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Context. Ferroptosis is known to influence the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. Astragalus and Panax notoginseng are used to treat pulmonary fibrosis; however, the therapeutic mechanisms require further elucidation. Objective. To investigate the mechanism through which Astragalus and Panax notoginseng decoction (APD) facilitates the treatment of ferroptosis-mediated pulmonary fibrosis. Materials and Methods. First, the electromedical measurement systems were used to measure respiratory function in mice; the lungs were then collected for histological staining. Potential pharmacologic targets were predicted via network pharmacology. Finally, tests including immunohistochemistry, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and western blotting were used to evaluate the relative expression levels of collagen, transforming growth factor β, α-smooth muscle actin, hydroxyproline, and ferroptosis-related genes (GPX4, SLC7A11, ACSL4, and PTGS2) and candidates involved in the mediation of pathways associated with ferroptosis (Hif-1α and EGFR). Results. APD prevented the occurrence of restrictive ventilation dysfunction induced by ferroptosis. Extracellular matrix and collagen fiber deposition were significantly reduced when the APD group compared with the model group; furthermore, ferroptosis was attenuated, expression of PTGS2 and ACSL4 increased, and expression of GPX4 and SLC7A11 decreased. In the APD group, the candidates related to the mediation of ferroptosis (Hif-1α and EGFR) decreased compared with the model group. Discussion and Conclusions. APD may ameliorate restrictive ventilatory dysfunction through the inhibition of ferroptosis. This was achieved through the attenuation of collagen deposition and inflammatory recruitment in pulmonary fibrosis. The underlying mechanisms might involve Hif-1α and EGFR.

Sulfamethoxazole (SMX) is a significant environmental concern due to its adverse effects and ecological risks. SMX elimination in aquatic environments via photocatalysis presents a viable solution, given its high oxidation potential. However, such a solution remains controversial, primarily due to a lack of selectivity. Here we introduce a molecularly imprinted TiO2@Fe2O3@g-C3N4 (MFTC) photocatalyst designed for the selective degradation of SMX. To assess MFTC's selectivity, we applied it to degrade synthetic wastewater containing SMX alongside interfering species sulfadiazine (SDZ), ibuprofen (IBU), and bisphenol A (BPA). The results demonstrated a selective degradation efficiency rate of 96.8%, nearly twice that of competing pollutants. The molecularly imprinted sites within the catalyst played a crucial role by selectively capturing SMX and enhancing its adsorption, thereby improving catalytic efficiency. The degradation process involved •OH and •O2− free radicals, with a newly proposed double Z-scheme mechanism and potential pathway for SMX degradation by the MFTC photocatalytic system. This study enriches the application of photocatalysis using molecularly imprinted nanocomposite materials for treating complex pollutant mixtures in water.

PurposeTo evaluate the possible risk factors of opaque bubble layer (OBL) formation in small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgery and its effects on visual quality.MethodsFifty-six eyes from 28 patients were included in this study. The preoperative parameters and intraoperative designs were recorded. Corneal high-order aberrations (HOAs), point spread function (PSF), and modulation transfer function (MTF) were measured using iTrace at pre-operation, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after SMILE. Generalized Estimating Equation and Linear Mixed Effects Model were employed for statistical analysis.ResultsThe mean OBL area in SMILE surgery was 2.75% ± 1.25%. The patients were divided into groups based on whether the OBL was greater than the mean group or less than the mean group. Compared to the group with a smaller OBL area, the group with the larger OBL area had steeper corneal curvature and thinner cap thickness, the OBL area was positively correlated with the preoperative keratometry (r = 0.21, p = 0.04) and preoperative spherical value (r = 0.47, p = 0.01). The group with the larger OBL area induced more corneal SA and trefoil at 1 week postoperatively, but the difference was not significant at 1 month and 3 months postoperatively.ConclusionA steep corneal curvature, thin cap thickness, and high preoperative spherical value are possible risk factors for OBL formation in SMILE surgery. The OBL increased the ocular and corneal HOAs postoperatively for a short period (1 week), while it did not affect the long-term outcomes.

