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Abstract Anesthetics are widely used in electrophysiological tests to assess retinal and visual system functions to avoid experimental errors caused by movement and stress in experimental animals. To determine the most suitable anesthetic for visual electrophysiological tests, excluding ketamine and chloral hydrate due to regulatory and side effect concerns, this study investigated the effects of ethyl carbamate (EC), avertin (AR), and pentobarbital sodium (PS) on visual signal conduction in the retina and primary visual cortex. Assessments included flash electroretinogram (FERG), pattern electroretinogram (PERG), pattern visual evoked potentials (PVEP), and flash visual evoked potentials (FVEP), FERG and FVEP were used to evaluate the responses of the retina and visual cortex to flash stimuli, respectively, while PERG and PVEP assessed responses to pattern stimuli. The research showed that AR demonstrates the least disruption to the visual signal pathway, as evidenced by consistently high characteristic peaks in the AR group across various tests. In contrast, mice given EC exhibited the lowest peak values in both FERG and FVEP, while subjects anesthetized with PS showed suppressed oscillatory potentials and PERG responses. Notably, substantial PVEP characteristic peaks were observed only in mice anesthetized with AR. Consequently, among the three anesthetics tested, AR is the most suitable for visual electrophysiological studies.

Abstract Background Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most universal liver diseases with complicated pathogenesis throughout the world. Insulin resistance is a leading risk factor that contributes to the development of NAFLD. Vascular endothelial growth factor B (VEGFB) was described by researchers as contributing to regulating lipid metabolic disorders. Here, we investigated VEGFB as a main target to regulate insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. Methods In this study, bioinformatics, transcriptomics, morphological experiments, and molecular biology were used to explore the role of VEGFB in regulating insulin resistance in NAFLD and its molecular mechanism based on human samples, animal models, and cell models. RNA-seq was performed to analyze the signal pathways associated with VEGFB and NAFLD; Palmitic acid and High-fat diet were used to induce insulin-resistant HepG2 cells model and NAFLD animal model. Intracellular glucolipid contents, glucose uptake, hepatic and serum glucose and lipid levels were examined by Microassay and Elisa. Hematoxylin-eosin staining, Oil Red O staining, and Periodic acid-schiff staining were used to analyze the hepatic steatosis, lipid droplet, and glycogen content in the liver. Western blot and quantitative real-time fluorescent PCR were used to verify the expression levels of the VEGFB and insulin resistance-related signals PI3K/AKT pathway. Results We observed that VEGFB is genetically associated with NAFLD and the PI3K/AKT signal pathway. After VEGFB knockout, glucolipids levels were increased, and glucose uptake ability was decreased in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells. Meanwhile, body weight, blood glucose, blood lipids, and hepatic glucose of NAFLD mice were increased, and hepatic glycogen, glucose tolerance, and insulin sensitivity were decreased. Moreover, VEGFB overexpression reduced glucolipids and insulin resistance levels in HepG2 cells. Specifically, VEGFB/VEGFR1 activates the PI3K/AKT signals by activating p-IRS1Ser307 expression, inhibiting p-FOXO1pS256 and p-GSK3Ser9 expressions to reduce gluconeogenesis and glycogen synthesis in the liver. Moreover, VEGFB could also enhance the expression level of GLUT2 to accelerate glucose transport and reduce blood glucose levels, maintaining glucose homeostasis. Conclusions Our studies suggest that VEGFB could present a novel strategy for treating NAFLD as a positive factor. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Background: Haematological patients with severe thrombocytopenia and high thrombotic risk face challenges related to balancing bleeding and thrombosis risks. This study investigated factors associated with bleeding and thrombosis in high-risk haematological oncology patients with severe thrombocytopenia not receiving anticoagulant therapy and characterized their clinical features when both events occurred. Methods: A total of 446 haematological oncology patients with Caprini scores ≥ 5 were included from July 2022 to June 2023 at Mianyang City Central Hospital. Those not receiving prophylactic anticoagulants due to an admission platelet count

Abstract We propose an improved superpixel segmentation algorithm based on visual saliency and color entropy for online color detection in printed products. This method addresses the issues of low accuracy and slow speed in detecting color deviations in print quality control. The improved superpixel segmentation algorithm consists of three main steps: Firstly, simulating human visual perception to obtain visually salient regions of the image, thereby achieving region-based superpixel segmentation. Secondly, adaptively determining the superpixel size within the salient regions using color information entropy. Finally, the superpixel segmentation method is optimized using hue angle distance based on chromaticity, ultimately achieving a region-based adaptive superpixel segmentation algorithm. Color detection of printed products compares the color mean values of post-printing images under the same superpixel labels, outputting labels with color deviations to identify areas of color differences. The experimental results show that the improved superpixel algorithm introduces color phase distance with better segmentation accuracy, and combines it with human visual perception to better reproduce the color information of printed materials. Using the method described in this article for printing color quality inspection can reduce data computation, quickly detect and mark color difference areas, and provide the degree of color deviation.

