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Purpose – Adopting adaptive behavior has become a basic measure for farmers because the increasingly severe climate change is affecting agricultural production. Perception is a critical first step in adopting adaptive behaviors. Livelihood resilience represents a farmer's ability to adapt to climate change. Therefore, this article aims to explore the impact of livelihood resilience and climate change perception on the climate change adaptation behavior of farmers in the Qinling Mountains region of China. Design/methodology/approach – In this study, 443 micro-survey data of farmers are obtained through one-on-one interviews with farmers. The Logit model and Poisson regression model are used to empirically examine the impact of farmers' livelihood resilience and climate change perception on their climate change adaptation behaviors. Findings – It was found that 86.68% of farmers adopt adaptive behaviors to reduce the risks of facing climate change. Farmers' perception of extreme weather has a significant positive impact on their adaptive behavior under climate change. The resilience of farmers' livelihoods and their perception of rainfall have a significant positive impact on the intensity of their adaptive behavior under climate change. Climate change adaptation behaviors are also different for farmers with different levels of livelihood resilience. Originality/value – Based on the results, policy recommendations are proposed to improve farmers' perception of climate change, enhance the sustainability of farmers' adaptive behavior to climate change, strengthen emergency management and infrastructure construction and adjust and upgrade farmers' livelihood models.

This study focuses on the pretreatment and characterization of natural fibers from the bamboo shoot shell (BSS) of Phyllostachys heterocycla to determine their suitability as biorefining materials. The discarded bamboo shoot shell was used as a source of fibers, which were analyzed for their physical, chemical, and microstructure properties. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction spectra, and scanning electron microscopy confirmed that a mixture of sodium hydroxide immersion plus high-pressure steam treatment allowed the cellulose structure to be disrupted, providing more adsorption sites for cellulases. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) also showed that the pretreatment exposed the internal structure of the fibers and that high-mass silicon compounds were present in the eluted solution. After adding the cellulase produced by Trichoderma viride and Aspergillus niger, the reducing sugar yield was increased by 268% and 251%, compared to unpretreated BSS fibers. This strategy may apply to many industries, especially biorefining and lignocellulose biotransformation technology.

Abstract With the large-scale construction of oil and gas pipelines, the safety issues of long-distance buried pipelines in the service and construction have become increasingly prominent. The complex geological and topographical conditions of the special zone will put forwards extremely high requirements on pipe trench laying backfill materials and construction technology. For example, pipelines are inevitable to cross the active fault, while the trench backfilled with soil has limitations in protecting them from failure under the active fault displacement caused by the earthquake. Therefore, it is necessary to study the pipe–soil interaction mechanism, determine the stress state of the pipeline and propose a new backfilling material that can protect the pipeline from failure. Foam concrete (FC) provides a new choice to backfill the buried pipeline trench due to its high-homogeneity, lightweight, controllable-strength, and self-compacting. To further determine the applicability of the FC, the pipe-FC interaction mechanism is studied. Then, a FE model of the FC-pipeline-soil interaction system is established by Abaqus to quantitatively analyze the applicability of the FC based on the experimental data of the mechanical performance of the FC. It proves that using FC as trench backfill material has a noticeable protective effect on the pipeline under the earthquake-induced displacement of the normal fault. Furthermore, FC has a better protective effect on the pipeline subjected to compressive than tensile. Therefore, the reference for applying FC in trench backfilling of pipelines crossing normal fault is provided.

Abstract Background Evidence of the optimal blood pressure (BP) target for older adults with disability in long-term care is limited. We aim to analyze the associations of BP with mortality in older adults in long-term care setting with different levels of disability. Methods This prospective cohort study was based on the government-led long-term care programme in Chengdu, China, including 41,004 consecutive disabled adults aged ≥ 60 years. BP was measured during the baseline survey by trained medical personnel using electronic sphygmomanometers. Disability profile was assessed using the Barthel index. The association between blood pressure and mortality was analyzed with doubly robust estimation, which combined exposure model by inverse probability weighting and outcome model fitted with Cox regression. The non-linearity was examined by restricted cubic spline. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality, and the secondary endpoints were cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular mortality. Results The associations between systolic blood pressure (SBP) and all-cause mortality were close to a U-shaped curve in mild-moderate disability group (Barthel index ≥ 40), and a reversed J-shaped in severe disability group (Barthel index

Abstract Background Sarcopenic obesity (SO) in nursing home residents is rarely studied. We aimed to evaluate and compare the prevalence and consistency of different SO diagnostic methods and to investigate which criterion demonstrated a stronger association with instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) disability. Methods We consecutively recruited older adults aged ≥ 60 years, residing in 15 nursing homes in Zigong City, China. Sarcopenia obesity was defined according to the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) and the European Association for the Study of Obesity criteria (SOESPEN), recommending skeletal muscle mass (SMM) adjusted by body weight (SMM/W) to identify low muscle mass. Further, we adapted ESPEN criteria (SOESPEN−M) by employing SMM adjusted by body mass index (SMM/BMI). Results We included 832 participants (median age 73.0 years, 296 women). The prevalence of SOESPEN and SOESPEN−M was 43.5% and 45.3%, respectively. SOESPEN showed good consistency with SOESPEN−M (Cohen’s kappa = 0.759). More than one-third of participants in the normal weight group were diagnosed with SOESPEN or SOESPEN−M. Even within the underweight group, the prevalence of SOESPEN and SOESPEN−M was 8.9% and 22.2%, respectively. Participants with IADL disability had significantly lower SMM/W and SMM/BMI, but higher fat mass percentage of body weight (FM%) than participants without IADL disability. After full adjustment for potential confounders, SOESPEN−M (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.21 to 2.32), but not SOESPEN (OR 1.28, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.75), remained significantly associated with IADL disability. Conclusions Both SOESPEN and SOESPEN−M showed a high prevalence among nursing home residents, even among individuals with underweight or normal weight. While SOESPEN had a good consistency with SOESPEN−M, only SOESPEN−M was independently associated with IADL disability. Screening and diagnosis of SO should be conducted in nursing home residents irrespective of BMI.

Abstract Background This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of radiomics signatures derived from polyenergetic images (PEIs) and virtual monoenergetic images (VMIs) obtained through dual-layer spectral detector CT (DLCT). Moreover, it sought to develop a clinical-radiomics nomogram based on DLCT for predicting cancer stage (early stage: stage I-II, advanced stage: stage III-IV) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Methods A total of 173 patients histopathologically diagnosed with PDAC and who underwent contrast-enhanced DLCT were enrolled in this study. Among them, 49 were in the early stage, and 124 were in the advanced stage. Patients were randomly categorized into training (n = 122) and test (n = 51) cohorts at a 7:3 ratio. Radiomics features were extracted from PEIs and 40-keV VMIs were reconstructed at both arterial and portal venous phases. Radiomics signatures were constructed based on both PEIs and 40-keV VMIs. A radiomics nomogram was developed by integrating the 40-keV VMI-based radiomics signature with selected clinical predictors. The performance of the nomogram was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and decision curves analysis (DCA). Results The PEI-based radiomics signature demonstrated satisfactory diagnostic efficacy, with the areas under the ROC curves (AUCs) of 0.92 in both the training and test cohorts. The optimal radiomics signature was based on 40-keV VMIs, with AUCs of 0.96 and 0.94 in the training and test cohorts. The nomogram, which integrated a 40-keV VMI-based radiomics signature with two clinical parameters (tumour diameter and normalized iodine density at the portal venous phase), demonstrated promising calibration and discrimination in both the training and test cohorts (0.97 and 0.91, respectively). DCA indicated that the clinical-radiomics nomogram provided the most significant clinical benefit. Conclusions The radiomics signature derived from 40-keV VMI and the clinical-radiomics nomogram based on DLCT both exhibited exceptional performance in distinguishing early from advanced stages in PDAC, aiding clinical decision-making for patients with this condition.

