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Abstract This paper investigates and technically demonstrates a capacitive power transfer (CPT) system applicable to the charging of emerging very‐low‐power portable devices. The constant‐current operation of the primary LCL compensation in CPT is implemented and analysed to simplify the system design process and minimize the configuration on the receiving side. Additionally, the system design considerations for the capacitive coupler and the diode rectifier are presented based on the battery charging specifications. All the design concepts and considerations are validated through experimentation with a 13.56 MHz CPT system, which achieves load‐independent constant‐current output from full‐load to light‐load (one‐tenth of the full load) charging operations.

Phalaenopsis deliciosa (Rchb. f.), an ornamental orchid known for vibrant flowers, has a 148,090 bp chloroplast genome with 36.78% GC content. It includes an 85,241 bp large single-copy (LSC) region, an 11,649 bp small single-copy (SSC) region, and two 13,800 bp inverted repeats (IRs), encoding 122 genes (76 protein-coding, 38 tRNA, and 8 rRNA). This genome data refines the Phalaenopsis gene database and supports research on phylogeny and molecular breeding.

Abstract Previous studies have pointed to a potential link between Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and gastrointestinal diseases, suggesting that this relationship might be influenced by the presence of Metabolic Syndrome. However, the exact role of these factors in determining gastrointestinal diseases has not been thoroughly explored. In our study, we utilized data from the Genome-wide Association Studies (GWAS) database, focusing on OSA, metabolic syndrome characteristics such as Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference, triglycerides, cholesterol, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and common gastrointestinal diseases including chronic gastritis, gastric ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, cholecystitis, nonalcoholic fatty liver, and dyspepsia. By applying Single-variable and Multi-variable Mendelian randomization methods, we aimed to assess the correlation between OSA and gastrointestinal diseases and investigate whether this correlation is influenced by metabolic syndrome. Our findings revealed a strong association between OSA and an increased risk of chronic gastritis, gastric ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. No significant connections were found with irritable bowel syndrome, colorectal cancer, cholecystitis, or dyspepsia. Additionally, OSA was linked to metabolic syndrome traits like BMI, waist circumference, triglycerides, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. Further analysis showed that BMI, triglycerides, and hypertension were causally related to inflammatory bowel disease; BMI, waist circumference, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; and triglycerides, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes to chronic gastritis. The multivariable analysis indicated that hypertension mediates the relationship between OSA and chronic gastritis; BMI, triglycerides, and hypertension mediate the link between OSA and inflammatory bowel disease; and waist circumference mediates the connection between OSA and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. To wrap up, this finding helps us understand how these issues might be related and stresses the role of metabolic syndrome in preventing them, which could lessen their effect on health.

Abstract Background Gastric cancer (GC) is a deadly malignancy with an ever-increasing incidence worldwide. The cellular communication network (CCN) family serves as matricellular proteins and exerts their various functions via regulating cell proliferation and differentiation. This study aimed to perform an integrated analysis of CCNs to predict the prognosis in GC. Methods The microarray datasets were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus database to identify the differentially expressed genes between GC and non-tumor tissues. Functional enrichment and genetic alteration analysis revealed the biological functions and alteration status associated with CCNs. We analyzed the mRNA and protein expressions of CCN family in GC patients. Furthermore, the prognostic value of distinct CCN family members were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier plotter database. Finally, the human gastric cancer cell lines were used for in vitro experiments to further validate the role of WISP1. Results 26 genes were firstly identified to be significantly highly expressed in gastric tumor tissues. CCN family genes were identified to predict the prognosis in GC. Among the six CCNs, WISP1 is upregulated in GC tissues and its highly expression is associated with poor survival in GC patients. Moreover, a significant correlation is found between the expression of WISP1 and the pathological stage of patients with GC. Additionally, in vitro experiments demonstrated that WISP1 promotes the proliferation and invasive potential of GC cells, suggesting it may be a potential therapeutic target for GC. Conclusions A comprehensive bioinformatic analysis of CCN genes provides new insights into the potential roles of this family in GC. Importantly, WISP1 may be a good prognostic predictor and a potential therapeutic target for GC.

Fatigue property is an important index for novel high-entropy alloys (HEAs) before their engineering applications. Here we engineer a Al0·3CoCrFeNi HEA with hierarchically heterogeneous microstructure by cold rolling and annealing treatment, which includes heterogeneous grains, annealing and deformation twins, residual dislocations and B2 precipitates with different morphologies, sizes and distributions. Stress-life (S–N) tests and characterization techniques including scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) were carried out to investigate fatigue properties as well as corresponding mechanisms. It is found that this HEA possesses good strength-ductility combination (i.e., yield strength of ∼870 MPa, ultimate tensile strength of ∼1060 MPa and ductility of ∼26 %) and fatigue resistance with fatigue ratio of ∼0.46 under stress ratio of −1. This fatigue ratio exceeds those of most reported HEAs. High strength renders the fatigue deformation mainly occurs in deformation twin regions decorated with B2 precipitates. Surface damage morphologies indicate that fatigue cracks initiate from persistent slip band-like shear bands. In addition, microstructural hierarchy results in the deflected fatigue crack propagation path, which is beneficial for the enhancement of fatigue resistance. Present results offer the guidance on future design for high fatigue-resistant HEAs by manipulating heterogeneous microstructure.

Abstract This phase 3, observer-blinded, non-inferiority randomized trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05517642), conducted from September 2022 to May 2023 at three Malaysian sites, involved 540 adults previously vaccinated with three COVID-19 doses. Participants were randomized 1:1 to receive either one dose of inhaled Recombinant COVID-19 Vaccine (Ad5-nCoV-IH) or intramuscular tozinameran (BNT-IM). The study assessed safety, vaccine efficacy (VE) and immunogenicity against SARS-CoV-2 variants. The primary outcome was the non-inferiority of anti-spike protein receptor-binding domain (S-RBD IgG) antibodies, with a 97.5% confidence interval lower limit for the geometric mean concentration (GMC) ratio >0.67. Ad5-nCoV-IH showed lower immunogenicity than BNT-IM, with a GMC ratio of 0.22 and a seroconversion rate difference of -71.91%. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were less frequent with Ad5-nCoV-IH (39.26%) compared to BNT-IM (64.68%). No serious vaccine-related adverse events were reported. Both vaccines had comparable efficacy against COVID-19 variants. This study was funded by Tianjin Biomedical Science and Technology Major Project.

Abstract Background Obesity in humans can lead to chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Similarly, subcutaneous fat (SCF) in pigs affects feed utilization, and excessive SCF can reduce the feed efficiency of pigs. Therefore, identifying factors that suppress fat deposition is particularly important. Numerous studies have implicated the gut microbiome in pigs’ fat deposition, but research into its suppression remains scarce. The Lulai black pig (LL) is a hybrid breed derived from the Laiwu pig (LW) and the Yorkshire pig, with lower levels of SCF compared to the LW. In this study, we focused on these breeds to identify microbiota that regulate fat deposition. The key questions were: Which microbial populations reduce fat in LL pigs compared to LW pigs, and what is the underlying regulatory mechanism? Results In this study, we identified four different microbial strains, Eubacterium siraeum, Treponema bryantii, Clostridium sp. CAG:413, and Jeotgalibaca dankookensis, prevalent in both LW and LL pigs. Blood metabolome analysis revealed 49 differential metabolites, including tanshinone IIA and royal jelly acid, known for their anti-adipogenic properties. E. siraeum was strongly correlated with these metabolites, and its genes and metabolites were enriched in pathways linked to fatty acid degradation, glycerophospholipid, and glycerolipid metabolism. In vivo mouse experiments confirmed that E. siraeum metabolites curb weight gain, reduce SCF adipocyte size, increase the number of brown adipocytes, and regulate leptin, IL-6, and insulin secretion. Finally, we found that one important pathway through which E. siraeum inhibits fat deposition is by suppressing the phosphorylation of key proteins in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway through the reduction of tyrosine. Conclusions We compared LW and LL pigs using fecal metagenomics, metabolomics, and blood metabolomics, identifying E. siraeum as a strain linked to fat deposition. Oral administration experiments in mice demonstrated that E. siraeum effectively inhibits fat accumulation, primarily through the suppression of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, a critical regulator of lipid metabolism. These findings provide a valuable theoretical basis for improving pork quality and offer insights relevant to the study of human obesity and related chronic metabolic diseases. Video Abstract

