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Exploiting photothermal agents with second‐near‐infrared (NIR‐II, 1000−1700 nm) emission and a high photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE) is an appealing and challenging task. Herein, by simultaneously tailoring the D−A interaction and planarity in fluorophores, two donor‐acceptor (D−A) −type semiconducting polymers (SPs), T‐BTP and B‐BTP, are constructed. Compared with T‐BTP, B‐BTP shows increased intramolecular interactions and improved molecular planarity, leading to bathochromic‐shift absorption, NIR‐II emission, and high PCE. Notably, the B‐BTP NPs achieve a remarkable PCE of 84.7%, which is among the highest PCEs of SPs in NIR‐II fluorescence imaging‐guided photothermal therapy (PTT). Because of these promising features, B‐BTP NPs are successfully used in NIR‐II vascular imaging and cancer therapy. This study provides valuable guidelines for the development of high‐performance NIR‐II SPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All‐solid‐state Li metal batteries (ASSLMBs) using inorganic solid‐state electrolytes (ISEs) are considered promising energy storage technologies owing to their intrinsic safety and high energy density. Nevertheless, one critical challenge confronting ASSLMBs is the inability of the ISEs to prevent Li dendrite growth, which has not yet been fully addressed. Herein, general design principles of artificial solid electrolyte interphases (ASEI) for suppressing Li dendrites in ASSLMBs are proposed by systematically exploring the formation mechanism of Li dendrites. Subsequently, a tailored LiF‐Li3N ASEI is constructed to inspect the Li‐dendrite‐free design principles. The LiF‐Li3N modified Li (LFN‐Li) can effectively inhibit the side reactions and suppress the growth of Li dendrites, thus boosting the critical current densities of Li10GeP2S12 (LGPS) to a record‐high value of 3.4 mA cm−2. Furthermore, the LFN‐Li/LGPS/LFN‐Li can cycle stably for over 5000 h at 0.2 mA cm−2. Crucially, the versatility of the designed ASEI is highlighted as it ensures outstanding long‐term stability in symmetric cells featuring oxide Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO)3 or halide Li2ZrCl6 ISEs. As a result, the ASEI enables LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2/LGPS/LFN‐Li and FeS2/LGPS/LFN‐Li cells to achieve high discharge‐specific capacities and desirable cyclic stability at room temperature. The generalized ASEI design principles rationalize the development of high‐energy ASSLBMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigates the development of ultrathin polyamide (PA) desalination membranes via electrospray fabrication, balancing the trade‐offs between selectivity and permeability. The unique contribution to the improvement of desalination performance is the integration of protonated montmorillonite nanoclay (MMT‐H+) and hyperbranched amino‐polyol cellulose nanocrystals (APCNC) as co‐nanofillers during the in situ interfacial polymerization process. Synergistic effect of the nanofillers is demonstrated in the resultant spherulitic PA thin‐film nanocomposite (TFN) membrane, achieving salt rejection of up to 99.7% against simulated brackish water. Moreover, the membrane's superior boron removal efficiency at neutral pH, observed at 76.7% in a single‐stage desalination process, is attributed to the reduced membrane pore size, disruption of water‐boron association by the spherulites, and complexation and electrostatic interaction with the abundant hydroxyl and amine groups along the APCNC polymeric chains. This process eliminates the need for pH adjustment, thereby enhancing the membrane's practicality and efficiency. The findings of this study provide significant insights into the interactions between boron and the membrane surface, laying the groundwork for the development of effective TFN desalination membranes for water purification and boron removal. The implication of these findings extends beyond academic interest, offering a promising strategy for addressing the global water scarcity crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In this study, a novel frozen pasta product (direct‐fried yeast‐fermented frozen youtiao, DFYF‐frozen youtiao) was developed, and its quality deterioration mechanism was explored from gluten. The comprehensive quality assessment revealed that DFYF‐frozen youtiao essentially satisfied consumers' expectations. However, after 10 freeze–thawed cycles (FTc), its specific volume dropped, accompanied by an 83.3% reduction in gas production capacity. Meanwhile, FTc treatment resulted in a noticeable decrease in springiness and resilience, and increased the hardness and springiness by 32.8% and 44.5% respectively. The deterioration of rheological properties for DFYF‐frozen youtiao dough during FTc was attributed to the loose gluten network, as evidenced by glutenin macropolymer depolymerisation, high hydrophobicity and weak thermal stability of gluten proteins. This study aims to offer technical guidance for producing palatable frozen youtiao with enhanced health attributes and understand the intricate relationships between the characteristics of gluten proteins and quality of DFYF‐frozen youtiao. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi‐drug resistance (MDR) is a major cause of cancer therapy failure. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising modality that can circumvent MDR and synergize with chemotherapies, based on the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by photosensitizers. However, overproduction of glutathione (GSH) by cancer cells scavenges ROS and restricts the efficacy of PDT. Additionally, side effects on normal tissues are unavoidable after PDT treatment. Here, to develop organic systems that deliver effective anticancer PDT and chemotherapy simultaneously with very little side effects, three GSH‐sensitive photosensitizer‐drug conjugates (CyR‐SS‐L) are designed and synthesized. CyR‐SS‐L localized in the mitochondria then is cleaved into CyR‐SG and SG‐L parts by reacting with and consuming high levels of intracellular GSH. Notably, CyR‐SG generates high levels of ROS in tumor cells instead of normal cells and be exploited for PDT and the SG‐L part is used for chemotherapy. CyR‐SS‐L inhibits better MDR cancer tumor inhibitory activity than indocyanine green, a photosensitizer (PS) used for PDT in clinical applications. The results appear to be the first to show that CyR‐SS‐L may be used as an alternative PDT agent to be more effective against MDR cancers without obvious damaging normal cells by the combination of PDT, GSH depletion, and chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Methods Results Conclusions In Taiwan, over 90% of dementia patients received home care. Severe dementia‐linked food refusal significantly affects nutrition, thereby straining caregivers. Family caregivers can reduce