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Abstract Atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter (AFL) are cardiac arrhythmias associated with high morbidity and mortality. This cross-sectional observational study assesses the epidemiological burden of AF/AFL concerning metabolic risk factors using the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database. Age-standardized disability-adjusted life years rate (ASDR), mortality, and estimated annual percentage change were calculated. The Bayesian Age-Period-Cohort model was utilized to predict future trends in ASDR and age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) for AF/AFL 2030. Between 1990 and 2021, ASDR rose from 34.22 to 34.94, whereas ASMR increased from 1.46 to 1.50 per 100,000 people. High/high–middle Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) regions showed decreasing trends in ASDR and ASMR, whereas low and middle SDI regions showed increasing trends. In 2021, the highest ASDR and ASMR were recorded in Australasia, North America, and Western Europe, with significant country-level variability. Projections indicate a declining trend in ASMR and stable ASDR through 2030. The global rise in AF/AFL attributable to metabolic risk factors necessitates comprehensive and region-specific public health strategies. Further research is warranted to develop and implement effective measures to mitigate these conditions and improve cardiovascular health outcomes worldwide.

Abstract The multi-enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHc) links glycolysis to the citric acid cycle and plays vital roles in metabolism, energy production, and cellular signaling. Although all components have been individually characterized, the intact PDHc structure remains unclear, hampering our understanding of its composition and dynamical catalytic mechanisms. Here, we report the in-situ architecture of intact mammalian PDHc by cryo-electron tomography. The organization of peripheral E1 and E3 components varies substantially among the observed PDHcs, with an average of 21 E1 surrounding each PDHc core, and up to 12 E3 locating primarily along the pentagonal openings. In addition, we observed dynamic interactions of the substrate translocating lipoyl domains (LDs) with both E1 and E2, and the interaction interfaces were further analyzed by molecular dynamics simulations. By revealing intrinsic dynamics of PDHc peripheral compositions, our findings indicate a distinctive activity regulation mechanism, through which the number of E1, E3 and functional LDs may be coordinated to meet constantly changing demands of metabolism.

Abstract Urbanization exacerbates the prevalence of urban diseases such as water pollution. Smart city construction (SCC), a prevailing global trend in urban development, has the potential to catalyze the symbiotic development of the urban economy, society, and environment. This study utilized a difference-in-differences (DID) model with panel data from 150 prefecture-level cities in China during the period of 2011–2017 to evaluate the impact of SCC on urban sewage treatment. The results revealed a statistically significant increase in the sewage treatment level, which remained robust even after rigorous tests were performed. The mechanism analysis revealed that SCC can improve the level of sewage treatment through increasing the fiscal self-sufficiency rate (FSR) and industrial upgrading (IU). Furthermore, heterogeneity analysis revealed that in cities with a high level of financial development and public environmental attention (PEA), coupled with a low level of environmental attention from higher-level government, the advancement of the sewage treatment level can be more effectively facilitated through SCC. In conclusion, the promotional effect of SCC on the sewage treatment level is influenced by a combination of technological, economic, political, and social factors. Therefore, SCC should prioritize the synergistic integration of technological innovations and non-technological factors.

Abstract Plant extracts, especially herbal extracts, are in line with the cosmetics development trend of natural and safe in today’s world. Dried ginger essential oil (DGEO) is a fragrant oily liquid extracted from the dried roots of Zingiber officinale Rosc. This research investigated DGEO could effectively inhibit Staphylococcus aureus and Propionibacterium acnes. And delay skin aging in mice by down-regulating the expression of TNF-α and the production of MMP-1. These indicates that DGEO has antibacterial and anti-aging effects, and has the potential in beauty and skin care. However, DGEO is easy to volatilize, so it is lack of stability, and the application of DGEO is greatly limited. Therefore, we aim to improve the stability of DGEO and expand its application in facial mask. To achieve this, DGEO was firstly complexed with the β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) to prepare DGEO-β-CD-IC. Then, electrospinning was used to make DGEO-βCD-IC into a nanofiber facial mask. In this process, we found that the thermal stability of DGEO-βCD-IC was significantly improved, and the degradation process was slower than that of physical mixture. During the preparation of the nanofiber mask, DGEO did not undergo a chemical reaction. And the fibers of facial mask were evenly distributed, with smooth surfaces and tight structures. Its diameter was between 90 and 110 nm. And the facial mask had good hydrophilic performance and moisturizing efficacy. It could increase the skin water content by 47.82% on average. What’s more, the safety tests showed that the facial mask was mild and safe. These results show that we improve the stability of DGEO and successfully develop a promising application prospects nanofiber mask. This work may enrich the use of herbal extracts in skincare products.

Abstract The zinc-activated channel (ZAC) is an atypical mammalian cys-loop receptor (CLR) that is activated by zinc ions and protons, allowing cations to pass through. The molecular mechanism that ligands use to activate ZAC remains elusive. Here, we present three cryo-electron microscopy reconstructions of human ZAC (hZAC) under different conditions. These three hZAC structures display highly similar conformations to one another, forming symmetrical homo-pentamers with a central ion-conduction pore. The hZAC protomer comprises an extracellular domain (ECD) and a transmembrane domain (TMD), sharing more structural similarity with anion-permeable CLRs, such as glycine receptors and type A γ-aminobutyric acid receptors. Notably, hZAC possesses a distinctive C-tail that establishes a disulfide bond with the loop M2-M3 in the TMD and occupies what is typically the canonical neurotransmitter orthosteric site in other mammalian CLRs. Moreover, the tip of the cys-loop creates an unprecedented orthosteric site in hZAC. The binding of Zn2+ triggers a conformational shift in the cys-loop, which presumably prompts the loop M2-M3 to move and open the channel gate. This study sheds light on the assembly of the channel, its structural features, and the process of signal transduction in hZAC.

The study proposed an innovative path planning algorithm based on the potential function of a special case of the cobweb resistor network, addressing the path planning problem in globe environments with obstacles. For the non-regular $ m \times n $ cobweb resistor network with arbitrary longitude, we found that by introducing Chebyshev polynomial of the second class, the precise equivalent resistance formulas could be optimized effectively. Compared with the original formula, optimized equivalent resistance formulas significantly reduced the time cost in large-scale data calculations. Furthermore, we have plotted 3D views of the equivalent resistance formulas for several special cases and conducted simulation experiments on the computational efficiency of the original and optimized formulas at different data scales, verifying the superiority of the optimized formulas. These findings provided new perspectives and tools for the computation of resistor networks and the design of path planning algorithms.

This is an article in the field of metallurgical engineering. In order to reduce the NOx emission in the blast furnace smelting process, based on the analysis of the actual production data of the 2 300 m3 blast furnace in an iron and steel plant, this paper elaborates on the formation and reduction mechanism of NOx in the blast furnace, and the distribution characteristics and influence of NOx in the blast furnace through thermodynamic calculation, mathematical statistics and other methods. The main conclusions are as follows: NOx in blast furnace gas is mainly NO, accounting for more than 99%, only a very small amount of NO2 and the temperature is the main factor affecting the formation of NOx at the front end of the raceway. When the temperature increases from 2 000 °C to 2 500 °C, the theoretically generated content of NO and NO2 increases by 2.56 and 1.7 times, respectively, and the key to controlling the reduction of NOx in blast furnace gas is to control the reasonable distribution of gas flow in the furnace. The gas flow should flow through the middle ring zone as much as possible at the basic requirements of gas flow distribution in the center and edge, and the reducing atmosphere in the normal smelting blast furnace can meet the full reduction of NOx, and the NOx emission level of downstream gas users at special furnace conditions such as deficit scale, hanging, blowing-down and reblowing should be paid attention to.

