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Background: The prognostic nutritional index (PNI), integrating nutrition and inflammation markers, has been increasingly recognized as a prognostic predictor in diverse patient cohorts. Recently, its effectiveness as a predictive marker for acute kidney injury (AKI) in various clinical settings has gained attention. This study aims to assess the predictive accuracy of the PNI for AKI in critically ill populations through systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using the databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure up to August 2023. The included trials reported the PNI assessment in adult population with critical illness and its predictive capacity for AKI. Data on study characteristics, subgroup covariates, and diagnostic performance of PNI, including sensitivity, specificity, and event rates, were extracted. A diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis was performed. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were utilized to investigate the sources of heterogeneity. The GRADE framework evaluated the confidence in the meta-analysis's evidence. Results: The analysis encompassed 16 studies with 17 separate cohorts, totaling 21,239 patients. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of PNI for AKI prediction were 0.67 (95% CI 0.58–0.74) and 0.74 (95% CI 0.67–0.80), respectively. The pooled positive likelihood ratio was 2.49 (95% CI 1.99–3.11; low certainty), and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.46 (95% CI 0.37–0.56; low certainty). The pooled diagnostic odds ratio was 5.54 (95% CI 3.80–8.07), with an area under curve of summary receiver operating characteristics of 0.76. Subgroup analysis showed that PNI's sensitivity was higher in medical populations than in surgical populations (0.72 vs. 0.55; p < 0.05) and in studies excluding patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) than in those including them (0.75 vs. 0.56; p < 0.01). Overall, diagnostic performance was superior in the non-chronic kidney disease group. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that PNI has practical accuracy for predicting the development of AKI in critically ill populations, with superior diagnostic performance observed in medical and non-CKD populations. However, the diagnostic efficacy of the PNI has significant heterogeneity with different cutoff value, indicating the need for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of field tests performed to investigate the installation effects of pre-bored grouted planted (PGP) pile in deep clayey soil. The variation of horizontal soil displacements, excess pore water pressures and lateral soil pressures was measured in the PGP pile installation process. The test results show that the drilling and grouting process induced large horizontal soil displacements in the soil within a radial distance of 2 d (d is pile diameter), and the maximum horizontal soil displacements induced by the drilling and grouting process were smaller than 15.9 mm when the radial distance reached 4–5 d. Moreover, the horizontal soil displacements decreased along the soil layer depth, as the superficial soil layers were of small deformation modulus and lateral soil pressure. The drilling process brought large excess pore water pressures in the soil when the radial distance was less than 3 d, and the excess pore water pressures induced by the drilling stage were all less than 55 kPa when the radial distance reached 4–6 d. The drilling process also induced some lateral soil pressure increases in the soil within a radial distance of 3 d, while the measured maximum lateral soil pressure increases were smaller than 10.9 kPa when the radial distance increased to 4 d. On the whole, the excess pore water pressures and lateral soil pressure increases induced by the installation of PGP pile were much smaller than that induced by the installation of driven PHC pile. Moreover, the horizontal soil displacements, excess pore water pressures and lateral soil pressure increases induced by the installation of PGP pile all recovered rapidly after the installation of pile, as the cemented soil in the pile hole was in liquid state after the drilling and grouting stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To control heavy metal pollution effectively, prevention of heavy metal accumulations in agricultural soils should be the priority rather than remediation of heavy metal contamination. In this research, papers which contained input and output fluxes of Cd, As, Cr, Hg, and Pb in topsoil (the plough layer) of agricultural lands in Hunan, Zhejiang, the Yangtze River Delta, Hainan, and China as a whole were explored. Fluxes of heavy metal species were recalculated, and future trends of pollution were predicted. Also, cases regarding the application of technologies to control the input and output of heavy metals were analyzed. Results indicated that atmospheric decomposition was the dominant input source of heavy metals in all study sites except Hainan. The relative contributions of fertilizers, irrigation water, and straw returning fluctuated greatly among different sites. Cd pollution in all sites was the most serious, followed by Cr and Pb. In Hunan, Cd has already exceeded the maximum limit value and needs to be controlled urgently. The input of heavy metals from irrigation water, fertilizers, and straw returning could be controlled by proposing more policies to manage their quality and application amounts. The amount of heavy metals absorbed by plants could be increased by cultivating crops with hyperaccumulators and high-biomass plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been associated with acute kidney injury (AKI). However, the occurrence rate of ICI-related AKI has not been systematically examined. Additionally, exposure to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were considered as risk factors for AKI, but with inconclusive results in ICI-related AKI. Our aim was to analyse the occurrence rate of all-cause AKI and ICI-related AKI and the occurrence rates of severe AKI and dialysis-requiring AKI, and to determine whether exposure to PPIs and NSAIDs poses a risk for all-cause and ICI-related AKI. Methods This study population was adult ICI recipients. A systematic review was conducted by searching MEDLINE, Embase and PubMed through October 2023. We included prospective trials and observational studies that reported any of the following outcomes: the occurrence rate of all-cause or ICI-related AKI, the relationship between PPI or NSAID exposure and AKI development or the mortality rate in the AKI or non-AKI group. Proportional meta-analysis and pairwise meta-analysis were performed. The evidence certainty was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework. Results A total of 120 studies comprising 46 417 patients were included. The occurrence rates of all-cause AKI were 7.4% (14.6% from retrospective studies and 1.2% from prospective clinical trials). The occurrence rate of ICI-related AKI was 3.2%. The use of PPIs was associated with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.77 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.43–2.18] for all-cause AKI and an OR of 2.42 (95% CI 1.96–2.97) for ICI-related AKI. The use of NSAIDs was associated with an OR of 1.77 (95% CI 1.10–2.83) for all-cause AKI and an OR of 2.57 (95% CI 1.68–3.93) for ICI-related AKI. Conclusions Our analysis revealed that approximately 1 in 13 adult ICI recipients may experience all-cause AKI, while 1 in 33 adult ICI recipients may experience ICI-related AKI. Exposure to PPIs and NSAIDs was associated with an increased OR risk for AKI in the current meta-analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synchronous multispecific coral spawning generally occurs annually and forms an integral part of the coral life cycle. Apart from spawning times and species participation, however, much else remains unknown. Here, we applied environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding to study two tropical reef sites of contrasting coral cover before, during and after coral spawning. Using coral‐ITS2 and vertebrate‐12S markers, we evaluated eDNA as an alternative monitoring tool by assessing its capabilities in detecting spawning species and tracking relative abundances of coral and fish eDNA. Over 3 years, elevated eDNA coral signals during the event (proportional read increase of up to five‐fold) were observed, detecting a total of 38 coral and 133 fish species with all but one of the coral species visually observed to be spawning. This is also the first demonstration that eDNA metabarcoding can be used to infer the diurnal partitioning of night‐ and day‐time spawning, spawning in coral species overlooked by visual surveys, and the associated changes in fish trophic structures as an indicator of spawning events. Our study paves the way for applied quantitative eDNA metabarcoding approaches to better study ephemeral and important biological events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coral reefs are among the richest marine ecosystems on Earth, but there remains much diversity hidden within cavities of complex reef structures awaiting discovery. While the abundance of corals and other macroinvertebrates are known to influence the diversity of other reef‐associated organisms, much remains unknown on the drivers of cryptobenthic diversity. A combination of standardized sampling with 12 units of the Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structure (ARMS) and high‐throughput sequencing