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Abstract Background The pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus is somewhat associated with lipid metabolism. We aim to assess the impact of lipid-lowering drugs (HMGCR inhibitors, PCSK9 inhibitors, and NPC1L1 inhibitors) on type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications through a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study. Method We identified suitable genetic instruments from the GWAS database that represent the expression levels of three genes, interpreting reduced genetically proxied gene expression as indicative of lipid-lowering drug use. We evaluated the causal relationships among these variables employing a two-sample Mendelian randomization approach, with the Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW) analysis serving as the primary method. Coronary artery disease was utilized as a positive control to validate the reliability of the selected genetic instruments. Result Increased genetically proxied HMGCR expression is significantly associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (OR = 0.64, 95%CI = 0.55–0.74), which was replicated in the FinnGen study with consistent results (OR = 0.65, 95%CI = 0.53–0.80). Increased genetically proxied HMGCR expression is associated with a reduced risk of diabetic retinopathy (OR = 0.23, 95%CI = 0.12–0.44) and diabetic nephropathy (OR = 0.35, 95%CI = 0.17–0.71). In contrast, increased genetically proxied PCSK9 expression is associated with a decreased risk of diabetic coma (OR = 0.70, 95%CI = 0.50–0.98), diabetic neuropathy (OR = 0.24, 95%CI = 0.14–0.42), diabetic retinopathy (OR = 0.67, 95%CI = 0.48–0.96), diabetic cardiovascular diseases (OR = 0.62, 95%CI = 0.38–0.99), and diabetic nephropathy (OR = 0.62, 95%CI = 0.41–0.95). Conclusions This Mendelian randomization study suggests an association between HMGCR and the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus, with increased genetically proxied HMGCR expression reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus, while PCSK9 and NPC1L1 show no significant association with type 2 diabetes mellitus. These findings may offer more reasonable lipid-lowering drug options for patients with dyslipidemia.

Abstract A deep understanding of how the host matrix influences the afterglow properties of molecule dopants is crucial for designing advanced afterglow materials. Despite its appeal, the impact of defects on the afterglow performance in molecule-doped SiO2 matrices has remained largely unexplored. Herein, we detail the synthesis of monodisperse SiO2 microparticles by hydrothermally doping molecules, such as 4-phenylpyridine, 4,4’-bipyridine, and 1,4-bis(pyrid-4-yl)benzene. Our results demonstrate that hydrothermal reactions induce not only the formation of emissive defects in the SiO2 matrix but also enable molecule doping through SiO2 pseudomorphic transformation. Optical analyses reveal a remarkable afterglow activation of doped molecules, driven by a synergistic interplay of hydrogen bonding and physical fixation. Specifically, 4-phenylpyridine doping leads to an impressive 227- and 271-fold enhancement in fluorescence and afterglow, respectively, and an extraordinary 3711-fold enhancement in the afterglow lifetime of the resulting SiO2 MPs. We also document hybrid states involving molecule dopants and SiO2 defects, explaining energy transfer from molecule dopants to defects in both singlet and triplet states. The robust achievement of molecule doping provides flexibility to tailor excitation-dependent afterglow attributes while preserving angle-dependent structural colors, facilitating the creation of diverse building blocks for multiscale optical platforms for afterglow modulation and information encoding.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the predictive capabilities of MRI-based radiomics for detecting lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) in patients diagnosed with endometrial carcinoma (EC). Materials and methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 160 female patients diagnosed with EC. The radiomics model including T2-weighted and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) images was established. Additionally, a conventional MRI model, which incorporated MRI-reported FIGO stage, deep myometrial infiltration (DMI), adnexal involvement, and vaginal/parametrial involvement, was established. Finally, a combined model was created by integrating the radiomics signature and conventional MRI characteristics. The predictive performance was validated by the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. A stratified analysis was conducted to compare the differences between the three models by Delong test. Results In predicting LVSI, the radiomics model outperformed the clinical model in the training cohort (AUC: 0.899 vs. 0.8862) but not in the test cohort (AUC: 0.812 vs. 0.8758). The combined model demonstrated superior performance in both the training and test cohorts (training cohort: AUC = 0.934, 95% CI: 0.8807–0.9873; testing cohort: AUC = 0.905, 95% CI: 0.7679-1). Conclusions The combined model exhibited utility in preoperatively predicting LVSI in patients with EC, offering potential benefits for clinical decision-making.

