity, reducing disparities, and decreasing COVID-19-related illness and death in the United States (2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The serologic and cytokine responses of children hospitalized with multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) vs coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are poorly understood. Methods We performed a prospective, multicenter, cross-sectional study of hospitalized children who met the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention case definition for MIS-C (n = 118), acute COVID-19 (n = 88), or contemporaneous healthy controls (n = 24). We measured severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) immunoglobulin G (IgG) titers and cytokine concentrations in patients and performed multivariable analysis to determine cytokine signatures associated with MIS-C. We also measured nucleocapsid IgG and convalescent RBD IgG in subsets of patients. Results Children with MIS-C had significantly higher SARS-CoV-2 RBD IgG than children with acute COVID-19 (median, 2783 vs 146; P  < .001), and titers correlated with nucleocapsid IgG. For patients with MIS-C, RBD IgG titers declined in convalescence (median, 2783 vs 1135; P  = .010) in contrast to patients with COVID-19 (median, 146 vs 4795; P  < .001). MIS-C was characterized by transient acute proinflammatory hypercytokinemia, including elevated levels of interleukin (IL) 6, IL-10, IL-17A, and interferon gamma (IFN-γ). Elevation of at least 3 of these cytokines was associated with significantly increased prevalence of prolonged hospitalization ≥8 days (prevalence ratio, 3.29 [95% CI, 1.17–9.23]). Conclusions MIS-C was associated with high titers of SARS-CoV-2 RBD IgG antibodies and acute hypercytokinemia with IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, and IFN-γ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Birds exhibit a unique asymmetry in terms of gonad development. The female left gonad generates a functional ovary, whereas the right gonad regresses. In males, both left and right gonads would develop into testes. How is this left/right asymmetry established only in females but not in males remains unknown. The epigenetic regulation of gonadal developmental genes may contribute to this sex disparity. The modification of histone tails such as H3K27ac is tightly coupled to chromatin activation and gene expression. To explore whether H3K27ac marked chromatin activation is involved in the asymmetric development of avian gonads, we probed genome-wide H3K27ac occupancy in left and right gonads from both sexes and related chromatin activity profile to the expression of gonadal genes. Furthermore, we validated the effect of chromatin activity on asymmetric gonadal development by manipulating the chromatin histone acetylation levels. Methods: The undifferentiated gonads from both sides of each sex were collected and subjected to RNA-Seq and H3K27ac ChIP-Seq experiments. Integrated analysis of gene expression and active chromatin regions were performed to identify the sex- and situs-specific regulation and expression of gonadal genes. The histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) was applied to the undifferentiated female right gonads to assess the effect of chromatin activation on gonadal gene expression and cell proliferation. Results: Even before sex differentiation, the gonads already show divergent gene expression between different sexes and between left/right sides in females. The sex-specific H3K27ac chromatin distributions coincide with the higher expression of male/female specification genes in each sex. Unexpectedly, the H3K27ac marked chromatin activation show a dramatic difference between left and right gonads in both sexes, although the left/right asymmetric gonadal development was observed only in females but not in males. In females, the side-specific H3K27ac occupancy instructs the differential expression of developmental genes between the pair of gonads and contributes to the development of left but not right gonad. However, in males, the left/right discrepancy of H3K27ac chromatin distribution does not drive the side-biased gene expression or gonad development. The TSA-induced retention of chromatin acetylation causes up-regulation of ovarian developmental genes and increases cell proliferation in the female right gonad. Conclusions: We revealed that left/right asymmetry in H3K27ac marked chromatin activation exists in both sexes, but this discrepancy gives rise to asymmetric gonadal development only in females. Other mechanisms overriding the chromatin activation would control the symmetric development of male gonads in chicken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dust events are frequent in the Tarim Basin because of its underlying desert surface; moreover, meteorological conditions under the influence of the surrounding high terrains, especially the Tibetan Plateau, may also trigger dust events. However, the terrain effect of the Tibetan Plateau on the dust aerosol distribution over the Tarim Basin remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the Tibetan Plateau terrain on the dust aerosol variations in three dust events over the Tarim Basin using the Weather Research and