Search

In order to gain insight into the hydrochemical characteristics and formation mechanism of high fluoride groundwater in Zhuanlongwan Coal Mine, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of 48 samples including quaternary groundwater (QGW), sandstone groundwater (SGW), and mine water (MGW) using statistical analysis and hydrochemical methods. The findings demonstrate that the groundwater in Zhuanlongwan Coal Mine generally exhibits weak alkalinity, with predominant cations comprising of Ca2+ and Na+, and anions consisting of HCO3– and Cl–. The mean mass concentration of SO4 2–, Cl–, TDS, pH, and CO3 2– in groundwater follows the order of MGW>SGW>QGW, whereas HCO3– and F– exhibit the trend of SGW>MGW>QGW. Specifically, the average mass concentration of F– in QGW, SGW, and MGW is 0.76 mg/L, 4.55 mg/L, and 4.35 mg/L, respectively. Notably, most samples from SGW and MGW significantly exceed the permissible F−concentration threshold of 1.0 mg/L. The hydrochemical type of low fluoride (\begin{document}$\rho_{{\mathrm{F}}^{-}} $\end{document}1 mg/L) are mainly HCO3−Na (35.42%) and SO4·Cl−Na (45.83%). The dissolution of fluorinated minerals serves as the main source of F– in the high fluoride groundwater of Zhuanlongwan Coal Mine. Moreover, cation exchange, competitive adsorption, as well as the dissolution and precipitation of dolomite and calcite, are significant factors influencing the occurrence of high fluoride groundwater.

Mammals harbor a limited number of sound-receptor hair cells (HCs) that cannot be regenerated after damage. Thus, investigating the underlying molecular mechanisms that maintain HC survival is crucial for preventing hearing impairment. Intriguingly, Pou4f3-/- or Gfi1-/- HCs form initially but then rapidly degenerate, whereas Rbm24-/- HCs degenerate considerably later. However, the transcriptional cascades involving Pou4f3, Gfi1, and Rbm24 remain undescribed. Here, we demonstrate that Rbm24 expression is completely repressed in Pou4f3-/- HCs but unaltered in Gfi1-/- HCs, and further that the expression of both POU4F3 and GFI1 is intact in Rbm24-/- HCs. Moreover, by using in vivo mouse transgenic reporter assays, we identify three Rbm24 enhancers to which POU4F3 binds. Lastly, through in vivo genetic testing of whether Rbm24 restoration alleviates the degeneration of Pou4f3-/- HCs, we show that ectopic Rbm24 alone cannot prevent Pou4f3-/- HCs from degenerating. Collectively, our findings provide new molecular and genetic insights into how HC survival is regulated.

An association exists between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and growth hormone (GH). Patients with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) may be more susceptible to NAFLD. The prevalence of NAFLD and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in GHD patients is currently unknown. Multiple databases were searched for experiments related to NAFLD (or NASH) and GHD. Screening, quality evaluation and data extraction were carried out independently by two authors. Analyses used random or fixed effects models, including NAFLD prevalence, NASH prevalence, odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). We included 10 studies with a total of 782 participants. The results showed that the prevalence of NAFLD in GHD patients was 51% (95% CI: 39–63). The risk of NAFLD in GHD patients was significantly higher than that in controls (age-, sex- or body mass index-matched, without GHD) (pooled OR = 4.27, 95% CI: 1.33–13.68%, p = 0.015). The prevalence of NASH in GHD patients was 18% (95% CI: 5–31). The prevalence of NAFLD in GHD patients is significantly higher than that in the general population, especially NASH. There is a need to develop targeted strategies for the early identification, prevention, or control of NAFLD/NASH in patients with GHD.

Abstract Background Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a global public health problem. Lifestyle modifications aimed at promoting weight loss and weight maintenance remain the current first‐line treatments for NAFLD. Objective We aim to identify barriers and enabling factors in weight management among patients with NAFLD using the capability, opportunity, motivation, behaviour (COM‐B) model of behaviour. Design This study adopted a qualitative design using semistructured interviews analysed with content analysis and the COM‐B framework. Setting and Participants Interviews were conducted with 27 patients with NAFLD who experienced successful or unsuccessful weight reduction. Results Our study included 27 participants: 15 participants with successful weight loss (successful weight loss refers to a decrease in body weight ≥7% of the initial body weight for patients with NAFLD) and 12 participants with unsuccessful weight loss. Thirty‐five themes (19 barriers and 16 facilitators) were mapped onto the COM‐B model as barriers and facilitators to weight management among patients with NAFLD. The key barriers were lack of time and energy, lack of awareness of weight, lack of attention to NAFLD, treating food as a reward or compensation and social entertainment. The key facilitators were having basic weight loss knowledge and skills, strong motivation, attention to NAFLD, unsuccessful weight loss experiences and positive feedback from phased success. Conclusion In addition to identifying factors consistent with existing studies, this study identified factors that influence weight management in NAFLD patients, such as basic weight loss skills and rational thinking before weight loss, which were not previously reported. This has clinical implications for clinical healthcare providers and health management services for the improvement of education and support regarding lifestyle improvement and weight management in patients with NAFLD. Patient or Public Contribution We recruited potential participants from the Bariatric Clinic, Hepatology Clinic and Physical Examination Center of hospitals between March 2021 and October 2021. Twenty‐seven patients with NAFLD who had successful or unsuccessful weight loss experiences participated in the study and responded to questions on weight management.

