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Abstract Background and aims This study aimed to examine the cumulative effects of body mass index (BMI), body roundness index (BRI), pulse pressure (PP), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) on Type 2 diabetes (T2D) morbidity. Methods A total of 78,456 participants aged older than 45 years were extracted from basic public health services in China. During the 2-year follow-up, 6,942 individuals had developed T2D. The binary logistic regression models and multinomial logistic regression models were conducted to investigate the effects of cumulative metabolic parameters on incident T2D, prediabetes regression and progression. Results We found statistically deleterious impacts of exposure to high cumulative BMI, BRI, PP, TG and low cumulative HDL on T2D morbidity and prediabetes progression. Compared to the group with low cumulative of all five parameters, the adjusted ORs for new-onset T2D for participants presenting with 1–2, 3, and 4–5 elevated metabolic parameters were 1.41(1.31,1.52), 1.93(1.74,2.13) and 2.21(1.94,2.51), respectively. There was additive interaction between FPG level and cumulative metabolic parameters with T2D. Compared with participants with the lowest quartile of FPG and low cumulative of all 5 parameters, those with the highest quartile of FPG and high cumulative of 4–5 parameters had a 14.63 [95% CI (12.27, 17.42)] higher risk of incident T2D. Conclusions Participants with more numbers of high-cumulative metabolic parameters were associated with a higher risk of incident T2D and prediabetes progression. A high level of normal FPG could enhance these risks.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), as potent reinforcements in composites, have demonstrated excellent strengthening effects when combined with copper in numerous recent studies. Challenges remain in the application of these composites and in fully leveraging the reinforcing capabilities of CNTs to achieve comprehensive performance enhancement. The performance of CNTs/Cu composites can be flexibly regulated owing to the unique structure and properties of CNTs. To achieve the fabrication of high-performance and diverse CNTs/Cu composites, a profound understanding of the reinforcement mechanisms of CNTs in the composites is essential, along with the consideration of key influencing factors on performance. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the reinforcement mechanisms of CNTs on the mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of CNTs/Cu composites. Factors influencing the effectiveness of CNT reinforcement in composites are discussed, including the attributes and dispersion of CNTs, the architectures of composites, and the interface between CNTs and Cu. Furthermore, this study explores the role of CNTs in addressing the trade-off between high strength and high conductivity as well as between high strength and high ductility in the copper matrix.

Abstract Sugar content is a critical indicator of fruit quality and is mainly controlled by sugar transporters. Sugars will eventually be exported transporters (SWEET) proteins play an indispensable role in sugar allocation between and within plant organs. Sucrose is the major sugar in many fruits and the predominant form of sugar translocated in peach (Prunus persica). However, the role of the multiple peach SWEET genes in sucrose allocation to fruit remains elusive. In this study, a total of 19 SWEET candidates have been identified in the peach genome, and two Clade III SWEET genes, PpSWEET9a and PpSWEET14, are found to be highly expressed in mature source leaves and branches. Complementation assays, transgene manipulations, and protein interaction studies reveal that PpSWEET9a and PpSWEET14 serve as sucrose efflux proteins and form a heterooligomer that synergistically directs sucrose allocation from source leaves to fruits. Our findings provide insights into the effect of SWEETs on sugar accumulation in peach fruit and identify genetic candidates for improving fruit quality.

Abstract Shape transformations of active composites (ACs) depend on the spatial distribution of constituent materials. Voxel-level complex material distributions can be encoded by 3D printing, offering enormous freedom for possible shape-change 4D-printed ACs. However, efficiently designing the material distribution to achieve desired 3D shape changes is significantly challenging yet greatly needed. Here, we present an approach that combines machine learning (ML) with both gradient-descent (GD) and evolutionary algorithm (EA) to design AC plates with 3D shape changes. A residual network ML model is developed for the forward shape prediction. A global-subdomain design strategy with ML-GD and ML-EA is then used for the inverse material-distribution design. For a variety of numerically generated target shapes, both ML-GD and ML-EA demonstrate high efficiency. By further combining ML-EA with a normal distance-based loss function, optimized designs are achieved for multiple irregular target shapes. Our approach thus provides a highly efficient tool for the design of 4D-printed active composites.

We proposed a unique wire-production process by rolling up and drawing chemical vapor deposition copper/graphene (Cu/Gr) foils, and a good strength-conductivity trade-off was achieved originating from the dispersed Gr in Cu matrix and the high-quality heterointerfaces. The 1.14 mm cold-drawn composite wire exhibited a tensile strength of 455 ± 5 MPa and a conductivity of 98.18 ± 0.16 % of the International Annealed Copper Standard (IACS), and the tensile strength was 250 ± 2 MPa with a satisfied electrical conductivity of 101.68 ± 0.52 % IACS upon annealing. The microstructure involution during the preparing process was revealed, and the reinforcement mechanisms in the yield strength and conductivity due to the introduced Gr were clarified. The results indicated that the Gr plays a role in pinning dislocations and preventing grain boundary movement during deformation and the subsequent annealing, thereby enhancing the strength of the Cu matrix. Meanwhile, the Cu-Gr coupling interfaces exhibited an electronic doping effect, enhancing the conductive properties. Our work presented a feasible method for preparing Cu/Gr composite wire with comprehensive electrical conductivity and strength optimization.

Failure behavior of epoxy coating/low alloy steel systems applied with cathodic polarization at 0.1 MPa and 15 MPa was investigated based on a deep−sea environment simulation test device. The results showed that the diffusion of water into the coating was significantly accelerated by the high hydrostatic pressure under the same polarization potential, and the time of water uptake of the coating that reached saturation was shortened; the coating's physical structure was significantly affected by the high hydrostatic pressure; the generation of highly conductive Fe3O4 was promoted in the corrosion products, which accelerated the metal corrosion process. Under the same hydrostatic pressure, with the negative shift of the polarization potential, the coating protective performance was significantly reduced and metal corrosion was mitigated to a certain extent; the water transport behavior showed a tendency to shorten the time of water uptake of the coating that reached saturation and lengthen the duration of the saturation state, which may be related to a more severe degree of cathodic delamination and the increase of water consumption for cathodic reactions under the coating. In addition, the increase of the weakly conductive α−Fe2O3 content in the corrosion products may cause a reduction in the cathodic protection current at the same polarization potential, resulting in the reduction of the protection effect on the metal.

