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Background and objective: Systemic treatments involving immunotherapy-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (IO-TKI) combinations and TKI monotherapy have significantly improved outcomes for patients with metastatic clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (mccRCC). However, there are no biomarkers for predicting the efficacy of these treatments. Our aim was to investigate the prognostic and therapeutic significance of serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) in patients with mccRCC patients receiving systemic therapy. Methods: We included 318 patients with mccRCC who received TKI or IO-TKI therapy. Patients were classified into groups according to whether they had an increase or decrease in serum IgG after systemic treatment. The association between baseline serum IgG and the objective response rate (ORR) was compared between the groups using a t test. The association of the change in serum IgG with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was evaluated via Cox proportional-hazards regression, and survival curves were generated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Key findings and limitations: Baseline serum IgG was not significantly associated with ORR (p = 0.055). After 3-mo systemic therapy, 133 patients (42%) exhibited an increase in serum IgG. The group with an IgG increase had significantly poorer median PFS (5.6 vs 16.2 mo; hazard ratio [HR] 3.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.58–4.36; p

Abstract A rise in blood glucose is an early warning sign of underlying pancreatic cancer (PC) and may be an indicator of genetic events in PC progression. However, there is still a lack of mechanistic research on pancreatic cancer-associated new-onset diabetes (PCAND). In the present study, we identified a gene SRI, which possesses a SNP with the potential to distinguish PCAND and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), by machine learning on the basis of the UK Biobank database. In vitro and in vivo, sorcin overexpression induced pancreatic β-cell dysfunction. Sorcin can form a positive feedback loop with STAT3 to increase the transcription of serpin E1 and CCL5, which may directly induce β-cell dysfunction. In 88 biopsies, the expression of sorcin was elevated in PC tissues, especially in PCAND samples. Furthermore, plasma serpin E1 levels are higher in peripheral blood samples from PCAND patients than in those from T2DM patients. In conclusion, sorcin may be the key driver in PCAND, and further study on the sorcin-STAT3-serpin E1/CCL5 signaling axis may help us better understand the pathogenesis of PCAND and identify potential biomarkers.

Egg yolk is a complex supramolecular system composed of diverse proteins with high nutritional value and outstanding functional characteristics. Cryopreservation is commonly used in the food industry as an effective way to prolong egg yolk shelf life and improve transportation convenience. However, low temperature induces the aggregation of protein in egg yolk, resulting in egg yolk gelation and consequently reduced fluidity and solubility, affecting the functional properties of egg yolk, which are not conducive to the application of egg yolk in food processing. This article introduces the composition, structure and functional characteristics of egg yolk as well as the causes of egg yolk freezing and the mechanism of egg yolk gelation, and discusses the effect of egg yolk gelation induced by freezing on egg yolk quality. This review focuses on the physical, chemical and biological pretreatments for inhibiting protein aggregation during egg yolk, which is of guiding significance for inhibiting egg yolk gelation induced by freezing and for improving the quality of frozen egg yolk.

Abstract Background Split hand/foot malformation (SHFM) is a congenital limb deficiency characterized by missing or shortened central digits. Several gene loci have been associated with SHFM. Identifying microduplications at the single-cell level is challenging in clinical practice, and traditional detection methods may lead to misdiagnoses in embryos and pregnant women. Results In this research, we utilized a low cell count and whole-genome amplification products to employ single nucleotide polymorphism arrays, next-generation sequencing, and third-generation sequencing methods to detect copy number variants of microduplications in a SHFM3 case with limited DNA. Additionally, Karyomapping and combined linkage analysis were conducted to validate the results. Conclusions This study establishes a new strategy for identifying microduplications or microdeletions at the single-cell level in clinical preimplantation genetic testing, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of diagnosing microduplication or microdeletion diseases during IVF-PGT and prenatal diagnosis.

Abstract Breast cancer has become the malignant tumor with the first incidence and the second mortality among female cancers. Most female breast cancers belong to luminal-type breast cancer and HER2-positive breast cancer. These breast cancer cells all have different driving genes, which constantly promote the proliferation and metastasis of breast cancer cells. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is an important breast cancer-related gene, which can promote the progress of breast cancer. It has been proved in clinical and basic research that over-expressed and constitutively activated STAT3 is involved in the progress, proliferation, metastasis and chemotherapy resistance of breast cancer. STAT3 is an important key target in luminal-type breast cancer and HER2-positive cancer, which has an important impact on the curative effect of related treatments. In breast cancer, the activation of STAT3 will change the spatial position of STAT3 protein and cause different phenotypic changes of breast cancer cells. In the current basic research and clinical research, small molecule inhibitors activated by targeting STAT3 can effectively treat breast cancer, and enhance the efficacy level of related treatment methods for luminal-type and HER2-positive breast cancers.

Abstract Background Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-NK cell therapy has shown remarkable clinical efficacy and safety in the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, this efficacy was limited in solid tumors owing to hostile tumor microenvironment (TME). Radiotherapy is commonly used for solid tumors and proved to improve the TME. Therefore, the combination with radiotherapy would be a potential strategy to improve therapeutic efficacy of CAR-NK cells for solid tumors. Methods Glypican-3 (GPC3) was used as a target antigen of CAR-NK cell for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To promote migration towards HCC, CXCR2-armed CAR-NK92 cells targeting GPC3 were first developed, and their cytotoxic and migration activities towards HCC cells were evaluated. Next, the effects of irradiation on the anti-tumor activity of CAR-NK92 cells were assessed in vitro and in HCC-bearing NCG mice. Lastly, to demonstrate the potential mechanism mediating the sensitized effect of irradiation on CAR-NK cells, the differential gene expression profiles induced by irradiation were analyzed and the expression of some important ligands for the NK-cell activating receptors were further determined by qRT-PCR and flow cytometry. Results In this study, we developed CXCR2-armed GPC3-targeting CAR-NK92 cells that exhibited specific and potent killing activity against HCC cells and the enhanced migration towards HCC cells. Pretreating HCC cells with irradiation enhanced in vitro anti-HCC effect and migration activity of CXCR2-armed CAR-NK92 cells. We further found that only high-dose (8 Gy) but not low-dose (2 Gy) irradiation in one fraction could significantly enhanced in vivo anti-HCC activity of CXCR2-armed CAR-NK92 cells. Irradiation with 8 Gy significantly up-regulated the expression of NK cell-activating ligands on HCC cells. Conclusions Our results indicate the evidence that irradiation could efficiently enhance the anti-tumor effect of CAR-NK cells in solid tumor model. The combination with radiotherapy would be an attractive strategy to improve therapeutic efficacy of CAR-NK cells for solid tumors.

For the development of new energy automobile industry and the trend of automobile lightweight have put forward a huge demand for high-strength lightweight materials, so developing high strength aluminum alloys is particularly momentous. As the most widely used aluminum alloy, 6000 series aluminum alloys (Al–Mg–Si alloys) have the advantages such as better mechanical properties, outstanding welding properties, excellent formability and fine processing capability, and therefore have obtained great attention as the structural materials. In addition, the Al–Mg–Si alloys with low density and corrosion resistance not only reduce the total weight of the car, but also extend the service life when subjected to chemical corrosion, which effectively achieve energy saving and emission reduction. This paper summarizes the research progress of 6000 series aluminum alloys, in particular, and reviews the methods of microalloying and particle strengthening, and their effects on the microstructure and properties of the alloy, thus providing a reference for the subsequent development of high-performance aluminum alloys in automobile and aerospace industries.

