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Background Methods Results Conclusion The existing literature regarding the treatment strategy for high‐power short‐duration (HPSD) ablation in patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF) is currently insufficient. The objective of this study is to perform a comparative analysis evaluating the effectiveness, safety, and procedural efficiency of HPSD versus cryoballoon ablation (CBA) for AF.A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases to identify trials comparing HPSD with CBA for AF from their inception until December 25, 2023. Treatment effect measures were expressed as odds ratio (OR), mean difference (MD), accompanied by a 95% confidence interval (CI).The analysis comprised six eligible trials involving a total enrollment of 2481 patients. No statistically significant disparities were observed in recurrent atrial arrhythmia (OR 0.90; 95% CI, 0.71–1.16) or total complications (OR 0.65; 95% CI, 0.38–1.12) between the two ablation techniques examined in this study. However, HPSD technique exhibited a significantly prolonged procedure time (MD 27.42; 95% CI, 19.03 to 35.81). Conversely, no significant differences were observed between the two modalities in terms of total fluoroscopy duration (MD −4.37; 95% CI −10.70 to 1.96) and ablation time (MD 7.95; 95% CI −3.97 to 19.88). Furthermore, HPSD demonstrated significantly higher odds of extrapulmonary vein (PV) trigger ablation compared to CBA (OR 18.86; 95% CI, 5.12–69.49). The subgroup analyses revealed that CBA continued to exhibit superior procedure time (except for the paroxysmal AF subgroup: [MD 29.52; 95% CI −4.25 to 63.60]), while no significant differences in safety and efficacy (except for the HPSD ≥ 70 W subgroup: [OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.20–0.97]) outcomes were still observed.Among patients undergoing ablation therapy for AF, both HPSD and CBA demonstrate comparable efficacy and safety profiles; however, HPSD is associated with longer procedural time and higher rates of extra‐PV trigger ablation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although high-temperature solid-phase methods have become the dominant route for manufacturing layered oxide cathode materials in industry, severe Li+/Ni2+ cation mixing problems caused by high-temperature processes still prevent the realization of high-performance lithium-ion batteries. Herein, a wet chemical lithiation method by stepwise lithium intercalation to reduce and shorten the sintering temperature and time of the post-treatment process is proposed. Li 0.6 H x Ni 0.52 Co 0.19 Mn 0.29 O 2 stepwise products with lithiation efficiencies exceeding 60% were obtained at reaction temperatures below 200 °C. The as-prepared LiNi 0.52 Co 0.19 Mn 0.29 O 2 (HT-52-S) exhibits low Li+/Ni2+ cation mixing and good comprehensive electrochemical performance after subsequent heat treatment to complete all lithiation. Compared with LiNi 0.52 Co 0.19 Mn 0.29 O 2 (SS-52) prepared by the conventional high-temperature solid-phase method, the Li+/Ni2+ cation mixing of HT-52-S was relatively reduced by 57.9%, and the capacity retention after 100 cycles at 1 C was relatively improved by 22.1%. We believe that this work can serve as a useful reference to develop manufacturing processes for high-performance layered oxide cathode materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We numerically and experimentally developed a cantilever that provided both fast and analog actuation for THz metamaterials (MMs) by properly geometrizing a dimpled tip. Owing to its small size and light mass, the cantilever had a high mechanical resonance at 705 kHz. Cantilever arrays were fabricated with different tip gaps and integrated into a ladder-shaped MM (LS-MM). By changing the tip gap from 0.80 to 0.32 μm, the resonance of the transmittance spectrum changed from 1.235 to 0.795 THz, indicating that the reconfigurable LS-MM was capable of continuously tuning the resonance of the THz wave transmission with the tip gap. Additionally, the dimple served as an anti-stiction structure, providing the cantilever with a fabrication yield of 99.8%. This work shows a practical pathway to high-performance active metamaterials, which holds potential in advanced THz technologies such as 6G communications and fast imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pivotal problem in reliability analysis is how to use as few actual assessments as possible to obtain an accurate failure probability. Although adaptive Kriging provides a viable method to address this problem, unsatisfied Kriging surrogate accuracy and reliability modeling samples often lead to an unacceptable computing burden. In this paper, an adaptive optimized Kriging combining efficient sampling (AOK‐ES) is proposed: first, to enhance the Kriging approximation ability, a high‐fidelity optimized Kriging model (OKM) is established; further, to ensure the samples quality of OKM modeling and reliability calculation, an improved Latin hypercube sampling method and an optimized importance sampling approach are developed correspondingly. Six different types of case studies demonstrate the superiority of the proposed AOK‐ES. The analysis results demonstrate that the proposed AOK‐ES holds the potential to reduce computing cost while ensuring accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have demonstrated promising advantages in the therapies of many diseases, while its multi-directional differentiation potential and immunotoxicity are the major concerns hindered their clinical translation. In this study, human umbilical Mesenchymal stem cell (hUC-MSCs) were labeled with a near-infrared fluorescent dye DiR before infused into cynomolgus monkeys, and the amount of hUC-MSCs in the peripheral blood were dynamically estimated from 5 min to 28 days post a single administration at 3 × 106 cells/kg and 2 × 107 cells/kg intravenously. As results, some hUC-MSCs distributed to the whole body within 5 min, while most of the cells accumulate in the lungs along with the systemic blood circulation, and subsequently released into the blood. The toxicity potentials of hUC-MSCs were investigated in another 30 cynomolgus monkeys, and the cells were repeatedly administrated at doses of 3 × 106 cells/kg and 2 × 107 cells/kg for 5 times on a weekly basis, with a recovery period of 1 months. hUC-MSCs showed no obvious toxic effects in cynomolgus monkeys, except xenogeneic immune rejection to human stem cells. Low levels of the hUC-MSC gene were detected in the peripheral blood of a few animals administered 2 × 107 cells/kg at 30 min subsequent to the first and last administration, and there was no significant difference in the copy number of the hUC-MSC gene in the blood samples compared with the first and last administration, indicating that the hUC-MSC was not significantly amplified in vivo, and it its safe in non-human primates. Our study for the first time verified the safety of long-term use of hUC-MSCs in primates. We have pioneered a technology for the real-time detection of hUC-MSCs in peripheral blood and provide dynamicand rapid monitoring of the distribution characteristics of hUC-MSCs in vivo. Here, we provide data supporting the application of such products for clinical treatment and the application of stem cells in major refractory diseases and regenerative medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The error magnitude is closely related to patient-specific dosimetry and plays an important role in evaluating the delivery of the radiotherapy plan in QA. No previous study has investigated the feasibility of deep learning to predict error magnitude. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to predict the error magnitude of different delivery error types in radiotherapy based on ResNet. METHODS: A total of 34 chest cancer plans (172 fields) of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) from Eclipse were selected, of which 30 plans (151 fields) were used for model training and validation, and 4 plans including 21 fields were used for external testing. The collimator misalignment (COLL), monitor unit variation (MU), random multi-leaf collimator shift (MLCR), and systematic MLC shift (MLCS) were introduced. These dose distributions of portal dose predictions for the original plans were defined as the reference dose distribution (RDD), while those for the error-introduced plans were defined as the error-introduced dose distribution (EDD). Different inputs were used in the ResNet for predicting the error magnitude. RESULTS: In the test set, the accuracy of error type prediction based on the dose difference, gamma distribution, and RDD + EDD was 98.36%, 98.91%, and 100%, respectively; the root mean squared error (RMSE) was 1.45–1.54, 0.58–0.90, 0.32–0.36, and 0.15–0.24; the mean absolute error (MAE) was 1.06–1.18, 0.32–0.78, 0.25–0.27, and 0.11–0.18, respectively, for COLL, MU, MLCR and MLCS. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, error magnitude prediction models with dose difference, gamma distribution, and RDD + EDD are established based on ResNet. The accurate prediction of the error magnitude under different error types can provide reference for error analysis in patient-specific QA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An in-depth study of the mechanisms governing the generation, evolution, and regulation of differences in tourism economics holds significant value for the rational utilization of tourism resources and the promotion of synergistic tourism economic development. This study utilizes mathematical statistical analysis and GIS spatial analysis to construct a single indicator measure and a comprehensive indicator measure to analyze tourism-related data in the research area from 2004 to 2019. The main factors influencing the spatial and temporal differences in the tourism economy are analyzed using two methods, namely, multiple linear regression and geodetector. The temporal evolution, overall differences and differences within each city group fluctuate downwards, while the differences between groups fluctuate upwards. Domestic tourism economic differences contribute to over 90% of the overall tourism economic differences. Spatial divergence, the proportion of the tourism economy accounted for by spatial differences is obvious, the comprehensive level of the tourism economy can be divided into five levels. The dominant factors in the formation of the pattern of spatial and temporal differences in the tourism economy are the conditions of tourism resources based on class-A tourist attractions and the level of tourism industry and services based on star hotels and travel agencies. This study addresses the regional imbalance of tourism economic development in city clusters and with the intent of promoting balanced and high-quality development of regional tourism economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The African swine fever virus (ASFV) is a linear double-stranded DNA virus characterized by a complex immune escape mechanism that has caused substantial economic losses to the global swine industry. An in-depth study of ASFV has revealed that screening for protective antigens and activating cellular immunity is essential for the development of ASF vaccines. In this study, we sought to examine the immunogenicity of the F317L protein of ASFV in mice while also identifying potential active T-cell epitopes in order to provide a basis for the functional study of the F317L protein, in addition to a reference for the subsequent development of ASF vaccines. The African swine fever virus (ASFV) encodes numerous proteins characterized by complex immune escape mechanisms. At present, the structure and function of these proteins, including the F317L protein, have yet to be fully elucidated. In this study, we examined the immunogenicity of the F317L protein. Mice were subcutaneously immunized with the F317L protein using initial and subsequent booster doses, and, at the 28th day post-treatment, we assessed the humoral and cellular immune responses of mice. The F317L protein stimulated production of specific antibodies and activated humoral immune responses. In addition, F317L stimulated the production of large amounts of IFN-γ by splenic lymphocytes, thereby activating cellular immune responses. Using informatics technology, we predicted and synthesized 29 F317L protein T cell epitopes, which were screened using IFN-γ ELISpot. Among these, the F25 (246SRRSLVNPWT255) peptide was identified as having a stronger stimulatory effect than the full-length protein. Collectively, our findings revealed that the ASFV F317L protein can stimulate both strong humoral and cellular immunity in mice, and that the F25 (246SRRSLVNPWT255) peptide may be a potential active T cell epitope. These findings will provide a reference for further in-depth studies of the F317L protein and screening of antigenic epitopes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to explore the feasibility of DenseNet in the establishment of a three-dimensional (3D) gamma prediction model of IMRT based on the actual parameters recorded in the log files during delivery. A total of 55 IMRT plans (including 367 fields) were randomly selected. The gamma analysis was performed using gamma criteria of 3% /3 mm (Dose Difference/Distance to Agreement), 3% /2 mm, 2% /3 mm, and 2% /2 mm with a 10% dose threshold. In addition, the log files that recorded the gantry angle, monitor units (MU), multi-leaf collimator (MLC), and jaws position during delivery were collected. These log files were then converted to MU-weighted fluence maps as the input of DenseNet, gamma passing rates (GPRs) under four different gamma criteria as the output, and mean square errors (MSEs) as the loss function of this model. Under different gamma criteria, the accuracy of a 3D GPR prediction model decreased with the implementation of stricter gamma criteria. In the test set, the mean absolute error (MAE) of the prediction model under the gamma criteria of 3% /3 mm, 2% /3 mm, 3% /2 mm, and 2% /2 mm was 1.41, 1.44, 3.29, and 3.54, respectively; the root mean square error (RMSE) was 1.91, 1.85, 4.27, and 4.40, respectively; the Sr was 0.487, 0.554, 0.573, and 0.506, respectively. There was a correlation between predicted and measured GPRs (P <  0.01). Additionally, there was no significant difference in the accuracy between the validation set and the test set. The accuracy in the high GPR group was high, and the MAE in the high GPR group was smaller than that in the low GPR group under four different gamma criteria. In this study, a 3D GPR prediction model of patient-specific QA using DenseNet was established based on log files. As an auxiliary tool for 3D dose verification in IMRT, this model is expected to improve the accuracy and efficiency of dose validation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AND-Rotation-XOR (AND-RX) ciphers are known for its unique round function and excellent implementation performance. As a result, AND-RX ciphers are well suited for protecting sensitive information on resource-constrained devices. AND-RX ciphers need to be passed by rigorous cryptanalysis methods before practice. Integral cryptanalysis is one of the important cryptanalysis methods. MILP-based automated model is constructed to solve the integral cryptanalysis of AND-RX ciphers. The automated model usually consumes a long time when the block length and the number of round function components are large. In this paper, we design a neural distinguisher named IABC model for fast and efficient integral cryptanalysis. The IABC model learns to distinguish between ciphertext multisets to construct an integral distinguisher for AND-RX cipher, which ciphertext multisets from plaintext or random plaintexts. The IABC model is used for SIMON, SIMECK and SAND ciphers, which validates the neural distinguisher for AND-RX ciphers. The experimental results show that the IABC model is capable of expanding the number of rounds of integral distinguishers for AND-RX ciphers with certain accuracy. Therefore, IABC model can be effectively used for integral cryptanalysis of AND-RX ciphers. In addition, we discover that a larger number of active bits in the plaintext multiset results in a more accurate IABC model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A bacterium designated GXH0434T was isolated from sea shore samples collected from Weizhou Island, Beihai, Guangxi, China. The organism is motile, strictly aerobic, and possesses a rod–coccus cell cycle in association with the growth phase. It can grow at 15–45 °C (optimum 37 °C), at pH 6.0–11.0 (optimum 6.0), and at 0–20% (w/v) NaCl (optimum 5.0–8.0%). The strain is positive for peroxidase and oxidase activity, negative for Voges-Proskauer test, can hydrolyze Tween 20, Tween 60, Tween 80, casein, and is able to produce siderophore and has the function of nitrogen fixation. Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that GXH0434T was most closely related to Microbulbifer halophilus KCTC 12848T with the similarity of 97.2%, followed by Microbulbifer chitinilyticus JCM 16148T (97.1%) and Microbulbifer taiwanensis LMG 26125T (96.5%). The digital DNA-DNA hybridization and the average nucleotide identity values between GXH0434T and Microbulbifer halophilus KCTC 12848T were 28.90% and 83.38%, respectively, which were below thresholds of species delineation. The genomic DNA G+C content of the strain was 61.9%. The major fatty acids were iso-C15:0, C16:0, iso-C11:0 3-OH, iso-C11:0 and Summed features 8 (C18:0ω7c and/or C18:0ω6c). The major polar lipids detected in GXH0434T were diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylcholine (PC). The major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone Q-8. Based on the above polyphasic classification indicated strain GXH0434T represents a novel species of the genus Microbulbifer, for which the name Microbulbifer litoralis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is GXH0434T (= MCCC 1K07158T = KCTC 92169T). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This study investigates the potential utility of IKZF1 deletion as an additional high‐risk marker for paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). The prognostic impact of IKZF1 status, in conjunction with minimal/measurable residual disease (MRD), was evaluated within the MRD‐guided TPOG‐ALL‐2013 protocol using 412 newly diagnosed B‐ALL patients aged 1–18. IKZF1 status was determined using multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification. IKZF1 deletions, when co‐occurring with CDKN2A, CDKN2B, PAX5 or PAR1 region deletions in the absence of ERG deletions, were termed IKZF1plus. Both IKZF1 deletion (14.6%) and IKZF1plus (7.8%) independently predicted poorer outcomes in B‐ALL. IKZF1plus was observed in 4.1% of Philadelphia‐negative ALL, with a significantly lower 5‐year event‐free survival (53.9%) compared to IKZF1 deletion alone (83.8%) and wild‐type IKZF1 (91.3%) (p < 0.0001). Among patients with Day 15 MRD ≥0.01%, provisional high‐risk patients with IKZF1plus exhibited the worst outcomes in event‐free survival (42.0%), relapse‐free survival (48.0%) and overall survival (72.7%) compared to other groups (p < 0.0001). Integration of IKZF1plus and positive Day 15 MRD identified a subgroup of Philadelphia‐negative B‐ALL with a 50% risk of relapse. This study highlights the importance of assessing IKZF1plus alongside Day 15 MRD positivity to identify patients at increased risk of adverse outcomes, potentially minimizing overtreatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Following the initial diagnosis of a marginal zone or follicle center lymphoma on skin biopsy, patients undergo staging to determine the extent of disease. Objective: We sought to characterize the frequency that these patients were found to have a systemic nodal disease upon work-up as well as the impact of imaging on disease management. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients presenting with a working diagnosis of PCMZL or PCFCL treated at The Ohio State University from 1990 to 2022. Data collected included: patient history, progress notes, virtual encounters, laboratory results, presentation features, imaging, and pathology. Biomarkers included ANA, SSA/SSB, BCL6 and H. Pylori labs, bone marrow biopsies, positive imaging, and need of systemic medication and mortality. Results: 71 patients with suspected PCMZL and PCFCL were identified. 