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Abstract Disulfidptosis a new cell death mode, which can cause the death of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) cells. However, the significance of disulfidptosis-related Long non-coding RNAs (DRLs) in the prognosis and immunotherapy of HCC remains unclear. Based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, we used Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) and Cox regression model to construct DRL Prognostic Signature (DRLPS)-based risk scores and performed Gene Expression Omnibus outside validation. Survival analysis was performed and a nomogram was constructed. Moreover, we performed functional enrichment annotation, immune infiltration and drug sensitivity analyses. Five DRLs (AL590705.3, AC072054.1, AC069307.1, AC107959.3 and ZNF232-AS1) were identified to construct prognostic signature. DRLPS-based risk scores exhibited better predictive efficacy of survival than conventional clinical features. The nomogram showed high congruence between the predicted survival and observed survival. Gene set were mainly enriched in cell proliferation, differentiation and growth function related pathways. Immune cell infiltration in the low-risk group was significantly higher than that in the high-risk group. Additionally, the high-risk group exhibited higher sensitivity to Afatinib, Fulvestrant, Gefitinib, Osimertinib, Sapitinib, and Taselisib. In conclusion, our study highlighted the potential utility of the constructed DRLPS in the prognosis prediction of HCC patients, which demonstrated promising clinical application value.

Abstract Adipose tissue macrophages can promote beige adipose thermogenesis by altering local sympathetic activity. Here, we perform sympathectomy in mice and further eradicate subcutaneous adipose macrophages and discover that these macrophages have a direct beige-promoting function that is independent of sympathetic system. We further identify adipocyte Ets1 as a vital mediator in this process. The anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages suppress Ets1 expression in adipocytes, transcriptionally activate mitochondrial biogenesis, as well as suppress mitochondrial clearance, thereby increasing the mitochondrial numbers and promoting the beiging process. Male adipocyte Ets1 knock-in mice are completely cold intolerant, whereas male mice lacking Ets1 in adipocytes show enhanced energy expenditure and are resistant to metabolic disorders caused by high-fat-diet. Our findings elucidate a direct communication between M2 macrophages and adipocytes, and uncover a function for Ets1 in responding to macrophages and negatively governing mitochondrial content and beige adipocyte formation.

Abstract Objective Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the primary modality for treating sleep apnea after acute ischemic stroke (AIS). However, not all patients are well adherent to CPAP. Finding an alternative modality of ventilation to CPAP is essential. Methods This prospective randomized clinical trial was conducted from 1 May 2022 to 8 January 2023 at the Department of Neurology, Wuhan Union Hospital. Participants diagnosed with sleep apnea after AIS were grouped according to block randomization principles into the usual care group (nasal cannula and facemask), nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) group, and high‐flow nasal cannula (HFNC) group. Rates of pulmonary infection and endotracheal intubation within 1 week of hospitalization and 28‐day mortality (poststroke) were the primary outcomes (early prognosis). Results In the trial, 178 patients (119 males [66.85%]; mean [SD] age, 61.04 [11.78] years) were eventually enrolled in the usual care group (n = 63), the nCPAP group (n = 55), and the HFNC group (n = 60). After ventilation, the nCPAP and HFNC groups were more effective than the usual care group in reducing the rate of pulmonary infection, endotracheal intubation, and improving neurological function and sleep apnea severity. However, there was no difference in 28‐day mortality. Additionally, the improvement in prognosis was consistent between nCPAP and HFNC. In the comparison of comfort, the HFNC group was superior to nCPAP. Interpretation nCPAP and HFNC reduced early pulmonary infection rates and endotracheal intubation rates. For patients with poor compliance with nCPAP, HFNC may be the best alternative.