their burden by learning feeding and dementia nutrition online, thus preserving patient oral feeding. The study aim for family caregivers learn online Hand‐Under‐Hand (UH) techniques to ease feeding in severe dementia, enhancing nutrition and reducing their burden.In this quasi‐experimental study, participants in the experimental group received 2‐h UH courses online, while the control group received their usual care. The primary outcome indicators were abnormal eating behavior, nutritional status, and caregiver burden, with outcomes tracked at 0, 1, and 3 months. At the neurology outpatient clinic of a medical center in Taipei, 65 dyads—comprising patients with severe dementia and their caregivers—were randomly assigned to groups.The study participants comprised 36 female and 29 male caregivers, with an average age of 58.09 years. The patient group included 43 females and 22 males, with a mean age of 83.32 years. Patients in the experimental group exhibited reduced abnormal eating behavior, and caregiver burden was reduced at 1 and 3 months, patients demonstrated improved nutritional status by month 3.The accessibility and convenience of online courses enabled family caregivers to use UH feeding techniques to effectively improve the nutritional status and correct the abnormal eating behavior of patients with dementia, while also decreasing caregiver burden. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; ••: ••–••. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarcopenia recognition is very crucial in the early diagnosis of sarcopenia. However, the commonly used screening methods are limited by real‐time property, portability, and convenient usability at home. Herein, an electrospun BaTiO3 film is proposed and a piezoelectric sensor with silver electrodes and polyimide substrates is fabricated. The sensor exhibits high piezoelectricity (74.2 pC N−1), sensitivity, linearity, low detection limit (0.2 mN), and significant bending ability (bending angle can exceed 90°), maintaining stable output after more than 20 000 cycles during a week. Due to its excellent performance, the piezoelectric sensor to the recognition of sarcopenia is applied and a wearable system to collect piezoelectric signals from the lower limb movements of the elderly is developed. By selecting features from these signals, eight kinds of machine learning models are employed and their performances in recognizing sarcopenia are compared in both male and female groups. The results indicate that the artificial neural network (ANN) model has the highest performance, with accuracies of 92.9% in males and 98.1% in females. This piezoelectric sensor, combined with a wireless communication module, is expected to provide crucial evidence for sarcopenia detection, offering a new, convenient, and household screening solution for early diagnosis and prevention of sarcopenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrabroadband and polarization‐sensitive imaging are essential for pioneering advancements in intelligent technology, offering a pivotal pathway to multidimensional information extraction. However, the dearth of appropriate photosensitive semiconductors in the infrared region and the lack of suitably efficient device architecture for the separation and collection of photocarriers significantly impede the development of ultra‐broadband and polarization‐sensitive photodetectors. To address these challenges, a sandwiched Ta2NiSe5/MoTe2/Graphene heterostructure device is engineered. In this device, efficient and polarization‐sensitive photocarriers are generated in the top Ta2NiSe5 layer, rapidly separated through the middle MoTe2 layer, and effectively collected by the bottom graphene layer. As a result, the developed photodetector exhibits an ultra‐broadband and polarization‐sensitive photoresponse that extends from visible light (520 nm) to short‐wave infrared (2200 nm). At 2200 nm, the device displays a notable responsivity of 5.79 A W−1, a specific detectivity of 1010 Jones, and an anisotropic ratio of 1.44. Furthermore, this device successfully demonstrates high‐resolution ultra‐broadband and polarized light imaging capabilities. This study thus presents an intriguing blueprint for the development of advanced 2D imaging platforms for future‐generation intelligent systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effectiveness of an exopolysaccharide (EPS)‐producing strain (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum L75) alone or in combination with Saccharomyces cerevisiae on the fermentation characteristics, antioxidant capacities and microbial community successions of oat silage stored at various temperatures. A rapid decrease in pH and lactic acid accumulation was observed in silages treated with L. plantarum and S. cerevisiae (LS) as early as 3 days of ensiling (p < 0.05). Over the ensiling period of 7–60 days, L. plantarum (L)‐inoculated groups showed the lowest pH, lowest ammonia nitrogen and the highest amount of lactic acid regardless of the storage temperatures. When the oat silage was stored at 15°C, LS‐inoculated group exhibited a higher superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity than control and L‐inoculated group. Furthermore, the proportion of Lactiplantibacillus in the combined inoculation group increased by 65.42% compared to the L‐inoculated group (33.26%). Fungal community data revealed abundant Penicillium carneum in the control and L‐inoculated groups stored at 15°C. Conclusively, these results showed that combined inoculation of L. plantarum L75 and S. cerevisiae improved the fermentation quality of oat silage at 15°C, thus proposing a technique for enhancing the fermentation quality of silage in regions with low temperatures during harvest season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High metastatic propensity of osteosarcoma leads to its therapeutic failure and poor prognosis. Although nuclear activation miRNAs (NamiRNAs) are reported to activate gene transcription via targeting enhancer and further promote tumor metastasis, it remains uncertain whether NamiRNAs regulate osteosarcoma metastasis and their exact mechanism. Here, we found that extracellular vesicles of the malignant osteosarcoma cells (143B) remarkably increased the migratory abilities of MNNG cells representing the benign osteosarcoma cells by two folds, which attributed to their high miR‐1246 levels. Specially, miR‐1246 located in nucleus could activate the migration gene expression (such as MMP1) to accelerate MNNG cell migration through elevating the enhancer activities via increasing H3K27ac enrichment. Instead, MMP1 expression was dramatically inhibited after Argonaute 2 (AGO2) knockdown. Notably, in vitro assays demonstrated that AGO2 recognized the hybrids of miR‐1246 and its enhancer DNA via PAZ domains to prevent their degradation from RNase H and these protective roles of AGO2 may favor the gene activation by miR‐1246 in vivo. Collectively, our findings suggest that miR‐1246 could facilitate osteosarcoma metastasis through interacting with enhancer to activate gene expression dependent on AGO2, highlighting the nuclear AGO2 as a guardian for NamiRNA‐targeted gene activation and the potential of miR‐1246 for osteosarcoma metastasis therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Excessive neuroinflammation mediated mainly by microglia plays a crucial role in ischemic stroke. AZD1390, an ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) specific inhibitor, has been shown to promote radio‐sensitization and survival in central nervous system malignancies, while the role of AZD1390 in ischemic stroke remains unknown. Methods: Real‐time PCR, western blot, immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays were used to assess the activation of microglia and the release of inflammatory cytokines. Behavioral tests were performed to measure neurological deficits. 