Background: Shuangshen granules (SSGs) are extensively utilized for the treatment of lung cancer in China and have been reported to possess tumor-protective and anti-metastatic effects. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the precise mechanism. Building upon the findings of our previous study, the objective of the present study was to explore the impact of SSGs on the sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor-1 (S1PR1)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) axis, as well as the recruitment of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) during the formation of the premetastatic niches (PMNs). Methods: In a mouse xenograft model utilizing Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells that express green fluorescent protein (GFP), the initiation of lung metastasis was monitored every three days until day 35 following transplantation. Lung metastasis, MDSC recruitment, the expression of PMN and S1PR1/STAT3 axis biomarkers, as well as the blood levels of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) were assessed in the SSG treatment and control groups. Results: The LLC cells did not reach the lung until 14–17 days following subcutaneous implantation, which was concurrent with the formation of lung PMNs. SSG significantly postponed the initiation of lung metastasis and reduced the recruitment of MDSCs to the lung PMNs. SSG also suppressed the S1PR1/STAT3 axis in tumor tissues, bone marrow, and lung PMNs. Additionally, SSG suppressed the blood levels of GM-CSF and TGF-β, as well as the PMN markers, matrix metalloproteinase-9 and versican. Conclusion: Our findings suggested that SSG suppressed the development of MDSC-mediated PMNs by inhibiting the S1PR1/STAT3 axis, consequently postponing the initiation of lung metastasis.

Federated Learning (FL) is a novel distributed machine learning methodology that addresses large-scale parallel computing challenges while safeguarding data security. However, the traditional FL model in communication scenarios, whether for uplink or downlink communications, may give rise to several network problems, such as bandwidth occupation, additional network latency, and bandwidth fragmentation. In this paper, we propose an adaptive chained training approach (FedACT) for FL in computing power networks. First, a Computation-driven Clustering Strategy (CCS) is designed. The server clusters clients by task processing delays to minimize waiting delays at the central server. Second, we propose a Genetic-Algorithm-based Sorting (GAS) method to optimize the order of clients participating in training. Finally, based on the table lookup and forwarding rules of the Segment Routing over IPv6 (SRv6) protocol, the sorting results of GAS are written into the SRv6 packet header, to control the order in which clients participate in model training. We conduct extensive experiments on two datasets of CIFAR-10 and MNIST, and the results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm offers improved accuracy, diminished communication costs, and reduced network delays.

Abstract A novel thermodynamic phenomenon has been observed in the quantum Bañados-Teitelboim-Zanelli (qBTZ) black hole, utilizing generalized free energy and Kramers escape rate. This phenomenon also reveals the unique property of the quantum black hole. The stochastic thermal motion of various thermodynamic states within the black hole system induces phase transitions, under the influence of generalized free energy which obtained by extending Maxwell’s construction. Through the analysis of Kramers escape rate, it is discovered that the qBTZ black hole thermodynamic system exhibits a bounce effect. It originates from the non-monotonicity of entropy in black hole thermodynamic systems. Furthermore, the overall thermodynamic picture of the qBTZ black hole has been obtained under different quantum backreactions.

Abstract Background LncRNAs play essential roles in multiple tumors. However, research on genome-wide lncRNA alterations and their functions in cervical cancer (CC) is limited. This study aims to explore key lncRNAs in CC progression and uncover the molecular mechanisms involved in the development of CC. Methods In this study, we analyzed 30 tissues from CC, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), and normal (NOR) using transcriptome sequencing and weighted gene co-expression network analysis to establish gene modules related to the NOR-CIN-CC transition. Machine learning diagnostic models were employed to investigate the role of lncRNAs in this transition. Molecular biological experiments were conducted to elucidate the potential mechanisms of CARMN in CC, with a particular focus on its transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of abnormal expression in CC. Results CARMN was identified as a hub gene in two modules significantly associated with the NOR-CIN-CC transition. Analysis using ten machine learning models confirmed its critical role in this progression. The results of RNA-seq, qPCR and RNAScope performed in another cohort of 83 cervical tissues all showed that CARMN was significantly downregulated in CC. CARMN significantly enhanced the interaction between Keap1 and Nrf2, leading to increased ROS levels. The elevated ROS levels suppressed the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, leading to autophagy arrest via autophagic flux blockade. Additionally, CARMN interacted with TFAP2α to repress MAPK13 transcription, further inhibiting the MAPK cascade. A promoter SNP (rs12517403) was found to increase CC risk (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.11–1.61) and reduce CARMN expression by decreasing SP1 binding. Furthermore, the RNA binding proteins that could modulate CARMN RNA stability were also determined using RNA-pulldown assay. The results demonstrated that YBX1, a component of the coding region instability determinant (CRD)-mediated mRNA stabilization complex, promoted CARMN RNA stability. DHX9, another component of complex, acted as a scaffold to bridge YBX1 and CARMN. Conclusions CARMN exerts an anti-cancer effect in CC progression by inhibiting the Akt-mTOR and MAPK signaling pathways. rs12517403 and the YBX1/DHX9 complex are key mechanisms influencing its transcription and stability in CC cells. CARMN represents a promising biomarker for CC diagnosis and therapeutic target.

Abstract X-ray imaging with a large field of view (FOV) and high resolution is extremely important for Rayleigh–Taylor instability measurement with a small amplitude and high spatial frequency in laser inertial confinement fusion. We developed an advanced Kirkpatrick–Baez (AKB) microscope based on the quadratic-aberration theory to realize a large FOV and high resolution. This microscope was assembled and tested in a laboratory, and it was then successfully applied for imaging the hydrodynamic instability of a perturbation target in implosion experiments at the Shenguang-III prototype laser facility. Imaging results demonstrate that the AKB microscope can achieve an optimal resolution of ~ 0.53 μm and ~ 0.40 μm and a spatial resolution of

Abstract To evaluate the impact of the CD4 count on ESAT6-CFP10 (EC) skin test, QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-tube test (QFT) and tuberculin skin test (TST) in a large prison and communities in Jiangsu Province among people living with HIV (PLHIV). Participants in communities were tested with the QFT and EC skin test and in prison were tested with the QFT, TST and EC skin test. A 4-knotted restricted cubic spline fitted for Logistic models was used to explore the cutoff point of CD4 count and the associations between changes in CD4 count and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) infection. Among 1,815 PLHIV included, 19.3% (350) were from prisons and 80.7% (1465) were identified through community screenings. M.tb infection rates were 12.2% and 8.3% through QFT and EC tests, respectively. Odd Ratios (ORs) for infection increased with CD4 counts, peaking at 618 cells/mm3 for EC, 392 cells/mm3 for QFT, then plateaued. However, the pattern differed for EC between prison and screening scenarios. In prison settings, M.tb infection increased with CD4 count from 0 to 350 cells/mm3, plateaued until 500 cells/mm3, and then persistently increased. Conversely, for community, ORs decreased until 300 cells/mm3, followed by an increase between 300 and 729 cells/mm3, after which they continued to rise persistently. Our cross-sectional study among PLHIV revealed a higher rate of M.tb infection in prison compared to the community. The relationship between CD4 count and infection became negative after a certain threshold. This pivotal point differed with detection methods, with QFT showing lower CD4 thresholds than EC.