Chinese plum (Prunus salicina Lindl.) originates from China and makes a large contribution to the global production of plums. The P. salicina ‘Wushancuili’ has a green coloration and high fruit quality and is economically important in eliminating poverty and protecting ecology in the Yangtze River Three Gorges Reservoir. However, rain-induced cracking (rain-cracking, literally skin cracking caused by rain) is a limitation to ‘Wushancuili’ fruit production and causes severe losses. This study reported a high-quality ‘Wushancuili’ genome assembly consisting of a 302.17-Mb sequence with eight pseudo-chromosomes and a contig N50 of 23.59 Mb through the combination of Illumina sequencing, Pacific Biosciences HiFi Ⅲ sequencing, and high-throughput chromosome conformation capture technology. A total of 25 109 protein-coding genes are predicted and 54.17% of the genome is composed of repetitive sequences. ‘Wushancuili’ underwent a remarkable orthoselection during evolution. Gene identification revealed that loss-of-function in four core MYB10 genes results in the anthocyanin deficiency and absence of red color, revealing the green coloration due to the residual high chlorophyll in fruit skin. Besides, the occurrence of cracking is assumed to be closely associated with cell wall modification and frequently rain-induced pathogen enrichment through transcriptomic analysis. The loss of MYB10 genes might render fruit more susceptible to pathogen-mediated cracking by weakening the epidermal strength and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging. Our findings provided fundamental knowledge regarding fruit coloration and rain-cracking and will facilitate genetic improvement and cultivation management in Chinese plums.

This research employs a fixed effect model to empirically estimate panel data from 37 OECD countries spanning 2000 to 2021, revisiting the influence of government R&D expenditure on innovation within the theory of marginal diminishing effect. Results reveal a significant positive effect of government R&D expenditure on national innovation capacity, and this influence remains robust under robustness checks. Then, quantile regression uncovers a nuanced pattern, indicating that as a country’s innovation capacity strengthens, the stimulative effect of government R&D expenditure initially rises and subsequently declines. Additionally, incorporating lags of the independent variable at different periods affirms the time lag effect of government R&D expenditure on national innovation capacity. Deeper scrutiny using two fixed effect models including interaction terms reveals a multifaceted mechanism, where government R&D expenditure fosters innovation by promoting bank credit, yet simultaneously suppresses innovation by hindering non-governmental R&D intensity. Lastly, heterogeneity analysis affirms that government efficiency, democracy, ruling party ideology, political stability, and economic freedom moderate the link between government R&D expenditure and national innovation capacity. These insights offer new references for governments to promote innovation. First published online 23 October 2024

Abstract Fracture non‐union occurs due to various factors, leading to the development of potentially substantial bone defects. While autograft and allograft are the current gold standards for non‐union fractures, challenges related to availability and immune rejection highlight the need for improved treatments. A strategy in bone tissue engineering is to harness growth factors to induce an effect on cells to change their phenotype, behavior and initiate signaling pathways which lead to increased matrix deposition and tissue formation. Bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) is a potent osteogenic growth factor however, given its rapid clearance time in vivo, there is a specific therapeutic window for efficacy while avoiding potential deleterious side‐effects. It is demonstrated that a Laponite nanoclay coating on a 3D printable and bioresorbable poly(caprolactone) trimethacrylate‐based resin enables binding of BMP‐2, decreases the rate of release, enabling reduced concentrations to be used while enhancing osteoinduction in both in vitro and in vivo models.

Background: Gerberae Piloselloidis Herba (GPH) exhibits notable efficacy in alleviating allergic asthma. Previous studies in our research have identified a mixture of luteolin, arbutin, and marmesin as effective components of GPH in treating allergic asthma. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study aims to elucidate the molecular mechanism of these active components. Method: Using an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma mouse model, various treatment groups were administered, including GPH, the active component mixture (termed ''Mixture'') containing luteolin, arbutin, and marmesin, and a positive drug (dexamethasone, DEX). Relevant indices were assessed, including behavioral characteristics, inflammatory cell counts, cytokine levels, histopathological examination of lung tissue, apoptosis, and expression of key proteins such as Caspase-3, Bax, Bcl-2, PI3K, p-PI3K, Akt, and p-Akt. The effect of the Mixture on the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was further verified using the PI3K inhibitor LY294002. Results: The Mixture significantly alleviated asthma symptoms, decreased IgE levels, cytokine levels (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and TNF-α), and the number of inflammatory cells in serum or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), leading to the alleviation of lung pathological lesions. Additionally, the Mixture reduced the expression of Bax and Caspase-3 while increasing Bcl-2 expression, resulting in mitigated apoptosis in lung tissue. Furthermore, there appeared a decrease in the levels of PI3K and p-PI3K, as well as the ratio of p-Akt to Akt in the Mixture group, indicating the suppression of PI3K and Akt phosphorylation. Interestingly, the effects of the Mixture were comparable to those of GPH, LY294002, or the combination of LY294002 with the Mixture. Conclusion: The study confirms that the Mixture containing luteolin, arbutin, and marmesin indeed alleviates allergic asthma induced by OVA in mice by suppressing the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. These findings highlight the potential of the GPH-derived Mixture as a novel therapeutic for the treatment of allergic asthma.