66 of 71 patients underwent imaging. Of this group, 12 patients (9 with suspected PCFCL and 3 with suspected PCMZL) demonstrated lymphadenopathy on imaging. Of these 12 patients, 5 underwent biopsy of suspected lymph nodes, and 3 had biopsy-proven nodal involvement and received systemic therapy. Of the remaining 7 patients with evidence of lymphadenopathy on imaging, 4 were thought to have reactive lymph nodes, and 3 were treated empirically with systemic chemotherapy due to the extent or progression of their disease. Of patients with imaging negative for lymphadenopathy, 3 of 52 (5.8%) patients with received systemic treatment, while 49 of 52 patients (94.2%) received localized treatment. Limitations: Most of the relationships between this data were correlational and patients selected for this study were limited to a single institution. Conclusion: Prospective study of the role of imaging without subsequent lymph biopsy to direct treatment decisions is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban agglomerations are emerging as new regional units for national participation in global competition and the international division of labor. However, they face increasingly severe resource and eco-environment pressures during urbanization. The coordination of the relationship between urbanization and the eco-environment has attracted global attention. In this study, we used Coupling Coordination Degree and Vector Autoregression models to examine the dynamic evolution, coupling relationships, coordinated development patterns, and interaction mechanisms between urbanization and the eco-environment. The results indicate that: (1) The level of urbanization in the Chengdu-Chongqing Urban agglomeration was relatively low, and the region showed a good eco-environment background. However, rapid urbanization is gradually straining the carrying capacity of the eco-environment. (2) A close and stable coupling relationship exists between urbanization and the eco-environment, which has reached an advanced coupling stage. The status of coordinated development among cities differs considerably, and multiple stable forms may exist simultaneously. (3) Urbanization has a substantial impact on environmental changes, whereas the restrictive effect of the eco-environment on urbanization development is not particularly notable. (4) Various interactive relationships exist between the urbanization and eco-environment subsystems, including positive promotion and negative constraint effects. The positive promotion effect mainly manifests between the economic, social, and ecological response subsystems, while the negative constraint effect is most evident in the mutual coercion and inhibition between the regional urbanization, economic urbanization, ecological status, and ecological pressure subsystems. These findings have important policy implications for decision makers exploring the path of coordinated and sustainable development in urbanization and the eco-environment in Urban agglomerations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Condom use at last intercourse is an effective indicator for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention. To identify at-risk individuals and improve prevention strategies, this study explored factors associated with condomless sex at last intercourse in the last year and developed a risk estimation model to calculate the individual possibility of condomless sex among college students in Zhuhai, China. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1430 college students who had sex in the last year from six universities in Zhuhai. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and logistic regression were performed to explore the predictors of condomless sex. The nomogram was constructed to calculate the individual possibility of condomless sex. Discrimination and calibration of the nomogram were evaluated using the area under the receiver-operator characteristic curve (AUROC) and the calibration curve. Results: The proportion of students who had condomless sex at last intercourse was 18.2% (260/1430). Students who had experienced more types of intimate partner violence (aOR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.31 ~ 1.92) and had anal sex (aOR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.06 ~ 2.84) were more likely to have condomless sex. Students who had heterosexual intercourse (aOR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.21 ~ 0.70), used condoms at first sex (aOR, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.14 ~ 0.27), had high attitudes towards condom use (aOR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.80 ~ 0.95) and self-efficacy for condom use (aOR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.78 ~ 0.90) were less likely to have condomless sex. The nomogram had high accuracy with an AUROC of 0.83 and good discrimination. Conclusions: Intimate partner violence, anal sex, condom use at first sex, attitude towards condom use, and self-efficacy for condom use were associated with condomless sex among college students. The nomogram was an effective and convenient tool for calculating the individualized possibility of condomless sex among college students. It could help to identify individuals at risk and help universities and colleges to formulate appropriate individualized interventions and sexual health education programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Inappropriate pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) are both linked to preterm birth (PTB); however, which one plays a dominant role in PTB risk is not yet sure. We aimed to evaluate the combined effect of pre-pregnancy BMI and GWG on the risk of PTB in singleton pregnancies conceived both spontaneously and through assisted reproductive technology (ART). Methods: The data included all mothers (n = 17,540,977) who had a live singleton birth from the US National Vital Statistics System (NVSS) 2015–2019. Logistic regression models, quantile-g-computation, and generalized additive model were used to analyze the combined association of pre-pregnancy BMI and GWG with PTB. Results: The singleton PTB rate was significantly higher in ART pregnancies (11.5%) than in non-ART pregnancies (7.9%). When compared to those women with pre-pregnancy normal weight and GWG within Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines, the highest PTB risk was observed in non-ART women with pre-pregnancy underweight and GWG below IOM guidelines (aOR 2.56; 95% CI 2.53–2.60) and in ART women with pre-pregnancy obese and GWG below IOM guidelines (aOR 2.56; 95%CI 2.36–2.78). GWG dominated the combined effect with its joint effect coefficient of − 0.281 (P < 0.05) in non-ART women and − 0.108 (P < 0.05) in ART women. Conclusions: Inappropriate GWG played a dominant role in increasing the risk of PTB in both non-ART and ART populations. Counseling regarding pre-pregnancy BMI and especially GWG appears to be even more crucial for pregnancies conceived via ART, given their impact on PTB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autonomous vehicles, AVs, as an emerging technology will contribute to fundamental changes in the transportation of cities. Medium-sized academic-dominated U.S. towns with cold winters and a large proportion of college students and employees are some of the regions with special travel patterns that may potentially contribute to a different perception of AVs. Using a stated preference survey in the two main universities in the Fargo-Moorhead area, perceived usefulness, perceived risk, and a winter-related variable defined as transportation safety improvement by AVs in inclement weather were simultaneously modeled. Given that the respondents agreed with the stated usefulness and risks of AVs, not being single was associated with an increased likelihood of agreeing with the winter-related variable for the respondents above 25. Low income households were associated with a 25% increase in the likelihood of agreeing with the winter-related variable for the respondents in the non-student model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve fine regulation of FeII SCO behavior, a series of trinuclear cyanido-bridged complexes trans-[CpMe n (dppe)MII(CN)]2[Fe1II(abpt)2](OTf)2 (1–4) (1, M = Fe2 and n = 1; 2, M = Fe2 and n = 4; 3, M = Fe2 and n = 5; 4, M = Ru and n = 5; CpMen = alkyl cyclopentadienyl with n = 1, 4, 5; dppe = 1,2-bis-(diphenylphosphino)ethane; abpt = 4-amino-3,5-bis-(pyridin-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazole and OTf = CF3SO3−) were synthesized and fully characterized by using elemental analysis, X-ray crystallography, magnetic measurements, variable-temperature IR spectroscopy and Mössbauer spectroscopy. It is worth mentioning that different from many mononuclear Fe(abpt)2X2 (X = NCS, NCSe, N(CN)2, C(CN)3, (NC)2CC(OCH3)C(CN)2, (NC)2CC(OC2H5)C(CN)2, C16SO3 and Cl) complexes with more than one polymorph, only one polycrystalline form was found in complexes 1–4. Moreover, the thermally induced SCO behaviors of these four complexes are independent of intermolecular π–π interactions. The electron-donating ability of the CCN-terminal fragment of CpMen(dppe)MIICN can be flexibly regulated by changing the methyl number (n) of the cyclopentadiene ligand or metal ion type (MII). These investigations indicate that the electron-donating ability of the CCN-terminal fragment has an influence on the SCO behavior of Fe1II. The spin transition temperature (T1/2) of the complexes decreases with the increase of the electron-donating ability of the fragment CpMen(dppe)MII. This study provides a new strategy to predict and precisely regulate the behaviors of SCO complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The risk of workplace violence and job burnout among Chinese correctional officers is high. Stress and insomnia may influence the relationship between workplace violence and job burnout; however, this influence has been rarely studied. This study aimed to explore the effect of workplace violence on job burnout among Chinese correctional officers and to assess the contribution of stress and insomnia to this effect. Methods: In this study, the workplace violence scale, the Assens insomnia scale, the 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey scale were used to assess the workplace violence, insomnia, stress, and job burnout experienced by the 472 correctional officers, respectively. Results: The results showed that (1) workplace violence was significantly and positively predictive of job burnout, (2) workplace violence affected job burnout through the mediation of stress, (3) workplace violence affected job burnout through the mediation of insomnia, and (4) stress and insomnia played fully interlocking mediating roles in the effect of workplace violence on job burnout. Conclusion: Stress and insomnia may play a full mediating role in the relationship between workplace violence and job burnout. This suggested that correctional officers may take measures to reduce stress and improve