Abstract Field-controlled micromanipulation represents a pivotal technique for handling microparticles, yet conventional methods often risk physical damage to targets. Here, we discovered a completely new mechanism for true noncontact manipulation through photothermal effects, called thermal-optical tweezers. We employ a laser self-assembly photothermal waveguide (PTW) for dynamic microparticle manipulation. This waveguide demonstrates superior photothermal conversion and precision control, generating a nonisothermal temperature field. The interaction of thermal convection and thermophoresis within this field creates a microfluidic potential well, enabling noncontact and nondestructive particle manipulation. By varying the path of PTWs in lithography and manipulating laser loading modes, diverse manipulation strategies, such as Z-shaped migration, periodic oscillation, and directional transport, are achievable. Our innovative noninvasive micromanipulation technology minimizes not only physical damage to target objects but also enables precise and diverse manipulation of micro entities, opening up new avenues for the photothermal control of cells and biomolecules.

The electrocaloric effect (ECE), known for its environmentally friendly characteristics, holds significant promise for advancing next-generation solid-state refrigeration technologies. Achieving a large ECE along with a wide working temperature range near room temperature remains a key developmental goal. In this study, we successfully obtained a substantial ECE of 1.78 K and an extensive working temperature range of 103 K (ΔT > 1.52 K) near room temperature in CaZrO3-modified BaTiO3 lead-free ferroelectric ceramics. Furthermore, this achievement was verified using direct methods. The piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) results suggest that the broad temperature range is attributed to the formation of ferroelectric microdomains and polar nanoregions (PNRs). Furthermore, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and ultraviolet‒visible (UV‒Vis) spectroscopy reveal a decrease in the oxygen vacancy concentration and an increase in the bandgap for higher CaZrO3 doping levels. These changes synergistically enhance the maximum applied electric field, helping to achieve a high-performance ECE near room temperature. This research presents a straightforward and effective approach for achieving high-performance ECEs in BaTiO3 lead-free ceramics, offering promising prospects for application in next-generation solid-state refrigeration technologies.

Integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) have emerged as the first-line choice for treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection due to their superior efficacy and safety. However, the impact of INSTIs on the development of neuropsychiatric conditions in people living with HIV (PLWH) is not fully understood due to limited data. In this study, we conducted a cross-sectional examination of PLWH receiving antiretroviral therapy, with a specific focus on HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) on INSTI-based regimens (n = 61) and efavirenz (EFV)-based regimens (n = 28). Participants underwent comprehensive neuropsychiatric evaluations and multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, including T1-weighted images and resting-state functional MRI. Compared to the EFV group, the INSTI group exhibited primarily reduced gray matter volume (GMV) in the right superior parietal gyrus, higher regional homogeneity (ReHo) in the left postcentral gyrus, lower ReHo in the right orbital part of the inferior frontal gyrus, and increased voxel-wise functional connectivity for the seed region in the left inferior temporal gyrus with clusters in the right cuneus. Furthermore, the analysis revealed a main effect of antiretroviral drugs on GMV changes, but no main effect of neuropsychiatric disorders or their interaction. The repeated analysis of participants who did not switch regimens confirmed the GMV changes in the INSTI group, validating the initial findings. Our study demonstrated gray matter atrophy and functional brain changes in PLWH on INSTI-based regimens compared to those on EFV-based regimens. These neuroimaging results provide valuable insights into the characteristics of brain network modifications in PLWH receiving INSTI-based regimens.

