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Traumatic hemorrhage is the major cause of death in trauma patients, and blood transfusion therapy is a necessary measure to ensure their life safety and nutritional status. However, a significant controversy exists in clinical practice regarding the optimal ratio of plasma to red blood cells for transfusion therapy. In this study, we compared the differences in hepatorenal function and nutritional status of three groups of patients with traumatic hemorrhage receiving blood transfusions with different plasma/red blood cell ratios (2.5:1, 1:1, and 1:1.5). Patients with plasma/red blood cell ratios of 1:1 exhibited the best post-transfusion blood status, the best hepatorenal function and nutritional status after blood transfusion, and the lowest nutritional risk level. In conclusion, transfusion therapy for traumatic patients with a 1:1 plasma/red blood cell ratio can effectively improve the coagulation function of patients and replenish blood volume, while maintaining the stability of hepatorenal function and nutritional status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To explore the effects of electroacupuncture on cardiac function and myocardial fibrosis in rat models of heart failure, and to elucidate the underlying mechanism of electroacupuncture in heart failure treatment. Methods: Healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated into three groups: Sham group, Model group, and electroacupuncture (Model + EA) group, with each group comprising 8 rats. The model underwent a procedure involving the ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery to induce a model of heart failure. The Model + EA group was used for 7 consecutive days for electroacupuncture of bilateral Shenmen (HT7) and Tongli (HT5), once a day for 30 min each time. Left ventricular parameters in rats were assessed using a small-animal ultrasound machine to analyze changes in left ventricular end-diastolic volume, left ventricular end-systolic volume, left ventricular ejection fraction, and left ventricular fractional shortening. Serum interleukin-1β (IL-1β), cardiac troponin (cTn), and N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide precursor levels were measured using ELISA. Histopathological changes in rat myocardium were observed through HE staining, while collagen deposition in rat myocardial tissue was assessed using the Masson staining method. Picro sirius red staining, immunohistochemical staining, and RT-qPCR were utilized to distinguish between the various types of collagen deposition. The expression level of TGF-β1 and SMAD2/3/4/7 mRNA in rat myocardial tissues was determined using RT-qPCR. Additionally, western blot analysis was conducted to assess the protein expression levels of TGF-β1, SMAD3/7, and p-SMAD3 in rat myocardial tissues. Results: Compared with the Sham group, the left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular fractional shortening values of the Model group were significantly decreased (P < 0.01); the left ventricular end-diastolic volume and left ventricular end-systolic volume values were remarkably increased (P < 0.01); serum N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide precursor content was increased (P < 0.01); serum IL-1β and cTn levels were increased (P < 0.01); myocardial collagen volume fraction were increased (P < 0.01); and those of the expression of TGF-β1 and SMAD2/3/4 mRNA was increased (P < 0.01); the expression of SMAD7 mRNA was decreased (P < 0.01); the protein expression levels of TGF-β1, SMAD3, and p-Smad3 were increased (P < 0.01); the protein expression level of SMAD7 was decreased (P < 0.01) in the Model group. Compared to the Model group, the expression levels of the proteins TGF-β1, SMAD3, and p-Smad3 in myocardial tissue were found to be decreased (P < 0.01), and the expression level of the protein SMAD7 was found to be increased (P < 0.01) in the Model + EA group; the collagen volume fraction and deposition of type I/III collagen were decreased (P < 0.01) in the Model + EA group. Conclusion: Electroacupuncture alleviates myocardial fibrosis in rats with heart failure, and this effect is likely due to attributed to the modulation of the TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway, which helps reduce collagen deposition in the extracellular matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soft actuators are gaining significant attention due to their ability to provide realistic tactile sensations in various applications. However, their soft nature makes them vulnerable to damage from external factors, limiting actuation stability and device lifespan. The susceptibility to damage becomes higher with these actuators often in direct contact with their surroundings to generate tactile feedback. Upon onset of damage, the stability or repeatability of the device will be undermined. Eventually, when complete failure occurs, these actuators are disposed of, accumulating waste and driving the consumption of natural resources. This emphasizes the need to enhance the durability of soft tactile actuators for continued operation. This review presents the principles of tactile feedback of actuators, followed by a discussion of the mechanisms, advancements, and challenges faced by soft tactile actuators to realize high actuation performance, categorized by their driving stimuli. Diverse approaches to achieve durability are evaluated, including self-healing, damage resistance, self-cleaning, and temperature stability for soft actuators. In these sections, current challenges and potential material designs are identified, paving the way for developing durable soft tactile actuators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electric submersible pump (ESP) is a crucial apparatus utilized for lifting in the oil extraction process. Its lifting capacity is enhanced by the multi-stage tandem structure, but variations in energy characteristics and internal flow across stages are also introduced. In this study, the inter-stage variability of energy characteristics in ESP hydraulic systems is investigated through entropy production (EP) analysis, which incorporates numerical simulations and experimental validation. The EP theory facilitates the quantification of energy loss in each computational subdomain at all ESP stages, establishing a correlation between microscopic flow structure and energy dissipation within the system. Furthermore, the underlying causes of inter-stage variability in ESP hydraulic systems are examined, and the advantages and disadvantages of applying the EP theory in this context are evaluated. Consistent energy characteristics within the ESP, aligned with the distribution of internal flow structure, are provided by the EP theory, as demonstrated by our results. The EP theory also enables the quantitative analysis of internal flow losses and complements existing performance analysis methods to map the internal flow structure to hydraulic losses. Nonetheless, an inconsistency between the energy characterization based on EP theory and the traditional efficiency index when reflecting inter-stage differences is identified. This inconsistency arises from the exclusive focus of the EP theory on flow losses within the flow field, disregarding the quantification of external energy input to the flow field. This study provides a reference for the optimization of EP theory in rotating machinery while deeply investigating the energy dissipation characteristics of multistage hydraulic system, which has certain theoretical and practical significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To investigate the causal role of lipid in sepsis and determine the effect of lipid-lowering interventions on the disease. Methods: Two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses were conducted to evaluate the associations of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein B and apolipoprotein A-I levels with risks for sepsis, and those of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HMGCR, PCSK9, NPC1L1), triglycerides (LPL, ANGPTL3, APOC3) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (CETP), apolipoprotein A-I (CETP), apolipoprotein B (HMGCR, PCSK9, NPC1L1, LPL, APOC3) with sepsis. Results: HMGCR-mediated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein B were associated with an increased risk of sepsis, with an odds ratio value of 1.4 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06-1.84, P = 0.017) and 1.41 (95% CI: 1.01-1.98, P = 0.046). CETP-mediated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein A-I were associated with a reduced risk of sepsis, with an odds ratio of 0.87 (95% CI: 0.82-0.92, P < 0.01) respectively and 0.84 (95% CI: 0.78-0.9, P < 0.01). Sensitivity analysis showed that the results were robust. Conclusion: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors and CETP inhibitors may contribute to the prevention and treatment of sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgound: To explore the characteristics and risk factors for health-related risky behaviours (HRRBs) in adolescents with depression. Methods: A total of 136 adolescents aged 12-18 years who met the diagnostic criteria for depression, and 272 healthy controls. All the subjects were assessed with the Adolescent Health-Related Risky Behavior Inventory (AHRBI), and the AHRBI scores of the two groups were compared with the Mann-Whitney U test. The depression group was assessed with the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ), Egna Minnen av Barndoms Uppfostran (EMBU), and Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scale (FACES II-CV). Spearman correlation analysis and multiple linear regression were used to explore the risk factors for HRRBs in adolescents with depression. Results: The AHRBI total score and five-factor scores of self-injury and suicide (SS), aggression and violence (AV), rule-breaking (RB), smoking and drinking (SD), and health-compromising behavior (HCB) in the depression group were higher than those in the control group. The severity of anxiety, catastrophizing, cognitive emotional regulation strategy (self-blame and blaming of others), the frequency of depression, physical neglect, and sexual abuse all increased the risk of HRRBs in adolescents with depression, and paternal emotional warmth and understanding had protective effects. Conclusion: First, depressed adolescents exhibited significantly more HRRBs than healthy adolescents. Second, there are many risk factors for HRRBs in adolescents with depression, and the risk factors for different types of HRRBs are also different. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cannibalism, an act of killing and consuming conspecific individuals, is a common behavior among various insect taxa. This study investigated the effects of food limitation and larval health status on cannibalistic behavior in the South American tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), a devastating insect pest on solanaceous crops. In "no-choice" trials, where either a healthy versus weak conspecific larva was provided, T. absoluta larvae exhibited a significantly higher cannibalism rate toward weak conspecific individuals compared with healthy ones. This pattern was further confirmed in "choice" trials where T. absoluta larvae significantly preferred to consume weak larvae to healthy ones when both targets were supplied. When plant food was supplied as an alternative to a healthy or a weak conspecific larva, cannibalism was observed only when weak conspecific individuals were available, despite a significant preference for tomato leaflets. Therefore, cannibalism in T. absoluta is largely opportunistic and is significantly influenced by plant food limitation and larval health status. These findings enhance our understanding of conspecific interactions in herbivorous insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The South American tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), has invaded most Afro-Eurasian countries. Since its first detection in China in late 2017, this pest has been now present in nearly 20 provinces/prefectures in China and is threating tomato and other Solanaceous crops such as potato, eggplant, and tobacco. Here, we provide a timely review on the current distribution, damage, management, and research in China. A standard survey form was designed and 30 answered surveys from 25 provinces have been received. The data showed that the damage has been witnessed in most of the regions despite that the severities vary among the regions. The management is chemicalcontrol biased, and more efforts are needed to increase the adoption of non-chemical alternatives in the Integrated Pest Management packages. An Integrated Pest Management (IPM) package called "CAMEFA" was developed and demonstrated in Yunnan and Xinjiang, the two earliest regions for the invasion. Yet, the adoption by local growers is still limited. Besides T. absoluta, we suggest a multi-pest approach by combining IPM tactics coping with other major insect pests sharing the crop. Lastly, international projects are deemed to serve as key lever for promoting IPM of T. absoluta and other invasive insect pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apples are one of the most important economic crops worldwide. Because of global warming and an aggravation of environmental, abnormally high temperatures occur frequently in fruit-growing season and seriously affect normal fruit growth and reduce fruit quality and yield. We took five-year-old 'Ruixue' (Qinfu 1 x Pink Lady; CNA20151469.1) fruits as test materials, and the ambient temperature during fruit development was monitored. The results showed that during the fruit-growing season, especially during the rapid growth stage (July to August), the maximum daily temperature exceeded 30 °C and lasted for more than 40 days. To determine the effects of high temperature stress on the apple fruit resistance, we treated expanding, veraison, and maturity-period fruits at different temperatures. It was found that the fruits of the expanding period showed strong resistance to high temperature stress, whereas during veraison and maturity, fruit resistance to high temperature stress decreased, and the fruit peel browning phenotype appeared. Meanwhile, the content of malonaldehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and superoxide anion (...) in the peel gradually increased with increasing temperature. The content of total phenols, flavanol, and flavonoids in the peel decreased substantially at 45 #176;C. Moreover, it was found that polyphenol oxidase gene (MdPPO1) was most sensitive to high temperature stress in apple. Furthermore, transient and stable MdPPO1 overexpression significantly promoted peel browning. The transgenic materials were more sensitive to high temperatures, and browning was more severe compared to non-genetically modified organism (WT). Stable MdPPO1 knockout calli obtained via clustered regularly interspersed short palindromic repeats (CRISPR/Cas9) gene knockout technology reduced the browning phenotype, and the resultant fruits were not sensitive to the effects of high temperature stress. Thus, MdPPO1 expression may be a key factor of high temperatureerelated changes observed in the browning phenotype that provides a scientific theoretical basis for the selection of high temperatureeresistant varieties and apple cultivation and management in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design. This is a cross-sectional study. Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of a novel finger Kinematic Parameter-Based Tool in the grip and release (G&R) test for assessing degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). Summary of Background Data. The development and progression of DCM symptoms are gradual and obscure. Although previous studies have objectively evaluated hand movements specific to myelopathy using the G&R test, virtual reality, or wearable sensors, these methods have limitations, such as limited discrimination or inconvenience for simple screening. Consequently, there is a need to develop effective screening methods. Materials and Methods. Totally, 297 asymptomatic volunteers and 258 DCM patients were enrolled. This system comprises a wearable acceleration/gyro sensor. The acceleration/gyro sensor was placed on the little finger of the participants to perform 40 cycles of full-range G&R as quickly as possible. The collected data were then transformed into kinematic parameters using sensor-based software and R studio software (version: RStudio 2022.07.2 +576, Boston, USA). Gender, age, and body mass index (BMI) subgroups (classified as BMI <18.5--below normal weight; 18.5≤ BMI <25--normal weight group; BMI ≥25--overweight group) were matched as predictor variables, and 201 pairs were matched. Nonparametric analysis using the Mann-Whitney U test was used for diagnosing the differences between the two groups, and Kruskal-Wallis's test followed by the Mann-Whitney U test was used for analyzing the differences among three different age groups (<40, 41--60, and > 60 yr group). The cut-off value of 10s G&R cycles and a combined parameter were determined using receiver operating characteristics curve analysis, area under the curve, and Youden index. Results. The authors found that little finger kinematic parameters were significantly lower in DCM patients than in asymptomatic participants. The optimal diagnostic indicator appeared to be the average of the top 10 linear accelerations with an area under the curve of 0.923. Conclusion. The Finger Kinematic Test System is an objective, practical, and quantitative utility that appears to have the capacity to diagnose and evaluate the severity of DCM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the effect of overexpressing miR-128-3p on the migration, invasion, and proliferation of human nasopharyngeal cancer cells, and associated pathways. Methods: Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and clone creation tests were used to investigate the effect of miR-128-3p inhibitor on the growth of C666-1 cells. The inhibitor control and miR-128-3p inhibitor were transfected into human nasopharyngeal cancer cells (C666-1) and allowed to incubate