Nowadays, high-pressure hydrogen storage is the most commercially used technology owing to its high hydrogen purity, rapid charging/discharging of hydrogen, and low-cost manufacturing. Despite numerous reviews on hydrogen storage technologies, there is a relative scarcity of comprehensive examinations specifically focused on high-pressure gaseous hydrogen storage and its associated materials. This article systematically presents the manufacturing processes and materials used for a variety of high-pressure hydrogen storage containers, including metal cylinders, carbon fiber composite cylinders, and emerging glass material-based hydrogen storage containers. Furthermore, it introduces the relevant principles and theoretical studies, showcasing their advantages and disadvantages compared to conventional high-pressure hydrogen storage containers. Finally, this article provides an outlook on the future development of high-pressure hydrogen storage containers.

Background: The relative efficacy of 5 sodium-glucose cotransporter protein-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors and 4 glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) therapy has not been sufficiently investigated.Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in which patients with NAFLD were treated with SGLT-2 inhibitors or GLP-1 receptor agonists were included. Primary outcomes were improvements in liver enzymes and liver fat parameters, while secondary outcomes included anthropometric measures, blood lipids and glycemic parameters. The frequentist method was used to perform a network meta-analysis. Evidence certainty was assessed using the grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE).Results: The criteria were satisfied by 37 RCTs with 9 interventions (5 SGLT-2 inhibitors and 4 GLP-1 receptor agonists). Based on high certainty evidence, in patients with NAFLD (or comorbid with type 2 diabetes), semaglutide could lower alanine aminotransferase as well as aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transferase, controlled attenuation parameter, liver stiffness measurement, body weight, systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, glycosylated hemoglobin. Liraglutide could lower alanine aminotransferase as well as subcutaneous adipose tissue, body mass index, fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, glucose and homeostasis model assessment, while dapagliflozin could lower alanine aminotransferase as well as body weight, fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, glucose and homeostasis model assessment.Conclusion: Semaglutide, liraglutide, and dapagliflozin all have a certain effect on NAFLD (or comorbid with type 2 diabetes) based on high confidence evidence from indirect comparisons, and semaglutide appears to have a therapeutic advantage over the other included medicines. Head-to-head studies are needed to provide more confidence in clinical decision-making.

Overaggressive liposuction of the infragluteal region can lead to iatrogenic infragluteal fold deformity and result in esthetic defects in the gluteal contour. We report a case of using autologous fat transplantation to correct severe post-liposuction infragluteal fold deformity. In the process of reconstruction, the patient experienced fat graft overabsorption, fat graft translocation, and gluteal ptosis aggravation. Despite multiple operations, the effect of fat transplantation was limited. In conclusion, severe post-liposuction infragluteal deformity is very difficult to correct. The infragluteal region should be preserved during liposuction to avoid deformity.

Abstract Fat grafting procedures are considered to be a promising regenerative, cell‐directed therapy; however, their survival is mainly influenced by ischemia condition. Fructose 1,6‐bisphosphate (FBP), as an intermediate in energy metabolism, has the potential to rescue cells and tissues from hypoxic‐ischemic circumstances. In the present study, human lipoaspirates were grafted subcutaneously into nude mice followed by a daily intraperitoneal injection of FBP at different doses for 7 days. Next, the grafts were harvested at different time points till 12 weeks postimplantation and were evaluated for cell viability and function, tissue revascularization and inflammatory cell infiltration using histological analysis, whole‐mount living tissue imaging, glycerol 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase activity assays, and quantitative analysis of gene expression. The results demonstrated that exogenous FBP administration could attenuate the volume and weight reduction of fat graft; meanwhile, FBP enhanced adipocyte viability and function, increased blood vessel formation, and decreased inflammation. Moreover, in vitro cell experiments showed that FBP could promote adipose‐derived stem cell viability and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA expression in ischemia conditions. Our study indicates that FBP can be used as a protective agent for fat grafting and may be applied in stem cell‐based regenerative medicine. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2019;8:606–616

Adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC) is considered as a cell source potentially useful for angiogenesis in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. This study investigated the growth and endothelial differentiation of human ADSCs on polyglycolic acid/polylactic acid (PGA/PLA) mesh compared to 2D plastic. Cell adhesion, viability, and distribution of hADSCs on PGA/PLA mesh were observed by CM-Dil labeling, live/dead staining, and SEM examination while endothelial differentiation was evaluated by flow cytometry, Ac-LDL/UEA-1 uptake assay, immunofluorescence stainings, and gene expression analysis of endothelial related markers. Results showed hADSCs gained a mature endothelial phenotype with a positive ratio of 21.4 ± 3.7% for CD31+/CD34− when induced in 3D mesh after 21 days, which was further verified by the expressions of a comprehensive range of endothelial related markers, whereas hADSCs in 2D induced and 2D/3D noninduced groups all failed to differentiate into endothelial cells. Moreover, compared to 2D groups, the expression for α-SMA was markedly suppressed in 3D cultured hADSCs. This study first demonstrated the endothelial differentiation of hADSCs on the PGA/PLA mesh and pointed out the synergistic effect of PGA/PLA 3D culture and growth factors on the acquisition of mature characteristic endothelial phenotype. We believed this study would be the initial step towards the generation of prevascularized tissue engineered constructs.

Cochlear inner hair cells (IHCs) are primary sound receptors, and are therefore a target for developing treatments for hearing impairment. IHC regeneration in vivo has been widely attempted, although not yet in the IHC-damaged cochlea. Moreover, the extent to which new IHCs resemble wild-type IHCs remains unclear, as is the ability of new IHCs to improve hearing. Here, we have developed an in vivo mouse model wherein wild-type IHCs were pre-damaged and nonsensory supporting cells were transformed into IHCs by ectopically expressing Atoh1 transiently and Tbx2 permanently. Notably, the new IHCs expressed the functional marker vGlut3 and presented similar transcriptomic and electrophysiological properties to wild-type IHCs. Furthermore, the formation efficiency and maturity of new IHCs were higher than those previously reported, although marked hearing improvement was not achieved, at least partly due to defective mechanoelectrical transduction (MET) in new IHCs. Thus, we have successfully regenerated new IHCs resembling wild-type IHCs in many respects in the damaged cochlea. Our findings suggest that the defective MET is a critical barrier that prevents the restoration of hearing capacity and should thus facilitate future IHC regeneration studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bedding structure affects the mechanical properties and stability of engineering rock masses. To elucidate the influence of bedding angle on rock deformation and damage process, longitudinal wave velocity tests and uniaxial compression tests were performed on yellow sandstone at bedding angles of 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, and 90°. Furthermore, the influence of the bedding angle on the peak strength, elastic modulus, and failure mode was analyzed. Initial bedding damage and load damage were characterized based on the degradation degree of elastic modulus and evolution characteristics of dissipative energy; moreover, the entire evolution process of coupled layer–load damage was simulated using the logistic function. The influence of the bedding angle on the damage evolution law of yellow sandstone was discussed, and a piecewise constitutive model for simulating the entire deformation process of uniaxial compression was established, combined with the damage mechanics and effective medium theories. The results reveal that with increasing bedding angle, longitudinal wave velocity increases gradually, peak strength and elastic modulus decrease first, then increase, and then decrease, and anisotropy is obvious. The failure mode is closely related to the bedding dip angle. When the dip angle ranges from 0° to 60°, splinter-type tensile failure occurs mainly through the weak side of shear bedding. Moreover, when the dip angle is 75° and 90°, shear slip and splinter tensile failure occur along the weak side of the bedding. The damage evolution curve based on dissipative energy can be divided into four processes: initially undamaged, damage initiation, damage acceleration, and damage deceleration termination. A theoretical damage model constructed using the logistic function can effectively simulate and predict the entire damage evolution process. The ratio of maximum value to minimum value of initial bedding damage is approximately 1.41, indicating that bedding angle substantially affects the initial damage. The piecewise constitutive model can describe the entire stress–strain process of layered yellow sandstone under uniaxial compression, and the theoretical model curves agree well with experimental data. Parameters a and r represent the initial damage degree and damage evolution rate, respectively. Larger a values typically correspond to a lower initial damage degree and higher peak strength. The larger r is, the faster the damage variable develops and the greater the maximum damage evolution rate is. Thus, the theoretical curve shape of the constructed constitutive model is determined by parameters a and r.