Abstract Background Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) emerges as a grave complication of tuberculosis in people living with HIV (PLWH). The diagnosis and treatment of TBM pose significant challenges, leading to elevated mortality rates. To comprehensively grasp the epidemiological landscape of TBM in PLWH, a systematic review and meta-analysis were meticulously undertaken. Methods We performed a comprehensive search in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from database inception to September 19th, 2023, with no limitations on the publication type. The search terms were HIV/AIDS terms (AIDS OR HIV OR PLWH) and TBM-related terms (tuberculous meningitis OR TBM). Studies included in this meta-analysis evaluated the incidence of TBM among PLWH, or we were able to calculate the incidence of TBM among PLWH from the research. Results The analysis revealed that the prevalence of TBM among PLWH was 13.6% (95% CI: 6.6–25.9%), with an incidence rate of 1.5 cases per 1000 persons per year. The case fatality rate was found to be 38.1% (95% CI: 24.3–54.1%). No significant publication bias was observed. Meta-regression analysis identified the proportion of females and finance situation as factors influencing the outcomes. Conclusions Our study highlights TBM as a prevalent opportunistic infection that targets the central nervous system in PLWH. The elevated case fatality rate is especially prominent among PLWH in impoverished regions, underscores the pressing necessity for enhanced management strategies for PLWH suffering from TBM. Trial registration PROSPERO; No: CRD42022338586.

Abstract Background Many patients undergo dose reduction or early termination of chemotherapy to reduce chemoradiotherapy-related toxicity, which may increase their risk of survival. However, this strategy may result in underdosing patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (LA-ESCC). This study aimed to analyze the relationship between the relative dose intensity (RDI) and survival outcomes in patients with LA-ESCC. Methods This retrospective study assessed patients with LA-ESCC (cT2N + M0, cT3-4NanyM0) receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) with curative-intent esophagectomy. The patients received 2 courses of paclitaxel plus carboplatin (TC) combination radiotherapy prior to undergoing surgery. During NCRT, RDI was computed, defined as the received dose as a percentage of the standard dose, and the incidence of dose delays was estimated (≥ 7 days in any course cycle). The best RDI cutoff value (0.7) was obtained using ROC curve. The Kaplan–Meier survival curves were compared using the log-rank test, the treatment effect was measured using hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results We included 132 patients in this study, divided into RDI

Disperse ferrite is generally embedded in lightweight steel, yet exhibits decent performance, thereby prompting a question: can heterogeneous design optimize it? Here, two representative structures, featured with discontinuous fibrous and dispersed ferrite separately embedded in the austenite matrix, were constructed as examples to address the issue. A heterostructure with fibrous ferrite shows a remarkable product (49 GPa·%) of ultimate strength and total elongation, standing out among other lightweight steels. Superior strength-ductility synergy is primarily attributed to hetero-deformation-induced strengthening and hardening. Abundant hetero-interactions imparted by phase boundaries, dense slip bands in austenite and dislocation networks inside ferrite serve as underlying physical mechanisms.

Abstract Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the deadliest malignant tumors in China. Microvascular invasion (MVI) often indicates poor prognosis and metastasis in HCC patients. 18F-FDG PET–CT is a new imaging method commonly used to screen for tumor occurrence and evaluate tumor stage. Purpose This study attempted to predict the occurrence of MVI in early-stage HCC through 18F-FDG positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) imaging findings and laboratory data. Patients and methods A total of 113 patients who met the inclusion criteria were divided into two groups based on postoperative pathology: the MVI-positive group and MVI-negative group. We retrospectively analyzed the imaging findings and laboratory data of 113 patients. Imaging findings included tumor size, tumor maximum standard uptake value (SUVmaxT), and normal liver maximum standard uptake value (SUVmaxL). The ratios of SUVmaxT to SUVmaxL (SUVmaxT/L) and an SUVmaxT/L > 2 were defined as active tumor metabolism. The tumor size was indicated by the maximum diameter of the tumor, and a diameter greater than 5 cm was defined as a mass lesion. The laboratory data included the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level and the HBeAg level. An AFP concentration > 20 ng/mL was defined as a high AFP level. A HBeAg concentration > 0.03 NCU/mL was defined as HB-positive. Results The SUVmaxT/L (p = 0.003), AFP level (p = 0.008) and tumor size (p = 0.015) were significantly different between the two groups. Patients with active tumor metabolism, mass lesions and high AFP levels tended to be MVI positive. Binary logistic regression analysis verified that active tumor metabolism (OR = 4.124, 95% CI, 1.566–10.861; p = 0.004) and high AFP levels (OR = 2.702, 95% CI, 1.214–6.021; p = 0.015) were independent risk factors for MVI. The sensitivity of the combination of these two independent risk factors predicting HCC with MVI was 56.9% (29/51), the specificity was 83.9% (52/62) and the accuracy was 71.7% (81/113). Conclusion Active tumor metabolism and high AFP levels can predict the occurrence of MVI in HCC patients.