was utilized to uncover reef cryptobiome diversity across the equatorial reefs in Singapore. DNA barcoding and metabarcoding of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, nuclear 18S and bacterial 16S rRNA genes revealed the taxonomic composition of the reef cryptobiome, comprising 15,356 microbial ASVs from over 50 bacterial phyla, and 971 MOTUs across 15 metazoan and 19 non‐metazoan eukaryote phyla. Environmental factors across different sites were tested for relationships with ARMS diversity. Differences among reefs in diversity patterns of metazoans and other eukaryotes, but not microbial communities, were associated with biotic (coral cover) and abiotic (distance, temperature and sediment) environmental variables. In particular, ARMS deployed at reefs with higher coral cover had greater metazoan diversity and encrusting plate cover, with larger‐sized non‐coral invertebrates influencing spatial patterns among sites. Our study showed that DNA barcoding and metabarcoding of ARMS constitute a valuable tool for quantifying cryptobenthic diversity patterns and can provide critical information for the effective management of coral reef ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive and updated systematic review with network meta-analysis (NMA) to assess the outcome benefits of various blood purification modalities for adult patients with severe infection or sepsis. DATA SOURCES: We conducted a search of PubMed, MEDLINE, clinical trial registries, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases with no language restrictions. STUDY SELECTION: Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected. DATA EXTRACTION: The primary outcome was overall mortality. The secondary outcomes were the length of mechanical ventilation (MV) days and ICU stay, incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI), and kidney replacement therapy requirement. DATA SYNTHESIS: We included a total of 60 RCTs with 4,595 participants, comparing 16 blood purification modalities with 17 interventions. Polymyxin-B hemoperfusion (relative risk [RR]: 0.70; 95% CI, 0.57–0.86) and plasma exchange (RR: 0.61; 95% CI, 0.42–0.91) were associated with low mortality (very low and low certainty of evidence, respectively). Because of the presence of high clinical heterogeneity and intransitivity, the potential benefit of polymyxin-B hemoperfusion remained inconclusive. The analysis of secondary outcomes was limited by the scarcity of available studies. HA330 with high-volume continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH), HA330, and standard-volume CVVH were associated with shorter ICU stay. HA330 with high-volume CVVH, HA330, and standard-volume CVVH were beneficial in reducing MV days. None of the interventions showed a significant reduction in the incidence of AKI or the need for kidney replacement therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Our NMA suggests that plasma exchange and polymyxin-B hemoperfusion may provide potential benefits for adult patients with severe infection or sepsis/septic shock when compared with standard care alone, but most comparisons were based on low or very low certainty evidence. The therapeutic effect of polymyxin-B hemoperfusion remains uncertain. Further RCTs are required to identify the specific patient population that may benefit from extracorporeal blood purification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document discusses the global energy crisis caused by the exponential increase in fossil fuel consumption and the resulting environmental and health impacts. To address this crisis, researchers have been exploring renewable energy sources and the use of nanomaterials in energy conversion and storage. Nanomaterials, with their unique properties, have shown promise in applications such as thermoelectric devices, photovoltaic devices, supercapacitors, batteries, and sensors. The document highlights recent research breakthroughs in the development of innovative electrode materials for supercapacitors, as well as advancements in the use of nanomaterials in phase-change materials and magnetic tunnel junctions. These findings contribute to the advancement of energy storage technologies and offer insights for future developments in the field. [Extracted from the article]

The pre-bored grouted planted (PGP) pile shaft consists of a core PHC pile and the surrounding cemented soil column. The shaft capacity of PGP pile is controlled by the PHC pile–cemented soil–soil interface. In this paper, the effect of curing time on the frictional capacity of smooth concrete pipe pile–cemented soil interface was investigated through pile–soil interface shear tests. The test results show that the peak skin friction of pipe pile–cemented soil interface increased with the curing time. Nevertheless, the normalized peak skin friction (peak skin friction/cemented soil strength) of interface decreased with the curing time. The thickness of the cemented soil layer had a large effect on the residual skin friction of pipe pile–cemented soil interface. The scale effect also existed in the smooth concrete pipe pile–cemented soil interface shear tests, as the stiffness and shear strength of interface would decrease with the pipe pile diameter, which would eventually induce the decrease of radial confining pressure of the interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximate 70% of cobra venom is composed of cytotoxin (CTX), which is responsible for the dermonecrotic symptoms of cobra envenomation. However, CTX is generally low in immunogenicity, and the antivenom is ineffective in attenuating its in vivo toxicity. Furthermore, little is known about its epitope properties for empirical antivenom therapy. This study aimed to determine the epitope sequences of CTX using the immunoinformatic analyses and epitope-omics profiling. A conserved CTX was used in this study to determine its T-cell and B-cell epitope sequences using immunoinformatic tools and molecular docking simulation with different Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLAs). The potential T-cell and B-cell epitopes were 'KLVPLFY,' 'CPAGKNLCY,' 'MFMVSTPTK,' and 'DVCPKNSLL.' Molecular docking simulations disclosed that the HLA-B62 supertype exhibited the greatest binding affinity towards cobra venom cytotoxin. The namely L7, G18, K19, N20, M25, K33, V43, C44, K46, N47, and S48 of CTX exhibited prominent intermolecular interactions with HLA-B62. The multi-enzymatic-limited-digestion/liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (MELD/LC–MS) also revealed three potential epitope sequences as 'LVPLFYK,' 'MFMVS,' and 'TVPVKR'. From different epitope mapping approaches, we concluded four potential epitope sites of CTX as 'KLVPLFYK', 'AGKNL', 'MFMVSTPKVPV' and 'DVCPKNSLL'. Site-directed mutagenesis of these epitopes confirmed their locations at the functional loops of CTX. These epitope sequences are crucial to CTX's structural folding and cytotoxicity. The results concluded the epitopes that resided within the functional loops constituted potential targets to fabricate synthetic epitopes for CTX-targeted antivenom production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, extensive research has been conducted on the development of high-performance flexible tactile sensors, pursuing the next generation of highly intelligent electronics with diverse potential applications in self-powered wearable sensors, human–machine interactions, electronic skin, and soft robotics. Among the most promising materials that have emerged in this context are functional polymer composites (FPCs), which exhibit exceptional mechanical and electrical properties, enabling them to be excellent candidates for tactile sensors. Herein, this review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in FPCs-based tactile sensors, including the fundamental principle, the necessary property parameter, the unique device structure, and the fabrication process of different types of tactile sensors. Examples of FPCs are elaborated with a focus on miniaturization, self-healing, self-cleaning, integration, biodegradation, and neural control. Furthermore, the applications of FPC-based tactile sensors in tactile perception, human–machine interaction, and healthcare are further described. Finally, the existing limitations and technical challenges for FPCs-based tactile sensors are briefly discussed, offering potential avenues for the development of electronic products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible mechanical sensors capable of sensing both compressive and tensile strains with high sensitivity and linear piezoresistive response are of great significance for the development of wearable devices, flexible electronic skins, and robotics. However, it is still of challenge to develop simple 3-dimensional (3D) porous polymer/carbon nanomaterial composite strain sensors capable of sensing both tensile and compressive strains with reproducible electrical signals. Herein, we report a simple and scalable morphology-engineering strategy, i.e., selective location of carbon black (CB) in polyoxyethylene (PEO)/ethylene-α-octene random copolymer (ORC) blends via phase separation, to fabricate isotropic 3D continuous porous composite strain sensors. Such a composite consists of a continuous porous ORC matrix inlaid with preferable CB distribution on ORC surface after PEO removal, enabling distinguishable detection of both compressive and tensile strains with opposite resistance changes. Specifically, the as-fabricated strain sensors exhibit linear response with a sensitivity of 16 for 0–46% compressive strain, a detection limit of 0.3% strain with 16/16 ms response/recovery time. Besides, it has a large gauge factor for tensile strain of 0–300%, a detection limit strain of 0.06% with 16/47 ms response/recovery time, and low hysteresis degree. As such, it allows for full-range body motion monitoring and Morse code communication. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins play an important role in dehydration process of seed maturation. The seeds of Panax notoginseng (Burkill) F. H. Chen are typically characterized with the recalcitrance and are highly sensitive to dehydration. However, it is not very well known about the role of LEA proteins in response to dehydration stress in P. notoginseng seeds. We will perform a genome-wide analysis of the LEA gene family and their transcriptional responses to dehydration stress in recalcitrant P. notoginseng seeds. Results: In this study, 61 LEA genes were identified from the P. notoginseng genome, and they were renamed as PnoLEA. The PnoLEA genes were classified into seven subfamilies based on the phylogenetic relationships, gene structure and conserved domains. The PnoLEA genes family showed relatively few introns and was highly conserved. Unexpectedly, the LEA_6 subfamily was not found, and the LEA_2 subfamily contained 46 (75.4%) members. Within 19 pairs of fragment duplication events, among them 17 pairs were LEA_2 subfamily. In addition, the expression of the PnoLEA genes was obviously induced under dehydration stress, but the germination rate of P. notoginseng seeds decreased as the dehydration time prolonged. Conclusions: We found that the lack of the LEA_6 subfamily, the expansion of the LEA_2 subfamily and low transcriptional levels of most PnoLEA genes might be implicated in the recalcitrant formation of P. notoginseng seeds. LEA proteins are essential in the response to dehydration stress in recalcitrant seeds, but the protective effect of LEA protein is not efficient. These results could improve our understanding of the function of LEA proteins in the response of dehydration stress and their contributions to the formation of seed recalcitrance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigated the installation effects of a driven prestressed high-strength concrete (PHC) nodular pile in deep soft clay through full-scale tests, and the behavior of a driven PHC nodular pile is analyzed based on the field test results. The test results demonstrated that the driven PHC nodular pile installation process induced significant disturbance in the surrounding soil. The excess pore water pressures (Δu) that were induced by the installation of a driven PHC nodular pile were larger than the Δu that were induced by the installation of a driven PHC pipe pile. The driven PHC nodular pile installation caused significant Δu in the soil down to 2 m below the pile base, and the Δu became much smaller in the soil at 4 m below the pile base. The Δu dissipated slowly in the soft clay layers, and the Δu in the surficial soil layers dissipated faster than that in the deep soil layers. The nodules along the PHC nodular pile shaft could increase the pile shaft capacity. The measured shaft resistances of 350(400)-mm PHC nodular piles were 1.17–1.18 times the calculated shaft resistances of 350-mm PHC pipe piles in soft clay layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The rumen is the hallmark organ of ruminants, playing a vital role in their nutrition and providing products for humans. In newborn suckling ruminants milk bypasses the rumen, while in adults this first chamber of the forestomach has developed to become the principal site of microbial fermentation of plant fibers. With the advent of single-cell transcriptomics, it is now possible to study the underlying cell composition of rumen tissues and investigate how this relates the development of mutualistic symbiosis between the rumen and its epithelium-attached microbes. Results: We constructed a comprehensive cell landscape of the rumen epithelium, based on single-cell RNA sequencing of 49,689 high-quality single cells from newborn and adult rumen tissues. Our single-cell analysis identified six immune cell subtypes and seventeen non-immune cell subtypes of the rumen. On performing cross-species analysis of orthologous genes expressed in epithelial cells of cattle rumen and the human stomach and skin, we observed that the species difference overrides any cross-species cell-type similarity. Comparing adult with newborn cattle samples, we found fewer epithelial cell subtypes and more abundant immune cells, dominated by T helper type 17 cells in the rumen tissue of adult cattle. In newborns, there were more fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, an IGFBP3+ epithelial cell subtype not seen in adults, while dendritic cells were the most prevalent immune cell subtype. Metabolism-related functions and the oxidation-reduction process were significantly upregulated in adult rumen epithelial cells. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and absolute quantitative real-time PCR, we found that epithelial Desulfovibrio was significantly enriched in the adult cattle. Integrating the microbiome and metabolome analysis of rumen tissues revealed a high co-occurrence probability of Desulfovibrio with pyridoxal in the adult cattle compared with newborn ones while the scRNA-seq data indicated a stronger ability of pyroxidal binding in the adult rumen epithelial cell subtypes. These findings indicate that Desulfovibrio and pyridoxal likely play important roles in maintaining redox balance in the adult rumen. Conclusions: Our integrated multi-omics analysis provides novel insights into rumen development and function and may facilitate the future precision improvement of rumen function and milk/meat production in cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious infection and causes significant morbidity and mortality. However, the benefit of surgery for endocarditis besides antibiotic treatment in dialysis patients remains controversial. We performed a systematic review of studies published between 1960 and February 2022. Meta-analysis was conducted with a random-effects model to explore the in-hospital, 30, 60, 90, 180-d, and 1-year mortality rates in adult dialysis patients with IE. Sensitivity analysis, subgroup analysis, and meta-regression were performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. Confidence of evidence was evaluated by the GRADE system. Thirteen studies were included. The pooled odds ratio of in-hospital mortality was 0.62 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.30–1.28, p =.17), with moderate heterogeneity (I2 = 62%, p <.01). Three studies reported 30-d mortality, and the pooled odds ratio for surgery compared with medical treatment was even lower (0.36; 95% CI: 0.22–0.61, p <.01), with low heterogeneity (I2 = 0%, p =.86). With studies on fewer than 30 patients excluded, the sensitivity analysis revealed a low odds ratio of in-hospital mortality for surgery versus medical treatment (0.52; 95% CI: 0.27–0.99, p =.047), with moderate heterogeneity (I2 = 63%, p <.01). Subgroup analysis revealed no significant differences between any two comparator subgroups. Based on a very low strength of evidence, compared with medical treatment, surgical treatment for IE in patients on dialysis is not associated with lower in-hospital mortality. When studies on fewer than 30 patients were excluded, surgical treatment was associated with better survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is common among patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and is associated with poor outcomes. Several recently published studies had focused on pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments of RLS, but an updated meta-analysis has not been conducted. Methods The study population was adult ESKD patients on dialysis with RLS. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected. The primary outcome was reduction in RLS severity. The secondary outcomes were improvement in sleep quality and treatment-related adverse events. Frequentist standard network meta-analysis (NMA) and additive component NMA were performed. The evidence certainty was assessed using the Confidence in NMA (CINeMA) framework. Results A total of 24 RCTs with 1252 participants were enrolled and 14 interventions were compared. Cool dialysate produced the largest RLS severity score reduction {mean difference [MD] 16.82 [95% confidence interval (CI) 10.635–23.02]} and a high level of confidence. Other potential non-pharmacological interventions include intradialytic stretching exercise [MD 12.00 (95% CI 7.04–16.97)] and aromatherapy massage [MD 10.91 (95% CI 6.96–14.85)], but all with limited confidence of evidence. Among the pharmacological interventions, gabapentin was the most effective [MD 8.95 (95% CI 1.95–15.85)], which also improved sleep quality [standardized MD 2.00 (95% CI 0.47–3.53)]. No statically significant adverse events were detected. Conclusions The NMA supports that cool dialysate is appropriate to treat patients with ESKD and RLS. Gabapentin is the most effective pharmacological intervention and also might improve sleep quality. Further parallel RCTs with sufficient sample sizes are required to evaluate these potential interventions and long-term effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various infarct sizes induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) generate inconsistent outcomes for stroke preclinical study. Monitoring cerebral hemodynamics may help to verify the outcome of MCAO. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in brain tissue optical properties by frequency-domain near-infrared spectroscopy (FD-NIRS), and establish the relationship between cerebral hemodynamics and infarct variation in MCAO model. The rats were undergone transient MCAO using intraluminal filament. The optical properties and hemodynamics were measured by placing the FD-NIRS probes on the scalp of the head before, during, and at various time-courses after MCAO. Bimodal infarction severities were observed after the same 90-min MCAO condition. Significant decreases in concentrations of oxygenated hemoglobin ([HbO]) and total hemoglobin ([HbT]), tissue oxygenation saturation (StO2), absorption coefficient (μa) at 830 nm, and reduced scattering coefficient (μs') at both 690 and 830 nm were detected during the occlusion in the severe infarction but not the mild one. Of note, the significant increases in [HbO], [HbT], StO2, and μa at both 690 and 830 nm were found on day 3; and increases in μs' at both 690 and 830 nm were found on day 2 and day 3 after MCAO, respectively. The interhemispheric correlation coefficient (IHCC) was computed from low-frequency hemodynamic oscillation of both hemispheres. Lower IHCCs standing for interhemispheric desynchronizations were found in both mild and severe infarction during occlusion, and only in severe infarction after reperfusion. Our finding supports that sequential FD-NIRS parameters may associated with the severity of the infarction in MCAO model, and the consequent pathologies such as vascular dysfunction and brain edema. Further study is required to validate the potential use of FD-NIRS as a monitor for MCAO verification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nevertheless, we would like to note two important uncertainties regarding KRT initiation strategies: uncertainty regarding the safety of the more-delay KRT initiation strategy and uncertainty regarding the optimal KRT initiation strategy for patients with advanced CKD and AKI. We regrouped the different KRT initiation strategies into three KRT initiation strategy categories in accordance with the various KRT initiation criteria in randomised controlled trials (RCTs): early/accelerated KRT initiation, standard KRT initiation and more-delay KRT (Fig. A meta-analysis examined the benefit of the accelerated kidney replacement therapy (KRT) strategy compared with the watchful waiting KRT initiation strategy in an acute kidney injury (AKI) population [[1]] enrolled from the most recent Artificial Kidney Initiation in Kidney Injury 2 (AKIKI 2) trial [[2]]. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Patients with kidney failure who start dialysis have a chance of kidney function recovery. Whether the initial dialysis modality affects the possibility of recovery is not fully understood. Methods: We included patients diagnosed with kidney failure requiring dialysis during 2001–2013 from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. We excluded diabetic and elderly patients. Kidney function recovery was defined as not receiving dialysis therapy for longer than 3 months. The primary outcome was kidney function recovery, and the secondary outcome was all‐cause mortality during a 3‐year follow up. Results: A total of 12,619 patients was eligible for analysis, with 981 received PD and 11,638 received HD. Total 620 patients had kidney function recovery during a 3‐year follow up, which represented 4.9% of the entire cohort. After propensity score matching, the PD groups were more likely to experience kidney function recovery (subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR]: 1.64, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19–2.25). The risk of all‐cause mortality between groups did not significantly differ (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.23, 95% CI: 0.89–1.70). Conclusion: The study found that in nonelderly, nondiabetic patients who received inadequate predialysis nephrology care before kidney failure, PD is associated with a higher chance of kidney function recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, Au/Bi 2 Ti 2 O 7 /ITO ferroelectric diodes based on Schottky barrier were fabricated on ITO substrates by the sol-gel method. The device has a simple structure and good diode performance. Under UV light irradiation at 23.5 mW/cm2, the device exhibits an open-circuit voltage of 0.31 V and a short-circuit current of −0.0425 μA. It shows that the device has good optoelectronic properties. Au/Bi 2 Ti 2 O 7 /ITO ferroelectric diodes also exhibited behaviors similar to biological synapses, including long-term plasticity, short-term plasticity, paired-pulse facilitation, and spike-timing-dependent plasticity when stimulated by pulses. We also build convolutional neural networks and use the MNIST dataset for handwritten digit recognition. • The application of Bi 2 Ti 2 O 7 synapse in neuromorphic computing is reported for the first time. • The accuracy of handwritten digit recognition by neural network using Bi 2 Ti 2 O 7 synapse achieves 92.8 %. • The synaptic behavior of Bi 2 Ti 2 O 7 may be related to the migration of oxygen vacancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel electromechanical assumption and associated equations was derived. • An exact analytical solution for the thick PZT disks was proposed. • An explanation of electromechanical coupling effect for PZT disks was investigated. • The experimental results are employed to examine the theoretical predictions. • The proposed method gives great prediction for three dimensional characteristics. A modified higher-order shear deformation plate theory (MHSDT) is proposed to predict the resonance frequencies and related mode shapes of piezoelectric disks of various thicknesses. The theory explicitly accounts for the effects of the electrical potential on the displacement of the disk. The equations of motion for the disk are derived using Hamilton's principle in conjunction with a variational approach. It is shown analytically that the distribution of the electrical field on the surface of the disk is quantitatively similar to the distribution of the sum of the total stresses within the disk. Thus, the deformation of the disk can be approximated directly from the stress distribution on the disk, thereby greatly simplifying the solution process. The validity of the proposed MHSDT is confirmed by comparing the solutions for the natural frequencies, displacement fields, and electric field distributions of the disk for various radius-to-thickness ratios and boundary conditions with those obtained using Reddy's third-order plate theory and COMSOL finite element simulations, respectively. The results show that the solutions obtained from the MHSDT method are consistently closer to the exact solutions than those determined using Reddy's third-order method. Finally, the linear relationship between the electric field and the flexural displacement of the disk is leveraged to design surface electrodes capable of exciting specific flexural mode shapes of the disk under a free boundary condition. The efficiency of the designed electrodes is experimentally demonstrated using an amplitude-fluctuation electronic speckle pattern interferometer (AF-ESPI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The frictional capacity of pile–cemented soil interface is similar to the frictional capacity of pile–rock interface as the strength of cemented soil is close to the strength of soft rock. A series of pile–soil interface shear tests were carried out to study the frictional capacity of square pile–cemented soil interface. The shear test results show that the peak skin friction of square pile–cemented soil interface decreased with the increase in the side length of square pile; the failure mode of square pile–cemented soil interface was affected by the cemented soil thickness; the peak skin friction of square pile–cemented soil interface would increase with the roughness of square pile surface when the mean size of coated silica sand reached 0.94 mm, and the peak skin friction increased slightly with the density of coating sand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fifty-nine compounds, including nineteen previously undescribed iridoids (valeriananols A−S) and an undescribed alkaloid (5′-isovaleryl uridine), were isolated from the leaves and stems of Valeriana officinalis var. latifolia. Their structures were elucidated based on Mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy. The absolute configuration of valeriananols A−C, E−N, P, Q and S was determined by experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism. Structurally, valeriananols A and B were two 1,3- seco -iridoids with a 3,6-epoxy moiety, valeriananols K and L were a pair of C-4 epimers, while valeriananol S was a 4′-deoxy iridoid glycoside. In addition, valeriananol P, stenopterin A and patriscabioin C exhibited significant inhibition on nitric oxide production with IC 50 values of 10.31, 3.93 and 8.69 μM, respectively. Furthermore, stenopterin A and patriscabioin C showed anti-proliferation activity on the MCF-7 cell line with IC 50 values of 17.28 and 13.89 μM, respectively. [Display omitted] • Twenty undescribed compounds were isolated from V. officinalis var. Latifolia. • Valeriananols A and B are two 1,3- seco -iridoids with 3,6-epoxy moiety. • Valeriananol S was a 4′-deoxy iridoid glycoside. • Three compounds showed significant inhibitory effects of nitric oxide production. • Stenopterin A and patriscabioin C showed cytotoxicity against the MCF-7 cell line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oceans