In order to accurately assess the risk of the hybrid AC/DC network under fault, a risk assessment method for the hybrid AC/DC system based on the transient energy function is proposed. First, based on the energy transfer relationship of the hybrid AC/DC power system, the transient energy function model of the hybrid AC/DC system is established. Based on the operating data of the power grid, the energy function is used as an efficiency variable, and the efficiency variable is integrated into the prior risk probability calculation of nodes in the network, and a Bayesian network-based risk assessment model of hybrid AC/DC system is established. Considering the dynamic update model of network cascading failures, the clique tree propagation algorithm is used to dynamically calculate the posterior risk probability of the node to realize the dynamic assessment of the network risk. Finally, the improved IEEE-39 node hybrid AC/DC system is used as an example for analysis. The results show that the proposed model can not only effectively evaluate the overall safety of the network, but also has feasibility in predicting faults, which can provide a theoretical basis for the stability control of the hybrid AC/DC system.

Abstract The pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has had a profound impact on the global health and economy. While mass vaccination for herd immunity is effective, emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants can evade spike protein-based COVID-19 vaccines. In this study, we develop a new immunization strategy by utilizing a nanocarrier, dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticle (DMSN), to deliver the receptor-binding domain (RBD) and conserved T-cell epitope peptides (DMSN-P-R), aiming to activate both humoral and cellular immune responses in the host. The synthesized DMSN had good uniformity and dispersion and showed a strong ability to load the RBD and peptide antigens, enhancing their uptake by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and promoting antigen delivery to lymph nodes. The DMSN-P-R vaccine elicited potent humoral immunity, characterized by highly specific RBD antibodies. Neutralization tests demonstrated significant antibody-mediated neutralizing activity against live SARS-CoV-2. Crucially, the DMSN-P-R vaccine also induced robust T-cell responses that were specifically stimulated by the RBD and conserved T-cell epitope peptides of SARS-CoV-2. The DMSN demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and biosafety in vitro and in vivo, along with degradability. Our study introduces a promising vaccine strategy that utilizes nanocarriers to deliver a range of antigens, effectively enhancing both humoral and cellular immune responses to prevent virus transmission.

The main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 is an attractive target in anti-COVID-19 therapy for its high conservation and major role in the virus life cycle. The covalent Mpro inhibitor nirmatrelvir (in combination with ritonavir, a pharmacokinetic enhancer) and the non-covalent inhibitor ensitrelvir have shown efficacy in clinical trials and have been approved for therapeutic use. Effective antiviral drugs are needed to fight the pandemic, while non-covalent Mpro inhibitors could be promising alternatives due to their high selectivity and favorable druggability. Numerous non-covalent Mpro inhibitors with desirable properties have been developed based on available crystal structures of Mpro. In this article, we describe medicinal chemistry strategies applied for the discovery and optimization of non-covalent Mpro inhibitors, followed by a general overview and critical analysis of the available information. Prospective viewpoints and insights into current strategies for the development of non-covalent Mpro inhibitors are also discussed.

Background and aim: Prostate cancer is a leading malignant tumor in men, associated with a high rate of mortality. Androgen deprivation therapy is commonly used to treat prostate cancer, which contributes to the progression of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). The current therapy has a low survival rate in patients with CRPC. Our study aims to develop a novel effective approach for CRPC treatment and improve survival benefits. Experimental procedure: CRPC cell line PC-3-Luc expressing luciferase and the CRPC cell line PC-3-IL6-Luc stably overexpressing IL-6 were used to establish the xenograft tumor mouse model. The tumor was monitored weekly using Bioluminescence imaging. Infiltrated macrophages were quantified by fluorescence-activated cell sorting using flow cytometry. IL6 mRNA level was determined using quantitative real-time PCR. The protein levels of total STAT3 and phosphorylated STAT3 were determined using Western blot. Results and conclusion: Zhoushi Qi Ling decoction (ZQD) treatment significantly reduced PC3 the xenograft tumor progression and the number of infiltrated macrophages when compared with saline treatment. IL6 mRNA level was remarkedly suppressed by ZQD treatment. Notably, the protein level of phosphorylated STAT3 was significantly decreased in PC3 the xenograft tumor treated with ZQD compared to saline treatment. Our findings demonstrated that ZQD treatment significantly reduced the progression of prostate cancer, evidenced by the reduced population of infiltrated macrophages and the inhibition of the IL6/STAT3 pathway.

