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Liang Tan,1,&ast; Feilong Wang,1,&ast; Yi Huang,2 Chuhua Fu,3 Haijun Zhang,4 Jianfei Feng,5 Yincai Xu,6 Xinzhen Ye,7 Rongrui Tang,8 Yinglian Chen,9 Liansheng Mou,10 Ronghao Li,11 Jingyu Chen,1 Jishu Xian1 1Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Neurosurgery, The Ninth People’s Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangyang No.1 People’s Hospital, University of Medicine, Xiangyang, Hubei, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Neurosurgery, Kaifeng Central Hospital, Kaifeng, Henan, People’s Republic of China; 5Department of Encephalopathy, Beibei Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China; 6Department of Neurosurgery, Zheng Coal General Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People’s Republic of China; 7Department of Neurosurgery, Songshan General Hospital, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China; 8Department of Neurosurgery, University-Town Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China; 9Zhuhai Brainlightning Research Institute, Zhuhai City, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China; 10Department of Neurosurgery, Liangping District People’s Hospital, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China; 11Department of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Jingyu Chen; Jishu Xian, Email Cjy1_2001@Hotmail.com; 1370321419@qq.comPurpose: The SARS-CoV-2 infection cases are increasing rapidly in neuro-intensive care units (neuro-ICUs) at the beginning of 2023 in China. We aimed to characterize the prevalence, risk factors, and prognosis of critically ill patients treated in neuro-ICUs.Materials and Methods: In the prospective, multicenter, observational registry study, critically ill patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and traumatic brain injury (TBI) admitted to eight Chinese neuro-ICUs between Feb 16, 2023, to Apr 30, 2023 were enrolled for the study. Mortality and ICU stay day were used as the primary outcomes.Results: 131 patients were finally included and analyzed (mean age 60.36 years [SD 13.81], 64.12% male, 39.69% SARS-CoV-2 infected). The mortality is higher in the SARS-CoV-2 infection group without statistical signification (7.69% vs 5.06%, p> 0.05). The length of stay (LOS) in neuro-ICUs was significantly longer among the SARS-CoV-2 infection patients (7(1– 12) vs 4(1– 8), p< 0.01), with increased viral pneumonia occurrence (58.54% vs 7.32%, p< 0.01). SARS-CoV-2 infection, surgery, and low GCS scores were independent risk factors for prolonged LOS, and respiratory/renal failure were independent risk factors for death.Conclusion: Based on the present neuro-ICU cohort, SARS-CoV-2 infection was a significant risk for the prolonged LOS of neuro-critically ill patients.Trial Registration: Registered with Chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR2300068355) at 16 February 2023, Prospective registration. https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=188252.Keywords: SARS-CoV-2, intensive care unit, intracerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury

Yuqi Li,1,2,&ast; Changjin Ji,1,2,&ast; Weiao Sun,1,2 Huahui Xiong,1,2 Zheng Li,3 Xiaoqing Huang,1,2 Tingting Fan,1,2 Junfang Xian,3 Yaqi Huang1,2 1School of Biomedical Engineering, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 2Beijing Key Laboratory of Fundamental Research on Biomechanics in Clinical Application, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Radiology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Yaqi Huang, School of Biomedical Engineering, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-10-83911809, Email yqhuang@ccmu.edu.cn Junfang Xian, Department of Radiology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China, Email cjr.xianjunfan@vip.163.comPurpose: Upper airway collapse during sleep in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a complex and dynamic phenomenon. By observing and analyzing the dynamic changes in the upper airway and its surrounding tissues during airway obstruction, we aim to reveal dynamic characteristics in different obstruction patterns, and the relationship between anatomical features during normal breathing and dynamic characteristics of airway obstruction.Patients and Methods: Dynamic MRI was performed in 23 male patients (age range 26– 63) with severe OSA diagnosed by overnight polysomnography, and obstruction events were identified from their images. Dynamic changes in parameters of the upper airway and surrounding tissues were measured to assess the key characteristics in different obstruction patterns.Results: We categorized airway obstruction into four types based on the obstruction location and motion characteristics of tissues during collapse, and detailed the alterations in the airway and surrounding tissues under each obstruction pattern. In all 112 obstruction events extracted from the dynamic images of 23 patients, type A (retropalatal obstruction caused by the soft palate separated from the tongue), BI, BII (both retropalatal obstructions caused by the soft palate attached to the tongue, and C (retropalatal and retroglossal obstruction caused by the soft palate and the tongue), accounted for 28.6%, 44.6%, 12.5%, and 14.3% respectively. In severe OSA patients with tongue and palatal obstruction related to type B or C, the more posterior hyoid position, shorter distance between tongue and uvula, and wider retropalatal space, the larger the tongue displacement and deformation during collapse, and the greater the reduction in airway space.Conclusion: There are multiple airway obstruction patterns, each with its own anatomical characteristics and behaviors during collapse. Hyoid position, tongue and uvula distance, and retropalatal space play an important role in airway collapse and should be paid more attention in the treatment of OSA.Keywords: airway obstruction patterns, obstruction location, tissue motion characteristics, hyoid position, retropalatal space