Abstract Background Pichia pastoris (Komagataella phaffii) is a promising production host, but the usage of methanol limits its application in the medicine and food industries. Results To improve the constitutive expression of heterologous proteins in P. pastoris, four new potential transcription regulators (Loc1p, Msn2p, Gsm1p, Hot1p) of the glyceraldehyde triphosphate dehydrogenase promoter (pGAP) were revealed in this study by using cellulase E4 as reporter gene. On this basis, a series of P. pastoris strains with knockout or overexpression of transcription factors were constructed and the deletion of transcription factor binding sites on pGAP was confirmed. The results showed that Loc1p and Msn2p can inhibit the activity of pGAP, while Gsm1p and Hot1p can enhance the activity of pGAP; Loc1p, Gsm1p and Hot1p can bind directly to pGAP, while Msn2p must be treated to expose the C-terminal domain to bind to pGAP. Moreover, manipulating a single transcription factor led to a 0.96-fold to 2.43-fold increase in xylanase expression. In another model protein, aflatoxin oxidase, knocking out Loc1 based on AFO-∆Msn2 strain resulted in a 0.63-fold to 1.4-fold increase in expression. It can be demonstrated that the combined use of transcription factors can further improve the expression of exogenous proteins in P. pastoris. Conclusion These findings will contribute to the construction of pGAP-based P. pastoris systems towards high expression of heterologous proteins, hence improving the application potential of yeast.

Portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT), a severe complication of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), markedly influences patient prognosis by fostering a hypercoagulable state. However, its molecular underpinnings remain largely unexplored. This study sheds light on the critical role of the KIT ligand (KITLG) in modulating expression of the collagen gene COL4A1 via the STAT3-SMAD2 signaling pathway, thereby influencing platelet activation and PVTT development. Extensive analysis of PVTT tissue samples, alongside in vitro and in vivo experiments including cell-platelet interaction assays and PVTT animal models, revealed the mechanism through which KITLG regulates COL4A1 expression, as well as its downstream effects on platelet behavior and the coagulation cascade. Our findings revealed that marked upregulation of COL4A1 expression, mediated by KITLG through the STAT3-SMAD2 pathway, led to increased platelet activation and PVTT formation. KITLG and COL4A1 expression was markedly higher in PVTT tissues than primary HCC tissues, thus highlighting their critical role in the pathophysiological trajectory leading to thrombosis. The finding that the KITLG-COL4A1 signaling axis is a crucial mediator in PVTT development may offer promising new directions for developing targeted diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. This study underscores the importance of the KITLG-COL4A1 axis in PVTT formation and its potential as a therapeutic target in HCC treatment protocols.

Abstract Background The erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a new analgesic method used in thoracic surgery. However, few studies have characterized their effects on perioperative opioid consumption. We aimed to evaluate the effects of ESPB on perioperative opioid consumption in patients who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Methods This was a randomized, observer-blinded clinical trial at a single-centre academic hospital. Eighty patients were scheduled for thoracoscopic segmentectomy or lobectomy by VATS for lung cancer. Forty participants were randomly assigned to ESPB or control group. All patients received intravenous patient-controlled postoperative analgesia. Perioperative opioid consumption, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, and adverse events were recorded. Results Intraoperative and postoperative opioid consumption and static/dynamic VAS scores were significantly lower in the early hours after VATS in the ESPB group (p