are harsh environments where insects are not expected to thrive, yet a few skaters of the genus Halobates Eschscholtz, 1822 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Gerridae) have completely adapted to life on the open seas. There are five oceanic Halobates species that have well-established and distinct distributions, but little is known about their population dynamics and intraspecific genetic variation. Moreover, existing knowledge on most species has been largely based on limited sample sizes. We examined the phylogeographic patterns and inferred past population dynamics of three Halobates species (H. micans Eschscholtz, 1822, H. sobrinus White, 1883 and H. splendens Witlaczil, 1886) based on an unprecedented large number of specimens (73–199 individuals each) collected from the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP) Ocean. These species have distinct biogeographies, with H. sobrinus occurring mostly along coastal Mexico, H. micans in the ETP north of the equator, and H. splendens largely south of the equator in the cold tongue of water derived from the Peru (Humboldt) current. We did not find evidence for sub-population structure within each species over distances as far as 6000–7000 km. Populations of all three species were found to deviate from neutrality, with evidence of past population growth. Genetic diversity and haplotype genealogies varied between species, implying distinct evolutionary trajectories. Coalescent analyses using Bayesian skyline plots suggested that H. splendens underwent a population expansion ~ 1 Ma, whereas H. sobrinus and H. micans experienced demographic growth ~ 120 Ka to 100 Ka, respectively. The period of population expansion of H. splendens roughly corresponds to the establishment of cool, productive waters in the cold tongue starting ~ 1 Ma and reaching modern temperatures ~ 800 Ka. Population expansions of both H. micans and H. sobrinus north of the equator occurred mostly during the last interglacial period, characterized by increased frequency and dominance of El Niño conditions, and a relatively southerly position of the Intertropical Convergence Zone of high rainfall. Intensification of El Niño conditions between ~ 75 and 125 Ka may have produced a warmer, low wind and nutrient-depleted habitat favoring population growth for both H. micans and H. sobrinus. Key insights drawn from the results of this study, alongside future resolution of evolutionary relationships among Halobates species, will complete our understanding of how these remarkable insects conquered the high seas where no other insect could. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of field tests performed to investigate the compressive bearing capacity of pre-bored grouted planted (PGP) pile with enlarged grout base focusing on its base bearing capacity. The bi-directional O-cell load test was conducted to evaluate the behavior of full scale PGP piles. The test results show that the pile head displacements needed to fully mobilize the shaft resistance were 5.9% and 6.4% D (D is pile diameter), respectively, of two test piles, owing to the large elastic shortening of pile shaft. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that the PHC nodular pile base and grout body at the enlarged base could act as a unit in the loading process, and the enlarged grout base could effectively promote the base bearing capacity of PGP pile through increasing the base area. The normalized base resistances (unit base resistance/average cone base resistance) of two test piles were 0.17 and 0.19, respectively, when the base displacement reached 5% Db (Db is pile base diameter). The permeation of grout into the silty sand layer under pile base increased the elastic modulus of silty sand, which could help to decrease pile head displacement under working load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Naja sumatrana venom cytotoxin (suma CTX) is a basic protein which belongs to three-finger toxin family. It has been shown to induce caspase-dependent, mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis in MCF-7 cells at lower concentrations. This study aimed to investigate the alteration of secretome in MCF-7 cells following membrane permeabilization by high concentrations of suma CTX, using label-free quantitative (LFQ) approach. The degree of membrane permeabilization of suma CTX was determined by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay and calcein-propidium iodide (PI) assays. LDH and calcein-PI assays revealed time-dependent membrane permeabilization within a narrow concentration range. However, as toxin concentrations increased, prolonged exposure of MCF-7 cells to suma CTX did not promote the progression of membrane permeabilization. The secretome analyses showed that membrane permeabilization was an event preceding the release of intracellular proteins. Bioinformatics analyses of the LFQ secretome revealed the presence of 105 significantly distinguished proteins involved in metabolism, structural supports, inflammatory responses, and necroptosis in MCF-7 cells treated with 29.8 μg/mL of suma CTX. Necroptosis was presumably an initial stress response in MCF-7 cells when exposed to high suma CTX concentration. Collectively, suma CTX-induced the loss of membrane integrity in a concentration-dependent manner, whereby the cell death pattern of MCF-7 cells transformed from apoptosis to necroptosis with increasing toxin concentrations. [Display omitted] • The suma CTX induced concentration-dependent release of LDH • Increasing concentrations of suma CTX promoted membrane permeabilization • A notable release of intracellular proteins following membrane permeabilization • Membrane permeabilization by suma CTX caused metabolite deprivation • The suma CTX caused necroptosis in MCF-7 when the toxin concentrations increased [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) is a selectively bred animal strain that is frequently used to model attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) because of certain genetically determined behavioural characteristics. To test the hypothesis that the characteristically altered response to positive reinforcement in SHRs may be due to altered phasic dopamine response to reward, we measured phasic dopamine signals in the SHRs and Sprague Dawley (SD) rats using in vivo fast‐scan cyclic voltammetry. The effects of the dopamine reuptake inhibitor, methylphenidate, on these signals were also studied. Phasic dopamine signals during the pairing of a sensory cue with electrical stimulation of midbrain dopamine neurons were significantly smaller in the SHRs than in the SD rats. Over repeated pairings, the dopamine response to the sensory cue increased, whereas the response to the electrical stimulation of dopamine neurons decreased, similarly in both strains. However, the final amplitude of the response to the sensory cue after pairing was significantly smaller in SHRs than in the SD rats. Methylphenidate increased responses to sensory cues to a significantly greater extent in the SHRs than in the SD rats, due largely to differences in the low dose effect. At a higher dose, methylphenidate increased responses to sensory cues and electrical stimulation similarly in SHRs and SD rats. The smaller dopamine responses may explain the reduced salience of reward‐predicting cues previously reported in the SHR, whereas the action of methylphenidate on the cue response suggests a potential mechanism for the therapeutic effects of low‐dose methylphenidate in ADHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The meta-analysis aimed to systematically evaluate all the available pieces of evidence concerning the clinical effectiveness of Er,Cr:YSGG lasers (erbium, chromium, yttrium scandium gallium garnet laser) in the non-surgical treatment of patients with chronic periodontitis, and provide guidance for clinicians about the application of Er,Cr:YSGG lasers during the process of non-surgical periodontal treatments. The meta-analysis was conducted with data extracted from 16 randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) that compare Er,Cr:YSGG lasers adjunct/substitute to scaling and root planing (SRP) with SRP alone for the treatment of chronic periodontitis published in English or Chinese from January 2000 to January 2020. The weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were counted for probing depth (PD) reduction, clinical attachment level (CAL) gain, and visual analogue scale (VAS) score. Heterogeneity of each study was evaluated with the Q test. The publication bias was measured using Begg's adjusted rank correlation test. Sixteen RCTs with 606 patients were included in the meta-analysis. There were statistically significant differences between Er,Cr:YSGG lasers adjunct/substitute to SRP and SRP alone in the PD reduction at 1-month follow-up (WMD = ‑ 0.35, 95% CI [− 0.63, ‑ 0.07], P = 0.013), 3-month follow-up (WMD = − 0.342, 95% CI [− 0.552, − 0.132], P = 0.001), CAL gain at 3-month follow-up (WMD = − 0.17, 95% CI [− 0.31, 0.03], P = 0.017), and VAS score (WMD = − 2.395, 95% CI [− 3.327, − 1.464], P = 0.000) immediately after treatment. There were no significant differences of PD reduction and CAL change at 6-month follow-up. The present meta-analysis indicated that Er,Cr:YSGG lasers provided additional effectiveness in PD reduction and CAL gain at short-term follow-ups and there was less pain compared with SRP alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rigid pile composite foundation is widely used in highway projects in soft soil area as it can