Summary: To guide individualized intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), we developed and prospectively validated a multiview radiomics risk model for predicting radiation-induced hypothyroidism in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. And simulated radiotherapy plans with same dose-volume-histogram (DVH) but different dose distributions were redesigned to explore the clinical application of the multiview radiomics risk model. The radiomics and dosiomics were built based on selected radiomics and dosiomics features from planning computed tomography and dose distribution, respectively. The multiview radiomics risk model that integrated radiomics, dosiomics, DVH parameters, and clinical factors had better performance than traditional normal tissue complication probability models. And multiview radiomics risk model could identify differences of patient hypothyroidism-free survival that cannot be stratified by traditional models. Besides, two redesigned simulated plans further verified the clinical application and advantage of the multiview radiomics risk model. The multiview radiomics risk model was a promising method to predict radiation-induced hypothyroidism and guide individualized IMRT.

Abstract Introduction This study aimed to evaluate the short-term impact of different incision positions on astigmatism and visual quality after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgery. Methods This prospective study enrolled patients who decided to have SMILE to correct myopia. Patients were randomly allocated into three groups of different incision positions (group A, B, and C with incision position at 90°, 120°, and 150° respectively). Preoperative and postoperative visual acuity, spherical equivalent, and high-order aberrations (HOAs) were measured and compared among groups. Astigmatism was analyzed with the ASSORT Group Analysis Calculator based on the Alpins method. Results A total of 148 eyes were included for analysis (48 eyes in group A, 50 eyes in group B, and 50 eyes in group C). At 1 month postoperatively, the mean uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) logMAR in group A, B, and C was − 0.03, − 0.03, and − 0.04, respectively. The mean corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) logMAR in group A, B, and C was − 0.03, − 0.04, and − 0.04, respectively (P > 0.05). The mean postoperative spherical equivalent (SE) values were − 0.01 ± 0.38, − 0.07 ± 0.39, and − 0.16 ± 0.49 (D) in group A, B, and C, respectively (P > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in preoperative and postoperative magnitude of astigmatism among different groups (P > 0.05). Significant differences were found in the distribution of astigmatism axis among the three groups at 1 day (P = 0.02) and 1 week (P = 0.02) postoperatively. However, such differences were no longer significant at 1 month after surgery (P > 0.05). No significant differences were found in HOAs among different groups 1 month after surgery (P > 0.05). Conclusion Different incision positions have no effect on postoperative astigmatism and visual quality 1 month after SMILE surgery, though differences were found in the distribution of the astigmatism axis within 1 week after the surgery.

Litsea cubeba essential oil (LCEO) has attracted wide attention as a natural antibacterial material due to its advantages of high safety, no drug resistance and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antibacterial activity of LCEO against Penicillium italicum in citrus fruits and its mechanism. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of LCEO, and its influence on the mycelial growth, spore germination, release of cell components, extracellular pH and electrical conductivity of Penicillium italicum were determined after LCEO treatment. The changes of the surface morphology of Penicillium italiana mycelia caused by LCEO were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the integrity of the spore membrane was detected by propidium iodide (PI) staining. The disease incidence and lesion diameter in citrus fruits infected with Penicillium italicum were determined. The MIC of LCEO against Penicillium italicum was 1.17 mg/mL. LCEO could significantly inhibit the mycelial growth and spore germination of Penicillium italicum, and the inhibition rates of mycelial growth and spore germination were (88.17 ± 0.30)% and (97.78 ± 0.30)% after 1 000 mg/L LCEO treatment, respectively. With an increase in LCEO concentration, the extracellular conductivity and extracellular pH of Penicillium italicum increased gradually, and the leakage of nucleic acid became more serious. SEM observation showed the mycelial linearity was lost, and irreversible morphological changes such as distortion, shrinkage and shriveling appeared on the mycelial surface after LCEO treatment. The higher the concentration of LCEO, the more serious the damage to the integrity and permeability of Penicillium italicum mycelia. The results of PI staining showed that the integrity of the cell membrane of the spores was damaged. In addition, the in vivo experiments showed that the disease incidence and lesion diameter of LCEO-treated citrus fruits decreased significantly compared to the untreated control group (P < 0.05), and the best effect was observed at 4 800 mg/L concentration. LCEO could effectively inhibit the spread of Penicillium italicum in citrus fruits, and it had a good control effect on citrus blue mold.