2,3,5‐Triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining was conducted to assess the infarct volume. The activation of NF‐κB signaling pathway was explored through immunofluorescence staining, western blot, co‐immunoprecipitation and proximity ligation assay. Results: The level of pro‐inflammation cytokines and activation of NF‐κB signaling pathway was suppressed by AZD1390 in vitro and in vivo. The behavior deficits and infarct size were partially restored with AZD1390 treatment in experimental stroke. AZD1390 restrict ubiquitylation and sumoylation of the essential regulatory subunit of NF‐κB (NEMO) in an ATM‐dependent and ATM‐independent way respectively, which reduced the activation of the NF‐κB pathway. Conclusion: AZD1390 suppressed NF‐κB signaling pathway to alleviate ischemic brain injury in experimental stroke, and attenuated microglia activation and neuroinflammation, which indicated that AZD1390 might be an attractive agent for the treatment of ischemic stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method was established for the simultaneous determination of furosine, furanone, and four furfural compounds (5‐hydroxymethylfurfural, furfural, furyl methyl ketone, and methyl furfural) in complementary rice, flour, and noodles for infants and young children by high performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector. The sample was extracted using oxalic acid aqueous solution as a solvent, and the protein was removed using trichloroacetic acid. Then the six Maillard reaction products were separated by an Eclipse XDB‐C18 column with a gradient elution at a flow rate of 0.6 mL/min using acetonitrile‐0.1% trifluoroacetic acid solution as the mobile phase, detected by a diode array detector and quantified by external standard method. The linear ranges of the six Maillard reaction products were 250–20000 μg/100 g with the correlation coefficients greater than 0.999, and the limits of quantification ranged from 250 to 1000 μg/100 g (S/N ≥ 10). The recoveries of the six Maillard reaction products ranged from 71.2% to 100% with a relative standard deviation of 0.9%–4.9%. The real sample analysis results showed that 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural was detected in two cookie samples, the contents of which were 335 μg/100 g and 436 μg/100 g, respectively. There are no studies on the detection of the six Maillard reaction products in rice, flour, and noodles in the previous reports. The established method provided reference for the quantification of expiration date in complementary rice, flour, and noodles for infants and young children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Electroacupuncture (EA) at the Lianquan (CV23) could alleviate swallowing dysfunction. However, current knowledge of its neural modulation focused on the brain, with little evidence from the periphery. Transient receptor potential channel vanilloid subfamily 1 (TRPV1) is an ion channel predominantly expressed in sensory neurons, and acupuncture can trigger calcium ion (Ca2+) wave propagation through active TRPV1 to deliver signals. The present study aimed to investigate whether TRPV1 mediated the signal of EA to the primary sensory cortex (S1) during regulation of swallowing function. Methods: Blood perfusion was evaluated by laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI), and neuronal activity was evaluated by fiber calcium recording and c‐Fos staining. The expression of TRPV1 was detected by RNA‐seq analysis, immunofluorescence, and ELISA. In addition, the swallowing function was assessed by in vivo EMG recording and water consumption test. Results: EA treatment potentiated blood perfusion and neuronal activity in the S1, and this potentiation was absent after injecting lidocaine near CV23. TRPV1 near CV23 was upregulated by EA‐CV23. The blood perfusion at CV23 was decreased in the TRPV1 hypofunction mice, while the blood perfusion and the neuronal activity of the S1 showed no obvious change. These findings were also present in post‐stroke dysphagia (PSD) mice. Conclusion: The TRPV1 at CV23 after EA treatment might play a key role in mediating local blood perfusion but was not involved in transferring EA signals to the central nervous system (CNS). These findings collectively suggested that TRPV1 may be one of the important regulators involved in the mechanism of EA treatment for improving swallowing function in PSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the growth of the global population and the development of the economy, the demand for delicious and nutritious meat is increasing. However, the pursuit of high productivity and a high lean meat rate in pig breeding has led to a serious decline in meat quality. How to moderately improve the quality and flavor of pork through nutritional supplementation is of great significance in meeting consumers' demand for high‐quality and delicious pork. Recent studies have shown that fermented feed using probiotics can not only improve the nutritional quality and utilization rate of agricultural by‐products, but also play an important role in improving meat color, increasing intramuscular fat content, regulating the flavor of pork, leading to a sustainable development of agriculture and husbandry. In this paper, we will review the current situation of the probiotics used in fermented feed, the effects of fermentation on the improvement of feed quality, the influence and mechanism of fermented feed on the growth performance, meat quality, and flavor of pigs, and so forth, aiming to provide theoretical basis and technical support for the research and development of fermented feed and its application in the production of high‐quality pork. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic value of musculoskeletal ultrasound measurements of subacromial bursa (SAB) thickness, supraspinatus tendon (SUP) thickness, acromiohumeral distance (AHD), and SUP‐to‐AHD ratio (AHD%) in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS). Methods: This was a prospective cross‐sectional observational study. Thirty patients with SIS (60 shoulders) admitted between January 2019 and January 2020 were enrolled. The SUP thickness, SAB thickness, AHD, and AHD% (calculated as AHD% = [(SUP / AHD) × 100%]) were measured in 60 shoulders using musculoskeletal ultrasound. Results: The affected shoulder displayed thicker SUP and SAB (t = 7.838), narrower AHD (t = 2.324), and larger AHD% (t = 6.875) than the unaffected shoulder (P <.05). The SUP thickness showed a linear positive correlation with AHD (r =.503) and AHD% (r =.792) in the affected shoulder (P <.05). On receiver operating characteristic analysis, AHD*AHD% showed the best diagnostic performance in both measurements (area under the curve: 0.877). Conclusion: This study revealed that SIS symptoms may be related to a larger AHD% with SUP thickening. As diagnostic criteria, the cut‐off values of AHD% (65.6%) and AHD*AHD% (0.504) have good sensitivity and specificity and can help improve the differential diagnosis of patients with SIS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Neurogenic bladder (NB) is a prevalent and debilitating consequence of spinal cord injury (SCI). Indeed, the accurate prognostication of early bladder outcomes is crucial for patient counseling, rehabilitation goal setting, and personalized intervention planning. Methods: A retrospective exploratory analysis was conducted on a cohort of consecutive SCI patients admitted to a rehabilitation facility in China from May 2016 to December 2022. Demographic, clinical, and electrophysiological data were collected within 40 days post‐SCI, with bladder outcomes assessed at 3 months following SCI onset. Results: The present study enrolled 202 SCI patients with a mean age of 40.3 ± 12.3 years. At 3 months post‐SCI, 79 participants exhibited complete bladder emptying. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified the H‐reflex of the soleus muscle, the American Spinal Injury Association Lower Extremity Motor Score (ASIA‐LEMS), and the time from lesion to rehabilitation facility (TLRF) as significant independent predictors for bladder emptying. A scoring system named HALT was developed, yielding a strong discriminatory performance with an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (aROC) of 0.878 (95% CI: 0.823–0.933). A simplified model utilizing only the H‐reflex exhibited excellent discriminatory ability with an aROC of 0.824 (95% CI: 0.766–0.881). Both models demonstrated good calibration via the Hosmer–Lemeshow test and favorable clinical net benefits through decision curve analysis (DCA). In comparison to ASIA‐LEMS, both the HALT score and H‐reflex showed superior predictive accuracy for bladder outcome. Notably, in individuals with incomplete injuries, the HALT score (aROC = 0.973, 95% CI: 0.940–1.000) and the H‐reflex (aROC = 0.888, 95% CI: 0.807–0.970) displayed enhanced performance. Conclusion: Two reliable models, the HALT score and the H‐reflex, were developed to predict bladder outcomes as early as 3 months after SCI onset. Importantly, this study provides hitherto undocumented evidence regarding the predictive significance of the soleus H‐reflex in relation to bladder outcomes in SCI patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Currently available therapies for neuropathic pain show limited efficacy. This study aimed to investigate the anti‐nociceptive effect of the spirocyclopiperazinium salt compound LXM‐15 in spinal nerve ligation (SNL) rats and to explore the potential mechanisms. Methods: Mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia tests were used to evaluate the effects of LXM‐15 in SNL rats. The expression of CaMKIIα, CREB, JAK2, STAT3, c‐fos and TNF‐α was detected by western blotting, ELISA or qRT‐PCR analysis. Receptor blocking test was performed to explore possible target. Results: Administration of LXM‐15 (1, 0.5, 0.25 mg/kg, i.g.) dose‐dependently attenuated mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in rats subjected to SNL (p < 0.01, p < 0.05), and the effects were completely blocked by peripheral α7 nicotinic or M4 muscarinic receptor antagonist (p > 0.05). LXM‐15 significantly decreased the overexpression of phosphorylated CaMKIIα, CREB, JAK2 and STAT3 proteins and the mRNA levels of TNF‐α and c‐fos (p < 0.01, p < 05). All of the effects could be blocked by α7 or M4 receptor antagonist. Furthermore, LXM‐15 reduced the protein expression of TNF‐α and c‐fos (p < 0.01, p < 0.05). No significant acute toxicity or abnormal hepatorenal function was observed. Conclusions: This is the first study to report that LXM‐15 exerts significant anti‐nociceptive effect on SNL rats. This effect may occur by activating peripheral α7 nicotinic and M4 muscarinic receptors, further inhibiting the CaMKIIα/CREB and JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathways, and finally inhibiting the expression of TNF‐α and c‐fos. Significance: Existing treatments for neuropathic pain show limited efficacy with severe adverse reactions. This paper is the first to report that LXM‐15, a new spirocyclopiperazinium salt compound, exerts a significant anti‐nociception in SNL rats without obvious toxicity. The underlying mechanisms include activating peripheral α7 nicotinic and M4 muscarinic receptors, then inhibiting the signalling pathways of CaMKIIα/CREB and JAK2/STAT3 and the expressions of TNF‐α and c‐fos. This study sheds new light on the development of novel analgesic drugs with fewer side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human gastrointestinal (GI) tract microbiome secretes various metabolites that play pivotal roles in maintaining host physiological balance and influencing disease progression. Among these metabolites, bacteriocins—small, heat‐stable peptides synthesized by ribosomes—are notably prevalent in the GI region. Their multifaceted benefits have garnered significant interest in the scientific community. This review comprehensively explores the methods for mining bacteriocins (traditional separation and purification, bioinformatics, and artificial intelligence), their effects on the stomach and intestines, and their complex bioactive mechanisms. These mechanisms include flora regulation, biological barrier restoration, and intervention in epithelial cell pathways. By detailing each well‐documented bacteriocin, we reveal the diverse ways in which bacteriocins interact with the GI environment. Moreover, the future research direction is prospected. By further studying the function and interaction of intestinal bacteriocins, we can discover new pharmacological targets and develop drugs targeting intestinal bacteriocins to regulate and improve human health. It provides innovative ideas and infinite possibilities for further exploration, development, and utilization of