Rapid growth in industrial sectors such as automotive and shipbuilding has highlighted the significance of strip casting technology to produce lightweight alloys, particularly aluminum alloys widely used in both industrial production and daily life. Twin-roll casting (TRC), as an economically and environmentally friendly method for slab/strip production and processing, has attracted significant interest from researchers. However, the development of TRC aluminum alloys faces many challenges due to limited understanding of microstructural characteristics and control mechanisms. To further enhance comprehension of TRC aluminum alloys, this article reviews the influencing parameters, control methods, and existing issues related to TRC sub-rapid solidification (SRS) microstructure. It firstly summarizes TRC equipment types and their solidification characteristics, followed by a detailed analysis on key parameters affecting the evolution of TRC microstructure including rolling speed, roll separation force (RSF), and heat transfer coefficient (HTC). Finally, solutions to TRC defects are summarized and evaluated alongside their underlying mechanisms. This article provides a comprehensive review of the characteristics and control mechanisms of TRC microstructure while offering valuable insights for the future production of high-quality TRC aluminum strips.

To optimize the processing technology of Gastrodia elata by water in which millet had been cooked and investigate the effects of LPS-induced microglia (BV2) inflammatory responses. Determination of gastrodin, p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, parishin A, parishin B, parishin C, parishin E in the extract of Gastrodia elata by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the content of six components were used as evaluation index, the volume ratio of water in which millet had been cooked to water, cooking time and drying temperature were selected as single factor variables. The designation of orthogonal test was based on single factor on three indicators, then optimization of the preparation technology. Comparison of the content of six components in different processed product. The neuroinflammatory cell model was induced by LPS and the cell viability was evaluated after treatment with the extract of processed products by a Cell Counting kit 8 (CCK-8) assay. The levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β in the cell culture medium were measured with ELISA kits. The protein expressions of TLR4, MYD88, P65, INOS, COX-2, IL-1β in LPS-induced BV2 cells were detected by Western blot. The results showed that the cooking time and the volume ratio of water in which millet had been cooked to water had a significant effect on the test results. The water in which millet had been cooked of Gastrodia elata processing technology: The ratio of the volume water in which millet had been cooked to water was 1:3, the boiling time was 25 min and the temperature of drying was 75 ℃. The comprehensive score of the six components in processing with water in which millet had been cooked products was higher than that of steamed products. The extract of Gastrodia elata had exhibited varying degrees of protective activity on LPS-induced BV2 cells. The results showed that the secretion of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β was significantly increased in BV2 microglial cells induced by LPS compared with the normal control group (P

With the increasing frequency of extreme weather events and a deepening understanding of disasters, resilience has received widespread attention in urban drainage systems. The studies on the resilience assessment of urban drainage systems are mostly indirect assessments that did not simulate human behavior affected by rainfall or semi-quantitative assessments that did not build simulation models, but few research characterizes the processes between people and infrastructure to assess resilience directly. Our study developed a dynamic model that integrates urban mobility, flood inundation, and sewer hydrodynamics processes. The model can simulate the impact of rainfall on people's mobility behavior and the full process including runoff generation, runoff entering pipes, node overflow, flood migration, urban mobility, and residential water usage. Then, we assessed the resilience of the urban drainage system under rainfall events from the perspectives of property loss and urban mobility. The study found that the average percentage increase in commuting time under different return periods of rainfall ranged from 6.4 to 203.9%. Calculating the annual expectation of property loss and traffic obstruction, the study found that the annual expectation loss in urban mobility is 9.1% of the annual expectation of property loss if the rainfall is near the morning commuting peak. HIGHLIGHTS Assessed the resilience of the drainage system from the perspectives of property and urban.; Developed a model that integrates urban mobility, flood inundation, and sewer hydrodynamics processes.; The average percentage increase in commuting time ranged from 6.4 to 203.9%.; The annual expectation loss in urban mobility is 9.1% of the annual expectation of property loss if the rainfall is near the morning commuting peak.;

In the global pursuit of energy conservation, reduction in consumption and emissions, as well as lightweighting, 5xxx-series aluminum alloys have emerged as a promising lightweight and high-strength material with a wide range of applications in aerospace, transportation, building structures, medical devices, and more. However, it is worth noting that 5XXX-series aluminum alloys belong to a category of non-heat-treatable reinforced aluminum alloys with limited means of enhancing their properties through heat treatment. Consequently, the development of high-performance 5XXX-series aluminum alloys poses a significant challenge. This paper provides an overview of the research progress on 5xxx-series aluminum alloys while discussing the current state of research regarding the influence of microalloying elements on their microstructure and properties. Furthermore, it elucidates the emerging trends in synergistic regulation between deformation processes and heat treatment processes for enhancing organizational refinement and improving alloy properties. Additionally, this study analyzes the reinforcement mechanism responsible for the exceptional properties exhibited by 5xxx-series aluminum alloys. Lastly, it discusses the exceptional properties exhibited by 5xxx-series alloys along with their primary areas of application. The findings presented herein can serve as a valuable reference for future advancements in advanced high-performance 5xxx-series aluminum alloys.

Rock breaking has always been a challenging problem that must be solved in projects such as excavating mountains, drilling wells, and constructing railways. Among the rock-breaking cutter steels, AISI H13 steel and wear-resistant high manganese steel have become the best choices. From the characteristics and failure modes of the two, rock-breaking cutter steels should simultaneously have high strength, high toughness and high wear resistance to avoid short-term fracture/damage and cost increase. Analyzing the problems existing in the molding process of rock-breaking cutter steels such as die casting, forging, and hot stamping, traditional strengthening technologies such as alloying optimization, heat treatment, and surface treatment can achieve certain performance enhancement. After reaching the limits of traditional strengthening technologies, a series of nanoparticle strengthening technologies came into being. The selection, addition amount, and addition method of nanoparticles all affect the microstructure, mechanical properties and wear. To this end, this article summarizes the research progress and challenges of rock-breaking cutter steels, and discusses traditional strengthening technologies and mainstream nanoparticle strengthening technologies. It provides a reference for the future development of high-quality and high-performance rock-breaking cutter steels, with aim to simultaneously expand their application potentials to other fields.

Abstract From power plants on land to bridges over the sea, safety-critical built environments require periodic inspections for detecting issues to avoid functional discontinuities of these installations. However, navigation paths in these environments are usually challenging as they often contain difficult-to-access spaces (near-millimetre and submillimetre-high gaps) and multiple domains (solid, liquid and even aerial). In this paper, we address these challenges by developing a class of Thin Soft Robots (TS-Robot: thickness, 1.7 mm) that can access narrow spaces and perform cross-domain multimodal locomotion. We adopted a dual-actuation sandwich structure with a tuneable Poisson’s ratio tensioning mechanism for developing the TS-Robots driven by dielectric elastomers, providing them with two types of gaits (linear and undulating), remarkable output force ( ~ 41 times their weight) and speed (1.16 times Body Length/s and 13.06 times Body Thickness/s). Here, we demonstrated that TS-Robots can crawl, climb, swim and collaborate for transitioning between domains in environments with narrow entries.