In the study, a novel method for detecting paeoniflorin (PF), a significant antidepressant drug, is described that makes use of vertically aligned zinc oxide nanorods (ZnO NRs). Vertically aligned zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods and rGO were electrodeposited on the GCE electrode surface, according to structural investigations performed using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). According to electrochemical experiments, ZnO NRs and rGO increase the electron transfer rate and support catalytic activity, making it easier to detect and quantify PF in the electrochemical sensor. The results exhibited that the linear range and sensitivity of ZnO-rGO/GCE were, respectively, 0.1–1305 μg/mL and 0.03792 μA/μg.mL−1. The PF sensor also achieved a low detection limit of 3.4 ng/mL. It was investigated to see how well a PF sensor worked to analyze a sample of human serum. Relative standard deviations (RSD) for sample detections for the proposed PF sensor were all below 4.13 %, according to analytical analyses utilizing the conventional addition approach, with recoveries ranging from 96.00 % to 99.25 %. These findings affirm that the proposed PF sensor exhibits a high degree of accuracy, rendering it well-suited for clinical applications and the analysis of human bodily fluids.

Abstract Metal foil strain gauges remain the state-of-the-art transducers for wind tunnel balances. While strain gauge technology is very mature, piezoresistive semiconductor sensors offer alternatives that are worth exploring to assess their unique benefits, such as better strain resolution and accuracy, which would enable balances to be designed with higher factors to safety and hence longer fatigue lifetimes. A new three-component balance, based on temperature compensated semiconductor strain gauges, is designed, calibrated and tested in a hypersonic low density wind tunnel. The static accuracy of the semiconductor balance is calibrated better than 0.3% FS, and the dynamic accuracy of the balance is established using a HB-2 standard model in a Mach 12 hypersonic flow. Good experimental repeatability is confirmed to be better than 2.5% FS, and the effectiveness of the balance is demonstrated by comparing the forces and moments of measured data with computational fluid dynamics simulations, as well as reference wind tunnel results under similar conditions.

Abstract Background This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of patients with chronic pharyngitis in Suzhou, China toward laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in patients with chronic pharyngitis in Suzhou, China at the otolaryngology outpatient clinic of the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between November, 2022, and May, 2023. Data was collected through a self-designed online questionnaire encompassing the sociodemographic characteristics and three dimensions of KAP. The questionnaire was administered using SoJump, and data were exported from this platform. Subsequently, statistical analysis, including Structural Equation Modeling, was performed using SPSS 22 software to evaluate the KAP scores. Results A total of 487 valid questionnaires were collected, with 275 (56.35%) female patients. The mean score of KAP were 4.76 ± 2.93 (possible range: 0–11), 33.10 ± 4.46 (possible range: 8–40), 31.29 ± 6.04 (possible range: 8–40), respectively. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed significant positive correlations between knowledge and attitude dimensions (r = 0.413, P

Abstract Background This real‐world study investigated the outcome of COVID‐19 in lymphoma patients participating in registered clinical trials and explored potential risk factors with the outcome of COVID‐19 during the first wave of the Omicron outbreak in China. Methods One hundred and ten patients participating in registered clinical trials and diagnosed with COVID‐19 in our center between December 1, 2022, and January 31, 2023, were included. Results Four (3.6%) patients were identified as severe COVID‐19 and 2 (1.8%) as critical COVID‐19, respectively. The mortality rate observed was 2.73% for the entire cohort, 33.3% for the severe/critical COVID‐19 group, and 18.8% for the hospitalized group. The 90‐day OS was 98.2% for the entire cohort, 66.7% for the severe/critical COVID‐19 group, and 87.5% for the hospitalized group. Advanced age (≥70 years), comorbidities, and PI3K inhibitor‐containing regimen were significantly associated with the severity of COVID‐19. Patients with indolent B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphomas were less likely to be hospitalized for COVID‐19. Conclusion This study reported similar clinical features of COVID‐19 in our cohort with that of non‐hematological malignancy (HM) patients, while the proportion of severe/critical COVID‐19 and the mortality rate were relatively higher than non‐HM patients. Our findings provided valuable experience to aid clinical researchers with managing lymphoma patients participating in registered clinical trials during the ongoing pandemic of the Omicron variant.

