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Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a severe condition with high mortality and morbidity rates. Evidence on the effectiveness of pharmacological interventions for ARDS treatment is limited. Recent studies suggest that aspirin may prevent ARDS development, but its efficacy in established ARDS is uncertain. We enrolled patients with ARDS using data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV (MIMIC-IV) database. Primary outcomes were 30- and 90-day mortality rates and length of ICU stay. We employed multivariable Cox regression and linear regression models for statistical analysis and used propensity score matching (PSM) to ensure robust results. The study included 10,042 participants with an average age of 61.8 ± 15.3 years. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed significantly lower 30- and 90-day mortality rates in patients treated with pre-ICU admission aspirin compared with non-aspirin use (p < 0.0001). Multivariable Cox regression models revealed a significant 63% reduction in 30-day mortality for pre-ICU aspirin users (HR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.31–0.44, p < 0.001). Aspirin use in the ICU was associated with a 59% reduction in ICU mortality and a 0.68-day reduction in length of ICU stay (p < 0.05). These findings consistently indicate that aspirin may improve survival in patients with ARDS, even after further stratification of aspirin use and PSM analysis. Our findings suggest that aspirin treatment before ICU admission is associated with significantly reduced 30- and 90-day mortality rates and decreased length of ICU stay in patients with ARDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA 4 mC plays a crucial role in the genetic expression process of organisms. However, existing deep learning algorithms have shortcomings in the ability to represent DNA sequence features. In this paper, we propose a 4 mC site identification algorithm, DNABert-4mC, based on a fusion of the pruned pre-training DNABert-Pruning model and artificial feature encoding to identify 4 mC sites. The algorithm prunes and compresses the DNABert model, resulting in the pruned pre-training model DNABert-Pruning. This model reduces the number of parameters and removes redundancy from output features, yielding more precise feature representations while upholding accuracy.Simultaneously, the algorithm constructs an artificial feature encoding module to assist the DNABert-Pruning model in feature representation, effectively supplementing the information that is missing from the pre-trained features. The algorithm also introduces the AFF-4mC fusion strategy, which combines artificial feature encoding with the DNABert-Pruning model, to improve the feature representation capability of DNA sequences in multi-semantic spaces and better extract 4 mC sites and the distribution of nucleotide importance within the sequence. In experiments on six independent test sets, the DNABert-4mC algorithm achieved an average AUC value of 93.81%, outperforming seven other advanced algorithms with improvements of 2.05%, 5.02%, 11.32%, 5.90%, 12.02%, 2.42% and 2.34%, respectively. [Display omitted] • Train a new pruning pretraining model on DNA sequences to extract feature information. • The introduction of manually assisted features has expanded the search space for sequence feature. • Attention fusion strategy better promotes the fusion output of features from different dimensions. • The complementary nature of machine features and manual features better fits the target features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We designed a fiber sensor system comprising fused silica fiber Bragg grating and silicon core fiber-based fiber Bragg grating. • A hybrid fiber Bragg grating sensor system was proposed, employing only two sensing devices to detect three different environmental targets. • Our focus was solely on addressing the connection between two distinct fibers, namely fused silica and silicon core fiber. We discussed the associated loss and spectral distortion issues. In this article, we introduce a multi-parameter fiber sensor system that utilizes a hybrid FBG design. The design combines a fused silica fiber Bragg grating and a fiber Bragg grating based on a silicon core fiber. This combination enables the sensor to detect surrounding temperature, water level, and refractive index. The sensor successfully measured temperature within the range of 10 to 40 °C, water level within the range of 40 to 140 cm, and refractive index within the range of 1.2 to 1.4. These ranges exhibit a high level of linearity within the proposed sensing range. Additionally, we discuss the challenges associated with connecting the fused silica fiber and the silicon core fiber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The improvement of crop resistance to insect using endophytic fungi is an environmentally friendly and sustainable strategy for agricultural pest control. Clarifying the efficacy and mechanism of endophytic fungi in improving crop resistance to pest offers the opportunity for biological control. In this study, changes in the transcriptome and defense compounds of wheat inoculated with endophytic fungal strains (i.e., YC and BB) were evaluated, and the efficacy of endophytic fungi in improving wheat resistance to Rhopalosiphum padi was studied. The results showed that the numbers of upregulated differentially-expressed genes (DEGs) in wheat plants inoculated with endophytic fungal strains YC and BB were higher than those of the downregulated DEGs, irrespective of R. padi infestation. Defense-related metabolic pathways, such as plant hormone signal transduction and secondary metabolite biosynthesis pathways were significantly enriched. Endophytic fungal strains YC and BB significantly increased jasmonic acid, DIMBOA (2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one), total