Abstract Background Schizophrenia (SCZ) patients undergoing antipsychotic treatment demonstrated a high prevalence and harmful effects of metabolic syndrome (MetS), which acted as the major cause of cardiovascular disease. The major clinical challenge is the lack of biomarkers to identify MetS episodes and prevent further damage, while the mechanisms underlying these drug-induced MetS remain unknown. Methods This study divided 173 participants with SCZ into 3 groups (None, High risk, and MetS, consisting of 22, 88, and 63 participants, respectively). The potential biomarkers were searched based on 16S rRNA gene sequence together with metabolism analysis. Logistic regression was used to test the effects of the genus-metabolites panel on early MetS diagnoses. Results A genus-metabolites panel, consisting of Senegalimassilia, sphinganine, dihomo-gamma-linolenoylcholine, isodeoxycholic acid, and MG (0:0/22:5/0:0), which involved in sphigolipid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, secondary bile acid biosynthesis and glycerolipid metabolism, has a great discrimination efficiency to MetS with an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.911 compared to the None MetS group (P = 1.08E-8). Besides, Senegalimassilia, 3-Hydroxytetradecanoyl carnitine, isodeoxycholic acid, and DG(TXB2/0:0/2:0) distinguished between subgroups robustly and exhibited a potential correlation with the severity of MetS in patients with SCZ, and may act as the biomarkers for early MetS diagnosis. Conclusions Our multi–omics study showed that one bacterial genus-five lipid metabolites panel is the potential risk factor for MetS in SCZ. Furthermore, Senegalimassilia, 3-Hydroxytetradecanoyl carnitine, isodeoxycholic acid, and DG(TXB2/0:0/2:0) could serve as novel diagnostic markers in the early stage. So, it is obvious that the combination of bacterial genus and metabolites yields excellent discriminatory power, and the lipid metabolism provide new understanding to the pathogenesis, prevention, and therapy for MetS in SCZ.

The explosive growth of wireless communications and electronic devices has brought electromagnetic radiation's harmfulness and hidden trouble to light, which has a major impact on electrical equipment's ability to function normally. MXene, a material with favorable features like conductivity, a unique two-dimensional multiple-layer structure and abundant surface functional groups, has made it a viable contender for high-performance microwave-absorbers. This article introduces the synthesis strategy of MXene/MXene-based materials and their parent phase MAX, comprehensively summarizes and analyzes the current progress in the study on the microwave-absorbing properties of MXene/MXene-based materials, analyzes the main problems and bottlenecks. Future research directions for MXene microwave-absorbing are discussed in detail.

Sepsis is a severe systemic infectious disease that often leads to multi-organ dysfunction. One of the common and serious complications of sepsis is renal injury. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential mechanistic role of a novel compound called H-151 in septic kidney injury. We also examined its impact on renal function and mouse survival rates. Initially, we confirmed abnormal activation of the STING–TBK1 signaling pathway in the kidneys of septic mice. Subsequently, we treated the mice with H-151 and observed significant improvement in sepsis-induced renal dysfunction. This was evidenced by reductions in blood creatinine and urea nitrogen levels, as well as a marked decrease in inflammatory cytokine levels. Furthermore, H-151 substantially improved the seven-day survival rate of septic mice, indicating its therapeutic potential. Importantly, H-151 also exhibited an inhibitory effect on renal apoptosis levels, further highlighting its mechanism of protecting against septic kidney injury. These study findings not only offer new insights into the treatment of septic renal injury but also provide crucial clues for further investigations into the regulatory mechanisms of the STING–TBK1 signaling pathway and potential drug targets.

Fermentation is a promising approach for improving the utilization of soybean meal (SM) by aquaculture fish, and the strain is the core of microbial fermentation processes. Herein, Pediococcus pentosaceus YC64, an autochthonous probiotic isolated from the intestine of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), was applied to the fermentation of raw SM. In an eight-week feeding trial, tilapia juveniles were divided into two treatments fed on diets with 0 % (Control) and 100 % of SM protein replaced by fermented SM (FSM). Results showed that solid-state fermentation improved SM quality indicated by increased acid-soluble protein contents. Fish fed the FSM diet had significantly higher weight gain, feed efficiency, and protein efficiency compared to those fed the SM diet. Furthermore, whole-body protein content significantly increased in the FSM-fed fish, accompanied with the increased amino acid transport and reduced protein catabolism. Texture profile analysis indicated that fish fed the FSM diet had reduced muscle hardness compared with the control, which was associated with changes in collagen deposition and myofiber development. Moreover, feeding an FSM diet enhanced goblet cell proliferation and stimulated mucin secretion, ultimately leading to improved intestinal tight junctions and reduced inflammatory response. Besides, the FSM diet feeding altered intestinal microbiota community, characterized by increased abundance of Pediococcus. Overall, P. pentosaceus YC64 exhibits promise as a fermentation strain in the production of FSM. The FSM performed better than SM in improving the growth performance, feed utilization, and intestine health of Nile tilapia.

To reveal the law of surface movement in mining steeply inclined ore body of metal mines and effectively predict the range of surface movement, taking the surface movement of the hanging wall of steeply inclined orebody mining in Gongchangling Iron Mine as an example, a mechanical model for calculating surface principal stress distribution and surface prone-cracking range was established. The topography, waste rock back filling and mining depth were considered in the mechanical model. Based on the mechanical model, the mechanical relation between the subsidence angle and the surface prone-cracking range was established, and the definition of subsidence angle was supplemented: the subsidence angle is the angle measured from the horizontal of the moving boundary line, a straight line with a displacement of 0 from the edge of the deepest extraction level to the surface and the largest surface cracking range. A trial calculation method for calculating the subsidence angle was proposed: by presetting different subsidence angles, the subsidence angle corresponding to maximum surface prone-cracking range calculated by mechanical model is the real subsidence angle. After the real subsidence angle is obtained, the surface prone-cracking range and depth can be determined by the mechanical model. At the same time, based on the limit equilibrium principle, the mechanical relation between the surface prone-cracking range and the slip of block was established, and the calculation method of the surface potential collapse range was proposed: the range can be determined by setting up limit equilibrium equations for potential sliding blocks corresponding to different cracking points in the surface prone-cracking range, and determining whether the blocks will undergo shear slip in turn. The subsidence angle at hanging wall caused by underground mining of the footwall iron-bearing belt of Gongchangling Iron Mine is 60°, the horizontal distance from the location with initial slip risk to the initial mining location is 130m, and the potential slip angle is 55°. According to the field experience of combined open-pit and underground mining in Gongchangling Iron Mine, timely and compact backfill of underground goaf and optimization of mining space-time sequence and mining intensity can effectively control surface movement, and realize safe combined mining of open-pit and underground in metal mine.