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted in Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) to evaluate the effects of dietary choline supplementation on choline transport and metabolism, hepatopancreas histological structure and fatty acid profile, and regulation of lipid metabolism. Six isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were formulated to contain different choline levels of 2.91 (basal diet), 3.85, 4.67, 6.55, 10.70 and 18.90 g/kg, respectively. A total of 960 shrimp (initial weight, 1.38 ± 0.01 g) were distributed randomly into twenty-four 250-L cylindrical fiber-glass tanks, with each diet assigned randomly to 4 replicate tanks. The results indicated that dietary choline significantly promoted the deposition of choline, betaine and carnitine (P

Abstract This letter proposes a novel high gain, high efficiency optically transparent Fabry–Perot Cavity antenna operating in millimetre‐wave. The antenna employs dual layers of transparent partially reflective surface and a transparent artificial magnetic conductor structure to enhance the gain and gain bandwidth. The reflection amplitude and phase have a low sensitivity to the sheet resistance of the transparent materials, which greatly reduce the requirement for the conductivity of transparent material and simplify the manufacturing process. The size of the antenna is 3.47λ0 × 3.47λ0 × 0.68λ0. A peak gain of 14.2 dBi, peak radiation efficiency of 67.1% and optical transparency of 81% are achieved.

Abstract Malaria continues to pose a serious global health threat, and artemisinin remains the core drug for global malaria control. However, the situation of malaria resistance has become increasingly severe due to the emergence and spread of artemisinin resistance. In recent years, significant progress has been made in understanding the mechanism of action (MoA) of artemisinin. Prior research on the MoA of artemisinin mainly focused on covalently bound targets that are alkylated by artemisinin‐free radicals. However, less attention has been given to the reversible noncovalent binding targets, and there is a paucity of information regarding artemisinin targets at different life cycle stages of the parasite. In this study, we identified the protein targets of artemisinin at different stages of the parasite's intraerythrocytic developmental cycle using a photoaffinity probe. Our findings demonstrate that artemisinin interacts with parasite proteins in vivo through both covalent and noncovalent modes. Extensive mechanistic studies were then conducted by integrating target validation, phenotypic studies, and untargeted metabolomics. The results suggest that protein synthesis, glycolysis, and oxidative homeostasis are critically involved in the antimalarial activities of artemisinin. In summary, this study provides fresh insights into the mechanisms underlying artemisinin's antimalarial effects and its protein targets.

ObjectiveGiven the high prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its potential to progress to liver fibrosis, it is crucial to identify the presence of NAFLD in patients to guide their subsequent management. However, the current availability of non-invasive biomarkers for NAFLD remains limited. Therefore, further investigation is needed to identify and develop non-invasive biomarkers for NAFLD.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 11,883 patients admitted to the Healthcare Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, from January 2016 to December 2019 and divided into NAFLD and non-NAFLD groups. Anthropometric and laboratory examination data were collected. The correlations between variables and NAFLD were evaluated using the student’s t-test or Mann–Whitney U test and binary logistic regression analysis. The predictive ability of these variables for NAFLD was assessed using the areas under the curves (AUCs) of receiver operating characteristics.ResultsAmong the included patients, 3,872 (32.58%) were diagnosed with NAFLD, with 386 (9.97%) individuals having liver fibrosis. Patients with NAFLD exhibited a higher proportion of males, elevated body mass index (BMI), and increased likelihood of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and atherosclerosis. Logistic regression analysis identified the neutrophil to albumin ratio (NAR) as the most promising novel inflammation biomarkers, with the highest AUC value of 0.701, a cut-off value of 0.797, sensitivity of 69.40%, and specificity of 66.00% in identifying the risk of NAFLD. Moreover, NAR demonstrated superior predictive value in identifying NAFLD patients at risk of liver fibrosis, with an AUC value of 0.795, sensitivity of 71.30%, and specificity of 73.60% when NAR reached 1.285.ConclusionThese findings highlight that the novel inflammatory biomarker, NAR, is a convenient and easily accessible non-invasive predictor for NAFLD and NAFLD with liver fibrosis.