Abstract Under the condition of weak grid, the phase‐locked loop (PLL) is one of the main reasons for the sub‐synchronous oscillation of the grid‐connected inverter. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the PLL parameters of the grid‐connected inverter for the analysis of the inverter operating performance. This paper uses the sequence impedance model and measured impedance data of grid‐connected inverter to construct the identification function for parameter identification of PLL, and the function is calculated by particle swarm optimization algorithm to overcome the nonlinear problem of sequence impedance model. In addition, the identification frequency band is selected based on PLL parameter sensitivity to improve the parameter identification accuracy under the same impedance measurement error. At different frequencies, the positive correlation between the sensitivity of the PLL parameters and the identification accuracy is proven to determine the definite frequency band for PLL parameter identification of grid‐connected inverter. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of the above research are verified by simulation and semi‐physical experiments.

Programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) is a T cell inhibitory immune checkpoint molecule that interacts with programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) to promote immune escape of tumor cells. Compared with antibody therapies, small molecule drugs show better prospects due to their advantages such as higher bioavailability, better tissue penetration, and reduced risk of immunogenicity. Here, we found that the small molecule demethylzeylasteral (Dem) can significantly downregulate the expression of PD-L1 in colorectal cancer cells and enhance the killing effect of T cells on tumor cells. Mechanistically, Dem binds to the deubiquitinating enzyme USP22 and promotes its degradation, resulting in increased ubiquitination and degradation of PD-L1 through the proteasome pathway. In addition, Dem increased the activity of cytotoxic T cells and reduced the number of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), thereby activating the tumor immune microenvironment and inhibiting the growth of subcutaneous MC38 tumors in C57BL/6 mice. Moreover, we also found that the combination of Dem and CTLA4 antibodies can further improve the efficacy of antitumor therapy. Our study reveals the mechanism by which Dem promotes PD-L1 degradation and suggests that the combination of Dem and CTLA4 antibodies may improve the efficacy of immunotherapy.

Abstract The objective of this research was to establish a rat model for cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with cardiac arrest and resuscitation that is both practical and economical and simulates clinical cardiac surgery. Concurrently, the study aimed to evaluate the myocardial protective effects conferred by histidine–tryptophan–ketoglutarate (HTK) cardioplegia. Thirty rats were randomly assigned to three groups: the histidine–tryptophan–ketoglutarate (HTK), 4:1 blood cardioplegia (BC) and del Nido cardioplegia (DN) groups. The cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) procedure was implemented and sustained for a duration of one hour. Subsequent to the cessation of CPB, the rats were subjected to monitoring and observation for an additional two hours. Following this observation period, the heart and blood samples were procured for subsequent analysis. During CPB, the average hematocrit level was significantly below the typical physiological range (P

Abstract Converting solar energy into fuels is pursued as an attractive route to reduce dependence on fossil fuel. In this context, photothermal catalysis is a very promising approach through converting photons into heat to drive catalytic reactions. There are mainly three key factors that govern the photothermal catalysis performance: maximized solar absorption, minimized thermal emission and excellent catalytic property of catalyst. However, the previous research has focused on improving solar absorption and catalytic performance of catalyst, largely neglected the optimization of thermal emission. Here, we demonstrate an optically selective catalyst based Ti3C2Tx Janus design, that enables minimized thermal emission, maximized solar absorption and good catalytic activity simultaneously, thereby achieving excellent photothermal catalytic performance. When applied to Sabatier reaction and reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) as demonstrations, we obtain an approximately 300% increase in catalytic yield through reducing the thermal emission of catalyst by ~70% under the same irradiation intensity. It is worth noting that the CO2 methanation yield reaches 3317.2 mmol gRu −1 h−1 at light power of 2 W cm−2, setting a performance record among catalysts without active supports. We expect that this design opens up a new pathway for the development of high-performance photothermal catalysts.

Abstract Thermoelectrics converting heat and electricity directly attract broad attentions. To enhance the thermoelectric figure of merit, zT, one of the key points is to decouple the carrier-phonon transport. Here, we propose an entropy engineering strategy to realize the carrier-phonon decoupling in the typical SrTiO3-based perovskite thermoelectrics. By high-entropy design, the lattice thermal conductivity could be reduced nearly to the amorphous limit, 1.25 W m−1 K−1. Simultaneously, entropy engineering can tune the Ti displacement, improving the weighted mobility to 65 cm2 V−1 s−1. Such carrier-phonon decoupling behaviors enable the greatly enhanced μ W/κ L of ~5.2 × 103 cm3 K J−1 V−1. The measured maximum zT of 0.24 at 488 K and the estimated zT of ~0.8 at 1173 K in (Sr0.2Ba0.2Ca0.2Pb0.2La0.2)TiO3 film are among the best of n-type thermoelectric oxides. These results reveal that the entropy engineering may be a promising strategy to decouple the carrier-phonon transport and achieve higher zT in thermoelectrics.

Abstract Background Insulin resistance (IR) is prevalent in individuals undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) and is related to increased susceptibility to coronary artery disease and initial peritonitis. In recent investigations, correlations have been found between indices of IR and the incidence of all-cause mortality in various populations. However, such correlations have not been detected among individuals undergoing PD. Hence, the present study’s aim was to explore the connections between IR indices and the incidence of all-cause mortality in PD patients. Methods Peritoneal dialysis patients (n = 1736) were recruited from multiple PD centres between January 2010 and December 2021. Cox proportional hazards and restricted cubic spline regression models were used to evaluate the connections between the triglyceride–glucose (TyG) index, triglyceride–glucose/body mass index (TyG–BMI), and triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio and the occurrence of all-cause mortality. All three IR indices were integrated into the same model to assess the predictive stability. Furthermore, a forest plot was employed to display the findings of the subgroup analysis of PD patients. Results Overall, 378 mortality events were recorded during a median follow-up time of 2098 days. Among PD patients, a higher TyG index, TyG–BMI, and TG/HDL-C ratio were identified as independent risk factors for all-cause mortality according to Cox proportional hazards analyses (hazard ratio (HR) 1.588, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.261–2.000; HR 1.428, 95% CI 1.067–1.910; HR 1.431, 95% CI 1.105–1.853, respectively). In a model integrating the three IR indices, the TyG index showed the highest predictive stability. According to the forest plot for the TyG index, no significant interactions were observed among the subgroups. Conclusion Significant associations were found between the TyG index, TyG–BMI, and TG/HDL-C ratio and the incidence of all-cause mortality among PD patients. The TyG index may be the most stable of the three surrogate IR markers. Finally, a correlation was identified between IR and the risk of all-cause mortality in patients undergoing PD.

Abstract Patients carrying mutations in polymerase epsilon/polymerase delta have shown positive responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Yet, prospective trials exploring the efficacy in those with polymerase epsilon/polymerase delta mutations are still lacking. A phase II clinical trial was initiated to evaluate the efficacy of toripalimab, a humanized IgG4K monoclonal antibody to human PD-1, in patients with advanced solid tumors with unselected polymerase epsilon/polymerase delta mutations but without microsatellite instability-high. A total of 15 patients were enrolled, 14 of whom were assessed for treatment efficacy. There was a 21.4% overall response rate, with a disease control rate of 57.1%. The median overall survival and median progression-free survival were 17.9 (95% CI 13.5-not reach) months and 2.5 (95% CI 1.4-not reach) months, respectively. For patients with exonuclease domain mutations, the objective response rate was 66.7% (2/3), with a disease control rate of 66.7% (2/3). For those with non-exonuclease domain mutations, the rates were 9.1% (1/11) and 54.5% (6/11), respectively. Notably, patients with PBRM1 gene mutations exhibited a high response rate to toripalimab at 75.0% (3/4). This study showed that neither the exonuclease domain mutations nor non-exonuclease domain mutations could fully predict the efficacy of immunotherapy, urging the need for more investigations to clarify potential immune sensitization differences within polymerase epsilon/polymerase delta mutation variants.