Abstract Background Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is among the most common complications of bariatric surgery. This study aimed to analyse the risk factors affecting the worsening of GERD symptoms after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), and to establish and validate a related nomogram model. Methods The study recruited 236 participants and randomly divided them into training and validation sets in a ratio of 7:3. LASSO regression technique was used to select the optimal predictive features, and multivariate logistic regression was used to construct the column line graphs. The performance of the nomogram was evaluated and validated by analyzing the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve, and decision curve. Results In this study, Lasso-logistic regression was applied to select 5 predictors from the relevant variables, which were body mass index (BMI), diabetes, hiatal hernia, GERD, and triglyceride levels. These 5 predictor variables constructed a model with moderate predictive power, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.779 for the training set and 0.796 for the validation set. Decision curve analysis showed that in external validation, if the risk thresholds were between 4 and 98% and 14–95%, then the nomogram can be applied to the clinic. Conclusions We have developed and validated a nomogram that effectively predicts the risk of worsening gastroesophageal reflux symptoms following LSG.

Abstract Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as promising platforms for membrane separations, while remaining challenging for separating ions in a fast and selective way. Here, we propose a concept of COF membranes with vertically aligned nanorods for efficient separation of rare metal ions. A quaternary ammonium-functionalized monomer is rationally designed to synthesize COF layers on porous substrates via interfacial synthesis. The COF layers possess an asymmetric structure, in which the upper part displays vertically aligned nanorods, while the lower part exhibits an ultrathin dense layer. The vertically aligned nanorods enlarge contact areas to harvest water and monovalent ions, and the ultrathin dense layer enables both high permeability and selectivity. The resulting membranes exhibit exceptional separation performances, for instance, a Cs+ permeation rate of 0.33 mol m−2 h−1, close to the value in porous substrates, and selectivities with Cs+/La3+ up to 75.9 and 69.8 in single and binary systems, highlighting the great potentials in the separation of rare metal ions.

Abstract Bladder lesion commonly occurs in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and the routine screening of bladder lesion is vital for its timely detection and treatment, in which the risk of bladder lesion progression can be effectively alleviated. However, current clinical methods are inconvenient for routine screening. In this study, we proposed a convenient routine screening method to diagnose bladder lesions based on several clinical risk factors, which can be obtained through non-invasive, easy-to-operate, and low-cost examinations. The contribution of each clinical risk factor was further quantitatively analyzed to understand their impact on diagnostic decision-making. Based on a cohort study of 253 BPH patients with or without bladder lesions, the proposed diagnostic model achieved high accuracy using these clinical risk factors. Bladder compliance, maximum flow rate (Qmax), prostate specific antigen (PSA), and postvoid residual (PVR) were identified as the four most important clinical risk factors. To the best of our knowledge, this is the innovative research to predict bladder lesions based on the risk factors and quantitatively reveal their contributions to diagnostic decision-making. The proposed model has the potential to serve as an effective routine screening tool for bladder lesions in BPH patients, enabling early intervention to prevent lesion progression and improve the quality of life.

Abstract Background To investigate the association between surgical removal of tonsils and risk of COVID-19 with different severity. Methods Through a nested case–control study during January 31st to December 31st 2020, including 58,888 participants of the UK Biobank, we investigated the association of tonsillectomy with the future risk of mild and severe COVID-19, using binomial logistic regression. We further examined the associations of such surgery with blood inflammatory, lipid and metabolic biomarkers to understand potential mechanisms. Finally, we replicated the analysis of severe COVID-19 in the Swedish AMORIS Cohort (n = 451,960). Results Tonsillectomy was associated with a lower risk of mild (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 0.80 [0.75–0.86]) and severe (0.87 [0.77–0.98]) COVID-19 in the UK Biobank. The associations did not differ substantially by sex, age, Townsend deprivation index, or polygenic risk score for critically ill COVID-19. Levels of blood inflammatory, lipid and metabolic biomarkers did, however, not differ greatly by history of surgical removal of tonsils. An inverse association between tonsillectomy and severe COVID-19 was also observed in the AMORIS Cohort, primarily among older individuals (> 70 years) and those with ≤ 12 years of education. Conclusions Surgical removal of tonsils may be associated with a lower risk of COVID-19. This association is unlikely attributed to alterations in common blood inflammatory, lipid and metabolic biomarkers.

Abstract Background Respiratory diseases impose an immense health burden worldwide. Epidemiological studies have revealed extensive disparities in the incidence and severity of respiratory tract infections between men and women. It has been hypothesized that there might also be a nasal microbiome axis contributing to the observed sex disparities. Results Here, we study the nasal microbiome of healthy young adults in the largest cohort to date with 1593 individuals, using shotgun metagenomic sequencing. We compile the most comprehensive reference catalog for the nasal bacterial community containing 4197 metagenome-assembled genomes and integrate the mycobiome, to provide a valuable resource and a more holistic perspective for the understudied human nasal microbiome. We systematically evaluate sex differences and reveal extensive sex-specific features in both taxonomic and functional levels in the nasal microbiome. Through network analyses, we capture markedly higher ecological stability and antagonistic potentials in the female nasal microbiome compared to the male’s. The analysis of the keystone bacteria reveals that the sex-dependent evolutionary characteristics might have contributed to these differences. Conclusions In summary, we construct the most comprehensive catalog of metagenome-assembled-genomes for the nasal bacterial community to provide a valuable resource for the understudied human nasal microbiome. On top of that, comparative analysis in relative abundance and microbial co-occurrence networks identify extensive sex differences in the respiratory tract community, which may help to further our understanding of the observed sex disparities in the respiratory diseases.

Abstract Background Inositol‐requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1) is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)‐resident transmembrane protein that senses ER stress and mediates an essential arm of the unfolded protein response (UPR). IRE1 reduces ER stress by upregulating the expression of multiple ER chaperones through activation of X‐box‐binding protein 1 (XBP1). Emerging lines of evidence have revealed that IRE1‐XBP1 axis serves as a multipurpose signal transducer during oncogenic transformation and cancer development. In this study, we explore how IRE1‐XBP1 signaling promotes chemoresistance in lung cancer. Methods The expression patterns of UPR components and MRP1 were examined by Western blot. qRT‐PCR was employed to determine RNA expression. The promoter activity was determined by luciferase reporter assay. Chemoresistant cancer cells were analyzed by viability, apoptosis. CUT & Tag (Cleavage under targets and tagmentation)‐qPCR analysis was used for analysis of DNA‐protein interaction. Results Here we show that activation of IRE1α‐XBP1 pathway leads to an increase in MDR‐related protein 1 (MRP1) expression, which facilitates drug extrusion and confers resistance to cytotoxic chemotherapy. At the molecular level, XBP1‐induced c‐Myc is necessary for SREBP1 expression, and SREBP1 binds to the MRP1 promoter to directly regulate its transcription. Conclusions We conclude that IRE1α‐XBP1 had important role in chemoresistance and appears to be a novel prognostic marker for lung cancer.