Jiaoping Mi,1,2,&ast; Yijie Fang,3,&ast; Jianzhong Xian,4 Guojie Wang,3 Yuanqing Guo,5 Haiyu Hong,2 Mengshi Chi,2 Yong-Fang Li,2 Peng He,2 Jiebing Gao,3 Wei Liao2 1Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Radiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Ultrasound, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China; 5Department of Spinal Surgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Wei Liao, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519020, People’s Republic of China, Email liaowei23@mail.sysu.edu.cn Jiebing Gao, Department of Radiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China, Email Gaojb@mail.sysu.edu.cnObjective: Accurate preoperative localization of abnormal parathyroid glands is crucial for successful surgical management of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). This study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of preoperative MRI, 4D-CT, and ultrasonography (US) in localizing parathyroid lesions in patients with SHPT.Methods: We performed a retrospective review of prospectively collected data from a tertiary-care hospital and identified 52 patients who received preoperative MRI and/or 4D-CT and/or US and/or 99mTc-MIBI and subsequently underwent surgery for SHPT between May 2013 and March 2020. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of each imaging modality to accurately detect enlarged parathyroid glands were determined using histopathology as the criterion standard with confirmation using the postoperative biochemical response.Results: A total of 198 lesions were identified intraoperatively among the 52 patients included in this investigation. MRI outperformed 4D-CT and US in terms of sensitivity (P < 0.01), specificity (P = 0.455), PPV (P = 0.753), and NPV (P = 0.185). The sensitivity and specificity for MRI, 4D-CT, and US were 90.91%, 88.95%, and 66.23% and 58.33%, 63.64%, and 50.00%, respectively. The PPV of combined MRI and 4D-CT (96.52%) was the highest among the combined 2 modalities. The smallest diameter of the parathyroid gland precisely localized by MRI was 8× 3 mm, 5× 5 mm by 4D-CT, and 5× 3 mm by US.Conclusion: MRI has superior diagnostic performance compared with other modalities as a first-line imaging study for patients undergoing renal hyperparathyroidism, especially for ectopic or small parathyroid lesions. We suggest performing US first for diagnosis and then MRI to make a precise localization, and MRI proved to be very helpful in achieving a high success rate in the surgical treatment of renal hyperparathyroidism in our own experience.Keywords: MRI, 4D-CT, ultrasonography, SHPT, preoperative localization, parathyroidectomy

Abstract Phase change materials (PCMs) are promising thermal energy storage materials due to their high specific latent heat. Conventional PCMs typically exploit the solid–liquid (s–l) transition. However, leakage and leaching are common issues for solid–liquid PCMs, which have to be addressed before usage in practical applications. In contrast, solid–solid (s–s) PCMs would naturally overcome these issues due to their inherent form stability and homogeneity. In this study, we report a new type of s–s PCM based on chemically linked polyethylene glycol (PEG, the PCM portion) with polylactic acid (PLA, the support portion) in the form of a block co‐polymer. Solid‐solid latent heat of up to 56 J/g could be achieved, with melting points of between 44 °C and 55 °C. For comparison, PEG was physically mixed into a PLA matrix to form a PEG:PLA composite. However, the composite material saw leakage of up to 9% upon heating, with a corresponding loss in thermal storage capacity. In contrast, the mPEG/PLA block co‐polymers were found to be completely homogeneous and thermally stable even when heated above its phase transition temperature, with no observable leakage, demonstrating the superiority of chemical linking strategies in ensuring form stability.