Infectious bursal disease (IBD) is a widespread problem in the poultry industry, and vaccination is the primary preventive method. However, moderately virulent vaccines may damage the bursa, necessitating the development of a safe and effective vaccine. The Newcastle disease virus (NDV) has been explored as a vector for vaccine development. In this study, reverse genetic technology was used to obtain three recombinant viruses, namely, rClone30-VP2L (P/M)-chGM-CSF (NP), rClone30-chGM-CSF (P/M)-VP2L (NP), and rClone30-VP2L-chGM-CSF (P/M). Animal experiments showed that the three biological adjuvant bivalent vaccines effectively increased anti-NDV and anti-infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) titres, enhancing both humoral and cellular immune responses in chickens without leading to any harm. Amongst the three biological adjuvant bivalent vaccines, the rClone30-chGM-CSF (P/M)-VP2L (NP) group had higher levels of anti-NDV antibodies at 14 days after the first immunization and stimulated a greater humoral immune response in 7–10 days. While, the rClone30-VP2L (P/M)-chGM-CSF (NP) group was the most effective in producing a higher level of IBDV antibody response. In conclusion, these three vaccines can induce immune responses more rapidly and effectively, streamline production processes, be cost-effective, and provide a new avenue for the development of Newcastle disease (ND) and IBD bivalent vaccines

Study region: The Yangtze−Huang−Huai−Hai River basin (3.19 million km2) in China, which is vital for China's economic development. Study focus: We employed the Eulerian method to identify the primary water vapor channels from 2005 to 2020, and the water vapor net budget over the basin was calculated. Additionally, the Lagrangian method was utilized to simulate water vapor transport trajectories across four seasons, with the aim of investigating the influence of changes in water vapor on precipitation. New hydrological insights for the region: Utilizing both Eulerian and Lagrangian methods, the findings indicate that: (1) Precipitation in the basin experienced a downward trend of −3.5 mm·a−1 during 2005−2020, mainly in spring (−1.4 mm·a−1) and summer (−1.7 mm·a−1); (2) The water vapor net budget has a substantial downward trend (−0.9 kg·m−1·s−1·a−1), mainly in spring (−0.4 kg·m−1·s−1·a−1) and summer (−0.3 kg·m−1·s−1·a−1), which aligns with the declining trend of precipitation. (3) The Hybrid Single Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory Model demonstrates that the decrease in long−distance water vapor transport trajectories impacts the basin’s water vapor channels. The decline in spring is predominantly influenced by the water vapor transport trajectories from Asia, Europe, and Africa−Arctic Ocean (−0.7 %·a−1), while the summer is mainly driven by the water vapor transport trajectory from the Indian Ocean−South China Sea (−0.3 %·a−1). This study improves the existing understanding of the hydrological cycle in the context of the basin, and offers a crucial scientific basis for water resource management and regulation.

Summary: Here, we present a finite element method-based scheme for solving coupled partial differential equations (PDEs) for the analysis of lithiation-induced stress in largely deformed spherical nanoparticles via the PDE module in COMSOL. We describe steps for software installation and setting PDEs, initial/boundary conditions, and mesh parameters. We then detail procedures for dividing the mesh and analyzing lithium trapping during electrochemical cycling. This protocol can also be extended to analyze a wide range of problems involving diffusion-induced stress.For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Li et al.1 : Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.

Abstract Artificial neural networks (ANNs) have gained considerable momentum in the past decade. Although at first the main task of the ANN paradigm was to tune the connection weights in fixed-architecture networks, there has recently been growing interest in evolving network architectures toward the goal of creating artificial general intelligence. Lagging behind this trend, current ANN hardware struggles for a balance between flexibility and efficiency but cannot achieve both. Here, we report on a novel approach for the on-demand generation of complex networks within a single memristor where multiple virtual nodes are created by time multiplexing and the non-trivial topological features, such as small-worldness, are generated by exploiting device dynamics with intrinsic cycle-to-cycle variability. When used for reservoir computing, memristive complex networks can achieve a noticeable increase in memory capacity a and respectable performance boost compared to conventional reservoirs trivially implemented as fully connected networks. This work expands the functionality of memristors for ANN computing.

Objective Previous study have shown that lipid accumulation product (LAP), visceral adiposity index (VAI), triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL-C) and triglycerides/glucose index (TyG index) could be simple clinical indicators of insulin resistance (IR) based on anthropometric and/or biochemical parameters. However, the rational and preferred surrogate marker of IR in different population has yet to be validated. The aim of this study was evaluating the practicability of the LAP, VAI, TG/HDL-C, and TyG in predicting IR in middle-aged Chinese population. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in 569 Chinese participants (mean age was 48.5; man 67.7%), and each participant completed a questionnaire survey, anthropometric measurement, and biochemical testing. One-way ANOVAs, Chi-squared test, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple logistic regression were used to evaluate the association between VAI, LAP, TG/HDL-C, and TyG with IR. To correctly discriminate individuals with insulin resistance, a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was conducted for each evaluated variable and the overall diagnostic accuracy was quantified using the area under the ROC curve (AUC). The AUC of evaluated variables were compared using a nonparametric approach. The optimal cut-off points were determined by the Youden’s index, and the corresponding sensitivity and specificity were provided. Results Significant positive correlation was identified between HOMA-IR with TG/HDL-C (r = 0.306), VAI (r = 0.217), LAP (r = 0.381), and TyG (r = 0.371), respectively (all p

