Search

In the realm of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway has been thoroughly investigated and established. Despite this, the clinical approval of drugs targeting the cGAS-STING pathway has been limited. The Total glucosides of paeony (TGP) is highly anti-inflammatory and is commonly used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), emerged as a subject of our study. We found that the TGP markedly reduced the activation of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway, triggered by various cGAS-STING agonists, in mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and Tohoku Hospital Pediatrics-1 (THP-1) cells. This inhibition was noted alongside the suppression of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) phosphorylation and the expression of interferon-beta (IFN-β), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10), and inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). The mechanism of action appeared to involve the TGP's attenuation of the STING-IRF3 interaction, without affecting STING oligomerization, thereby inhibiting the activation of downstream signaling pathways. In vivo , the TGP hindered the initiation of the cGAS-STING pathway by the STING agonist dimethylxanthenone-4-acetic acid (DMXAA) and exhibited promising therapeutic effects in a model of acute liver injury induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and D-galactosamine (D-GalN). Our findings underscore the potential of the TGP as an effective inhibitor of the cGAS-STING pathway, offering a new treatment avenue for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases mediated by this pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon (IFN) genes (STING) pathway is critical in the innate immune system and can be mobilized by cytosolic DNA. The various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases progression is highly correlated with aberrant cGAS-STING pathway activation. While some cGAS-STING pathway inhibitor were identified, there are no drugs that can be applied to the clinic. Compound Danshen Dripping Pill (CDDP) has been successfully used in clinic around the world, but the most common application is limited to cardiovascular disease. Therefore, the purpose of the present investigation was to examine whether CDDP inhibits the cGAS-STING pathway and could be used as a therapeutic agent for multiple cGAS-STING-triggered diseases. BMDMs, THP1 cells or Trex1−/− BMDMs were stimulated with various cGAS-STING-agonists after pretreatment with CDDP to detect the function of CDDP on IFN-β and ISGs productionn. Next, we detect the influence on IRF3 and P65 nuclear translocation, STING oligomerization and STING-TBK1-IRF3 complex formation of CDDP. Additionally, the DMXAA-mediated activation mice model of cGAS-STING pathway was used to study the effects of CDDP. Trex1−/− mice model and HFD-mediated obesity model were established to clarify the efficacy of CDDP on inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. CDDP efficacy suppressed the IRF3 phosphorylation or the generation of IFN-β, ISGs, IL-6 and TNF-α. Mechanistically, CDDP did not influence the STING oligomerization and IRF3-TBK1 and STING-IRF3 interaction, but remarkably eliminated the STING-TBK1 interaction, ultimately blocking the downstream responses. In addition, we also clarified that CDDP could suppress cGAS-STING pathway activation triggered by DMXAA, in vivo. Consistently, CDDP could alleviate multi-organ inflammatory responses in Trex1−/− mice model and attenuate the inflammatory disorders, incleding obesity-induced insulin resistance. CDDP is a specifically cGAS-STING pathway inhibitor. Furthermore, we provide novel mechanism for CDDP and discovered a clinical agent for the therapy of cGAS-STING-triggered inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implant placement in the mandibular molar sites plays a crucial role in the restoration of edentulous mandibles. However, the evaluation of bone quantity before implant surgery using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is lacking. The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate CBCT images of edentulous patients to analyze the feasibility of implant placement in healed mandibular molar sites. The CBCT data of 138 patients were analyzed in the sagittal plane for measurements of mandibular bone height (MBH), superior bone height (SBH), inferior bone height (IBH), buccal bone width (BBW), lingual bone width (LBW), and alveolar bone widths (ABWs). The edentulous sites were categorized according to the bone quantity and complexity of the implant surgery. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to analyze the site, sex, and age-related variations. An independent t test was used to compare the difference of bone dimension in different sites and between sexes. One-way ANOVA followed by post hoc tests were used to analyze the difference between different age groups. Categorical variables were presented as number of events and percentages. The chi-squared test was used to compare categorical variables (α=.05). A total of 534 sites of interest were recorded, including 274 hemimandibles. A significant difference in BBW was found between the first and second molar sites. Men had higher MBH, SBH, IBH, and BBW than women. The distribution of implant surgical complexity in the conventional group was 63.5%, while the buccolingual tilted implant group accounted for 17.0%, and the complicated group accounted for 19.5%. Of the 274 hemimandibles, an implant could be placed directly at molar sites in 88% of situations. The BBW at the mandibular second molar site was greater than that at the first molar site. The amount of