effectively increase the bearing capacity and stability of the foundation. While the research on the behavior and failure mode of rigid pile composite foundation under embankment is not enough, instability failure of rigid pile composite foundation often occurs in practical projects. This paper presents a centrifuge model test to investigate the load transfer mechanism, settlement characteristic and failure mode of rigid pile composite foundation under embankment. The test results show that: the soil displacement of different region in rigid pile composite foundation was different, obvious vertical displacement occurred in the soil under the center of embankment and the horizontal displacement was very small in this region; both vertical and horizontal displacement occurred in the soil under the shoulder of embankment; and obvious horizontal displacement occurred in the soil under the slope toe of embankment; moreover, ground heave also occurred near the slope toe of embankment. The soil displacement in rigid pile composite foundation had a large influence on the stress characteristic and failure mode of rigid piles, the compressive failure and bending failure would probably occur for the piles under the center and shoulder of the embankment, respectively, and the tension-bending failure would probably occur for the piles under the slope toe of embankment. The different failure modes of piles at different regions should be considered in the design of rigid pile composite foundation under embankment. The test results can be used to improve the design method for rigid pile composite foundation under embankment in practical projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nanoscale effect enables the unique magnetic, optical, thermal and electrical properties of nanostructured materials and has attracted extensive investigation for applications in catalysis, biomedicine, sensors, and energy storage and conversion. The widely used synthesis methods, such as traditional hydrothermal reaction and calcination, are bulk heating processes based on thermal radiation. Differing from traditional heating methods, non-thermal radiation heating technique is a local heating mode. In this regard, this review summarizes various non-thermal radiation heating methods for synthesis of nanomaterials, including microwave heating, induction heating, Joule heating, laser heating and electron beam heating. The advantages and disadvantages of these non-thermal radiation heating methods for the synthesis of nanomaterials are compared and discussed. Finally, the future development and challenges of non-thermal radiation heating method for potential synthesis of nanomaterials are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on mixed uncertainty of the state information in each unit caused by a lack of data, complex structures, and insufficient understanding in a complex multistate system as well as common-cause failure between units. This study combined a cloud model, Bayesian network, and common-cause failure theory to expand a Bayesian network by incorporating cloud model theory. The cloud model and Bayesian network were combined to form a reliable cloud Bayesian network analysis method. First, the qualitative language for each unit state performance level in the multistate system was converted into quantitative values through the cloud, and cloud theory was then used to express the uncertainty of the probability of each state of the root node. Then, the β-factor method was used to analyze reliability digital characteristic values when there was common-cause failure between the system units and when each unit failed independently. The accuracy and feasibility of the method are demonstrated using an example of the steering hydraulic system of a pipelayer. This study solves the reliability analysis problem of mixed uncertainty in the state probability information of each unit in a multistate system under the condition of common-cause failure. The multistate system, mixed uncertainty of the state probability information of each unit, and common-cause failure between the units were integrated to provide new ideas and methods for reliability analysis to avoid large errors in engineering and provide guidance for actual engineering projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stretchable electrodes play a crucial role in wearable electronics for high-efficiency carrier transport in the information communication, yet it is challenging to achieve high electrical conductivity at large strain for stretchable and porous conductive composites. Here, a simple yet efficient strategy is proposed to fabricate highly conductive, porous and stretchable composites via seeding hydrophilic carbon nanotube (CNT) oil-in-water microemulsions in elastomer films prior to growing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in situ. It aims at forming a dual heterogeneous structure of CNT microspheres in the elastomeric films containing conductive networks of AgNPs, which allow to guarantee the overall good electrical conductivity. Unlike the rapid propagation of cut-through microcracks in conventional conductive network of AgNPs under strain, the mechanical and electrical dual hetero-structured CNT microspheres in the conductive networks can sustain high electrical conductivity at large strains by blocking and cutting off microcrack propagation. Therefore, the porous composite electrodes show electrical conductivity above 103 S/cm at 200% strain thanks to the efficient dissipation of strain energy by dual hetero-structured CNT microspheres, which is controlled by CNT concentration in the oil-in-water microemulsions. Besides, the as-fabricated porous composites sustain high yet stable electrical conductivity at various kinds of mechanical deformations, such as tension, bending, twisting and a combination of them, allowing for the promising application in stretchable and wearable electrodes. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel 0D/2D dot-on-plate AgFeO 2 -Bi 4 TaO 8 Cl p-n heterojunction was constructed. • AgFeO 2 -Bi 4 TaO 8 Cl exhibits superior photocatalytic degradation activity towards ofloxacin antibiotic. • Facet-assisted charge separation was identified for n-type Bi 4 TaO 8 Cl. • The p-n heterojunction enhances light absorption and spatial charge separation. • The main reactive species for the photocatalytic mechanism were discussed. Accelerating charge transfer is believed to be a feasible strategy to improve the photocatalytic performance of heterojunctions. Herein, a novel dot-on-plate heterojunction was designed and constructed by anchoring p-type AgFeO 2 nanoparticles on the surface of n-type Bi 4 TaO 8 Cl nanosheets via a facile ultrasound-assisted deposition combined with calcination process, which endows an intimate p-n heterointerface. The Bi 4 TaO 8 Cl nanosheets with mainly exposed {0 0 1} and {1 1 0} facets show unique facet-assisted charge carrier separation. After building up the p-n heterojunction, the established internal electric field further promotes the separation and migration of photogenerated charge carriers, and hinders the charge carrier backflow for recombination at the heterointerface. As a result, compared to pure AgFeO 2 and Bi 4 TaO 8 Cl, AgFeO 2 -Bi 4 TaO 8 Cl p-n heterojunction exhibits greatly enhanced activity in the photocatalytic degradation of ofloxacin (OFL) antibiotic under visible light irradiation. This work could provide meaningful insights into the design of efficient p-n heterojunction for steering interfacial charge flow and applying in photocatalytic environmental remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study analyzed the survival and protective predictors of in-hospital cardiopulmonary cerebral resuscitation (CPCR) to potentially help physicians create effective treatment plans for End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients. Methods: We extracted the data of 7,116 ESKD patients who received their first in-hospital CPCR after initial dialysis between 2004 and 2012 from the National Health Insurance Research Database. The primary outcome was the survival rate during the first in-hospital CPCR. The secondary outcome was the median post-discharge survival. Results: From 2004 through 2012, the incidence of in-hospital CPCR decreases from 3.97 to 3.67 events per 1,000 admission days (P for linear trend <0.001). The survival rate for the first in-hospital CPCR did not change significantly across the 9 years (P for trend = 0.244), whereas the median survival of post-discharge survival increased significantly from 3.0 months in 2004 to 6.8 months in 2011 (P for linear trend <0.001). In addition, multivariable analysis identified older age as a risk factor and prior intracardiac defibrillator (ICD) or cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D) implantation as a protective factor for in-hospital death during the first in-hospital CPCR. Conclusion: The incidence of in-hospital CPCR and the duration post-discharge among ESKD patients improved despite there being no significant difference in the survival rate of ESKD patients after CPCP. Either ICD or CRT-D implantation may be advisable for ESKD patients with a high risk of sudden cardiac death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bladder tumor is the fifth most prevalent tumor in men, yet its pathogenesis remains to be fully identified. Albeit a host of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) are emerging as new players involved in bladder tumor, the functions of many lncRNAs are still enigmatic. Reports on the deluge of studies