Three-Dimensional (3D) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) holds great potential for applications in fields such as mapping and disaster management, making it an important research focus in SAR technology. To advance the application and development of 3D SAR, especially by reducing the number of observations or antenna array elements, the Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, (AIRCAS) has pioneered the development of the full-polarimetric Microwave Vision 3D SAR (MV3DSAR) experimental system. This system is designed to serve as an experimental platform and a source of data for microwave vision SAR 3D imaging studies. This study introduces the MV3DSAR experimental system along with its full-polarimetric SAR data set. It also proposes a set of full-polarimetric data processing scheme that covers essential steps such as polarization correction, polarization coherent enhancement, microwave vision 3D imaging, and 3D fusion visualization. The results from the 3D imaging data set confirm the full-polarimetric capabilities of the MV3DSAR experimental system and validate the effectiveness of the proposed processing method. The full-polarimetric unmanned aerial vehicle -borne array interferometric SAR data set, released through this study, offers enhanced data resources for advancing 3D SAR imaging research.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) dependent ferroptosis on cisplatininduced Sertoli cell injury. Materials and Methods: A cisplatin exposure mouse model was established by intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin in our study. TM4 cell lines was used for in vitro study. Ferroptosis was detected according to metabolomic analysis and a series of assays, including malondialdehyde, glutathione, and glutathione disulfide concentration detection, 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate and BODIPY 581/591 C11 probe detection, and transmission electron microscope imaging. Key ferroptosisrelated genes were identified via transcriptomic analysis, western blot and immunohistochemistry. The m6A modification was demonstrated via m6A RNA immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays. Immune cell infiltration was detected by mass cytometry, and verified by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. Results: Ferroptosis, but not other types of programmed cell death, is a significant phenomenon in cisplatin-induced testis damage and Sertoli cell loss. Ferroptosis induced by cisplatin in Sertoli cell/TM4 cell is GPX4 independent but is regulated by SLC7A11 and ALOX12. Both SLC7A11 and ALOX12 are regulated via m6A dependent manner by METTL3. Furthermore, overexpressed ALOX12-12HETE pathway may result in macrophage polarization and inflammatory response in cisplatin exposure testis. Conclusions: Cisplatin-induced Sertoli cell injury via ferroptosis and promoted ferroptosis in an m6A dependent manner. m6A modification of both SLC7A11 and ALOX12 mRNA could result in ferroptosis in our in vitro model. Further, overexpressed ALOX12 can cause more production of 12-HETE, which may be responsible for testis inflammation caused by cisplatin.

Abstract Methyltransferase-like protein is a ubiquitous enzyme-like protein in the human body, with binding domains for nucleic acids, proteins and other small molecules, and plays an important role in a variety of biological behaviours in normal organisms and diseases, characterised by the presence of a methyltransferase-like structural domain and a structurally conserved SAM-binding domain formed by the seven-stranded β-fold structure in the center of the protein. With the deepening of research, the METTL protein family has been found to be abnormally expressed in a variety of tumor diseases, and the clarification of its relationship with tumor diseases can be used as a molecular therapeutic target and has an important role in the prognosis of tumors. In this paper, we review the structure, biological process, immunotherapy, drug-targeted therapy, and markers of the METTL protein family to provide new ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of tumors.

Abstract Background By analysing the deaths of inpatients in a tertiary hospital in Hangzhou, this study aimed to understand the epidemiological distribution characteristics and the composition of the causes of death. Additionally, this study aimed to predict the changing trend in the number of deaths, providing valuable insights for hospitals to formulate relevant strategies and measures aimed at reducing mortality rates. Methods In this study, data on inpatient mortality at a tertiary hospital in Hangzhou from 2015 to 2022 were obtained via the population information registration system of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The death data of inpatients were described and analysed through a retrospective study. Excel 2016 was utilized for data sorting, and SPSS 22.0 software was employed for data analysis. The statistical inference of single factor differences was conducted via χ2 tests. The SARIMA model was established via the forecast, aTSA, and tseries software packages (version 4.3.0) to forecast future changes in the number of deaths. Results A total of 1938 inpatients died at the tertiary hospital in Hangzhou, with the greatest number of deaths occurring in 2022 (262, 13.52%). The sex ratio was 2.22:1, and there were significant differences between sexes in terms of age, marital status, educational level, and place of residence (P

Abstract Background Backfat serves as a vital fat reservoir in pigs, and its excessive accumulation will adversely impact pig growth performance, farming efficiency, and pork quality. The aim of this research is to integrate assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with high-throughput sequencing (ATAC-seq) and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying porcine backfat deposition. Results ATAC-seq analysis identified 568 genes originating from 698 regions exhibiting differential accessibility, which were significantly enriched in pathways pertinent to adipocyte differentiation and lipid metabolism. Besides, a total of 283 transcription factors (TFs) were identified by motif analysis. RNA-seq analysis revealed 978 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which were enriched in pathways related to energy metabolism, cell cycle and signal transduction. The integration of ATAC-seq and RNA-seq data indicates that DEG expression levels are associated with chromatin accessibility. This comprehensive study highlights the involvement of critical pathways, including the Wnt signaling pathway, Jak-STAT signaling pathway, and fatty acid degradation, in the regulation of backfat deposition. Through rigorous analysis, we identified several candidate genes (LEP, CTBP2, EHHADH, OSMR, TCF7L2, BCL2, FGF1, UCP2, CCND1, TIMP1, and VDR) as potentially significant contributors to backfat deposition. Additionally, we constructed TF-TF and TF-target gene regulatory networks and identified a series of potential TFs related to backfat deposition (FOS, STAT3, SMAD3, and ESR1). Conclusions This study represents the first application of ATAC-seq and RNA-seq, affording a novel perspective into the mechanisms underlying backfat deposition and providing invaluable resources for the enhancement of pig breeding programs.

Abstract Objectives The study aimed to investigate the relationship between the radiomic features of perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) growth after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Methods Patients with sub-renal AAA who underwent regular follow-up after EVAR between March 2014 and March 2024 were retrospectively collected. Two radiologists segmented aneurysms and PVAT. Patients were categorised into growing and non-growing groups based on volumetric changes observed in two follow-up computed tomography examinations. One hundred seven radiomic features were automatically extracted from the PVAT region. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was performed to analyse radiomic features and clinical characteristics. Furthermore, the performance of the integrated clinico-radiological model was compared with models using only radiomic features or clinical characteristics separately. Results A total of 79 patients (68 ± 9 years, 89% men) were enroled in this study, 19 of whom had a growing aneurysm. Compared to the non-growing group, PVAT of growing AAA showed a higher surface area to volume ratio (non-growing vs growing, 0.63 vs 0.70, p = 0.04), and a trend of low dependence and high dispersion manifested by texture features (p

Abstract Ancient Platycladus orientalis holds significant ecological, landscape, historical, and cultural value. In northern China, leaf blight has significantly impacted the growth and ornamental value of ancient P. orientalis. In this study, 26 blight leaf samples of ancient P. orientalis were collected in Beijing, China. Phylogenetic analysis based on the concatenated internal transcribed spacer (ITS), β-tubulin (tub2), and RNA polymerase second largest subunit (rpb2) DNA sequence data combined with fungal morphological characteristics revealed three taxa of Nothophoma, i.e. N. platycladus, N. spiraeae, and N. juglandis. Of which, N. platycladus is a species new to science. Koch’s postulates indicated that all these three species of Nothophoma could cause leaf blight of P. orientalis.