Yuncui Gan,1,&ast; Jing Ren,2,&ast; Jinghong Xian,3,&ast; He Yu,1 Jing Jin,1 Dan Li,1 Weimin Li1 1Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China; 2Integrated Care Management Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Clinical Research, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Weimin Li, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Alley, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of China, Tel/Fax +86 288 558 2944, Email weimin003@163.comBackground: Resistance inevitably develops in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients after treatment of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs). The albumin-to-alkaline phosphatase ratio (AAPR), a novel index, has been reported to be associated with survival in various cancers. In this study, we explored the prognostic value of AAPR in EGFR-mutated advanced NSCLC patients treated with first-line EGFR-TKIs.Methods: The clinical and pretreatment laboratory data were retrospectively extracted from hospital medical system. The Log-rank and Kaplan–Meier analyses were adopted to detect differences in survival between groups. Univariate and multivariate Cox’s proportional hazard regression models were applied to assess the prognostic value of AAPR for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).Results: Totally, 598 EGFR-mutated NSCLC patients with stage IIIB-IV were enrolled into this study. The median age of all patients was 60 years, and 56.9% were women. About 97% patients had common EGFR gene mutations of deletions in exon 19 (19 del) or a point mutation in exon 21 (L858R). Using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and the Youden index, the optimal cut-off value of pretreatment AAPR was 0.47. Patients with high AAPR achieved longer median PFS and OS than patients with low AAPR (14.0 months vs 10.4 months, P< 0.01; 58.2 months vs 36.7 months, P< 0.001, respectively). The multivariate analysis by Cox’s proportional hazards regression model demonstrated that AAPR was an independent prognostic factor for both PFS (HR: 0.813, 95% CI: 0.673– 0.984, P=0.033) and OS (HR: 0.629, 95% CI: 0.476– 0.830, P=0.001).Conclusion: Pretreatment AAPR, measured as part of routine blood biochemical test, may be a reliable prognostic indicator in EGFR-mutated advanced NSCLC patients treated with first-line first-generation EGFR-TKIs.Keywords: AAPR, NSCLC, EGFR-TKI, prognosis

The mechanisms that control the deleterious behaviour of senescent cells is unclear. Here, the authors show that G3BP1 is required for the induction of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), without affecting senescence, and that SASP secretion is a primary mediator of senescence-associated tumour growth.

Zhengjie Cai,1– 3,* Jinli Xian,1– 3,* Xianglong Xu,4– 6 Ziwei Zhang,7 Camila Araujo,8 Manoj Sharma,9 Yong Zhao1– 3,10 1School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China; 2Research Center for Medicine and Social Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China; 3The Innovation Center for Social Risk Governance in Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China; 4Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; 5Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; 6China-Australia Joint Research Center for Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health, Science Center, Xi’an, Shanxi, People’s Republic of China; 7The Second Clinical College, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China; 8Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA; 9Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Nevada , Las Vegas, NV, USA; 10Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Nutrition and Health, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Yong Zhao Email zhaoyong@cqmu.edu.cnBackground and Purpose: Exploring the differences of children’s dietary behaviours from different nationalities could provide a reference for targeted nutritional interventions. This study aims to assess the dietary behaviours among Han, Tujia and Miao primary school students and the differences among the ethnic groups.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional survey included 556 primary school students (249 Han, 76 Tujia and 231 Miao students) aged 6– 13 years from the representative minority areas of Chongqing, China. Data were collected with a self-administered or one-on-one interview-based questionnaire encompassing questions on sociodemographics, eating habits and dietary intake. Eating habits and dietary intake were categorized into health-protective and health-risk dietary behaviours. χ2 tests were conducted to examine the differences in eating habits and dietary intake among the three ethnic groups. Forward stepwise logistic regression models were performed to check the factors affecting dietary intake.Results: Fewer than half of the students had health-protective dietary behaviours in terms of rice, fruit, fish, eggs and milk intake. Compared with Han students, Tujia students were more likely to meet the recommended intake of vegetables (OR = 2.13, 95% CI [1.22– 3.69]), less likely to meet the recommended intake of meat (OR = 0.58, 95% CI [0.35– 0.94]) and fish (OR = 0.55, 95% CI [0.32– 0.94]); Miao students were more likely to meet the recommended intake of vegetables (OR = 1.73, 95% CI [1.20– 2.51]), fruits (OR = 1.62, 95% CI [1.16– 2.28]) and water (OR = 1.59, 95% CI [1.12– 2.26]) than those of Han students.Conclusion: The low proportion of health-protective dietary behaviours among primary school students from Han, Tujia and Miao ethnicities was found in this study. There were differences in dietary behaviours among the three ethnic groups. This study could provide a reference for implementing national dietary guidelines in consideration of socioeconomic status, ways of preparing and consuming foods, traditional foods and customs of different ethnic groups.Keywords: dietary behaviours, dietary guidelines, minority nationalities, primary school students