insomnia, thereby reducing their job burnout. Further research may focus on the development of effective interventions to reduce stress and improve insomnia among correctional officers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza viruses are both highly transmissible airborne viruses and causing high morbidity and mortality. Co-infection of these two viruses results in severe disease that have been observed when influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viruses cocirculated in the past three years, and vaccination is still the effective way to prevent these two diseases. However, influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are designed and manufactured in different platforms, all the individuals will need to get two shots in order to prevent those two severe respiratory diseases. Therefore, it is urgent to develop a Flu-COVID combo vaccine to provide an efficient way for receiving immunization against those two diseases. In this study, we developed a flu-COVID combo vaccine that includes both influenza virus haemagglutinin (HA) proteins and SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) protein which formulated with AddaVax. K18-hACE-2 transgenic mice were intramuscularly vaccinated with either combo vaccine or mono Flu (HA) or COVID (S) recombinant protein vaccine in a prime-boost-boost regimen, and then were challenged with lethal doses of influenza virus or SARS-CoV-2 to evaluate vaccine efficacy. The results showed that Flu-COVID combo vaccine protected mice from both Influenza and SARS-CoV-2 challenge by preventing body weight loss and clinical signs progression. The protective immune responses elicited by Flu-COVID combo vaccine were equivalent to those elicited by mono flu or COVID recombinant protein vaccines. In conclusion, our study highlights the effectiveness of the FLU-COVID combo recombinant protein vaccine in preventing both influenza and COVID-19 infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Constructing an anode with fast electron transport and high cycling stability is important but challenging for large-scale applications of sodium-ion batteries (SIB). In this study, hierarchical flower-like MXene structures were synthesized using poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) microsphere as templates. Subsequently, a straightforward hydrothermal reaction was utilized to anchor small-sized MoS 2 nanosheets. The resulting MXene@MoS 2 heterostructure exhibits a distinctive three-dimensional (3D) porous hollow architecture. This structure effectively addresses challenges related to self-aggregation of MoS 2 nanosheets and volume expansion of the electrode material during Na+ insertion/extraction processes. Furthermore, the robust hetero-interface supports fast and stable electron transfer, thereby enhancing electrochemical reaction kinetics. The prepared MXene@MoS 2 electrode demonstrates the specific capacity of 682.1 mA h g−1 at 0.2 A/g and the reversible capacity of 494.4 mA h g−1 after 1000 cycles at 5 A/g. It is noteworthy that the full battery assembled with the composite material as the anode can still maintain the capacity of 456.2 mA h g−1 after 80 cycles at 0.5 A/g. This outstanding reversible capacity and sustained stability over numerous cycles highlights its potential for a wide range of applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we intricately designed and synthesized two isoreticular two-dimensional covalent organic framework nanosheets, namely TAPA-COF-1 and TAPA-COF-2, distinguished by their unique spatial arrangement of hydroxyl groups. These precisely engineered nanosheets were employed as a tailored platform for the selective capture of uranium, due to their tunable chelating sites and characteristic sheet-like morphology. Notably, TAPA-COF-1, featuring ortho-hydroxyl groups, demonstrated a significantly enhanced adsorption capacity for uranium capture originating from the additional oriented adjacent phenolic hydroxyl chelating sites in comparison to TAPA-COF-2 with para-hydroxyl groups, which was proved by theoretical calculation. The impressive features of TAPA-COF-1, including its notable selectivity, rapid adsorption kinetics, and high uptake capacity (657.2 mg g−1), endow it as a highly promising candidate for uranium capture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the influence of laboratory corrosion testing methods, specifically salt spray, and immersion tests, on the long-term performance assessment of wire-arc-sprayed Zn-Al coatings. Two Zn-Al alloyed systems, Zn-15Al and Zn-Al pseudo-alloy, were selected for investigation, subjecting them to 1000 h of immersion and salt spray conditions. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was used to monitor corrosion progression in both coating systems at 200-h intervals. Post-exposure, the coatings underwent microstructural and chemical characterization, along with potentiodynamic polarization tests. Furthermore, some specimens in both coating systems were intentionally damaged and exposed to 1000 h of salt spray and immersion testing and analyzed with scanning electron microscopy. Immersion testing yielded similar results for both coatings, while salt spray testing unveiled significant differences and highlighted the susceptibility of the Zn-15Al to salt spray in both undamaged and damaged states. The continuously refreshed salt spray electrolyte hindered stable corrosion product formation, allowing chloride penetration and increased corrosion in Zn-15Al. Conversely, the Zn-Al pseudo-alloy coating formed Al (OH)3, acting as a barrier against chloride penetration during salt spray and offering superior protection. In summary, salt spray testing proved more aggressive than immersion when evaluating Zn-Al coatings with high zinc content primarily relying on active dissolution for corrosion protection.Author names: Please confirm if the author names are presented accurately and in the correct sequence (given name, middle name/initial, family name). Author 1 Given name: [Ratna Divya] Last name [Yasoda]. Also, kindly confirm the details in the metadata are correct.Yes! The authors names are correct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted individuals' financial well-being and mental health. This study investigates the relationship between income loss and mental health outcomes during the pandemic, as well as the heterogeneity in this relationship by race/ethnicity and co-ethnic density in the metropolitan area. Using nationally representative Household Pulse Survey data, this study finds that income loss is associated with a heightened risk of depression and anxiety, even after controlling for individual and metropolitan-level characteristics. Co-ethnic density in metropolitan areas worsens the effects of income loss on depression and anxiety for Hispanics and non-Hispanic Blacks while residing in a metropolitan area with more Whites cushions the impact of income loss on depression and anxiety for non-Hispanic Whites. Overall, the study underscores the importance of considering the intersection of race/ethnicity and metropolitan-level co-ethnic density in exploring the influence of economic stressors on mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon‐based nanoparticles are widely regarded as promising nanofillers in nanocomposites to pursue advanced properties. To date, there has been a lack of systematic investigation into the structural variations of nanofillers and their influences on dispersion characteristics, as well as the resulting mechanical properties of nanocomposites. In this study, nanodiamond (ND), carbon nanotube (CNT), and graphene (GNP) were selected as the representative zero‐, one‐, and two‐dimensional nanofillers, respectively. A novel functionalization technique utilizing carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was employed to disperse nanofillers. The various characterization techniques and experimental results revealed that CMC functionalization was effective in reducing the agglomeration and improving the distribution uniformity of all three nanofillers. Among the three nanofillers, zero‐dimensional ND exhibited the most homogeneous dispersion quality in epoxy nanocomposites. The strongest abrasion resistance was found in ND‐reinforced epoxy nanocomposites, while CNT‐reinforced epoxy nanocomposites exhibited the best tensile properties. Highlights: Nanodiamond with a spherical structure had better dispersion characteristics.Cylindrical carbon nanotube and planar graphene tended to agglomerate.Nanodiamond reinforced nanocomposites had better abrasion resistance.Carbon nanotube reinforced nanocomposites had better tensile properties.Carboxymethyl cellulose functionalization was valid for all three nanofillers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of ε-MnO 2 catalysts with different lattice disorder were obtained via different methods. Various characterizations and performance tests confirm that the ultrathin (1.4–1.8 nm) structure and strong lattice disorder enhance the low temperature reduction and reactive oxygen species, thereby MnO 2 -R exhibits excellent toluene and acetone oxidation activities. Meanwhile, it is proved that benzoic acid and formate are the key intermediates that determine the complete oxidation rate of toluene and acetone, respectively. [Display omitted] • ε-MnO 2 with different lattice disorder are obtained via several simple methods. • The strong lattice disorder leads to richer Mn3+ and O ads. • MnO 2 -R exhibits excellent VOCs oxidation activity and water resistant. • The oxidation pathways of toluene and acetone are revealed. Catalytic oxidation proves the most promising technology for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) abatement. Lattice disorder plays a crucial role in the catalytic activity of catalysts due to the exposure of more active sites. Inspired by this, we successfully prepared a series of ε-MnO 2 with different lattice disorder defects via several simple methods and applied them to the catalytic oxidation of two typical VOCs (toluene and acetone). Various characterizations and performance tests confirm that the ultrathin (1.4–1.8 nm) structure and strong lattice disorder can enhance the low temperature reduction and reactive oxygen species, so that MnO 2 -R exhibits excellent toluene and acetone oxidation activities. In-situ DRIFTS tests were carried out to detect reaction intermediates in the toluene and acetone oxidation process on the catalyst surface. Moreover, we