Abstract Background Frailty not only affects disease survival but also impacts the long-term function and quality life of all adults diagnosed with and/or treated for cancer.The American Heart Association has introduced Life’s Essential 8 (LE8) as a novel metric for assessing cardiovascular health. Currently, LE8’s application in evaluating the frailty of cancer survivors remains unreported. This research seeks to explore the connection between LE8 scores and frailty levels in cancer survivors across the United States, thereby addressing a significant void in existing studies. Methods This study analyzed data from cancer survivors enrolled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) spanning the years 2005 to 2018, providing a comprehensive dataset. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the linkage between LE8 rankings and frailty condition in cancer survivors. Furthermore, the study delved deeper into this correlation using restricted cubic spline (RCS) curves and subgroup analyses. Results In the fully adjusted model, an increased LE8 level was closely associated with a reduced odds ratio of frailty among cancer survivors, with an OR of 0.95 (95% CI: 0.94–0.96, p

Explosive welding (EW) with an interlayer is considered a suitable technology for producing Al/Nb layered composite, but the fundamental process behaviors of this method remain insufficient discussion. Here, contrast EW experiments respectively using 1060Al and Ag sheets as the interlayers were carried out to prepare 2A14Al/Nb composites, and the complex interfacial phenomena and the underlying mechanisms were thoroughly examined by advanced characterizations and theoretical analyses. The microstructure results indicated that the interlayer materials had significant influence on the bonding morphologies, but the defects of the two composites shared the same geometry and distribution characteristics. Combining the microstructures and thermodynamic history, the formation mechanisms of the different defects were revealed. The 2A14Al/Ag/Nb and 2A14Al/1060Al/Nb composites had the advantages of no intermetallic compounds and few defects, respectively, but the latter showed a higher bond strength, suggesting that the geometric defects had more negative effects on mechanical properties than intermetallic compounds. The multi-view EBSD data provided insights into the intricate grain evolutions induced by the EW process, including equiaxed 2A14Al grains and columnar 1060Al grains at the 2A14Al/1060Al interface, and nanoscale Al3Nb grains at the 1060Al/Nb interface. Finally, the correlations between the grain structures and mechanical properties were established by nanoindentation tests.

Sick sinus syndrome (SSS) is a grave medical condition that can precipitate sudden death. The pathogenesis of SSS remains incompletely understood. Existing research postulates that the fundamental mechanism involves increased fibrosis of the sinoatrial node and its surrounding tissues, as well as disturbances in the coupled-clock system, comprising the membrane clock and the Ca2+ clock. Mitochondrial dysfunction exacerbates regional tissue fibrosis and disrupts the functioning of both the membrane and calcium clocks. This plays a crucial role in the underlying pathophysiology of SSS, including mitochondrial energy metabolism disorders, mitochondrial oxidative stress damage, calcium overload, and mitochondrial quality control disorders. Elucidating the mitochondrial mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of SSS and further investigating the disease's mechanisms is of great significance.

BackgroundObesity is as an important risk factor for chronic diseases. Metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) is considered a benign state. The association between metabolic health and obesity categories and cancer risk remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between metabolic health status combined with obesity phenotypes and the risk of cancer.MethodsData from 91,834 participants in the Kailuan cohort were analyzed, excluding individuals with a body mass index (BMI) < 18.5 kg/m² and those with a history of cancer. Obesity phenotypes were classified based on BMI and waist circumference (WC) combined with metabolic health status, resulting in six phenotypes. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to assess the association between metabolic health and obesity phenotypes with cancer risk and all-cause mortality.ResultsThe prevalence of metabolically healthy obesity and metabolically unhealthy obesity defined by BMI was 6.86% and 12.18%, while that defined by WC was 20.79% and 25.76%, respectively. Compared to metabolically healthy participants, individuals with an unhealthy metabolic status had a significantly higher risk of cancer (HR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.03–1.15; p=0.004). The hazard ratios for cancer were 1.19, 1.23, 1.20, and 1.55 for individuals with one, two, three, and four metabolic disorders, respectively. Among those classified as metabolically unhealthy, both overweight and obesity were associated with a protective effect on cancer risk (HR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.80–0.96; p=0.006 for overweight; HR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.78–0.97; p=0.010 for obesity). However, abdominal obesity significantly increased cancer risk in both metabolically healthy and unhealthy participants. In subgroup analysis, simple obesity showed a protective trend against cancer in those with respiratory cancers, while abdominal obesity consistently posed a risk for various cancer types.ConclusionMetabolically unhealthy status and abdominal obesity are risk factors for cancer and all-cause mortality, whereas simple obesity offers protective effects against cancer and all-cause mortality in metabolically unhealthy individuals. These findings suggest that maintaining metabolic health and reducing the metabolic risks associated with abdominal obesity should be key targets for cancer prevention.

This research explores how process safety and process security risk management methods may be integrated into a unified framework, thereby considering the resilience engineering paradigm. Employing a systematic literature review and expert surveys with industrial practitioners alongside representatives from key regulatory bodies to understand the complexities and opportunities of such integration. The interactions that result from a mixed-method study ensure the gaining of insights into the practical challenges and opportunities of integration in diverse operational and regulatory environments. Utilizing Microsoft Forms analytics tools and ATLAS.ti for qualitative analysis, the research identifies patterns and conditions, as well as the context, which is pivotal for constructing a comprehensive, adaptable risk management framework. This paper introduces a novel, holistic risk management perspective, advocating for the amalgamation of process safety and process security within the chemical industry, adopting the System-Theoretic Accident Model and Processes (STAMP) model underscored by resilience principles.

Major accidents in the chemical process industry occur with low frequency but may lead to severe damages affecting a myriad of stakeholders. Managing major accident risks of chemical industrial systems is regulated in the Seveso Directive of the European Union. However, the conventional risk assessment mainly focuses on the objective aspects of risks and lacks in incorporating public concerns and context-related issues. Aiming to overcome this limitation and enhance the public’s engagement and trust in risk assessment and management, the present study built an integrated risk index for ranking risks considering both technical aspects and societal concerns. A hypothetical case-study is used to demonstrate the application of the proposed risk index. At last, the outcomes of using the integrated risk index and the conventional risk assessment approach are compared and discussed.