for 48 h. Cell migration and invasion assays were conducted using Transwell and Scratch assays. Cell cycle was assessed using propidium iodide (PI) single-staining method, while expression of miR-128-3p was evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Expression levels of vimentin, E-cadherin, and N-cadherin were determined by Western blot. Results: MiR-128-3p inhibitor transfection in C666-1 cells significantly increased cell proliferation, cell viability, and clonal proliferation, and also significantly reduced miR-128-3p expression levels, and enhanced cell migration and invasion. In C666-1 cells, inhibition of miR-128-3p induced epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). Conclusion: MiR-128-3p inhibits nasopharyngeal cancer cells from proliferating, migrating, and invading by regulating epithelial mesenchymal transition. MiR-128-3p may therefore be a viable therapeutic target for nasopharyngeal cancer. Future studies are required to yield pertinent data in support of this hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Glaucoma is marked by retinal neuron death in the ganglion cell layer, leading to irreversible vision loss. Aberrant long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression is associated with glaucoma. The study was to explore the latent molecular mechanism of lncRNA KCNQ1 opposite strand/antisense transcript 1 (KCNQ1OT1) in N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-stimulated glaucoma. Results: The data demonstrated that KCNQ1OT1 expression was elevated in glaucoma patients, serving as a diagnostic biomarker of glaucoma. Rats injected with NMDA developed visual loss and retinopathy and expressed high KCNQ1OT1. After treating retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) with NMDA, cell proliferation was suppressed and apoptosis was augmented. Silenced KCNQ1OT1 or HOXB3 or elevated miR-93-5p alleviated NMDA-induced suppression of RGC growth. KCNQ1OT1 mediated miR-93-5p expression by targeting homeobox box 3 (HOXB3). The protection of silenced KCNQ1OT1 in NMDA-treated RGCs was turned around by elevated HOXB3. Conclusions: Overall, KCNQ1OT1 accelerates glaucoma progression via miR-93-5p/HOXB3 axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study compared the effectiveness of insulin plus liraglutide or dapagliflozin in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated with metabolic syndrome and observed the nutritional status of patients before and after treatment. The results revealed no significant difference in the overall clinical efficacy and blood glucose levels between the liraglutide group treated with liraglutide and the dapagliflozin group treated with dapagliflozin (P > 0.05). In contrast, the adverse reactions in the liraglutide group were even lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, the liraglutide group demonstrated better improvements in insulin metabolism and blood lipid levels than the dapagliflozin group after treatment. However, their ability to repair thyroid function and alleviate oxidative stress was comparatively weak (P < 0.05). Serum albumin, total protein, and transferrin levels were elevated in both groups after treatment, but the increase in the dapagliflozin group was higher than that in the liraglutide group (P < 0.05). The number of malnutrition cases was significantly reduced in both groups after treatment compared to before treatment (P < 0.05). These results suggest that the combination of insulin with liraglutide or dapagliflozin is highly effective in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated by metabolic syndrome and can effectively improve the nutritional status of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little is known about effective interventions to increase physical activity levels in this population. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of different interventions for physical activity levels in whole-spectrum CKD patients. Methods: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched from inception to December 2022, with an update in March 2023. Studies of clinical interventions based on assessing physical activity outcomes (e.g., daily steps, time spent doing physical activity) in patients with whole-spectrum CKD were included. The pooled effect size was calculated using a restricted maximum likelihood method and reported as a standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results: The systematic review included 2,156 participants (59.9 ± 8.7 years) from 35 studies. Interventions aimed at modifying physical activity were associated with significantly higher physical activity levels in patients with CKD (SMD = 0.22; 95% CI: 0.08 to 0.36; I² = 55%). Exercise-based interventions and real-time step feedback increased physical activity by 0.26 (95% CI: 0.07 to 0.45; I² = 59%) and 0.36 (95% CI: 0.12 to 0.60; I² = 0%) standard deviations, respectively. Effect sizes did not vary by disease stage or study duration; however, there was evidence of small study or publication bias for the primary analysis. Conclusion: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, intervention strategies aimed at modifying physical activity were associated with significantly increased physical activity levels in patients with whole-spectrum CKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the coupled chemotaxis-haptotaxis model with gradient-dependent flux-limitation ... where Ω ⊂ ℝn(n ≥ 1) is a bounded domain with smooth boundary, χ, ξ and μ are positive parameters. * Under the condition that 1 < p < n/ n - 1, then for any χ, ξ,μ > 0 and all reasonably smooth initial data (u0,w0), the above system possesses a globally classical solution, which is uniformly bounded in time. * Under the conditions that 1 < p < n/n - 1 and μ > χ²/8, it asserts exponential decay of w in the large time limit, whereas both u and v persist in some certain sense. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dysfunctional gene expression in nociceptive pathways plays a critical role in the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain. Super enhancers (SEs), composed of a large cluster of transcriptional enhancers, are emerging as new players in the regulation of gene expression. However, whether SEs participate in nociceptive responses remains unknown. Here, we report a spinal-specific SE (SS-SE) that regulates chronic constriction injury (CCI)-induced neuropathic pain by driving Ntmt1 and Prrx2 transcription in dorsal horn neurons. Peripheral nerve injury significantly enhanced the activity of SS-SE and increased the expression of NTMT1 and PRRX2 in the dorsal horn of male mice in a bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4)-dependent manner. Both intrathecal administration of a pharmacological BRD4 inhibitor JQ1 and CRISPR-Cas9-mediated SE deletion abolished the increased NTMT1 and PRRX2 in CCI mice and attenuated their nociceptive hypersensitivities. Furthermore, knocking down Ntmt1 or Prrx2 with siRNA suppressed the injury-induced elevation of phosphorylated extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression in the dorsal horn and alleviated neuropathic pain behaviors. Mimicking the increase in spinal Ntmt1 or Prrx2 in naive mice increased p-ERK and GFAP expression and led to the genesis of neuropathic pain-like behavior. These results redefine our understanding of the regulation of pain-related genes and demonstrate that BRD4-driven increases in SS-SE activity is responsible for the genesis of neuropathic pain through the governance of NTMT1 and PRRX2 expression in dorsal horn neurons. Our findings highlight the therapeutic potential of BRD4 inhibitors for the treatment of neuropathic pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The architectural design and the policies of energy-saving and emission-reduction proposed by the state are mutually influenced. In this case, the architecture major in colleges and universities should pay more attention to the training of talents under the policy to meet society’s need for talent. Universities are essential places for the personnel cultivation of architecture students, and it is necessary to understand the perceptions of such students about energy-saving and emission reduction in green building construction in China. Regarding their major (sophomore to graduate architecture students at Anhui Polytechnic University) and related courses about green buildings, this study assessed and compared students’ opinions about the energy-saving and emission reduction of green buildings. To achieve the research goals, 140 questionnaires were conducted among the students as mentioned above. The study results showed that most respondents believed it is essential to promote energysaving and emission reduction of green buildings in the context of high energy consumption in China’s buildings. Students thought that building energy-saving design and technology, building materials courses, and experimental teaching methods were more important in student teaching. It was also clear from the research that students spend more time in the dormitory and library, thus the energy-saving and