Abstract Background The functional integrity of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) influences surgical decision-making in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). This study aimed to compare the diagnostic value of radiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in determining the functional status of ACL. Methods We analyzed 306 knees retrospectively using preoperative hip-to-ankle anteroposterior standing (APS) radiographs, anteroposterior (AP) and lateral knee radiographs, AP valgus stress (VS) force radiographs, and standard orthogonal MRI. Based on the intraoperative visualization, the knees were grouped into ACL functionally-intact and ACL functionally-deficient (ACLD) groups. The diagnostic validity and reliability were calculated based on the radiograph parameters such as hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA), posterior tibial slope (PTS), sagittal tibiofemoral subluxation (STFS), coronal tibiofemoral subluxation (CTFS), joint line convergence angle (JLCA), the maximum wear point of the proximal tibia plateau (MWPPT%), and MRI parameters including ACL grades and MWPPT%. Results HKA, MPTA, PTS, STFS, JLCA, and CTFS on APS and AP radiographs, and MWPPT% on radiographs and MRI showed a significant diagnostic value (P

Abstract Background Despite the efficacy of absolute ethanol (EtOH), its radiolucency introduces several risks in interventional therapy for treating vascular malformations. This study aims to develop a novel radiopaque ethanol injection (REI) to address this issue. Methods Iopromide is mixed with ethanol to achieve radiopacity and improve the physicochemical properties of the solution. Overall, 82 male New Zealand white rabbits are selected for in vivo radiopacity testing, peripheral vein sclerosis [animals were divided into the following 5 groups (n = 6): negative control (NC, saline, 0.250 ml/kg), positive control (EtOH, 0.250 ml/kg), low-dose REI (L-D REI, 0.125 ml/kg), moderate-dose REI (M-D REI, 0.250 ml/kg), and high-dose REI (H-D REI 0.375 ml/kg)], pharmacokinetic analyses (the blood sample was harvested before injection, 5 min, 10 min, 20 min, 40 min, 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, and 8 h after injection in peripheral vein sclerosis experiment), peripheral artery embolization [animals were divided into the following 5 groups (n = 3): NC (saline, 0.250 ml/kg), positive control (EtOH, 0.250 ml/kg), L-D REI (0.125 ml/kg), M-D REI (0.250 ml/kg), and H-D REI (0.375 ml/kg)], kidney transcatheter arterial embolization [animals were divided into the following 4 groups (n = 3): positive control (EtOH, 0.250 ml/kg), L-D REI (0.125 ml/kg), M-D REI (0.250 ml/kg), and H-D REI (0.375 ml/kg); each healthy kidney was injected with saline as negative control], and biosafety evaluations [animals were divided into the following 5 groups (n = 3): NC (0.250 ml/kg), high-dose EtOH (0.375 ml/kg), L-D REI (0.125 ml/kg), M-D REI (0.250 ml/kg), and H-D REI (0.375 ml/kg)]. Then, a prospective cohort study involving 6 patients with peripheral venous malformations (VMs) is performed to explore the clinical safety and effectiveness of REI. From Jun 1, 2023 to August 31, 2023, 6 patients [age: (33.3 ± 17.2) years] with lingual VMs received sclerotherapy of REI and 2-month follow-up. Adverse events and serious adverse events were evaluated, whereas the efficacy of REI was determined by both the traceability of the REI under DSA throughout the entire injection and the therapeutic effect 2 months after a single injection. Results The REI contains 81.4% ethanol (v/v) and 111.3 mg/ml iodine, which can be traced throughout the injection in the animals and patients. The REI also exerts a similar effect as EtOH on peripheral venous sclerosis, peripheral arterial embolization, and renal embolization. Furthermore, the REI can be metabolized at a similar rate compared to EtOH and Ultravist® and did not cause injury to the animals’ heart, liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys and brain. No REI-related adverse effects have occurred during sclerotherapy of VMs, and 4/6 patients (66.7%) have achieved complete response at follow-up. Conclusion In conclusion, REI is safe, exerts therapeutic effects, and compensates for the radiolucency of EtOH in treating VMs. Trial registration The clinical trial was registered as No. ChiCTR2300071751 on May 24 2023.

Abstract Background Pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (PAVM), also known as pulmonary arteriovenous fistula, is a rare vascular developmental anomaly. Most cases of PAVM are associated with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). Hemothorax associated with PAVM is even rarer, and management concerning this complication still challenges. Case presentation A 55-year-old man with sudden onset of dyspnea and chest pain was admitted to our hospital. He had a medical history of epistaxis, intraperitoneal germ cell tumor and PAVM. Chest unenhanced CT revealed the left-sided pleural effusion together with partial passive atelectasis and gradual increase at the interval of six days. Diagnostic thoracocentesis further revealed hemorrhagic effusion. CT angiography (CTA) showed tortuously dilated lumen of the left lower pulmonary artery and PAVM with the formation of aneurysm. Due to his family's refusal of surgery, the patient underwent transcatheter embolization therapy. However, the left pleural effusion did not significantly reduce and there was a slow drop in hemoglobin value even after interventional treatment, indicating the possibility of ongoing active bleeding. Eventually, the patient received lobectomy of the left lower lobe with a satisfactory outcome. Conclusions Massive hemothorax resulting from PAVM rupture into the pleural space can lead to fatal outcomes. CTA can accurately diagnose this pathologic condition. Transcatheter embolization is frequently used in the treatment of PAVM, but it may be challenging to achieve the desirable effect in patients with hemothorax. Combined with our case and literature review, direct radical surgery can lead to a successful outcome when PAVM complicated with hemothorax and a large diameter of the draining vein.

Increasingly frequent urban floods strain the traditional grey infrastructure, overwhelming the capacity of drainage networks and causing challenges in managing stormwater. The heavy precipitation leads to flooding and damage to drainage systems. Consequently, efficient mitigation strategies for flooding have been researched deeply. Green infrastructure (GI) has proved to be effective in responding the increasing risk of flood and alleviate pressure on drainage systems. However, as the primary infrastructure of stormwater management, there is still a lack of attention to the dynamic operation feature of urban sewer systems during precipitation events. To fill this gap, we proposed a novel approach that integrates hydraulic characteristics and the topological structure of a sewer network system. This approach aims to identify influential nodes, which contribute to the connectivity of the sewer network amidst dynamic changes in inflow during precipitation events. Furthermore, we adopted rain barrels to serve as exemplars of GI, and 14 GI layout schemes are produced based on the different ranks of influential nodes. Implementing GI measures on both poorly performing and well-performing nodes can yield distinct benefits in mitigating node flooding. This approach provides a new perspective for stormwater management, establishing effective synergy between GI and the drainage system. HIGHLIGHTS We propose a novel approach that integrates hydraulic characteristics and the topological structure of drainage systems to identify influential nodes.; The results highlight the importance of targeted GI implementation on both poorly performing and well-performing nodes in alleviating urban flood risks.; The research introduces a new perspective on creating a synergistic relationship between GI and drainage systems.;

4,4-Difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-sindacene (BODIPY) is a sort of photofunctional dye which possesses advantages including strong light-capturing property, high photon-resistance, etc. Meso-N substituted aza-BODIPY is a crucial derivative of BODIPY scaffold that has the favorable optical properties and a significant spectral redshift. The photophysical properties can be tuned by molecular design, and the attenuation path of the excited state energy release of absorbed light energy can be well controlled via structural modifications, enabling tailored application. It has been extensively employed in life medicine fields including fluorescence imaging diagnosis, photodynamic therapy photosensitizer and photothermal therapy reagent and so forth. Extensive research and review have been performed in these areas. However, BODIPYs/aza-BODIPYs have a significant role in energy, catalysis, optoelectronics, photo-responsive materials and other fields. Nevertheless, there are relatively few studies and reviews in these fields on the modification and application based on BODIPY/aza-BODIPY scaffold. Herein, in this review we summarized the application of BODIPY/aza-BODIPY in the aforementioned fields, with the molecular regulation of dye as the foundation and the utilization in the above fields as the objective, in the intention of providing inspiration for the exploration of innovative BODIPY/aza-BODIPY research in the field of light resource conversion and functional materials.