In the process of multi-energy system optimal scheduling, due to the high data processing requirements of the multi-energy devices and loads and the complexity of the operating states of the multi-energy devices, the scheduling optimization of the system is to some extent more difficult. To address this problem, this paper proposes a regional multi-energy system optimal scheduling model based on the theory of cloud-edge collaboration. First, based on intelligent data sensors, a cloud-edge cooperative scheduling framework of the regional multi-energy system is constructed. Then, the physical model of operating state data of multi-energy system equipment and the allocation mechanism of system scheduling tasks are studied. With the cloud service application layer and the edge computing layer as the upper and lower optimization scheduling layers, the double-layer optimization scheduling model of the regional multi-energy system is established. The objectives of the model are optimal scheduling cost and minimum delay of scheduling data transmission. The multi-objective whale optimization algorithm is used to solve the model. Finally, a simulation model is built for verification. The simulation results show that the scheduling model established in this paper can effectively improve the scheduling data processing capability and improve the economy of regional multi-energy system scheduling.

Colorectal cancer (CRC), also known as colon cancer, is the third most common cancer and the fourth most cause of cancer-related death in the world. CRC can be classified into two major subtypes, including microsatellite instability (MSI) and microsatellite stability (MSS), which showed different characteristics in immunotherapy. Low sensitivity of diagnostic biomarkers and metastasis are still the principal cause of mortality, especially in MSI. Here, applying computational programs, we identified recurring expression programs based on single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) data of CRC cell lines. Notably, three MSI specific recurring modules were identified by non-negative matrix factorization (NMF). High NMF score genes enriched in the function of metabolism and inflammatory response. Focusing on top specific active transcription factor (TF), RUNX3 (Runt-related transcription factor 3), our results suggest that T cell infiltration was increased in RUNX3 high MSI CRC samples. Unbiased Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) showed that RUNX3 was strongly associated with immune and metastasis related functions, such as Interferon Gamma (IFN-γ) and EPITHELIAL MESENCHYMAL TRANSITION (EMT). In addition, RUNX3 shows specific highly activated at epigenetic level in MSI compared with other gastrointestinal carcinomas. Positive correlation between RUNX3 and most immune checkpoints further confirmed RUNX3 might have crucial roles in MSI cancer progression and immunotherapy. Taken together, these results indicate significant tumor heterogeneity of two CRC subtypes at single-cell level and epigenetic modification level. These results also linked transcriptional dysregulation with immune infiltration at single-cell level in MSI, which may advance the application of scRNA-Seq technology in immunotherapy and contribute to developing novel biomarkers of this malignancy.

Abstract The recent surge in demand for human–machine interaction (HMI), Internet of Things (IoTs), and artificial intelligence (AI) has created both opportunities and challenges for room‐temperature wearable gas sensors. These sensors serve as a source of perceptual information and can be easily integrated into wearable electronic devices due to their portability and miniaturization. In recent years, various types of wearable room temperature gas sensors have been developed for fields like environmental monitoring, healthcare, smart home, industrial security, food safety monitoring, and public security. These sensors not only adjust to the movements of human effortlessly but also have reduced power consumption. Therefore, room temperature wearable gas sensors hold great promise for the development of integrated intelligent gas sensing system worn on the human body. These sensors can be fabricated using various sensing materials to detect diverse target gases. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the preparation of sensing materials with extraordinary sensing capabilities at room temperature. Additionally, the article includes a brief discussion of the sensing mechanism, employing four models to explain it: oxygen adsorption, direct electron transfer, proton transfer, and ions conduction. Finally, this article discusses the various applications and future perspectives of room‐temperature wearable gas sensors.