Forecasting Chemistry model. With decreasing altitude of the Tibetan Plateau, dust concentration (DC) decreased in the upper layers and increased in the low layers. The DC within the entire atmospheric layers increased by 8.52%, 24.03%, and 43.05% on average during three dust events at Tibetan Plateau altitudes of 3000 m, 2000 m, and 1000 m, respectively, thereby indicating that the DC in the lower layers increasingly dominated the entire atmospheric layers as the Tibetan Plateau altitude decreased. Low-elevation terrain enhanced the planetary boundary layer height, near-surface wind speed, and surface air temperature, but weakened atmospheric stratification stability, all of which are beneficial for strengthening dust emissions and vertical mixing in the lower layers of the Tarim Basin. Furthermore, a decrease in the Tibetan Plateau altitude led to forming a vertical circulation, with the south to rise and the north to sink over the Tarim Basin. Meteorological field and vertical circulation could adequately explain the changes in the distribution of dust aerosols over the Tarim Basin. Overall, this study enhances our understanding of the effect of the Tibetan Plateau terrain on changes in the dust aerosol in the Tarim Basin and surrounding central Asian regions. [Display omitted] • Tibetan Plateau altitude decreased leads to less DC of the upper layers and more DC in the low layers over the Tarim Basim; • DC in the lower layers increasingly dominated the entire atmospheric layers with the Tibetan Plateau altitude decreased. • Meteorological field and vertical circulation commonly cause the change of dust aerosols distribution over the Tarim Basim. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiscale piezoelectric materials and structures have shown their promising potential of applications in sensor, energy harvester, actuator and so on. However, the large complexity of such materials and structures poses a significant challenge to the accurate and efficient prediction of their piezoelectric behavior which is significant for guiding and optimizing their applications. In this paper, a Direct FE 2 method was proposed for concurrent multilevel modeling of the coupled electromechanical behavior of multiscale piezoelectric materials and structures. The energy equilibrium and kinematic constraints between macro- and meso-scales were satisfied by prescribing periodic boundary conditions for both displacement and electric potential, which were derived from the governing equation of FEM. Another boundary condition was prescribed to the center node of each RVE, to prevent rigid motion and shifting of electric potential of meso-scale RVEs. All these boundary conditions can be easily prescribed to the Direct FE 2 using multiple points constraints (MPCs), a commonly used feature in most commercial software. The accuracy, computational efficiency and ease of numerical implementation of the proposed Direct FE 2 method were validated using a series of multiscale simulations, including the quasi-static response of homogeneous piezoelectric panels, an arc honeycomb structure, a regular honeycomb structure and a piezoelectric composite panel, as well as the dynamic response of the piezoelectric composite panel. It shows that the proposed Direct FE 2 method will be valuable for large-scale simulations of complicated multiscale piezoelectric materials and structures. • A Direct FE 2 method is proposed for concurrent multilevel modeling of multiscale piezoelectric materials and structures. • The proposed methods can accurately capture the coupled electromechanical response of piezoelectric materials and structures. • The computational efficiency of the proposed method is 9 times higher than traditional FE simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vertical distribution and transport properties of dust aerosols play a key role in regional and even global climate and environmental changes. However, there are still gaps in understanding the optical properties, transport mechanisms, and topographic effects on dust in the dust-prone area-southern margin of the Tarim Basin. In this study, we use the Ground-Based Aerosol Lidar (GBQL-01) installed in Hotan and Minfeng in cooperation with the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) to synthesize and analyze the dust formation process at the southern margin of the basin once, and to test the reliability of the ground-based aerosol lidar. The variability characteristics of meteorological elements during this dust process will be discussed. Furthermore, the Weather Research and Forecasting Model with Chemistry (WRF-Chem) was used to reproduce this dust process. The results show that the vertical transport of dust particles reaches about 4 km and 3 km in Hotan and Minfeng, respectively, and the dust aerosol stratification intensity is obvious within 1 km height in both places, and there is a dust aerosol layer at 3 km height in both places. The high winds are blocked by the large topography of the Tianshan Mountains and the northern slopes of the Tibet Plateau, and they change to northeasterly winds, triggering dusty weather outbreaks at the southern margin of the Tarim Basin. When the dusty weather subsided, dust aerosols with concentrations