To address the challenges posed by inadequate data and data utilization in multiple scenarios of fatigue loading, a Physics-informed Transfer Learning (PITL) model has been developed to predict the fatigue life of IN718 superalloy. Strain-controlled low-cycle fatigue tests were carried out at 400 °C with three distinct strain ratios, which were subsequently segmented for individual transfer learning tests. PITL models with significant engineering value were built by integrating transfer learning methodologies rooted in TrAdaBoost with a physics-based model that hinges on the principles of equivalent strain theory. The findings suggest that PITL models exhibit improved accuracy and greater robustness compared to both transfer learning and physics models.

Abstract Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-induced myocarditis involves intensive immune/inflammation activation; however, its molecular basis is unclear. Here, we show that gasdermin-E (GSDME), a gasdermin family member, drives ICI-induced myocarditis. Pyroptosis mediated by GSDME, but not the canonical GSDMD, is activated in myocardial tissue of mice and cancer patients with ICI-induced myocarditis. Deficiency of GSDME in male mice alleviates ICI-induced cardiac infiltration of T cells, macrophages, and monocytes, as well as mitochondrial damage and inflammation. Restoration of GSDME expression specifically in cardiomyocytes, rather than myeloid cells, in GSDME-deficient mice reproduces ICI-induced myocarditis. Mechanistically, quantitative proteomics reveal that GSDME-dependent pyroptosis promotes cell death and mitochondrial DNA release, which in turn activates cGAS-STING signaling, triggering a robust interferon response and myocardial immune/inflammation activation. Pharmacological blockade of GSDME attenuates ICI-induced myocarditis and improves long-term survival in mice. Our findings may advance the understanding of ICI-induced myocarditis and suggest that targeting the GSDME-cGAS-STING-interferon axis may help prevent and manage ICI-associated myocarditis.

Abstract Background Expanding the number of biomarkers is imperative for studying the etiology and improving venous thromboembolism prediction. In this study, we aimed to identify promising biomarkers or targeted therapies to improve the detection accuracy of early-stage deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or reduce complications. Methods Quantibody Human Cytokine Antibody Array 440 (QAH-CAA-440) was used to screen novel serum-based biomarkers for DVT/non-lower extremity DVT (NDVT). Differentially expressed proteins in DVT were analyzed using bioinformatics methods and validated using a customized array. Diagnostic accuracy was calculated using receiver operating characteristics, and machine learning was applied to establish a biomarker model for evaluating the identified targets. Twelve targets were selected for validation. Results Cytokine profiling was conducted using a QAH-CAA-440 (RayBiotech, USA) quantimeter array. Cross-tabulation analysis with Venn diagrams identified common differential factors, leading to the selection of 12 cytokines for validation based on their clinical significance. These 12 biomarkers were consistent with the results of previous array analysis: FGF-6 (AUC = 0.956), Galectin-3 (AUC = 0.942), EDA-A2 (AUC = 0.933), CHI3L1 (AUC = 0.911), IL-1 F9 (AUC = 0.898), Dkk-4 (AUC = 0.88), IG-H3 (AUC = 0.876), IGFBP (AUC = 0.858), Gas-1 (AUC = 0.858), Layilin (AUC = 0.849), ULBP-2 (AUC = 0.813)and FGF-9 (AUC = 0.773). These cytokines are expected to serve as biomarkers, targets, or therapeutic targets to differentiate DVT from NDVT. Conclusions EDA-A2, FGF-6, Dkk-4, IL-1 F9, Galentin-3, Layilin, Big-h3, CHI3L1, ULBP-2, Gas-1, IGFBP-5, and FGF-9 are promising targets for DVT diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract Background Obesity has become a major global public health challenge. Studies examining the associations between different obesity patterns and the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are limited. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between different obesity patterns and the risk of NAFLD in a large male population in the US. Methods Data from the 2017 to March 2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were utilized. Liver steatosis and fibrosis were assessed with FibroScan using the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and liver stiffness measurements (LSM). Steatosis was identified with a CAP value of 248 dB/m or higher. Abdominal obesity was defined by a waist circumference (WC) of 102 cm or more for males and 88 cm or more for females. Overweight was defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 24.0 kg/m2 and above. General obesity was identified with a BMI of 28.0 kg/m2 or higher. Obesity status was categorized into four types: overweight, general obesity, abdominal obesity, and combined obesity. Multivariate logistic regression, adjusting for potential confounders, was used to examine the link between obesity patterns and NAFLD risk. Subgroup analysis further explored these associations. Results A total of 5,858 adults were included. After multivariable adjustment, compared to the normal weight group, the odds ratios (ORs) [95% confidence interval (CI)] for NAFLD in individuals with overweight, general obesity, abdominal obesity, and combined obesity were 6.90 [3.74–12.70], 2.84 [2.38–3.39], 3.02 [2.02–4.51], and 9.53 [7.79–11.64], respectively. Subgroup analysis showed the effect of different obesity patterns on NAFLD risk was stable among individuals with different clinical conditions. In the fully adjusted multivariate logistic regression model, WC was positively associated with NAFLD risk (OR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.42–1.53; P