The further development of lightweight and energy-saving engineering materials is a great challenge for scientists in the 21st century. Magnesium and its composites, as the metal materials with the lowest density among metal structural materials, have good thermal conductivity, good dimensional stability, high specific strength, good biocompatibility, which can meet the requirements of energy-saving, emission reduction, environmental protection. In recent years, magnesium and its composites have found the major applications in various fields such as aerospace, automotive industry, electronics and medical industry. However, the fabrication of magnesium matrix composites is difficult, and the deformation behaviors and strengthening mechanisms of particulate reinforced magnesium matrix composites have unique characteristics. This article reviews the recent research progress of the magnesium matrix composites, including different fabrication methods and strengthening mechanisms. According to the classification of solidification rate, the advantages and disadvantages of various techniques used to fabricate magnesium matrix composites were introduced. The traditional and novel fabrication techniques were discussed. The influence mechanisms of particulates on solidification microstructures, recrystallization behaviors, texture strength and twin behaviors of magnesium matrix composites during solidification and extrusion were summarized, and the roles of particulates in solidification and extrusion of magnesium matrix composites were analyzed. The strengthening mechanisms of particulates on the mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, fatigue resistance and creep resistance of magnesium matrix composites were revealed. Finally, the development prospect and research direction of magnesium matrix composites were prospected. It is hoped that this paper can provide a reference for the further development of magnesium matrix composites.

Magnesium alloys, acknowledged as the environmentally-friendly engineering material of the 21st century, are ideally suited to fulfill the requirements of lightweight manufacturing. However, the poor plasticity of magnesium alloys hampers their further application. Subsequently, development of nanoparticle-reinforced magnesium matrix composites has been proven to be a promising way to enhance the comprehensive performance of magnesium alloys. The exceptional performance achieved even by very small number of reinforcements stimulated innovation in preparation techniques and in-depth analysis of reinforcement mechanisms. This paper provides a review on key challenges related to their processing, the profound impact of different micro-nanoparticle reinforcements on the microstructure and properties of magnesium matrix composites during solidification and subsequent deformation machining. Additionally, the reinforcement mechanisms of the excellent mechanical performance of the composites are also discussed. This study can provide valuable insights for the understanding of the selection of appropriate reinforcements and processing to optimize the performance nanoparticle-reinforced magnesium matrix composites.

This paper focuses on the effects and mechanisms of rare earth and calcium on the flame retardancy of magnesium alloys. Rare earth elements form dense composite oxide films on the surface of the melt, effectively inhibiting the progress of oxidation reactions and significantly increasing the ignition temperature of magnesium alloys. The mechanisms and optimal compositional ranges of different rare earth elements on the flame retardancy of magnesium alloys. Calcium form CaO-rich oxide films in magnesium alloys, which can effectively prevent oxygen diffusion and enhance the flame-retardant resistance of the alloy. When rare earth elements are compounded with calcium, a notable flame-retardant effect is observed. Composite application can maximize the flame-retardant effect of alloy elements while balancing the influence on various properties. Additionally, the authors illustrate through their own research that precise compositional optimization design is required to efficiently exploit the synergistic effects of RE and Ca and mitigate their adverse impacts.

Abstract Background Myocardial infarction (MI) poses a global public health challenge, often associated with elevated mortality rates and a grim prognosis. A crucial aspect of the inflammatory injury and healing process post-MI involves the dynamic differentiation of macrophages. A promising strategy to alleviate myocardial damage after MI is by modulating the inflammatory response and orchestrating the shift from pro-inflammatory (M1) to anti-inflammatory (M2) macrophages, aiming to achieve a reduced M1/M2 ratio. Nuanxinkang (NXK), a simplified herbal decoction, has demonstrated noteworthy cardioprotective, inflammation-regulating, and myocardial energy metabolism-regulating properties. Methods In this study, we constructed an MI model by ligating coronary arteries to investigate the efficacy of NXK in improving ventricular remodeling and cardiac function. Mice were administered NXK (1.65 g/kg/d) or an equivalent volume of regular saline via gavage for 28 consecutive days, commencing the day after surgery. Then, we conducted echocardiography to assess the cardiac function, Masson staining to illustrate the extent of myocardial fibrosis, TUNEL staining to reveal myocardial apoptosis, and flow cytometry to analyze the polarization of M1 and M2 macrophages in the hearts. Besides, a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pro-inflammatory macrophage (M1) polarization model was implemented in RAW264.7 cells to elucidate the underlying mechanism of NXK in regulating macrophage polarization. RAW264.7 cells were pre-treated with or without NXK-containing serum. Oxidative stress was detected by MitoSox staining, followed by Seahorse energy metabolism assay to evaluate alterations in mitochondrial metabolic patterns and ATP production. Both In vivo and in vitro, HIF-1α and PDK1 were detected by fluorescent quantitative PCR and Western blotting. Results In vivo, MI mice exhibited a decline in cardiac function, adverse ventricular remodeling, and an increase in glycolysis, coupled with M1-dominant polarization mediated by the HIF-1α/PDK1 axis. Notably, robust responses were evident with high-dose NXK treatment (1.65 g/kg/day), leading to a significant enhancement in cardiac function, inhibition of cardiac remodeling, and partial suppression of macrophage glycolysis and the inflammatory phenotype in MI mice. This effect was achieved through the modulation of the HIF-1α/PDK1 axis. In vitro, elevated levels of mitochondrial ROS production and glycolysis were observed in LPS-induced macrophages. Conversely, treatment with NXK notably reduced the oxidative stress damage induced by LPS and enhanced oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Furthermore, NXK demonstrated the ability to modify the energy metabolism and inflammatory characteristics of macrophages by modulating the HIF-1α/PDK1 axis. The influence of NXK on this axis was partially counteracted by the HIF-1α agonist DMOG. And NXK downregulated PDK1 expression, curtailed glycolysis, and reversed LPS-induced M1 polarization in macrophages, similar to the PDK1 inhibitor DCA. Conclusion In conclusion, NXK protects against MI-induced cardiac remodeling by inducing metabolic reprogramming and phenotypic differentiation of macrophages, achieved through the modulation of the HIF-1α/PDK1 axis. This provides a novel and promising strategy for the treatment of MI.