of 300–400 μg m−3 were still present at an altitude of 4 km, and a clear suspended dust phenomenon was formed. Meanwhile, the increase of wind speed and relative humidity, as well as the decrease of temperature, easily contribute to the occurrence of dusty weather and the transport of particulate matter. This work provides a useful reference for the study of regional climate change, topographic effects and "suspended dust". • The evaluation of the ground-based aerosol lidar's performance was conducted in an integrated manner using CALIPSO and particulate matter data. This assessment is essential for future studies. • Data on the height of dust stratification in the southern margin of the Tarim Basin (Hotan and Minfeng) was collected, confirming the presence of a stable aerosol layer at an altitude of 3 km. • The analysis using the WRF-Chem model clearly demonstrates the influence of topographic effects on dust aerosols. Additionally, this study confirms the occurrence of a unique phenomenon known as "suspended dust.". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both collagen fibres and nanohydroxyapatite crystals have anisotropic magnetisation, which allows them to be oriented by a high magnetic field. Highly oriented nanohydroxyapatite/collagen composites were prepared using a high magnetic field combined with in situ synthesis. These highly oriented composites were investigated and compared with conventional composites. The results showed that the collagen fibres in the magnetically induced highly oriented nanohydroxyapatite/collagen composites had a preferred orientation and smaller molecular spacing, while the nanohydroxyapatite crystals were tightly adhered along the collagen fibre surface. The magnetically induced composites exhibited superior resistance to swelling and degradation along with high compressive strength. This artificial composite, with a structure and composition similar to natural bone, represents a new idea for improving materials for vertical or horizontal bone augmentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) is highly effective at preventing hospitalization due to SARS-CoV-2 infection and booster and additional primary dose COVID-19 vaccinations increase protection (1-3). During August-November 2021, a series of Emergency Use Authorizations and recommendations, including those for an additional primary dose for immunocompromised persons and a booster dose for persons aged ≥18 years, were approved because of reduced immunogenicity in immunocompromised persons, waning vaccine effectiveness over time, and the introduction of the highly transmissible B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant (4,5). Adults aged ≥65 years are at increased risk for COVID-19-associated hospitalization and death and were one of the populations first recommended a booster dose in the U.S. (5,6). Data on COVID-19 vaccinations reported to CDC from 50 states, the District of Columbia (DC), and eight territories and freely associated states were analyzed to ascertain coverage with booster or additional primary doses among adults aged ≥65 years. During August 13-November 19, 2021, 18.7 million persons aged ≥65 years received a booster or additional primary dose of COVID-19 vaccine, constituting 44.1% of 42.5 million eligible* persons in this age group who previously completed a primary vaccination series.† Coverage was similar by sex and age group, but varied by primary series vaccine product and race and ethnicity, ranging from 30.3% among non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native persons to 50.5% among non-Hispanic multiple/other race persons. Strategic efforts are needed to encourage eligible persons aged ≥18 years, especially those aged ≥65 years and those who are immunocompromised, to receive a booster and/or additional primary dose to ensure maximal protection against COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A differentiation switch of bone marrow mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (BMSCs) from osteoblasts to adipocytes contributes to age‐ and menopause‐associated bone loss and marrow adiposity. Here it is found that osteocytes, the most abundant bone cells, promote adipogenesis and inhibit osteogenesis of BMSCs by secreting neuropeptide Y (NPY), whose expression increases with aging and osteoporosis. Deletion of NPY in osteocytes generates a high bone mass phenotype, and attenuates aging‐ and ovariectomy (OVX)‐induced bone‐fat imbalance in mice. Osteocyte NPY production is under the control of autonomic nervous system (ANS) and osteocyte NPY deletion blocks the ANS‐induced regulation of BMSC fate and bone‐fat balance. γ‐Oryzanol, a clinically used ANS regulator, significantly increases bone formation and reverses aging‐ and OVX‐induced osteocyte NPY overproduction and marrow adiposity in control mice, but not in mice lacking osteocyte NPY. The study suggests a new mode of neuronal control of bone metabolism through the ANS‐induced regulation of osteocyte NPY. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although severe COVID-19 illness and hospitalization are more common among adults, these outcomes can occur in adolescents (1). Nearly one third of adolescents aged 12-17 years hospitalized with COVID-19 during March 2020-April 2021 required intensive care, and 5% of those hospitalized required endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation (2). On December 11, 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents aged 16-17 years; on May 10, 2021, the EUA was expanded to include adolescents aged 12-15 years; and on August 23, 2021, FDA granted approval of the vaccine for persons aged ≥16 years. To assess progress in adolescent COVID-19 vaccination in the United States, CDC assessed coverage with ≥1 dose* and completion of the 2-dose vaccination series† among adolescents aged 12-17 years using vaccine administration data for 49 U.S. states (all except Idaho) and the District of Columbia (DC) during December 14, 2020-July 31, 2021. As of July 31, 2021, COVID-19 vaccination coverage among U.S. adolescents aged 12-17 years was 42.4% for ≥1 dose and 31.9% for series completion. Vaccination coverage with ≥1 dose varied by state (range = 20.2% [Mississippi] to 70.1% [Vermont]) and for series completion (range = 10.7% [Mississippi] to 60.3% [Vermont]). By age group, 36.0%, 40.9%, and 50.6% of adolescents aged 12-13, 14-15, and 16-17 years, respectively, received ≥1 dose; 25.4%, 30.5%, and 40.3%, respectively, completed the vaccine series. Improving vaccination coverage and implementing COVID-19 prevention strategies are crucial to reduce COVID-19-associated morbidity and mortality among adolescents and to facilitate safer reopening of schools for in-person learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kidney cancer is the third most common malignancy of the urinary system, of which, kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) accounts for the vast majority. Runt-related transcription factors (RUNX) are involved in multiple cellular functions. However, the diverse expression patterns and prognostic values of RUNX genes in kidney cancer remained to be elucidated. In our study, we mined the DNA methylation, transcriptional and survival data of RUNX genes in patients with different kinds of kidney cancer through Oncomine, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis, UALCAN, Kaplan–Meier Plotter, cBioPortal and LinkedOmics. We found that RUNX1 and RUNX3 were upregulated in KIRC tissues compared with those in normal tissues. The survival analysis results indicated a high transcription level of RUNX1 was associated with poor overall survival (OS) in KIRC patients. Furthermore, KIRC tumor tissues had significantly lower levels of RUNX1 promoter methylation than that in paracancerous tissues, with decreased DNA methylation of RUNX1 notably associated with poor OS in KIRC. In conclusion, our results revealed that RUNX1 may be a potential therapeutic target for treating KIRC, and RUNX1 promoter methylation level shows promise as a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker, which laid a foundation for further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor eating habits, especially high-fat and -glucose diets intake, can lead to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in islet β-cells, insulin resistance, and islet β-cell dysfunction and cause islet β-cell apoptosis, which leads to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Taurine is a crucial amino acid in the human body. In this study, we aimed to explore the mechanism through which taurine reduces glycolipid toxicity. INS-1 islet β-cell lines were cultured with a high concentration of fat and glucose. SD rats were fed a high-fat and -glucose diet. MTS, Transmission electron microscopy, Flow cytometry, Hematoxylin-eosin, TUNEL, Western blotting analysis and other methods were used to detect relevant indicators. The research found that taurine increases the cell activity, reduces the apoptosis rate, alleviates the structural changes of ER under high-fat and -glucose exposure models. In addition, taurine improves blood lipid content and islets pathological changes, regulates the relative protein expression in ER stress and apoptosis, increases the insulin sensitivity index (HOMA-IS), and reduces the insulin resistance index (HOMAC-IR) of SD rats fed with a high-fat and -glucose diet. • Taurine can prevent T2DM caused by excessive high-fat and -glucose diets. • Apoptosis induced by HFHG diets are alleviated by taurine through inhibiting ER stress signalling pathway in islet β-cells. • Taurine can reduce the weight gain, blood sugar and insulin resistance caused by glycolipid toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psoriasis is a type of chronic autoimmune-mediated inflammatory skin condition in which clinical manifestations are characterized by erythema and scaly changes, with complex pathogenesis and ease of relapse, and it is difficult to cure. Lenalidomide (Len) is a structural analog of thalidomide, which belongs to the second generation of immunomodulators and has the functions of tumor killing, immune regulation, anti-angiogenesis and regulation of the myeloma microenvironment. In the current experiment, we investigated the therapeutic effect of transdermal application of Len on the pathological changes of imiquimod (IMQ)-induced skin irritations and inflammation in psoriatic-like mice. The in vivo results revealed