The rise of Vehicular Edge Computing (VEC) has gained attention for its ability to alleviate backhaul network load and provide ultra-low latency. In meeting the escalating computational needs of cutting-edge vehicular applications such as augmented reality and autonomous driving, the abundant computational resources of vehicles can prove critical for task computation in a VEC environment. Nevertheless, the high mobility of vehicles has the potential to disrupt ongoing task computation due to varying communication network connectivity. This paper proposes a task offloading scheme that leverages multi-hop vehicle computation resources in Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communication, relying on mobility analysis. Vehicles capable of fulfilling the requisite communication and computation demands via multi-hop connectivity can assist in performing tasks offloaded by the client vehicle, along with the single-hop vehicles in the vicinity of the client vehicle. We formulate an NP-hard optimization problem for task offloading to minimize all tasks’ weighted sum of computation delay. For this, a proximal policy optimization-based Multi-hop Vehicular Task Offloading (MVTO-PPO) scheme in vehicular edge computing is designed for low complexity that provides the optimal solution. Our approach involved modeling the task offloading process as a Markov decision process. We then developed an offloading decision algorithm that utilizes deep reinforcement learning to choose the appropriate vehicle for task execution. This approach improves the quality of environmental perception by enabling reasonable task offloading, ultimately leading to significant long-term benefits. Furthermore, we explore the integration of fifth-generation new-radio vehicle-to-everything (5G NR V2X) communication, utilizing both cellular links and millimeter wave technology to enhance system performance. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm significantly reduces task offloading delays, outperforming benchmark approaches in various scenarios.

BackgroundChronic kidney disease (CKD) is a prevalent chronic condition that poses a significant threat to human health. There is a close connection between the gut and kidneys, jointly influencing the onset and progression of CKD through the “gut-kidney axis.” Traditional Chinese medicine has shown potential in CKD treatment, but the specific mechanisms require further investigation.ObjectivesThis study aims to explore the protective effects of Mizhuo Enema (MZGCY) on kidney function in CKD rats by regulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.MethodsThe researcher employed a CKD rat model, which was divided into four groups: Control, Model, half-dose Mizhuo Guanchangye (1/2 MZGCY), and full-dose Mizhuo Guanchangye (MZGCY). Post enema administration, assessments were conducted on kidney function indicators, which included blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCR), and 24-h urinary protein. Additionally, measurements were taken for intestinal toxic substances such as indoxyl sulfate (IS) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), as well as inflammatory factors interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Examinations of pathological changes in both the intestines and kidneys were also performed. During this process, immunofluorescence was utilized to detect the expression levels of proteins toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in the intestinal tissues.ResultsIt was found that after enema treatment, the BUN, SCR, and 24-h urinary protein levels in the MZGCY and 1/2 MZGCY groups significantly decreased, indicating notable improvement in kidney function. Compared to the model group, the IS, LPS, IL-6, and TNF-α levels in the MZGCY and 1/2 MZGCY groups were significantly reduced. Immunofluorescence showed a marked decrease in the expression of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB proteins in the intestines of the MZGCY group.ConclusionMZGCY significantly reduces the levels of intestinal toxins and inflammatory factors in the serum of CKD rats by interfering with the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby improving intestinal and renal pathological changes and delaying CKD progression. This study demonstrates that MZGCY has significant renal protective effects, providing a new potential approach for CKD treatment.