Abstract Aims/Introduction Insulin sensitivity and β‐cell function are affected by lipid metabolism disorders, even before the onset of type 2 diabetes. People are in the postprandial state most of the time. Therefore, identifying postprandial hyperlipemia is important. This study aimed to assess patients with abnormalities in lipid metabolism, but with normal glucose tolerance, using oral fat tolerance testing (OFTT) to identify defects in insulin sensitivity and β‐cell function. Materials and Methods We included 248 volunteers with normal glucose tolerance who underwent OFTT. They were divided into three groups in accordance with their fasting and 4‐h postprandial triglyceride (TG) concentrations. Their lipid concentrations during OFTT were compared. The disposition index (DI) was applied to estimate β‐cell function, and the Matsuda insulin sensitivity index (ISIM) was used to assess insulin sensitivity. We used multiple linear regression analysis to estimate the relationships of fasting and postprandial TG concentrations with β‐cell function and insulin sensitivity . Results The changes in TG concentrations during OFTT were more marked than those in low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol or total cholesterol concentrations. As lipid metabolism deteriorated, the ISIM and the DI gradually decreased. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that fasting and 4‐h postprandial TG concentrations affected LnISIM and LnDI. Conclusions In individuals with normal glucose tolerance, β‐cell function and insulin sensitivity gradually decrease with a deterioration in the lipid profile. Not only fasting TG, but also postprandial TG concentrations are independent risk factors for impaired β‐cell function and insulin resistance.

Background: Diabetic kidney disease is a major cause of global end-stage renal diseases. Ectopic lipid deposition in the renal tissues of diabetic kidney disease is one major factor leading to renal fibrosis and chronic kidney disease. Pterostilbene has been reported to display lipid-lowing activity and participate in many kidney diseases. However, the influence of pterostilbene on the ectopic lipid deposition is unclear. We intend to explore the influence of pterostilbene on the ectopic lipid deposition in the kidneys of mice induced by high fat. Methods: A high-fat diet-induced diabetic mouse model was established to detect the alleviative effect of pterostilbene on the ectopic lipid deposition in the kidneys of diabetic mice. A biochemical analysis was performed to examine the levels of urine albumin, urine creatinine, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen in mice after pterostilbene treatment. Histological analysis was conducted to detect the degree of renal injury and fibrosis. Oil red O staining and immunohistochemical staining were carried out to evaluate lipid droplets and the expression of adipose differentiation-related protein in renal tissues of the mice treated by pterostilbene. The protein levels were assessed by Western blotting. Results: Pterostilbene inhibits the expression of the TGF-β1 and p-smad3 and suppresses the protein levels of SREBP-1 and FAS, and it ultimately reduces the ectopic lipid deposition, alleviates the renal tubular damage and renal fibrosis in the kidneys of diabetic mice induced by high fat, and improves kidney function. Conclusion: Pterostilbene alleviates renal fibrosis and ectopic lipid deposition in the kidneys of diabetic mice induced by high-fat diet by inhibiting the TGF-β1/smad3 signaling.

BackgroundNon-fasting lipid assessment can help predict cardiovascular disease risks and is linked to multiple diseases, particularly diabetes. The significance of non-fasting lipid levels in routine screening and postprandial lipid tests for potential dyslipidemia has not been conclusively determined. Various new lipid-lowering strategies have been developed to improve non-fasting dyslipidemia. Therefore, analysis of scientific outputs over the past decade is essential to reveal trends, hotspots, and frontier areas for future research in this field.MethodsThe Science Citation Index Expanded in the Web of Science Core Collection database was searched for publications related to non-fasting lipid research from 2012 to 2022. The regional distributions, authors, disciplines, journals, references, and keywords of the studies were analyzed using the bibliometric software VOSviewer and CiteSpace.ResultsA total of 4160 articles and reviews that met the inclusion criteria were included in this study. The output trend was established to be stable and the number of citation indices has been persistently increasing. A total of 104 countries/regions, 4668 organizations, and 20782 authors were involved in this research area. In terms of country, the United States had the largest number of publications (979). The University of Copenhagen was the most productive institution, publishing 148 papers. Professor Børge G Nordestgaard has made the most significant contribution to this field. Nutrients was the most productive journal while the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition was the highest co-cited journal. Analysis of co-cited references indicated that lipid-lowering strategies, statin therapy, high-fat meals, insulin resistance, physical exercise, and fructose were hotspots. Analysis of co-cited keywords revealed that apolipoprotein B, especially apolipoprotein B48, is becoming a key research focus. The keywords “gut microbiota” and “meal timing” were the most extensively studied.ConclusionThe causal relationship between non-fasting dyslipidemia and diseases is currently being explored and the standards for non-fasting or postprandial lipid assessment are continuously being updated. Among the hotspots, lipid-lowering strategies are a potential research direction. Apolipoprotein B48, gut microbiota, and chrononutrition are the research frontiers. This initial bibliometric analysis of non-fasting lipids will enable researchers to monitor swift transformations and recognize novel concepts for upcoming research.