Abstract Internal combustion engine fueled by carbon-free hydrogen (H2-ICE) offers a promising alternative for sustainable transportation. Herein, we report a facile and universal strategy through the physical mixing of Pt catalyst with zeolites to significantly improve the catalytic performance in the selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides (NO x ) with H2 (H2-SCR), a process aiming at NO x removal from H2-ICE. Via the physical mixing of Pt/TiO2 with Y zeolite (Pt/TiO2 + Y), a remarkable enhancement of NO x reduction activity and N2 selectivity was simultaneously achieved. The incorporation of Y zeolite effectively captured the in-situ generated water, fostering a water-rich environment surrounding the Pt active sites. This environment weakened the NO adsorption while concurrently promoting the H2 activation, leading to the strikingly elevated H2-SCR activity and N2 selectivity on Pt/TiO2 + Y catalyst. This study provides a unique, easy and sustainable physical mixing approach to achieve proficient heterogeneous catalysis for environmental applications.

Abstract Background This study aimed to investigate the relationship between childhood physical activity enjoyment and current kinesiophobia among individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP), considering the mediating influence of adult physical activity. Methods We recruited 648 adults (474 males, 174 females) with CLBP through an online platform. Of these, 99.1% (n = 642) were aged 18–60 years, and 0.9% (n = 6) were older than 60 years. Childhood physical activity enjoyment was retrospectively assessed using a single-item question to gauge participants’ enjoyment during primary school. Kinesiophobia was measured with the 11-item Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK-11), and physical activity was assessed focusing on walking, moderate, and vigorous physical activities. Age, sex, education, and income served as control variables in the analysis. Results A significant negative association was found between childhood physical activity enjoyment and adult kinesiophobia. Additionally, childhood physical activity enjoyment was positively associated with adult physical activity across the three types of physical activities. In the adjusted mediation model, walking was identified as the only statistically significant partial mediator. Conclusion The findings highlight the long-term protective role of childhood physical activity enjoyment against the development of kinesiophobia in adulthood. Walking, in particular, holds unique therapeutic potential, emphasizing the importance of fostering physical activity enjoyment early in life for sustained physical activity and reduced risk of kinesiophobia among CLBP patients.

Abstract The interplay between the insect immune system and entomopathogenic fungi during cuticle penetration is not yet fully understood. Here, we show that a secretory protein COA1 (coat of appressorium 1) from Metarhizium robertsii, an entomopathogenic fungus causing diseases in a wide range of insects, is required to avoid host immune recognition during cuticle penetration. COA1 is highly expressed on the cuticle and translocated to the cell surface, where it directly binds with and masks carbohydrates of the fungal cell wall to avoid provoking the host’s intense immune response. Deletion of Coa1 results in a robust immune response, leading to a reduction in bacterial load in both the gut and hemocoel and ultimately attenuating fungal virulence. Our work reveals a novel cell surface protein indispensable for fungal pathogenicity via masking cell wall carbohydrates to avert a hypersensitive response from the host.

Ferroelectric phase transition has been identified as a promising avenue for designing high-performance electrocaloric materials for zero-emission and solid-state refrigeration. However, extensive research has been limited to developing ferroelectric materials with large electrocaloric effects near room temperature, preventing them from meeting diverse refrigeration requirements. In this study, by leveraging the room-temperature phase diagram of the (PbLa)(ZrTi)O3 solution, we prepared a series of Pb0.775La0.15ZrxTi1−xO3 bulk ceramics spanning the ferroelectric and relaxor ferroelectric phase regions. This enabled the attainment of various phase transition features and temperatures. Finally, large electrocaloric effects, coupled with adjustable operation temperatures ranging from 150 to −45 °C, are successfully achieved through manipulation of the Zr/Ti ratio. This comprehensive range of operation temperatures effectively addresses diverse refrigeration application requirements, ranging from industrial equipment to freezer cabinets. This work not only underscores the expansion of the electrocaloric refrigeration application domain but also proposes a material design strategy tailored to meet these evolving demands.

Aerobic and resistance exercises are widely recognized as essential for preserving and enhancing cognitive function. However, the effects of concurrent exercise on cognition in older adults remain unclear. This systematic review sought to evaluate the regular effects of concurrent aerobic and resistance training on global cognition in healthy older adults. A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and CNKI up to July 2024. Randomized controlled trials involving healthy older adults aged ≥65 years that assessed the cognitive effects of concurrent exercise were included. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the PEDro scale. Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model, and heterogeneity was quantified with the I2 statistic. The initial search identified 13,533 records, ultimately including 12 studies in the meta-analysis, which involved 2557 participants. The meta-analysis revealed non-significant effects of concurrent exercise on global cognition (SMD = 0.12, 95 % CI: −0.08 to 0.33, p = 0.200). The subgroup analysis indicated that concurrent exercise cannot enhance global cognition compared to active controls (SMD = −0.03, 95 % CI: −0.23 to 0.18, p = 0.80), but it does show significant improvement compared to passive controls (SMD = 0.35, 95 % CI: 0.14 to 0.56, p

This study investigated effects of superfine grinding modified corn flour (SG-CF) and hot blanching modified corn flour (HB-CF) on properties of wheat flour and dough to improve the suitability of corn flour in flour products. Results indicated that the addition of SG-CF or HB-CF reduced the moisture and protein content of the mixed flour, and increased the dietary fiber content and free water proportion. Compared with SG-CF, HB-CF was more helpful enhancing the thermal stability and anti-aging properties of the mixed flour. When the amount of SG-CF was less than 15 % or the amount of HB-CF was less than 20 %, the texture properties and microstructure of the wheat dough was maintained. However, the excessive addition of SG-CF or HB-CF destroyed the gluten network structure. Results of this study are expected to provide valuable guidance for the application of SG-CF and HB-CF in flour-based products.

Objective The aetiology of pancreatic cancer is complex, and there is limited research on its incidence. We aimed to investigate the incidence trends of pancreatic cancer in 43 countries and predict trends up to 2030.Methods The annual incidence of pancreatic cancer was obtained from the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents database, which comprises 108 cancer registries from 43 countries. Based on available data, we calculated age-standardized incidence rates (ASRs) per 100 000 people for 1988–2012. A Bayesian age-period-cohort model was used to predict the number of new cases and incidence rates up to 2030.Results From 1988 to 2012, the global incidence rate of pancreatic cancer showed a continuously increasing trend, with the ASR increasing from 5.89 in 1988 to 6.78 in 2012, representing an overall average annual percentage change of 8.45%. This increasing trend is expected to persist in most selected countries, whereas a few countries are projected to exhibit a declining trend by 2030.Conclusion It appears that the future global incidence of pancreatic cancer is on the rise, but the rate of increase varies among different countries, with some showing a declining trend.