on lncRNA ADAMTS9-AS2 have been convincingly associated with various tumors, but without mention of its roles in bladder tumor. Therefore, the roles of ADAMTS9-AS2 in bladder tumor cells were explored in our study. Materials and Methods: Quantitative real-time PCR assays and bioinformatic tools were applied in bladder tumor cells to identify the ADAMTS9-AS2 and ADAMTS9 expression. Western blot assays were performed to obtain the protein levels of bladder tumor related key molecules. CCK8, clonogenic assay, scratch wound healing, and transwell assays were separately applied to identify the functional roles of ADAMTS9-AS2 on proliferation, migration, and invasion in bladder tumor cells. Results: First, ADAMTS9-AS2 downregulation in bladder tumor cells was identified. Overexpression and knockdown experiments showed that ADAMTS9-AS2 expression was positively related to ADAMTS9, which is in accordance with the results from GEO database. Second, ADAMTS9-AS2 contributed to the inhibition of proliferation, migration, and invasion in bladder tumor cells. Third, ADAMTS9-AS2 was linked with PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway related-molecules, several key autophagy, and apoptotic proteins. Conclusion: Conjointly, our findings suggested that ADAMTS9-AS2 might function as a tumor suppressor to restrain the proliferation, migration, and invasion in bladder tumor cells. The potential mechanism of ADAMTS9-AS2 related to PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal pathway was further identified. Of note, we found that ADAMTS9-AS2 has a significant effect on several key autophagy and apoptotic proteins. Therefore, these observations will provide supportive evidence to ADAMTS9-AS2 as a potential biomarker in patients with bladder tumor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of field tests performed to investigate the behavior of pre-bored grouted planted nodular (PGPN) pile embedded in deep clayey soil. The test piles were all instrumented to measure the shaft and tip resistance and to determine the load transfer along the pile shaft. The test results show that the displacement necessary to fully mobilize the shaft resistance of PGPN pile is in the range of 1.83–3.32% D (D is pile diameter), and that the ultimate skin frictions of grout–soil interface of different soil layers are larger than the conventional proposed ultimate skin frictions for non-displacement piles. Furthermore, the pile tip resistance accounts for about 16% of the total applied pile head load corresponding to a pile head displacement of 0.1 D, and the pile tip resistance continues to increase after tip displacement reaches 5% of pile tip diameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An interesting hydrogen sensor prepared by an Al (3 at %)-doped SnO 2 (ATO) thin layer decorated with palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) is demonstrated herein. The related hydrogen detecting characteristics are systematically investigated. The elemental and intrinsic properties are characterized by high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The specific surface area and catalytic ability are remarkably enhanced due to the presence of Pd NPs on the ATO thin layer. This causes the considerable improvement of hydrogen sensing behaviors. Under introduced 1000 ppm hydrogen gas in air, a higher sensing response of 3152 with a corresponding response and a recovery times of 17 s and 4 s and a lower detectable concentration of 50 ppb H 2 /air are obtained at 225 °C for the studied Pd NP/ATO sensor. In addition, the studied sensor shows good repeatability and long-term stability. From a kinetic adsorption analysis, an activation energy about 43.6 kJ mol−1 is observed for this hydrogen detecting action. The studied Pd NP/ATO sensor also shows favours, e.g., simple device structure, easy production, lower consumed power, and a widespread sensing region of hydrogen gas content. [Display omitted] • A new Pd NP/ATO hydrogen gas sensor was fabricated and well studied. • Widespread sensing region on hydrogen gas content of the Pd NP/ATO sensor was observed. • The Pd NP/ATO sensor exhibited a higher sensing response and a very low detectable level. • The Pd NP/ATO sensor exhibited good repeatability and long-term stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The confining pressure has a great effect on the internal force of the tunnel. During construction, the confining pressure which has a crucial impact on tunnel construction changes due to the variation of groundwater level and applied load. Therefore, the safety of tunnels must have the magnitude of confining pressure accurately estimated. In this study, a complete tunnel confining pressure time axis was obtained through high-frequency field monitoring, the data are segmented into a training set and a testing set. Using GRU and RNN models, a confining pressure prediction model was established, and the prediction results were analyzed. The results indicate that the GRU model has a fast-training speed and higher accuracy. On the other hand, the training speed of the RNN model is slow, with lower accuracy. The dynamic characteristics of soil pressure during tunnel construction require accurate prediction models to maintain the safety of the tunnel. The comparison between GRU and RNN models not only highlights the advantages of the GRU model but also emphasizes the necessity of balancing speed accuracy in tunnel construction confining pressure prediction modeling. This study is helpful in improving the understanding of soil pressure dynamics and developing effective prediction tools to promote safer and more reliable tunnel construction practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the problem of mixed uncertainty in the reliability analysis of multistate systems under common cause failure conditions. Combining the cloud model theory, universal generation function (UGF) method, and common cause failure theory, the universal generation function method is extended based on a probabilistic cloud model, i.e., the cloud universal generation function (CUGF) analysis method. The cloud model represents the random and cognitive uncertainty of the state probability, i.e., mixed uncertainty. Next, through CUGF, according to the calculation rules of cloud operators, we provide steps to obtain the reliability of a multistate system under independent failure and common cause failure conditions and obtain cloud digital features for reliability. The accuracy and feasibility of the method are verified by a numerical example. This paper solves the problem of reliability analysis of multistate systems with mixed uncertainty in unit state probability information under common cause failure conditions. We integrate system multistate, information uncertainty, and common cause failure for reliability analysis to avoid large errors, more in line with a project's actual situation. We propose new ideas and methods to process randomness and fuzzy information or data in multistate system reliability analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and L-amino acid oxidase (LAAO) are two major enzymes found in the venoms from most snake species. These enzymes have been structurally and functionally characterised for their pharmacological activities. Both PLA2 and LAAO from different venoms demonstrate considerable cytotoxic effects on cancer cells via induction of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and suppression of proliferation. These enzymes produce more pronounced cytotoxic effects in cancer cells than normal cells, thus they can be potential sources as chemotherapeutic agents. It is proposed that PLA2 and LAAO contribute to an elevated oxidative stress due to their catalytic actions, for instance, the ability of PLA2 to produce reactive oxygen species during lipolysis and formation of H2O2 from LAAO catalytic activity which consequently lead to cell death. Nonetheless, the cell-death signalling pathways associated with exposure to these enzymatic toxins are not fully elucidated yet. Here in this review, we will discuss the cytotoxic effects of PLA2 and LAAO in relationship to their catalytic mechanisms and the underlying mechanisms of cytotoxic actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The optimal timing of renal replacement therapy (RRT) initiation is debatable. Many articles in this field enrolled trials not based on acute kidney injury. The safety of the watchful waiting strategy has not been fully discussed, and late RRT initiation criteria vary across studies. The effect of early RRT initiation in the AKI population with high plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) has not been examined yet. Methods: In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were systemically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Trials not conducted in the AKI population were excluded. Data of study characteristics, primary outcome (all-cause mortality), and related secondary outcomes [mechanical ventilation (MV) days, length of hospital stay, RRT days, and length of ICU stay] were extracted. The outcomes were compared between early and late RRT groups by estimating the pooled odds ratio (OR) for binary outcomes and the weighted mean difference for continuous outcomes. Prospective trials were also examined and analyzed using the same method. Results: Nine RCTs with 1938 patients were included. Early RRT did not provide a survival benefit (pooled OR, 0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.62–1.27). However, the early RRT group had significantly fewer MV days (pooled