ObjectivesColorectal cancer (CRC) is a major global health concern, ranking as the third most common cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Currently, the diagnostic accuracy of Lymph node metastasis (LNM) is currently unsatisfactory. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a reliable tool that can accurately predict lymph node metastasis (LNM) in patients diagnosed with CRC.MethodsWe conducted an extensive proteomics investigation aimed at examining lymph node metastasis (LNM) in individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC). In the discovery stage, employing a mass spectrometry-based proteomic approach, we analyzed a cohort of 60 colorectal cancer patients (NM=30, LNM=30), identifying distinct molecular profiles that differentiate patients with and without lymph node metastasis (LNM). Subsequently, we validated the protein classifier associated with lymph node metastasis.ResultsWe elucidated a combinatorial predictive protein biomarker that can distinguish patients with and without lymph node metastasis by LC-MS/MS. The classifier achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.892 (95% CI, 0.842-0.941), while in the testing cohort, it attained an AUC of 0.929 (95% CI, 0.824-1.000). Furthermore, the four protein markers demonstrated an AUC of 0.84 (95% CI, 0.783–0.890) in the validation cohort. Additionally, we categorized patients into three types based on immunophenotyping. Type 1 primarily consisted of patients with negative lymph node metastasis (NM), characterized by immune cells such as NK cells, CD4 T effector memory cells, and memory B cells. Type 2 mainly included patients with positive lymph node metastasis (LNM), characterized by immune cells such as mesangial cells, epithelial cells, and mononuclear cells. In Type 1, a prominent upregulation observed in immune inflammation, as well as in glucose and lipid metabolism. In Type 2, significant upregulation was evident in pathways such as pyrimidine metabolism and cell cycle regulation. The findings of this study suggest that immune mechanisms may exert a pivotal role in the process of lymph node metastasis in CRC.ConclusionsHere, we present plasma protein signatures associated with lymph node metastasis in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, further validation across multiple centers is necessary to generalize these findings.

Abstract The corticostriatal connection plays a crucial role in cognitive, emotional, and motor control. However, the specific roles and synaptic transmissions of corticostriatal connection are less studied, especially the corticostriatal transmission from the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Here, a direct glutamatergic excitatory synaptic transmission in the corticostriatal projection from the ACC is found. Kainate receptors (KAR)‐mediated synaptic transmission is increased in this corticostriatal connection both in vitro and in vivo seizure‐like activities. GluK1 containing KARs and downstream calcium‐stimulated adenylyl cyclase subtype 1 (AC1) are involved in the upregulation of KARs following seizure‐like activities. Inhibiting the activities of ACC or its corticostriatal connection significantly attenuated pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)‐induced seizure. Additionally, injection of GluK1 receptor antagonist UBP310 or the AC1 inhibitor NB001 both show antiepileptic effects. The studies provide direct evidence that KARs are involved in seizure activity in the corticostriatal connection and the KAR‐AC1 signaling pathway is a potential novel antiepileptic strategy.

Abstract Acute kidney injury (AKI) presents as a condition marked by a sudden and rapid decrease in kidney function over a short timeframe, resulting from diverse causes. As a transcription factor, PR domain‐containing 16 (PRDM16), has recently been implicated in brown fat biogenesis and heart diseases. Our recent works indicated that PRDM16 could suppress the occurrence of renal interstitial fibrosis in diabetic kidney disorder. Nonetheless, the effect and regulatory mechanism of PRDM16 in AKI remain elusive. Our study demonstrated that PRDM16 inhibited apoptosis induced by ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) in BUMPT (Boston University mouse kidney proximal tubular) cells and HK‐2(Human Kidney‐2) cells. Mechanistically, PRDM16 not only bound to the promoter region of S100 Calcium Binding Protein A6 (S100A6)and upregulated its expression but also interacted with its amino acids 945–949, 957–960, and 981–984 to suppress the p38MAPK and JNK axes via inhibition of PKC‐η activity and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Furthermore, cisplatin‐ and I/R‐stimulated AKI progression were ameliorated in PRDM16 proximal‐tubule‐specific knockin mice, whereas exacerbated in PRDM16 knockout proximal‐tubule‐specific mice). Moreover, we observed that formononetin ameliorated I/R‐ and cisplatin‐triggered AKI progression in mice. Taken together, these findings reveal a novel self‐protective mechanism in AKI, whereby PRDM16 regulates the S100A6/PKC‐η/ROS/p38MAPK and JNK pathways to inhibit AKI progression.