Abstract In this study, Sb‐doped SnO2 nanosphere composite polypyrrole nanohybrid with different doping ratios (0–5 mol%, Sb:Sn) and composite ratios (0–30 mol%, Sb‐doped SnO2:polypyrrole) is synthesized by hydrothermal method and in situ chemical oxidation method. The flexible sensors are fabricated by drop‐casting the materials on polyamide substrate and gas sensing performances are investigated systematically at room temperature. The results show that the 3 at% Sb‐doped 20 mol% SnO2/polypyrrole nanohybrid exhibits excellent sensitivity (≈213% toward 100 ppm NH3) at room temperature, which are about 3 times as much as those of polypyrrole, as well as excellent selectivity and humidity resistance, reliable repeatability, and good robustness. The enhance sensing performance can be attributed to the formation of p‐n junction between conducting polymers and metal oxide semiconductor materials and the doping of Sb elements allows more electrons to transfer to polypyrrole, which further thickens the depletion layer and decreases hole concentrations in air. Therefore, Sb‐doped SnO2/polypyrrole nanohybrid may be a promising sensitive material for the design and manufacture of room temperature flexible ammonia gas sensors.

Summary: Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) and thromboxane A2 (TXA2) are endogenous arachidonic acid metabolites, modulating diverse physiological processes including inflammation and cardiovascular homeostasis through activating PGF2α receptor (FP) and TXA2 receptor (TP). Ligands targeting FP and TP have demonstrated efficacy in treating conditions like glaucoma and cardiovascular diseases in humans, as well as reproductive-related diseases in animals. Here, we present five cryoelectron microscopy structures illustrating FP and TP in complex with Gq and bound to PGF2α (endogenous ligand), latanoprost acid (a clinical drug), and two other synthetic agonists. Combined with mutational and functional studies, these structures reveal not only structural features for the specific recognition of endogenous ligands and attainment of receptor selectivity of FP and TP but also the common mechanisms of receptor activation and Gq protein coupling. The findings may enrich our knowledge of ligand recognition and signal transduction of the prostanoid receptor family and facilitate rational ligand design toward these two receptors.

Municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills need regular monitoring to ensure proper operations and meet environmental protection requirements. One requirement is to monitor landfill gas emissions from the landfill cover while another requirement is to monitor the potential settlement and damage to MSW landfill covers. Current surveying methods on a landfill cover are time- and labor-intensive and have limited spatial coverage. Landfill operators and researchers have developed unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based monitoring over recent years; however, UAV-based automatic detection of water ponding in landfills has not been studied. Hence, this study proposes a UAV-based approach to monitor landfills and detect water ponding issues on covers by using multimodal sensor fusion. Data acquired from sensors mounted on a UAV were combined, leading to the creation of a ponding index (PI). This index was used to detect potential ponding sites or areas of topographical depression. The proposed approach has been applied in a case study of a closed MSW landfill before and after Hurricane Ian. A comparison between the generated PI map and a manual survey revealed a satisfactory performance with an IoU score of 70.74%. Hence, the utilization of UAV-based data fusing and the developed PI offers efficient identification of potential ponding areas. HIGHLIGHTS An automatic remote sensing method for multiple surveying tasks for MSW landfill management.; Surface emission measurement using a context-aware flight close to landfill cover topography.; Water ponding localization on landfill covers using data fusion from multiple-modality sensory measurements.; A case study with the influence of Hurricane Ian and the related stormwater event on a landfill cover.;

Abstract Hepatitis B protein x (HBx) has been reported to promote tumorigenesis in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the mechanism awaits further investigation. In this study, we found that cFAM210A (a circular RNA derived from the third exon of transcript NM_001098801 of the FAM210A gene; CircBase ID: hsa_circ_0003979) can be silenced by HBx. cFAM210A expression was downregulated and negatively correlated with tumorigenesis in patients with HBV-related HCC. Furthermore, cFAM210A reduced the proliferation, stemness, and tumorigenicity of HCC cells. Mechanistically, HBx increased the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) level of cFAM210A by promoting the expression of RBM15 (an m6A methyltransferase), thus inducing the degradation of cFAM210A via the YTHDF2-HRSP12-RNase P/MRP pathway. cFAM210A bound to YBX1 and inhibited its phosphorylation, suppressing its transactivation function toward MET. These findings suggest the important role of circular RNAs in HBx-induced hepatocarcinogenesis and identify cFAM210A a potential target in the prevention and treatment of HBV-related HCC.