Yan Zeng1, Cheng-Long Wang2, Jie Xian1, Qian Ye3, Xue Qin1, Yi-Wen Tan1, You-De Cao1 1Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Pathology, Chongqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China; 3Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: You-De CaoDepartment of Pathology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400016, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86 236 848 5789Email 420306100@qq.comPurpose: Tumors with high mutation load tend to have a stronger immune response in some tumors. The correlation between expression of programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1), a biomarker of immune response in tumors, and p53, accepted as the most frequently mutated gene in many cancers, in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has not been fully investigated in cancer patients.Materials and methods: 132 cases of TNBC and 32 cases of non-TNBC paraffin-embedded tissue sections were selected to detect the expression of PD-L1 and p53 by immunohistochemistry, and results were correlated with clinical data and survival outcomes. The staining of PD-L1 in tumor cells (TCs) and tumor-associated immune cells (TAICs) was assessed separately.Results: Strong positive correlations were observed between expression of p53 and PD-L1 both in TCs (r=0.338, P=0.000) and TAICs (r=0.186, P=0.033). The same positive correlation was found in the expression of PD-L1 in TCs and TAICs (r=0.764, P=0.000). Like p53 (P=0.024), positive rate of PD-L1 in TCs was significantly higher in TNBC than in non-TNBC (P=0.02). PD-L1 and p53 in TCs staining were significantly associated with histological grade, tumor size and Ki67 index (P

Gene expression during muscle cell differentiation is tightly regulated at multiple levels, including translation initiation. The PI3K/mTOR signalling pathway exerts control over protein synthesis by regulating assembly of eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4F, a heterotrimeric complex that stimulates recruitment of ribosomes to mRNA templates. One of the subunits of eIF4F, eIF4A, supplies essential helicase function during this phase of translation. The presence of two cellular eIF4A isoforms, eIF4AI and eIF4AII, has long thought to impart equivalent functions to eIF4F. However, recent experiments have alluded to distinct activities between them. Herein, we characterize distinct regulatory mechanisms between the eIF4A isoforms during muscle cell differentiation. We find that eIF4AI levels decrease during differentiation whereas eIF4AII levels increase during myofiber formation in a MyoD-dependent manner. This study characterizes a previously undefined mechanism for eIF4AII regulation in differentiation and highlights functional differences between eIF4AI and eIF4AII. Finally, RNAi-mediated alterations in eIF4AI and eIF4AII levels indicate that the myogenic process can tolerate short term reductions in eIF4AI or eIF4AII levels, but not both.

Ag3Sn intermetallic growth within Sn-Bi-Ag alloys during relatively slow cooling rates has a pronounced effect on the performance and reliability of solder joints. In this study, we combined experimental electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis with first-principles calculations to explore the crystal growth and faceting mechanisms of Ag3Sn intermetallic in solidifying Sn-xBi-1Ag (x = 10, 57 wt.%) alloys. Using EBSD techniques, accommodated for a pseudo-hexagonal setting of Ag3Sn to avoid pseudo-symmetry, and subsequent lattice transformation to an orthorhombic structure (a = 5.97 Å, b = 4.78 Å, c = 5.18 Å, Pmmn), this study reveals predominant (001)orth facets in Sn-10Bi-1Ag, and both (001)orth and more frequent (010)orth facets in Sn-57Bi-1Ag. Stability assessments of various crystal surfaces through first-principles calculations found the (010)orth surface to be most stable, followed by the (001)orth. Variations in stable facets between the two alloys may result from energy minimization influenced by atomic attachment at the liquid/solid interface, dynamic non-equilibrium solidification conditions, Bi concentration, and growth twinning. These findings enhance the understanding of intermetallic compound growth in solder alloys, with implications for solder joint technology improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional optical waveguides or mediums are often silica-based materials, but their applications in biomedicine and healthcare are limited due to the poor biocompatibility and unsuitable mechanical properties. In term of the applications in human body, a biocompatible hydrogel system with excellent optical transparency and mechanical flexibility could be beneficial. In this review, we explore the different designs of hydrogel-based optical waveguides derived from natural and synthetic sources. We highlighted key developments such as light emitting contact lenses, implantable optical fibres, biosensing systems, luminating and fluorescent materials. Finally, we expand further on the challenges and perspectives for hydrogel waveguides to achieve clinical applications.