Abstract To address the complex challenges in energy systems, this study proposes a novel optimization framework that integrates fuzzy decision support and unstructured data processing technologies. This framework aims to improve efficiency, reduce costs, decrease environmental impact, increase system flexibility, and enhance user satisfaction, thereby promoting sustainable development in the energy industry. The framework combines the innovative Energy Semantic Mapping Model (ESMM) and the advanced deep learning architecture ResNet to process textual and visual data effectively. ESMM enables accurate prediction of energy demand, while ResNet significantly reduces equipment maintenance costs and improves energy distribution efficiency. These advancements are critical as they address the limitations of existing approaches in handling large-scale unstructured data and making informed decisions under uncertainty. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) confirms the model's effectiveness in reducing carbon emissions. A comprehensive economic analysis demonstrates substantial cost savings in energy procurement and operations and maintenance, with overall savings exceeding 25%. Enhanced user satisfaction and reduced system response times further validate the practical utility of the proposed approach. Additionally, a genetic algorithm is used to optimize the fuzzy rule base, enhancing the robustness and adaptability of the model. Experimental results show superior performance compared to traditional systems, providing strong empirical evidence for the intelligent transformation of energy systems. This research contributes to the field by offering a more sophisticated and flexible solution for managing energy systems, particularly in terms of leveraging unstructured data and improving decision-making processes.

Abstract Background Family with sequence similarity 109, member B (FAM109B) is involved in endocytic transport and affects genetic variation in brain methylation. It is one of the important genes related to immune cell-associated diseases. In the tumor immune system, methylation can regulate tumor immunity and influence the maturation and functional response of immune cells. Whether FAM109B is involved in tumor progression and its correlation with the tumor immune microenvironment has not yet been disclosed. Methods A comprehensive pan-cancer analysis of FAM109B expression, prognosis, immunity, and TMB was conducted. The expression, clinical features, and prognostic value of FAM109B in low-grade gliomas (LGG) were evaluated using TCGA, CGGA, and Gravendeel databases. The expression of FAM109B was validated by qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and Western blotting (WB). The relationship between FAM109B and methylation, Copy Number Variation (CNV), prognosis, immune checkpoints (ICs), and common chemotherapy drug sensitivity in LGG was explored through Cox regression, Kaplan–Meier curves, and Spearman correlation analysis. FAM109B levels and their distribution were studied using the TIMER database and single-cell analysis. The potential role of FAM109B in gliomas was further investigated through in vitro and in vivo experiments. Results FAM109B was significantly elevated in various tumor types and was associated with poor prognosis. Its expression was related to aggressive progression and poor prognosis in low-grade glioma patients, serving as an independent prognostic marker for LGG. Glioma grade was negatively correlated with FAM109B DNA promoter methylation. Immune infiltration and single-cell analysis showed significant expression of FAM109B in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). The expression of FAM109B was closely related to gene mutations, immune checkpoints (ICs), and chemotherapy drugs in LGG. In vitro studies showed increased FAM109B expression in LGG, closely related to cell proliferation. In vivo studies showed that mice in the sh-FAM109B group had slower tumor growth, slower weight loss, and longer survival times. Conclusions FAM109B, as a novel prognostic biomarker for low-grade gliomas, exhibits specific overexpression in TAMs and may be a potential therapeutic target for LGG patients.

This study investigates hybrid stainless steel (SS) 316L/Inconel 625 (IN625) materials via DED for hydrofluoric acid (HF) corrosion resistance. 20% SS 316L + 80% IN625 (20% 316L) exhibits low uniform corrosion (0.35 mm/y) and improved local corrosion performance. High Cr2O3 content in its passive film ensures uniform corrosion resistance. The thermodynamic analysis combined with microstructure observation shows reduced Nb content in 20% 316L's Laves phase, enhancing resistance to micro-galvanic local corrosion. This study provides insights into the design and manufacturing technology of corrosion-resistant materials in harsh corrosive environments.

Abstract Neovaginas are surgically constructed to correct uterovaginal agenesis in women with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome or as part of gender-affirming surgery for transfeminine individuals. Understanding the assembly of the neovaginal microbiota is crucial for guiding its management. To address this, we conducted a longitudinal study on MRKH patients following laparoscopic peritoneal vaginoplasty. Our findings reveal that the early microbial assemblage exhibited stochastic characteristics, accompanied with a notable bloom of Enterococcus faecalis and genital Mycoplasmas. While both the pre-surgery dimple microbiota and the fecal microbiota constituted the primary species pool, the neovaginal microbiota developed into a microbiota that resembled that of a normal vagina at 6–12 months post-surgery, albeit with a bacterial vaginosis (BV)-like structure. By 2–4 years post-surgery, the neovaginal microbiota had further evolved into a structure closely resembling with the homeostatic pre-surgery dimple microbiota. This concords with the development of the squamous epithelium in the neovagina and highlights the pivotal roles of progressive selective forces imposed by the evolving neovaginal environment and the colonization tropism of vaginal species. Notably, we observed that strains of Lactobacillus crispatus colonizing the neovagina primarily originated from the dimple. Since L. crispatus is generally associated with vaginal health, this finding suggests potential avenues for future research to promote its colonization.

The damage threshold of an Au-coated flat mirror, one of the reflective optics installed on the FEL-2 beamline of the Dalian Coherent Light Source, China, upon far-UV free-electron laser irradiation is evaluated. The surface of the coating is characterized by profilometer and optical microscope. A theoretical approach of the phenomenon is also presented, by application of conventional single-pulse damage threshold calculations, a one-dimensional thermal diffusion model, as well as finite-element analysis with ANSYS.

Epoxy resin is widely used in electrical equipment and electronic devices fields due to its excellent electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. However, its internal three-dimensional covalent interconnection structure brings barriers to its degradability and recycling because covalent bonds cannot be broken easily. With the replacements of power equipment and electronic devices, there will be more and more epoxy resins and their composites in them to be treated and effective recycling is of great significance for resource conservation and environmental protection. In this review article, recent progress in degradation and recycling of epoxy resin is introduced and the effect of three traditional degradation methods is discussed. The drawbacks of these methods are thought to come from the intrinsic properties of these epoxy resins. So the urgency of developing new kinds of degradable epoxy resins is proposed. Then different types of new degradable epoxy resins are reviewed. Degradation mechanisms of the opened-loop recycling and recycling methods of the closed-loop recycling are summarized in detail. Finally, the challenges and perspectives are discussed based on their current developments. This review comprehensively considers both traditional degradation methods and new methods for developing degradable epoxy resins. It covers not only an overview of the state-of-the-art advances of degradation and recycling of epoxy resin but also the prospects that provide reference for the synthesis of degradable epoxy resin materials.

AIM: To develop a deep learning-based model for automatic retinal vascular segmentation, analyzing and comparing parameters under diverse glucose metabolic status (normal, prediabetes, diabetes) and to assess the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in image segmentation and retinal vascular parameters for predicting prediabetes and diabetes. METHODS: Retinal fundus photos from 200 normal individuals, 200 prediabetic patients, and 200 diabetic patients (600 eyes in total) were used. The U-Net network served as the foundational architecture for retinal artery-vein segmentation. An automatic segmentation and evaluation system for retinal vascular parameters was trained, encompassing 26 parameters. RESULTS: Significant differences were found in retinal vascular parameters across normal, prediabetes, and diabetes groups, including artery diameter (P=0.008), fractal dimension (P=0.000), vein curvature (P=0.003), C-zone artery branching vessel count (P=0.049), C-zone vein branching vessel count (P=0.041), artery branching angle (P=0.005), vein branching angle (P=0.001), artery angle asymmetry degree (P=0.003), vessel length density (P=0.000), and vessel area density (P=0.000), totaling 10 parameters. CONCLUSION: The deep learning-based model facilitates retinal vascular parameter identification and quantification, revealing significant differences. These parameters exhibit potential as biomarkers for prediabetes and diabetes.