Abstract Background Dioecy, a sexual system of single-sexual (gynoecious/androecious) individuals, is rare in flowering plants. This rarity may be a result of the frequent transition from dioecy into systems with co-sexual individuals. Results In this study, co-sexual expression (monoecy and hermaphroditic development), previously thought to be polyploid-specific in Diospyros species, was identified in the diploid D. oleifeara historically. We characterized potential genetic mechanisms that underlie the dissolution of dioecy to monoecy and andro(gyno)monoecy, based on multiscale genome-wide investigations of 150 accessions of Diospyros oleifera. We found all co-sexual plants, including monoecious and andro(gyno)monoecious individuals, possessed the male determinant gene OGI, implying the presence of genetic factors controlling gynoecia development in genetically male D. oleifera. Importantly, discrepancies in the OGI/MeGI module were found in diploid monoecious D. oleifera compared with polyploid monoecious D. kaki, including no Kali insertion on the promoter of OGI, no different abundance of smRNAs targeting MeGI (a counterpart of OGI), and no different expression of MeGI between female and male floral buds. On the contrary, in both single- and co-sexual plants, female function was expressed in the presence of a genome-wide decrease in methylation levels, along with sexually distinct regulatory networks of smRNAs and their targets. Furthermore, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified a genomic region and a DUF247 gene cluster strongly associated with the monoecious phenotype and several regions that may contribute to andromonoecy. Conclusions Collectively, our findings demonstrate stable breakdown of the dioecious system in D. oleifera, presumably also a result of genomic features of the Y-linked region.

Abstract Due to the higher switching speed and lower threshold voltage of SiC MOSFET, its crosstalk issue is more serious than that of Si devices. Firstly, the mechanism and process of crosstalk under resistive load and inductive load are compared and analyzed. Then, a parameter decoupling method based on energy conservation is proposed, and an analytical model of the crosstalk voltage under resistive load is established. Moreover, an analytical model of the crosstalk voltage under inductive load with only device and circuit parameters is introduced. Furthermore, the influence of the drive resistance and the common source inductance on the crosstalk voltage under different loads is evaluated through the analytical model. Finally, a double pulse test is carried out to verify the validity of the analysis. The results presented here can provide guidance for the design of gate circuit parameters to regulate the crosstalk issue of SiC MOSFETs under different loads.

Abstract Objective To compare the effectiveness of seven major interventions [Bulevirtide (BLV), Interferon (IFN), Nucleoside analogs (NAs), BLV + IFN, BLV + NAs, IFN + NAs, and Placebo] to treat chronic hepatitis D. Methods We followed PRISMA-NMA guidelines, searched databases (Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, and Web Of Science) for eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and applied STATA17.0 software to execute the meta-analysis. Results We included 14 randomized controlled trials (814 patients) comparing seven different interventions. The results of the network meta-analysis showed that: ① Sustained virological response (after 24 weeks of follow-up): Four intervention groups (BLV + IFN, IFN alone, IFN + NAs, and NAs alone) were effective (relative risk (RR) = 13.30, 95% confidence interval (Cl) [1.68,105.32], RR = 12.13, 95% Cl [1.46,101.04], RR = 5.05, 95% Cl [1.68,15.19], RR = 5.03, 95% Cl [1.66,15.20]), with no statistically significant differences between the four groups. The top three in probability rankings were: BLV + NAs, BLV + IFN, and BLV alone (surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) = 86.8%, 80.3%, and 48.4%; ② Sustained biochemical response (after 24 weeks of follow-up): BLV + IFN and IFN were superior to BLV (RR = 14.71, 95% Cl [1.14,189.07], RR = 16.67, 95% Cl [1.39,199.52]). The top three were BLV alone, BLV + NAs, and BLV + IFN (SUCRA = 86.9%,81.2%, and 64.3%). ③ Histological response: NAs were superior to BLV (RR = 2.08, 95% Cl [1.10,3.93]), whereas the difference between other treatment regimens was not statistically significant, and the top three in the probability ranking were BLV alone, BLV + NAs, and BLV + IFN (SUCRA = 75.6%, 75.6%, and 61.8%). Conclusions IFN, IFN + BLV, and IFN + NAs were effective in clearing HDV RNA and normalizing alanine aminotransferase levels; however, IFN and IFN + NAs had a high rate of viral relapse at 24 weeks post-treatment follow-up. There was no additional benefit of adding NAs to IFN therapy for chronic hepatitis D; however, the combination of IFN + BLV significantly improved short-term HDV RNA clearance, which showed strong synergistic effects. The seven regimens included in the study did not contribute significantly to liver histological improvement. Therefore, the IFN + BLV combination has the most potential as a treatment option to improve the long-term prognosis or even cure chronic hepatitis D. Trial registration This systematic evaluation and meta-analysis was registered with PROSPERO under the registration number: CRD42022314544.)