Abstract Introduction Recent advancements in androgenetic alopecia (AGA) treatment have highlighted the efficacy of botulinum toxin (BoNT). However, inconsistencies in injection sites and depths warrant attention. It remains unclear which injection strategy is most beneficial for patients. Methods This split-scalp randomized controlled trial divided each enrolled participant’s scalp along the midline: one side was randomized to receive intramuscular BoNT injections in the surrounding muscles, while the other side received intradermal BoNT injections directly into the balding areas. This study evaluated the impact of treatment on hair density and diameter through trichoscopic examinations conducted at baseline and 12 weeks post treatment. Additionally, assessments of pain and overall safety were integrated into the study protocol. Results Twenty-nine patients completed the study, with significant improvements in hair density observed in the intramuscular injection group compared to the intradermal group (p

Abstract Introduction The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of 15% azelaic acid (AzA) gel in treating acne-induced post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). The effects of 15% AzA gel on acne, skin barrier function, and quality of life were also evaluated. Methods A total of 72 patients with mild to moderate acne were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Patients were divided into two groups: patients in the AzA group applied 15% AzA gel twice daily for 12 weeks, and those in the placebo group applied AzA-free gel. Clinical evaluations using non-invasive skin detection technologies, including VISIA skin analysis, dermoscopy, and skin physiological function tests, were performed at 0, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Main outcome measures included the post-acne hyperpigmentation index (PAHPI), melanin, hemoglobin, individual typology angle, water content, transepidermal water loss, and sebum. Investigator Global Assessment) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) assessments were conducted at weeks 0 and 12. Adverse reactions were recorded. Results Of the 72 patients at study initiation, 60 completed the trial. At 8 and 12 weeks, patients in the AzA group showed significantly reduced PAHPI for PIE lesions compared to baseline and patients receiving placebo (P

Vacuum induction-melting gas atomization (VIGA) is considered a widely applied method to prepare metal powders. However, the nozzle clogging problem in the VIGA process seriously affects the continuity of production and greatly increases the economic and time costs. In the atomization initial stage, the existence of unsteady state atomization mainly results in the nozzle clogging challenge. To understand the formation mechanism of nozzle clogging, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was established to simulate the influence of unsteady state atomization sequence on the primary atomization of alloy melt. Typically, there are two kinds of sequence including starting the gas before pooling the alloy (namely, GA) and pouring the alloy before opening the gas (AG). The movement trajectory of the alloy melt droplet at the end of the delivery-tube was clarified. Based on CFD simulation, the atomization sequence of AG and GA was precisely controlled in the atomization pressure range of 2.5 MPa, 3.5 MPa, and 4.5 MPa to address the nozzle clogging issue. In the GA process, relatively finer powder was obtained at 3.5 MPa without nozzle clogging occurring. In contrast, the AG process greatly reduces the probability of nozzle clogging at 2.5–4.5 MPa, the final prepared powder is coarser. The predicted results of industrial experiments and numerical simulations are consistent. This study provides theoretical support for understanding the formation mechanism of nozzle clogging during the VIGA process.

Energy storage and conservation are receiving increased attention due to rising global energy demands. Therefore, the development of energy storage materials is crucial. Thermal energy storage (TES) systems based on phase change materials (PCMs) have increased in prominence over the past two decades, not only because of their outstanding heat storage capacities but also their superior thermal energy regulation capability. However, issues such as leakage and low thermal conductivity limit their applicability in a variety of settings. Carbon-based materials such as graphene and its derivatives can be utilized to surmount these obstacles. This study examines the recent advancements in graphene-based phase change composites (PCCs), where graphene-based nanostructures such as graphene, graphene oxide (GO), functionalized graphene/GO, and graphene aerogel (GA) are incorporated into PCMs to substantially enhance their shape stability and thermal conductivity that could be translated to better storage capacity, durability, and temperature response, thus boosting their attractiveness for TES systems. In addition, the applications of these graphene-based PCCs in various TES disciplines, such as energy conservation in buildings, solar utilization, and battery thermal management, are discussed and summarized.

Abstract Effective therapeutic strategies for myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury remain elusive. Targeting reactive oxygen species (ROS) provides a practical approach to mitigate myocardial damage following reperfusion. In this study, we synthesize an antioxidant nanozyme, equipped with a single-Platinum (Pt)-atom (PtsaN-C), for protecting against I/R injury. PtsaN-C exhibits multiple enzyme-mimicking activities for ROS scavenging with high efficiency and stability. Mechanistic studies demonstrate that the excellent ROS-elimination performance of the single Pt atom center precedes that of the Pt cluster center, owing to its better synergistic effect and metallic electronic property. Systematic in vitro and in vivo studies confirm that PtsaN-C efficiently counteracts ROS, restores cellular homeostasis and prevents apoptotic progression after I/R injury. PtsaN-C also demonstrates good biocompatibility, making it a promising candidate for clinical applications. Our study expands the scope of single-atom nanozyme in combating ROS-induced damage and offers a promising therapeutic avenue for the treatment of I/R injury.

IntroductionConventional rosacea treatments are not uniformly pervasive, and the adverse reactions can potentially constrain their utility. The clinical use of JAK1 inhibitors upadacitinib and abrocitinib in the treatment of refractory rosacea has rarely been explored.Case reportWe presented two cases of patients who received the JAK1 inhibitor upadacitinib and four cases of patients who received the JAK1 inhibitor abrocitinib for the treatment of refractory rosacea.DiscussionThe JAK1 inhibitors upadacitinib and abrocitinib may be promising medical options for patients with refractory rosacea. However, the long-term safety and efficacy of upadacitinib and abrocitinib require prospective controlled studies to assess them more comprehensively.

BackgroundPathological scars, including keloids and hypertrophic scars, represent a significant dermatological challenge, and emerging evidence suggests a potential role for the gut microbiota in this process.MethodsUtilizing a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) methodology, this study meticulously analyzed data from genome-wide association studies (GWASs) relevant to the gut microbiota, keloids, and hypertrophic scars. The integrity and reliability of the results were rigorously evaluated through sensitivity, heterogeneity, pleiotropy, and directionality analyses.ResultsBy employing inverse variance weighted (IVW) method, our findings revealed a causal influence of five bacterial taxa on keloid formation: class Melainabacteria, class Negativicutes, order Selenomonadales, family XIII, and genus Coprococcus2. Seven gut microbiota have been identified as having causal relationships with hypertrophic scars: class Alphaproteobacteria, family Clostridiaceae1, family Desulfovibrionaceae, genus Eubacterium coprostanoligenes group, genus Eubacterium fissicatena group, genus Erysipelotrichaceae UCG003 and genus Subdoligranulum. Additional sensitivity analyses further validated the robustness of the associations above.ConclusionOverall, our MR analysis supports the hypothesis that gut microbiota is causally linked to pathological scar formation, providing pivotal insights for future mechanistic and clinical research in this domain.

The development of new functional foods that can potentially reduce the risk of diseases, such as osteoporosis, has received increasing attention in recent years. Here we demonstrated that silk sericin-based functional food (SSBF) exerted preventive and therapeutic effects against bone loss. Sericin isolated at 70 °C for 60 min from the cocoon of Bombyx mori stimulated osteoblast differentiation by increasing osteoblastic gene expression while inhibiting receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation in vitro. Micro-computed tomography analysis revealed that pre- and post-oral administration of SSBF increased bone mass in ovariectomized mouse model in vivo. Furthermore, dynamic bone histomorphometry analysis revealed that SSBF enhanced osteoblast activity and suppressed bone resorption by reducing the number of osteoclasts. These findings indicated the potential role of SSBF in preventing and being a therapeutic candidate for osteoporosis.

Abstract Pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis are mainly programmed cell death (PCD) pathways for host defense and homeostasis. PANoptosis is a newly distinct inflammatory PCD pathway that is uniquely regulated by multifaceted PANoptosome complexes and highlights significant crosstalk and coordination among pyroptosis (P), apoptosis (A), and/or necroptosis(N). Although some studies have focused on the possible role of PANpoptosis in diseases, the pathogenesis of PANoptosis is complex and underestimated. Furthermore, the progress of PANoptosis and related agonists or inhibitors in disorders has not yet been thoroughly discussed. In this perspective, we provide perspectives on PANoptosome and PANoptosis in the context of diverse pathological conditions and human diseases. The treatment targeting on PANoptosis is also summarized. In conclusion, PANoptosis is involved in plenty of disorders including but not limited to microbial infections, cancers, acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS), ischemia-reperfusion, and organic failure. PANoptosis seems to be a double-edged sword in diverse conditions, as PANoptosis induces a negative impact on treatment and prognosis in disorders like COVID-19 and ALI/ARDS, while PANoptosis provides host protection from HSV1 or Francisella novicida infection, and kills cancer cells and suppresses tumor growth in colorectal cancer, adrenocortical carcinoma, and other cancers. Compounds and endogenous molecules focused on PANoptosis are promising therapeutic strategies, which can act on PANoptosomes-associated members to regulate PANoptosis. More researches on PANoptosis are needed to better understand the pathology of human conditions and develop better treatment.