Abstract Biodiversity often helps communities resist invasion. However, it is unclear whether this diversity–invasion relationship holds true under environmental changes. Here, we conduct a meta-analysis of 1010 observations from 25 grassland studies in which plant species richness is manipulated together with one or more environmental change factors to test invasibility (measured by biomass or cover of invaders). We find that biodiversity increases resistance to invaders across various environmental conditions. However, the positive biodiversity effect on invasion resistance is strengthened under experimental warming, whereas it is weakened under experimentally imposed drought. When multiple factors are imposed simultaneously, the positive biodiversity effect is strengthened. Overall, we show that biodiversity helps grassland communities resist plant invasions under multiple environmental changes. Therefore, investment in the protection and restoration of native biodiversity is not only important for prevention of invasions under current conditions but also under continued global environmental change.

Abstract Salvia miltiorrhiza is commonly used as a Chinese herbal medicine to treat different cardiovascular and cerebrovascular illnesses due to its active ingredients. Environmental conditions, especially drought stress, can affect the yield and quality of S. miltiorrhiza. However, moderate drought stress could improve the quality of S. miltiorrhiza without significantly reducing the yield, and the mechanism of this initial drought resistance is still unclear. In our study, transcriptome and metabolome analyses of S. miltiorrhiza under different drought treatment groups (CK, A, B, and C groups) were conducted to reveal the basis for its drought tolerance. We discovered that the leaves of S. miltiorrhiza under different drought treatment groups had no obvious shrinkage, and the malondialdehyde (MDA) contents as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities dramatically increased, indicating that our drought treatment methods were moderate, and the leaves of S. miltiorrhiza began to initiate drought resistance. The morphology of root tissue had no significant change under different drought treatment groups, and the contents of four tanshinones significantly enhanced. In all, 5213, 6611, and 5241 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were shared in the A, B, and C groups compared with the CK group, respectively. The results of KEGG and co-expression analysis showed that the DEGs involved in plant-pathogen interactions, the MAPK signaling pathway, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, and plant hormone signal transduction responded to drought stress and were strongly correlated with tanshinone biosynthesis. Furthermore, the results of metabolism analysis indicated that 67, 72, and 92 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs), including fumarate, ferulic acid, xanthohumol, and phytocassanes, which were primarily involved in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, and diterpenoid biosynthesis pathways, were detected in these groups. These discoveries provide valuable information on the molecular mechanisms by which S. miltiorrhiza responds to drought stress and will facilitate the development of drought-resistant and high-quality S. miltiorrhiza production.

Abstract Conducting polymer hydrogel can address the challenges of stricken biocompatibility and durability. Nevertheless, conventional conducting polymer hydrogels are often brittle and weak due to the intrinsic quality of the material, which exhibits viscoelasticity. This property may cause a delay in sensor response time due to hysteresis. To overcome these limitations, we have designed a wrinkle morphology three‐dimensional (3D) substrate using digital light processing technology and then followed by in situ polymerization to form interpenetrating polymer network hydrogels. This novel design results in a wrinkle morphology conducting polymer hydrogel elastomer with high precision and geometric freedom, as the size of the wrinkles can be controlled by adjusting the treating time. The wrinkle morphology on the conducting polymer hydrogel effectively reduces its viscoelasticity, leading to samples with quick response time, low hysteresis, stable cyclic performance, and remarkable resistance change. Simultaneously, the 3D gradient structure augmented the sensor's sensitivity under minimal stress while exhibiting consistent sensing performance. These properties indicate the potential of the conducting polymer hydrogel as a flexible sensor.