Abstract Investing in human capital can assist in achieving technological innovations, while the spatial spillover effects of human capital on urban innovation in urban agglomeration are largely ignored. Using the panel data of 108 cities in China’s Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) during 2011–2020, this paper explores the interactions between human capital and urban innovation with a two-way fixed effects Spatial Durbin Model framework, which incorporates the interpretation of spatial spillover effects. The results show that urban innovation in the YREB has spatial heterogeneity in the structure, which is reflected in its diffusion from the downstream cities on the eastern coast to the upstream cities in the western region. Then, the low-level human capital inhibits the development of local innovation, while intermediate and high-level human capital improves local innovation. Furthermore, the spatial spillover effect shows an opposite trend. The impact of human capital on urban innovation is not significant in the downstream cities, such as Shanghai and Nanjing. Finally, three policy directions are proposed to optimize the human capital structure of the YREB, which are, strengthening investment in human capital and technological innovation, enhancing the talent spillover effect, and improving basic education.

"Foamed conductive silicone rubber was prepared by dehydrogenation foaming method using coupling agent, conductive powder filler and Pt catalyst with vinyl silicone oil and hydroxyl silicone oil as matrix and silicone oil containing hydrogen as cross-linking agent, and the synchronization of foa-ming and cross-linking, conductivity and mechanical properties of foamed conductive silicone rubbers were characterized by rubber processing analyzer, scanning electron microscope, broadband dielectric impedance spectrometer, and electronic universal testing machine, respectively. Furthermore, the effect of foaming and cross-linking temperature, addition amount of cross-linking agent and addition amount of conductive powder filler on the properties of foaming conductive silicone rubbers were investigated. The results showed that when the foaming and cross-lin-king temperature was 115 ℃, the synchronization of foaming and cross-linking was the best and the foaming silicone rubber prepared had a uniform cell structure and the optimum mechanical properties. When the addition amount of cross-linking agent was 0.45 phr (mass, similarly hereinafter), apparent density of foamed conductive silicone rubber was 0.69 g/cm3 and compressive strength was 1.17 kPa, which indicated the addition amount of cross-linking agent was the optimal at this time. When the addition amount of conductive powder filler was 10 phr, conductivity of foamed conductive silicone rubber could be up to 1.5 S/cm, which demonstrated the electrical conductivity of foamed conductive silicone rubber was very excellent. "

With the development of the mobile network communication industry, 5G has been widely used in the consumer market, and the application of 5G technology for indoor positioning has emerged. Like most indoor positioning techniques, the propagation of 5G signals in indoor spaces is affected by noise, multipath propagation interference, installation errors, and other factors, leading to errors in 5G indoor positioning. This paper aims to address these issues by first constructing a 5G indoor positioning dataset and analyzing the characteristics of 5G positioning errors. Subsequently, we propose a 5G Positioning Error Correction Neural Network (5G-PECNN) based on neural networks. This network employs a multi-level fusion network structure designed to adapt to the error characteristics of 5G through adaptive gradient descent. Experimental validation demonstrates that the algorithm proposed in this paper achieves superior error correction within the error region, significantly outperforming traditional neural networks.

Pectic oligosaccharides (POS), small molecular polymers, can be prepared from pectin by different methods. Compared with natural pectin, POS have lower molecular mass, better water solubility, higher bioavailability, and more diverse biological activities. A series of POS with different molecular masses and structures can be obtained under different preparation conditions. In addition, the biological activities of POS are closely related to their molecular mass and structures. This review aims to comprehensively summarize the preparation, purification, structure analysis, and biological activity of POS, in order to provide some references for their applications as natural active substances in the fields of food, medicine, and health products.