Beclin-1 is the firstly-identified mammalian protein of the autophagy machinery, which functions as a molecular scaffold for the assembly of PI3KC3 (class III phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase) complex, thus controlling autophagy induction and other cellular trafficking events. Notably, there is mounting evidence establishing the implications of Beclin-1 in diverse tumorigenesis processes, including tumor suppression and progression as well as resistance to cancer therapeutics and CSC (cancer stem-like cell) maintenance. More importantly, Beclin-1 has been confirmed as a potential target for the treatment of multiple cancers. In this review, we provide a comprehensive survey of the structure, functions, and regulations of Beclin-1, and we discuss recent advances in understanding the controversial roles of Beclin-1 in oncology. Moreover, we focus on summarizing the targeted Beclin-1-regulating strategies in cancer therapy, providing novel insights into a promising strategy for regulating Beclin-1 to improve cancer therapeutics in the future.

Inflammation-driven endothelial dysfunction is the major initiating factor in atherosclerosis, while the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we report that the non-canonical stimulator of interferon genes (STING)–PKR-like ER kinase (PERK) pathway was significantly activated in both human and mice atherosclerotic arteries. Typically, STING activation leads to the activation of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)/p65, thereby facilitating IFN signals and inflammation. In contrast, our study reveals the activated non-canonical STING–PERK pathway increases scaffold protein bromodomain protein 4 (BRD4) expression, which encourages the formation of super-enhancers on the proximal promoter regions of the proinflammatory cytokines, thereby enabling the transactivation of these cytokines by integrating activated IRF3 and NF-κB via a condensation process. Endothelium-specific STING and BRD4 deficiency significantly decreased the plaque area and inflammation. Mechanistically, this pathway is triggered by leaked mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) via mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), formed by voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1) oligomer interaction with oxidized mtDNA upon cholesterol oxidation stimulation. Especially, compared to macrophages, endothelial STING activation plays a more pronounced role in atherosclerosis. We propose a non-canonical STING–PERK pathway-dependent epigenetic paradigm in atherosclerosis that integrates IRF3, NF-κB and BRD4 in inflammatory responses, which provides emerging therapeutic modalities for vascular endothelial dysfunction.

Background: Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a global shortage of masks. Although mask reprocessing was practiced, no clinical study has assessed systematically the impact of repeated cycles of wear and decontamination on the integrity of N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs). Methods: We evaluated mask fit assessed by qualitative respirator fit test (QRFT) after each cycle of wear and decontamination, as well as four measures of mask integrity—bacterial filtration efficacy, particle filtration efficacy, differential pressure, and splash resistance through five cycles of wear and decontamination using one of the four modalities (moist heat, steam, ultraviolet-C irradiation, and hydrogen peroxide plasma). Results: A total of 60.6% (hydrogen peroxide plasma) to 77.5% (moist heat) of the FFRs passed five cycles of wear and decontamination, as assessed by the wearers passing QRFT all five times. Moist heat-decontaminated FFRs retained all technical measures of integrity through all five cycles. Conclusions: This is the first large-scale study to assess systematically the impact (clinically and quantitatively) on N95 FFR integrity of repeated cycles of wearing followed by decontamination.Our results suggest that moist heat is a promising method for decontaminating N95 FFRs. Performing QRFT after every cycle of wear and decontamination ensures wearer safety. Although there is currently no mask shortage, reprocessing may reduce medical waste and improve sustainability.