Abstract Background The simultaneous (synchronous) presence of primary breast cancer and primary lung cancer diagnosed in a single individual is not an uncommon phenomenon. However, reference data for treatment strategy is scarce and “chaotic”. In the present study we discuss the management strategy for this group of patients. Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients in the primary breast cancer database of the Breast Center and the primary lung cancer database of the Thoracic Surgery Department I of Peking University Cancer Hospital. Patients with synchronous primary breast cancer and primary lung cancer who underwent surgery between December 2010 and December 2023 were included in the study. The sequence of outpatient visits, recommendations of multidisciplinary teams, perioperative treatment, and surgical procedures were reviewed. Meanwhile, survival analysis based on propensity score matching with 1:1 ratio was performed between the 31 patients and those with lung cancer only during the same period. Results A total of 31 patients with synchronous primary breast cancer and primary lung cancer were identified; all of the patients were women. The average age was 61 years. A total of 24 of the patients had visited the breast center first, and routine chest computed tomography (CT) showed evidence of primary lung cancer. The other seven patients had visited the thoracic surgery clinic first, and routine positron emission tomography (PET)‐CT revealed the coexistence of primary breast cancer. All the patients had multidisciplinary team consultations, after which 20 patients were recommended to have preoperative treatment for breast cancer, two patients were recommended to have preoperative treatment for lung cancer, and nine patients were recommended to undergo surgery directly. After surgery, 23 patients received postoperative adjuvant treatment for breast cancer, and no patients needed postoperative adjuvant treatment for lung cancer. Survival analysis showed that there was no significant difference between the 31 patients and those with lung cancer only. Conclusion Routine chest CT is needed for breast cancer patients before surgery, and PET‐CT is required for the accurate staging of lung cancer patients. A multidisciplinary expert team should manage synchronous primary breast cancer and primary lung cancer. Emphasis should be placed on patients who need preoperative treatment before surgery. Particularly, for patients who need preoperative chemotherapy, a regimen should be chosen that balances the treatment of lung cancer and breast cancer.

The exponential increasement and the attributes of medical data drive the requirement for secure medical data archiving. DNA data storage shows promise for storing sensitive and important data like medical records due to its high density and endurance. Nevertheless, current DNA data storage working scheme generally does not fully consider the data encryption, posing a risk of data corruption by routine DNA sequencing. Here, we designed a “multi-layer” encryption pipeline for medical data archiving. Initially, digital information was encrypted using Blowfish algorithm at information technology (IT) layer, followed by two-layer data encryption at the biotechnology (BT) layer. The first BT layer exploited the molecular weight of synthetic DNA or nucleoside to encrypt the key, while the second BT layer encrypted digital information within DNA sequences. Consequently, decryption involved layer-by-layer interpretation of data, including mass spectroscopy, sequencing, and Blowfish decryption, significantly enhancing data security. Utilizing mass spectroscopy to retrieve information allows for employment of both natural and unnatural nucleosides, as well as their synthetic oligonucleotides, for data storage, thereby considerably boosting scalability. Our work implies expanded flexibility of DNA-based data storage, highlighting the potential for leveraging various physical and chemical characteristics of DNA molecules to encode and access digital information.

Eucommia ulmoides Oliver (E. ulmoides Oliver), a multipurpose woody plant, holds great economic significance due to its expansive medicinal, food and industrial applications. The rapid advancement of E. ulmoides in various fields has resulted in the inadequacy of existing breeding methods to meet its growth and annual production demands. Consequently, there is an urgent need for innovative propagation strategies. This study introduces an optimized micropropagation protocol for E. ulmoides, facilitating direct shoot organogenesis from nodal segments with axillary buds. We systematically examined the impact of basal medium composition, plant growth regulators, photosynthetic photon flux density, and sucrose concentration on bud sprouting. Employing cuttings with axillary buds as propagation material, we achieved a shortened cultivation period of merely 4 weeks for bud elongation and proliferation, marking a substantial enhancement in propagation efficiency. Notably, the Driver Kuniyuki Walnut medium, supplemented with 20.0 g L−1 sucrose and 2.0 mg L−1 trans-zeatin, induced shoots sprouting with a 100% success rate and an average length of 5.18 cm per nodal segment, equating to a great bud propagation rate of approximately 500%. Furthermore, a light source with an intensity of 80 μmol m−2 s−1 was shown the most economical choice. To address the primary challenge of inducing roots in regenerated plants, we employed a refined two-step rooting technique. This method yielded the optimal rooting frequency of 93.02%, producing an average of 5.90 adventitious roots per plantlet, each with an average length of 2.77 cm. The micropropagation program developed in this work will be the cornerstone for the preservation of the germplasm of E. ulmoides and its long-term use in medicinal and industrial applications.