Abstract Background This study aimed to evaluate the biomechanical effects of reinserted or revised subaxial cervical vertebral screws. Methods The first part aimed to gauge the maximum insertional torque (MIT) of 30 subaxial cervical vertebrae outfitted with 4.0-mm titanium screws. A reinsertion group was created wherein a screw was wholly removed and replaced along the same trajectory to test its maximum pullout strength (MPOS). A control group was also implemented. The second part involved implanting 4.0-mm titanium screws into 20 subaxial cervical vertebrae, testing them to failure, and then reinserting 4.5-mm revision screws along the same path to determine and compare the MIT and MPOS between the test and revision groups. Results Part I findings: No significant difference was observed in the initial insertion’s maximum insertion torque (MIT) and maximum pull-out strength (MPOS) between the control and reinsertion groups. However, the MIT of the reinsertion group was substantially decreased compared to the first insertion. Moderate to high correlations were observed between the MIT and MPOS in both groups, as well as between the MIT of the first and second screw in the reinsertion group. Part II, the MIT and MPOS of the screw in the test group showed a strong correlation, while a modest correlation was observed for the revision screw used in failed cervical vertebrae screw. Additionally, the MPOS of the screw in the test group was significantly higher than that of the revision screw group. Conclusion This study suggests that reinsertion of subaxial cervical vertebrae screws along the same trajectory is a viable option that does not significantly affect fixation stability. However, the use of 4.5-mm revision screws is inadequate for failed fixation cases with 4.0-mm cervical vertebral screws.

Abstract Background Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma is one of the most commonly diagnosed carcinomas in China, and postoperative radiotherapy plays an important role in improving the prognosis of patients. Carcinomas in different locations of the oesophagus could have different patterns of lymph node metastasis after surgery. Methods In this multicentric retrospective study, we enrolled patients with middle thoracic oesophageal squamous cell carcinomas from 3 cancer centres, and none of the patients underwent radiotherapy before or after surgery. We analysed the lymph node recurrence rates in different stations to explore the postoperative lymphatic recurrence pattern. Results From January 1st, 2014, to December 31st, 2019, 132 patients met the criteria, and were included in this study. The lymphatic recurrence rate was 62.1%. Pathological stage (P = 0.032) and lymphadenectomy method (P = 0.006) were significant predictive factors of lymph node recurrence. The recurrence rates in the supraclavicular, upper and lower paratracheal stations of lymph nodes were 32.6%, 28.8% and 16.7%, respectively, showing a high incidence. The recurrence rate of the subcarinal node station was 9.8%, while 8.3% (upper, middle and lower) thoracic para-oesophageal nodes had recurrences. Conclusions We recommend including the supraclavicular, upper and lower paratracheal stations of lymph nodes in the postoperative radiation field in middle thoracic oesophageal carcinomas. Subcarinal station is also potentially high-risk, while whether to include thoracic para-oesophageal or abdominal nodes needs careful consideration.

Abstract Objective Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the progressive degeneration and damage of neurons in the brain. However, developing an accurate diagnostic assay using blood samples remains a challenge in clinic practice. The aim of this study was to explore senescence‐associated secretory phenotypes (SASPs) in peripheral blood using mass spectrometry based multi‐omics approach and to establish diagnostic assays for AD. Methods This retrospective study included 88 participants, consisting of 29 AD patients and 59 cognitively normal (CN) individuals. Plasma and serum samples were examined using high‐resolution mass spectrometry to identify proteomic and metabolomic profiles. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was employed to screen biomarkers with diagnostic potential. K‐nearest neighbors (KNN) algorithm was utilized to construct a multi‐dimensional model for distinguishing AD from CN. Results Proteomics analysis revealed upregulation of five plasma proteins in AD, including RNA helicase aquarius (AQR), zinc finger protein 587B (ZNF587B), C‐reactive protein (CRP), fibronectin (FN1), and serum amyloid A‐1 protein (SAA1), indicating their potential for AD classification. Interestingly, KNN‐based three‐dimensional model, comprising AQR, ZNF587B, and CRP, demonstrated its high accuracy in AD recognition, with evaluation possibilities of 0.941, 1.000, and 1.000 for the training, testing, and validation datasets, respectively. Besides, metabolomics analysis suggested elevated levels of serum phenylacetylglutamine (PAGIn) in AD. Interpretation The multi‐omics outcomes highlighted the significance of the SASPs, specifically AQR, ZNF587B, CRP, and PAGIn, in terms of their potential for diagnosing AD and suggested neuronal aging‐associated pathophysiology.

Abstract Background Chelidonium majus is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine, and has been reported of the effect in relieving cough and asthma. However, the mechanism of action is still unknown. Methods Asthmatic SD rats were first sensitized and established through ovalbumin (OVA) motivation. Subsequently, Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, Masson’s trichrome (Masson) staining, Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining and inflammatory cytokines assay of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-17 were implemented to evaluate the protective effects of Chelidonium majus on asthma. Then, the effects of Chelidonium majus and their molecular mechanisms of action on asthma were detected based on the integration of transcriptomics and metabolomics analyses. Results After administration with Chelidonium majus, the histological injuries of inflammation, collagen deposition and mucus secretion in lungs were attenuated and the serum inflammatory cytokines perturbations were also converted. Furthermore, integrated analysis revealed that after Chelidonium majus treatment, 7 different expression genes (DEGs) (Alox15, P4ha1, Pla2g16, Pde3a, Nme1, Entpd8 and Adcy9) and 9 metabolic biomarkers (ADP, Xanthosine, Hypoxanthine, Inosine, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), prostaglandin F2a (PGF2a), phosphatidylserine, Creatine and LysoPC (10:0)) were discovered to be connected with the enrichment metabolic pathways, including Purine metabolism, Arachidonic acid metabolism, Arginine and proline metabolism and Glycerophospholipid metabolism. The obtained metabolic biomarkers and DEGs were mainly related to energy metabolism and inflammation, and may be potential therapeutic targets. Conclusion Chelidonium majus relieved OVA-induced asthma in rats by regulating the Alox15, P4ha1, Pla2g16, Pde3a, Nme1, Entpd8 and Adcy9 genes expression to restore the disorders in energy metabolism and inflammation.

BackgroundAs the global population ages, we witness a broad scientific and technological revolution tailored to meet the health challenges of older adults. Over the past 25 years, technological innovations, ranging from advanced medical devices to user-friendly mobile apps, are transforming the way we address these challenges, offering new avenues to enhance the quality of life and well-being of the aging demographic. ObjectiveThis study aimed to systematically review the development trends in technology for managing and caring for the health of older adults over the past 25 years and to project future development prospects. MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of literatures related to technology-based solutions for health challenges in aging, published up to March 18, 2024. The search was performed using the Web of Science Core Collection, covering a span from 1999 to 2024. Our search strategy was designed to capture a broad spectrum of terms associated with aging, health challenges specific to older adults, and technological interventions. ResultsA total of 1133 publications were found in the Web of Science Core Collection. The publication trend over these 25 years showed a gradual but fluctuating increase. The United States was the most productive country and participated in international collaboration most frequently. The predominant keywords identified through this analysis included “dementia,” “telemedicine,” “older-adults,” “telehealth,” and “care.” The keywords with citation bursts included “telemedicine” and “digital health.” ConclusionsThe scientific and technological revolution has significantly improved older adult health management, particularly in chronic disease monitoring, mobility, and social connectivity. The momentum for innovation continues to build, with future research likely to focus on predictive analytics and personalized health care solutions, further enhancing older adults’ independence and quality of life.