Triclosan (TCS) is an eminent antibacterial agent. However, extensive usage causes potential health risks like hepatotoxicity, intestinal damage, kidney injury, etc. Existing studies suggested that TCS would disrupt bile acid (BA) enterohepatic circulation, but its toxic mechanism remains unclear. Hence, the current study established an 8-week TCS exposure model to explore its potential toxic mechanism. The results discovered 8 weeks consecutive administration of TCS induced distinct programmed cell death, inflammatory cell activation and recruitment, and excessive BA accumulation in liver. Furthermore, the expression of BA synthesis and transport associated genes were significantly dysregulated upon TCS treatment. Additional mechanism exploration revealed that Fxr inhibition induced by TCS would be the leading cause for unusual BA biosynthesis and transport. Subsequent Fxr up-stream investigation uncovered TCS exposure caused pyroptosis and its associated IL-1β would be the reason for Fxr reduction mediated by NF-κB. NF-κB blocking by dimethylaminoparthenolide ameliorated TCS induced BA disorder which confirmed the contribution of NF-κB in Fxr repression. To sum up, our findings conclud TCS-caused BA disorder is attributed to Fxr inhibition, which is regulated by the IL-1β-NF-κB signaling pathway. Hence, we suggest Fxr would be a potential target for abnormal BA stimulated by TCS and its analogs.

Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of PCSK9 monoclonal antibody(mAb) specifically for Chinese patients have been limited. This multi-center RCT is to clarify the efficacy and safety of a novel mAb, Ebronucimab, in Chinese patients. Patients diagnosed with primary hypercholesterolemia, including Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia, or mixed dyslipidemia, were categorized by ASCVD risk and randomly assigned at a ratio of 2:1:2:1 to receive Ebronucimab 450 mg or matching placebo every 4 weeks (Q4W), or Ebronucimab 150 mg or matching placebo every 2 weeks (Q2W). The primary outcome was the percentage change of LDL-C from baseline to week 12 for all groups. The least squares mean reduction difference (95 %CI) in LDL-C from baseline to week 12 of Ebronucimab 450 mg Q4W and Ebronucimab 150 mg Q2W groups versus the placebo group was −59.13 (-64.103, −54.153) (Adjusted p

Aim: To compare the dosimetric advantages and disadvantages between hybrid intensity-modulated radiation therapy (h-IMRT) and the volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) technique in hypofractionated whole-breast irradiation (HF-WBI) for early-stage breast cancer (BC). Methods: The dose distribution of h-IMRT and VMAT plans was compared in 20 breast cancer patients. This comparison included evaluation of dosimetric parameters using dose volume histograms (DVHs) for the planning target volume (PTV) and organs-at-risk (OARs). Additionally, the study examined the normal tissue complication probability (NTCP), the second cancer complication probability (SCCP) and the tumor control probability (TCP) based on different models. Results: Significant differences were detected between the two plans, in terms of Machine units (MUs), the control points, 95 % volume (V95 %), dose homogeneity index (DHI) and conformity index (CI). The endpoint of grade II radiation pneumonitis and cardiac death due to ischemic heart disease were assessed. In h-IMRT plan, the NTCP values were marginally lower for radiation pneumonitis and slightly higher for cardiac death compared to VMAT plan, as determined by the Lyman–Kutcher–Burman model. The Schneider model was employed to predict the SCCP for both the bilateral lungs and contralateral breast, the results demonstrate that the h-IMRT plan outperforms the VMAT plan, with statistical significance. Additionally, the LQ-Poisson model was employed to forecast the TCP of the PTV, showing that the h-IMRT plan outperformed the VMAT plan (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The h-IMRT technique, offering superior dose coverage and better therapeutic efficacy with fewer side effects as calculated by models, is more suitable for HF-WBI compared to the VMAT technique.

Abstract Purpose This study mainly focuses on the immune function and introduces CD4+, CD8+ T cells and their ratios based on the MuLBSTA score, a previous viral pneumonia mortality risk warning model, to construct an early warning model of severe viral pneumonia risk. Methods A retrospective single-center observational study was operated from January 2021 to December 2022 at the People's Hospital of Liangjiang New Area, Chongqing, China. A total of 138 patients who met the criteria for viral pneumonia in hospital were selected and their data, including demographic data, comorbidities, laboratory results, CT scans, immunologic and pathogenic tests, treatment regimens, and clinical outcomes, were collected and statistically analyzed. Results Forty-one patients (29.7%) developed severe or critical illness. A viral pneumonia severe risk warning model was successfully constructed, including eight parameters: age, bacterial coinfection, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+, multiple lung lobe infiltrations, smoking, hypertension, and hospital admission days. The risk score for severe illness in patients was set at 600 points. The model had good predictive performance (AUROC = 0.94397), better than the original MuLBSTA score (AUROC = 0.8241). Conclusion A warning system constructed based on immune function has a good warning effect on the risk of severe conversion in patients with viral pneumonia.