ObjectivesTo mitigate the incidence of misdiagnosis and distinguish between gastric fundic tumors (GFTs) and thickened diaphragmatic crura (TDC).Materials and methodsComputed tomographic enterography (CTE) data from 3844 cases and computed tomographic gastrography (CTG) data from 4351 cases were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 105 cases were selected and categorized into three groups: 47 cases with TDC examined via CTE, 31 with adenocarcinoma, and 27 with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) examined via CTG. Inter-group differences in age, sex distribution, mass dimensions, mass-stomach interface (MSI), chief complaints, gastric underlying diseases, and enhancement patterns were analyzed.ResultsThe misdiagnosis rate of TDC as a tumor by radiologists is approximately 1.2% (47/3844). Age (p

Lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles (Ln-UCNPs) have been considered promising materials for various fields, such as biomedical and industrial applications. However, data and reports regarding its toxicity and environmental risks are scarce. Under these circumstances, data must be obtained to fully understand potential toxicity and adverse outcome pathways. In the present study, the toxicity of uncoated Ln-UCNP cores (NaYF4:Yb, Er) was systematically assessed in zebrafish embryos during early developmental stages. Ln-UCNPs were found to have multiple toxic effects, such as effects on survival rates, delayed hatching times, shorter body lengths, altered heart rates and blood circulation (significantly reduced), and neurobehavioral impairments in response to photoperiod stimulation. Bioimaging showed that Ln-UCNPs were distributed on the chorion, eyes, and skin at 72 hpf. However, it accumulates in the pharynx, esophagus, and intestine after oral administration. Ln-UCNPs disrupt the diversity and abundance of host-associated microorganisms (gut microbiota) leading to an increase in the prevalence of harmful bacteria in zebrafish. Transcriptomic and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) predicted Interleukin-8 (IL-8) signaling, neuroinflammation, cardiac hypertrophy signaling pathways, immune and inflammation-related response interferon-gamma (ifnγ), and miR-155 as key mediators in regulatory effects. Based on this, a causal network was built showing the strong links between the induced gene expression of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), such as nitric oxide synthase 2 (nos2) and tumor necrosis factor (tnf) upon Ln-UCNPs treatment, and with the downstream adverse outcomes, in particular, the promotion of apoptosis, liver damage, and inflammatory response. Finally, RT-qPCR analysis confirmed the up-regulated expression of nos2 and tnf in the exposed larvae, consistent with the observation of an increased number of fluorescence-labelled neutrophils and macrophages in lyz: DsRed transgenic zebrafish until 120 hpf exposure, which together demonstrated the proinflammatory effects of Ln-UCNPs on organisms. In conclusion, we illustrated the developmental toxicity, disruption of gut-microbiome, and proinflammatory effects of Ln-UCNP cores on zebrafish, and the causal network from IPA analysis may help further elucidate the adverse outcome pathway of Ln-UCNPs.

Lilium brownii var. viridulum (Longya lily) is an edible vegetable and medicinal plant with the effects of moistening lungs, relieving coughs, and removing phlegm. In this study, a homogenous mannoglucan LLP11 was purified from Longya lily using membrane ultrafiltration followed by ion exchange chromatography. The Mw of LLP11 was 12.0 kDa. LLP11 exhibited a backbone of →4)-α-D-Glcp-(1 → and →4)-β-D-Manp-(1 → with a branch of T-α-D-Glcp-(1 → substituted at C-6 of →4,6)-α-D-Glcp-(1→. During the simulated digestion, LLP11 remained indigestible to digestive enzymes. Furthermore, through its interaction with the gut microbiota, LLP11 was able to significantly boost Bifidobacterium and decrease the harmful bacteria Klebsiella, that was linked to pneumonia. Additionally, LLP11 promoted the growth of B. pseudocatenulatum and B. longum and was utilized to produce acetic acid. Our findings introduced an alternative approach for the investigation of microbiota-targeted polysaccharides and underscored the potential of LLP11 as a prebiotic for supplementary treatment in respiratory diseases.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a global health concern, ranking among the leading causes of cancer-related mortality. This review critically evaluates the role of liquid biopsy in detecting minimal residual disease (MRD) in CRC. The increasing incidence, particularly in China, highlights the urgency of innovative approaches for early prediction of recurrence and metastasis. The importance of MRD should be underscored as residual tumor cells post-treatment significantly impact patient prognosis. Liquid biopsy methods, including circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), exosomes, and circulating tumor RNA, are dissected for their potential in identifying molecular markers associated with CRC. The focus on ctDNA highlights its non-invasive nature, real-time monitoring capabilities, and superiority over traditional detection methods in terms of sensitivity and timeliness. The review also delves into the limitations, such as clonal hematopoiesis and the critical consideration of optimal timing for postoperative ctDNA detection. In conclusion, the review highlights the significant potential of liquid biopsy, particularly ctDNA, as a dynamic and non-invasive tool for MRD detection in CRC. By complementing traditional methods, liquid biopsy contributes to precision in tumor research and personalized treatment. These advancements offer promising avenues for improving CRC patient prognosis and tailoring individualized treatment strategies.

Abstract Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies with a 5‐year survival rate of only 15% in patients with advanced diseases. Tumor protein 63 (TP63), a master transcription factor (TF) in ESCC, cooperates with other TFs to regulate enhancers and/or promoters of target oncogenes, which in turn promotes tumorigenesis. TAR‐DNA‐binding protein‐43 (TDP‐43) is an RNA/DNA binding protein with elevated expression in several neoplasms. However, it remains unclear how TDP‐43 contributes to ESCC progression. In this study, TDP‐43 is identified as a novel oncogene with markedly upregulated expression in ESCC tissues through profiling expression levels of one hundred and fifty canonical RNA binding protein (RBP) genes in multiple ESCC patient cohorts. Importantly, TDP‐43 boosted TP63 expression via post‐transcriptionally stabilizing TP63 mRNAs as a RBP and promoting TP63 transcription as a TF binding to the TP63 promoter in ESCC cells. In contrast, the master TF TP63 also bound to the TDP‐43 promoter, accelerated TDP‐43 transcription, and caused a noticeable increase in TDP‐43 expression in ESCC cells. The findings highlight TDP‐43 as a viable therapeutic target for ESCC and uncover a hitherto unrecognized TDP‐43/TP63 circuit in cancer.

Background: High circulatory lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] concentration promotes atherosclerosis; however, its efficacy in predicting the extent of atherosclerotic coronary heart disease (CHD) with coronary artery obstruction and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in diabetic patients remains questionable. This study aimed to examine whether elevated circulating Lp(a) levels exacerbate CHD and to assess their utility in predicting MACEs in individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: In total, 4332 patients diagnosed with T2DM who underwent coronary angiography (CAG) were included and categorized into two groups (CHD and non-CHD) based on the CAG results. We used a correlation analysis to explore the potential links between the levels of circulating Lp(a) and CHD severity. Cox regression analysis was performed to evaluate MACEs. Results: The concentrations of circulating Lp(a) were markedly elevated in the CHD group and positively correlated with disease severity. Our results indicate that elevated circulating Lp(a) is a crucial risk factor that significantly contributes to both the progression and severity of CHD. The differences between the two groups are evident in the risk of CHD occurrence [odds ratio (OR) = 1.597, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.354–1.893, p

Background and aim: Yueju Pill (YJ) not only has good antidepressant effect but also can effectively treat digestive system diseases. However,it remains unclear whether the mechanism of antidepressant action of YJ is related to the peripheral digestive system. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the antidepressant mechanism of YJ on ghrelin level based on gastric mTOR/S6K signal pathway and sensitized hippocampal Ghrelin/GHS-R system in CUMS mice. Experimental procedure: The depression model was induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) and social isolation. The antidepressant effect of YJ was observed by behavioral experiment and hemodynamic experiments. Ghrelin levels in in hippocampus and blood were measured by Elisa kit, and the mRNA of ghrelin in mice stomach was measured by Real-time Quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). The activation level of gastric mTOR/S6K signal pathway was detected by Western Blot (WB). Rapamycin (Rapa) and L-Leucine (L-Leu) were used to verify the effects of YJ on the synthesis and release of ghrelin. The activity of GHS-R in hippocampus was observed by immunofluorescence. Hippocampal neuronal damage was evaluated by HE staining and Nissl staining. The level of central neurotransmitter was measured by liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer (LC-MS). Results and conclusion: YJ ameliorates CUMS-induced depressive-like behavior by inhibiting the gastric mTOR/S6K signaling pathway and increasing GHR expression in the mouse stomach. However, these effects of YJ could be resisted by L-Leu (a mTOR receptor agonist). Further studies have shown that YJ can sensitize the Ghrelin/GHS-R system in the hippocampus, with significant neuroprotective effects, and is also involved in regulating the levels of key neurotransmitters (5-hydroxytryptamine, Dopamine and γ-aminobutyric acid) in depressive-like states.