emission-reduction technologies can focus on these building types. Based on the Chi-square test, the influence of gender and grade on the results of some questions was further investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the effects of grape seed procyanidin extract (GSPE) in alleviating sodium fluoride (NaF)-induced hepatic injury. Rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, NaF, NaF+GSPE, and NaF+Vc (vitamin C). After 28 days of intervention, key liver function-related biochemical parameters, oxidative stress markers, and histopathological changes in the hepatic tissue were analyzed. The oxidative stress was closely related to hepatic cell apoptosis as measured using the TUNEL method. In addition, the levels of apoptosis-related proteins Bax and Bcl-2 were determined by western blot. Compared with the control group, the NaF group showed reduced levels of antioxidant enzymes GSH, CAT, and SOD, with concomitantly increased MDA content, apoptosis, and histopathological damage in the liver tissues. However, GSPE administration significantly attenuated the oxidative stress and apoptosis in hepatic tissue and recovered histopathological damage. In addition, GSPE supplementation up-regulated anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 level and decreased pro-apoptotic Bax level. In conclusion, our results suggest that GSPE can exert antioxidant and antiapoptotic protective effects against fluoride-induced hepatic injury in a rat model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on addressing challenges in training sequential recommendation models with implicit feedback data and the limitations of one-hot data representations. It introduces a novel optimization framework called Multi-View Smoothness (MVS) to enhance both data representations and model learning, addressing context and label smoothness, and model regularization.

Background: This study utilizes the two-sample Mendelian randomization method to examine the correlations between 196 variants of gut microbiota and sepsis. Methods: This study leveraged summary statistics data from the genome-wide association studies on gut microbiota and sepsis, obtained from MiBioGen (n = 18340) and the UK Biobank (n = 462918). Following pre-determined P-value and clumping thresholds, independently significant SNPs associated with the abundance of 196 gut microbiota were selected as instrumental variables. The primary methodology for the Mendelian randomization study involved the inverse-variance weighting method, with results being assessed based on the odds ratio and a 95% confidence interval. To assure the solidity of our findings, we executed an array of sensitivity analyses, encompassing the Mendelian randomization-Egger intercept test, Mendelian randomization pleiotropy residual sum and outlier test, Cochran's Q test, and the leave-one-out test. Results: An elevated presence of Bifidobacterium may diminish sepsis risk (odds ratio = 0.79; 95% confidence interval 0.72-0.86; P = 5.19e-07). No signs of heterogeneity or pleiotropy were exhibited in the sensitivity analysis. Conclusion: Bifidobacterium may be instrumental in reducing sepsis risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triply period minimal surface (TPMS)-based porous microchannels with freeform surfaces are extensively used in various applications, e.g., bone scaffold design and thermal management. However, TPMS-based porous microchannels designed by most existing solutions are difficult to conform with the boundaries of freeform surfaces, and the integrity of the TPMS unit at the surface boundary is easily destroyed. Therefore, this work proposes a conformal design method for TPMS-based microchannels based on mesh surface conformal parameterization. A novel geometric structure, namely "quasi-quadrilateral," is presented with this approach to control the size and shape of TPMS unit. Then, a design method of TPMS network topology in the 2D parametric domain of mesh surfaces is proposed to determine the positions of TPMS units. Based on this network topology, an algorithm to generate conformal TPMS units and TPMS-based microchannels is further presented. The result microchannels can automatically adapt to various freeform surfaces, and the quality of TPMS unit is greatly improved. Moreover, the effectiveness and practicability of the proposed approach are validated by comparative experimental studies with existing solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Penetrating head injury is a serious open cranial injury. In civilians, it is often caused by non-missile, low velocity flying objects that penetrate the skull through a weak cranial structure, forming intracranial foreign bodies. The intracranial foreign body can be displaced due to its special quality, shape, and location. In this paper, we report a rare case of right-to-left displacement of an airgun lead bullet after transorbital entry into the skull complicated by posttraumatic epilepsy, as a reminder to colleagues that intracranial metal foreign bodies maybe displaced intraoperatively. In addition, we have found that the presence of intracranial metallic foreign bodies may be a factor for the posttraumatic epilepsy, and their timely removal appears to be beneficial for epilepsy control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene oxide (GO) was prepared by a modified Hummers method using peanut shells and natural graphite, and graphene oxide modified peanut shells activated carbon composites (GO-AC) were synthesized by co-pyrolysis. The optimal preparation conditions of AC were screened by response surface methodology (RSM) to optimize the preparation process. The results showed that the surface of GO-AC had more micropores and larger specific surface area, increased the surface adsorption sites and had more oxygen-containing functional groups. The adsorption process was mainly based on chemisorption, and the adsorption capacity was 3.45 and 1.30 times higher than that of BC (45.16 mg/g) and AC (119.21 mg/g), respectively. After six adsorption-desorption cycle tests, the adsorption amount of Cd2+ by GO-AC was still as high as 89.26 mg/g, with a percentage increase of 93.5% and 365% compared to BC (19.18 mg/g) and AC (46.13 mg/g), respectively, with good reusability. The research can provide a useful reference for the high value-added conversion of waste biomass, and GO-AC loading modified with significant adsorption of Cd2+ has good potential for application as a novel and low-cost adsorbent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To renovate an ordinary building roof into an extensive green roof (GR), on the basis of optimizing the runoff process, the total runoff control rate (TR-CR) and peak runoff control rate (PR-CR) were analyzed with the SWMM model under parameter sensitivity analysis. The response surface method (RSM) was used to investigate the effect of area ratio (GR area to total roof area), width (surface width per unit), and soil hydraulic conductivity on TR-CR and PR-CR. The optimal test conditions were obtained through the establishment of quadratic regression equations. The results showed that the effects of the three factors on TR-CR were in the order of area ratio>hydraulic conductivity>width, and on PR-CR was area ratio>width>hydraulic conductivity. Considering the volume capture ratio (80%) of annual rainfall and construction cost of the GR, under the optimal conditions of the area ratio of 0.79, width of 2.21 m, and hydraulic conductivity of 55.59 mm/h, the average values of TR-CR and PR-CR for this optimization scheme were 80.2% and 80.9%, respectively. This result show that the multiple quadratic regression model established is reliable. Therefore, the RSM can effectively optimize the simulation parameters, and provide some theoretical and practical basis for the renovation or construction of GRs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing fruit sugar contents, especially for high-flavonoid apples with a sour taste, is one of the main goals of horticultural crop breeders. This study analyzed sugar accumulation and the underlying mechanisms in the F2 progenies of a hybridization between the high-sugar apple (Malus × domestica) variety "Gala" and high-flavonoid apple germplasm "CSR6R6". We revealed that MdSWEET9b (sugars will eventually be exported transporter) helps mediate sugar accumulation in fruits. Functional characterization of MdSWEET9b in yeast mutants lacking sugar transport as well as in overexpressing and CRISPR/Cas9 knockdown apple calli revealed MdSWEET9b could transport sucrose specifically, ultimately promoting normal yeast growth and accumulation of total sugar contents. Moreover, MdWRKY9 bound to the MdSWEET9b promoter and regulated its activity, which responded to abscisic acid (ABA) signaling. Furthermore, MdWRKY9 interacted with MdbZIP23 (basic leucine zipper) and MdbZIP46, key ABA signal transducers, at the protein and DNA levels to enhance its regulatory effect on MdSWEET9b expression, thereby influencing sugar accumulation. Based on the contents of ABA in lines with differing sugar contents and the effects of ABA treatments