bacteriocins. The inevitable fact is that the continuously exploration of bacteriocins is sure to bring the promising future for demic GI health understanding and interference strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two studies examined the role of holistic thinking in meaning‐making and gratitude during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Correlational and mediational evidence showed that participants with high holistic thinking tended to construct more meaning from the pandemic and feel grateful, compared to participants with low holistic thinking (Study 1). Experimental manipulation of holistic thinking elicited behavioral choice for books on life meaning, which predicted gratitude (Study 2). These results cannot be explained by individual differences in the perception of threat (Study 1) or distress (Studies 1–2) associated with the pandemic. They cannot be explained by demographic factors such as age or gender, or cultural constructs such as ethnicity, educational level, or religiosity (Studies 1–2). These findings push understanding forward. They strengthen interdisciplinary links, fusing positive psychology with the social cognition of thinking styles. We discuss promising directions for future research with cross‐cultural implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: It is challenging to predict which patients who meet criteria for subcortical ischemic vascular disease (SIVD) will ultimately progress to subcortical vascular cognitive impairment (SVCI). METHODS: We collected clinical information, neuropsychological assessments, T1 imaging, diffusion tensor imaging, and resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging from 83 patients with SVCI and 53 age‐matched patients with SIVD without cognitive impairment. We built an unsupervised machine learning model to isolate patients with SVCI. The model was validated using multimodal data from an external cohort comprising 45 patients with SVCI and 32 patients with SIVD without cognitive impairment. RESULTS: The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the unsupervised machine learning model were 86.03%, 79.52%, and 96.23% and 80.52%, 71.11%, and 93.75% for internal and external cohort, respectively. DISCUSSION: We developed an accurate and accessible clinical tool which requires only data from routine imaging to predict patients at risk of progressing from SIVD to SVCI. Highlights: Our unsupervised machine learning model provides an accurate and accessible clinical tool to predict patients at risk of progressing from subcortical ischemic vascular disease (SIVD) to subcortical vascular cognitive impairment (SVCI) and requires only data from imaging routinely used during the diagnosis of suspected SVCI.The model yields good accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity and is portable to other cohorts and to clinical practice to distinguish patients with SIVD at risk for progressing to SVCI.The model combines assessment of diffusion tensor imaging and functional magnetic resonance imaging measures in patients with SVCI to analyze whether the "disconnection hypothesis" contributes to functional and structural changes and to the clinical presentation of SVCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reaction of carbon dioxide (CO2) with epoxide to generate cyclic carbonates is one of the most effective chemical fixation methods. The catalytic system significantly affects the carbon fixation efficiency of the reaction. Among the reported catalytic systems, porous materials as heterogeneous catalysts have attracted significant attention. This study aimed to summarize porous materials that catalyzed the conversion of CO2 into cyclic carbonates, including metal organic frameworks, covalent organic frameworks, poly(ionic) liquids, hyper crosslinked polymers, conjugated porous polymers and others. The study analyzed the catalytic properties of these materials and outlined future research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD), that can improve patients' motor and non‐motor symptoms. However, there are differences in the improvement of patients' emotional symptoms and cognitive function. Objective: To investigate the impact of active contact location and the volume of tissue activated (VTA) on patients' emotional symptoms and cognitive function in STN‐DBS in PD. Methods: A total of 185 PD patients were included in this study. We evaluated them using the Movement Disorder Society‐Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM‐A), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM‐D), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) scales at the preoperative, 1‐ and 12‐month postoperative time points. Leads were positioned in standard space using the Lead‐DBS toolbox, and VTA was calculated for analysis. Results: When the lead active contact was closer to the ventral side of the STN, the patients' HAM‐A improvement rate was higher, and when the active contact was closer to the anterior and dorsal sides of the STN, the patients' MoCA improvement rate was higher. Stimulation of the sensorimotor zone was more favorable to the improvement of HAM‐A and HAM‐D in patients. And, the stimulation of the associative zone was more favorable to the improvement of MoCA in patients. Conclusion: Our results provide evidence that the 12‐month outcomes of cognitive function and emotional symptoms in PD patients with STN‐DBS were closely related to the specific location of the active contacts in the STN and influenced by the VTA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon dioxide is a harmful greenhouse gas, as well as a valuable resource. Here, a three‐component cyclization reaction was developed for the synthesis of oxazolidine‐2,4‐diones by immobilizing CO2 under the electrochemistry and copper catalyst. Propargyl amide was used as the reaction substrate to capture carbon dioxide to produce carboxyl anion, while selenide produced electrophilic receptor to activate the triple bond under electrochemical conditions. Then, intramolecular cyclization reaction was carried out to obtain the target product. Through this environmentally friendly strategy, a series of important oxazolidine‐2,4‐diones was synthesized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ubiquitin‐mediated degradation of the Mas‐related G protein‐coupled receptor C (MrgC) reduces the number of receptors. However, the specific deubiquitinating enzyme antagonize this process has not been reported. In this study, we investigated the effect of ubiquitin‐specific protease‐48 (USP48) on bone cancer pain (BCP) and its effect on MrgC. Methods: A mouse model of BCP was established. BCP behaviours of mice were assessed after intrathecal injection of adeno‐associated virus (AAV)‐USP48. USP48 and MrgC interactions were studied by immunoprecipitation. Overexpression and knockdown of USP48 were conducted in N2a