Abstract Natural evolution has nurtured a series of active molecules that play vital roles in physiological systems, but their further applications have been severely limited by rapid deactivation, short cycle time, and potential toxicity after isolation. For instance, the instability of structures and properties has greatly descended when sanshool is derived from Zanthoxylum xanthoxylum. Herein, natural polyphenols are employed to boost the key properties of sanshool by fabricating a series of nanoparticles (NPs). The intracellular evaluation and in vivo animal model are conducted to demonstrate the decreased photodamage score and skin‐fold thickness of prepared NPs, which can be attributed to the better biocompatibility, improved free radical scavenging, down‐regulated apoptosis ratios, and reduced DNA double‐strand breaks compared to naked sanshool. This work proposes a novel strategy to boost the key properties of naturally occurring active molecules with the assistance of natural polyphenol‐based platforms.

High-speed and precision planting was employed to improve the yields of soybean seeds. However, most mechanical seed metering devices had a lower quality index under high-speed. In this study, a high-speed and precision metering device with gradient-feeding (GF) and control-seed (CS) for soybean planting was designed to improve the quality index at high speeds. GF was designed to make soybean seeds rapidly enter seed cells. CS prevented soybean seed that was to be released from being cleared during the clearing stage. Firstly, the range of working parameters of it was determined by theoretical analysis, which included the angle of guiding-slope (α), the angle of seed-control (θ), and mutation height (∆H). Then, orthogonal center combination tests with three-factor and five-level were carried out to determine the corresponding quality index and miss index with different working parameters. The optimal working parameters were determined by regression equations between the quality index and the miss index. The high-speed and precision metering device with GF and CS was thus manufactured based on these optimal working parameters. The simulation test and bench test of it were carried out with different forward speeds of the planter. The results showed that the optimal angle of guiding-slope (α), angle of seed-control (θ), and mutation height (∆H) were 18.06°, 136.67°, and 2.77 mm, respectively. In the bench test, all quality indices were higher than 95.00%, and all miss indices were lower than 3.00% when the forward speed of the planter was 4 - 16 km/h. The results of the bench test were consistent with the results of the simulation test, with an average relative error of 2.33%. High-speed and precision metering device with gradient-feeding (GF) and control-seed (CS) can realize precision planting at high speeds.

Quercetin is a representative flavonoid that is widely present in fruits, herbs, and vegetables. It is also an important active core component in traditional Chinese medicines. As an important flavonoid, quercetin has various properties and exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective effects. The public interest in quercetin is increasing, and quercetin has been used to prevent or treat numerous of diseases, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), cancer, autoimmune diseases and chronic cardiovascular diseases, in clinical experiments and animal studies due to its powerful antioxidant properties and minimal side effects. Quercetin exerts marked pharmacological effects on gynecological disorders; however, there have been no reviews about the potential health benefits of quercetin in the context of gynecological disorders, including PCOS, premature ovary failure (POF), endometriosis (EM), ovarian cancer (OC), cervical cancer (CC) and endometrial carcinoma (EC). Thus, this review aimed to summarize the biological effects of quercetin on gynecological disorders and its mechanisms.

BackgroundRosacea, a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting millions worldwide, is influenced by complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Although gut microbiota’s role in skin health is well-acknowledged, definitive causal links between gut microbiota and rosacea remain under-explored.MethodsUsing a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) design, this study examined potential causal relationships between gut microbiota and rosacea. Data was sourced from the largest Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) for gut microbiota and the FinnGen biobank for rosacea. A total of 2078 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with gut microbiota were identified and analyzed using a suite of MR techniques to discern causal effects.ResultsThe study identified a protective role against rosacea for two bacterial genera: phylum Actinobacteria and genus Butyrivibrio. Furthermore, 14 gut microbiota taxa were discovered to exert significant causal effects on variant categories of rosacea. While none of these results met the strict False Discovery Rate correction threshold, they retained nominal significance. MR outcomes showed no pleiotropy, with homogeneity observed across selected SNPs. Directionality tests pointed toward a robust causative path from gut microbiota to rosacea.ConclusionThis study provides compelling evidence of the gut microbiota’s nominal causal influence on rosacea, shedding light on the gut-skin axis’s intricacies and offering potential avenues for therapeutic interventions in rosacea management. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and explore their clinical implications.

Abstract Background This study investigated the effects of early‐onset type 2 diabetes (EOD) vs late‐onset type 2 diabetes (LOD) on nonfatal cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in China. Methods We conducted a cross‐sectional survey of 46 239 participants from 14 provinces in China from 2007 to 2008, selecting 4949 participants with type 2 diabetes for analysis. Participants were categorized as EOD (