Abstract Selective CO2 photoreduction to C2 hydrocarbons is significant but limited by the inadequate adsorption strength of the reaction intermediates and low efficiency of proton transfer. Herein, an ameliorative *CO adsorption and H2O activation strategy is realized via decorating bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) nanostructures with different metal (Pt, Pd, and Au) species. Experimental and theoretical calculation results reveal that distinct *CO binding energies and *H acquisition abilities of the metal cocatalysts mediate the CO2 reduction activity and hydrocarbon selectivity. The relatively moderate *CO adsorption and *H supply over Pd/BiOCl endows it with the lowest free energy to generate *CHO, leading to its highest activity of hydrocarbon production. Specifically, the Pt cocatalyst can efficiently participate in H2O dissociation to deliver more *H for facilitating the protonation of the *CHO and *CHOH, thereby favoring CH4 production with 76.51% selectivity. A lower *H supply over Pd/BiOCl and Au/BiOCl results in a large energy barrier for *CHO or *CHOH protonation and thus a more thermodynamically favored OC─CHO coupling pathway, which endows them with vastly increased C2 hydrocarbon selectivity of 81.21% and 92.81%, respectively. The understanding of efficient C2 hydrocarbon production in this study sheds light on how materials can be engineered for photocatalytic CO2 reduction.

This study aimed to explore the key factors affecting pig farmers’ willingness to participate in a pig manure outsourcing treatment project (PMOTP) from the perspectives of transaction costs and peer effects. Survey data from 512 pig farmers and the probit and Heckman probit models were used to estimate the impact of transaction costs and peer effects on farmers’ participation in the PMOTP. The results demonstrate that more than 62% of farmers are willing to participate in the PMOTP, and the average willingness to pay reaches 7.2 yuan/ton. Farmers’ willingness to participate in the PMOTP decreases with asset specificity, transaction frequency and uncertainty but increases with peer effects. Moreover, peer effects attenuate the inhibitory effect of transaction costs on farmers’ participation in the PMOTP. Heterogeneity analysis showed that large-scale farmers without the self-breeding and self-rearing model are more affected by transaction costs and peer effects than other farmers. Moreover, asset specificity and peer effects are likely to increase farmers’ willingness to pay for the project, which suggests that larger farms are more willing to invest in the PMOTP. These findings provide a useful reference for establishing a model for sustainable environmental service projects in the farming industry.

Summary: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), an oncogenic herpesvirus, is predominantly found in the latent infection form and is highly associated with many human malignancies, which mainly have poor prognoses and no effective treatments. Here, we obtained thirteen compounds from small-molecule libraries for specific inhibition of EBV-latently infected cell growth in vitro by high-throughput screening. Among them, cetrimonium bromide (CetB) was identified to selectively inhibit the growth of different EBV-infected B lymphoma cell lines. Importantly, CetB reduced EBNA1 protein stability, activated G1 arrest and early apoptosis of EBV-latently infected cells without viral lytic reactivation, which leads to dramatically inhibit colony formation and tumor growth of EBV-infected cells in vitro and in vivo, and significantly prolong the survival of tumor-bearing mice. Overall, these findings demonstrate that CetB acts as a highly selective inhibitor of the growth of EBV-infected cells and has the potential for further development of effective therapeutic strategies specific against EBV-associated cancers.

Abstract Oral poisoning can trigger diverse physiological reactions, determined by the toxic substance involved. One such consequence is hyperchloremia, characterized by an elevated level of chloride in the blood and leads to kidney damage and impairing chloride ion regulation. Here, we conducted a comprehensive genome-wide analysis to investigate genes or proteins linked to hyperchloremia. Our analysis included functional enrichment, protein–protein interactions, gene expression, exploration of molecular pathways, and the identification of potential shared genetic factors contributing to the development of hyperchloremia. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that oral poisoning owing hyperchloremia is associated with 4 proteins e.g. Kelch-like protein 3, Serine/threonine-protein kinase WNK4, Serine/threonine-protein kinase WNK1 and Cullin-3. The protein–protein interaction network revealed Cullin-3 as an exceptional protein, displaying a maximum connection of 18 nodes. Insufficient data from transcriptomic analysis indicates that there are lack of information having direct associations between these proteins and human-related functions to oral poisoning, hyperchloremia, or metabolic acidosis. The metabolic pathway of Cullin-3 protein revealed that the derivative is Sulfonamide which play role in, increasing urine output, and metabolic acidosis resulted in hypertension. Based on molecular docking results analysis it found that Cullin-3 proteins has the lowest binding energies score and being suitable proteins. Moreover, no major variations were observed in unbound Cullin-3 and all three peptide bound complexes shows that all systems remain compact during 50 ns simulations. The results of our study revealed Cullin-3 proteins be a strong foundation for the development of potential drug targets or biomarker for future studies.

The pursuit of high-performance is worth considerable effort in catalysis for energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. To develop redox catalysts with superior performance for soot combustion, a series of MnxCoy oxides were synthesized using MgO template substitution. This method greatly improves the preparation and catalytic efficiency and is more in line with the current theme of green catalysts and sustainable development. The resulting Mn1Co2.3 has a strong activation capability of gaseous oxygen due to a high concentration of Co3+ and Mn3+. The Mn doping enhanced the intrinsic activity by prompting oxygen vacancy formation and gaseous oxygen adsorption. The nanosheet morphology with abundant mesoporous significantly increased the solid–solid contact efficiency and improved the adsorption capability of gaseous reactants. The novel design of Mn1Co2.3 oxide enhanced its catalytic performance through a synergistic effect of Mn doping and the porous nanosheet morphology, showing significant potential for the preparation of high-performance soot combustion catalysts.

Assembly of AgStBu and PhCOOH ligands with the assistance of soluble silver salt CH3COOAg/CF3SO3Ag in methanol, N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and dichloromethane solution, yielded two Ag20 cage isomers co-constructed by thiol and carboxylate/sulfonate ligands encapsulating a CO32– anion template, [(CO32–)@Ag20(StBu)10(PhCOO)4(CH3COO)4(DMF)4] (1) and [(CO32–)@Ag20(StBu)10(PhCOO)6(CF3SO3)2(DMF)4]·2DMF (2). The CO32– anion template was generated in situ by fixing atmospheric CO2. The precise structures of 1 and 2 were confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffractometry (SCXRD). The thermal stability of compounds 1 and 2 was proved by thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, and their solution stability was characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance hydrogen spectroscopy (1H NMR). The absorption spectra, photocurrent responses, and luminescence of compounds 1 and 2 were investigated. In addition, the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) and cyclic voltammetry characteristic curves of 1 and 2 were also studied.