cells to investigate the effect of USP48 on MrgC receptor number and ubiquitination. Results: Spinal cord level USP48 expression was reduced in mice with BCP. Intrathecal injection of AAV‐USP48 increased paw withdrawal mechanical threshold and reduced spontaneous flinching in mice. In N2a cells, there were increased number of MrgC receptors after overexpression of USP48 and decreased number of MrgC receptors after knockdown of USP48. USP48 interacted with MrgC and overexpression of USP48 altered the level of ubiquitination of MrgC. Conclusion: USP48 antagonizes ubiquitin‐mediated autophagic degradation of MrgC and alleviates BCP in a murine animal model. Our findings may provide a new perspective for the treatment of BCP. Significance: Our finding may provide an important theoretical basis as well as an intervention target for clinical development of drugs for BCP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial waste gas is one of the major sources of atmospheric CO2, yet the direct conversion of the low concentrations of CO2 in waste gases into high value‐added chemicals have been a great challenge. Herein, a copper‐based N‐heterocyclic carbene porous polymer catalyst (Cu@NHC‐1) for the direct conversion of low concentration CO2 into oxazolidinones was successfully fabricated via a facile copolymerization process followed by the complexation with Cu(OAc)2. A continuous flow device was designed to deliver a continuous and stable carbon source for the reaction. Due to the triple synergistic effect of its porous structure, nitrogen activation sites and catalytic Cu center, Cu@NHC‐1 shows highly efficient and selective adsorption, activation, and conversion of the low concentration CO2 (30 vol%). Its practical application potential is demonstrated by the ability to successfully convert the CO2 in lime kiln waste gas into oxazolidinones in satisfactory yields under mild conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The impact of vitamin B metabolic disorders on hemodialysis (HD) patients' survival is unknown. This study is to investigate the association of serum vitamin B1, B3, B5, and B6 with all‐cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality in HD patients. Methods: Patients' baseline serum vitamin B1, B3, B5, and B6 levels were collected, and they were followed up for the occurrence of all‐cause and CV death. Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards model were used to examine the association of vitamin B with mortality. Results: Seventy‐six HD patients were included. The median follow‐up time was 99 months. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that baseline vitamin B5 < 69.0 nmol/L and vitamin B6 < 8.1 ng/ml were associated with a higher risk of CV mortality, but these associations were nullified after adjustment. Conclusions: Serum vitamins B1, B3, B5, and B6 were not associated with all‐cause or CV mortality in HD patients. Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2200057078 (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, https://www.chictr.org.cn/). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS‐CoV) is a single positive‐strand RNA virus that is responsible for the current pandemic that the world has been facing since 2019. The primary route of transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 is through respiratory tract transmission. However, other transmission routes such as fecal‐oral, vertical transmission, and aerosol‐eye also exist. In addition, it has been found that the pathogenesis of this virus involves the binding of the virus's S protein to its host cell surface receptor angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2, which results in the subsequent membrane fusion that is required for SARS‐CoV‐2 to replicate and complete its entire life. The clinical symptoms of patients infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 can range from asymptomatic to severe. The most common symptoms seen include fever, dry cough, and fatigue. Once these symptoms are observed, a nucleic acid test is done using reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. This currently serves as the main confirmatory tool for COVID‐19. Despite the fact that no cure has been found for SARS‐CoV‐2, prevention methods such as vaccines, specific facial mask, and social distancing have proven to be quite effective. It is imperative to have a complete understanding of the transmission and pathogenesis of this virus. To effectively develop new drugs as well as diagnostic tools, more knowledge about this virus would be needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Influence of low‐sodium salt on water mobility, chemical interactions, and structural changes in noodles was investigated to explore the underlying mechanisms of noodle quality changes, and the results were in comparison with those of NaCl and KCl. Low‐sodium salt increased the cooking loss, hardness, chewiness, maximum tensile strength, and tensile fracture distance of noodles. Low‐sodium salt enhanced the interaction of water and non‐aqueous components in noodles by reducing water mobility. Besides, chemical interaction test showed that low‐sodium salt induced the oxidation of some free SH groups to form SS bonds, and strengthened the hydrophobic interaction and hydrogen bonds of gluten. Fluorescence spectra revealed that low‐sodium salt changed the microenvironment of gluten molecules. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that low‐sodium salt noodles presented a more continuous and compact microstructure. Among the three kinds of salted noodles, some qualities of low‐sodium salt noodles were equivalent to or slightly worse than those of NaCl noodles, but higher than those of KCl noodles. Hence, replacing part of NaCl with KCl in noodle products is an effective method to reduce sodium content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The addition of CH3NH3Cl (MACl) in perovskite precursor has become one of the most effective strategies for enhancing the photovoltaic performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). To further determine its relevant intrinsic modification mechanism, a series of PSCs with variant MACl contents are prepared. Apart from the analysis of crystal morphology and defect states, molecular‐level photophysical processes related closely to photovoltaic performance are systematically investigated by transient absorption (TA) and time‐resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy. Promisingly, by a diffusion‐coupled charge‐transport model via global fitting of TA spectra, the kinetic of perovskite/SnO2 heterojunction films is resolved into four distinct photophysical processes. Among the processes, as the MACl concentrations increase, the charge carriers' bulk diffusion in perovskite and interfacial transfer in perovskite/SnO2 heterojunction accelerate simultaneously, while the back charge recombination from SnO2 to perovskite decelerates, which correlates closely with larger grains featuring fewer grain boundaries and defect sites of perovskite induced by MACl doping. The aforementioned modified charge dynamics constitute the origin of the excellent optoelectronic properties in the resultant device, which exhibits an optimal conversion efficiency of 23.6%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anaerobic fermentation gas (AFG) with CO2 removed is a sustainable energy resource, and converting CO2 in AFG to value‐added chemicals can kill two birds with one stone. Herein, an ionic porous organic polymer (IPOP‐3) catalyst, with triply synergistic effect of its hydroxide anions, nitrogen activation sites and porous structure, is synthesized. IPOP‐3 exhibits an excellent ability to enrich and convert 50 vol.