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to investigate the effect of different harvest times and processing methods on the B vitamins and α-tocopherol contents of Leymus chinensis (Trin.).MethodsL. chinensis was harvested on 11 July (T1 group), 16 July (T2 group), 21 July (T3 group), 26 July (T4 group), and 31 July (T5 group) in 2022 and processed using natural drying and silage fermentation to evaluate fermentation quality, chemical composition, in vitro digestibility and vitamin content.ResultsThe fermentation quality of L. chinensis silage prepared at all five times of harvest was better. The silage fermentation group showed a significant increase (p

MXenes, a novel class of two-dimensional (2D) materials, have attracted considerable attention in various fields, especially in drug delivery, wound healing, bone tissue engineering, biosensing, and cancer treatment. Thanks to their remarkable physicochemical properties, MXenes hold great promise for biomedical applications. Concurrently, hydrogels composed of polymers have been extensively utilized in biomedical contexts. The unique properties of MXenes facilitate their integration into various bioactive hydrogels with enhanced functions and properties, thereby endowing the composites with multifunctional capabilities. MXene-reinforced polymer hydrogels (MRPHs) synergistically combine the advantageous characteristics of both MXenes and hydrogels, making them highly adaptable for integration with other theranostic strategies in medical applications. In this comprehensive review, we demonstrate recent advances in the design and synthesis of MRPHs for biomedical applications. Specifically, we introduce the unique functions and properties of MRPHs and analyze the methods for tailoring the functions of MRPHs by incorporating them with other active components, including functional molecules, 2D materials, metal ions, natural polymers, and drugs/genes. We then discuss the biomedical applications of the designed bioactive MRPHs in wound healing, tissue engineering, biosensors, and cancer therapy. We hope that this work provides valuable guidance and inspiration for readers to develop novel MRPHs for advanced applications.

Anthocyanins are plant secondary metabolites belonging to the polyphenol class of natural water-soluble phytopigments. The accumulation of anthocyanins in different plant tissues can improve plant survival under adverse conditions. In addition, plants with the resulting colorful morphology can be utilized as landscape plants. Triticum boeoticum (syn. Triticum monococcum ssp. aegilopoides, 2n=2x=14, AbAb) serves as a valuable genetic resource for the improvement of its close relative common wheat in terms of enhancing resilience to various biotic and abiotic stresses. In our previous study, the EMS-mutagenized mutant Z2921 with a red glume, stem, and rachis was generated from T. boeoticum G52, which has a green glume, stem, and rachis. In this study, the F1, F2, and F2:3 generations of a cross between mutant-type Z2921 and wild-type G52 were developed. A single recessive gene, tentatively designated RgM4G52, was identified in Z2921 via genetic analysis. Using bulked segregant exome capture sequencing (BSE-Seq) analysis, RgM4G52 was mapped to chromosome 6AL and was flanked by the markers KASP-58 and KASP-26 within a 3.40-cM genetic interval corresponding to 1.71-Mb and 1.61-Mb physical regions in the Chinese Spring (IWGSC RefSeq v1.1) and Triticum boeoticum (TA299) reference genomes, respectively, in which seven and four genes related to anthocyanin synthesis development were annotated. Unlike previously reported color morphology-related genes, RgM4G52 is a recessive gene that can simultaneously control the color of glumes, stems, and rachis in wild einkorn. In addition, a synthetic Triticum dicoccum–T. boeoticum amphiploid Syn-ABAb-34, derived from the colchicine treatment of F1 hybrids between tetraploid wheat PI 352367 (T. dicoccum, AABB) and Z2921, expressed the red stems of Z2921. The flanking markers of RgM4G52 developed in this study could be useful for developing additional common wheat lines with red stems, laying the foundation for marker-assisted breeding and the fine mapping of RgM4G52.