on fruits and calli, we revealed ABA as one of the main factors responsible for the diversity in apple fruit sugar content. The results of this study have clarified how MdSWEET9b influences fruit sugar accumulation, while also further elucidating the regulatory effects of the ABA-signaling network on fruit sugar accumulation. This work provides a basis for future explorations of the crosstalk between hormone and sugar metabolism pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peel browning is a natural phenomenon that adversely affects the appearance of fruits. Research on the regulation of browning in apples (Malus × domestica Borkh.) has mainly focused on postharvest storage, while studies at the preharvest stage are relatively rare. Apple is an economically important horticultural crop prone to peel browning during growth, especially when the fruits are bagged (dark conditions). The present study's integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics analysis revealed that preharvest apple peel browning was primarily due to changes in phenolics and flavonoids. The detailed analysis identified MdLAC7's (laccase 7) role in the preharvest apple peel browning process. Transient injection, overexpression, and CRISPR/Cas9 knockout of the MdLAC7 gene in apple fruit and calli identified vallinic acid, anthocyanidin, tannic acid, sinapic acid, and catechinic acid as its catalytic substrates. In addition, yeast one-hybrid assay, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, luciferase reporter assay, and ChIP-PCR analysis revealed that MdWRKY31 binds to the promoter of MdLAC7 and positively regulates its activity to promote peel browning of bagged fruits (dark conditions). Interestingly, upon light exposure, the light-responsive transcription factor MdHY5 (ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5) bound to the promoter of MdWRKY31 and inhibited the gene's expression, thereby indirectly inhibiting the function of MdLAC7. Subsequent analysis showed that MdHY5 binds to the MdLAC7 promoter at the G-box1/2 site and directly inhibits its expression in vivo. Thus, the study revealed the MdLAC7-mediated mechanism regulating preharvest apple peel browning and demonstrated the role of light in inhibiting MdLAC7 activity and subsequently reducing peel browning. These results provide theoretical guidance for producing high-quality apple fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Voice disorders significantly impair the ability to communicate effectively and reduce the quality of life in older adults; however, its prevalence has not been well established. The aim of our research was to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of voice disorders among the older population. Method: Five medical databases were systematically searched for studies that reported the prevalence of voice disorders in older adults. The overall prevalence was exhibited in proportions and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) utilizing random-effects models. Heterogeneity was measured using I² statistics. Results: Of 930 articles screened, 13 fulfilled the eligibility criteria, including 10 studies in community-based settings and three in institutionalized settings. An overall prevalence of voice disorders in older adults was estimated to be 18.79% (95% CI [16.34, 21.37], I² = 96%). Subgroup analysis showed a prevalence of 33.03% (95% CI [26.85, 39.51], I² = 35%) in institutionalized older adults, which was significantly higher than that in the community-based older adults with 15.2% (95% CI [12.65, 17.92], I² = 92%). Some factors that influenced the reported prevalence were identified, including types of survey, the definition of voice disorders, sampling methods, and the mean age of the population among included studies. Conclusions: The prevalence of voice disorders in the older population depends on various factors but is relatively common in older adults. The findings of this study accentuate the necessity for researchers to standardize the protocol for reporting geriatric dysphonia as well as for older adults to express their voice-related problems so that they will receive appropriate diagnosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbicides with drip irrigation (chemigation) could control the herbicides application accurately as the irrigation technology, and could reduce the harm to humans and the environment. However, the herbicide concentration is not consistent in the advancing process along the drip irrigation tape of different lengths, which not only influences the crop growth and results in herbicide residue. In this study, the crop and environmental effects of chemigation were discussed, potassium permanganate was used to replace herbicides, and a laboratory test was conducted to determine the best application duration. Based on this result, the maize field experiment of chemigation under plastic mulch was carried out to compare the effects of maize growth index, yield and herbicide residue for determining the optimal chemigation mode. The result shows that there is no significant difference in the application uniformity among treatments, but the leaf area index (LAI), yield, and double-ear rate of maize under continuous application (CA) were higher than those under periodic application (PA) and no application (NA) significantly. One month after the application, the acetochlor residue of the two modes was less than 1%, which would not cause pollution to the surrounding environment. And there was a significant linear regression relationship between the length of drip irrigation tape and the optimal application duration under the same acetochlor dosage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reliable disease management can guarantee healthy plant production and relies on the knowledge of pathogen prevalence. Modeling the dynamic changes in spore concentration is available for realizing this purpose. We present a novel model based on a time-series modeling machine learning method, i.e., a long short-term memory (LSTM) network, to analyze oomycete Plasmopara viticola sporangia concentration dynamics using data from a 4-year field experiment trial in North China. Principal component analysis (PCA)-based high-quality input screening and simulation result calibration were performed to ensure model performance, obtaining a high determination coefficient (0.99), a low root mean square error (0.87), and a low mean bias error (0.55), high sensitivity (91.5%), and high specificity (96.5%). The impact of the variability of relative factors on daily P. viticola sporangia concentrations was analyzed, confirming that a low daily mean air temperature restricts pathogen development even during a long period of high humidity in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Higher tree species richness generally increases the storage of soil organic carbon (SOC). However, less attention is paid to the influence of varied tree species composition on SOC storage. Recently, the perspectives for the stronger persistence of SOC caused by the higher molecular diversity of organic compounds were proposed. Therefore, the influences of tree species richness and composition on the molecular diversity of SOC need to be explored. In this study, an index of the evenness of diverse SOC chemical components was proposed to represent the potential resistance of SOC to decomposition under disturbances. Six natural forest types were selected encompassing a diversity gradient, ranging from cold temperate to tropical forests. We examined the correlations of tree species richness, composition, and functional diversity, with the evenness of SOC chemical components at a molecular level by 13C nuclear magnetic resonance. Across the range, tree species richness correlated to the evenness of SOC chemical components through tree species composition. The negative correlation of evenness of SOC chemical components with tree species composition, and the positive correlation of evenness of SOC chemical components with tree functional diversity were found. These indicate the larger difference in tree species composition and the lower community functional diversity resulted in the higher heterogeneity of SOC chemical components among the communities. The positive correlation of the evenness of SOC chemical components with the important value of indicator tree species, further revealed the specific tree species contributing to the higher evenness of SOC chemical components in each forest type. Soil fungal and bacterial a-diversity had effect on the evenness of SOC chemical components. These findings suggest that the indicator tree species conservation might be preferrable to simply increasing tree species richness, for enhancing the potential resistance of SOC to decomposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Topological indices provide a mathematical tool to examine the properties such as boiling points, melting points, the radius of gyrations etc. These invariants are used to determine the physio-chemical properties and bioactivity of chemical compounds in QSAR/QSPR study. A highly branched with nanometer-scale dimensions and star-shaped macromolecules are known as dendrimers. In our paper, we determine degree based generalized inverse sum indeg index of Triazine and porphyrin based dendrimers, dendrimers with phthalocyanines, porphyrins cores and Phosphorous-containing dendrimers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For a graph, the SK index is equal to the half of the sum of the degrees of the vertices, the SK1 index is equal to the half of the product of the degrees of the vertices, and the SK2 index is equal to the half of the square of the sum of the degrees of the vertices. This paper shows a simple and unified approach to the greatest SK indices for unicyclic graphs by using some transformations and characterizes these graphs with the first, second, and third SK indices having order r ≥ 5 and girth g ≥ 3, where girth is the length of the shortest cycle in a graph. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to solve the problem of energy consumption, improve the efficiency of energy utilization and develop new energy, the total energy consumption and fluctuation of thermal integrated energy were analyzed. Four suggestions are put forward for the integrated power system of flexible thermal power plant, namely, electric heat storage system, electric heat pump heat storage system, g, heating system and high pressure heating system via steam turbine, which can improve the air energy consumption capacity of the system and reduce the total coal consumption of the system. Among them, in the case of small air conditioning units or small air conditioning units do not use electric heating furnace and electric heat pump furnace. Heat storage technology of thermal power unit is not suitable for daily exhaust. In contrast, the high pressure/IP bypass heating process of steam turbine is more flexible and less restrictive, which is the best method for comparison. Compared with other schemes discussed by the author, this scheme has the highest flexibility and the least restrictions, and is the best one among the four. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electroreduction of CO² is a sustainable approach to produce syngas with tunable CO/H² ratios, which are required as specific reactants for the optimization of desired products. Herein, ZnO-d and ZnO-n nanomaterials were derived from zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) precursors with different morphologies, which exhibit good performance for CO² electroreduction to syngas when using 1-butyl- 3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([Bmim]PF6, 30 wt%)/acetonitrile/water (H²O, 5 wt%) as the supporting electrolyte. Regulation of the number of oxygen vacancies in different ZnO samples and the applied potentials during electrolysis can obviously affect the CO/H² ratios in syngas, which would be changed from 1/3 to 8.5/1. Meanwhile, ZnO-n with abundant oxygen vacancies displays the highest CO faradaic efficiency (FE) of 73.2% with the total current density of 9.8 mA cm-2 at -1.9 V vs. Ag/Ag+. More oxygen vacancies and higher electrochemical specific surface area of ZnO-n can provide more active sites and facilitate the adsorption of CO2 and its intermediates. The smaller charge transfer impedance of ZnO-n can accelerate the electron and proton transfer, and thus improve the catalytic activity and the selectivity of products. In addition, the good synergistic effect between the [Bmim]PF6- containing electrolyte and ZnO-n can enhance the formation of syngas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to solve the problem of energy consumption, improve the efficiency of energy utilization and develop new energy, the total energy consumption and fluctuation of thermal integrated energy were analyzed. Four suggestions are put forward for the integrated power system of flexible thermal power plant, namely, electric heat storage system, electric heat pump heat storage system, g, heating system and high pressure heating system via steam turbine, which can improve the air energy consumption capacity of the system and reduce the total coal consumption of the system. Among them, in the case of small air conditioning units or small air conditioning units do not use electric heating furnace and electric heat pump furnace. Heat storage technology of thermal power unit is not suitable for daily exhaust. In contrast, the high pressure/IP bypass heating process of steam turbine is more flexible and less restrictive, which is the best method for comparison. Compared with other schemes discussed by the author, this scheme has the highest flexibility and the least restrictions, and is the best one among the four. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enoki mushroom (Flammulina filiformis) is one of the most important and popular edible mushrooms commercially in China. However, traditional mushroom cultivar identification is challenging due to poor accuracy, heavy workloads, and low reproducibility. To overcome this challenge, we developed a method for identifying F. filiformis strains using multiple nucleotide polymorphism sequencing (MNP-seq). This involved screening 179 universal MNP markers based on whole-genome sequencing data, constructing an MNP sequence library, and performing multiplex PCR amplification and high-sequencing. We further screened 69 core MNP markers and used them to build a neighbor-joining (NJ) phylogenetic tree of 232 cultivated and wild strains. Our analysis showed that all cultivars could be accurately separated by computing genetic similarity values and that the cultivars could be separated into 22 distinct evolutionary pedigrees. The specific value of genetic similarity can be used as the standard to distinguish F. filiformis cultivars, however, it needs to be comprehensively defined by the additional phenotype and biological characteristics of those strains in the future work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Gout (GT) belongs to a group of diseases caused by a purine metabolic disorder. GT is an inflammatory disease caused by the local deposition of uric acid in joints or adjacent tissues. The mechanism of GT is not fully explained, especially the involvement of an immune system. The objective of this study was to investigate the change in peripheral CD4+T subsets in acute and chronic GT patients. Methods: A total of 205 patients with acute and chronic GT and 87 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled. The medical history improvement, clinical indicators, immune function, and peripheral CD4+T-lymphocyte detected by modified flow cytometry were collected in all subjects. Results: Compared with healthy controls, acute and chronic GT patients remarkably increased the absolute counts of T helper type 1 (Th1) cells (P < 0.05) and decreased the absolute number of Treg cells without significant difference (P > 0.05). In addition, the absolute number and percentage of Th1 cells and Th1/T helper type 2 (Th2) ratio increased significantly, and the ratio of Th2 cells decreased in patients with chronic GT compared to patients with acute GT (P < 0.05). The results of Spearman correlation analysis showed a notably negative correlation between the level of CRP and the absolute counts of peripheral Th1 and Th17 cells in patients with GT, while the levels of CD4+T sunsets had no significant correlation with ESR and uric acid. The course of the disease, the absolute number of Th1 cells, the percentage of Th1 cells and the ratio of Th1/Th2 cells were significantly associated with the progression of the disease, and the course of the disease was an independent risk factor for patients with chronic GT. Conclusion: The balance of Th1 and Th2 were involved throughout the whole stages of GT, Th17 cells then become involved in the disease process as the disease progresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In minimal residual disease (MRD) analysis after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), abnormal immunophenotyping is commonly considered as evidence of a secondary recurrence or complications, leading to overtreatment. We aimed to confirm whether such phenotypic abnormality might originate from donors using multicolor flow cytometry (MFC). Materials and Methods: The MRD of bone marrow specimens of 3395 patients who had received allo-HSCT were analyzed using the conventional two-tube, eight-color MFC panel. The frequencies of abnormal immunophenotypes were also evaluated in three groups of patients without malignancies. Results: The frequency of new abnormal polymorphisms was 0.088% (3/3395) among patients who received allo-HSCT. The abnormal cells seen in three patients in complete remission were Fcy receptor IIIB (FcγRIIIB) gene deletion (CD16- neutrophils), CD2-CD159a-CD159c+ natural killer (NK) cells, and monoclonal B lymphocytosis (MBL), respectively. In addition, abnormal T-cells (CD4+CD8+) were detected in one donor before allo-HSCT. Identical abnormalities were found in the peripheral blood of the corresponding donors of the three patients via MFC. Among the individuals without malignancies, the incidence of FcyRIIIB deletion was 0.2% (11/5256), that