The evolution of residual stresses (RS) at a crack tip and associated changes in crack shielding effects during fatigue crack growth (FCG) has a first order effect on the fatigue life of welded joints. This paper reports the results of fatigue crack growth rate (FCGR) tests conducted on as-welded and post-weld heat-treated (PWHT) specimens. By combining digital image correlation (DIC) techniques with the CJP model of crack tip stress and displacement fields, the stress intensity factor KCJP was obtained. Additionally, the da/dN–ΔKCJP curve was derived from the displacement field. Subsequently, the variation in KCJP-max and crack opening displacement δ were compared for as-welded and PWHT specimens. The evolution of RS and crack opening force Fop at different crack lengths were investigated. Results indicated that during FCG, the RS at the crack tip showed a trend towards a progressive acceleration in its decrease, until it was completely relaxed when a/W was approximately 0.56. Due to the crack tip shielding effects contribution an associated slight reduction in KCJP-max was observed in the initial stages of crack growth. Finally, the impact of the RS changes on crack tip shielding effects and the plastic zone size at the crack tip during the FCG process was systematically analysed. An improved model for assessing the plastic zone size at the crack tip, which considers the evolution of RS and crack tip shielding effects, was established and validated.

Abstract Age at first farrowing (AFF) is a reproductive trait with low heritability and high importance in the pig industry. To enhance the statistical power of genome‐wide association study (GWAS) and further explore the genetic nature of AFF, we first conducted GWAS meta‐analysis using three Yorkshire populations, and then integrated the Pig Genotype‐Tissue Expression (PigGTEx) resources to interpret their potential regulatory mechanism. Additionally, we compared the AFF in pig with the age at first birth (AFB) of human using GWAS summary statistics. We detected 18 independent variants in GWAS meta‐analysis and 8 genes in gene‐based association analysis significantly associated with AFF. By integrating the PigGTEx resource, we conducted transcriptome‐wide association study (TWAS) and colocalization analysis on 34 pig tissues. In TWAS, we detected 18 significant gene‐tissue pairs, such as DCAF6 in uterus and CREG1 in blood. In colocalization, we found 111 potential candidate tissue‐gene pairs, such as GJD4 and LYPLAL1. We found that the homologous gene, CHST10, might be the potential candidate gene between humans in AFB and pigs in AFF. In conclusion, integrating GWAS meta‐analysis and PigGTEx resources is a meaningful way to decipher the genetic architecture of complex traits. We found that DCAF6, CREG1, GJD4, and LYPLAL1 are candidate genes with high reliability for AFF in swine. The comparative analysis showed that CHST10 might play a potentially critical role in AFB/AFF across human and pigs.

Abstract Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) are defined as lymphoid aggregates formed in non-hematopoietic organs under pathological conditions. Similar to secondary lymphoid organs (SLOs), the formation of TLSs relies on the interaction between lymphoid tissue inducer (LTi) cells and lymphoid tissue organizer (LTo) cells, involving multiple cytokines. Heterogeneity is a distinguishing feature of TLSs, which may lead to differences in their functions. Growing evidence suggests that TLSs are associated with various diseases, such as cancers, autoimmune diseases, transplant rejection, chronic inflammation, infection, and even ageing. However, the detailed mechanisms behind these clinical associations are not yet fully understood. The mechanisms by which TLS maturation and localization affect immune function are also unclear. Therefore, it is necessary to enhance the understanding of TLS development and function at the cellular and molecular level, which may allow us to utilize them to improve the immune microenvironment. In this review, we delve into the composition, formation mechanism, associations with diseases, and potential therapeutic applications of TLSs. Furthermore, we discuss the therapeutic implications of TLSs, such as their role as markers of therapeutic response and prognosis. Finally, we summarize various methods for detecting and targeting TLSs. Overall, we provide a comprehensive understanding of TLSs and aim to develop more effective therapeutic strategies.

Abstract Effectively regulating monomer and excimer emission in a singular supramolecular luminous platform is challenging due to high difficulty of precise control over its aggregation and dispersion behavior when subjected to external stimuli. Here, we show a metallo-cage (MTH) featuring a triple helical motif that displays a unique dual emission. It arises from both intramolecular monomer and intermolecular excimer, respectively. The distorted molecular conformation and the staggered stacking mode of MTH excimer are verified through single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. These structural features facilitate the switch between monomer and excimer emission, which are induced by changes in concentration and temperature. Significantly, adjusting the equilibrium between these two states in MTH enables the production of vibrant white light emission in both solution and solid state. Moreover, when combined with a PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) substrate, the resulting thin films can serve as straightforward fluorescence thermometer and thermally activated information encryption materials.

Abstract Lipid metabolism reprogramming involves in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cancer stemness and immune checkpoints (ICs), which influence the metastasis of cancer. This study aimed to generate lipid metabolism-based signatures to predict prognosis, immunotherapy and chemotherapy response for colorectal adenocarcinoma (COAD). Transcriptome data and clinical information of COAD patients were collected from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) database. The expression of EMT-, stem cell-, and IC-related genes were assessed between COAD and control samples. Modules and genes correlated EMT, ICs and stemness signatures were identified through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Prognostic signatures were generated and then the distribution of risk genes was evaluated using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from GSE132465 dataset. COAD patients exhibited increased EMT score and stemness along with decreased ICs. Next, 12 hub genes (PIK3CG, ALOX5AP, PIK3R5, TNFAIP8L2, DPEP2, PIK3CD, PIK3R6, GGT5, ELOVL4, PTGIS, CYP7B1 and PRKD1) were found within green and yellow modules correlated with EMT, stemness and ICs. Lipid metabolism-based prognostic signatures were generated based on PIK3CG, GGT5 and PTGIS. Patients with high-risk group had poor prognosis, elevated ESTIMATEScore and StromalScore, 100% mutation rate and higher TIDE score. Samples in low-risk group had more immunogenicity on ICIs. Notably, PIK3CG was expressed in B cells, while GGT5 and PTGIS were expressed in stromal cells. This study generates lipid metabolism-based signatures correlated with EMT, stemness and ICs for predicting prognosis of COAD, and provides potential therapeutic targets for immunotherapy in COAD.

Abstract The origin of energetic charged particles in universe remains an unresolved issue. Astronomical observations combined with simulations have provided insights into particle acceleration mechanisms, including magnetic reconnection acceleration, shock acceleration, and stochastic acceleration. Recent experiments have also confirmed that electrons can be accelerated through processes such as magnetic reconnection and collisionless shock formation. However, laboratory identifying stochastic acceleration as a feasible mechanism is still a challenge, particularly in the creation of collision-free turbulent plasmas. Here, we present experimental results demonstrating kinetic turbulence with a typical spectrum k −2.9 originating from Weibel instability. Energetic electrons exhibiting a power-law distribution are clearly observed. Simulations further reveal that thermal electrons undergo stochastic acceleration through collisions with multiple magnetic islands-like structures within the turbulent region. This study sheds light on a critical transition period during supernova explosion, where kinetic turbulences originating from Weibel instability emerge prior to collisionless shock formation. Our results suggest that electrons undergo stochastic acceleration during this transition phase.