Summary: LC is one of the most common malignant tumours that often presents with no distinct symptoms in the early stages, leading to late diagnoses when patients are at an advanced stage and no longer suitable for surgical treatment. Although adjuvant treatments are available, patients frequently develop tolerance to these treatments over time, resulting in poor prognoses for patients with advanced LC. Recently, circular RNAs (circRNAs), a type of non-coding RNA, have gained significant attention in LC research. Owing to their unique circular structure, circRNAs are highly stable within cells. This review systematically summarises the expression, characteristics, biological functions, and molecular regulatory mechanisms of circRNAs involved in therapy resistance as well as the potential applications in early diagnosis and gene targeting therapy in LC.

Nonlinear resonators of superconducting thin-film kinetic inductance have attracted considerable research interest in the fields of detectors, qubits, parametric amplifiers, and more. By tuning the deposition parameters, niobium titanium nitride (NbTiN) films (∼12 nm in thickness) present high resistivity(∼2000 μΩ cm) and large sheet kinetic inductance (∼0.7 nH/□). We designed resonators with NbTiN micronwire as the inductor and aluminum as the capacitor, which result in a high internal quality factor and a Kerr nonlinearity of a few hertz. The radio frequency response of the resonators demonstrates nonlinear behavior similar to that of the cubic Duffing oscillator, including frequency shift and hysteresis region. The kinetic inductance resonator is a promising candidate for high saturation power parametric amplifiers.

Abstract Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) can minimize the risk of birth defects. However, the accuracy and applicability of routine PGT is confounded by uneven genome coverage and high allele drop‐out rate from existing single‐cell whole genome amplification methods. Here, a method to diagnose genetic mutations and concurrently evaluate embryo competence by leveraging the abundant mRNA transcript copies present in trophectoderm cells is developed. The feasibility of the method is confirmed with 19 donated blastocysts. Next, the method is applied to 82 embryos from 26 families with monogenic defects for simultaneous mutation detection and competence assessment. The accuracy rate of direct mutation detection is up to 95%, which is significantly higher than DNA‐based method. Meanwhile, this approach correctly predicted seven out of eight (87.5%) embryos that failed to implant. Of six embryos that are predicted to implant successfully, four met such expectations (66.7%). Notably, this method is superior at conditions for mutation detection that are challenging when using DNA‐based PGT, such as when detecting pathogenic genes with a high de novo rate, multiple pseudogenes, or an abnormal expansion of CAG trinucleotide repeats. Taken together, this study establishes the feasibility of an RNA‐based PGT that is also informative for assessing implantation competence.

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infection is a primary cause of otitis media (OM), the most common disease for which children are prescribed antibiotics. However, the abuse of antibiotics has led to a global increase in antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Nanozymes, as promising alternatives to traditional antibiotics, are being extensively utilized to combat AMR. Here, we synthesize a series of single-atom nanozymes (metal-C3N4 SANzymes) by loading four metals (Ag, Fe, Cu, Ru) with antibacterial properties onto a crystalline g-C3N4. These metal-C3N4 display a rob-like morphology and well-dispersed metal atoms. Among them, Ru-C3N4 demonstrates the optimal peroxidase-like activity (285.3 U mg–1), comparable to that of horseradish peroxidase (267.7 U mg–1). In vitro antibacterial assays reveal that Ru-C3N4 significantly inhibits S. aureus growth compared with other metal-C3N4 even at a low concentration (0.06 mg mL–1). Notably, Ru-C3N4 acts as a narrow-spectrum nanoantibiotic with relative specificity against Gram-positive bacteria. Biofilms formed by S. aureus are easily degraded by Ru-C3N4 due to its high peroxidase-like activity. In vivo, Ru-C3N4 effectively eliminates S. aureus and relieves ear inflammation in OM mouse models. However, untreated OM mice eventually develop hearing impairment. Due to its low metal load, Ru-C3N4 does not exhibit significant toxicity to blood, liver, or kidney. In conclusion, this study presents a novel SANzyme-based antibiotic that can effectively eliminate S. aureus and treat S. aureus-induced OM.

Objective Icotinib has been approved for adjuvant treatment of stage II–IIIA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with activating epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations in China, yet the long-term costs and outcomes of this strategy are unknown. Thus, we examined the cost effectiveness of adjuvant icotinib, compared with adjuvant chemotherapy, for the treatment of resected stage II–IIIA EGFR-mutated NSCLC.Design We performed a cost-effectiveness analysis from the perspective of the Chinese healthcare system, comparing 2-year adjuvant icotinib with four cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy. Costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were estimated using a Markov model. Model inputs were obtained from local data and literature. The influence of model parameters and assumptions was explored in sensitivity analyses. All costs are expressed in 2022 US dollars, and costs and QALYs were discounted at a rate of 5% per year. The willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold was set at three times the per capita gross domestic product.Setting The Chinese healthcare system perspective.Participants A hypothetical Chinese cohort of patients with resected stage II–IIIA EGFR-mutated NSCLC.Interventions Icotinib versus chemotherapy.Primary outcome measure Costs, QALYs, incremental cost-effectiveness ratio.Results The incremental cost per QALY gained with the use of 2-year icotinib, from the Chinese healthcare system perspective, was $3440.66 compared with adjuvant chemotherapy. At a WTP threshold of $40 500, adjuvant icotinib was the optimal treatment in over 99% of replications. The interpretation of the results was insensitive to model and input assumptions.Conclusions Compared with adjuvant chemotherapy, adjuvant icotinib may be a cost-effective treatment for resected stage II–IIIA EGFR-mutated NSCLC as the WTP threshold is set at $40 500 per QALY.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality in adults with metabolic syndrome (MeS) and explore the mediating role of oxidative stress.MethodsThis study included 6131 adults with MeS from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The relationships between TyG index and mortality were elucidated using multivariate Cox proportional hazards models, restricted cubic splines (RCS) Fine-Gray competing risk model. In addition, mediation analysis was used to test the indirect effect of oxidative stress indicators.ResultsOver a median 106-month follow-up, a total of 357 CVD and 1292 all-cause deaths were recorded. After multivariate adjustment, there was a J-type relationship between TyG index and CVD and all-cause mortality, with optimal inflection point of 9.13 and 8.92. After the threshold point, TyG index was positively associated with CVD (HR: 4.21, 95%CI: 1.82, 9.78) and all-cause mortality(HR: 2.93, 95%CI: 2.05, 4.18). Even using non-cardiovascular mortality as a competitive risk, the Fine-Gray model also illustrated that the cumulative CVD mortality incidence was higher in MeS with TyG index >9.13 (Fine-Gray P< 0.01). Mediation analysis revealed that biomarkers of oxidative stress, including gamma-glutamyl transferase and uric acid, collectively mediated 10.53% of the association between the TyG index and CVD mortality, and 8.44% of the association with all-cause mortality (P < 0.05).ConclusionIn the cohort study, TyG index was found to have a J-shaped association with CVD mortality and all-cause mortality in MeS population and oxidative stress may play a key mediating role in this relationship.