The microbial degradation of lignocellulose is the best way to treat straw, which has a broad application prospect. It is consistent with the idea of agricultural sustainable development and has an important impact on the utilization of biomass resources. To explore and utilize the microbial resources of lignocellulose degradation, 27 lignocellulose degrading strains were screened from 13 regions in China. ZJW-6 was selected because of its 49.6% lignocellulose weight loss rate. According to the theoretical analysis of the experimental results, the following straw degradation conditions were obtained by ZJW-6: nitrogen source input of 8.45 g/L, a pH of 8.57, and a temperature of 31.63°C, the maximum weight loss rate of rice straw could reach 54.8%. It was concluded that ZJW-6 belonged to Cellulomonas iranensis according to 16S rRNA-encoding gene sequence comparison and identification. ZJW-6 is a Gram-positive bacterium that grows slowly and has a small yellowish green colony. To explain the degradation mechanism of lignocellulose, the experiment of enzymatic properties of the strain was prepared and carried out. It was discovered that ZJW-6 has an excellent ability to degrade cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, with cellulose and hemicellulose loss rates reaching almost 50% in 4 days and lignin loss rates reaching nearly 30%. Furthermore, ZJW-6 demonstrated lignocellulose degradation under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, indicating the strain’s broad application potential. ZJW-6 was found to be more effective than ordinary humic acid in improving rice soil (available phosphorus, available nitrogen, organic matter) and promoting rice growth in a rice pot experiment (increasing root-shoot ratio, root activity, chlorophyll content and net photosynthetic rate). ZJW-6 plays an important role in promoting the development and utilization of straw resources. It has important significance for the advancement of green agriculture.

Abstract Background Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become one of the most common chronic liver diseases worldwide. Triglyceride (TG) accumulation is central to NAFLD development. People now spend most of their day in the postprandial state, and the measurement of postprandial blood lipid concentration can make up for the lack of simple detection of fasting blood lipids. Postprandial triglyceride (PTG) is commonly used as a surrogate for postprandial blood lipid concentrations, and many studies have shown that PTG is a risk factor for NAFLD. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between PTG concentration during oral fat tolerance testing (OFTT) and NAFLD. Methods A total of 472 Chinese adults, aged 25 to 65 years, were enrolled in the study. All the participants underwent OFTT. The serum concentrations of TG and other lipids were measured, and their relationships with NAFLD were analyzed. Results Of the 472 participants, 155 were diagnosed with NAFLD. The fasting and postprandial TG concentrations of the participants with NAFLD were higher than those of healthy participants (P

Abstract The distribution of mangroves is influenced by the environment. We aimed to understand the ecological adaptability of various mangrove species within the range of the exotic species, Sonneratia apetala Buch.‐Ham., in Dongzhai Harbor, Hainan Island, China. We used three niche breadth indexes (Simpson, Levins, and Shannon–Weiner) and two niche overlap indexes (Pianka and Levins) to quantitatively determine the niche characteristics of nine mangrove species. The results showed that the order of the niche breadth values of mangrove species was as follows: Aegiceras corniculatum (Linn.) Blanco > Kandelia obovata Sheue et al. > Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (L.) Poir. > Avicennia marina (Forsk.) Vierh. Hailanci > S. apetala > S. caseolaris (L.) Engl. > Rhizophora stylosa Griff > Ceriops tagal (Perr.) C. B. Rob. > B. sexangula (Lour.) Poir. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that the niche breadth of each population was significantly correlated with the importance value of the population in the whole sample (R1 = R2 = 0.771, R3 = 0.644, p