Abstract Background Biologically annotated neural networks (BANNs) are feedforward Bayesian neural network models that utilize partially connected architectures based on SNP-set annotations. As an interpretable neural network, BANNs model SNP and SNP-set effects in their input and hidden layers, respectively. Furthermore, the weights and connections of the network are regarded as random variables with prior distributions reflecting the manifestation of genetic effects at various genomic scales. However, its application in genomic prediction has yet to be explored. Results This study extended the BANNs framework to the area of genomic selection and explored the optimal SNP-set partitioning strategies by using dairy cattle datasets. The SNP-sets were partitioned based on two strategies–gene annotations and 100 kb windows, denoted as BANN_gene and BANN_100kb, respectively. The BANNs model was compared with GBLUP, random forest (RF), BayesB and BayesCπ through five replicates of five-fold cross-validation using genotypic and phenotypic data on milk production traits, type traits, and one health trait of 6,558, 6,210 and 5,962 Chinese Holsteins, respectively. Results showed that the BANNs framework achieves higher genomic prediction accuracy compared to GBLUP, RF and Bayesian methods. Specifically, the BANN_100kb demonstrated superior accuracy and the BANN_gene exhibited generally suboptimal accuracy compared to GBLUP, RF, BayesB and BayesCπ across all traits. The average accuracy improvements of BANN_100kb over GBLUP, RF, BayesB and BayesCπ were 4.86%, 3.95%, 3.84% and 1.92%, and the accuracy of BANN_gene was improved by 3.75%, 2.86%, 2.73% and 0.85% compared to GBLUP, RF, BayesB and BayesCπ, respectively across all seven traits. Meanwhile, both BANN_100kb and BANN_gene yielded lower overall mean square error values than GBLUP, RF and Bayesian methods. Conclusion Our findings demonstrated that the BANNs framework performed better than traditional genomic prediction methods in our tested scenarios, and might serve as a promising alternative approach for genomic prediction in dairy cattle.

Abstract Background The clinical application of peptide vaccines in tumor immunotherapy holds significant promise. Peptide-based tumor vaccines are currently subject to certain limitations in clinical trials, including the challenge of inducing a sustained response from CD4+ T helper cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), as well as human leukocyte antigen (HLA) restrictions. Methods Through the utilization of biological information methodology, a screening process was conducted to identify three potential long peptides that are specifically targeted by the MAGE-A4 antigen. The candidate long peptides were subjected to in vitro testing using human peripheral blood lymphocytes as samples to evaluate their immunogenicity and immune function. The antitumor properties and preliminary mechanism of the long peptide vaccine were investigated through the use of a mouse model designed for the prevention of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Results Three predicted multi-epitope long peptides targeting MAGE-A4 have shown to have a strong immunogenicity, with a total positive rate of 72% across different HLA subtypes in Chinese populations. they can also increase the levels of the costimulatory factor CD137 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), activate T cells, and boost the cytotoxic activity. Results from an animal study have revealed that the long-peptide vaccine, both on its own and in combination with R848, has displayed impressive anti-tumor and target-specific capabilities. Moreover, it has the ability to increase the expression of effector memory T cells and central memory T cells. Conclusions This study was the first to screen three multi-epitope long peptides targeting MAGE-A4 and assess their immunogenicity, immune function, and potential as adjuvant peptides. The results showed that the MAGE-A4 long peptide vaccine can be used as a novel immunoprophylaxis method to prevent TNBC. Moreover, the proposed development model is capable of screening multiple target antigens, which lead to its clinical application.

Abstract Background Recent studies have highlighted the significant role of the NF-κB signaling pathway in the initiation and progression of cancer. Furthermore, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified as pivotal regulators in sustaining the NF-κB signaling pathway’s functionality. Despite these findings, the underlying molecular mechanisms through which lncRNAs influence the NF-κB pathway remain largely unexplored. Methods Bioinformatic analyses were utilized to investigate the differential expression and prognostic significance of XTP6. The functional roles of XTP6 were further elucidated through both in vitro and in vivo experimental approaches. To estimate the interaction between XTP6 and NDH2, RNA pulldown and RNA Immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays were conducted. The connection between XTP6 and the IκBα promoter was examined using Chromatin Isolation by RNA Purification (ChIRP) assays. Additionally, Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays were implemented to analyze the binding affinity of c-myc to the XTP6 promoter, providing insights into the regulatory mechanisms at play. Results XTP6 was remarkedly upregulated in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) tissues and was connected with adverse prognosis in GBM patients. Our investigations revealed that XTP6 can facilitate the malignant progression of GBM both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, XTP6 downregulated IκBα expression by recruiting NDH2 to the IκBα promoter, which resulted in elevated levels of H3K27me3, thereby reducing the transcriptional activity of IκBα. Moreover, the progression of GBM was further driven by the c-myc-mediated upregulation of XTP6, establishing a positive feedback loop with IκBα that perpetuated the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Notably, the application of an inhibitor targeting the NF-κB signaling pathway effectively inhibited the continuous activation induced by XTP6, leading to a significant reduction in tumor formation in vivo. Conclusion The results reveal that XTP6 unveils an innovative epigenetic mechanism instrumental in the sustained activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, suggesting a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of GBM.

AIM: To evaluate the application of an intelligent diagnostic model for pterygium. METHODS: For intelligent diagnosis of pterygium, the attention mechanisms—SENet, ECANet, CBAM, and Self-Attention—were fused with the lightweight MobileNetV2 model structure to construct a tri-classification model. The study used 1220 images of three types of anterior ocular segments of the pterygium provided by the Eye Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. Conventional classification models—VGG16, ResNet50, MobileNetV2, and EfficientNetB7—were trained on the same dataset for comparison. To evaluate model performance in terms of accuracy, Kappa value, test time, sensitivity, specificity, the area under curve (AUC), and visual heat map, 470 test images of the anterior segment of the pterygium were used. RESULTS: The accuracy of the MobileNetV2+Self-Attention model with 281 MB in model size was 92.77%, and the Kappa value of the model was 88.92%. The testing time using the model was 9ms/image in the server and 138ms/image in the local computer. The sensitivity, specificity, and AUC for the diagnosis of pterygium using normal anterior segment images were 99.47%, 100%, and 100%, respectively; using anterior segment images in the observation period were 88.30%, 95.32%, and 96.70%, respectively; and using the anterior segment images in the surgery period were 88.18%, 94.44%, and 97.30%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The developed model is lightweight and can be used not only for detection but also for assessing the severity of pterygium.

Abstract This study probes the utility of biomarkers for microsatellite instability (MSI) detection and elucidates the molecular dynamics propelling colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. We synthesized a primer panel targeting 725 MSI loci, informed by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and ancillary databases, to construct an amplicon library for next-generation sequencing (NGS). K-means clustering facilitated the distillation of 8 prime MSI loci, including activin A receptor type 2A (ACVR2A). Subsequently, we explored ACVR2A’s influence on CRC advancement through in vivo tumor experiments and hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining. Transwell assays gauged ACVR2A’s role in CRC cell migration and invasion, while colony formation assays appraised cell proliferation. Western blotting illuminated the impact of ACVR2A suppression on CRC’s PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway protein expressions under hypoxia. Additionally, ACVR2A’s influence on CRC-induced angiogenesis was quantified via angiogenesis assays. K-means clustering of NGS data pinpointed 32 MSI loci specific to tumor and DNA mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR) tissues. ACVR2A emerged as a pivotal biomarker, discerning MSI-H tissues with 90.97% sensitivity. A curated 8-loci set demonstrated 100% sensitivity and specificity for MSI-H detection in CRC. In vitro analyses corroborated ACVR2A’s critical role, revealing its suppression of CRC proliferation, migration, and invasion. Moreover, ACVR2A inhibition under CRC-induced hypoxia markedly escalated MMP3, CyclinA, CyclinD1, and HIF1α protein expressions, alongside angiogenesis, by triggering the PI3K/AKT/mTOR cascade. The 8-loci ensemble stands as the optimal marker for MSI-H identification in CRC. ACVR2A, a central element within this group, deters CRC progression, while its suppression amplifies PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling and angiogenesis under hypoxic stress.