of NK cells with the absence of CD2 and single-positive CD159c was 0.05% (1/2000), that of monoclonal CD4/CD8 double-positive T-cells was 0.05% (1/2000), and that of MBL was 1.3% (14/1100). The frequency of NK cells with the absence of CD2 was 1.3% (1/79) and with CD8dim was 14% (11/79) in NK cell lymphoma. The following abnormalities could be identified by the two-tube, eight-color MFC panel: cκ/cλ/CD19/CD5/CD20/ CD38/CD45/CD56 (adding CD10 and CD34 as the ninth and tenth colors) and CD16+CD56/CD5/CD3/CD7/CD4/CD8/CD2/CD45 (adding CD117 as the ninth color). Conclusion: Abnormalities in recipients of allo-HSCT detected by MRD analysis may originate from their donors. Screening of donor specimens with a suitable two-tube, eight- to ten-color MFC panel may be a promising method for minimizing misdiagnoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To characterize complex and heterogeneous side information in recommender systems, the heterogeneous information network (HIN) has shown superior performance and attracted much research attention. In HIN, the rich entities, relations, and paths can be utilized to model the correlations of users and items; such a task setting is often called HIN-based recommendation. Although HIN provides a general approach to modeling rich side information, it lacks special consideration on the goal of the recommendation task. The aggregated context from the heterogeneous graph is likely to incorporate irrelevant information, and the learned representations are not specifically optimized according to the recommendation task. Therefore, there is a need to rethink how to leverage the useful information from HIN to accomplish the recommendation task. To address the above issues, we propose a Curriculum pre-training based HEterogeneous Subgraph Transformer (called CHEST) with new data characterization, representation model, and learning algorithm. Specifically, we consider extracting useful information from HIN to compose the interaction-specific heterogeneous subgraph, containing highly relevant context information for recommendation. Then, we capture the rich semantics (e.g., graph structure and path semantics) within the subgraph via a heterogeneous subgraph Transformer, where we encode the subgraph into multi-slot sequence representations. Besides, we design a curriculum pre-training strategy to provide an elementary-to-advanced learning process. The elementary course focuses on capturing local context information within the subgraph, and the advanced course aims to learn global context information. In this way, we gradually capture useful semantic information from HIN for modeling user-item interactions. Extensive experiments conducted on four real-world datasets demonstrate the superiority of our proposed method over a number of competitive baselines, especially when only limited training data is available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: M2 phenotype macrophage polarization is an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. Asiaticoside (ATS) has multiple pharmacological functions. Objective: This study investigates the effect of ATS on M2 phenotype macrophage polarization in osteosarcoma. Materials and methods: The differentiation of human THP-1 monocytes into M0 phenotype macrophages was induced by 100nM phorbol myristate acetate for 24 h, and treated with 20 ng/mL IL-4 and 20 ng/mL IL-13 for 48 h to obtain M2 phenotype macrophages. The function of ATS on the growth and invasion was investigated by cell counting kit-8, transwell, and western blot under the co-culture of M2 phenotype macrophages and osteosarcoma cells for 24 h. The mechanism of ATS on osteosarcoma was assessed using molecular experiments. Results: ATS reduced the THP-1 cell viability with an IC50 of 128.67 lM. Also, ATS repressed the M2 phenotype macrophage polarization induced by IL-4/IL-13, and the effect was most notably at a 40 lM dose. ATS (40 lM) restrained the growth and invasion of osteosarcoma cells induced by M2 phenotype macrophages. In addition, ATS reduced the tumour necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6)/NF-jB activity in osteosarcoma cells and the TRAF6 knockdown reduced the growth and invasion of osteosarcoma cells induced by M2 phenotype macrophages. TRAF6 (2 lg/mL) attenuated the inhibitory effect of ATS on the growth and invasion of osteosarcoma cells caused by M2 phenotype macrophages. In vivo studies further confirmed ATS (2.5, 5, or 10 mg/kg) repressed osteosarcoma tumour growth. Discussion and conclusions: ATS reversed M2 phenotype macrophage polarization-evoked osteosarcoma cell malignant behaviour by reducing TRAF6/NF-jB activity, suggesting ATS might be a promising drug for the clinical treatment of osteosarcoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Baicalin, a flavonoid extracted from radix scutellariae, possesses various pharmacological effects, including protective effects on renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF), but its possible role and mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Objective: This study explores the protective effects and mechanisms of baicalin on RIF. Materials and methods: C57BL/6 male mice were divided into six groups: sham, model, low baicalin, middle baicalin, high baicalin and positive drug groups. The unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model of RIF was constructed and treated with baicalin doses (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg) and a positive control drug (valsartan, 8 mg/kg). H&E staining was used to observe the pathological changes in renal tissues, Masson staining was performed to evaluate collagen deposition in renal tissues, and immunohistochemical examination was adopted to determine a-SMA and extracellular matrix (ECM) expression. Primary mouse fibroblasts were isolated, extracted and treated with baicalin and/or TGF-b. qRT-PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the inflammatory responses. Moreover, ECM and TGF-b/Smad expression levels were evaluated by western blot assay. Results: Baicalin ameliorated RIF in UUO mice by inhibiting fibrosis and inflammatory responses. The TGF-b/Smad pathway was significantly suppressed in the UUO mouse model. Additionally, baicalin significantly inhibited ECM expression and inflammatory factors in fibroblasts treated with TGF-b. TGF-b/Smad pathway activation was significantly decreased in fibroblasts. Discussion and conclusions: These findings support the use of baicalin as a potential therapeutic option for the treatment of RIF by possibly inhibiting the TGF-b/Smad signalling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The state has issued a series of policy documents to vigorously promote the construction and development of ideological and political courses in colleges and universities. Red tourism provides a broader vision and deeper meaning for deepening the educational function of ideological and political courses. Using research methods such as literature research and case analysis, the restrictive factors that affect the effect of ideological and political education are discussed, and new ideas and new ways are put forward, such as promoting the synchronous construction of the first classroom and the second classroom of ideological and political courses, and integrating the small classroom of ideological and political education into the large classroom of society. The research could provide useful reference for the deepening development of red tourism in the new era and the multi-dimensional expansion of ideological and political courses in colleges and universities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We attempt to improve user satisfaction with the effects of retrieval results and visual appearance by employing users' own information. User feedback on digital platforms has been proven to be one type of user cognition. Through conducting a digital literature resource organization model based on user cognition, our proposal improves both the content and presentation of retrieval systems. This paper takes Powell's City of Books as an example to describe the construction process of a knowledge network. The model consists of two parts. In the unstructured data part, synopses and reviews were recorded as representatives of user cognition. To build the resource category, linguistic and semantic analyses were used to analyze the concepts and the relationships among them. In the structural data part, the metadata of every book was linked with each other by informetrics relationships. The semantic resource was constructed to assist with building the knowledge network. We conducted a mock-up to compare the new category and knowledge-recommendation system with the current retrieval system. Thirty-nine subjects examined our mock-up and highly valued the differences we made for the improvements in retrieval and appearance. Knowledge recommendation based on user cognition was tested to be positive based on user feedback. There could be more research objects for digital resource knowledge recommendations based on user cognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plant-specific