BackgroundDyslipidemia has become increasingly prevalent in recent decades. Blood lipid concentrations are significantly influenced by diet; however, postprandial triglyceride concentration (PTG) is not often measured. PTG can reflect the risks of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, but not all individuals would benefit from PTG testing.ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to determine the PTG response in a Chinese cohort and identify who would benefit from diagnostic PTG measurement.MethodsA total of 400 Chinese adults were enrolled and underwent oral fat tolerance test (OFTT), which was well tolerated. The participants were assigned to groups according to their fasting triglyceride concentration to evaluate the usefulness of PTG testing. A PTG concentration > 2.5 mmol/L was defined as high (HPTG).ResultsOf the 400 participants, 78.9% showed an undesirable PTG response. Those with FTG ≥1.0 mmol/L had a delayed PTG peak and higher peak values. Seventy-five percent of those with 1.0 mmol/L ≤FTG

Neuromorphic electronics, an emerging field that aims for building electronic mimics of the biological brain, holds promise for reshaping the frontiers of information technology and enabling a more intelligent and efficient computing paradigm. As their biological brain counterpart, the neuromorphic electronic systems are complex, having multiple levels of organization. Inspired by David Marr's famous three‐level analytical framework developed for neuroscience, the advances in neuromorphic electronic systems are selectively surveyed and given significance to these research endeavors as appropriate from the computational level, algorithmic level, or implementation level. Under this framework, the problem of how to build a neuromorphic electronic system is defined in a tractable way. In conclusion, the development of neuromorphic electronic systems confronts a similar challenge to the one neuroscience confronts, that is, the limited constructability of the low‐level knowledge (implementations and algorithms) to achieve high‐level brain‐like (human‐level) computational functions. An opportunity arises from the communication among different levels and their codesign. Neuroscience lab‐on‐neuromorphic chip platforms offer additional opportunity for mutual benefit between the two disciplines.

BackgroundTo investigate possible mechanisms of postprandial hypertriglyceridemia (PPT), we analyzed serum lipid and apolipoprotein (Apo) AI, B, CII and CIII levels before and after a high-fat meal.MethodsThe study has been registered with the China Clinical Trial Registry (registration number:ChiCTR1800019514; URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx). We recruited 143 volunteers with normal fasting triglyceride (TG) levels. All subjects consumed a high-fat test meal. Venous blood samples were obtained during fasting and at 2, 4, and 6 hours after the high-fat meal. PPT was defined as TG ≥2.5 mmol/L any time after the meal. Subjects were divided into two groups according to the high-fat meal test results: postprandial normal triglyceride (PNT) and PPT. We compared the fasting and postprandial lipid and ApoAI, ApoB, ApoCII and ApoCIII levels between the two groups.ResultsSignificant differences were found between the groups in fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), TG, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), TG-rich lipoprotein remnants (TRLRs), ApoB, ApoCIII, ApoAI/ApoB and ApoCII/ApoCIII. The insulin, HOMA-IR, TG, TC, LDL-C, non-HDL-C, TRLRs, ApoB, ApoCIII and ApoCII/ApoCIII values were higher in the PPT group, while the ApoAI/ApoB ratio was higher in the PNT group. The postprandial TG level peaked in the PNT group 2 hours after the meal but was significantly higher in the PPT group and peaked at 4 hours. TRLRs gradually increased within 6 hours after the high-fat meal in both groups. The area under the curve (AUC) of TG and TRLRs and the AUC increment were higher in the PPT group (P < 0.001). ApoCIII peaked in the PNT group 2 hours after the meal and gradually decreased. ApoCIII gradually increased in the PPT group within 6 hours after the meal, exhibiting a greater AUC increment (P < 0.001). Fasting ApoCIII was positively correlated with age, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, TC, TG, LDL-C, non-HDL-C, TRLRs, and ApoB (P

Background. Our aim was to investigate the association between the genetics of the angiopoietin protein-like 8 (ANGPTL8) rs2278426 (C/T) polymorphism with prediabetes (pre-DM) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in a Han Chinese population in Hebei Province, China. Methods. We enrolled 1,460 participants into this case-control study: healthy controls, n = 524; pre-DM, n = 460; and T2DM: n = 460. Ligase assays on blood samples from all participants were used to identify polymorphisms. Differences in genotype and allele distributions were compared by the chi-square test and one-way analysis of variance, and a post hoc pairwise analysis was performed using the Bonferroni test. The logistic regression technique was adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index. Results. The frequency of the TT (10.9%) genotype was significantly higher in pre-DM patients than in controls (odds ratio [OR] = 1.696, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.026–2.802, P=0.039). In the T2DM group, the CT (48%) and TT (15%) genotypes were significantly higher compared with those in the control group (CT : OR = 1.384, 95% CI = 1.013–1.890, P=0.041; TT : OR = 2.530, 95% CI = 1.476–4.334, P=0.001). The frequency of the T allele was significantly higher in the pre-DM (32.8%) and T2DM (39%) groups compared with the control group (26.9%) and was significantly associated with an increased risk of pre-DM (OR = 1.253, 95% CI = 1.017–1.544, P=0.034) and T2DM (OR = 1.518, 95% CI = 1.214–1.897, P=0.001). Furthermore, insulin levels in the pre-DM and T2DM groups were significantly decreased in those with the TT genotype compared with the CC and CT genotypes. Conclusion. ANGPTL8 rs2278426 may be involved in the mechanism of insulin secretion and could lead to an increased risk of pre-DM and T2DM.