Human exhaled gases contain a wide range of volatile organic compounds, offering the potential for detecting physiological, cardiovascular, and endocrine disorders. For instance, nitric oxide (NO) concentration can be indicative of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Analyzing exhaled gases provides a noninvasive approach to disease detection without posing any risks to individuals. While electronic sensors have been developed over the past two decades for NO detection at high temperatures, few studies have explored optical detection in the ultraviolet to visible light range, which may have adverse effects on the skin. In this study, we designed a split-ring resonator metamaterial tailored for operation within the terahertz (THz) frequency range. Specifically, the metamaterial was designed to resonate at the NO frequency of 0.257 THz. To enhance gas absorption capacity, we incorporated a composite film layer consisting of ZnTiO3 and reduced graphene oxide onto the metamaterial. By sintering ZnTiO3 powder at different temperatures, we achieved an increase in component sensitivity (ΔT/T) from 2% to 16.4%. Overall, the proposed metamaterial holds promise for both physical monitoring applications and the development of wearable electronic devices.

Neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer affecting the sympathetic nervous system, continues to challenge the development of potent treatments due to the limited availability of druggable targets for this aggressive illness. Recent investigations have uncovered that phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH), an essential enzyme for de novo serine synthesis, serves as a non-oncogene dependency in high-risk neuroblastoma. In this study, we show that homoharringtonine (HHT) acts as a PHGDH inhibitor, inducing intricate alterations in cellular metabolism, and thus providing an efficient treatment for neuroblastoma. We have experimentally verified the reliance of neuroblastoma on PHGDH and employed molecular docking, thermodynamic evaluations, and X-ray crystallography techniques to determine the bond interactions between HHT and PHGDH. Administering HHT to treat neuroblastoma resulted in effective cell elimination in vitro and tumor reduction in vivo. Metabolite and functional assessments additionally disclosed that HHT treatment suppressed de novo serine synthesis, initiating intricate metabolic reconfiguration and oxidative stress in neuroblastoma. Collectively, these discoveries highlight the potential of targeting PHGDH using HHT as a potent approach for managing high-risk neuroblastoma.

Summary: Background: MRI is the routine examination to surveil the recurrence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, but it has relatively lower sensitivity than PET/CT. We aimed to find if artificial intelligence (AI) could be competent pre-inspector for MRI radiologists and whether AI-aided MRI could perform better or even equal to PET/CT. Methods: This multicenter study enrolled 6916 patients from five hospitals between September 2009 and October 2020. A 2.5D convolutional neural network diagnostic model and a nnU-Net contouring model were developed in the training and test cohorts and used to independently predict and visualize the recurrence of patients in the internal and external validation cohorts. We evaluated the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of AI and compared AI with MRI and PET/CT in sensitivity and specificity using the McNemar test. The prospective cohort was randomized into the AI and non-AI groups, and their sensitivity and specificity were compared using the Chi-square test. Findings: The AI model achieved AUCs of 0.92 and 0.88 in the internal and external validation cohorts, corresponding to the sensitivity of 79.5% and 74.3% and specificity of 91.0% and 92.8%. It had comparable sensitivity to MRI (e.g., 74.3% vs. 74.7%, P = 0.89) but lower sensitivity than PET/CT (77.9% vs. 92.0%, P

The world is facing an ever-growing global energy crisis with unprecedented depth and complexity. The sustainable development of high energy density lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and portable electric devices has become a feasible way to deal with this problem. Silicon suboxides (SiOx) have been deemed as one of the most promising anode materials because of their ultrahigh theoretical lithium storage capacity, proper working potential, natural abundance, and environmental friendliness. However, the mass utilization of SiOx-based anodes is severely obstructed by their low electrical conductivity and inevitable volume expansion. While lithium silicate and lithium oxide formed in the first lithiation process act as buffer layers to some extent, it is urgent to address the accompanying low initial Coulombic efficiency and unsatisfactory cycling stability. In this review, we summarized recent advances in the synthesis methods of SiOx-based materials. Besides, the benefits and shortcomings of the various methods are briefly concluded. Then, we discussed the effective combination of SiOx with carbon materials and designs of porous structure, which could considerably enhance the electrochemical performance in detail. Furthermore, progresses on the modified strategies, advanced characteristics and industrial applications for SiOx-based anodes are also mentioned. Finally, the remaining challenges encountered and future perspectives on SiOx-based anodes are highlighted.