BackgroundPost-stroke depression (PSD) is a prevalent psychiatric disorder affecting about one-third of stroke survivors, significantly hindering recovery and quality of life. PSD also imposes a substantial burden on caregivers and healthcare systems. Aromatherapy has shown promise in alleviating depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. This pilot randomized controlled trial aims to assess the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of mixed herb aromatherapy in treating PSD. Feasibility outcomes encompass recruitment, intervention adherence, assessment completion and safety assessment. Secondary outcomes include evaluations of depression, anxiety, cognitive function, sleep quality, quality of life, and brain function using EEG and fNIRS.MethodsThis single-blind pilot randomized controlled trial will be conducted at the Second Rehabilitation Hospital of Shanghai, enrolling ninety-nine post-stroke patients with PSD. Participants will be randomized into three groups: a Non-Active Control Group receiving standardized rehabilitation therapy, a CBT Group receiving conventional rehabilitation with bi-weekly CBT sessions, and an Aromatherapy Group receiving conventional rehabilitation with daily aromatic inhalation sessions. Interventions will last for four weeks, with efficacy assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and one month post-intervention. Rating scales will be used to measure changes in depression, sleep quality, cognitive function, and quality of life. EEG and fNIRS will specifically be used to measure changes in cerebral cortex activity and their correlations with depression. Feasibility will be evaluated through recruitment, intervention adherence, assessment completion and safety assessment.DiscussionThis pilot study highlights the potential of mixed herb aromatherapy inhalation for treating PSD, addressing limitations of CBT by promoting self-management. While demonstrating feasibility through recruitment, adherence, assessment completion and safety assessment, the study also acknowledges limitations such as unequal intervention times, the lack of physical function data. And the use of culturally relevant plant powders may enhance compliance but limits generalizability. Despite these constraints, the study provides valuable preliminary data and insights into the mechanisms of aromatherapy, encouraging further research and development of effective PSD treatments.

Abstract Grayscale digital light processing (DLP) printing is a simple yet effective way to realize the variation of material properties by tuning the grayscale value. However, there is a lack of available design methods for grayscale DLP 3D‐printed structures due to the complexities arising from the voxel‐level grayscale distribution, nonlinear material properties, and intricate structures. Inspired by the dexterous motions of natural organisms, a design and fabrication framework for grayscale DLP‐printed soft robots is developed by combining a grayscale‐dependent hyperelastic constitutive model and a voxel‐based finite‐element model. The constitutive model establishes the relationship between the projected grayscale value and the nonlinear mechanical properties, while the voxel‐based finite‐element model enables fast and efficient calculation of the mechanical performances with arbitrarily distributed material properties. A multiphysics modeling and experimental method is developed to validate the homogenization assumption of the degree of conversion (DoC) variation in a single voxel. The design framework is used to design structures with reduced stress concentration and programmable multimodal motions. This work paves the way for integrated design and fabrication of functional structures using grayscale DLP 3D printing.

Objectives The objective of the study was to assess the clinical predictive value of the dynamics of absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) for 90-day all-cause mortality in sepsis patients in intensive care unit (ICU).Design Retrospective cohort study using big data.Setting This study was conducted using the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV database V.2.0 database.Primary and secondary outcome measures The primary outcome was 90-day all-cause mortality.Participants Patients were included if they were diagnosed with sepsis on the first day of ICU admission. Exclusion criteria were ICU stay under 24 hours; the absence of lymphocyte count on the first day; extremely high lymphocyte count (>10×109/L); history of haematolymphatic tumours, bone marrow or solid organ transplants; survival time under 72 hours and previous ICU admissions. The analysis ultimately included 17 329 sepsis patients.Results The ALC in the non-survivors group was lower on days 1, 3, 5 and 7 after admission (p

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is a potentially life-threatening complication after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Standard steroid first-line treatment could not satisfy therapeutic needs due to limited efficacy. As a highly selective Janus kinase (JAK) 1 inhibitor, SHR0302 exhibits a reduced inhibition effect on JAK2 and might have less effect on hematopoiesis. This phase I clinical trial investigated the tolerability and safety of SHR0302 in combination with prednisone, and its early efficacy evidence as a potential first-line treatment to moderate/severe cGVHD. The standard 3 + 3 dose escalation was implemented to find the optimal dose of SHR0302. And prednisone was concurrently administrated with a dose of 1 mg/kg/d and then gradually tapered after 2 weeks. Eighteen patients were enrolled into the study. Grade ≥ 3 treatment-related adverse events were observed in 38.9% of patients. Only one patient developed DLT (grade ≥ 3 hypercholesterolemia) in the highest dose-level group who had pre-existing hypercholesterolemia. The maximum tolerated dose was not reached. No patient discontinued treatment due to AEs. Sixteen out of 18 patients were evaluable for responses, the ORR at week 4 and week 24 were 94.4 and 87.5%, respectively. Overall, the treatment of SHR0302 combined with prednisone was safe and well-tolerated, preliminary clinical results presented a high response for previously untreated cGVHD and a significant reduction in prednisone use in this study. A phase II trial will be conducted to further investigate its therapeutic effects clinically.

ObjectivesThe altered neuromelanin in substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) is a valuable biomarker in the detection of early-stage Parkinson’s disease (EPD). Diagnosis via visual inspection or single radiomics based method is challenging. Thus, we proposed a novel hybrid model that integrates radiomics and deep learning methodologies to automatically detect EPD based on neuromelanin-sensitive MRI, namely short-echo-time Magnitude (setMag) reconstructed from quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM).MethodsIn our study, we collected QSM images including 73 EPD patients and 65 healthy controls, which were stratified into training-validation and independent test sets with an 8:2 ratio. Twenty-four participants from another center were included as the external validation set. Our framework began with the detection of the brainstem utilizing YOLO-v5. Subsequently, a modified LeNet was applied to obtain deep learning features. Meanwhile, 1781 radiomics features were extracted, and 10 features were retained after filtering. Finally, the classified models based on radiomics features, deep learning features, and the hybrid of both were established through machine learning algorithms, respectively. The performance was mainly evaluated using accuracy, net reclassification improvement (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI). The saliency map was used to visualize the model.ResultsThe hybrid feature-based support vector machine (SVM) model showed the best performance, achieving ACC of 96.3 and 95.8% in the independent test set and external validation set, respectively. The model established by hybrid features outperformed the one radiomics feature-based (NRI: 0.245, IDI: 0.112). Furthermore, the saliency map showed that the bilateral “swallow tail” sign region was significant for classification.ConclusionThe integration of deep learning and radiomic features presents a potent strategy for the computer-aided diagnosis of EPD. This study not only validates the accuracy of our proposed model but also underscores its interpretability, evidenced by differential significance across various anatomical sites.

Two silver alkynyl clusters, [(CO32−)@Ag20(tBuC≡C)14(PhCOO)3(CF3COO)] (1) and [(CO32−)@Ag20(tBuC≡C)14(PhCOO)(CF3COO)3] (2), composed of alkynyl Ag20 shell templated by a CO32− anion and supported by carboxyl ligands PhCOO− and CF3COO−, were synthesized successfully by conventional methods. Single crystal X–ray diffractometer (SCXRD) was used to determine the precise structures of 1 and 2. Although compounds 1 and 2 have the [(CO32−)@Ag20(tBuC≡C)14]4+ unit, the numbers of PhCOO− and CF3COO− ligands along with Ag···Ag interactions were affected by the steric hindrance of different carboxyl ligands and their concentrations. That is, compounds 1 and 2 separately contain the [(CO32−)@Ag20(tBuC≡C)14(PhCOO)(CF3COO)]2+ unit, which is involved in the ligand exchange between PhCOO− and CF3COO−. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to characterized compounds 1 and 2. The photocurrent responses, absorption spectra, as well as luminescence of 1 and 2 have been studied. In addition, the reduction of H2O2 for GCE–1 and GCE–2 showed good electrocatalytic activity, and catalysts 1 and 2 showed good photocatalytic degradation efficiency of methylene blue (MB). The results suggest that 1 and 2 can act as new electrocatalysts and photocatalysts to detect and decompose organic pollutants and hazardous materials in wastewater.

Abstract Background Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is the common clinical cardiovascular disease, and easily develops into post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). The study aimed to examine the clinical value of long non-coding RNA NORAD gene in the development of DVT and PTS. In vitro, the underlying mechanism was explored. Methods Serum levels of lncRNA NORAD gene in 85 DVT cases and 85 healthy individuals were tested. The role of lncRNA NORAD gene in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) proliferation, migration and inflammation was examined. The candidate downstream target gene was predicted via bioinformatic analysis. Gene ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were done for the function annotation and pathway enrichment. Results LncRNA NORAD gene was at high expression in the serum of DVT patients, it can distinguish DVT patients from healthy controls with the area under the curve of 0.919. Elevated expression of lncRNA NORAD gene in PTS patients was detected, DVT cases with high expression of lncRNA NORAD gene were more susceptible to PTS. LncRNA NORAD gene knockdown promoted HUVECs’ proliferation, migration while suppressing cell apoptosis and inflammation. MiR-93-5p served as a target of lncRNA NORAD gene, and its overexpression reversed the role of lncRNA NORAD gene in the biological function of HUVECs. The target genes of miR-93-5p were enriched in HIF-1 signaling, TGF-beta signaling and PI3K-Akt signaling, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network indicated STAT3, MAPK1 to be the key targets. Conclusions Upregulation of expression of lncRNA NORAD gene was a potential diagnostic biomarker for DVT and related to the development of PTS. LncRNA NORAD/miR-93-5p axis was involved in the progress of DVT through regulating endothelial cell function.

Abstract The elevation in the optic nerve sheath (ONS) pressure (ONSP) due to microgravity-induced headward fluid shift is the primary hypothesized contributor to SANS. This longitudinal study aims to quantify the axial plane of the optic nerve subarachnoid space area (ONSSA), which is filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and expands with elevated ONSP during and after head-down tilt (HDT) bed rest (BR). 36 healthy male volunteers (72 eyes) underwent a 90-day strict 6° HDT BR. Without obtaining the pre-HDT data, measurements were performed on days 30, 60, and 90 during HDT and at 6 recovery time points extended to 180-days (R + 180) in a supine position. Portable B-scan ultrasound was performed using the 12 MHz linear array probe binocularly. The measurements of the ONS and the calculation of the ONSSA were performed with ImageJ 1.51 analysis software by two experienced observers in a masked manner. Compared to R + 180, the ONSSA on HDT30, HDT60, and HDT90 exhibited a consistently significant distention of 0.44 mm2 (95% CI: 0.13 to 0.76 mm2, P = 0.001), 0.45 mm2 (95% CI: 0.15 to 0.75 mm2, P = 0.001), and 0.46 mm2 (95% CI: 0.15 to 0.76 mm2, P

Background: Concerns have been raised regarding the effects of perfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) exposure on cardiovascular diseases (CVD), but clear evidence linking PFAS exposure to CVD is lacking, and the mechanism remains unclear. Objectives: To study the association between PFASs and CVD in U.S. population, and to reveal the mechanism of PFASs’ effects on CVD. Methods: To assess the relationships between individual blood serum PFAS levels and the risk of total CVD or its subtypes, multivariable logistic regression analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were conducted on all participants or subgroups among 3391 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The SuperPred and GeneCards databases were utilized to identify potential targets related to PFAS and CVD, respectively. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses of intersection genes were performed using Metascape. Protein interaction networks were generated, and core targets were identified with STRING. Molecular docking was achieved using Autodock Vina 1.1.2. Results: There was a positive association between Me-PFOSA-AcOH and CVD (OR = 1.28, p = 0.022), especially coronary heart disease (CHD) (OR = 1.47, p = 0.007) and heart attack (OR = 1.58, p < 0.001) after adjusting for all potential covariates. Me-PFOSA-AcOH contributed the most to distinguishing between individuals in terms of CVD and non-CVD. Significant moderating effects for Me-PFOSA-AcOH were observed in the subgroup analysis stratified by sex, ethnicity, education level, PIR, BMI, smoking status, physical activity, and hypertension (p < 0.05). The potential intersection targets were mainly enriched in CVD-related pathways, including the inflammatory response, neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction, MAPK signaling pathway, and arachidonic acid metabolism. TLR4 was identified as the core target for the effects of Me-PFOSA-AcOH on CVD. Molecular docking results revealed that the binding energy of Me-PFOSA-AcOH to the TLR4-MD-2 complex was −7.2 kcal/mol, suggesting that Me-PFOSA-AcOH binds well to the TLR4-MD-2 complex. Conclusions: Me-PFOSA-AcOH exposure was significantly associated with CVD. Network toxicology and molecular docking uncovered novel molecular targets, such as TLR4, and identified the inflammatory and metabolic mechanisms underlying Me-PFOSA-AcOH-induced CVD.

This research produced five hybrid-bonded fiber-reinforced plastic (HB-FRP)-reinforced beam specimens, and different fatigue load amplitudes were used as parameter variables for the fatigue performance tests of the FRP–concrete interface. The results show that FRP sliding with the number of cycles can be roughly divided into fatigue initiation stage, fatigue development stage, and fatigue damage stage, and finally, because the load is too large and friction, pin, and bonding cannot provide a greater inhibition effect, FRP adhesive length is not enough to withstand the stripping load and failure. FRP slip increases with increasing fatigue load amplitude for the same number of fatigue cycles; for the specimens with fatigue damage, the interfacial stiffness of FRP–concrete decreases with the increase in the number of cyclic, and the rate of stiffness damage at the FRP–concrete interface accelerates with increasing fatigue load amplitude. For fatigue load magnitudes higher than 0.6, the slopes of fatigue bond–slip curves decrease with the increase in the number of cycles. When the fatigue load magnitude is lower than 0.4, the slope of the fatigue bond–slip curve increases with the number of cycles and is close to the slope of the monotonically loaded curve. Due to the difference in load class, the bond strength of HB-F-1 continues to decrease with the increase in fatigue times, decreasing by 26% after 100 fatigue cycles and decreasing to 7.33 MPa after 5000 fatigue cycles. The bond strength of the sample HB-F-2 first increased and then decreased with the increase in fatigue times. After 10,000 fatigue cycles, the bond strength decreased by 8%, and at 11,133,300 fatigue breaks, the bond strength of the sample HB-F-3 continued to increase with the increase in fatigue times. At 2 million fatigue load cycles, the bond strength increased to 7 MPa, far from reaching the peak strength. The empirical formulas for the fatigue life curve of HB-FRP-reinforced specimens under single steel fasteners are proposed.

Lipids are organic nonpolar molecules with essential biological and economic importance. While the genetic pathways and regulatory networks of lipid biosynthesis and metabolism have been extensively studied and thoroughly reviewed in oil crops such as soybeans, less attention has been paid to the biological roles of lipids in rice, a staple food for the global population and a model species for plant molecular biology research, leaving a considerable knowledge gap in the biological roles of lipids. In this review, we endeavor to furnish a current overview of the advancements in understanding the genetic foundations and physiological functions of lipids, including triacylglycerol, fatty acids, and very-long-chain fatty acids. We aim to summarize the key genes in lipid biosynthesis, metabolism, and transcriptional regulation underpinning rice’s developmental and growth processes, biotic stress responses, abiotic stress responses, fertility, seed longevity, and recent efforts in rice oil genetic improvement.

Increasing demands for livestock products have stimulated rapid increases in the number of livestock and the scale of farming, thus increasing pressure on resources and the environment. Coordinating the development of livestock production (LP) with residential consumption (RC), resources and the environmental carrying capacity (RECC) is important to ensure sustainable development. In this study, the entropy weight method and the improved-coupling coordination degree (CCD) model were used to identify the spatial–temporal coordination development characteristics of livestock production-residential consumption-resource and environmental carrying capacity (LRRE). Furthermore, the spatial autocorrelation model (SAM) and gray model (GM) were used to analyze the spatial aggregation characteristics and future development trends of the CCDs of the LRRE in China. The findings show that the CCDs of the LRRE values in 31 Chinese provinces increased from 2005 to 2020, but no provinces reached a high coordination level. Specifically, the coordinated development level of LRRE is relatively high in the central, eastern and northeastern regions and relatively low in the western region. The spatial autocorrelation analysis confirmed that the high-high (H-H) aggregation areas were mainly distributed in the northeastern, eastern, and central regions, while low-high (L-H) agglomeration was distributed in the western region. This phenomenon is mainly attributed to the continuous expansion of the scale of livestock production in western China. Regions with relatively developed economies have more funds to invest in environmental protection projects. Using GM method, we find that the CCDs of LRRE in 31 provinces in China will increase from 2021 to 2030, and all provinces will reach the basic coordination level. However, most of the western regions will barely reach the basic coordination level. This result indicates that the low level of LRRE development in western China may be difficult to change in the short term. The level of coordinated LRRE development in the relatively developed eastern region is increasing. The spatial layout of China’s livestock industry should be appropriately adjusted, its expansion rate in the western region should be decreased, and the ecological environment of the areas bordering the western and central regions should be improved. These findings have practical implications for other large livestock production countries. Promoting the coordinated development of LRRE is also an important condition for agricultural transformation in developing countries, especially for improving the environment in key areas of the livestock industry.

Abstract Materials with high stretchability and conductivity are used to fabricate stretchable electronics. Self‐healing capability and four‐dimensional (4D) printability are becoming increasingly important for these materials to facilitate their recovery from damage and endow them with stimuli–response properties. However, it remains challenging to design a single material that combines these four strengths. Here, a dually crosslinked hydrogel is developed by combining a covalently crosslinked acrylic acid (AAC) network and Fe3+ ions through dynamic and reversible ionically crosslinked coordination. The remarkable electrical sensitivity (a gauge factor of 3.93 under a strain of 1500%), superior stretchability (a fracture strain up to 1700%), self‐healing ability (a healing efficiency of 88% and 97% for the mechanical and electrical properties, respectively), and 4D printability of the hydrogel are demonstrated by constructing a strain sensor, a two‐dimensional touch panel, and shape‐morphing structures with water‐responsive behavior. The hydrogel demonstrates vast potential for applications in stretchable electronics.

The research community has recently been captivated by the atomic-scale short-range order observed in high- and medium-entropy alloys. However, significant challenges persist in improving the mechanical performance through manipulation of the short-range order. Herein, molecular dynamics simulations are employed to establish the correlation between this ordering and the chemical composition for the Cr–Co–Ni medium-entropy alloys. It is demonstrated that atomic-scale clustering can be tailored through adjusting the chemical composition. Particularly, it can be promoted by decreasing the content of elements that do not participate in the clusters. The short-range ordering plays a significant role in affecting the dislocation evolution and tensile properties. Reducing the tendency to form Cr–Co clusters yields enhanced strengthening due to the increased local unstable stacking fault energy. Increasing the tendency to form Ni–Ni clusters instead results in enhanced strain hardening due to the high sessile dislocation density impeding the movement of dislocations. These findings unveil the crucial role of chemical composition on short-range ordering and have significant implications on the design of high-performance high- and medium-entropy alloys.

Fabrication of structures in unstructured conditions is a promising area of bolstering the application spaces of additive manufacturing (AM). One emerging application is appending structures on existing ones that may have nonplanar surfaces in unconventional orientations. However, extrusion‐based AM techniques are limited to printing on structured, planar environments with a fixed single‐nozzle direction. Herein, the authors present a dexterous conformal material extrusion printing method using a six‐axis robotic arm capable of constructing complex parts onto highly unstructured surfaces with rough topographies. The manufacturing method employs a custom algorithm that generates layers consisting of 3D spatial coordinates of print path as well as the extrusion nozzle oriented in the normal direction of the substrate, thereby enabling conformal motion of the extrusion nozzle to the unstructured surface. The capabilities of the surface‐informed robotic conformal 3D printing method to fabricate structures on surfaces with a variety of topographies in unconventional orientations are demonstrated. Finally, via addition of deposited conductive paths, a high‐strength, functional reinforcement capable of in situ deformation monitoring is appended. This work has the potential for reconstructing, repairing, and reinforcing existing structures in human‐limited or inaccessible spaces. Integration of functional elements can also enable in situ sensing, monitoring, and self‐diagnosis.

Abstract Electrical stimulation (ES) is proposed as a therapeutic solution for managing chronic wounds. However, its widespread clinical adoption is limited by the requirement of additional extracorporeal devices to power ES‐based wound dressings. In this study, a novel sandwich‐structured photovoltaic microcurrent hydrogel dressing (PMH dressing) is designed for treating diabetic wounds. This innovative dressing comprises flexible organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells, a flexible micro–electro–mechanical systems (MEMS) electrode, and a multifunctional hydrogel serving as an electrode–tissue interface. The PMH dressing is engineered to administer ES, mimicking the physiological injury current occurring naturally in wounds when exposed to light; thus, facilitating wound healing. In vitro experiments are performed to validate the PMH dressing's exceptional biocompatibility and robust antibacterial properties. In vivo experiments and proteomic analysis reveal that the proposed PMH dressing significantly accelerates the healing of infected diabetic wounds by enhancing extracellular matrix regeneration, eliminating bacteria, regulating inflammatory responses, and modulating vascular functions. Therefore, the PMH dressing is a potent, versatile, and effective solution for diabetic wound care, paving the way for advancements in wireless ES wound dressings.

Scientific assessment of the relationships and influencing factors between livestock and resource-environmental carrying capacity (LS-RECC) is essential for alleviating environmental pressure. The crop-livestock balance method was used to measure China’s livestock production potential from 2005 to 2020. The improved coupling coordination degree model (I-CCDM) and exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA) were used to analyze the spatial-temporal coordinated development characteristics of the LS-RECC. Furthermore, geographically and temporally weighted regression (GTWR) was used to identify the factors influencing the coordination development of the LS-RECC. The findings showed that (1) From 2005 to 2020, the nutrient demand for crop cultivation in China increased, and, the crop system nutrient demand exceeded the livestock nutrient supply in 2007 to 190 ×104 tons, reaching a maximum of 925 ×104 tons in 2019. However, the production potential of livestock in Ningxia, Tibet, Guizhou, Gansu, Yunnan, and Qinghai was severely overloaded. (2) The coupling coordination degree (CCD) of the LS-RECC showed a progressively increasing trend, which indicates that the sustainable development ability of China's livestock industry is constantly increasing. However, compared with that in eastern and central China, the coordinated development level of the LS-RECC in western China was lower, further indicating excessive livestock industry development in western China. (3) Environmental regulation had the strongest effect on the regional coordinated development of the LS-RECC, with obvious spatial differences. The economic development level had a positive effect, but urbanization and Engel's coefficients had the opposite effect. These results provide not only references for reducing environmental pressure on the livestock industry in China but also guidance for the sustainable development of the livestock industry in other large livestock production countries.