mean difference, − 3.98 days; 95% CI − 7.81 to − 0.15 days). Subgroup analysis showed that RCTs enrolling the surgical population (P =.001) and the AKI population with high plasma NGAL (P =.031) had favorable outcomes regarding RRT days in the early initiation group. Moreover, 6 of 9 RCTs were selected for examining the safety of the watchful waiting strategy, and no significant differences were found in primary and secondary outcomes between the early and late RRT groups. Conclusions: Overall, early RRT initiation did not provide a survival benefit, but a possible benefit of fewer MV days was detected. Early RRT might also provide the benefit of shorter MV or RRT support in the surgical population and in AKI patients with high plasma NGAL. Depending on the conventional indication for RRT initiation, the watchful waiting strategy is safe on the basis of all primary and secondary outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of a series of model tests performed to study the shaft capacity of pre-bored grouted planted nodular (PGPN) pile in dense sand. The influence of the vertical overburden pressure on the shaft capacity of the PGPN pile is also investigated based on the test results. The test piles were equipped with strain gauges to measure the axial loads during the loading process, moreover, a foam plate was buried beneath pile tip to eliminate the influence of tip resistance on the shaft capacity. Some conclusions can be drawn based on the test results: the peak skin friction of PGPN pile increases with the increase of vertical overburden pressure applied on the foundation soil, while the rate of increase decreases with the increasing overburden pressure; the surface of the pile–soil interface of PGPN pile is relatively rough, and significant dilatant increase in lateral stress occurs during the loading process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uncoupling of mitochondrial respiration by chemical uncouplers has proven effective in ameliorating obesity, insulin resistance, and hyperglycemia. However, development of uncoupler-based therapy remains challenging due to its potentially lethal adverse effects. Here, we identify pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) as a key modifier of the toxicity profile of 2, 4-dinitrophenol (DNP), a prototypical mitochondrial uncoupler. PDH activation by dichloroacetic acid (DCA) protects mice from DNP-induced hyperlactacidemia, hyperthermia, and death while preserving the ability of DNP to promote fuel oxidation and improve insulin sensitivity in mice. Mechanistically, PDH activation switches on mitochondrial glucose oxidation to accommodate increased glycolytic flux, leading to reduced lactate secretion during uncoupler treatments. We devised a chemical screening strategy and discovered compound 6j as a dual-action compound that simultaneously activates PDH and uncouples mitochondrial respiration. Compound 6j exhibits an excellent efficacy and safety profile in restoring glucose homeostasis in diabetic mice. This work establishes a new principle to safely harness the power of chemical uncouplers for the treatment of metabolic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Cancer, a major public health problem, exhibits significant redox alteration. Thioredoxin (Trx) system, including Trx and Trx reductase (TrxR), as well as Trx-interacting protein (TXNIP) play important roles in controlling the cellular redox balance in cancer cells. In most cancers, Trx and TrxR are usually overexpressed and TXNIP is underexpressed. In recent years, some agents targeting Trx, TrxR, and TXNIP were used to explore a therapy approach for cancer patients.Methods: A systematic search of PMC and the PubMed Database was conducted to summarize the potential of Trx system inhibitors for cancer treatment.Results: In this article, we first summarize the functions of Trx, TrxR, and TXNIP in cancers. We also review some small molecule inhibitors of Trx/TrxR and D-allose (TXNIP inducer) and discuss their antitumor mechanisms. We highlight the combined inhibition of Trx system and GSH system in cancer therapy. We expect that a highly specific and selective antitumor agent with no cytotoxicity on human normal cells could be developed in the future.Conclusion: In conclusion, Trx system may be very promising for clinical therapy of cancer in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reduced lung function has been linked to cardiovascular disease, but population-based evidence on the relationship between lung function decline and coronary artery calcium (CAC) progression is rare. A total of 2694 participants (44.7% men) with a mean ± standard deviation age of 40.4 ± 3.6 years from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) were included. The rates of decline in forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) over a 20-year period were calculated for each participant and categorized into quartiles. The primary outcome was CAC progression. During a mean follow-up of 8.9 years, 455 (16.9%) participants had CAC progression. After adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, the hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) for CAC progression were higher for participants in the 2nd (Q2), 3rd (Q3), and highest quartiles (Q4) of FVC decline compared with those in the lowest quartile (Q1): 1.366 (1.003-1.861), 1.412 (1.035-1.927), and 1.789 (1.318-2.428), respectively. Similar trends were observed for the association between FEV1 and CAC progression. The association remained robust across a series of sensitivity analyses and all subgroups. A faster decline in FVC or FEV1 during young adulthood is independently associated with an increased risk of CAC progression in midlife. Maintaining optimal lung function during young adulthood may improve future cardiovascular health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accurate state of charge (SOC) estimation plays a significant role in charge/discharge control, balance control, and safe management of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, due to the model mismatch issues, either from battery inconsistency or battery dynamic characteristics difference, the accuracy of the model-based SOC estimation method is usually unsatisfactory. To solve this problem, a joint moving horizon estimation (joint-MHE) approach that can simultaneously estimate the model parameter and state is proposed here. In this paper, the circuit-equivalent battery model is first constructed by parameterizing the circuit parameters as polynomial function of SOC. Then, by the sensitivity analysis, the update parameters are selected and added to the state-space model as additional states. Finally, the joint-MHE strategy is conducted for the simultaneous parameter and SOC estimation. To investigate the performance of the proposed method thoroughly, three model mismatch conditions are considered, including battery inconsistency, battery dynamic characteristics difference, and the combination of both. The results demonstrate that the joint-MHE approach is an effective way to solve the model mismatch problem. Moreover, compared to joint extended Kalman filtering, the proposed approach can offer a more reliable, robust, and accurate SOC estimation of LIBs under various model mismatch conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • N doped carbon-wrapped Mo x C heterophase sheets are synthesized via in situ carbonation. • N-Mo x C@C HSs effectively combine the respective advantages of both γ-MoC and β-Mo 2 C. • Heterostructures possess a synergistically-enhanced activity on the interface and surface of γ-MoC/β-Mo 2 C. • N-Mo x C@C HSs exhibit excellent activity and stability in acid media. Abstract Advancement of non-precious-metal catalysts for hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) with both prominent activity and excellent stability has been becoming an ongoing challenge in the following decades. Herein, N-doped carbon-wrapped molybdenum carbide heterophase (γ-MoC and β-Mo 2 C) sheets (N-Mo x C@C HSs) were prepared by a facile chemical vapor reduction (CVR) procedure and following calcination at desired temperatures. The best HER electrocatalytic activity of N-Mo x C@C HSs was detailedly examined in 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 , which exhibited a small overpotential of 172 mV (10 mA cm−2) with a Tafel slope of only 60 mV dec−1 and durability. The improved HER activities and catalytic stability were due to heterocrystal Mo x C, nitrogen doping, and carbon coating. Particularly, this study effectively combined the respective advantages of both γ-MoC and β-Mo 2 C via the interface effect and matched polarity of hydrogen adsorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose to directly measure the Majorana number for one-dimensional topological superconductors using a quantum dot. The setup consists of two topological superconducting wires with four Majorana zero modes, which are coupled to an external quantum dot. The measurement is achieved by utilizing the definition of the Majorana number, which is the charge-parity flipping when changing the boundary condition for the topological superconductor. We consider a control of the boundary condition with voltage gates. When the voltage on the gate are modulated sequentially, the boundary conditions changes and the parity of the superconducting state flips. We demonstrate that this parity flipping will change the electron occupation probability of the quantum dot, which reflects the value of the Majorana number. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]