Objectives To evaluate changes in health outcomes between years 2 and 3 after discharge following COVID-19 and to identify risk factors for poor health 3-year post-discharge.Design This is a multicentre observational cohort study.Setting This study was conducted in two centres from Wuhan, China.Participants Eligibility screening has been performed in 3988 discharged laboratory-confirmed adult COVID-19 patients. Exclusion criteria were refusal to participate, inability to contact and death before follow-up. The WHO COVID-19 guidelines on defining disease severity were adopted.Results 1594 patients participated in the 1-year, 2-year and 3-year follow-ups, including 796 (49.9%) male patients, and 422 (26.5%) patients were classified in the severe disease group. 3 years after discharge, 182 (11.4%) patients still complained of at least one symptom. The most common symptoms were fatigue, myalgia, chest tightness, cough, anxiety, shortness of breath and expectoration. Fatigue or myalgia, the most common symptom cluster, frequently coexisted with chest symptoms and anxiety. Symptom persistence between years 2 and 3 was reported in 70 patients (4.4%) for which intensive care unit (ICU) admission was a risk factor (p=0.038). Of the 1586 patients who completed the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease assessment test (CAT), 97 (6.1%) scored ≥10, with older age being associated with CAT ≥10 (p=0.007).Conclusions Between years 2 and 3 after SARS-CoV-2 infection, most patients returned to an asymptomatic state, and only a few were still symptomatic. ICU admission was a risk factor for symptom persistence.

As a low-toxicity metal, aluminum has garnered increasing attention in relation to its impact on the human body; however, the specific mechanism of action remains unclear. To bridge this knowledge gap and facilitate practical applications, this study took 8-week-old ICR mice as the research object to study the effects of dietary addition of aluminum potassium sulfate on intestinal flora structure and liver. As the concentration of aluminum increased, it inhibited mice weight growth rate and significantly altered the composition of white blood cells in their bloodstream. Histological examination revealed liver inflammation through HE staining sections. The oxidative stress markers MDA increased, GSH-PX and CAT decreased significantly. And liver function index MAO increased, TC and ALP decreased first and then increased. Moreover, there was a significant increase in pro-inflammatory factor TNF-α content. Further 16S rRNA sequencing analysis demonstrated substantial changes in both composition and structure of mouse intestinal microbiota induced by aluminum exposure; microbial phenotype prediction indicated that aluminum-induced oxidative stress promoted an increase in abundance of oxidation-resistant microbial types. Alterations in gut flora structure also influenced the liver via the gut-liver axis. These findings lay a foundation for further research on the regulation and interaction of aluminum on intestinal flora.

Summary: Our understanding of human fetal cerebellum development during the late second trimester, a critical period for the generation of astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and unipolar brush cells (UBCs), remains limited. Here, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) in human fetal cerebellum samples from gestational weeks (GWs) 18–25. We find that proliferating UBC progenitors distribute in the subventricular zone of the rhombic lip (RLSVZ) near white matter (WM), forming a layer structure. We also delineate two trajectories from astrogenic radial glia (ARGs) to Bergmann glial progenitors (BGPs) and recognize oligodendrogenic radial glia (ORGs) as one source of primitive oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (PriOPCs). Additionally, our scRNA-seq analysis of the trisomy 21 fetal cerebellum at this stage reveals abnormal upregulated genes in pathways such as the cell adhesion pathway and focal adhesion pathway, which potentially promote neuronal differentiation. Overall, our research provides valuable insights into normal and abnormal development of the human fetal cerebellum.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a clinicopathologic syndrome characterized by excessive fat deposition in hepatocytes and a major cause of end-stage liver disease. Autophagy is a metabolic pathway responsible for degrading cytoplasmic products and damaged organelles, playing a pivotal role in maintaining the homeostasis and functionality of hepatocytes. Recent studies have shown that pharmacological intervention to activate or restore autophagy provides benefits for liver function recovery by promoting the clearance of lipid droplets (LDs) in hepatocytes, decreasing the production of pro-inflammatory factors, and inhibiting activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), thus improving liver fibrosis and slowing down the progression of NAFLD. This article summarizes the physiological process of autophagy, elucidates the close relationship between NAFLD and autophagy, and discusses the effects of drugs on autophagy and signaling pathways from the perspectives of hepatocytes, kupffer cells (KCs), and HSCs to provide assistance in the clinical management of NAFLD.

Background and aimMetabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has gradually become one of the main health concerns regarding liver diseases. Postmenopausal women represent a high-risk group for MAFLD; therefore, it is of great importance to identify and intervene with patients at risk at an early stage. This study established a predictive nomogram model of MAFLD in postmenopausal women and to enhance the clinical utility of the new model, the researchers limited variables to simple clinical and laboratory indicators that are readily obtainable.MethodsData of 942 postmenopausal women from January 2023 to October 2023 were retrospectively collected and divided into two groups according to the collection time: the training group (676 cases) and the validation group (226 cases). Significant indicators independently related to MAFLD were identified through univariate logistic regression and stepwise regression, and the MAFLD prediction nomogram was established. The C-index and calibration curve were used to quantify the nomogram performance, and the model was evaluated by measuring the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA).ResultsOf 37 variables, 11 predictors were identified, including occupation (worker), body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, number of abortions, anxiety, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, hyperuricemia, and diet (meat and processed meat). The C-index of the training group predicting the related risk factors was 0.827 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.794–0.860). The C-index of the validation group was 0.787 (95% CI 0.728–0.846). Calibration curves 1 and 2 (BS1000 times) were close to the diagonal, showing a good agreement between the predicted probability and the actual incidence in the two groups. The AUC of the training group was 0.827, the sensitivity was 0.784, and the specificity was 0.735. The AUC of the validation group was 0.787, the sensitivity was 0.674, and the specificity was 0.772. The DCA curve showed that the nomogram had a good net benefit in predicting MAFLD in postmenopausal women.ConclusionsA predictive nomogram for MAFLD in postmenopausal women was established and verified, which can assist clinicians in evaluating the risk of MAFLD at an early stage.