The escalating utilization of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) in everyday products has sparked concerns regarding their potential hazards to pregnant females and their offspring. To address these concerns and shed light on their undetermined adverse effects and mechanisms, we established a pregnant rat model to investigate the impacts of TiO2 NPs on both maternal and offspring health and to explore the underlying mechanisms of those impacts. Pregnant rats were orally administered TiO2 NPs at a dose of 5 mg/kg body weight per day from GD5 to GD18 during pregnancy. Maternal body weight, organ weight, and birth outcomes were monitored and recorded. Maternal pathological changes were examined by HE staining and TEM observation. Maternal blood pressure was assessed using a non-invasive blood analyzer, and the urinary protein level was determined using spot urine samples. Our findings revealed that TiO2 NPs triggered various pathological alterations in maternal liver, kidney, and spleen, and induced maternal preeclampsia-like syndrome, as well as leading to growth restriction in the offspring. Further examination unveiled that TiO2 NPs hindered trophoblastic cell invasion into the endometrium via the promotion of autophagy. Consistent hypertension and proteinuria resulted from the destroyed the kidney GBM. In total, an exposure to TiO2 NPs during pregnancy might increase the risk of human preeclampsia through increased maternal arterial pressure and urinary albumin levels, as well as causing fetal growth restriction in the offspring.

The vegetation canopy clumping index (CI) is an important indicator for understanding radiative transport processes, radiation interception, and the photosynthesis of vegetation canopies. However, most studies consider CI only in the nadir or specific direction. In this study, we analyze the directional characteristics of the CI based on RAMI-V (radiation transfer model intercomparison) activity, which represents most typical canopies. The directional gap fraction and CI of these scenes are accurately calculated based on the LESS (large-scale remote sensing data and image simulation framework) model. According to our results, the directional characteristics of the CI are affected by many factors, such as vegetation type, season, and canopy structure. Generally, the CI of a coniferous forest varies little with zenith angle, while the CI of a broad-leaf forest demonstrates the different trend. In winter, the CI is smaller than that in summer, and the variation in the CI at the zenith angle is less. The row structure scenes exhibit different directional characteristics along and perpendicular to the row direction, and their CIs tend to increase with zenith angle. To accurately model the directional CI, we propose a modified Gompertz function model. Compared with other directional CI models, this model has the advantages of high precision and strong applicability (R2 = 0.975). By studying the directional characteristics of CI, we can enhance the usability of radiative transfer modeling and the accuracy of canopy biophysical parameter retrieval for vegetation with different structures.

The increasing use of molybdate has raised concerns about its potential toxicity in humans. However, the potential toxicity of molybdate under the current level of human exposure remains largely unknown. Endogenous metabolic alterations that are caused in humans by environmental exposure to pollutants are associated with the occurrence and progression of many diseases. This study exposed eight-week-old male C57 mice to sodium molybdate at doses relevant to humans (0.01 and 1 mg/kg/day) for eight weeks. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) were utilized to assess changes in urine element levels and serum metabolites in mice, respectively. A total of 838 subjects from the NHANES 2017–2018 population database were also included in our study to verify the associations between molybdenum and cadmium found in mice. Analysis of the metabolome in mice revealed that four metabolites in blood serum exhibited significant changes, including 5-aminolevulinic acid, glycolic acid, l-acetylcarnitine, and 2,3-dihydroxypropyl octanoate. Analysis of the elementome revealed a significant increase in urine levels of cadmium after molybdate exposure in mice. Notably, molybdenum also showed a positive correlation with cadmium in humans from the NHANES database. Further analysis identified a positive correlation between cadmium and 2,3-dihydroxypropyl octanoate in mice. In conclusion, these findings suggest that molybdate exposure disrupted amino acid and lipid metabolism, which may be partially mediated by molybdate-altered cadmium levels. The integration of elementome and metabolome data provides sensitive information on molybdate-induced metabolic disorders and associated toxicities at levels relevant to human exposure.

Chinese plum (Prunus salicina) cv. Wushancuili has a green coloration, high fruit quality, and is economically important in eliminating poverty and protecting ecology in the Yangtze River Three Gorges Reservoir. However, large-scale production and synchronous ripening times present a huge postharvest storage challenge. This study investigated the effect of different postharvest storage temperatures on the ‘Wushancuili’ plum fruit flavor. The dynamics of soluble sugars, organic acids, and aroma substances were investigated at four temperatures mimicking large-scale commercial storage applications: 0–2 °C, 4–6 °C, 8–10 °C, and 20 °C, for 0, 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, and 20 days. Storage under the 0–2 °C regime was the best at preserving fruit flavor and reducing decay compared to the other settings. At 0–2 °C, fruit maintained a stable level of soluble sugars and organic acids during storage. Moreover, this storage temperature facilitated the formation of aroma compounds such as alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, and acids, which contributed to the distinct fruit aromatic characteristics. Taken together, our findings indicate that 0–2 °C is the most favorable temperature for commercial storage and maintenance of the ‘Wushancuili’ plum flavor.

The traditional von Neumann computing architecture has relatively-low information processing speed and high power consumption, making it difficult to meet the computing needs of artificial intelligence (AI). Neuromorphic computing systems, with massively parallel computing capability and low power consumption, have been considered as an ideal option for data storage and AI computing in the future. Memristor, as the fourth basic electronic component besides resistance, capacitance and inductance, is one of the most competitive candidates for neuromorphic computing systems benefiting from the simple structure, continuously adjustable conductivity state, ultra-low power consumption, high switching speed and compatibility with existing CMOS technology. The memristors with applying MXene-based hybrids have attracted significant attention in recent years. Here, we introduce the latest progress in the synthesis of MXene-based hybrids and summarize their potential applications in memristor devices and neuromorphological intelligence. We explore the development trend of memristors constructed by combining MXenes with other functional materials and emphatically discuss the potential mechanism of MXenes-based memristor devices. Finally, the future prospects and directions of MXene-based memristors are briefly described.