flavone, and tannin contents in wheat plants (P < 0.05) but decreased salicylic acid content. Variations in the contents of defense compounds were significantly correlated with decreased feeding, development, and reproduction of R. padi fed on wheat plants inoculated with strains YC and BB (| r | = 0.68–0.91, P < 0.05). The results suggested that endophytic fungi significantly decreased the feeding efficiency and population fitness [YC: (−11.13%) – (−22.07%); BB: (−10.98%) – (−22.20%)] of R. padi by altering the phytohormone pathway and secondary metabolite biosynthesis in wheat plants. This study helps in understanding of the efficacy of endophytic fungi in improving wheat resistance to insect and will be conducive to integrated pest management. [Display omitted] • The improvement of crop resistance to insect is a friendly and sustainable strategy. • Endophytic fungi YC and BB induced defense-related metabolic pathways in wheat. • Endophytic fungi YC and BB improved wheat resistance to R. padi. • Endophytic fungi can be conducive to integrated pest management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemoresistance is a major therapeutic challenge in advanced gastric cancer (GC). N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification has been shown to play fundamental roles in cancer progression. However, the underlying mechanisms by which m6A modification of circRNAs contributes to GC and chemoresistance remain unknown. We found that hsa_circ_0030632 (circUGGT2) was a predominant m6A target of METTL14, and METTL14 knockdown (KD) reduced circUGGT2 m6A levels but increased its mRNA levels. The expression of circUGGT2 was markedly increased in cisplatin (DDP)-resistant GC cells. CircUGGT2 KD impaired cell growth, metastasis and DDP-resistance in vitro and in vivo , but circUGGT2 overexpression prompted these effects. Furthermore, circUGGT2 was validated to sponge miR-186–3p and upregulate MAP3K9 and could abolish METTL14-caused miR-186–3p upregulation and MAP3K9 downregulation in GC cells. circUGGT2 negatively correlated with miR-186–3p expression and harbored a poor prognosis in patients with GC. Our findings unveil that METTL14-dependent m6A modification of circUGGT2 inhibits GC progression and DDP resistance by regulating miR-186–3p/MAP3K9 axis. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a chronic liver condition and metabolic disorder, has emerged as a significant health issue worldwide. D-mannose, a natural monosaccharide widely existing in plants and animals, has demonstrated metabolic regulatory properties. However, the effect and mechanism by which D-mannose may counteract NAFLD have not been studied. In this study, network pharmacology followed by molecular docking analysis was utilized to identify potential targets of mannose against NAFLD, and the leptin receptor-deficient, genetically obese db/db mice was employed as an animal model of NAFLD to validate the regulation of D-mannose on core targets. As a result, 67 targets of mannose are predicted associated with NAFLD, which are surprisingly centered on the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR). Further analyses suggest that mTOR signaling is functionally enriched in potential targets of mannose treating NAFLD, and that mannose putatively binds to mTOR as a core mechanism. Expectedly, repeated oral gavage of supraphysiological D-mannose ameliorates liver steatosis of db/db mice, which is based on suppression of hepatic mTOR signaling. Moreover, daily D-mannose administration reduced hepatic expression of lipogenic regulatory genes in counteracting NAFLD. Together, these findings reveal D-mannose as an effective and potential NAFLD therapeutic through mTOR suppression, which holds translational promise. • Network pharmacology identifies targets of mannose against NAFLD centered on mTOR. • Mannose putatively binds to the mTOR protein as a core mechanism in treating NAFLD. • Daily oral administration of D-mannose ameliorates liver steatosis of db/db mice. • D-mannose reduced lipogenic regulatory gene expression based on mTOR suppression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The T-cell receptor (TCR) is a specific molecule on the surface of all T cells that mediates cellular adaptive immune responses to antigens. Hucho bleekeri is a critically endangered species and is regarded as a glacial relict that has the lowest-latitude distribution compared with any Eurasian salmonid. In the present study, two TCR genes, namely, TCR α and β , were identified and characterized in H. bleekeri. Both TCR α and TCR β have typical TCR structures, including the IgV domain, IgC domain, connecting peptide, transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains. The two TCR genes were constitutionally expressed in various tissues, with the highest expression found in the spleen for TCR α and in the trunk kidney for TCR β. Challenge of H. bleekeri with LPS or poly(I:C) resulted in significant upregulation of both TCR α and β expression in headkidney and spleen primary cells, indicating their potential roles in the immune response. Molecular polymorphism analysis of the whole ORF regions of TCR α and β in different individuals revealed high diversity of IgV domains of these two genes, especially in complementarity-determining region (CDR) 3. The ratio of nonsynonymous substitution occurred at a significantly higher frequency than synonymous substitution in the CDR of TCR α and β , demonstrating the existence of positive selection. The results obtained in the present study enhance our understanding of TCR roles in regulating immune mechanisms and provide new information for the study of TCR lineage diversity in fish. • T-cell receptors were isolated from critically endangered Hucho bleekeri for the first time. • TCR genes were constitutionally expressed with the highest expression found immune tissues. • LPS or Poly(I:C) challenge resulted in significant upregulation of TCR genes. • Different selection modes were found in the different regions TCR α and TCR β. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The solubility of LiFSI in 11 organic solvents was determined. • Different thermodynamics models were used to correlate the solubility data. • Thermodynamic properties of LiFSI solution were calculated. • Molecular simulation was used to analyze the dissolution behavior of LiFSI. The solubility of LiFSI in ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, propyl acetate, butyl acetate, dimethyl carbonate, ethyl methyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate at 273.15 K to 313.15 K were determined. Elevated temperatures can actuate the continued mixing of LIFSI in the 11 fluids outlined above. In comparison, the addition of an alkyl group to the carbon chain of a structurally similar solvent molecule will result in a smaller solubility of LiFSI. Overall the molar solubility of LiFSI in esters are significantly higher than the other four alcohols. Besides, the corresponding theoretical results were mounted by fitting the classical equation. The deviation of the fitted values from the measured values showed that the Apelblat equation and Yaws model was more effectively in fitting the solubility of LiFSI. Then, The Δ sol H o, Δ sol G o, Δ sol S o of electrolyte solution were discussed by Van't Hoff equation. Their fruits implied that the dissolution of LiFSI is found to be accompanied by heat absorption and entropy gain processes. Finally, the solvent molecular polarity index and solvation free energy were calculated by molecular visualization analysis and molecular dynamics simulation, and the correlation analysis with solubility order was carried out to illustrate the role of molecular features on the LiFSI solubility was explained. Electrostatic interactions and molecular polarity are the leading players in determining its solubility limit. These results will provide valuable reference for the purification of LiFSI and the development of new electrolyte solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Solubility of 2,3-dichloropyridine in 14 pure solvents were measured. • Solubility modeling was realized by seven thermodynamic models. • Hansen solubility parameters were employed to explain solubility behaviors. • Solvent effect was studied by MEPs, Hirshfeld surface analysis and DFT calculation. • Thermodynamic properties were discussed by Van't Hoff equation. The solid–liquid equilibrium data of 2,3-dichloropyridine(23DCP) in 14 pure solvents were measured making use of the laser dynamic monitoring at 278.15/283.15/288.15 K − 313.15 K with 0.1 MPa. The findings of this study showed that the solubility increase of 23DCP in 14 pure solvents had a positive relation with temperature, and the solubility order was 1,4-dioxane > dichloromethane > n-butyl acetate > ethyl acetate > methyl acetate > acetonitrile > n-butanol > isobutyl alcohol > n-propanol > isopropanol > ethanol > cyclohexane > methanol > n-hexane. The solubility data of 23DCP was operated by seven models (Van't Hoff, modified Apelblat, λh, Yaws, NRTL, NRTL-SAC, Wilson) to correlate. And the average ARD values were 1.684 %,1.058 %, 1.031 %, 0.905 %, 0.937 %, 1.012 %, 2.062 % and the average 103RMSD values were 1.978, 1.396, 1.542, 1.221, 1.758, 1.658 and 1.883, respectively. In addition, Hansen solubility parameters were well evaluated to appraise the miscibility of 23DCP in 14 pure solvents. And the interactions between molecules were studied by means of molecular electrostatic potential surface, Hirshfeld surface analysis and density functional theory calculation. Finally, according to Van't Hoff equation, Δ sol G °, Δ sol H ° and Δ sol S ° of 23DCP in 14 pure solvents were got. Δ sol H ° and Δ sol S ° were bigger than zero, representing that this was a dissolution process of endothermic and entropy increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Bacillus amyloliquefaciens HSSN09 with antagonistic effect on FON was isolated. • B. amyloliquefaciens HSSN09 could effectively control watermelon Fusarium wilt and promote the growth of watermelon seedlings. • Tacrolimus has a very obvious antifungal effect and can be used to control watermelon Fusarium wilt. • Tacrolimus was also able to stimulate the growth of watermelon seedlings. • Tacrolimus or its analogs may play a role as a pleiotropic factor in B. amyloliquefaciens HSSN09 biological control. Watermelon Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (FON) is one of the most devastating diseases in watermelon production. Biological control approaches are efficient and environmentally-friendly, thus have aroused broad interest. However, only a few biocontrol factors/molecules have been characterized due to varied genomes and diversified secreted secondary metabolites of biocontrol microorganisms. We report the screen and identification of a Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain HSSN09 with high antagonism to FON and watermelon growth promotion capacity. B. amyloliquefaciens HSSN09 and its secondary metabolites showed inhibition on FON mycelial growth, spore formation and spore germination. Metabolomes of the highly antagonistic strain B. amyloliquefaciens HSSN09, medium antagonistic strain B. amyloliquefaciens FGW53, weakly antagonistic strain B. subtilis JC03 and non-antagonistic strain B. cereus FGW109 were compared with LC-MS/MS. By antagonistic assay, tacrolimus was screened out among the 531 molecules that appeared in the sequencing results of HSSN09 metabolome but not in that of the non-antagonistic strain without significant inhibition on the growth of FON. Among the four tested Bacillus strains, tacrolimus analogue was only observed in the supernatant of HSSN09 by HPLC and MALDI-TOF-MS. We further confirmed the ability of tacrolimus to suppress FON and promote watermelon seedling growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]