Pulmonary sequestration (PS) is a rare congenital lung developmental anomaly characterized by abnormal lung tissue that receives its blood supply from the aorta. Among the various types, mixed PSrepresents a distinct subtype. Currently, there is a lack of definitive reports regarding the specific management of this condition in infants and young children. We report a case of a 1-year-old patient with mixed PS treated with endovascular occlusion under digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Given the patient's young age and the complexity of the vascular malformation, we opted for endovascular intervention rather than surgery. Utilizing the Seldinger technique, we accessed the right femoral artery and vein for angiography, confirming the abnormal vessels supplying the pulmonary cyst. Subsequently, we placed vascular embolization devices to achieve closure. Postoperatively, the patient did not experience any significant complications. Follow-up revealed substantial absorption of the PS, disappearance of the abnormal vessels originating from the descending aorta, and no recurrence of respiratory infections. This case highlights the efficacy of endovascular intervention in young patients with complex vascular mixed PS.

To tackle issues, including environmental sensitivity, inadequate fire source recognition, and inefficient feature extraction in existing forest fire detection algorithms, we developed a high-precision algorithm, YOLOGX. YOLOGX integrates three pivotal technologies: First, the GD mechanism fuses and extracts features from multi-scale information, significantly enhancing the detection capability for fire targets of varying sizes. Second, the SE-ResNeXt module is integrated into the detection head, optimizing feature extraction capability, reducing the number of parameters, and improving detection accuracy and efficiency. Finally, the proposed Focal-SIoU loss function replaces the original loss function, effectively reducing directional errors by combining angle, distance, shape, and IoU losses, thus optimizing the model training process. YOLOGX was evaluated on the D-Fire dataset, achieving a mAP@0.5 of 80.92% and a detection speed of 115 FPS, surpassing most existing classical detection algorithms and specialized fire detection models. These enhancements establish YOLOGX as a robust and efficient solution for forest fire detection, providing significant improvements in accuracy and reliability.

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBP-A) are emerging environmental contaminants with recognized potential health and ecological risks. This study investigated the effects of PFOA and TBBP-A exposure on the global of metabolites of silkworm gut with GC-MS metabolomics. Our results revealed distinct metabolic alterations in silkworms exposed to PFOA and TBBP-A, highlighting their differential impacts on silkworm health and productivity. Exposure to these chemicals significantly altered metabolic profiles, leading to disruptions in pathways related to lipid, carbohydrate, and amino acid metabolism. These findings suggest that PFOA and TBBP-A disrupt crucial metabolic processes in silkworms, indicating potential toxicity and prompting further investigation into their effects on human health and the environment. Ongoing research is crucial to develop safer alternatives and mitigate the risks associated with these persistent contaminants.

Abstract Heart failure is a leading cause of mortality worldwide, necessitating the development of novel therapeutic and lifestyle interventions. Recent studies highlight a potential role of time‐restricted feeding (TRF) in the prevention and treatment of cardiac diseases. Here, it is found that TRF protected against heart failure at different stages in mice. Metabolomic profiling revealed that TRF upregulated most circulating amino acids, and amino acid supplementation protected against heart failure. In contrast, TRF showed a mild effect on cardiac amino acid profile, but increased cardiac amino acid utilization and activated the cardiac urea cycle through upregulating argininosuccinate lyase (ASL) expression. Cardiac‐specific ASL knockout abolished the cardioprotective effects afforded by TRF. Circulating amino acids also protected against heart failure through activation of the urea cycle. Additionally, TRF upregulated cardiac ASL expression through transcription factor Yin Yang 1, and urea cycle‐derived NO contributes to TRF‐afforded cardioprotection. Furthermore, arteriovenous gradients of circulating metabolites across the human hearts were measured, and found that amino acid utilization and urea cycle activity were impaired in patients with decreased cardiac function. These results suggest that TRF is a promising intervention for heart failure, and highlight the importance of urea cycle in regulation of cardiac function.

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variations and associated effects on economic traits have been widely reported in farm animals, as these genetic polymorphisms can affect the efficiency of energy production and cell metabolism. In studies related to metabolism, the deposition of fat was highly correlated with mitochondria. However, the effect of mtDNA polymorphisms on porcine backfat thickness (BFT) remained unclear. In this study, 243 pigs were collected to analyse the relationship between BFT and mtDNA polymorphisms. There were considerable differences in BFT, ranging from 5 mm to 18 mm. MtDNA D-loop sequencing discovered 48 polymorphic sites. Association analysis revealed that 30 variations were associated with BFT (P G showed the maximum difference in BFT between A and G carriers, which differed at ∼2.5 mm (P

Mastitis in cows is caused by the inflammation of the mammary glands due to an infection by external pathogenic bacteria. Mammary gland epithelial cells, which are in direct contact with the external environment, are responsible for the first line of defense of the mammary gland against pathogenic bacteria, playing an essential role in immune defense. To investigate the mechanism of bovine mammary epithelial cells in the inflammatory process, we treated the cells with LPS for 12 hours and analyzed the changes in mRNA by transcriptome sequencing. The results showed that compared to the control group, the LPS treatment group had 121 up-regulated genes and 18 down-regulated genes. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that these differential genes were mainly enriched in the IL-17 signaling pathway, Legionellosis, Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, NF-kappa B signaling pathway, and other signaling pathways. Furthermore, the expression of GRO1 and CXCL3 mRNAs increased significantly after LPS treatment. These findings provide new insights for the treatment of mastitis in cows in the future.

Skin trauma is a matter of great concern for public health, emphasizing the importance of reconstructing the microenvironment at the trauma site to facilitate tissue regeneration. Therefore, the investigation of innovative wound dressings has significant research and clinical implications. In this study, we prepared a thermosensitive hydrogel based on a hydrophilic-hydrophobic-hydrophilic triblock polycarbonate polymer (PTP), and created a composite hydrogel, PTPH-AZP, by incorporating amorphous zinc phosphate (AZP) nanoclusters. We evaluated the effects of PTPH-AZP on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and the ability to promote skin wound healing. According to the results, PTPH-AZP was found to promote the proliferation, migration, and tube formation of HUVECs through the sustained release of Zn2+ at appropriate concentrations. In vivo experiments demonstrated that in the early-mid stages of wound healing, PTPH-AZP promotes increases in Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 (CD31) and α-Smooth Muscle Actin (α-SMA) content within the wound area, facilitating accelerated re-epithelialization and enhanced collagen deposition. In later healing stages, epidermal thickness in the PTPH-AZP treated group was significantly improved, aligning with surrounding intact skin with no instances of attenuated or hypertrophic scarring observed. The findings from the in vivo study suggested that PTPH-AZP may have a positive impact on vascularization and wound healing. In conclusion, this study presents a promising strategy for skin wound healing, highlighting the potential of PTPH-AZP as an effective therapeutic approach.