Functional photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) requires laser sources with multiple wavelengths targeting abundant substances, where lipid and water are important components of living organisms. Here, we propose to use a single compact dual-wavelength passively Q-switched solid-state laser as the excitation source to directly achieve PA differentiation of water and lipid simultaneously. The main contribution of our work is to use the excitation difference under 1064- and 1176-nm lasers for mapping water and lipid in PAM, respectively. Meanwhile, the miniature structure (cavity size: ∼10 × 10 × 5.5 mm3) of the laser source is not only promising for portable applications but also benefits the PA-desired nanosecond (

Land-use changes lead to habitat loss and fragmentation, which poses a further threat to the survival of species. Therefore, it is crucial to analyze how land-use change affects its habitat. 37 counties in Sichuan Province, China, where giant pandas are distributed, were selected as the subjects. Through analyzing land-use change, habitat suitability and connectivity characteristics over the past 20 years, and establishing a correlation between them, the impacts of land-use change on the habitat suitability and connectivity of giant pandas were explained. The results showed that from 2000 to 2020, the different land-use areas in the study area showed a pattern of change with an increase in forest area, built-up area and water area, and a decrease in grassland area and cropland area. There were significant differences in the characteristics of land-use dynamics changes among counties. Changes in land-use dynamics have a significant impact on the habitat suitability and connectivity of giant pandas, which is manifested in the fact that the conversion of forestland to grassland and grassland to cultivated land significantly reduces habitat suitability, while the conversion of grassland to forestland and cultivated to forestland significantly increases the connectivity of giant panda habitats. Changes in the habitat suitability index were significantly and positively correlated with the land-use dynamics index and the land-use degree index. Our findings emphasize the importance of balancing socio-economic development, land-use, and conservation efforts to maintain giant panda habitat. Therefore, the development of rational land-use patterns in future management is key to maximizing the comprehensive social, economic and ecological benefits.

BackgroundCerebral radiation necrosis (RN), a severe complication of stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT), has been shown to significantly decrease patient survival time and quality of life. The purpose of this study was to analyze whether bevacizumab can prevent or reduce the occurrence of SRT-induced cerebral RN in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with brain metastases.Materials and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of NSCLC patients with brain metastases from March 2013 to June 2023 who were treated with SRT. Patients were divided into two groups: those in the bevacizumab group received SRT with four cycles of bevacizumab, and patients in the control group received SRT only. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was performed based on a multinomial propensity score model to balance the baseline characteristics. The chi-square test was used. A Cox model was used to evaluate overall survival (OS).ResultsA total of 80 patients were enrolled, namely, 28 patients in the bevacizumab group and 52 patients in the control group. The possibility of developing cerebral RN and/or symptomatic edema (RN/SE) was significantly decreased in patients treated with bevacizumab compared to those who did not receive bevacizumab before IPTW (p=0.036) and after IPTW (p=0.015) according to chi-square analysis. The IPTW-adjusted median OS was 47.7 months (95% CI 27.4-80.8) for patients in the bevacizumab group and 44.1 months (95% CI 36.7-68.0) (p=0.364) for patients in the control group.ConclusionThe application of bevacizumab concurrent with SRT may prevent or reduce the occurrence of cerebral RN in NSCLC patients with brain metastases.

IntroductionThis research explores the intricate interplay among teacher-student relationships, perceived autonomy support, peer relationships, and their collective impact on the psychological well-being of 387 university students enrolled in French language courses across diverse academic institutions in China.MethodsEmploying Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), this study aims to establish the validity and robustness of the proposed model. Data collection involved online surveys utilizing Likert scales and standardized measures to assess variables concerning educational relationships and psychological well-being.ResultsThe findings reveal significant associations between teacher-student relationships, autonomy support, positive peer relationships, and psychological well-being. Importantly, analyses demonstrate the influential role of positive peer relationships in mediating the effects of teacher-student relationships and autonomy support on students’ psychological well-being.DiscussionThese outcomes emphasize the crucial significance of educational relationships in shaping students’ psychological well-being within academic settings. The findings contribute to understanding the nuanced dynamics of educational interactions and their profound implications for student well-being. This highlights the necessity of cultivating positive educational environments for enhanced student mental health.

Abstract As human activities continue to expand, wildlife persistence faces escalating threats from roads. In Wolong area of Giant Panda National Park, the local giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) are divided into two population groups along the National Highway G350 (NHG). Therefore, selecting suitable areas to help those giant pandas communicate across the NHG is necessary. In this research, we evaluated the presence of human activities and simulated their absence to analyze how they affect the giant panda's habitat in Wolong. Subsequently, based on the kernel density estimation (KDE) for giant pandas and the main human distribution locations, we selected suitable areas for the population link between the two road sections on the NHG. We simulated the absence of human activities on the two road sections to compare changes in the habitat suitability index (HSI) and connectivity value (CV) relative to their presence. We aimed to carefully select the area for future giant panda corridor plans and simulate whether eliminating human activities will significantly improve the HSI and CV of the area. Our results show that: (1) Human activities presence has led to subtle changes in the landscape pattern of suitable habitats and a decrease in Wolong by 78.76 km2 compared to their absence. (2) Human activities presence significantly reduced HSI and CV in the 1000 m buffer along the NHG compared to their absence. (3) The HSI and CV of the 1000 m buffer in the simulated absence of human activities for the two road sections were significantly higher than their presence. This research identified the optimal road section for crossing the NHG to link giant panda population groups and habitats in Wolong. These insights are significant for formulating conservation decisions and corridor plans and for promoting wildlife conservation in reserves amid high levels of human activity.

Aiming at the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) applied to the ship DC microgrid in the face of pulse load disturbance is prone to make the SOFC voltage drop too large leading to the DC grid oscillation problem. In this paper, a stability criterion method for SOFC-Li battery DC system based on hybrid potential function is proposed. Firstly, a mathematical model of shipboard DC microgrid with SOFC-Li battery is established and the accuracy of the model is verified. Then, the stability criterion of the system based on the hybrid potential function under large disturbances is constructed. Subsequently, the effects of system stability under impulse load conditions were analysed under different parameters. Based on the constructed criterion, simulation verification of the stability boundary conditions of the SOFC system operating independently or jointly with a lithium battery system is carried out. The experimental results show that the proposed stability criterion and control strategy are effective in accurately predicting the system stability boundary. The experimental results verify the effectiveness of the proposed method in improving the stability of the system and provide a theoretical basis for further research on the dynamic characteristics of SOFC systems under complex load conditions.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to understand the relationship between the multiple chronic conditions (MCC), mental health and cognitive function of older adults in the community, and to propose a hypothesis that depressive symptom mediate the number of chronic diseases and cognitive impairment in older adults.MethodParticipants aged 65 years and older from 35 communities in 14 cities in Guangxi, China were recruited. The residents’ depressive symptom (PHQ-9) and cognitive status (AD-8) were evaluated, Chi-square test was used to explore the effects of different socio-demographic characteristics on depressive symptom and cognitive impairment. Pearson correlation analysis and the process model 4 were used to explore the relationship between the number of chronic diseases, depressive symptom and cognitive impairment.ResultA total of 11,582 older adults were included in our analysis. The rate of MCC reaching 26.53%. Hypertension combined with diabetes accounts for the highest proportion of two chronic diseases (13.2%). Among the combination of three chronic diseases, the highest incidence of coexisting hypertension combined with cervical/lumbar spondylosis, and rheumatoid arthritis (7.1%). In this study, depression symptoms accounted for 12.9% of older adults aged 65 and above, and cognitive impairment accounted for 27.4%. Female, older age, reside in urban areas, lower educational levels, no spouse, live alone, and MCC were risk factors for depressive symptom and cognitive impairment in older adults (P

Given the current limitations in intelligence and processing capabilities, machine learning systems are yet unable to fully tackle diverse scenarios, thereby restricting their potential to completely substitute for human roles in practical applications. Recognizing the robustness and adaptability demonstrated by human drivers in complex environments, autonomous driving training has incorporated driving intervention mechanisms. By integrating these interventions into Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO) algorithms, it becomes possible for drivers to intervene and rectify vehicles' irrational behaviors when necessary, during the training process, thereby significantly accelerating the enhancement of model performance. A human-centric experiential replay mechanism has been developed to increase the efficiency of utilizing driving intervention data. To evaluate the impact of driving intervention on the performance of intelligent agents, experiments were conducted across four distinct intervention frequencies within scenarios involving lane changes and navigation through congested roads. The results demonstrate that the bespoke intervention mechanism markedly improves the model's performance in the initial stages of training, enabling it to overcome local optima through timely driving interventions. Although an increase in intervention frequency typically results in improved model performance, an excessively high intervention rate can detrimentally affect the model's efficiency. To assess the practical applicability of the algorithm, a comprehensive testing scenario that includes lane changes, traffic signals, and congested road sections was devised. The performance of the trained model was evaluated under various traffic conditions. The outcomes reveal that the model can adapt to different traffic flows, successfully and safely navigate the testing segment, and maintain speeds close to the target. These findings highlight the model's robustness and its potential for real-world application, emphasizing the critical role of human intervention in enhancing the safety and reliability of autonomous driving systems.

Since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, the country has made significant progress in tunnel construction, transforming from a “weak tunnel nation” to a “strong tunnel nation.” As of 2022, China has undertaken more than 60 projects involving large-diameter shield tunnels. To promote the sustainable and high-quality development of large-diameter shield tunnels in China, this article systematically reviews the development history of large-diameter shield tunnels, summarizes the current projects in the country, and addresses various aspects such as construction technology management, design technology, ecological conservation, safety, and intelligence. The article also provides suggestions for the development of large-diameter shield tunnels in China, with the aim of playing a proactive role in promoting their advancement.

ABSTRACT: It is desirable to obtain high levels of viable Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, a widely used food probiotic whose antibacterial activity and potential application in milk remain largely uninvestigated. Here, we isolated and purified the L. paracasei strain XLK 401 from food-grade blueberry ferments and found that it exhibited strong antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative foodborne pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella paratyphi B, Escherichia coli O157, and Shigella flexneri. Then, we applied alternating tangential flow (ATF) technology to produce viable L. paracasei XLK 401 cells and its cell-free supernatant (CFS). Compared with the conventional fed-batch method, 22 h of ATF-based processing markedly increased the number of viable cells of L. paracasei XLK 401 to 12.14 ± 0.13 log cfu/mL. Additionally, the CFS exhibited good thermal stability and pH tolerance, inhibiting biofilm formation in the abovementioned foodborne pathogens. According to liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, organic acids were the main antibacterial components of XLK 401 CFS, accounting for its inhibition activity. Moreover, the CFS of L. paracasei XLK 401 effectively inhibited the growth of multidrug-resistant gram-positive Staph. aureus and gram-negative E. coli O157 pathogens in milk, and caused a reduction in the pathogenic cell counts by 6 to 7 log cfu/mL compared with untreated control, thus considerably maintaining the safety of milk samples. For the first time to our knowledge, ATF-based technology was employed to obtain viable L. paracasei on a large scale, and its CFS could serve as a broad-spectrum biopreservative for potential application against foodborne pathogens in milk products.

Abstract Background Broncho-esophageal fistula (BEF) secondary to esophageal diverticulum is a rare clinical condition, which is often misdiagnosed for a long time. The aim of our study is to summarize and clarify the advantages of MSCT in diagnosing BEF secondary to esophageal diverticulum. Methods We retrospectively analyzed patients clinically diagnosed with BEF from January 2005 to January 2022 at Jilin University First Hospital. Only those patients with BEF secondary to esophageal diverticulum and complete clinical data met our enrolled standard. All patients’ clinicopathologic characteristics and MSCT features were systemically evaluated. Results 17 patients were eligible for our cohort study, including male 10 and female 7. The patient’s mean age was 42.3 ± 12.5. The chronic cough occurred in all seventeen patients and bucking following oral fluid intake was documented in nine patients. MSCT distinctly suggested the fistulous tract between the bronchi and the esophagus in all patients. The mean diameter of the orifices in the wall of the esophagus was 4.40 ± 1.81 mm. The orifice in the midthoracic esophagus side was 15 cases and 2 cases at the lower thoracic esophagus. The involved bronchus included 13 cases at the right lower lobe bronchus, 1 at the right middle lobe bronchus and 3 at the left lower lobe bronchus. The contrast agent was observed in the pulmonary parenchyma in 10 of 13 patients who underwent esophagogram. No definite fistula was observed in 3 of 11 who underwent gastroscopy, while the intra-operative findings supported the existence of fistula. Conclusions BEF secondary to esophageal diverticulum tends to occur between the midthoracic esophagus and the right lower lobe bronchus. Compared with esophagography and gastroscopy, MSCT shows more comprehensive information about the fistulous shape, size, course and lung involvement, which are helpful for establishing diagnosis and guiding subsequent treatment.

High temperatures (HTs) and high vapor pressure deficits (VPDs) have significant impacts on maize yields, partly due to the high sensitivity of maize tassels. However, there are few studies quantifying the impacts of HTs and VPDs on maize tassel performance under changing environments. Therefore, we carried out a two-year field experiment that included 20 inbred lines and four sowing dates. Compared with the first sowing date, the seed set in the second sowing date decreased by ~80% in both years. The opened spikelet ratio (OSR) and pollen viability (PV) were the key determinants of seed set, and their respective correlation coefficients with seed set were 0.58 and 0.90. The OSR and PV decreased by ~20% and ~50%, respectively, under high-temperature stress. When Tmax exceeded 32.5 °C or the VPD exceeded 0.91 KPa, PV began to decline; when Tmax exceeded 33.8 °C or VPD exceeded 1.10 KPa, the OSR began to decline. The OSR was more dependent on genotypic background than PV (28.4% vs. 19.7%). The maize tassel water content was significantly correlated with the OSR and PV. Based on the OSR and PV values, the 20 genotypes were divided into three different groups, namely the high H, middle M, and low L groups. The H group, on average, had the highest kernel number per ear and seed set, followed by the M and L groups. The average seed sets of the H, M, and L genotypes under the second sowing date were 17.4%, 10.9%, and 0%, respectively, in 2019 and 13.8%, 7.9%, and 0.6%, respectively, in 2020. The present results indicate that selecting maize varieties with a high OSR is an effective approach for improving maize yield under heat stress.