family of WUSCHEL (WUS)-related homeobox (WOX) transcription factors is key regulators of embryogenesis, meristem maintenance, and lateral organ development in flowering plants. The modern/WUS clade transcriptional repressor STENOFOLIA/LAMINA1(LAM1), and the intermediate/WOX9 clade transcriptional activator MtWOX9/NsWOX9 antagonistically regulate leaf blade expansion, but the molecular mechanism is unknown. Using transcriptome profiling and biochemical methods, we determined that NsCKX3 is the common target of LAM1 and NsWOX9 in Nicotiana sylvestris. LAM1 and NsWOX9 directly recognize and bind to the same cis-elements in the NsCKX3 promoter to repress and activate its expression, respectively, thus controlling the levels of active cytokinins in vivo. Disruption of NsCKX3 in the lam1 background yielded a phenotype similar to the knockdown of NsWOX9 in lam1, while overexpressing NsCKX3 resulted in narrower and shorter lam1 leaf blades reminiscent of NsWOX9 overexpression in the lam1 mutant. Moreover, we established that LAM1 physically interacts with NsWOX9, and this interaction is required to regulate NsCKX3 transcription. Taken together, our results indicate that repressor and activator WOX members oppositely regulate a common downstream target to function in leaf blade outgrowth, offering a novel insight into the role of local cytokinins in balancing cell proliferation and differentiation during lateral organ development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is commonly used in patients with lumbar degenerative disease (LDD). The most commonly used techniques include minimally invasive TLIF (MIS-TLIF) and percutaneous endoscopic TLIF (PE-TLIF). Aim: To compare the safety and clinical effectiveness of PE-TLIF and MIS-TLIF in treating LDD. Material and methods: We screened for related articles in multiple scientific databases, namely, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Wanfang, VIP, and CINK, and analyzed the relative outcomes. Results: Based on our inclusion criteria, we selected 8 studies for meta-analysis. There are a total of 229 patients who underwent PE-TLIF and 258 patients who underwent MIS-TLIF. MIS-TLIF and PE-TLIF have similar effectiveness in relieving leg pain and improving the Oswestry Disability Index. However, PE-TLIF is superior in relieving back pain. The pooled data of fusion rates, postoperative analgesic, and complication rates are comparable between the 2 groups. The pooled operation and intra-operative fluoroscopic time are both significantly higher in the PE-TLIF group than the MIS-TLIF group. The pooled intra-operative blood loss, incision length, duration from surgery to ambulation, and hospital stay are significantly lower in the PE-TLIF group than the MIS-TLIF group. Most of the endpoints reveal significant heterogeneity. The endpoints of operation time and intra-operative blood loss reveal significant publication bias. Conclusions: Both PE-TLIF and MIS-TLIF are safe and effective interventions for patients with LDD. When compared, although MIS-TLIF results in reduced operative time, less intra-operative blood loss and enhanced post-operative recovery can be achieved by PE-TLIF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study emphasizes a three-level wooden furniture supply chain, which involves one supplier, one manufacturer, and one retailer. Focusing on maximizing the profit of the supply chain while adhering to low-carbon principles, the Three-level Leader-follower Game (TLG) model, Stackelberg Game Model I (SGI model), Stackelberg Game Model II (SGlI model), and Cooperative Decision-making (CD) model were established by using game theory. The carbon emission reduction cost and benefit sharing contract was introduced into the model with the maximum profit, and the ranges of sharing coefficients for a solid wood bed supply chain and the optimal decision-making process for each supply chain member were discussed. Results showed that the profit for the solid wood bed supply chain reached maximum under the CD model, followed by the SGII model, and then the SGI model, and the TLG model showed the lowest profit. A higher preference for low-carbon products can lead to lower demand for products and higher retail prices. Through introducing the cost and benefit-sharing contract into the CD model, the profit of the supply chain can be guaranteed with different sharing coefficients, and the profit of each member was improved compared to the TLG model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While there is a growing interest in the use of statins, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, to treat neurodegenerative diseases, statins are associated with conflicting effects within the central nervous system (CNS) without clear evidence of the underlying mechanisms. This study systematically investigated effects of four statins (atorvastatin, pitavastatin, cerivastatin, and lovastatin) on neuronal cells under pathological condition using an in vitro model depicting ischemic injury, as well as tested under physiological condition. All four statins at micromolar concentrations display toxic effects on neuron cells under physiological condition. Atorvastatin and cerivastatin but not pitavastatin or lovastatin at nanomolar concentrations display protective effects on neuron cells under ischemic injury condition, via decreased ischemic injury-induced oxidative stress, oxidative damage, and inflammation. Mechanistically, atorvastatin, pitavastatin, and lovastatin induces neuron cell apoptosis via prenylation-independent manner. Other mechanisms are involved in the pro- apoptotic effect of cerivastatin. Prenylation is not involved in the protective effects of statins under ischemic injury condition. Our work provides better understanding on the multiple differential effects of statins on neuron cells under physiological condition and ischemic injury, and elucidate their underlying mechanisms, which may be of relevance to the influence of statins in CNS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Barcode libraries are generally assembled with two main objectives in mind: specimen identification and species discovery/delimitation. In this study, the standard COI barcode region was sequenced from 681 specimens belonging to katydids (Tettigoniidae), cave crickets (Rhaphidophoridae), and leaf-rolling crickets (Gryllacrididae) from Zhejiang Province, China. Of these, four COI-5P sequences were excluded from subsequent analyses because they were likely NUMTs (nuclear mitochondrial pseudogenes). The final dataset consisted of 677 barcode sequences representing 90 putative species-level taxa. Automated cluster delineation using the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD) revealed 118 BINs (Barcodes Index Numbers). Among these 90 species-level taxa, 68 corresponded with morphospecies, while the remaining 22 were identified based on reverse taxonomy using BIN assignment. Thirteen of these morphospecies were represented by a single barcode (so-called singletons), and each of 19 morphospecies were split into more than one BIN. The consensus delimitation scheme yielded 55 Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units (MOTUs). Only four morphospecies (Imax > DNN) failed to be recovered as monophyletic clades (i.e., Elimaea terminalis, Phyllomimus klapperichi, Sinochlora szechwanensis and Xizicus howardi), so it is speculated that these may be species complexes. Therefore, the diversity of katydids, cave crickets, and leafrolling crickets in Zhejiang Province is probably slightly higher than what current taxonomy would suggest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inwardly rectifying potassium channel (Kir) 4.1 (encoded by KCNJ10) interacts with Kir5.1 (encoded by KCNJ16) to form a major basolateral K+ channel in the renal distal convoluted tubule (DCT), connecting tubule (CNT), and the cortical collecting duct (CCD). Kir4.1/Kir5.1 heterotetramer plays an important role in regulating Naþ and K+ transport in the DCT, CNT, and CCD. A recent development in the field has firmly established the role of Kir4.1/Kir5.1 heterotetramer of the DCT in the regulation of thiazide-sensitive Na-Cl cotransporter (NCC). Changes in Kir4.1/Kir5.1 activity of the DCT are an essential step for the regulation of NCC expression/activity induced by dietary K+ and Naþ intakes and play a role in modulating NCC by type 2 angiotensin II receptor (AT2R), bradykinin type II receptor (BK2R), and b-adrenergic receptor. Since NCC activity determines the Naþ delivery rate to the aldosterone-sensitive distal nephron (ASDN), a distal nephron segment from late DCT to CCD, Kir4.1/Kir5.1 activity plays a critical role not only in the regulation of renal Na+ absorption but also in modulating renal K+ excretion and maintaining K+ homeostasis. Thus, Kir4.1/Kir5.1 activity serves as an important component of renal K+ sensing mechanism. The main focus of this review is to provide an overview regarding the role of Kir4.1 and Kir5.1 of the DCT and CCD in the regulation of renal K+ excretion and Naþ absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]