ObjectiveEpidemics are sudden and rapidly spreading. Hospitals in underdeveloped areas are particularly vulnerable in case of an outbreak. This paper aims to assess the epidemic risk state and its change trend of hospitals in different epidemic stages, identify the key factors affecting hospital epidemic risk change, provide priority reference for hospital epidemic risk control, and enhance the hospital's ability to respond to sudden epidemics.MethodsBased on Grounded theory, the epidemic risk indicators that affect hospital safety are summarized. The concept of epidemic risk state and its random state space is proposed according to Markov chain theory. The impact of each indicator on the random risk state and its change is comprehensively assessed from two aspects: risk occurrence probability and risk loss. Finally, the assessment of the hospital epidemic risk state and its change at different stages is achieved.ResultsThe stable risk states of public hospitals in underdeveloped areas in non-epidemic stage t0, early epidemic stage t1, and outbreak stage t2 are P^t0(Sn)={0.142,0.546,0.220,0.093}, P^t1(Sn)={0.025,0.364,0.254,0.357}, and P^t2(Sn)={0.020,0.241,0.191,0.548}, respectively. In non-epidemic stage, the key factor in improving the hospital epidemic risk state is emergency funding. In early epidemic stage, the key factors in improving the hospital epidemic risk state are the training of medical staff in epidemic prevention skills and the management of public health. In outbreak state, the key factor in improving the hospital epidemic risk state is the training of medical staff in epidemic prevention skills and psychological awareness.ConclusionThis paper proposes the concept of epidemic risk state, providing an effective assessment method for the epidemic risk state and its change trend in public hospitals. According to the assessment, public hospitals in underdeveloped areas in different epidemic stages should adopt different risk control strategies to improve their current risk state. Blind risk control is inefficient and may even cause the epidemic risk to transition toward a more dangerous state.

Background: With the popularity of the internet, short videos have become an indispensable tool to obtain health information. However, avoiding health disinformation owing to the openness of the Internet is difficult for users. Disinformation may endanger the health and lives of users. Objective: With a focus on the process of identifying short videos' health disinformation and the factors affecting the accuracy of identification, this study aimed to investigate the identification methods, coping strategies, and the impact of short videos’ health disinformation on undergraduate nursing students. The findings will provide guidance to users on obtaining high-quality and healthy information, in addition to reducing health risks. Methods: Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 22 undergraduate nursing students in October 2022, and data were collected for collation and content analyses. Results: The techniques used to identify short videos that include health disinformation as well as how undergraduate nursing students perceived these videos' features are among the study's findings. The failure factors in identification, coping paths, and adverse impacts of short videos on health disinformation were analyzed. The platform, the material itself, and the students' individual characteristics all have an impact on their identifying behavior. Conclusions: Medical students continue to face many obstacles in identifying and responding to health disinformation through short videos. Preventing and stopping health disinformation not only requires individual efforts to improve health literacy and maintain rational thinking, it also requires the joint efforts of short video producers, relevant departments, and platforms.

Background: Infantile hemangioma (IH) is a common vascular tumor in female infants, which can lead to aesthetic issues and facial scarring. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects and underlying mechanisms of 755 nm long-pulsed alexandrite laser on IH. Methods: Hemangioma endothelial cells (HemECs) were exposed to 755 nm long-pulsed alexandrite laser to evaluate its impact on cell proliferation and apoptosis. A patient-derived xenograft model was established to assess the inhibitory effects of laser treatment on IH in vivo. Results: In vitro, 755 nm long-pulsed alexandrite laser effectively suppressed the proliferation of HemECs and induced cell apoptosis. Laser treatment significantly inhibited the volume and weight of tumors, accompanied by significant downregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), and protein kinase B (Akt) expression levels in both hemangioma cells and tumors. Additionally, laser treatment resulted in the conversion of VEGFA165a to VEGFA165b. TUNEL staining demonstrated increased apoptosis in tumor cells after laser treatment, along with upregulation of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax, and downregulation of Bcl-2. Conclusion: In addition to the principle of selective photothermal decomposition, modulation of the VEGF/PI3K/Akt axis may serve as a potential mechanism for IH treatment using a long pulse-width 755 nm laser. This sheds valuable light on the molecular mechanisms underlying IH pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets while providing a theoretical basis for the safe and efficient management of proliferative IH using laser therapy.

3D bioprinting technology, a subset of 3D printing technology, is currently witnessing widespread utilization in tissue repair and regeneration endeavors. In particular, light-based 3D bioprinting technology has garnered significant interest and favor. Central to its successful implementation lies the judicious selection of photosensitive polymers. Moreover, by fine-tuning parameters such as light irradiation time, choice of photoinitiators and crosslinkers, and their concentrations, the properties of the scaffolds can be tailored to suit the specific requirements of the targeted tissue repair sites. In this comprehensive review, we provide an overview of commonly utilized bio-inks suitable for light-based 3D bioprinting, delving into the distinctive characteristics of each material. Furthermore, we delineate strategies for bio-ink selection tailored to diverse repair locations, alongside methods for optimizing printing parameters. Ultimately, we present a coherent synthesis aimed at enhancing the practical application of light-based 3D bioprinting technology in tissue engineering, while also addressing current challenges and future prospects.

The drawback of low strength of 304 stainless steel could be overcome by fabricating gradient nanostructures (GNS). However, deformation-induced martensite results in magnetic generation and plasticity degradation. In this work, a single austenitic GNS 304 stainless steel is fabricated by first creating a dual-phase GNS through the ultrasonic surface rolling process (USRP), followed by rapid induction heating. The yield strength of the single austenite GNS (520 MPa) is 1.68 times higher than that of the homogeneous coarse-grained structure (310 MP) without sacrificing plasticity (elongation of 65 %). Quantitative calculations indicate that fine grain, dislocation, twinning, and back-stress strengthening contribute to the strength increment by 30 %, 17.5 %, 23.4 %, and 29.1 %, respectively. Coarse-grained regions deform mainly through FCC-HCP-BCC martensitic transformation, whereas the subsurface layer forms stacking faults and twins due to increased stacking fault energy caused by the reduction in grain size. At the topmost layer, the stress required to activate dislocations is lower than that for twinning. Under high-stress conditions, martensite forms along the nanograin boundaries via a phase transition from FCC to BCC. Consequently, the excellent plasticity of the single austenite GNS stems from the synergistic effects of high back-stress hardening, TRIP and TWIP effect.

Abstract Multidimensional health function impairments are common in older patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The purpose of this study was to explore whether the risk or severity of geriatric syndrome increased with a decline in renal function. This survey was conducted for CKD patients aged ≥ 60 years and hospitalized at West China Hospital of Sichuan University (Center of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Nephrology, and Endocrinology) and Chengdu Kangfu Kidney Disease Hospital from September 01, 2013 to June 30, 2014. Patients underwent multidimensional individualized assessments by trained doctors. Logistic regression analysis found that the risk of assisted walking (P = 0.001) and urinary incontinence (P = 0.039) increased with a decline in renal function. Regression analysis revealed that the scores of activities of daily living (P = 0.024), nutritional status (P = 0.000), total social support (P = 0.014), and objective support (P = 0.000) decreased with a decline in renal function.

Objective To detect the expressions of X-box binding protein 1 unspliced （xbp1u） and X-box binding protein 1 spliced （xbp1s） mRNA in peripheral blood CD19+B cells of patients with lupus nephritis （LN） and healthy subjects and explore the clinical significance of XBP1 in LN patients. Methods The expression levels of xbp1u and xbp1s in peripheral blood CD19+B cells of 65 LN patients and 30 healthy controls were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）. And the ratio of CD19−CD138+plasma cells/CD19+B cells in peripheral blood was detected by flow cytometry. Results The expression level of xbp1u mRNA in CD19+B cells of active LN group （0.078±0.034） was higher than that in control group（0.035±0.011）（P＜0.05） and in stable group（0.049±0.016）（P＜0.05）. The expression level of xbp1s mRNA in CD19+B cells of active LN group（0.076±0.037）was higher than that in control group（0.022±0.010）（P＜0.05） and stable group（0.043±0.017）（P＜0.05）. The ratio of CD19−CD138+ plasma cells /CD19+B cells in LN group（0.059±0.024）was significantly higher than that in control group （P＜0.01） and stable group （0.073±0.036）（P＜0.05）; XBP1 expression in LN patients was correlated positively with the ratio of CD19−CD138+ plasma cells/CD19+B cells （r value = 0.138 & 0.036）, positively with anti-ds-DNA antibody and systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index（SLEDAI）score （r value = 0.417 & 0.058） and negatively with hemoglobin and complement C3 （r value = −0.559 & −0.219）. Conclusion The expressions of xbp1u and xbp1s mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of LN patients in active group are higher than those in healthy group. Both are correlated positively with SLEDAI score and anti-DS DNA antibody. The expression of XBP1 is up-regulated in B cells of LN patients and it is significantly correlated with plasma cells. It implies that XBP1 may participate in the pathogenesis of LN through promoting the differentiation of B cells.

Abstract The application of network formulaology and network pharmacology has significantly advanced the scientific understanding of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment mechanisms in disease. The field of herbal biology is experiencing a surge in data generation. However, researchers are encountering challenges due to the fragmented nature of the data and the reliance on programming tools for data analysis. We have developed TCMNPAS, a comprehensive analysis platform that integrates network formularology and network pharmacology. This platform is designed to investigate in-depth the compatibility characteristics of TCM formulas and their potential molecular mechanisms. TCMNPAS incorporates multiple resources and offers a range of functions designed for automated analysis implementation, including prescription mining, molecular docking, network pharmacology analysis, and visualization. These functions enable researchers to analyze and obtain core herbs and core formulas from herbal prescription data through prescription mining. Additionally, TCMNPAS facilitates virtual screening of active compounds in TCM and its formulas through batch molecular docking, allowing for the rapid construction and analysis of networks associated with “herb-compound-target-pathway” and disease targets. Built upon the integrated analysis concept of network formulaology and network pharmacology, TCMNPAS enables quick point-and-click completion of network-based association analysis, spanning from core formula mining from clinical data to the exploration of therapeutic targets for disease treatment. TCMNPAS serves as a powerful platform for uncovering the combinatorial rules and mechanism of TCM formulas holistically. We distribute TCMNPAS within an open-source R package at GitHub ( https://github.com/yangpluszhu/tcmnpas ), and the project is freely available at http://54.223.75.62:3838/ .

Abstract Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains an important health concern in developing countries. Patients with advanced ESCC have a poor prognosis and survival rate, and achieving early diagnosis remains a challenge. Metabolic biomarkers are gradually gaining attention as early diagnostic biomarkers. Hence, this multicenter study comprehensively evaluated metabolism dysregulation in ESCC through an integrated research strategy to identify key metabolite biomarkers of ESCC. First, the metabolic profiles were examined in tissue and serum samples from the discovery cohort (n = 162; ESCC patients, n = 81; healthy volunteers, n = 81), and ESCC tissue-induced metabolite alterations were observed in the serum. Afterward, RNA sequencing of tissue samples (n = 46) was performed, followed by an integrated analysis of metabolomics and transcriptomics. The potential biomarkers for ESCC were further identified by censoring gene-metabolite regulatory networks. The diagnostic value of the identified biomarkers was validated in a validation cohort (n = 220), and the biological function was verified. A total of 457 dysregulated metabolites were identified in the serum, of which 36 were induced by tumor tissues. The integrated analyses revealed significant alterations in the purine salvage pathway, wherein the abundance of hypoxanthine/xanthine exhibited a positive correlation with HPRT1 expression and tumor size. A diagnostic model was developed using two purine salvage–associated metabolites. This model could accurately discriminate patients with ESCC from normal individuals, with an area under the curve (AUC) (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.680–0.843) of 0.765 in the external cohort. Hypoxanthine and HPRT1 exerted a synergistic effect in terms of promoting ESCC progression. These findings are anticipated to provide valuable support in developing novel diagnostic approaches for early ESCC and enhance our comprehension of the metabolic mechanisms underlying this disease.

Abstract Background The caregiver burden frequently experienced by family members tending to advanced cancer patients significantly impacts their psychological well-being and quality of life (QoL). Although family resilience might function as a mitigating factor in this relationship, its specific role remains to be elucidated. This study aims to probe the mediating effect of psychological distress on the relationship between caregiver burden and QoL, as well as the moderating effect of family resilience. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between June 2020 and March 2021 in five tertiary hospitals in China. Data were collected on caregiver burden, family resilience, psychological distress (including anxiety and depression), and QoL. Moderated mediation analysis was performed. Results Data analysis included 290 caregivers. It confirmed the mediating role of psychological distress in the caregiver burden-QoL relationship (P

Abstract Background Lactobacillus casei possesses many kinds of bioactivities, such as anti-inflammation and anti-oxidant, and has been applied to treating multiple inflammatory diseases. However, its role in mastitis prevention has remained ambiguous. Methods This study aimed to examine the mechanisms underlying the preventive effects of L. casei 03 against E. coli- mastitis utilizing bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs) and a mouse model. Results In vitro assays revealed pretreatment with L. casei 03 reduced the apoptotic ratio and the mRNA expression levels of IL1β, IL6 and TNFα and suppressed phosphorylation of p65, IκBα, p38, JNK and ERK in the NF-κB signaling pathway and MAPK signaling pathway. Furthermore, in vivo tests indicated that intramammary infusion of L. casei 03 relieved pathological changes, reduced the secretion of IL1β, IL6 and TNFα and MPO activity in the mouse mastitis model. Conclusions These data suggest that L. casei 03 exerts protective effects against E. coli-induced mastitis in vitro and in vivo and may hold promise as a novel agent for the prevention and treatment of mastitis.

Abstract A thin dielectric layer is an important constituent element in 2D materials-based electronics and photonics. Current methods of using hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) and direct deposition of dielectric layer induce either high leakage current or unintentional doping and defect. Here we report a technique for damaging free integration of dielectric layer to form high-quality van der Waals (vdW) heterostructure. The dielectric layer is grown by atomic layer deposition (ALD) on 2D materials and then deterministically transferred on the target 2D material. The much weaker binding energy between the ALD dielectric and the 2D materials enables the growth and exfoliation of the atomically thin dielectrics, which is confirmed by the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses and the density function theory calculations. The effectiveness of the technology is proven by the Raman and photoluminescence measurement on WS2 monolayer protected by the dielectric film through harsh plasma treatment. Furthermore, a 2D materials-based MOSFET is constructed as a demonstration of the viability of the technology for electronic device applications. The method produces flat surfaces and clean interfaces and would greatly benefit electronic and photonic applications as encapsulation or high-κ gate dielectric.

Abstract Purpose Both of extracellular extravascular volume (EEV) and extracellular volume fraction (ECV) were proposed to quantify enlargement of myocardial interstitial space due to myocardium loss or fibrosis. The study aimed to investigate the feasibility of using EEV derived from myocardial computed tomography (CT) perfusion imaging (VPCT) and extracellular volume quantification with single-energy subtraction CT (ECV− SECT) for quantifying myocardial fibrosis. Methods In this study, 17 patients with suspected and known coronary artery disease underwent examination using a dual-source CT scanner. The EEV− VPCT was derived from dynamic whole-heart myocardial perfusion imaging, and the ECV_SECT was calculated from late-enhanced images 5 min after bolus contrast injection by subtracting the noncontrast baseline. The late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging was used as a reference. Results In total, 11 patients and 73 segments exhibited positivity for LGE on CMR imaging. These were classified into three groups according to the segments: fibrotic segments (group I, n = 73), nonfibrotic segments in LGE-positive patients (group II, n = 103), and segments in LGE-negative patients (group III, n = 80). ECV− SECT, EEV− VPCT, myocardial blood flow (MBF), and myocardial blood volume (MBV) significantly differed among these groups (all P 41.2% and EEV− VPCT of

Abstract Background The use of handgrip strength (HGS) in clinical cancer research is surging. The association between HGS and outcomes in patients with cancer varied across studies, which might be due to the different measurement protocols for HGS. We aimed to answer three questions: (1) Did the use of various protocols for HGS, along with different numbers of repetitions, lead to significant differences in maximum HGS values? (2) If yes, were these differences clinically significant? (3) Did the differences in HGS protocols and repetitions affect the identification of HGS weakness or HGS asymmetry? Methods We continuously recruited adult patients with solid tumours. Two protocols were used to measure HGS: Method A, following the American Society of Hand Therapists guidelines, and Method B, following the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey guidelines. To analyse HGS, we used the maximal value obtained from either two or three repetitions of the dominant hand or four or six repetitions of both hands. Results We included 497 patients (326 men and 171 women, median age: 58 years). The maximal HGS values, measured with Method B, were significantly higher than those measured by Method A in both men and women, despite repetitions (all P

To investigate the effects of different aging times on the volatile flavor substances of rosy vinegar, headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS), principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) were used to investigate the physicochemical and volatile flavor components of fresh, one-year-old, three-year-old and ten-year-old samples. The results showed that the content of reducing sugars and amino acid nitrogen increased during aging, and promoted the flavor and color development of rosy vinegar. A total of 79 volatile flavor substances were detected in rosy vinegar by HS-SPME-GC-MS, among which most of the esters were degraded during aging, while the content of carbonyl compounds and pyrazines increased significantly during aging. 13 volatile compounds with odor activity value greater than 1 were calculated in rosy vinegar by odor threshold value, and the main odor-presenting compounds differed in different aging periods. Principal component and cluster analyses revealed significant separation among the rosy vinegar samples at different aging periods, indicated that the aging time has an important influence on the composition of volatile substances in rosy vinegar.

Insulin-like peptide (ILP) is a member of the insulin superfamily with evolutionary conservation and is one of the most important factors affecting animal life activities. In this study, a full-length of ILP1 gene in Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, was cloned, and the mRNA length consisted of 812 bp with an open reading frame (ORF) of 543 bp, encoding 180 amino acids. Sequence analysis showed that the predicted molecular weight of LvILP1 protein was 20.81 kDa, and the theoretical isoelectric point was 9.45 and the instability coefficient was 96.20. There was a signal peptide, no transmembrane structure. It was deduced that it was located outside the cell and is an alkaline unstable secreted protein. Structure prediction found that LvILP1 protein had the conserved IlGF domain of the insulin superfamily, which was composed of the N-terminal signal peptide, B-chain, C-peptide and A-chain, as well as six conserved cysteine sites and two cleavage sites. Phylogenetic analysis found that LvILP1 was most closely related to ILP7 in Penaeus monodon, and clustered with ILP1 of Crustaceans to form a branch, and then clustered with ILP7 of Invertebrate, Relaxin, Insulin and Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) of vertebrate; ILP7 of Invertebrate was evolutionarily closest to outgroup sea anemone ILP1, suggesting that it may be more similar to the ancestor gene of the insulin superfamily. Transcription factor prediction found that the possible transcription factors of LvILP1 are Forkhead box protein O3 (FoxO3), Glucocorticoid receptor (GR), CAAT region/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) and Signal transduction and transcription activator protein (STAT); The protein interaction analysis found that LvILP1 interacted with Insulin receptor (IR) on the cell membrane, nerve signaling molecules (VGLUT1, SYT 1_3), Glycoprotein hormone beta 5 (GPHB5), Bursicon alpha, etc. By analyzing the biological function analysis of these transcription factors and interacting proteins, it is speculated that LvILP1 may play an important role in regulating shrimp growth and development, response to hormonal stimulation, nervous system homeostasis, carbohydrate homeostasis, postmolt tissue remodeling and reproductive development. The analysis showed that LvILP1 was expressed in the early developmental stage of shrimp, and expressed in all tissues of adults, but the expression level in the eye stalk was the highest. This study provides important information for in-depth understanding of the structure, evolution, function and expression of ILP in shrimp, as well as clues for molecular breeding and healthy farming of shrimp.

The vibration caused by the movement of internal actuating components within an acoustic underwater glider can interfere with onboard sensors. However, as a new vibration-damping material, phononic crystals can effectively reduce this impact. Using simulation and an underwater test, this work studied the vibration-damping mechanism of the phononic crystal suspension (PCS) designed by Tianjin University, China. The bandgaps and the modes of PCS were calculated first, which offered basic data for the following simulation. Then, the relationship between the modes and attenuation zones (AZs) were broadly considered to reveal the variation law of the AZs with the change in modes, both in the air and under water. Finally, an underwater test was carried out to verify the good vibration-damping effect of the PCS. The results show that the cutoff frequency of the AZs could be predicted by finding the relevant modes. The PCS showed a good vibration-damping effect from 170 Hz to 5000 Hz in the underwater test, with a maximum decrease of 6 dB at 2000 Hz. Finally, the damping of the PCS could suppress the overlap of modes that resulted from Bragg scattering. This work will also provide theoretical guidance for further study on the optimization of phononic crystal mechanisms for vibration damping.

The deep ocean harbors a group of highly diversified microbes, while our understanding of the active microbes that are real contributors to the nutrient cycle remains limited. In this study, we report eukaryotic and prokaryotic communities in ~590 m and 1130 m depths using 16S and 18S rRNA Illumina reads (miTags) extracted from 15 metagenomes (MG) and 14 metatranscriptomes (MT). The metagenomic 16S miTags revealed the dominance of Gammaproteobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria, and Nitrososphaeria, while the metatranscriptomic 16S miTags were highly occupied by Gammaproteobacteria, Acidimicrobiia, and SAR324. The consistency of the active taxa between the two depths suggests the homogeneity of the functional microbial groups across the two depths. The eukaryotic microbial communities revealed by the 18S miTags of the metagenomic data are dominated by Polycystinea; however, they were almost all absent in the 18S metatranscriptomic miTags. The active eukaryotes were represented by the Arthropoda class (at 590 m depth), Dinophyceae, and Ciliophora classes. Consistent eukaryotic communities were also exhibited by the 18S miTags of the metatranscriptomic data of the two depths. In terms of biodiversity, the ACE and Shannon indices of the 590 m depth calculated using the 18S metatranscriptomic miTags were much higher than those of the 1130 m depth, while a reverse trend was shown for the indices based on the metagenomic data. Our study reports the active microbiomes functioning in the nutrient utilization and carbon cycle in the deep-sea zone, casting light on the quantification of the ecological processes occurring in the deep ocean.