Abstract Background Recent researches have increasingly indicated a strong correlation between the gut microbiota and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). Nevertheless, the impact of gut microbiota on CP/CPPS still requires further elucidation. Methods Employing the summary statistics provided by the MiBioGen consortium, we executed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. The study involved 18,340 participants and considered gut microbiota as the instrumental variable. Chronic prostatitis summary statistics, representing 500 cases and 208,308 controls, were extracted from the GWAS Catalog release data as the disease outcome. Various methods, including weighted inverse variance, MR-Egger and weighted median, were employed to assess how gut microbiota interact and correlate with CP/CPPS. Sensitivity analysis was used to eliminate heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy. Results Our findings, primarily derived from the IVW approach, provided evidence for a causal link between five categories of gut microbiota and CP/CPPS. Resultantly, the genus Christensenellaceae (OR = 0.39, 95% CI 0.17–0.87, P = 0.02), genus Eisenbergiella (OR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.40–0.97, P = 0.04), genus Hungatella (OR = 0.49, 95% CI 0.28–0.85, P = 0.01) and genus Terrisporobacter (OR = 0.39, 95% CI 0.20–0.75, P = 0.00) exhibited a protective impact on CP/CPPS, while family Prevotellaceae (OR = 1.78, 95% CI 1.01–3.15, P = 0.05) had the opposite effect. No notable heterogeneity of instrumental variables or horizontal pleiotropy was detected. Conclusions The findings of this study, which used a two-sample Mendelian randomization approach, indicate a causal link between gut microbiota and CP/CPPS. This could be valuable in offering fresh perspectives for additional mechanistic and clinical investigations of microbiota-related CP/CPPS. Nevertheless, additional randomized controlled trials are necessary for validation.

Abstract Background The glandular trichomes of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) can efficiently produce secondary metabolites. They act as natural bioreactors, and their natural products function to protect plants against insect-pests and pathogens and are also components of industrial chemicals. To clarify the molecular mechanisms of tobacco glandular trichome development and secondary metabolic regulation, glandular trichomes and glandless trichomes, as well as other different developmental tissues, were used for RNA sequencing and analysis. Results By comparing glandless and glandular trichomes with other tissues, we obtained differentially expressed genes. They were obviously enriched in KEGG pathways, such as cutin, suberine, and wax biosynthesis, flavonoid and isoflavonoid biosynthesis, terpenoid biosynthesis, and plant–pathogen interaction. In particular, the expression levels of genes related to the terpenoid, flavonoid, and wax biosynthesis pathway mainly showed down-regulation in glandless trichomes, implying that they lack the capability to synthesize certain exudate compounds. Among the differentially expressed genes, 234 transcription factors were found, including AP2-ERFs, MYBs, bHLHs, WRKYs, Homeoboxes (HD-ZIP), and C2H2-ZFs. These transcription factor and genes that highly expressed in trichomes or specially expressed in GT or GLT. Following the overexpression of R2R3-MYB transcription factor Nitab4.5_0011760g0030.1 in tobacco, an increase in the number of branched glandular trichomes was observed. Conclusions Our data provide comprehensive gene expression information at the transcriptional level and an understanding of the regulatory pathways involved in glandular trichome development and secondary metabolism.

Abstract Background ARID1A, a subunit of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex, is thought to play a significant role both in tumor suppression and tumor initiation, which is highly dependent upon context. Previous studies have suggested that ARID1A deficiency may contribute to cancer development. The specific mechanisms of whether ARID1A loss affects tumorigenesis by RNA editing remain unclear. Results Our findings indicate that the deficiency of ARID1A leads to an increase in RNA editing levels and alterations in RNA editing categories mediated by adenosine deaminases acting on RNA 1 (ADAR1). ADAR1 edits the CDK13 gene at two previously unidentified sites, namely Q113R and K117R. Given the crucial role of CDK13 as a cyclin-dependent kinase, we further observed that ADAR1 deficiency results in changes in the cell cycle. Importantly, the sensitivity of ARID1A-deficient tumor cells to SR-4835, a CDK12/CDK13 inhibitor, suggests a promising therapeutic approach for individuals with ARID1A-mutant tumors. Knockdown of ADAR1 restored the sensitivity of ARID1A deficient cells to SR-4835 treatment. Conclusions ARID1A deficiency promotes RNA editing of CDK13 by regulating ADAR1.

Nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NF-E2)-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a key transcription factor in the antioxidant response and is associated with various chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to explore the action of esculetin, a natural dihydroxy coumarin, on attenuating middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and reperfusion, and whether its effect is dependent on Nrf2 activation, as well as nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) inhibition. Two doses of esculetin (20 and 40 mg/kg) were tested on rats with MCAO reperfusion. Neurological deficiency, oxidative stress, and pathological analyses were performed to evaluate its effect. An in vitro analysis was also used to confirm whether its action was dependent on the Nrf2/HO-1/NQO-1 pathway. Compared with MCAO reperfusion rats, esculetin improved infarct volume and increased normal-shaped neuron cells by decreasing tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β levels. The oxidative stress parameter malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione/glutathione disulfide (GSH/GSSG) ratio increased after esculetin treatment. Moreover, esculetin inhibited NF-κB activation induced by MCAO. In vitro, hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) impaired the viability of rat neuron cells and esculetin showed a neuron protection effect on cells. Nrf2 inhibitor Brusatol inhibited the activation of Nrf2, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO-1) caused by esculetin and abolished its protection effect. Esculetin protected cerebral neurons from ischemia-reperfusion injury by inhibiting NF-κB and Nrf2/HO-1/NQO-1 activation.

Abstract Background Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) is a crucial technique in interventional radiology. Hydrogel‐based embolic agents show promise due to their phase transition and drug‐loading capabilities. However, existing categorizations of these agents are confusing. Aims This review tackles the challenge of categorizing hydrogel‐based embolic agents based on their therapeutic mechanisms, including transportation, accumulation, interaction, and elimination. It also addresses current challenges and controversies in the field while highlighting future directions for hydrogel‐based embolicagents. Materials and Methods We conducted a systematic review of papers published in PUBMED from 2004 to 2024, focusing primarily on preclinical trials. Results Various kinds of hydrogel embolic agents were introduced according to their therapeutic mechanisms. Discussion Most hydrogel embolic agents were specifically designed for effective accumulation and interaction. Recent advancement highlight the potential of multifunctional hydrogel embolic agents. Conclusion This new categorizations provided valuable insights into hydrogel embolic agents, potentially guiding material scientists and interventional radiologists in the development of novel hydrogel embolic agents in transarterial embolization.