Abstract Objective Circular RNAs (circRNAs), pivotal in the pathogenesis and progression of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), remain a significant point of investigation for potential therapeutic interventions. Our research was driven by the objective to decipher the roles and underlying mechanisms of hsa_circ_0044569 (circCOL1A1) in governing the malignant phenotypes and the Warburg effect in NPC. Methods We systematically collected samples from NPC tissues and normal nasopharyngeal epithelial counterparts. The expression levels of circCOL1A1, microRNA-370-5p (miR-370-5p), and prothymosin alpha (PTMA) were quantitatively determined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blotting. Transfections in NPC cell lines were conducted using small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) or vectors carrying the pcDNA 3.1 construct for overexpression studies. We interrogated the circCOL1A1/miR-370-5p/PTMA axis's role in cellular functions through a series of assays: 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide for cell viability, colony formation for growth, Transwell assays for migration and invasion, and Western blotting for protein expression profiling. To elucidate the molecular interactions, we employed luciferase reporter assays and RNA immunoprecipitation techniques. Results Our investigations revealed that circCOL1A1 was a stable circRNA, highly expressed in both NPC tissues and derived cell lines. A correlation analysis with clinical pathological features demonstrated a significant association between circCOL1A1 expression, lymph node metastasis, and the tumor node metastasis staging system of NPC. Functionally, silencing circCOL1A1 led to substantial suppression of cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and metabolic alterations characteristic of the Warburg effect in NPC cells. At the molecular level, circCOL1A1 appeared to modulate PTMA expression by acting as a competitive endogenous RNA or 'sponge' for miR-370-5p, which in turn promoted the malignant characteristics of NPC cells. Conclusion To conclude, our findings delineate that circCOL1A1 exerts its oncogenic influence in NPC through the modulation of the miR-370-5p/PTMA signaling axis.

Background Colorectal cancer has become the third most prevalent malignant tumor in Jiading district of Shanghai, and its disease burden is still increasing. Objective To analyze the epidemic trend of colorectal cancer in Jiading district of Shanghai from 2003 to 2019 and provide scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer. Methods Based on the cancer registration data from 2003 to 2019 in Jiading district of Shanghai, the statistical indicators such as crude incidence rate, crude mortality rate, standardized incidence rate and standardized mortality rate were calculated (the rate was standardized using the Chinese standard population of 2010). Joinpoint Regression Program 4.9.1.0 software was used to analyze the trends of incidence rate and mortality rate. Results From 2003 to 2019, there were 5 020 new cases of colorectal cancer in Jiading district of Shanghai, with a crude incidence rate of 52.12/100 000, a standardized incidence rate of 26.27/100 000; there were 2 419 deaths, with a crude mortality rate of 25.12/100 000, and a standardized mortality rate of 11.16/100 000; with males having higher crude incidence and crude mortality rates than females (P

The tropical areas in southern and south-western Yunnan are rich in fungal diversity. Additionally, the diversity of seed flora in Yunnan Province is higher than in other regions in China and the abundant endemic species of woody plants provide favourable substrates for fungi. Rubber plantations in Yunnan Province are distributed over a large area, especially in Xishuangbanna. During a survey of rubber-associated fungi in Yunnan Province, China, dead rubber branches with fungal fruiting bodies were collected. Morphological characteristics and multigene phylogenetic analyses (ITS, LSU, SSU, rpb2 and tef1-α) revealed four distinct new species, described herein as Melomastia puerensis, Nigrograna lincangensis, Pseudochaetosphaeronema lincangensis and Pseudochaetosphaeronema xishuangbannaensis. Detailed descriptions, illustrations and phylogenetic trees are provided to show the taxonomic placements of these new species.