The excessive accumulation of abdominal fat in chickens has resulted in a reduction in both the feed conversion efficiency and the slaughter yield. To elucidate the regulatory mechanisms and metabolic pathways affecting abdominal fat deposition in the context of broiler breeding, a cohort of 400 Qingyuan partridge chickens with varying abdominal fat deposition was established. Whole transcriptome sequencing analyses were conducted on the duodenum of 20 representative chickens to ascertain the regulatory networks at this vital digestive and absorptive organ. Consequently, 116 differentially expressed genes were identified, exhibiting a trend of increasing or decreasing expression in correlation with the accumulation of abdominal fat. A total of 36 DEmRNAs, 170 DElncRNAs, 92 DEcircRNAs and 88 DEmiRNAs were identified as differentially expressed between chickens with extremely high and low abdominal fat deposition. The functional enrichment analyses demonstrated that the differentially expressed RNA in the duodenum were involved in the regulation of chicken abdominal fat deposition by mediating a series of metabolic pathways, including the Wnt signaling pathway, the PPAR signaling pathway, the Hippo signaling pathway, the FoxO signaling pathway, the MAPK signaling pathway and other signaling pathways that are involved in fatty acid metabolism and degradation. The construction of putative interaction pairs led to the suggestion of two lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA networks comprising two mRNAs, two miRNAs, and 29 lncRNAs, as well as two circRNA-lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA networks comprising 26 mRNAs, 12 miRNAs, 17 lncRNAs, and nine circRNAs, as core regulatory networks in the duodenum affecting chicken abdominal fat deposition. The aforementioned genes including TMEM150C, REXO1, PIK3C2G, ppp1cb, PARP12, SERPINE2, LRAT, CYP1A1, INSR and APOA4, were proposed as candidate genes, while the miRNAs, including miR-107-y, miR-22-y, miR-25-y, miR-2404-x and miR-16-x, as well as lncRNAs such as ENSGALT00000100291, TCONS_00063508, TCONS_00061201 and TCONS_00079402 were the candidate regulators associated with chicken abdominal fat deposition. The findings of this study provide a theoretical foundation for the molecular mechanisms of mRNAs and non-coding RNAs in duodenal tissues on abdominal fat deposition in chickens.

BackgroundThe second-line treatment of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of unknown primary origin remains uncertain. This report presented a patient who received octreotide plus IBI-318 plus anlotinib as a second-line treatment for multiple metastatic NETs of unknown primary lesions after the failure of octreotide plus everolimus.Case presentationA 32-year-old male patient presented with elevated CEA (197.83 ng/ml) without specific symptoms. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan showed multiple metastatic lymph nodes and multiple low-density nodules in the liver of undetermined nature. A right supraclavicular lymph node biopsy indicated NET, but the primary tumor origin remained unknown. PD-L1 expression was negative in tumor tissue according to immunohistochemistry. Immunofluorescence indicated the CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and Treg cells were gathered around blood vessels, with only a few infiltrating lymphocytes in the tumor tissue. Treatment with octreotide (30 mg/28 d) plus everolimus (5 mg qd) led to disease progression after three cycles. Treatment was changed to octreotide (30 mg/28 d) plus IBI318 (400 mg/28 d) plus anlotinib (10 mg/1-14 d/q3w), leading to partial remission, which was sustained up to the last follow-up (June 20, 2023), with a PFS of 11 months. The patient experienced no treatment-related adverse reactions.ConclusionsOctreotide plus IBI318 plus anlotinib achieved benefits in a patient with advanced NETs of unknown primary lesions after first-line treatment failure, even though with low PD-L1 expression. This case suggests that combining SSAs, TKIs and PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors could be an alternative second-line treatment for patients with advanced, well-differentiated NETs.

Objective: This study assessed the impact of intrathecal pemetrexed (IP) in managing leptomeningeal metastases (LM) in previously treated patients with EGFR-mutant advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: We analyzed the clinical and survival outcomes of 50 patients with LM who received 50 mg IP after disease progression with epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) treatment between September 2021 and September 2023 at the Hunan Cancer Hospital. Treatment response was evaluated based on improvement in neurological symptoms/signs and Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) scores. We also evaluated the overall survival (OS), intracranial progression-free survival (I-PFS), and extracranial progression-free survival (E-PFS). Next generation sequencing (NGS) was employed to explore the underlying mechanisms of LM after EGFR-TKIs resistance. Results: IP treatment was associated with a 64 % clinical response rate, median I-PFS of 5.3 months (95 % confidence intervals [CI], 1.4–9.2), E-PFS of 8.0 months (95 % CI, 2.2–13.8), and OS of 12.0 months (95 % CI, 9.6–14.4). Compared with non-responders, responders to IP demonstrated significantly prolonged I-PFS (11.2 months vs. 1.0 month; hazard ratio [HR]: 0.15, 95 % CI: 0.06–0.39), E-PFS (11.2 months vs. 3.0 months; HR: 0.24, 95 % CI: 0.10–0.57), and OS (15.5 months vs. 3.8 months; HR: 0.22, 95 % CI: 0.08–0.58) (all P

IntroductionMelophagus ovinus, a parasite on the body surface of sheep, directly attacks the host through biting and sucking blood and may also transmit pathogens in the process. There are currently only a few studies on the microbial composition of M. ovinus, while there are no such studies on pupae.MethodsIn this study, samples AT-1 to AT-4 each contained four M. ovinus individuals, while sample AT-5 comprised four M. ovinus pupae, all used for metagenomic sequencing and analysis. Melophagus ovinus adults and pupae were collected from four regions in Xinjiang, China. DNA was extracted from the samples, amplified, and sequenced using the Illumina Novaseq 6000 System; finally, the sequencing data were analyzed using molecular biology software.Results and discussionFrom all samples, a total of 32 phyla, comprising 372 genera and 1,037 species, were detected. The highest microbial diversity was observed in Kuqa City (AT-2) and Qira County (AT-4). Pupae exhibited 40 unique microbial genera (AT-5) but did not have the highest microbial diversity. Proteobacteria was the dominant phylum in all samples. The dominant genera included Bartonella, Wolbachia, Pseudomonas, and Arsenophonus. This is the first study to report most of the bacteria (e.g., Pseudomonas versuta and Arsenophonus nasoniae), fungi (e.g., Saitoella complicata), viruses (e.g., Orf virus and Wolbachia phage WO), and protozoa (e.g., Trypanosoma theileri and Babesia bigemina) in M. ovinus. This study has enriched the microbial diversity data of M. ovinus, and the pathogens it carries may pose a threat to public health safety and the economy of related industries, necessitating further research to develop effective biological control strategies.

Bisphenol AP (BPAP), an environmental endocrine disruptor, may cause neurodevelopmental disorders affecting human health. Studies have shown that BPAP impacts hormone synthesis and metabolism, causes social behavior abnormalities, and induces anxiety-like behavioral impairments in mice. However, evidence for the neurobehavioral effects of BPAP is still lacking. Here, we examined the toxic effects of BPAP on neurodevelopment using a Drosophila model. We assessed the role of BPAP exposure in autism-like behavior and explored the underlying mechanisms. Our findings indicated that BPAP exposure reduced pupation and eclosion rates and delayed growth in Drosophila. Furthermore, BPAP exposure caused autism-like behaviors, characterized by increased grooming times and aberrant social interactions, along with abnormalities in locomotor activity, as well as learning and memory ability. Mechanistically, we found that BPAP decreases the number of neuroblasts (NBs) and mature intermediate neural progenitors (INPs) in the 3rd larval brain, impairing axon guidance in the mushroom body of the adult Drosophila brain. Additionally, our transcriptome analysis revealed that BPAP exposure alters the expression of neurodevelopment-related genes (Nplp3, sand, lush, and orco) and affects the estrogen signaling pathway (Hsp70Ab, Hsp70Bc, Hsp70Ba, and Hsp70Bb). These changes potentially explain the BPAP-induced autism-like behavior in Drosophila.