The quartz-vein-type Baiyinhan tungsten deposit is located at the eastern part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt, NE China. Analyses of fluid inclusions, H-O isotope of quartz and Re-Os isotope of molybdenite were carried out. Three stages of mineralization were identified: The early quartz + wolframite + bismuth stage, the middle quartz + molybdenite stage and the late calcite + fluorite stage. Quartz veins formed in the three stages were selected for the fluid inclusion analysis. The petrographic observation and fluid inclusion microthermometry results revealed three types of fluid inclusions: CO2-H2O (C-type), liquid-rich (L-type) and vapor-rich (V-type). The homogenization temperatures of C-type, V-type and L-type inclusions were 233–374 °C, 210–312 °C, and 196–311 °C, respectively. The salinity of the three types of inclusions was identical, varying in the range of 5–12 wt%. The H-O isotope analyses results showed that quartz had δ18OH2O and δDSMOW compositions of −2.6‰ to 4.3‰ and −97‰ to −82‰, respectively, indicating that the ore-forming fluids were mainly derived from magmatic water with a minor contribution of meteoric water. The addition of meteoric water reduces the temperature and salinity of the ore-forming fluids, which leads to a decrease of the solubility of tungsten and molybdenum in the fluids and eventually the precipitation of minerals. Re-Os isotopic analysis of five molybdenite samples yielded an isochron age of 139.6 ± 7.6 Ma (2σ) with an initial 187Os of −0.05 ± 0.57 (MSWD = 3.5). Rhenium concentrations of the molybdenite samples were between 3.1 ug/g and 8.5 ug/g. The results suggest that the metals of the Baiyinhan deposit have a crust origin, and the mineralization is one episode of the Early Cretaceous tungsten mineralization epoch which occurred at the eastern part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt.

Edwardsiella piscicida is a leading fish pathogen that causes significant economic loses in the aquaculture industry. The pathogen depends on type III and type VI secretion systems (T3/T6SS) for growth and virulence in fish and the expression of both systems is controlled by the EsrB transcription activator. Here, we performed a Tn-seq-based screen to uncover factors that govern esrB expression. Unexpectedly, we discovered that RpoS antagonizes esrB expression and thereby inhibits production of E. piscicida's T3/T6SS. Using in vitro transcription assays, we showed that RpoS can block RpoD-mediated transcription of esrB. ChIP-seq- and RNA-seq-based profiling, as well as mutational and biochemical analyses revealed that RpoS-repressed promoters contain a -6G in their respective discriminator sequences; moreover, this -6G proved critical for RpoS to inhibit esrB expression. Mutation of the RpoS R99 residue, an amino acid that molecular modeling predicts interacts with -6G in the esrB discriminator, abolished RpoS' capacity for repression. In a turbot model, an rpoS deletion mutant was attenuated early but not late in infection, whereas a mutant expressing RpoSR99A exhibited elevated fitness throughout the infection period. Collectively, these findings deepen our understanding of how RpoS can inhibit gene expression and demonstrate the temporal variation in the requirement for this sigma factor during infection.

To make full use of the flexible charging and discharging capabilities of the growing number of electric vehicles (EVs), a bidding strategy for EV aggregators to participate in a day-ahead electricity energy market is proposed in this work. The proposed bidding strategy is able to reduce the operating cost of the EV aggregators and to handle the uncertainties of day-ahead market prices properly at the same time. Agreements between the EV owners and the aggregators are discussed, and a hierarchical market structure is proposed. While assuming the aggregators as economic rational entities, the bidding strategy is established based on the market prices, extra battery charging/discharging costs and the expected profits. The bidding clearing system will display the current/temporal market clearance results of the day-ahead market before the final clearance, and hence the market participants can revise their bids and mitigate the risks, to some extent, of forecasted market price forecast errors. Numerical results with a modified IEEE 30-bus system have demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed strategy.

This paper, aimed at the problems of high-speed train seat design standards that lack biomechanical analysis, analyzed the lumbar force of sitting position and verified the validity of the finite element model of human lumbar L1–L5 that had been built by reverse engineering technology. Based on the lumbar force distribution, the methods of exterior penalty and moving least square were adopted to establish a high-speed train seat equation that caters for physical ergonomics and a new high-speed train seat model was designed so as to improve the comfort for passengers.