AbstractThe objective of this retrospective cohort study was to assess the relationship between Corona Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Secukinumab treatment in patients with Spondylarthritis (SpA) in China during the omicron surge. Researchers retrieved 1018 medical records of Secukinumab-treated patients between January 2020 and January 2023 from the West China Hospital of Sichuan University. Out of these, 190 SpA patients from the rheumatology clinic were selected for the study. Guided phone questionnaires were administered by research staff to collect baseline characteristics, SpA disease status, and COVID-19 clinical outcomes. Cohabitants served as the control group and provided COVID-19 related data. Of the 190 potential SpA patients, 122 (66%) completed the questionnaire via phone, along with 259 cohabitants. 84.4% of SpA patients were diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), and 15.6% were diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA). The rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection was 83.6% in the Secukinumab group and 88.8% in the cohabitants control group, with no significant difference (OR = 0.684, CI 0.366–1.275). One instance of severe COVID-19 was observed in the Secukinumab group, while two were identified in the cohabitants control group. Patients in the Secukinumab group had less time with fever caused by COVID-19 (p = 0.004). Discontinuing Secukinumab after SARS-CoV-2 infection did not significantly affect the course of COVID-19 or worsen SpA status according to our data. Our study suggests that administering Secukinumab to SpA patients does not increase their susceptibility to contracting SARS-CoV-2, and may have a positive effect on the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Abstract Vanadium oxide cathode materials with stable crystal structure and fast Zn2+ storage capabilities are extremely important to achieving outstanding electrochemical performance in aqueous zinc‐ion batteries. In this work, a one‐step hydrothermal method was used to manipulate the bimetallic ion intercalation into the interlayer of vanadium oxide. The pre‐intercalated Cu ions act as pillars to pin the vanadium oxide (V‐O) layers, establishing stabilized two‐dimensional channels for fast Zn2+ diffusion. The occupation of Mn ions between V‐O interlayer further expands the layer spacing and increases the concentration of oxygen defects (Od), which boosts the Zn2+ diffusion kinetics. As a result, as‐prepared Cu0.17Mn0.03V2O5−□·2.16H2O cathode shows outstanding Zn‐storage capabilities under room‐ and low‐temperature environments (e.g., 440.3 mAh g−1 at room temperature and 294.3 mAh g−1 at −60°C). Importantly, it shows a long cycling life and high capacity retention of 93.4% over 2500 cycles at 2 A g−1 at −60°C. Furthermore, the reversible intercalation chemistry mechanisms during discharging/charging processes were revealed via operando X‐ray powder diffraction and ex situ Raman characterizations. The strategy of a couple of 3d transition metal doping provides a solution for the development of superior room‐/low‐temperature vanadium‐based cathode materials.

IntroductionEmergent crises can have a catastrophic impact on regional economic systems. The concurrent outbreaks of African Swine Fever (ASF) and the COVID-19 pandemic have severely affected Macau’s pork industry, making it an interesting case study for analyzing the effects of simultaneous emergent crises on food prices.MethodsThe study utilized a comprehensive dataset spanning from March 30, 2018, to April 15, 2022. The analysis employed the Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (EEMD) method to decompose the pork price data into high-frequency, low-frequency, and trend components, while the Bai-Perron test pinpointed key events and regulatory interventions affecting pork prices.ResultsThe findings revealed that short-term market fluctuations had a limited impact on pork price dynamics, with primary drivers being long-term and low-frequency emergencies. The Bai-Perron test identified four significant emergencies or regulatory policies as critical turning points, segmenting the price series into five distinct phases. The results highlight the importance of considering long-cycle emergencies when assessing their impact on food prices and underline the need for more resilient agricultural supply chains.DiscussionThe study provides insights into how compounded emergent crisis threats impact market behavior and offers policy recommendations for enhancing market stability. Recommendations include strengthening cross-regional epidemic control, investing in vaccine research, optimizing cold chain logistics, updating legal frameworks, and improving emergency preparedness. The implications of these findings are relevant for similar regions facing concurrent health and economic crises, contributing to a better understanding of crisis management and market stability maintenance.

BackgroundLimited epidemiological evidence suggests that exposure to trace elements adversely impacts the development of gastric precancerous lesions (GPL) and gastric cancer (GC). This study aimed to estimate the association of individual urinary exposure to multiple elements with GPL and GC.MethodsA case-control investigation was conducted in Anhui Province from March 2021 to December 2022. A total of 528 subjects (randomly sampled from 1,020 patients with GPL, 200 patients with GC, and 762 normal controls) were included in our study. Urinary levels of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), strontium (Sr), and Cesium (Cs) were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Four different statistical approaches were employed to explore the risk of GPL and GC with mixed exposure, including multivariate logistic regression, weighted quantile regression (WQS), quantile g-computation (Qgcomp), and the Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) model.ResultsThe WQS model indicated that urinary exposure to a mixture of elements is positively correlated with both GPL and GC, with ORs for the mixture exposure of 1.34 (95% CI: 1.34-1.61) for GPL and 1.38 (95% CI: 1.27-1.50) for GC. The Qgcomp and BKMR models also demonstrated a statistically significant positive correlation between the mixture and both GPL and GC.ConclusionConsidering the limitations of case-control studies, future prospective studies are warranted to elucidate the combined effects and mechanisms of trace elements exposure on human health.

Exosomes play a crucial role in various biological processes, such as human development, immune responses, and disease occurrence. The membrane proteins on exosomes are pivotal factors for their biological functionality. Currently, numerous membrane proteins have been identified on exosome membranes, participating in intercellular communication, mediating target cell recognition, and regulating immune processes. Furthermore, membrane proteins from exosomes derived from cancer cells can serve as relevant biomarkers for early cancer diagnosis. This article provides a comprehensive review of the composition of exosome membrane proteins and their diverse functions in the organism’s biological processes. Through in-depth exploration of exosome membrane proteins, it is expected to offer essential foundations for the future development of novel biomedical diagnostics and therapies.

