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Mapping tumor metabolic remodeling and their spatial crosstalk with surrounding non-tumor cells can fundamentally improve our understanding of tumor biology, facilitates the designing of advanced therapeutic strategies. Here, we present an integration of mass spectrometry imaging-based spatial metabolomics and lipidomics with microarray-based spatial transcriptomics to hierarchically visualize the intratumor metabolic heterogeneity and cell metabolic interactions in same gastric cancer sample. Tumor-associated metabolic reprogramming is imaged at metabolic-transcriptional levels, and maker metabolites, lipids, genes are connected in metabolic pathways and colocalized in the heterogeneous cancer tissues. Integrated data from spatial multi-omics approaches coherently identify cell types and distributions within the complex tumor microenvironment, and an immune cell-dominated "tumor-normal interface" region where tumor cells contact adjacent tissues are characterized with distinct transcriptional signatures and significant immunometabolic alterations. Our approach for mapping tissue molecular architecture provides highly integrated picture of intratumor heterogeneity, and transform the understanding of cancer metabolism at systemic level. The spatial signature of metabolic remodeling in tumours remains to be explored. Here, the integration of mass spectrometry imaging-based spatial metabolomics and lipidomics with microarray-based spatial transcriptomics allows the visualisation of metabolic heterogeneity in gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to examine the l differences in the assessment of neurocognitive impairment (NCI) using cognitive screening tools between PLWH and HIV-negative individuals and further compare the neurocognitive profiles between the two groups. This was baseline evaluation of Pudong HIV Aging Cohort, including 465 people living with HIV (PLWH) and 465 HIV-negative individuals aged over 50 years matched by age (± 3 years), sex and education. NCI was assessed using the Chinese version of Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE), the International HIV Dementia Scale (IHDS) and Beijing version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). In total, 258 (55.5%), 91 (19.6%), 273 (58.7%) of PLWH were classified as having NCI by the IHDS, MMSE and MoCA, compared to 90 (19.4%), 25 (5.4%), 135 (29.0%) of HIV-negative individuals, respectively (p < 0.05); such associations remained significant in multivariable analysis. PLWH showed a larger overlap of NCI detected by IHDS, MMSE, and MoCA. IHDS and MoCA detected almost all of the NCI detected by MMSE. IHDS-motor and psychomotor speeds and MoCA-executive function showed the greatest disparities between two groups. In multivariable analysis, older age and more depressive symptoms were positively associated with NCI regardless of the screening tools or HIV serostatus. PLWH over 50 years old display a higher prevalence of NCI and distinct neurocognitive profiles compared to HIV-negative individuals, despite viral suppression. Given the more considerable overlap in NCI classification in PLWH, it is advisable to choose one screening tool such as IHDS or MoCA to identify those potentially having NCI and then refer to more comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining the duration of immunity induced by booster doses of CoronaVac is crucial for informing recommendations for booster regimens and adjusting immunization strategies. In two single-centre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled phase 2 clinical trials, immunogenicity and safety of four immunization regimens are assessed in adults aged 18 to 59 years and one immunization regimen in adults aged 60 years and older, respectively. Serious adverse events occurring within 6 months after booster doses are recorded as pre-specified secondary endpoints, geometric mean titres (GMTs) of neutralising antibodies one year after the 3-dose schedule immunization and 6 months after the booster doses are assessed as pre-specified exploratory endpoints, GMT fold-decreases in neutralization titres are assessed as post-hoc analyses. Neutralising antibody titres decline approximately 4-fold and 2.5-fold from day 28 to day 180 after third doses in adults aged 18–59 years of age and in adults aged 60 years and older, respectively. No safety concerns are identified during the follow-up period. There are increases in the magnitude and duration of humoral response with homologous booster doses of CoronaVac given 8 months after a primary two-dose immunization series, which could prolong protection and contribute to building our wall of population immunity. Trial number: NCT04352608 and NCT04383574. Following a booster dose of CoronaVac in two single-centre phase 2 clinical trials, the authors show that neutralising antibody titres decline approximately 4-fold and 2.5-fold from day 28 to day 180 in adults aged 18-59 years and in adults aged 60 years and older, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Live streaming (LS) is considered to be a sustainable marketing strategy for regions with special agricultural products affected by the environment because of its potential to reduce sales risk and solve customer trust issues. This paper aims to explore the factors that influence Chinese flower and seedling family farms' adoption intention of LS. An extended planning behavior theory (TPB) including government support and knowledge is used as the theoretical basis for this research. The sample collection adopted stratified random sampling. An effective sample of 356 was obtained through a face-to-face survey of flower and seedling family farms in Shuyang, China. The structural equation modeling (SEM) test results showed that subjective norms and knowledge were key dimensions, followed by government support, then attitude and perceived behavior control. In addition, the explanatory power of the extended TPB model increased by 4%. The results of the interview also found that young operators are more willing to accept LS. This research filled the study gap in the application of LS in agricultural commerce. It is recommended that decision-makers raise family farm operators' awareness of LS sales and provide more LS sales demonstrations to promote the LS adoption of flower and seedling family farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Central Plains has a long history, rich culture, unique geographical advantages, and profound cultural heritage. The occurrence of ancient cities in the Central Plains marks the formation of Chinese state-level societies. The number, size, and distribution of ancient cities have changed greatly from the late Yangshao to the Xia and Shang Dynasties, which reflects the evolution of settlement and social organization. In this study, Geographic Information System (GIS) spatial database technology was used to establish a spatiotemporal database of ancient cities in the late Yangshao, Longshan, as well as Xia and Shang Dynasties in the Central Plains. This paper uses GIS spatial analysis technology to analyze the relationship between the ancient city distribution and the geographical environment, as well as the evolution of ancient city's shapes and sizes. Furthermore, by using the method of the nearest neighbor distance and gravity center analysis, this paper discusses the agglomeration characteristics and gravity center evolution of ancient cities. The results show that: (1) Most of the ancient cities were distributed in areas below 500 m and within 3 km from the river during the time interval from the late Yangshao to Xia and Shang Dynasties; (2) The shape of the ancient cities gradually changed from circles to squares in the Central Plains, which became a unified model for the later ancient city design; (3) The sizes of the 18 ancient cities in the Yangshao period shared high similarity, with an average area of 20 hectares. The sizes of 24 ancient cities in the Longshan period increased significantly, with an average of 39 hectares. During the Xia and Shang Dynasties, there were 22 ancient cities with an average size of 340 hectares, and the grade of sizes became obvious, marking the entrance into Chinese state-level societies; (4) Cities were scattered in the decentralized pattern during the late Yangshao and Longshan periods, whereas they became agglomerative in Xia and Shang Dynasties. This reflects the evolution of the spatial scopes and social organizational forms; and (5) From the late Yangshao to Xia and Shang Dynasties, the gravity center of ancient cities moved around the Songshan Mountain from the northwest to the southeast and again to the northeast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silo-cave is a unique human habitation form on the Loess Plateau in northern China, which consists of an excavated 6–7 m deep pit as the courtyard and cave dwellings in the surrounding four walls. This architecture has had a history of more than 7000 years, and yet such "living fossils for the history of dwellings" are now facing great crises and challenges during rapid social and economic development. In this paper, remote sensing and GIS techniques are used to comprehensively and systematically investigate the spatial distributions and morphological characteristics of silo-caves at both the macro and micro scales. The research shows that silo-cave villages are mainly distributed in economically underdeveloped areas, such as West Henan (Yuxi), South Shanxi (Jinnan), Central Shaanxi (Guanzhong), and East Gansu (Longdong). The morphological evolution patterns of typical silo-cave villages are identified, including: (1) retaining the periphery and rebuilding the inner parts of the villages, (2) retaining the inner parts and expanding the periphery of the villages, and (3) rebuilding the inner parts and expanding the periphery of the villages. These patterns are demonstrated to be influenced by many factors, including landforms, traffic conditions, economic development, population growth, and administrative division adjustment. Sustainable development of these traditional silo-cave villages relies on administrative policy and planning, people's awareness of cultural heritage protection, culture inheritance, industrial transformation, and public services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Progressive tubulointerstitial fibrosis is the common final outcome for all kidney diseases evolving into chronic kidney disease (CKD), whereas molecular mechanisms driving fibrogenesis remain elusive. Retinoic acid-inducible gene-I (RIG-I), an intracellular pattern recognition receptor, is originally identified participating in immune response by recognizing virus RNA. Here, we revealed for the first time that RIG-I was induced in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and folic acid (FA) renal fibrosis models and moderate-degree renal fibrosis patients. Besides, we found RIG-I was mainly located in renal tubular epithelial cells and promoted the production and release of inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 through activation of NF-κB. Inflammatory cytokines released by tubular epithelial cells activated c-Myc-mediated TGF-β/Smad signaling in fibroblasts, which in turn aggravated interstitial fibrosis by promoting fibroblast activation and production of extracellular matrix components (ECM). Deficiency of RIG-I attenuated renal fibrosis by the regulation of inflammatory responses, c-Myc expression, and fibroblast activation. Besides, gene silencing of RIG-I reduced inflammatory cytokines in cultured tubular epithelial cells treated with Angiotensin II. Knockdown of c-Myc or c-Myc inhibitor blocked IL-1β-induced fibroblast activation. Collectively, our study demonstrates that RIG-I plays a significant role in the progress of renal fibrosis via regulating c-Myc-mediated fibroblast activation. Key messages: • RIG-I was constantly elevated in kidneys from renal fibrotic mice. • RIG-I facilitated inflammatory cytokine production in tubular epithelial cells. • RIG-I aggravated renal fibrosis via c-Myc-mediated TGF-β/Smad activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rising global temperatures will increase the number of extreme weather events, creating new challenges for cities around the world. Archaeological research on the destruction and subsequent reoccupation of ancient cities has the potential to reveal geological and social dynamics that have historically contributed to making urban settings resilient to these extreme weather events. Using a combination of archaeological and geological methods, we examine how extreme flood events at Kaifeng, a former capital of dynastic China, have shaped the city's urban resilience. Specifically, we focus on an extreme Yellow River flood event in AD 1642 that historical records suggest killed around 300,000 people living in Kaifeng. Our recent archaeological excavations have discovered compelling geological and archaeological evidence that corroborates these documents, revealing that the AD 1642 Yellow River flood destroyed Kaifeng's inner city, entombing the city and its inhabitants within meters of silt and clay. We argue that the AD 1642 flood was extraordinarily catastrophic because Kaifeng's city walls only partly collapsed, entrapping most of the flood waters within the city. Both the geology of the Yellow River floods as well as the socio-political context of Kaifeng shaped the city's resilience to extreme flood events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, alkali extraction technology was used to optimize the extraction of Monascus mycelium polysaccharides for the first time. The extracting parameters of alkali extracted Monascus mycelium polysaccharides were optimized by Box-Behnken design (BBD). The optimum conditions were extraction temperature 49 °C, alkali concentration 7%, solvent/material ratio 23:1 (ml/g) and extraction time 2.3 h with an enhanced yield of 10.1%, compared with the yield 4.76% of hot water extraction, indicating that alkali extraction is a more efficient way. In order to discuss the biological activity of alkali extracted polysaccharides, we compared the in vitro antioxidant activity of alkali extracted polysaccharides (AMP) with hot water extracted polysaccharides (HMP). The result showed that AMP have the similar capability of scavenging both superoxide radical and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical of HMP in vitro. Therefore, alkali extraction technology is not only a high-efficiency way to extract AMP, but also can retain the natural antioxidant activities of AMP, which can be used in pharmaceutical and food industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autophagy is the basic catabolic progress involved in cell degradation of unnecessary or dysfunctional cellular components. It has been proven that autophagy could be utilized for cell survival under stresses. Hypoxic-preconditioning (HPC) could reduce apoptosis induced by ischemia and hypoxia/serum deprivation (H/SD) in bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Previous studies have shown that both leptin signaling and autophagy activation were involved in the protection against apoptosis induced by various stress, including ischemia-reperfusion. However, it has never been fully understood how leptin was involved in the protective effects conferred by autophagy. In the present study, we demonstrated that HPC can induce autophagy in BMSCs by increased LC3-II/LC3-I ratio and autophagosome formation. Interestingly, similar effects were also observed when BMSCs were pretreated with rapamycin. The beneficial effects offered by HPC were absent when BMSCs were incubated with autophagy inhibitor, 3-methyladenine (3-MA). In addition, down-regulated leptin expression by leptin-shRNA also attenuated HPC-induced autophagy in BMSCs, which in turn was associated with increased apoptosis after exposed to sustained H/SD. Furthermore, increased AMP-activated protein kinase phosphorylation and decreased mammalian target of rapamycin phosphorylation that were observed in HPC-treated BMSCs can also be attenuated by down-regulation of leptin expression. Our data suggests that leptin has impact on HPC-induced autophagy in BMSCs which confers protection against apoptosis under H/SD, possibly through modulating both AMPK and mTOR pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]