propose a possible synergistic mechanism for toluene and acetone mixtures catalytic oxidation. This work reveals the important role of lattice disorder defects in the catalytic oxidation of VOCs on Mn-based catalysts, and deepens the insights of the reaction path in toluene and acetone catalytic oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of urbanization and the protection of the ecological environment are important aspects of sustainable development in urban agglomerations; thus, their coordination and synergy are crucial. Scholars in both China and other countries have conducted extensive research on the relationship between urbanization and the ecological environment from the perspective of coordinated development. However, there is a lack of research on the synergistic effects of urbanization and the ecological environment. Taking the Chengdu–Chongqing urban agglomeration as an example, this study uses the Haken model to analyze the synergistic evolution mechanism, development patterns, and future trends of urbanization and the ecological environment. This study draws the following conclusions: (1) while a synergistic development mechanism has been established between urbanization and the ecological environment, the current system is still in a stage of low-level synergy, and the control system's parameter for the direction and path of evolution is urbanization. (2) From 2001 to 2020, the level of synergistic development between urbanization and the ecological environment was relatively low, mainly moving from low-level synergy to medium–low-level synergy to medium-level synergy. (3) There is a significant spatial disparity in the levels of synergistic development, for which the leading region centers on Chengdu and Chongqing in the northwest and southeast, respectively, and the lagging region comprises the eastern part of the urban agglomeration, mainly represented by Dazhou, Kaizhou, and Yunyang. (4) The future trend of synergistic development between urbanization and the ecological environment in the Chengdu–Chongqing urban agglomeration is promising but requires increased infrastructure construction in mountainous urban areas, enhanced cooperation and circulation in transportation, logistics, information and other aspects, and balanced improvements in the level of synergistic development between urbanization and the ecological environment. The study of the synergistic development effect of urbanization and the ecological environment in urban agglomerations is of great significance for reducing the negative impact of urbanization on the ecological environment, increasing the positive interaction between the two, and promoting sustainable development in urban agglomerations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen is a promising alternative energy source for sustainable development worldwide. Despite being the world's largest hydrogen producer, China's hydrogen energy development is uneven across regions and sectors. The lack of a comprehensive and systematic analysis makes it difficult for policymakers to identify critical areas and links for targeted action. This study aims to establish a comprehensive multi-indicator framework based on a supply-demand-policy model to rank the city's hydrogen development potential. Findings are as follows. First, demand, supply, and policy environment shape the hydrogen market. Second, the development potential of hydrogen varies considerably across regions, and regional development is dependent largely on leading cities. Third, four hydrogen development patterns have been identified: advantage-demonstration, policy-guided, market-driven, and potential-enhancing. This research provides theoretical support and practical guidance for building a hydrogen-based society and may also be applied to similar energy sources. [Display omitted] • This study offers a panorama of China's hydrogen industry. • Demand, supply, and policy environment shape China's hydrogen market. • A multi-criteria economic analysis framework is established to evaluate the potential rankings of hydrogen. • Considerable heterogeneity exists across regions and four patterns are identified. • Governments and investors should explore differentiated development plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Correctional officers tend to have high levels of work-family conflict (WFC). WFC has been found associated with various forms of psychological distress and to affect the overall well-being of correctional officers. Burnout and resilience may affect the relationship between WFC and psychological distress, however, this association still remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the mediating effect of burnout on the relationship between WFC and anxiety/depression and the moderating role of resilience, within the context of correctional officers. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in China from October 2021 to January 2022. WFC, burnout, resilience, anxiety, and depression were evaluated using the Work-Family Conflict Scale (WFCS), Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey (MBI-GS), 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10), and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS). Mediation and moderation models were then tested using the PROCESS macro in SPSS, with burnout being a mediator and resilience playing a moderating role in the relationship between WFC and anxiety/depression. Results: A total of 472 correctional officers were included. Burnout was found to mediate the relationship between WFC and anxiety (b = 0.14, 95%CI [0.10, 0.19]) and the relationship between WFC and depression (b = 0.23, 95%CI [0.18, 0.28]). Additionally, resilience played a moderating role in the direct effect of WFC on anxiety (b = − 0.02, p < 0.01) and the first half of the indirect effect of WFC on anxiety (b = − 0.007, p < 0.05). Furthermore, resilience was also found to moderate the first half of the indirect effect of WFC on depression (b = − 0.02, p < 0.01), but not the direct effect of WFC on depression (b = − 0.005, p > 0.05). Conclusion: The findings of the present study may improve our understanding by elucidating the fundamental mechanisms of the connection between WFC and psychological distress among correctional officers. The results have significant implications for policymakers and individuals, as they suggest that diverse interventions may help promote the mental well-being of correctional officers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) exhibit an abnormal physiological arousal pattern known as hyperarousal, which may contribute to their depressive symptoms. However, the neurobiological mechanisms linking this abnormal arousal to depressive symptoms are not yet fully understood. In this review, we summarize the physiological and neural features of arousal, and review the literature indicating abnormal arousal in depressed patients. Evidence suggests that a hyperarousal state in depression is characterized by abnormalities in sleep behavior, physiological (e.g., heart rate, skin conductance, pupil diameter) and electroencephalography (EEG) features, and altered activity in subcortical (e.g., hypothalamus and locus coeruleus) and cortical regions. While recent studies highlight the importance of subcortical–cortical interactions in arousal, few have explored the relationship between subcortical–cortical interactions and hyperarousal in depressed patients. This gap limits our understanding of the neural mechanism through which hyperarousal affects depressive symptoms, which involves various cognitive processes and the cerebral cortex. Based on the current literature, we propose that the hyperconnectivity in the thalamocortical circuit may contribute to both the hyperarousal pattern and depressive symptoms. Future research should investigate the relationship between thalamocortical connections and abnormal arousal in depression, and explore its implications for non-invasive treatments for depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Beetles, among which weevils are the most diverse group, are very successful on land. The thick and hard cuticle of weevils plays an important role in their environmental adaptability. Many weevils carry the bacterial endosymbiont Nardonella, which is specialized to produce tyrosine, the key precursor for cuticle formation. The Nardonella-encoded tyrosine synthesis pathway is incomplete, lacking the last-step aminotransferase gene. The underlying mechanism of the metabolic integration between Nardonella and eukaryotic host cells remains elusive. We identified five aminotransferase genes in the red palm weevil genome, of which only RfGOT1 and RfGOT2A were upregulated in the bacteriocyte. RNA interference of the RfGOT1 or RfGOT2A gene led to a decrease in tyrosine levels in the bacteriome, confirming that these two host-encoded transaminase genes are involved in the final step of the tyrosine synthesis pathway. Notably, trafficking of RfGOT1 and RfGOT2A into the Nardonella cytoplasm was observed through immunoelectron microscopy and immunofluorescence experiments. These results indicate that the transaminases encoded by the red palm weevil can be transported to the endosymbiont to complement the tyrosine metabolic pathways of Nardonella. Our findings highlight the close relationship and intricate metabolic integration between hosts and endosymbionts. Symbiotic systems are intimately integrated at multiple levels. Host–endosymbiont metabolic complementarity in amino acid biosynthesis is especially important for sap-feeding insects and their symbionts. In weevil–Nardonella endosymbiosis, the final step reaction of the endosymbiont tyrosine synthesis pathway is complemented by host-encoded aminotransferases. Based on previous results from other insects, we suspected that these aminotransferases were likely transported into the Nardonella cytoplasm to produce tyrosine. Here, we identified five aminotransferase genes in the genome of the red palm weevil. Using quantitative real-time RT-PCR, we confirmed that RfGOT1 and RfGOT2A were specifically expressed in the bacteriome. RNA interference targeting these two aminotransferase genes reduced the tyrosine level in the bacteriome. The immunofluorescence-FISH double labeling localization analysis revealed that RfGOT1 and RfGOT2A were present within the bacteriocyte, where they colocalized with Nardonella cells. Immunogold transmission electron microscopy demonstrated the localization of RfGOT1 and RfGOT2A in the cytosol of Nardonella and the bacteriocyte. Our data revealed that RfGOT1 and RfGOT2A are transported into the Nardonella cytoplasm to collaborate with genes retained in the Nardonella genome in order to synthesize tyrosine. The results of our study will enhance the understanding of the integration of host and endosymbiont metabolism in amino acid biosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the combined effects of polyphenols and anti-programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) inhibitors. Relevant studies were collected from electronic databases. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) or hazard ratio (HR) was calculated by Stata 15.0 software. Sixteen preclinical studies were included. The overall meta-analysis showed that, compared to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 alone, polyphenol combined therapy significantly reduced the tumor volume (SMD = −3.28), weight (SMD = −2.18), number (SMD = −2.17), and prolonged the survival (HR = 0.45) of mice (all P < 0.001). Pooled analysis of mechanism studies indicated polyphenol combined therapy could increase the number of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells (SMD = 3.88; P < 0.001), IFN-γ+ CD8+ T cells (SMD = 2.38; P < 0.001), decrease the number of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (SMD = −2.52; P = 0.044) and Treg cells (SMD = −4.00; P = 0.004) and suppress PD-L1 expression in tumors (SMD = −13.41; P < 0.001). Subgroup analyses demonstrated curcuminoids, flavonoids, and stilbene changed the tumor volume, the percentage of CD8+ T cells, IFN-γ+CD8+ T cells, and PD-L1 expression. Polyphenol supplementation may be a promising combined strategy for patients with poor response to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 monotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims This study aimed to characterize the first complete genome of Corynebacterium parakroppenstedtii and clarify the evolutionary relationship in the Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii complex (CKC) by using comparative genomics analysis. Methods and results The genome of isolate yu01 from a breast specimen was sequenced, and 35 CKC genomes were collected. Analysis of 16S rRNA, rpoB , and fusA suggested ambiguous identification, whereas ANI analysis assigned isolate yu01 as Coryne. parakroppenstedtii. The fourth genospecies " Corynebacterium aliikroppenstedtii " was identified in CKC. Comparative genomics analysis suggested that the genomic arrangement in CKC was highly conserved. A total of 43 potential virulence genes and 79 species-specific genes were detected. Most genome-based phylogenetic analysis were incapable of resolving the interspecific evolutionary relationships among CKCs. A total of 20 core genes were found to be distinguishable in CKC. Conclusions This study suggested the limited divergence and unavailability of normal single gene-based identification in CKC and questioned the precise species of strains associated with mastitis, identified as Coryne. kroppenstedtii in previous studies. The 20 genes showed potential to enhance the methods for the identification and epidemiological investigation of CKC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulmonary adenocarcinoma is a common type of lung cancer that has been on the rise in recent years. Signet ring cell components (SRCC) can be present in various patterns of pulmonary adenocarcinoma, including papillary, acinar, and solid patterns. "Signet ring cell carcinoma" is a distinct subtype in the 2014 WHO classification of lung neoplasms, subsequent WHO classifications in 2015 and 2021 have deemed signet ring cells as accompanying morphological features with no clinical significance. The prognostic and clinical implications of SRCC in pulmonary adenocarcinoma remain controversial. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the clinicopathological features and prognostic factors of SRCC in pulmonary adenocarcinoma. We conducted a comprehensive search in PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science to identify studies that examined the clinicopathological features and prognostic implications of pulmonary adenocarcinoma with SRCC. We used both fixed- and random-effects models to analyze the data and calculate the pooled hazard ratio (HR) and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Additionally, we explored the prognostic significance of SRCC in pulmonary adenocarcinoma using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Our meta-analysis included 29 studies with pulmonary adenocarcinoma and SRCC components. The results showed that pulmonary adenocarcinoma with SRCC was associated with larger tumor size (OR = 1.99; 95% CI, 1.62–2.44, p < 0.001), advanced overall stage (OR = 5.18, 95% CI, 3.28–8.17, p < 0.00001) and lymph node stage (OR = 5.79, 95% CI, 1.96–17.09, p = 0.001), and worse overall survival (OS) compared to those without SRCC (HR = 1.80, 95% CI, 1.50–2.16, p < 0.00001). Analysis using the SEER dataset confirmed these findings. Our meta-analysis provides evidence that pulmonary adenocarcinoma with SRCC is associated with distinct clinicopathological features and a poorer prognosis. These findings have important implications for the management and treatment of patients. However, further studies are needed to validate these findings and explore the significance of SRCC in various subtypes of pulmonary adenocarcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clay minerals have a specific adsorption capability for anions, which increases the amount of net negative charge on the surface, leading to the increased adsorption of rare-earth ions in clay minerals and some change from exchangeable to non-exchangeable. Further, anions show a shielding effect on rare-earth ions. The shielding capacity of anions in the leaching agents for rare-earth ions was measured in this study. The relationship between the solid-phase concentration of rare-earth ions shielded and the anion concentration was consistent with the Langmuir model. Based on the Kerr model describing the exchange of rare-earth ions by ammonium ions, an ion-exchange model considering the shielding influence of anions was proposed. The accuracy of the proposed model was higher than that of the Kerr model. When the leaching agent was ammonium sulfate, the calculation accuracy of XW and AY samples was increased by 1.15% and 5.75%, respectively. The improvement in accuracy positively correlated with the proportion of iron oxides, aluminium oxides, and Kaolin. The established ion-exchange model can provide accurate source and sink terms for the numerical simulation of the leaching process of ion-adsorption-type rare-earth ores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to identify a kind of prognostic signature based on oxidative stress- and anoikis-related genes (OARGs) for predicting the prognosis and immune landscape of NSCLC. Initially, We identified 47 differentially expressed OARGs that primarily regulate oxidative stress and epithelial cell infiltration through the PI3K-Akt pathway. Subsequently, 10 OARGs related to prognosis determined two potential clusters. A cluster was associated with a shorter survival level, lower immune infiltration, higher stemness index and tumor mutation burden. Next, The best risk score model constructed by prognostic OARGs was the Random Survival Forest model, and it included SLC2A1, LDHA and PLAU. The high-risk group was associated with cluster A and poor prognosis, with a higher tumor mutation burden, stemness index and proportion of M0-type macrophages, and a lower immune checkpoint expression level, immune function score and IPS score. The calibration curve and decision-making curve showed that the risk score combined with clinical pathological characteristics could be used to construct a nomogram for guiding the clinical treatment strategies. Finally, We found that all three hub genes were highly expressed in tumor tissues, and LDHA expression was mainly regulated by has-miR-338-3p, has-miR-330-5p and has-miR-34c-5p. Altogether, We constructed an OARG-related prognostic signature to reveal potential relationships between the signature and clinical characteristics, TME, stemness, tumor mutational burden, drug sensitivity and immune landscape in NSCLC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) regulates glycolipid metabolism and insulin homeostasis and acts as a cardioprotective factor by protecting against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, hypertension, and vascular dysfunction. FGF21 has been reported to prevent Doxorubicin (Dox)-induced cardiotoxicity, and the related signaling pathway is worthy of further study. Connexin43 (Cx43) protein was reduced by Dox treatment, especially low phosphorylated form of Cx43. Thus the aim of study is to explore the protection effect of FGF21 on Dox induced cardiotoxicity by improving the expression of Cx43 and the involved signaling pathway. FGF21 inhibited apoptosis in Dox-treated mice and cardiomyocytes. FGF21 increased the levels of connexin43 phosphorylated at serine (S) 282 (p-Cx43 S282) and total Cx43 to inhibit Dox-induced apoptosis. By RNA sequencing, we found that deubiquitinase monocyte chemoattractant protein-induced protein 1 (MCPIP1) expression was increased by FGF21. We further found that FGF21 induced the phosphorylation of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (Erk1/2), and Elk. Phosphorylated Elk translocated to the nucleus and increased the expression of MCPIP1. Then, MCPIP1 bound neural precursor cell expressed developmentally downregulated protein 4 (Nedd4), an E3 ubiquitination ligase, as shown by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), and suppressed Cx43 ubiquitination and degradation, competitively inhibiting the binding of Cx43 with Nedd4. Thus Nedd4 could not bind and ubiquitinate Cx43, leading to the up-regulation of Cx43 and phosphorylation of Cx43 at S282. FGF21 inhibited the effects of Dox on cardiomyocytes by elevating the phosphorylation of Cx43 at S282 and total Cx43 expression. This study suggests a previously unknown mechanism for the FGF21-mediated enhancement of cardiomyocyte survival and provides an effective approach to protect against the adverse cardiac effects of Dox. [Display omitted] • This study shows for the first time the protective effect of FGF21, by inhibiting Dox-induced apoptosis by increasing the levels of p-Cx43 S282 and total Cx43 through increasing MCPIP1 expression. • This