Geopolymer is promising to replace cement, thus reducing the CO2 emissions of concrete production. However, the brittle behavior of geopolymer under bending loads limits its engineering applications. This work adopted epoxy resin and polyurethane modified epoxy resin (PMER) to synthesize the epoxy resin-PMER (EP) emulsion, which was further added into metakaolin-based geopolymer matrix for toughening. Moreover, the co-toughening mechanism of epoxy resin and polyurethane on metakaolin-based geopolymer was revealed based on the changes of major chemical bonds and Si binding energy of geopolymer before and after modification. The results show that the introduction of PMER does contribute to improve the flexural strength of geopolymer matrix by enhancing EP toughness. However, PMER also plays an adverse role in the Si-O-C bond generation of EP-modified metakaolin-based geopolymer (EMG), thus weakening the interconnections between 3D mesh structures inside EMG. A balance between these two contrasting effects is achieved when PMER content within EP reaches 60 wt%. At this time, the addition of 10 wt% EP can increase the flexural strength of metakaolin-based geopolymer matrix by 2.6 times.

Tactile sensors, due to their unique advantages of high sensitivity, flexibility, and stability, have received increasing attention from researchers worldwide and hold great promise for application to a variety of fields, particularly electronic skin. However, the majority of tactile sensors are limited in their ability to meet the demand of their application to multi-variable tests due to their single-functionality. To address this issue, in this paper, we introduce a novel type of array pressure/temperature composite tactile sensor that functions without any interference. The pressure sensor is a capacitive pressure sensor with carbon-filled polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) serving as the intermediate dielectric layers. The temperature sensor, which is placed on the top of the pressure sensor with the two elements closely attached to each other, is a T-shaped thermocouple sensor fabricated by magnetron sputtering. PDMS filled with carbon materials has been shown to perform well overall in experiments. The sensor’s sensitivity is 85.5%/N within a pressure range of 0–2 N and 23.9%/N within a pressure range of 0–10 N, while the hysteresis is around 9.1%. Practical experiments are conducted to test the prepared device, and finally, the designed hardware circuit is connected to the IPC.

Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis, is a migratory crustacean that grows in freshwater and reproduces in seawater. As a traditional aquatic product treasure in China, the industry of E. sinensis has become one of the unique freshwater fishery pillar industries. With years of development, a relatively complete industrial chain model has been initially formed, and its culture area, output and trade are constantly growing. However, the lag of aquatic product processing industry limits the large-scale development of the E. sinensis industry chain. In order to further explore the industry advantages and scale, it is urgent to vigorously develop the E. sinensis processing industry and promote the industrial optimization and upgrading. Moreover, strengthen scientific and technological support and reduce market risks by means of technological innovation to promote the healthy development of the industrial chain. This review expounds the current situation and existing problems of crab product processing in China, and the prospects of future product processing and sustainable utilization, in order to provide new insights for the large-scale development of E. sinensis industry chain.

ObjectiveVaricella, a highly contagious viral disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), affects millions globally, with a higher prevalence among children. After the initial infection, VZV lies dormant in sensory ganglia and has the potential to reactivate much later, causing herpes zoster (HZ). Vaccination is one of the most effective methods to prevent varicella, and the two-dose varicella vaccine (VarV) regimen is widely used around the world. In China, the VarV has been included in the national immunization programme with a recommended single-dose regimen. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of the two-dose vs. one-dose VarV regimen in children in Shanghai, China.Materials and methodsA prospective cohort study was conducted in Shanghai, China, from September 2018 to December 2022. The study enrolled children aged 3–18 years who had received either the one-dose, two-dose, or 0-dose VarV regimen. Vaccination history, varicella infection status, and relevant variables, including demographic information (name, date of birth and sex) and medical history (clinical features of varicella and illness duration) were collected through medical record review and parental interviews.ResultsA total of 3,838 children were included in the study, with 407 in the 0-dose regimen group, 2,107 in the one-dose regimen group and 1,324 in the two-dose regimen group. The corresponding incidence density in these groups was 0.13, 0.05 and 0.03 cases per 1,000 person-days, respectively. The adjusted vaccine effectiveness (VE) was 81.7% (95%CI: 59.3–91.8%) for the two-dose regimen and 60.3% (95%CI: 29.3–77.7%) for the one-dose regimen, compared to the 0-dose regimen. The two-dose VarV regimen showed a protective effectiveness of 47.6% (95%CI: 2.5–71.9%) compared to the one-dose VarV regimen.ConclusionThis study provides evidence supporting the greater effectiveness of the two-dose VarV regimen in preventing varicella infection compared to the one-dose regimen.