available bone in the SBH and BBW was greater in men than in women at the healed molar sites. Age did not significantly affect the complexity of the implant surgery. Implants can be placed directly in healed mandibular molar sites in most patients who require a complete arch mandibular implant-supported restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To resolve the issues of color distortion and detail blurring, this study proposes a multi-path parallel enhancement of low-light images (LLIs) based on multiscale spatially aware Retinex decomposition (MUSRetinex-Net). MUSRetinex-Net consists of three subnetworks. Firstly, MUSRetinex-Net inputs LLIs into an illumination level estimation image guided multiscale spatial perception decomposition network (MSPD-Net) which completes Retinex decomposition to retain richer color information and detail structure; then reflectance maps from LLIs are inputted into a three-pass parallel reflectance maps recovery network (TPR-Net) for more desirable noise removal and color recovery; illumination maps from LLIs are inputted into a multi-branch attention illumination maps adjustment network (MAA-Net) for adjustment to obtain a more accurate estimation of illumination levels. In this study, six publicly accessible datasets are utilized for experiments, two referenced evaluation metrics, and four non-referenced evaluation metrics are utilized for assessment and analysis. The experimental results show that the low-light image enhancement (LLIE) effects obtained by this study method are more consistent with the recognition level of the human eye and the structure of the natural environment. The method achieves the optimal referenced evaluation metrics score and the most comprehensive non-referenced evaluation metrics score on all six public datasets, with extremely high enhancement performance and generalization ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In order to reconstruct the micro-vibration quickly and easily, a novel phase unwrapping algorithm based on multiple Hilbert transform is proposed. Hilbert transform is performed once and three times for self-mixing fringes on different inclined directions, then the unwrapped phase is obtained and the micro-vibration can be reconstructed under weak or even moderate feedback. In this paper, the validity of the proposed algorithm is confirmed by means of simulated signals and demonstrated by several experimental measurements for both harmonic and aleatory target vibration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We evaluated 3-month neurologic, functional, cognitive, and quality of life (QOL) outcomes in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) overall, and by sex and ethnicity in a population-based study.Methods: Spontaneous ICH patients were identified from the Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi project (November 2008 to December 2013). Outcomes included neurologic (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale: range 0-42), functional (activities of daily living/instrumental activities of daily living score: range 1-4, higher worse), cognitive (Modified Mini-Mental State Examination [3MSE]: range 0-100), and QOL (short-form stroke-specific QOL scale: range 0-5, higher better). Ethnic and sex differences were assessed with Tobit regression adjusted for age, sex, or ethnicity, and presenting Glasgow coma scale.Results: A total of 245 patients completed baseline interviews, with 103 (42%) dying prior to follow-up, leaving 142 eligible for outcome assessment. Three-month follow-up was completed in 100 (neurologic), 107 (functional), 79 (cognitive), and 83 (QOL) participants. Median age was 66 years (interquartile range 58.0-77.0). Cognitive outcomes were worse in Mexican Americans (MA) compared to non-Hispanic whites (NHW) after multivariable adjustment (MA scoring 13.3 3MSE points lower than NHW [95% confidence interval: 5.8, 20.7; P = .0005]). There was no difference by sex or ethnicity in neurological, functional, or QOL outcomes, and no sex differences in cognitive outcomes.Conclusions: In this population-based study, worse cognitive outcomes were found in MAs compared with NHW. There were no differences between neurologic, functional, and QOL outcomes in ICH survivors based on sex or ethnicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Much rounder ball mill fluorite particles with more exposure of {1 1 1} surface. • More elongated rod mill particles with more {1 1 0} and {3 1 0} surfaces exposed. • A higher monolayer coverage degree of oleate on rod mill particles. • Exposure degree of crystal surfaces affects the shape factors of fluorite particle. Abstract Grinding for mineral liberation is a prerequisite for a successful flotation separation and different grinding media produce mineral particles with different morphologies and surface properties. In this paper, a systematic investigation was carried out on surface physicochemical properties of fluorite particles produced by ball and rod mills through such methods as single mineral flotation experiment, wettability measurement, X-ray diffraction (XRD) test and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations. XRD and SEM observations indicate that the predominant surfaces exposed for both mill particles follow the order of {1 1 1} > {1 1 0} > {3 1 0} > {1 0 0} surfaces. The difference lies in that the rod mill particles possess a higher exposure of more reactive {1 1 0} and {3 1 0} surfaces of higher calcium-atom reactivity, which show a stronger interaction with the collector and hence a higher monolayer coverage degree. This difference also leads to a higher elongation and lower roundness values of rod mill