DYRK1A, a ubiquitously expressed kinase, is linked to the dominant intellectual developmental disorder, microcephaly, and Down syndrome in humans. It regulates numerous cellular processes such as cell cycle, vesicle trafficking, and microtubule assembly. DYRK1A is a critical regulator of organ growth; however, how it regulates organ growth is not fully understood. Here, we show that the knockdown of DYRK1A in mammalian cells results in reduced cell size, which depends on mTORC1. Using proteomic approaches, we found that DYRK1A interacts with the tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) proteins, namely TSC1 and TSC2, which negatively regulate mTORC1 activation. Furthermore, we show that DYRK1A phosphorylates TSC2 at T1462, a modification known to inhibit TSC activity and promote mTORC1 activity. We also found that the reduced cell growth upon knockdown of DYRK1A can be rescued by overexpression of RHEB, an activator of mTORC1. Our findings suggest that DYRK1A inhibits TSC complex activity through inhibitory phosphorylation on TSC2, thereby promoting mTORC1 activity. Furthermore, using the Drosophila neuromuscular junction as a model, we show that the mnb, the fly homologs of DYRK1A, is rescued by RHEB overexpression, suggesting a conserved role of DYRK1A in TORC1 regulation.

Objective We report on the clinical characteristics, treatments and outcomes of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuritis (CIDP) associated with SLE.Methods Patients treated at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between January 2004 and November 2021 who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for SLE and GBS/CIDP (n=9) were included. Clinical presentations, lab results, treatment regimens and prognoses were retrieved and analysed.Results Six patients were diagnosed with SLE and GBS, while three were diagnosed with SLE and CIDP, with the average age at diagnosis of 38.6±18.2 years. SLE disease duration ranges from 1 week to 36 years, and the courses of GBS and CIDP range from 1 week to 2 months and from 2 months to 15 months, respectively. All patients exhibited either or both limb paresthesia and weakness, other neurological symptoms include dysphagia, peripheral facial nerve palsy and respiratory and cardiac arrest. The median cerebral spinal fluid white blood cell count and protein level were 0.002×109/L (0–0.006×109/L) and 0.79 g/L (0.57–7.09 g/L), respectively. All patients received glucocorticoid and immunoglobulin therapy. Seven patients received cyclophosphamide, and seven patients received intrathecal injections of methotrexate and dexamethasone. Two patients had complete resolution, five experienced marked improvements and two failed to improve with treatments.Conclusion SLE-associated GBS/CIDP may manifest regardless of disease systemic activity. Clinical features may differ from that of pure GBS/CIDP, and treatment often requires immunosuppressants, making differential diagnosis crucial, especially for patients with GBS/CIDP presenting as the first manifestation of SLE.

Summary: Background: While microplastics are widely found in various human organs and tissues, the relationship between microplastics and human health, especially prostate health, remains unclear. This study aims to identify and quantify the properties, types, and abundance of microplastics in paired para-tumor and tumor tissues of human prostate. Additionally, the potential correlation between microplastics abundance and prostate cancer are investigated. Methods: Paired para-tumor and tumor samples of the prostate were collected from 22 patients who underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. A combination of laser direct infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was utilized to analyse the properties, type and abundance of microplastics. Correlations between microplastics abundance, demographic characteristics and clinical features of patients were also examined. Findings: Laser direct infrared analysis revealed the presence of microplastics, including polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyvinyl chloride, in both para-tumor and tumor tissues of human prostate. However, polystyrene was exclusively detected in tumor tissues. The particle size distribution in the prostate tissue mainly ranged from 20 to 100 μm. Approximately 31.58% of para-tumor samples exhibited sizes between 20 and 30 μm, while 35.21% of tumor samples displayed sizes between 50 and 100 μm. The shapes of these microplastics varied considerably with irregular forms being predominant. Additionally, microplastics were detected by pyrolysis–gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in 20 paired prostate tissues. The mean abundance of microplastics was found to be 181.0 μg/g and 290.3 μg/g in para-tumor and tumor of human prostate samples, respectively. Among the 11 target types microplastics polymers, only polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyvinyl chloride were detected. Notably, polystyrene, polyethylene, and polyvinyl chloride, except for polypropylene, demonstrated significantly higher abundance in tumor tissues compared to their respective paired para-tumor. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between polystyrene abundance in the tumor samples of human prostate and frequency of take-out food consumption. Interpretation: This research provides both qualitative and quantitative evidence of the microplastics presence as well as their properties, types, and abundance in paired para-tumor and tumor samples of human prostate. Correlations between microplastics abundance, demographics, and clinical characteristics of patients need to be further validated in future studies with a larger sample size. Funding: This work was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2022YFC2702600) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 82071698, No. 82101676, and No. 82271630).

In recent years, ferroptosis has gradually attracted increasing attention because of its important role in tumors. Ferroptosis resistance is an important cause of tumor metastasis, recurrence and drug resistance. Exploring the initiating factors and specific mechanisms of ferroptosis has become a key strategy to block tumor progression and improve drug sensitivity. As the external space in direct contact with tumor cells, the tumor microenvironment has a great impact on the biological function of tumor cells. The relationships between abnormal environmental characteristics (hypoxia, lactic acid accumulation, etc.) in the microenvironment and ferroptosis of tumor cells has not been fully characterized. This review focuses on the characteristics of the tumor microenvironment and summarizes the mechanisms of ferroptosis under different environmental factors, aiming to provide new insights for subsequent targeted therapy. Moreover, considering the presence of anticancer drugs in the microenvironment, we further summarize the mechanisms of ferroptosis to provide new strategies for the sensitization of tumor cells to drugs.

Construction and Demolition Wastes (CDW) have a significant impact on global waste streams. Brick waste stands out as a prominent type of CDW, and numerous studies have explored its recycling for the creation of environmentally-friendly concrete. Reverse design of recycled brick aggregate concrete (RBAC) mixture proportion is presented in this paper with a focus on four key objectives, that is: compressive strength, cost, and environmental elements (i.e., energy consumption and carbon emission). Based on compiled experimental datasets of 374 samples, the back propagation neural network (BP), random forest (RF), and four meta-heuristic algorithm optimization models were constructed to achieve the desired compressive strength objective. In all machine learning (ML) methods, the compressive strength of RBAC can be predicted with high accuracy, with the SSA-BP (optimized back propagation neural network model using the sparrow search algorithm) model achieving superior results (i.e., NSE=0.91, RPD=3.2). The SSA-BP is therefore used as the objective function for compressive strength. The economic objective is primarily influenced by material costs, and the objective functions of energy consumption and carbon emission are determined by various aspects of production, transportation, and their mixing processes. In order to obtain the optimal RBAC design, the Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-III) was implemented considering imperative constraints. Results indicate that cement amount and recycled brick aggregate (RBA)-to-natural aggregate proportion have a positive impact on the compressive strength. The suggested design framework allows for the creation of RBAC composite designs with varying levels of RBA substitution rates and strength targets, providing valuable guidance for tackling the CDW challenge and optimizing RBA usage.

The dataset of cattle biometric features is a pivotal asset for improving livestock management and promoting smart agriculture innovation. We obtained a dataset of images capturing the side and back views of Horqin yellow cattle from a farm in eastern Inner Mongolia, China. These data consist of images of 72 free-range Horqin yellow cattle taken with a mobile camera on the grasslands. Each cattle is accompanied by detailed annotations, including oblique body length, withers height, heart girth, hip length, as well as body weight among other crucial data points. This information is considered as high-quality biological feature data. In the field of computer vision, utilizing this dataset can facilitate the construction of deep learning models to develop an automated livestock monitoring system. The aim is to enhance management efficiency and operational effectiveness within the livestock industry. By integrating biological feature information, specific model tools can be employed for body condition assessment and health monitoring research. This approach enables the effective identification and prevention of disease conditions, ultimately providing a deeper level of care and support for livestock welfare and health. The cattle dataset offers support for smart agriculture by enabling the development of intelligent farm management systems. These systems facilitate real-time alerts for livestock health and environmental monitoring. This advancement will drive the modernization and digitization of animal husbandry, fostering agricultural intelligence and sustainable development.