Abstract Background Limited data exists on the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) combinations in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with uncommon driver alterations in genes such as ERBB2, BRAF, RET, and MET. This study retrospectively assessed ICI-combination therapy outcomes in this molecular subset of NSCLC. Methods We retrospectively analyzed patients with advanced NSCLC confirmed with driver alterations in genes including ERBB2, BRAF, RET or MET, and received ICI combined with chemotherapy (ICI + chemo) and/or targeted therapy (ICI + chemo/TT) as first-line (1L) or second- or third-line (≥ 2L) treatment at Hunan Cancer Hospital between January 2018 and May 2024. Results Of the 181 patients included in the study, 131 patients received 1L-ICI + chemo (ERBB2, n = 64; BRAF, n = 34; RET, n = 23; and MET, n = 10), and 50 patients received ≥ 2L-ICI + chemo/TT (ERBB2, n = 16; BRAF, n = 7; RET, n = 14; MET, n = 13). The full cohort had an overall response rate (ORR) of 45.9% and disease control rate of 84.0%. Among patients who received 1L-ICI + chemo, ORR ranged between 51.6% and 60.0%, with the median progression-free survival (mPFS) and overall survival (mOS) of 8.2 and 21.0 months for those with ERBB2-altered tumors, 10.0 and 15.0 months for BRAF-altered tumors, 12.1 months and OS not reached for RET-altered tumors, and 6.2 and 28.0 months for MET-altered tumors, respectively. Additionally, ORR ranged between 14.3% and 30.8% for ≥ 2L-ICI + chemo/TT; mPFS and mOS were 5.4 and 16.2 months for patients with ERBB2-altered tumors, 2.7 and 5.0 months for BRAF-altered tumors, 6.2 and 14.3 months for RET-altered tumors, and 5.7 and 11.5 months for MET-altered tumors, respectively. Conclusion ICI-based combination therapies, regardless of treatment line, were effective in treating patients with advanced NSCLC harboring driver alterations in ERBB2, BRAF, RET, or MET. This suggests their potential as alternative treatment options in this patient population.

Abstract Photosynthesis converting solar energy to chemical energy is one of the most important chemical reactions on earth. In cyanobacteria, light energy is captured by antenna system phycobilisomes (PBSs) and transferred to photosynthetic reaction centers of photosystem II (PSII) and photosystem I (PSI). While most of the protein complexes involved in photosynthesis have been characterized by in vitro structural analyses, how these protein complexes function together in vivo is not well understood. Here we implemented STAgSPA, an in situ structural analysis strategy, to solve the native structure of PBS–PSII supercomplex from the cyanobacteria Arthrospira sp. FACHB439 at resolution of ~3.5 Å. The structure reveals coupling details among adjacent PBSs and PSII dimers, and the collaborative energy transfer mechanism mediated by multiple super-PBS in cyanobacteria. Our results provide insights into the diversity of photosynthesis-related systems between prokaryotic cyanobacteria and eukaryotic red algae but are also a methodological demonstration for high-resolution structural analysis in cellular or tissue samples.

Abstract Background Intestinal obstruction represents a severe intestinal disease associated with higher mortality rates. However, the determinants of mortality in patients with intestinal obstruction remain inadequately understood. This study sought to elucidate the potential risk factors associated with mortality in the context of intestinal obstruction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on a cohort of 227 patients diagnosed with intestinal obstruction at the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, spanning the period from September 7, 2022, to January 7, 2023. The primary endpoint of the study was mortality within four weeks following discharge. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were utilized to evaluate the risk factors associated with mortality outcomes. Results A cohort of 227 patients diagnosed with intestinal obstruction (median age, 59.02 years [IQR, 48.95–70.85 years]) was included in our study. Malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) and COVID-19 were identified as independent risk factors for mortality among these patients. Notably, the mortality rate increased significantly to 38.46% when MBO was concomitant with COVID-19. Furthermore, postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC) (OR, 54.21 [death]; 95% CI, 3.17-926.31), gastric cancer (OR, 9.71 [death]; 95% CI, 1.38–68.18), VTE (Caprini Score ≥ 5) (OR, 7.64 [death]; 95% CI, 1.37–42.51), and COVID-19 (OR, 5.72 [death]; 95% CI, 1.01–32.29) were all determined to be independent risk factors for postoperative mortality. Additionally, gastric cancer could have emerged as one of the most severe risk factors for mortality in individuals with intestinal obstruction within the cohort of cancer patients, of which gastric cancer exhibited higher mortality rates compared to individuals with other forms of cancer. Conclusion The study identifies MBO, gastric cancer, COVID-19, PPC, and VTE as potential risk factors for mortality in cases of intestinal obstruction. These findings highlight the necessity for continuous monitoring of indicators related to these mortality risk factors and their associated complications, thereby offering valuable insights for the management and treatment of intestinal obstruction.

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs), as the oxides of the most abundant elements in rare earths, have been widely used in biomedical and industrial production and other fields that are closely related to human life. China is a large country in resources and production of rare earth, and the impact of CeO2 NPs on human health has been increasingly concerned. In response to the possible health risks of CeO2 NPs, researchers begin to focus on their toxic effects on living organisms, especially on the reproductive system. The male reproductive system is not only responsible for producing sperm and regulating the secretion of testosterone, but also plays a key role in maintaining male sexual characters and function. Any adverse effects on the male reproductive system may lead to reduced fertility and reproductive dysfunction. Some studies have shown that long-term exposure to CeO2 NPs may lead to gonadal damage, sex hormone disorders, and other problems in male animals. Therefore, an in-depth study of the potential effects of CeO2 NPs on the male reproductive system is of great scientific significance and practical value. In this study, we reviewed the male reproductive toxicity of CeO2 NPs in terms of spermatogenic cells, spermatozoa structure, blood-testis barrier, hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, and functional changes in epididymis, and analyzed the effects of the size and shape of physicochemical parameters of CeO2 NPs on the toxicity to male reproductive system. The findings will provide a theoretical basis and scientific evidence for the rational use of CeO2 NPs.

Abstract Background Promoting the work adaptation of nurses returning to work after childbirth is key to improving their physical and mental health and ensuring the quality of nursing care. Although postpartum nurses have reported high work stress and poor adaptation after returning to work, little is known regarding the experiences, problems and further needs. This study aimed to explore the adaptation experiences of postpartum nurses returning to work. Methods This was a qualitative study with descriptive phenomenological approach. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted between March and May 2023 in four tertiary hospitals in Changsha, mainland China, which were selected using convenience sampling. A total of 16 postpartum nurses returning to work within one year were recruited using purposive sampling and maximum variation sampling. The interviews were analysed using the Colaizzi’s 7-step method. Results ‘Breakdown and healing’ is a strong thread in postpartum nurses’ work adaptation. It links 13 subthemes in the interview data, which can be grouped under three overarching themes: (a) changes and challenges of multiple roles; (b) self-coping and social support; and (c) further needs after returning to work. The phrase ‘breakdown and healing’ reflects the mutual relationship between stress and coping among postpartum nurses. The changes and challenges associated with being required to fulfil multiple roles of mothers, wives and nurses make the subjects feel on the verge of ‘breakdown’. When returning to work, most of them move slowly towards ‘healing’ through positive self-management and support from their partners, families, supervisors and colleagues. Moreover, their ongoing demands and unsolved problems – such as their desire for a workplace that is friendly and serves their needs – were generated by the constant process of ‘breakdown and healing’. Conclusions Understanding how postpartum nurses returning to work perceive adaptation experiences is essential for nursing managers, who can use the findings to implement targeted measures to shorten postpartum nurses’ maladaptation period after returning to work and promote their work adaptation. This study underscores the critical importance of personalized return-to-work training, flexible work arrangements, support from colleagues and managers, well-established maternal facilities and services, and targeted policy efforts in enhancing postpartum nurses’ work adaptation.