that Len nanoemulsion-based gels markedly reduced the IMQ-induced Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) score, spleen-to-body weight index and CD4 protein expression in the derma of mice and improved IMQ-induced skin inflammatory cell infiltration. Transcriptome sequencing was intended to obtain the differentially expressed genes among the skin of Con mice and the skin of IMQ mice, and then, the GO enrichment classification and KEGG pathway analysis of the significant genes was executed to obtain major signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of the psoriasis mouse model. It was found that the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was a major pathway in the pathogenesis of psoriasis in a mouse model induced by IMQ. The immunohistochemical results confirmed that Len could modulate the protein expression of AKT and NF-κB in skin. In conclusion, the protective effect of transdermal administration of Len may be related to the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and its downstream NF-κB pathway against IMQ-induced psoriasis in mice. [Display omitted] • The network pharmacology is applied to predict the therapeutic effect of Len on psoriasis. • Transcriptomic is applied to analyse the differentially expressed genes between Con group and IMQ group. • The Len nanoemulsion-based gels were first prepared and it is effective for the psoriasis treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thidiazuron (TDZ) is widely used as a defoliant to induce leaf abscission in cotton. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is still unclear. In this study, RNA-seq and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were performed to reveal the dynamic transcriptome profiling and the change of endogenous phytohormones upon TDZ treatment in leaf, petiole, and abscission zone (AZ). We found that TDZ induced the gene expression of ethylene biosynthesis and signal, and promoted ethylene accumulation earlier in leaf than that in AZ. While TDZ down-regulated indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) biosynthesis genes mainly in leaf and IAA signal and transport genes. Furthermore, the IAA content reduced more sharply in the leaf than that in AZ to change the auxin gradient for abscission. TDZ suppressed CTK biosynthesis genes and induced CTK metabolic genes to reduce the IPA accumulation for the reduction of ethylene sensitivity. Furthermore, TDZ regulated the gene expression of abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis and signal and induced ABA accumulation between 12–48 h, which could up-regulate ABA response factor genes and inhibit IAA transporter genes. Our data suggest that TDZ orchestrates metabolism and signal of ethylene, auxin, and cytokinin, and also the transport of auxin in leaf, petiole, and AZ, to control leaf abscission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on observations from the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) together with an environmental particulate matter analyzer (Grimm-180) and Global Positioning System (GPS) sounding balloons, the vertical structure of dust with different particle sizes was explored over the Taklimakan Desert (TD) during an intensive observation from 1 July 2021 to 31 July 2021. The power functions were fitted between the particle counts and particle sizes, indicating negative correlations with an R2 higher than 0.99 under different dust pollution conditions in Tazhong (TZ). The dust concentrations show a sharp vertical increase over the TD during dust pollution; however, more particles with larger sizes are entrained into the air in TZ compared with Minfeng (MF). The total solar radiation during dust pollution days is significantly weakened, accompanied by major modifications in the temperature stratification, which were characterized by low-level cooling (with −2.71 K mean intensity) and high-level heating (with +0.70 K mean intensity). On clear days, the average convective boundary layer (CBL) heights at the TZ and MF are approximately 3.94 and 2.84 km, respectively, and the average stable boundary layer (SBL) height at the TZ and MF are approximately 0.19 and 0.14 km, respectively. With the increasing dust pollution level, the CBL height decreases rapidly while the SBL height shows the opposite trend. The unique ultra-high atmospheric boundary layer structure in daytime provides beneficial conditions for the suspension and vertical transportation of dust over TD. Moreover, a negative correlation between the CBL height and near-surface PM10/PM2.5/PM1.0 concentration in TD is revealed by power function fittings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteocyte NPY promotes bone marrow adipogenesis at the expense of osteogenesis by BMSC. Osteocyte NPY production is controlled by autonomic nervous system (ANS). B Autonomic Nervous System b In article number 2100808 by Yan Zhang, Hui Xie, and co-workers, osteocyte neuropeptide Y (NPY)-dependent neuronal control of bone marrow mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (BMSC) fate decision is found. I i -Oryzanol attenuates ANS dysregulation, NPY overproduction, and bone-fat imbalance induced by aging and estrogen deficiency. [Extracted from the article]