The stability of soil organic carbon (SOC) is crucial for the global carbon cycle and serves as a key indicator of soil quality and eco-system function. In Karst areas, SOC stability is influenced by unique geological conditions. Studying SOC stability in these regions is significant for understanding regional ecosystem functions and the role of SOC in mitigating global climate change. This review examines the fractions and stability of SOC in Karst areas, analyzing the impacts of key factors such as rocky desertification, land use changes, and vegetation restoration on SOC stability, along with their underlying mechanisms. It also discusses the current challenges and opportunities in SOC stability. This review aims to guide the development of effective ecological rehabilitation and management strategies for degraded ecosystems in Karst areas.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to compare hematological parameters pre- and early post-chemotherapy, and evaluate their values for predicting febrile neutropenia (FN).MethodsPatients diagnosed with malignant solid tumors receiving chemotherapy were included. Blood cell counts peri-chemotherapy and clinical information were retrieved from the hospital information system. We used the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method for variable selection and fitted selected variables to a logistic model. We assessed the performance of the prediction model by the area under the ROC curve.ResultsThe study population consisted of 4,130 patients with common solid tumors receiving a three-week chemotherapy regimen in Sichuan Cancer Hospital from February 2019 to March 2022. In the FN group, change percentage of neutrophil count decreased less (−0.02, CI: −0.88 to 3.48 vs. −0.04, CI: −0.83 to 2.24). Among hematological parameters, lower post-chemotherapy lymphocyte count (OR 0.942, CI: 0.934–0.949), change percentage of platelet (OR 0.965, CI: 0.955–0.975) and higher change percentage of post-chemotherapy neutrophil count (OR 1.015, CI: 1.011–1.018), and pre-chemotherapy NLR (OR 1.002, CI: 1.002–1.002) predicted an increased risk of FN. These factors improved the predicting model based on clinical factors alone. The AUC of the combination model was 0.8275.ConclusionPeri-chemotherapy hematological markers improve the prediction of FN.

Aeolian sandy soil and loess soil of the Mu Us Sandy Land are used as the research material in this study to investigate the effect of soil compounding on the improvement of aeolian sandy soil and to provide a feasible approach for sand prevention and sand control. In particular, loess soils were compounded at 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% by volume percentage of the compounded soils. The improvement benefits of compounded soils on their textural properties, water-holding capacity, and fertilizer-retention capacity at different blending ratios were evaluated. The results showed that following the compounding of aeolian sandy and loess soils, with the increase of the loess proportion, the texture type of the compounded soil transforms from sandy soil to loamy sandy soil to sandy loam to loamy soil to powdery loam. Moreover, granular gradation was observed, the bulk density gradually decreased, the capillary porosity gradually increased, and the performance of water- and fertilizer-holding properties gradually increased and strengthened. The spatial variability of compounded soil bulk density, capillary porosity, and the water-holding and fertilizer-retention properties was almost entirely controlled by the proportion of loess soil. A theoretical basis is provided in this study for aeolian sandy soil improvement in the Mu Us Sandy Land that can be extended to similar areas, providing a feasible sand management approach.

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of music therapy in reducing anxiety, pain, and vital sign changes in ophthalmic surgery patients. Methods: An extensive search of databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, identified relevant studies up to Jan 2024. Selection of studies was conducted based on the PICOS criteria. The quality of methodology was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool and Review Manager 5.4. Meta-analysis comparing the control group and the music therapy group was performed using R and Stata/SE 15.1 random or fixed effects model. Results: This meta-analysis included fifteen studies comprising 2098 participants. The analysis revealed that music therapy significantly reduced the risk of high anxiety levels as measured by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) (I2 = 0 %, RR(95 %CI): 0.75(0.63, 0.88), p = 0.0006), indicating a substantial effect without heterogeneity. The Anxiety scores determined by State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-State (STAI-S) also showed a significant decrease (SMD(95 %CI): −0.75(−0.88, −0.61), p