Abstract Background Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL) with tonsil involvement is not common, especially in children. Case presentation A 13-year-old girl presented with an unexplained sore throat for more than 2 months, together with intermittent fever and suppurative tonsilitis. Nasopharyngoscopy revealed a pharyngeal mass. Enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan showed tonsillar hypertrophy and punctate calcification. Chronic pyogenic granulomatous inflammation with pseudoepithelial squamous epithelial hyperplasia was observed in left tonsil, and pyogenic granulomatous inflammation and a small number of T-lymphoid cells were detected in the right tonsil. The immunohistochemical results showed CD2+, CD3+, CD4+, CD5+, CD8+, granzyme B+, and TIA-1+. The Ki-67 proliferation index was 20%. The case showed T cell receptor gene rearrangement. Finally, the case was diagnosed as ENKTL of stage II with tonsil involvement. The patient received 6 cycles of chemotherapy with SMILE regimen, and showed complete response with no recurrence in the follow-up. Conclusion We presented a rare case of ENKTL with tonsil involvement in a child. The patient showed complete response to the SMILE chemotherapy with no recurrence.

The mechanism of phenol degradation by micro-electrolytic systems can be fully understood by evaluating the oxidation of active substances from the two aspects of phenol bond-breaking and mineralization, and the direction of promoting the generation of active substances is pointed out. In this article, the effects of H2O2, O2-•, ·OH and 1O2 in the degradation of phenol were analyzed using phenol and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal rates as judgment indicators, respectively. And the addition of C6O8H6 to the micro-electrolysis system was adopted to promote the generation of active substances. The experimental results showed that the active substances which played a dominant effect in the process of phenol bond-breaking and mineralization were changed. While 1O2 is dominant in the bond-breaking of phenol, •OH is dominant in the mineralization of phenol. After adding C6O8H6 (1 mmol/L), the removal rates of phenol and COD were increased by 7.35 and 4.85%, respectively. This was attributed to the autoxidation reaction of C6O8H6 and the continuous supply of H+ while reducing Fe3+ to Fe2+. Additionally, the C6O8H6 regulated the reaction pathway to improve the utilization of H2O2. This study provides a new perspective for the understanding of active substances in micro-electrolysis systems. HIGHLIGHTS The main active substances in the bond-breaking and mineralization are different.; is the main active substance in the phenol bond-breaking process.; •OH is the main active substance in the phenol mineralization process.; C6O8H6 can promote the formation of active substances in the system.; C6O8H6 can promote the Fe2+/Fe3+ cycle and improve the utilization of •OH.;

CO2 flooding for oil recovery is a dynamic process that requires further investigation of oil-gas interface change characteristics, interfacial mass transfer processes, and oil-gas composition variation during both immiscible and miscible displacement. Understanding these factors is crucial for better comprehending their impact on CO2-enhanced oil recovery (EOR). This research used a jointly developed CO2 miscible visual flooding experimental apparatus to study the horizontal dynamic characteristics of CO2 and crude oil under different pressures and flow rates in visual slim tube. At 10 MPa, the stratification results of CO2 and crude oil indicate that the experiment is immiscible flooding. The contact angle (7.9°) between the two phases of CO2 and crude oil at the flow rate of 15 cm/min is larger than that (5.2°) at 1.5 cm/min, and the grey scale of CO2 increases at 100 cm/min. The quantity, individual content, and shape of the light and medium hydrocarbon components condensed on the inner wall of the tube vary with different flow rates. At 15 MPa, the appearance of the CO2 and crude oil transition interval proves that the experiment is miscible flooding. At different flow rates, the inclination angle and distribution of black stripes vary. The whole transition interval is divided into 6 intervals, and the transition interval lengthens with increasing fluid velocity. The experiments visually demonstrate the occurrence of the miscible phase, and identify experimental pressure and fluid flow rate as key factors influencing the miscibility of CO2 and crude oil.

Abstract With the rapid proliferation of climate policies in both number and scope, there is an increasing demand for a global-level dataset that provides multi-indicator information on policy elements and their implementation contexts. To address this need, we developed the Global Climate Change Mitigation Policy Dataset (GCCMPD) using a semisupervised hybrid machine learning approach, drawing upon policy information from global, regional, and sector-specific sources. Differing from existing climate policy datasets, the GCCMPD covers a large range of policies, amounting to 73,625 policies of 216 entities. Through the integration of expert knowledge-based dictionary mapping, probability statistics methods, and advanced natural language processing technology, the GCCMPD offers detailed classification of multiple indicators and consistent information on sectoral policy instruments. This includes insights into objectives, target sectors, instruments, legal compulsion, administrative entities, etc. By aligning with the sector classification of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) emission datasets, the GCCMPD serves to help policy-makers, researchers, and social organizations gain a deeper understanding of the similarities and distinctions among climate activities across countries, sectors, and entities.

Abstract Immune-related GTPase M (IRGM) induces autophagy and suppresses inflammation, but its putative role and signaling mechanism remain undefined in the pathogenesis of liver failure. This study aimed to address how IRGM attenuates inflammatory injury by regulating autophagy in liver failure. In this study, a total of 10 patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) and 10 healthy controls were prospectively enrolled. Intrahepatic expression of IRGM/Irgm1, NLRP3 inflammasome (NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1), autophagy-related proteins (LC3II, P62), and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α) were measured. Autophagy was activated by rapamycin (4 mg/kg) in an acute liver failure (ALF) mouse model, which was used to further study the expression of Irgm1, NLRP3 inflammasome, autophagy-related proteins, and inflammatory cytokines using both qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses. Irgm1 expression was knocked down using Irgm1 short hairpin RNA (shRNA) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced AML12 cells to investigate the effects of Irgm1 deletion on autophagy and inflammation. We found that the expression of IRGM and autophagy-related proteins was significantly downregulated while the NLRP3 inflammasome was significantly upregulated in the livers of HBV-ACLF patients and the ALF mouse model (all P

Abstract Metastatic pancreatic cancer (mPC) has a dismal prognosis. Herein, we conducted a prospective, multicentre, single-arm, phase II trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of penpulimab and anlotinib in combination with nab-paclitaxel/gemcitabine (PAAG) in patients with first-line mPC (NCT05493995). The primary endpoints included the objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR), while secondary endpoints encompassed progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety. In 66 patients analysed for efficacy, the best response, indicated by the ORR, was recorded at 50.0% (33/66) (95% CI, 37.4–62.6%), with 33 patients achieving partial response (PR). Notably, the DCR was 95.5% (63/66, 95% CI, 87.3–99.1%). The median PFS (mPFS) and OS (mOS) were 8.8 (95% CI, 8.1–11.6), and 13.7 (95% CI, 12.4 to not reached) months, respectively. Grade 3/4 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were reported in 39.4% of patients (26/66). In prespecified exploratory analysis, patients with altered SWI/SNF complex had a poorer PFS. Additionally, low serum CA724 level, high T-cell recruitment, low Th17 cell recruitment, and high NK CD56dim cell scores at baseline were potential predicative biomarkers for more favourable efficacy. In conclusion, PAAG as a first-line therapy demonstrated tolerability with promising clinical efficacy for mPC. The biomolecular findings identified in this study possess the potential to guide the precise clinical application of the triple-combo regimen.