study suggests a previously unknown mechanism underlying FGF21-mediated promotion of cardiomyocyte survival and provides an alternative way to protect Dox-induced cardiotoxicity. • FGF21 could be a potential protective drug against adverse cardiac effects treated with doxorubicin and MCPIP1 could be a potential therapeutic target to attenuate doxorubicin cardiotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Metal-organic framework (MOF) materials are promising precursors to transition into metal-nitrogen-carbon (M-N-C) catalysts with high catalytic performance. Pyrolysis is one of the most common ways to convert MOFs into electrically conductive MOF-derived M-N-C catalysts. General interests in using MOFs as precursors derive from changing the MOFs' porous structure into the carbonaceous frame. However, this favorable structure is not always maintained, with the reason unidentified since pyrolysis is currently still more of an empirical process. Understanding the pyrolysis processes leading to the transformation of MOFs into M-N-C catalysts is essential to broaden the development of MOF-derived catalysts. We report here complete chemical and morphological evolution and transformation of two commercial MOFs with the same sodalite topology, the ZIF-8 and ZIF-67, via series of in situ and ex situ techniques. The results reveal that the structure of the ZIF-67 collapses after the pyrolysis due to the graphitization of the carbon. Graphitization is catalyzed by the metallic cobalt particles formed when the temperature rose above 460 °C. The ZIF-8 was found to be a promising precursor material since most of the metal evaporates at the early stages and does not aggregate to form metal particles. However, the insufficient metal-N active sites and intrinsic low electrocatalysis availability of Zn limit the performance of the final catalyst. To maintain the porous structure of MOFs it is important to control the metal species and prevent them from agglomeration. Direct utilization of high-concentration MOFs as pyrolysis precursors is not recommended without rational design to inhibit agglomeration and graphitization that are undesirable for catalyst activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVE trial randomized participants to receive two doses of mRNA-1273 vaccine or placebo on Days 1 and 29 (D1, D29). Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Spike IgG binding antibodies (bAbs), anti-receptor binding domain IgG bAbs, 50% inhibitory dilution neutralizing antibody (nAb) titers, and 80% inhibitory dilution nAb titers were measured at D29 and D57. We assessed these markers as correlates of protection (CoPs) against COVID-19 using stochastic interventional vaccine efficacy (SVE) analysis and principal surrogate (PS) analysis, frameworks not used in our previous COVE immune correlates analyses. By SVE analysis, hypothetical shifts of the D57 Spike IgG distribution from a geometric mean concentration (GMC) of 2737 binding antibody units (BAU)/mL (estimated vaccine efficacy (VE): 92.9% (95% CI: 91.7%, 93.9%)) to 274 BAU/mL or to 27,368 BAU/mL resulted in an overall estimated VE of 84.2% (79.0%, 88.1%) and 97.6% (97.4%, 97.7%), respectively. By binary marker PS analysis of Low and High subgroups (cut-point: 2094 BAU/mL), the ignorance interval (IGI) and estimated uncertainty interval (EUI) for VE were [85%, 90%] and (78%, 93%) for Low compared to [95%, 96%] and (92%, 97%) for High. By continuous marker PS analysis, the IGI and 95% EUI for VE at the 2.5th percentile (519.4 BAU/mL) vs. at the 97.5th percentile (9262.9 BAU/mL) of D57 Spike IgG concentration were [92.6%, 93.4%] and (89.2%, 95.7%) vs. [94.3%, 94.6%] and (89.7%, 97.0%). Results were similar for other D29 and D57 markers. Thus, the SVE and PS analyses additionally support all four markers at both time points as CoPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photonic neural networks (PNNs) show tremendous potential for artificial intelligence applications due to their higher computational rates than their traditional electronic counterpart. However, the scale‐up of PNN relies on the number of cascaded computing units, which is limited by the accumulated transmission attenuation. Here, a topology of PNN with Mach–Zehnder interferometers based on a single‐tuned phase shifter that implements arbitrary nonnegative or real‐valued matrices for vector‐matrix multiplication is proposed. Compared with the universal matrix mesh, the new configuration exhibits two orders of magnitude lower optical path loss and a twofold reduction in the number of the tunable phase shifter. An 8 × 8 reconfigurable chip is designed and fabricated, and it is experimentally verified that the 2 × 4 nonnegative‐valued matrix and the 2 × 2 real‐valued matrix are implemented in the proposed topology. Higher than 85% inference accuracies are obtained in the Modified National Institute of Standards and Technology handwritten digit recognition tasks with these matrices in the PNNs. Therefore, with much lower optical path loss and comparable computing accuracy, the proposed PNN configuration can be easily scaled up to tackle higher dimensional matrix multiplication, which is highly desired in tasks like voice and image recognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the routine testing and reporting of piperacillin/tazobactam susceptibility in Elizabethkingia species, which are increasingly prevalent pathogens in Asia. The study found that there is variability in the results of different susceptibility assays, leading to inconsistent reporting of susceptibility rates. In addition, the presence of a specific gene, blaB, in Elizabethkingia species was found to increase resistance to piperacillin/tazobactam and reduce its efficacy in vivo. The authors suggest that routine testing and reporting of piperacillin/tazobactam susceptibility in Elizabethkingia species may not be informative for treatment decisions. [Extracted from the article]

The electric field-modulated photoluminescent (E -PL) effect has received much attention because of its potential applications in optical data storage and communication. Based on the E- induced antiferroelectric-ferroelectric (AFE-FE) phase transition, a large and reversible modulation of the PL intensity was previously realized in lanthanum-doped Pb(Zr 0.9 Ti 0.1)O 3 (PLZT) ceramics. However, such systems contain abundant leads and are thus toxic to humans and the environment. In this work, Er-doped AgNbO 3 (ANO) lead-free ceramics were prepared, and their E -PL effect was investigated. From the perspective of the crystallographic symmetry, the reversibly E -induced orthorhombic Pbcm to orthorhombic Pmc 2 1 transition results in a negative PL intensity change of 25%, which is different from the positive 30% PL modulation in the PLZT system triggered by the AFE-FE orthorhombic-rhombohedral phase transition. This symmetry-dependent negative PL modulation in ANO ceramics enriches the understanding of the E -PL effect in AFEs and provides an environmentally friendly alternative for multifunctional optoelectronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cubosomes have aroused growing interest recently due to their widespread applications in pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic industries, etc. Especially, they demonstrate many advantages as drug delivery systems. However, no pharmaceutical products have been translated from bench to bedside so far. To promote the translation of the drug delivery system candidate, it is significant to accumulate fundamental and applied-fundamental knowledge of cubosomes. In the study, a bibliometric study upon cubosome research was carried out on the basis of Web of Science Core Collection database to figure out current and evolving knowledge domains of the published studies in a logical and robust way, summarizing the status quo and pointing out the future directions of cubosome research. Four questions which are pending addressed were answered by applying this research method and some conclusions were drawn: (1) Australia could be viewed as the most productive contributor for cubosome research. (2) Langmuir might be the most influential publishing media. (3) Using cubosomes as drug delivery carriers was a hot topic. (4) Adopting cubosomes as ocular drug delivery vehicles would continue to be a frequently studied aspect. In addition, cubosomes serve as alternative vector deliver active pharmaceutical ingredients to the brain and encapsulate active components extracted from herbal and traditional medicines in cubosomes are the burgeoning trends. By answering the four questions, productive contributors, influential publishing media, current research foci, and future directions were figured out. Hence, the current and evolving knowledge domains of cubosome studies were illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taiwanese-style emulsified pork meatballs (EPM) (Kung-wan) are the most popular restructured ready-to-eat meat products in Taiwan. However, the quality of EPM is influenced by numerous factors, especially its nonmeat ingredients. Sorghum distillers grains (SDGs) are a byproduct of Taiwanese alcoholic liquor, kaoliang liquor brewing. SDGs have comprehensive nutrients and good processing properties. However, the application of SDGs in EPM has not been reported. For this purpose, we examined the quality of EPM containing SDGs in this study. EPM containing SDGs showed substantially higher hardness (2126.67 to 3515.50 gf), gumminess (1093.79 to 1532.19 gf), chewiness (395.43 to 501.16 mJf), and lower pH values (4.98 to 5.87) compared to those of control (1917.33 gf, 930.81 gf, 389.83 mJf, and 5.99) (p < 0.05); however, EPM did not affect springiness or cohesiveness. Additionally, the control EPM exhibited the highest water-holding capacity (WHC) (94.87%), which did not markedly differ from those of 20% and 40% SDGs (p > 0.05). The control EPM (0% SDGs) showed the lowest cooking loss (5.58%), water loss (3.67%), fat loss (1.31%), and L (54.29), a (4.23), and b values (12.62), which substantially increased with increasing SDGs addition ratios (7.42 to 35.16%, 4.27 to 15.30%, 1.31 to 9.73%, 54.87 to 59.20, 4.26 to 5.67, and 13.81 to 18.51). Therefore, sorghum distiller's grains can replace potato starch for emulsified meat products such as tribute balls, and produce high-quality products, and promote the added value of SDGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: CircRNAs are involved in the tumorigenesis