% CO2 by the reactions with various amines into corresponding formamides. The catalyst is also successfully applied to the N‐formylation of CO2 in AFG, and can be easily recovered and reused. The plausible mechanism for the catalytic N‐formylation is proposed. The hydroxide anion in IPOP‐3 activates the Si−H bond of phenyl silane which reacts with the captured CO2 to form formate anion to facilitate the subsequent conversion into formamide. Our work provides a new idea for the purification of AFG and the resource utilization of CO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Developing salt‐free frozen‐cooked wheat noodles (FCNs) has a promising future, and how to eliminate the deficiency of the absence of salt is key to enhance its quality. In this study, based on the unique 'gel‐forming in cold water and gel strength‐strengthening during heating' properties, sanxan was used to improve the quality of salt‐free FCNs and the underlying mechanism was initially explored. TPA analysis, colour profile, thermal stability analysis, determination of free sulfhydryl and disulphide bonds contents, scanning electron microscopy observation, confocal laser scanning microscopy observation were carried out. The results showed that adding 1.2% sanxan could minimise the decrease in hardness, springiness, maximum tensile strength and tensile fracture distance, and the increase in adhesiveness of salt‐free FCNs during freeze–thaw treatments (FTs). The chrominance and thermal stability of salt‐free FCNs during FTs were also improved by adding 1.2% sanxan. Adding sanxan could strengthen the gluten network of salt‐free FCNs by weakening the recrystallisation of ice crystals, inhibiting the breakage of SS and enhancing the cross‐linkage degree and continuity of gluten network during FTs. The current study could develop a new preparation strategy of salt‐free convenient noodles and provide theoretical basis for expanding the novel application of sanxan in frozen foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During food processing and storage, proteins are sensitive to oxidative modification, changing the structural characteristics and functional properties. Recently, the impact of dietary protein oxidation on body health has drawn increasing attention. However, few reviews summarized and highlighted the impact of oxidative modification on the nutritional value of dietary proteins and related mechanisms. Therefore, this review seeks to give an updated discussion of the effects of oxidative modification on the structural characteristics and nutritional value of dietary proteins, and elucidate the interaction with gut microbiota, intestinal tissues, and organs. Additionally, the specific mechanisms related to pathological conditions are also characterized. Dietary protein oxidation during food processing and storage change protein structure, which further influences the in vitro digestion properties of proteins. In vivo research demonstrates that oxidized dietary proteins threaten body health via complicated pathways and affect the intestinal microenvironment via gut microbiota, metabolites, and intestinal morphology. This review highlights the influence of oxidative modification on the nutritional value of dietary proteins based on organs and the intestinal tract, and illustrates the necessity of appropriate experimental design for comprehensively exploring the health consequences of oxidized dietary proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional ionic liquids are formed by introducing functional groups into traditional ionic liquids. They have both good absorption capacity and excellent catalytic activity for carbon dioxide, and therefore are widely used in the chemical conversion of carbon dioxide. This paper focuses on the application of amino‐functionalized ionic liquids, carboxyl‐functionalized ionic liquids, hydroxyl‐functionalized ionic liquids and various other functionalized ionic liquids in carbon dioxide conversion. Their possible role in chemical carbon fixation is discussed by analyzing several typical chemical carbon fixation mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This study aimed to further clarify the influence of curdlan on the quality of frozen cooked noodles (FCN) by exploring the changes in the microstructure, rheological properties and water status of FCN during cooking. The addition of curdlan delayed the disappearance of the white core in FCN during cooking. Compared with FCN without curdlan, the microstructure of FCN with curdlan was more homogeneous, and 0.5% curdlan showed the best improvement. Furthermore, higher G′ and G′′ values and lower strain values were measured in the presence of 0.5% curdlan. Throughout the cooking process, the freezable water content significantly increased. Combined with the result of water distribution, it can be inferred that the reduction of freezable water content induced by curdlan was occurred by changing the status of water. Moreover, the result of magnetic resonance imaging indicated that the water migration rate decreased after the addition of curdlan. The results demonstrate that curdlan mitigates the degradation of FCN structure during cooking by limiting the mobility of water, which also provides new insights for improving the quality of FCN and the application of curdlan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developmental arsenic exposure has been associated with cognitive deficits in epidemiological studies, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we establish a mouse model of developmental arsenic exposure exhibiting deficits of recognition and spatial memory in the offspring. These deficits are associated with genome‐wide DNA hypomethylation and abnormal expression of cognition‐related genes in the hippocampus. Arsenic atoms directly bind to the cysteine‐rich ADD domain of DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A), triggering ubiquitin‐ and proteasome‐mediated degradation of DNMT3A in different cellular contexts. DNMT3A degradation leads to genome‐wide DNA hypomethylation in mouse embryonic fibroblasts but not in non‐embryonic cell lines. Treatment with metformin, a first‐line antidiabetic agent reported to increase DNA methylation, ameliorates the behavioral deficits and normalizes the aberrant expression of cognition‐related genes and DNA methylation in the hippocampus of arsenic‐exposed offspring. Our study establishes a DNA hypomethylation effect of developmental arsenic exposure and proposes a potential treatment against cognitive deficits in the offspring of pregnant women in arsenic‐contaminated areas. SYNOPSIS: Arsenic pollution has been linked to cognitive deficits. This study shows that arsenic binds the DNMT3A protein and disturbs cognition‐related gene expression in mouse brains, which can be rescued by metformin treatment. Developmental arsenic exposure induces genome‐wide DNA hypomethylation in the mouse hippocampus.Arsenic directly binds to DNMT3A and induces DNMT3A degradation through the ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway.Arsenic treatment leads to genome‐wide DNA hypomethylation in mouse embryonic fibroblasts but not in non‐embryonic cell lines.Metformin treatment ameliorates the arsenic‐induced cognitive deficits and normalizes the arsenic‐induced hippocampal DNA hypomethylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural enzymes are special proteins with excellent catalytic activity and selectivity. It is difficult to purify, store without losing the catalytic ability. Therefore, it is of great significance to study mimetic enzymes to realize the functions of natural enzymes and overcome their shortcoming. Herein, lentinan was used as a biological template to prepare palladium nanoparticles stabilized by lentinan (Pd‐LNT NPs), whose structure, activity and function were characterized. In addition, the 3,3′,5,5′‐tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) was oxidized by Pd‐LNT NPs in the presence of H2O2, which proved that they had good peroxidase‐like activity. The optimum reaction conditions were 30 °C and pH 4, the catalytic kinetic parameters were consistent with Michaelis‐Menten equation, and the good catalytic performance was verified. Furthermore, the colorimetric reaction based on the good peroxidase‐like activity of Pd‐LNT NPs was used for the convenient detection of H2O2. The linear range of colorimetric detection of H2O2 was 3.571‐107.143 μM, and it is worth noting that the detection limit was low to 4.714 μM. At last, Pd‐LNT NPs as biomimetic enzymes were used to detect the H2O2 released from HeLa cells, indicating they have great potential in the field of biological application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acridone as a new kind of visible light photocatalyst has been developed to catalyze metal free atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The photocatalyst possess low excited state potential as can undergo an oxidative quenching pathway to initiate ATRP of vinyl monomers. Kinetic study and light on/off reaction demonstrate the "living"/controlled nature of the polymerization by light. Block copolymers can be achieved by using PMMA as macroinitiator to reinitiate polymerization of other vinyl monomers, which shows highly preserved Br chain‐end functionality in the synthesized polymers. Moreover, the polymerization can be conducted under air atmosphere as most photocatalysts need anaerobic condition, which may give inspiration of further application of this kind of photocatalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: To better understand the aggregation mechanism of wheat gluten–peanut oil complex (WPE), the oxidation properties of peanut oil and wheat gluten at different extrusion temperatures were investigated. With the increase in extrusion temperature from 100 to 180 °C, the total oxidation value of peanut oil in WPE increased from 5.04 ± 0.26 to 10.01 ± 0.87, and the carbonyls content of gluten increased from 21.73 ± 0.62 to 31.43 ± 0.58 nmol mg−1. The results of surface hydrophobicity and carbonyls content indicated that peanut oil could induce gluten oxidation in WPE. The morphology of the extrudates showed that the addition of peanut oil promoted the aggregation of gluten protein. These results enhance our understanding of the interactions between peanut oil and gluten in extrudates and provide a theoretical basis for gluten‐based extrudates with favourable textural properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, multi‐parametric magnetic resonance imaging (MpMRI) has played a major role in radiation therapy treatment planning. The superior soft tissue contrast, functional or physiological imaging capabilities, and the flexibility of site‐specific image sequence development has placed MpMRI at the forefront. In this article, the present status of MpMRI for external beam radiation therapy planning is reviewed. Common MpMRI sequences, preprocessing, and quality assurance strategies are briefly discussed, and various image registration techniques and strategies are addressed. Image segmentation methods including automatic segmentation and deep learning techniques for organs at risk and target delineation are reviewed. Due to the advancement in MRI‐guided online adaptive radiotherapy, treatment planning considerations addressing MRI only planning are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conversion of waste CO2 to value‐added chemicals through electrochemical reduction is a promising technology for mitigating climate change while simultaneously providing economic opportunities. The use of non‐aqueous solvents like methanol allows for higher CO2 availability and novel products. In this work, the electrochemistry of CO2 reduction in acidic methanol catholyte at a Pb working electrode was investigated while using a separate aqueous anolyte to promote a sustainable water oxidation half‐reaction. The selectivity among methyl formate (a product unique to reduction of CO2 in methanol), formic acid, and formate was critically dependent on the catholyte pH, with higher pH conditions leading to formate and low pH favoring methyl formate. The potential dependence of the product distribution in acidic catholyte was also investigated, with a faradaic efficiency for methyl formate as high as 75 % measured at −2.0 V vs. Ag/AgCl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N‐heterocyclic carbene and related complexes are a class of catalysts with excellent catalytic activity which are widely used in the chemical fixation of carbon dioxide. This review focuses on the application of a carbene‐metal catalytic system, carbene‐free‐metal catalytic system and synergistic catalytic technology of various technologies in the conversion of carbon dioxide. The possible role of carbene materials in chemical carbon fixation is discussed by analyzing several types of typical chemical carbon fixation mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]