particles that are beneficial to the particle-bubble attachment by shortening the induction time. The results of wettability and flotation show that when treated with the collector solution, the particles produced by rod mill possess a lower critical surface tension and greater hydrophobicity, hence exhibiting a higher flotation recovery. This study signifies the importance of the exposure of crystal surfaces in determining the shape factors and reactivity of mineral particles, which will help to guide the optimization of flotation separation and particle surface modification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of magnetic Ag/BiOI/ZnFe 2 O 4 hybrids synthesized via hydrothermal process, subsequent deposition-precipitation and photoreduction method were employed to remove elemental mercury (Hg 0 ) under fluorescent light irradiation. The effects of Ag content, fluorescent light irradiation, reaction temperature, pH value, flue gas composition, anions and photocatalyst dosage on Hg 0 removal were investigated in detail. The as-synthesized photocatalysts were characterized using N 2 adsorption-desorption, XRD, SEM, TEM, HRTEM, XPS, VSM, DRS, ESR, PL and photocurrent response. The results showed that the ternary Ag/BiOI/ZnFe 2 O 4 hybrids possessed enhanced visible-light-responsive photocatalytic performances for Hg 0 removal. Ag/BiOI/ZnFe 2 O 4 photocatalyst could be easily recovered from the reaction solution by an extra magnet and was stable in the process of Hg 0 removal. Lower content of Ag was highly dispersed on the surface of BiOI/ZnFe 2 O 4 , while higher content of Ag would result in some aggregations and/or the blockages of micropore. In comparison to BiOI/ZnFe 2 O 4 , Ag deposited BiOI/ZnFe 2 O 4 material showed lower recombination rate of electron–hole pairs. The superior Hg 0 oxidation removal could correspond to good match of BiOI and ZnFe 2 O 4 , excellent fluidity and surface plasmon resonance effect of Ag 0 nanoparticles, which led to higher separation efficiency of photogenerated electrons and holes, thereby enhancing the hybrids’ photocatalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grinding for mineral liberation is a prerequisite for a successful flotation separation. Different grinding media produce mineral particles with different surface properties and flotability. In this study, the surface properties and flotation behavior of scheelite particles having a size of − 74 + 38 μm produced by ball and rod mills were studied through single mineral flotation experiment, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation, wettability measurement, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) test. The wettability and flotation results showed that, compared to the ball mill particles, the rod mill ones have a lower critical surface tension and thus a greater hydrophobicity when treated with the collector solution, and accordingly perform a better flotation recovery using oleate as the collector. In addition, the rod mill particles have a smaller specific surface area, so the full monolayer adsorption of the collector on their surfaces is achieved at a lower oleate concentration. The SEM analysis further confirmed that mineral grains obtained from the rod mill possess larger elongation and flatness values, which are essentially required for their attachment with air bubbles. The XRD observations revealed that mineral particles from both mills (i.e. ball and rod) have similar exposure intensity of abundant {112} surface. However, the rod mill particles have more {101} surface exposed, while the ball mill particles have more {001} surface exposed, leading to a stronger interaction of the collector with the rod mill particles. Keeping in view the stronger interaction with the collector and the easier attachment to air bubbles, the rod mill scheelite particles are deemed to be more hydrophobic and have a higher flotation recovery. These details studied will help establish the relation between the particle surface properties and the grinding media, and provide guidance for optimizing flotation separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Average daytime SUHII showed higher seasonal fluctuations than nighttime. • RF model explained 68% of day/night SUHII SAV on average. • We highlighted the multi-factor driven of day/night SUHII SAV. • Climatic zones showed significant impact on variations, trends, and drivers of UHI. Urban heat island (UHI) adversely impacts the human-earth system. However, the impact of climatic zones on UHI remains unclear. This study, therefore, aimed at investigating how climatic zones affect spatiotemporal variations, trends and potential drivers of surface UHI intensity (SUHII) based upon 253 Chinese cities in five climatic zones: middle temperate zone (MTZ), south temperate zone (STZ), north subtropical zone (NSZ), middle subtropical zone (MSZ), and south subtropical zone (SSZ) during 2001–2020. The results showed that the SUHII ranged from -2.59 to 6.20 °C, average daytime SUHII showed higher seasonal fluctuations and larger variation than nighttime and summer daytime had the highest seasonal and annual SUHII variation (SUHII SAV). Cities in NSZ, MSZ, and SSZ had high average daytime SUHII SAV and a large proportion had significant increasing trends (Trend SI) (P <0.05) from 2001–2020, while the nighttime showed opposite rule in general. Random forest (RF) model explained 68% of day/night SUHII SAV on average. Except for city area, which greatly impacted day/night SUHII SAV in all periods and climatic zones, other drivers more significantly influenced SUHII in certain periods and climatic zones, e.g. aerosol optical depth (AOD) in winter nighttime in MTZ and STZ. Compared with single or serval drivers' determination of UHI effect, we highlighted the multi-factor driven of day/night SUHII SAV. Specific suggestions, e.g. controlling haze pollution can bring co-benefits on urban air quality and UHI mitigation were proposed. These findings could help to provide valuable reference for future climatic adaptive strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change and anthropogenic activities are increasingly threatening estuarine and coastal zones. These effects lead to complex positive and negative feedback among sustainable development pillars of human, society, economy and environment according to the integrated sustainability perspective. Only limited studies have calculated comprehensive impact assessments of land conversions between land and sea, invasive species expansion, and inundation impacts on natural wetlands under future scenarios. To fill-in this research gap, this study aims to conduct a long-term temporal analysis (1960–2015) of land use and land cover change (LULC), and future ecosystem service value (ESV) loss for intertidal wetlands predicted in the Yangtze River Estuary (YRE). The results show that, over recent decades, impervious constructed areas and Spartina alterniflora-covered saltmarsh have increased to 10.7% and 2.61%, respectively, whereas native species saltmarshes and tidal flats have decreased to 0.04% and 1.1%, respectively. The total ESV increased significantly during 1960–2000 but significantly declined during 2000–2015. The highest total ESV was US$ 3.8 billion in 2010, considering the approximate contributions of natural and artificial wetlands. Similarly, the ESV of the S. alterniflora saltmarshes reached US$ 0.7 billion in 2015. The total intertidal wetlands area could decrease to 8071–8248/ha by 2100. The total ESV of intertidal wetland ecosystems would decrease by approximately one billion dollars between 2015 and 2050. An enhanced understanding of the economic impacts regarding coastal management, restoration, and conservation is of profound importance for improving coastal resilience, sustainable development, and adaptation of coastal societies to climate change in the Yangtze River Estuary. • The total ESV increased significantly during 1960–2000 but significantly declined during 2000–2015. • The highest ESV in total was US$ 3.8 billion in 2010. • The ESV of the S. alterniflora saltmarshes reached US$ 0.7 billion in 2015. • Under the SRES A2 scenario, the intertidal wetlands area maximally decrease to 8071–8248/ha in 2100. • The total ESV of natural wetland ecosystems decreased by approximately US$ 1 billion in 2015–2050. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • SUHI in different time and different global climate zones have significant differences. • The top three most important drivers of SUHI for daytime are PREC, POP, and PRES. • The top three most important drivers of SUHI for nighttime are PREC, POP, and AHE. • Natural-anthropogenic drivers interactively affect SUHI in multiple urban grids. • Greening is more effective to mitigate SUHI in arid climate zones when EVI > 0.38. The inconstant climate change and rapid urbanization substantially disturb the global thermal balance and induce severe urban heat island (UHI) effect, adversely impacting human development and health. Existing literature has revealed the UHI characteristics and driving factors at an urban scale, but interactions between the main factors of a global grid scale assessment on the context of climate zones remain unclear. Therefore, based on the multidimensional climatic and socio-economic statistical datasets, the multi-time scale of surface urban heat island intensity (SUHI) characteristics was investigated in this study to analyze how natural-anthropogenic drivers affect the variance of SUHI and vary in their importance for the changes of other interaction factors. The results show that the mean value of SUHI in summer is higher than in winter, and in daytime is higher than in nighttime on a seasonal and daily scale. SUHIs in different global climate zones have significant differences. When analyzing drivers' contributions and interactions with LightGBM model and SHAP algorithm, we know that monthly precipitation (PREC), the estimated population (POP) and surface pressure (PRES) are the three major drivers of daytime SUHI. The nighttime SUHI is mainly PREC, POP and anthropogenic heat emission (AHE), the influence rules of the natural drivers are mostly opposite to that of daytime. This study highlights the fundamental role of background climate for designing strategies. Irrigation or artificial rainfall will be effective to mitigate SUHI in low rainfall areas, while it is more effective to reduce AHE in high rainfall areas. In where greening can be difficult in the most developed cities, reducing AHE, increasing per capita GDP and controlling the population scale may also contribute to alleviating the SUHI. This study provides ideas for developing responsive urban heat island mitigation policies in a more realistic setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An improved transition detection algorithm for a self-mixing interference (SMI) laser sensor is presented in this study. The proposed algorithm can correctly identify extreme points of SMI and can quickly and accurately locate determination thresholds, thus it can effectively reduce positioning deviation. The SMI laser sensor enables accurate reconstruction of the displacement information from a SMI signal. Displacement reconstructions performed by improved transition detection algorithm have been validated through simulations and experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]