and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Previous studies revealed that circRNA expression was associated with 3′-end splicing. As the core executor of 3′-end cleavage, CPSF3 should modulate the circularization of circRNAs. From our research, we found that CPSF3 was highly expressed in HCC cells, and a high CPSF3 level was predictive of a poor prognosis. The increase of CPSF3 promoted the conversion of pre-mRNA processing products from circRNA to linear mRNA, thus inducing the tumorigenesis and metastasis of HCC. JTE-607, which is a chemical inhibitor of CPSF3, exerted a therapeutic effect on HCC. This elaborate work not only sheds a light on the research about the initiation and progression of HCC, but also contributes to the diagnosis and treatment of HCC. CircRNAs are crucial in tumorigenesis and metastasis, and are comprehensively downregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Previous studies demonstrated that the back-splicing of circRNAs was closely related to 3′-end splicing. As a core executor of 3′-end cleavage, we hypothesized that CPSF3 modulated circRNA circularization. Clinical data were analyzed to establish the prognostic correlations. Cytological experiments were performed to determine the role of CPSF3 in HCC. A fluorescent reporter was employed to explore the back-splicing mechanism. The circRNAs regulated by CPSF3 were screened by RNA-seq and validated by PCR, and changes in downstream pathways were explored by molecular experiments. Finally, the safety and efficacy of the CPSF3 inhibitor JTE-607 were verified both in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that CPSF3 was highly expressed in HCC cells, promoting their proliferation and migration, and that a high CPSF3 level was predictive of a poor prognosis. A mechanistic study revealed that CPSF3 enhanced RNA cleavage, thereby reducing circRNAs, and increasing linear mRNAs. Furthermore, inhibition of CPSF3 by JET-607 suppressed the proliferation of HCC cells. Our findings indicate that the increase of CPSF3 in HCC promotes the shift of pre-mRNA from circRNA to linear mRNA, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation. JTE-607 exerted a therapeutic effect on HCC by blocking CPSF3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Previous studies proved that the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is correlated with sleep regulation, yet how BDNF functions and reacts in the melatonin treatment of circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorder (CRSWD) among obese children remain enigmatic. Focusing on CRSWD in obese children, this study monitored their sleep efficiency and serum BDNF level changes during the treatment of melatonin. Methods In total, 35 obese children diagnosed with CRSWD were included in this study and administrated melatonin (3 mg/night) for 3 months. Blood samples were collected 24 hours before and after the treatment (08:00, 12:00, 16:00, 20:00, 24:00, and 04:00). Subsequently, the plasma melatonin level and serum BDNF level were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Sleep parameters, including sleep quality, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index as well as melatonin and BDNF levels before and after treatment, were recorded to profile the effectiveness and safety of melatonin treatment. Results Melatonin treatment increased plasma melatonin concentration and restored circadian rhythm. Besides, the serum BDNF level showed a significant increase, representing a strong positive correlation with melatonin concentration (p = 0.026). Patients experienced much-improved sleep efficiency (P < 0.001), with longer actual sleep time (P < 0.001), shorter sleep onset latency, and fewer awakenings after treatment (P < 0.001). Besides, melatonin was well tolerated by patients without producing severe side effects. Conclusion Melatonin treatment effectively improved CRSWD among obese children with their serum BDNF levels increased, indicating that BDNF is a key regulator in CRSWD in obese children. This study may offer theoretical support for melatonin treatment of CRSWD in obese children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abnormal growth hormones and thyroid function may be linked to pathophysiology of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Phthalates and bisphenol-A (BPA), two endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), may affect the human endocrine system. In this study, we aimed to perform a comprehensive investigation of whether growth hormone, thyroid function, and EDCs exhibited differential levels between ADHD patients and healthy controls. In total, 144 children with ADHD and 70 healthy control subjects were enrolled. Their endocrine systems were evaluated using the serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and Free T4. The urinary levels of EDCs, including monoethyl phthalate (MEP), mono-methyl phthalate (MMP), monoethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP), mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP), monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP), and BPA, were also examined. Patients with ADHD had lower IGF-1 levels than healthy controls (p = 0.003), but we observed no significant difference in IGFBP-3, TSH, T3, T4, or Free T4. Compared to the control group, patients with ADHD demonstrated higher MEHP levels (p = 0.043), MnBP (p = 0.033), and MBzP (p = 0.040). Furthermore, MEHP levels (p < 0.001) and BPA levels (p = 0.041) were negatively correlated with IGF-1 levels, while IGF-1 levels were negatively correlated with principal components consisting of ADHD clinical symptoms and neuropsychological performance variables. We suggest that MEHP exposure may be associated with decreased serum levels of IGF-1 and increased risk of ADHD. The mechanism underlying this association may be important for protecting children from environmental chemicals that adversely affect neurodevelopment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the biomechanical performance of the hybrid lumbar fixation technique with the traditional and cortical bone trajectory techniques using the finite element method. Methods: Four adult wet lumbar spine specimens were provided by the Department of Anatomy and Research of Xinjiang Medical University, and four L1–S1 lumbar spine with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) models at L4–L5 segment and four different fixation techniques were established: bilateral traditional trajectory screw fixation (TT–TT), bilateral cortical bone trajectory screw fixation (CBT–CBT), hybrid CBT–TT (CBT screws at L4 and TT screws at L5) and TT–CBT (TT screws at L4 and CBT screws at L5). The range of motion (ROM) of the L4–L5 segment, von Mises stress of cage, internal fixation, and rod were compared in flexion, extension, left and right bending, and left and right rotation. Results: Compared with the TT–TT group, the TT–CBT group exhibited lower ROM of L4–L5 segment, especially in left-sided bending; the CBT–TT group had the lowest ROM of L4–L5 segment in flexion and extension among the four fixation methods. Compared with the CBT–CBT group, the peak cage stress in the TT–CBT group was reduced by 9.9%, 18.1%, 21.5%, 23.3%, and 26.1% in flexion, left bending, right bending, left rotation, and right rotation conditions, respectively, but not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The peak stress of the internal fixation system in the TT–CBT group was significantly lower than the other three fixation methods in all five conditions except for extension, with a statistically significant difference between the CBT–TT and TT–CBT groups in the left rotation condition (P = 0.017). In addition, compared with the CBT–CBT group, the peak stress of the rod in the CBT–TT group decreased by 34.8%, 32.1%, 28.2%, 29.3%, and 43.0% under the six working conditions of flexion, extension, left bending, left rotation, and right rotation, respectively, but not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Compared with the TT–TT and CBT–CBT fixation methods in TLIF, the hybrid lumbar fixation CBT–TT and TT–CBT techniques increase the biomechanical stability of the internal fixation structure of the lumbar fusion segment to a certain extent and provide a corresponding theoretical basis for further development in the clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to comparative analysis of muscle fatty acid composition in 12 local chicken breeds. Based on the results of previous studies, the nutritional composition and muscle fatty acid content of 12 chicken breeds (White-eared chicken, Langshan chicken, Xiaoshan chicken, Beijing-You chicken, Silky chicken, Yugan black chicken, Chongren Ma chicken, Sanhuang chicken, Kangle chicken, Tibetan chicken, Wuding chicken and Dawei Mountain chicken) were analyzed. The results showed that the system hydraulic force, shear force and pH value of Sanhuang chickens were better than Xiaoshan chickens, White-eared chickens and Beijing-You chickens. The crude fat content of Tibetan chicken was significantly higher than that of the other 11 chicken breeds. The amino acid nutritional value of Sanhuang chicken, White-eared chicken and Tibetan chicken was higher. Silky chicken had the highest relative content of saturated fatty acids (44.96%) and Tibetan chicken had the lowest saturated fatty acid content (31.67%). Tibetan chicken had the highest unsaturated fatty acid (68.22%) and unsaturated fatty acids of Langshan chicken and Silky chicken were the lowest (54.34% and 54.43%). The first six principal components obtained by principal component analysis could explain 69.153% of total variance, of which the first, second and third principal components explained 27.352%, 25.371% and 16.431% of total variance, respectively. The phylogenetic clustering diagram based on principal component values classified 12 local chicken breeds in China into four categories, Yugan black chicken, Sanhuang chicken, Kangle chicken and Chongren Ma chicken were in one category. Beijing-You chicken, Tibetan chicken and Wuding chicken were in one category. Xiaoshan chickens, Dawei Mountain chickens, Langshan chickens and Silky chickens were in one category. White-eared chickens formed independent branches. The study indicates that unsaturated fatty acids of Tibetan chicken, Yugan black chicken and Sanhuang chicken are significantly higher than saturated fatty acids and their composition was more in line with standard of human diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]