Abstract Horse chestnut (Aesculus chinensis) is an important medicinal tree that contains various bioactive compounds, such as aescin, barrigenol-type triterpenoid saponins (BAT), and aesculin, a glycosylated coumarin. Herein, we report a 470.02 Mb genome assembly and characterize an Aesculus-specific whole-genome duplication event, which leads to the formation and duplication of two triterpenoid biosynthesis-related gene clusters (BGCs). We also show that AcOCS6, AcCYP716A278, AcCYP716A275, and AcCSL1 genes within these two BGCs along with a seed-specific expressed AcBAHD6 are responsible for the formation of aescin. Furthermore, we identify seven Aesculus-originated coumarin glycoside biosynthetic genes and achieve the de novo synthesis of aesculin in E. coli. Collinearity analysis shows that the collinear BGC segments can be traced back to early-diverging angiosperms, and the essential gene-encoding enzymes necessary for BAT biosynthesis are recruited before the splitting of Aesculus, Acer, and Xanthoceras. These findings provide insight on the evolution of gene clusters associated with medicinal tree metabolites.

Compared with patients who undergo renal and islet transplantation sequentially, simultaneous omentum intraomental bio-scaffold islet-kidney transplantation in patients with type 1 diabetes complicated by renal failure has the advantages of donor homologation, less trauma, lower cost, and easier acceptance by patients. Omentum intraomental bio-scaffold islet has been gradually applied in clinical practice, and rare clinical complications have been reported. Here we report a case of abdominal abscess associated with extended-spectrum β-lactamase in a patient who underwent simultaneous omentum intraomental bio-scaffold islet-kidney transplantation; the islet grafts remained partially functional after appropriate anti-infective treatment.

Abstract Background We investigated changes in microR-29c and microR-146a expression in the serum of children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia, analysed their relationship with inflammatory factors and disease severity, and evaluated their diagnostic significance. Methods Fifty-six children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia were enrolled as the Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia group; 37 healthy children were enrolled as the control group. The microR-29c or microR-146a serum expression levels were determined using real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Interleukin-17, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-1 beta levels were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The correlation between serum microR-29c or microR-146a expression and inflammatory factors was analysed using the Pearson’s method. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate the diagnostic value of serum microR-29c, microR-146a, and their combined detection in Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia. Results Compared with that in healthy children, the microR-29c and microR-146a serum levels were significantly downregulated in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia; the decrease was more obvious in children with severe cases than that in those with mild cases. In addition, microR-29c and microR-146a were negatively correlated with increased expression of interleukin-17, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-1 beta. Receiver operating characteristic curves showed that a combination of microR-29c and microR-146a was highly suitable for diagnosing Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia. Conclusion Serum microR-29c and microR-146a were underexpressed in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia, and diagnostic accuracy was significantly improved with combined microR-29c and microR-146a detection. Therefore, both microR-29c and microR-146a levels can be used as biomarkers for the diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia.