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Abstract Background The root-associated microbiomes are crucial in promoting plant growth and development through symbiotic interactions with their hosts. Plants may shape their microbiomes by secreting specific root exudates. However, the potential mechanisms how plant species determine root exudates and drive microbiome assembly have been little studied. In this study, three wild tobaccos and one cultivated tobacco were used to investigate the commonalities and differences of both root-associated microbiomes and root exudates. Results Amplicon sequencing results suggested that tobacco species significantly affected microbial communities in both the rhizosphere and root endosphere, with the strongest impact on the fungal community in the root endosphere. The microbial networks of wild tobacco species were more stable than that of the cultivated tobacco, and fungal members played a more important role in the networks of wild tobacco species, while bacterial members did so in the cultivated tobacco. The rhizosphere bacteria of wild tobacco species showed a higher functional diversity than that of the cultivated tobacco, while the bacteria in the root endosphere presented a contrary pattern. Metabolomics analysis showed significant differences in the composition and abundance of root exudates among the four tobacco species, and the greatest difference was found between the three wild species and the cultivated one. Correlation analysis showed the strongest correlation between metabolites and rhizosphere bacteria, in which O-benzoic acid (2-methoxybenzoic acid) had the most positive correlations with rhizosphere bacteria, while β-ureidoisobutenoic acid had the most negative correlations with rhizosphere bacteria. The rhizosphere bacteria Streptomyces, Hydrophilus and Roseobacter had the strongest positive correlations with metabolites, and the rhizosphere bacterium Nitrobacter had the most negative correlations with metabolites. Conclusion This study revealed the differences of microbial communities and root exudates in the rhizosphere and root endosphere of four tobacco species, which can further improve our understanding of plant–microbiome interactions during crop domestication. Graphical Abstract

To address the challenges posed by inadequate data and data utilization in multiple scenarios of fatigue loading, a Physics-informed Transfer Learning (PITL) model has been developed to predict the fatigue life of IN718 superalloy. Strain-controlled low-cycle fatigue tests were carried out at 400 °C with three distinct strain ratios, which were subsequently segmented for individual transfer learning tests. PITL models with significant engineering value were built by integrating transfer learning methodologies rooted in TrAdaBoost with a physics-based model that hinges on the principles of equivalent strain theory. The findings suggest that PITL models exhibit improved accuracy and greater robustness compared to both transfer learning and physics models.

Complex formation structures lead to significant differences in the failure mechanisms of hobs. WC-reinforced medium entropy composite coatings exhibit excellent comprehensive properties. However, the wear mechanism of coatings in different formation structures is still unclear. In this study, FeNiCr-WCx (x = 0, 40, 50, 60 wt%) composite coatings were prepared on the surface of H13 steel using laser cladding technology. The friction and wear mechanism of FeNiCr-WC composite coatings under different friction pair conditions was discussed. The results show that FeNiCr-WC composite coatings mainly consist of reinforced phase, lamellar eutectic structure and solid solution phase. As the WC content increases, the content of M6C and carbide phases in these coatings increases. The average microhardness of 40WC, 50WC and 60WC coatings is 3.28 times, 3.61 times and 4.20 times that of H13 steel, respectively. The wear rates of 40WC, 50WC and 60WC coatings are respectively about 0.25, 0.10 and 0.06 times that of FeNiCr coating under Al2O3 friction pair conditions. Three-body wear and oxidation wear mainly occurred on the surface of FeNiCr-WC composite coatings. The wear rates of 40WC, 50WC and 60WC coatings are respectively about 0.34, 0.35 and 0.16 times that of FeNiCr coating under Si3N4 friction pair conditions. Glaze layers with high Si content were formed on the surface of 50WC and 60WC coatings. The glaze layer is prone to cracking and peeling, resulting in increased wear rates for both coatings. As the hardness of the coating increases, the GCr15 friction pair undergoes severe abrasive wear.

Abstract Acute lung injury (ALI) is a life threatening disease in critically ill patients, and characterized by excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory factors levels in the lung. Multiple evidences suggest that nanozyme with diversified catalytic capabilities plays a vital role in this fatal lung injury. At present, we developed a novel class of polydopamine (PDA) coated cerium dioxide (CeO2) nanozyme (Ce@P) that acts as the potent ROS scavenger for scavenging intracellular ROS and suppressing inflammatory responses against ALI. Herein, we aimed to identify that Ce@P combining with NIR irradiation could further strengthen its ROS scavenging capacity. Specifically, NIR triggered Ce@P exhibited the most potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory behaviors in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced macrophages through decreasing the intracellular ROS levels, down-regulating the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, up-regulating the level of antioxidant cytokine (SOD-2), inducing M2 directional polarization (CD206 up-regulation), and increasing the expression level of HSP70. Besides, we performed intravenous (IV) injection of Ce@P in LPS induced ALI rat model, and found that it significantly accumulated in the lung tissue for 6 h after injection. It was also observed that Ce@P + NIR presented the superior behaviors of decreasing lung inflammation, alleviating diffuse alveolar damage, as well as promoting lung tissue repair. All in all, it has developed the strategy of using Ce@P combining with NIR irradiation for the synergistic enhanced treatment of ALI, which can serve as a promising therapeutic strategy for the clinical treatment of ROS derived diseases as well.

Thermoacoustic oscillation is a significant challenge in the development of advanced thermal power and propulsion systems. The present work focuses on the whistling phenomenon in the practical burners of a developing high-efficiency domestic gas stove. The acoustic analysis is conducted by a Helmholtz acoustic solver, identifying the 1/2 wave longitudinal mode in the outer ring or center nozzle and its upstream pipe and estimating the modal eigenfrequencies fa=599Hz and fb=647Hz which are close to the main frequency of the whistling measured in experiments. The sequential flame images captured by a high-speed camera are processed by a dynamic mode decomposition method to illustrate flame structure oscillations at the peak frequency mode. The results verify that thermoacoustic oscillations are the generation mechanism of the whistling and display the periodic fluctuation characteristics of the flame and the spatial distribution of heat release. Moreover, both structural fine-tuning designs help to achieve better suppression for thermoacoustic oscillations and avoid the whistling phenomenon. These structural fine-tuning strategies have been researched for several decades but rarely reported to be applied to industrial burners in previous work. Motivated by this, it will provide a new insight into the investigation of burner structures on thermoacoustic behaviors and the application of these passive control strategies.

Background: Oncomelania hupensis (O. hupensis), the unique intermediate host for Schistosoma japonicum, exerts a substantial influence on the risk of schistosomiasis. Being amphibious freshwater snails, the growth, development, and reproductive distribution of O. hupensis are intricately tied to climatic environmental variables. This study aims to predict O. hupensis habitat risks along the Yangtze River in China, considering multiple environmental factors. Methods: Data pertaining to the distribution of O. hupensis, including both presence and absence records, with the Jiangsu section of the Yangtze River basin for the period 2017–2021, were retrieved from the Jiangsu Schistosomiasis Control Information Platform. Ten machine learning algorithms and an ensemble model were used to explore environmental drivers. Three datasets (Snail_CLIM, Snail_TOPO, and Snail_ALL) incorporating climatic and topographic variables were examined for their impact on model accuracy. We conducted validation using the AUC and TSS metrics. Moreover, we utilized the data from the 2022 snail field survey for model external validation. Results: The findings demonstrate that snail_ALL, which incorporates both climatic and topographic variables, exhibits superior performance (ensemble model: sensitivity = 98.000, specificity = 95.960, AUC = 0.994). Among the ten model algorithms, Random Forest (RF) exhibited the highest degree of accuracy and stability (Snail_ALL: AUC = 1.000 ± 0.000, TSS = 0.985 ± 0.005). The key environmental factors affecting snail distribution included the distance to the nearest river, elevation, annual precipitation, and annual average pressure. High-risk areas manifested as two distinct concentrations: downstream of the Luhe District in Nanjing and at the confluence of Zhenjiang and Yangzhou. The results of 2022 field validation showed that over 90 % of the data points for snail breeding sites are concentrated in medium to high-risk areas. Conclusion: By selecting pertinent environmental variables and employing ensemble modeling techniques, we can accurately predict O. hupensis habitats. The resulting risk distribution map for snail habitats not only provides valuable insights but also serves as a guiding tool for targeted monitoring and control measures. The holds particular significance within the contest of the Yangtze River protection and restoration projects.

Cr(VI) and phenol commonly coexist in wastewater, posing a great threat to the environment and human health. However, it is still a challenge for microorganisms to degrade phenol under high Cr(VI) stress. In this study, the phenol-degrading strain Bacillus cereus ZWB3 was co-cultured with the Cr(VI)-reducing strain Bacillus licheniformis MZ-1 to enhance phenol biodegradation under Cr(Ⅵ) stress. Compared with phenol-degrading strain ZWB3, which has weak tolerance to Cr(Ⅵ), and Cr(Ⅵ)-reducing strain MZ-1, which has no phenol-degrading ability, the co-culture of two strains could significantly increase the degraded rate and capacity of phenol. In addition, the co-cultured strains exhibited phenol degradation ability over a wide pH range (7–10). The reduced content of intracellular proteins and polysaccharides produced by the co-cultured strains contributed to the enhancement of phenol degradation and Cr(Ⅵ) tolerance. The determination coefficients R2, RMSE, and MAPE showed that the BP-ANN model could predict the degradation of phenol under various conditions, which saved time and economic cost. The metabolic pathway of microbial degradation of phenol was deduced by metabolic analysis. This study provides a valuable strategy for wastewater treatment containing Cr(Ⅵ) and phenol. HIGHLIGHTS Co-culture can degrade phenol under high concentrations of Cr(VI).; Co-culture improves the degraded rate and concentration of phenol under Cr(VI) stress.; Co-culture synergistically enhances the ability to resist phenol and Cr(VI) toxicity.; BP-ANN predicted the degradation of phenol under different conditions.;

Abstract The Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) presents a substantial risk to the domestic pig industry, resulting in extensive and fatal viral diarrhea among piglets. Recognizing the mucosal stimulation triggered by PEDV and harnessing the regulatory impact of lactobacilli on intestinal function, we have developed a lactobacillus-based vaccine that is carefully designed to elicit a strong mucosal immune response. Through bioinformatics analysis, we examined PEDV S proteins to identify B-cell linear epitopes that meet the criteria of being non-toxic, soluble, antigenic, and capable of neutralizing the virus. In this study, a genetically modified strain of Lactobacillus mucosae G01 (L.mucosae G01) was created by utilizing the S layer protein (SLP) as a scaffold for surface presentation. Chimeric immunodominant epitopes with neutralizing activity were incorporated at various sites on SLP. The successful expression of SLP chimeric immunodominant epitope 1 on the surface of L.mucosae G01 was confirmed through indirect immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy, revealing the formation of a transparent membrane. The findings demonstrate that the oral administration of L.mucosae G01, which expresses the SLP chimeric immunodominant gene epitope1, induces the production of secreted IgA in the intestine and feces of mice. Additionally, there is an elevation in IgG levels in the serum. Moreover, the levels of cytokines IL-2, IL-4, IFN-γ, and IL-17 are significantly increased compared to the negative control group. These results suggest that L. mucosae G01 has the ability to deliver exogenous antigens and elicit a specific mucosal immune response against PEDV. This investigation presents new possibilities for immunoprophylaxis against PEDV-induced diarrhea.

Abstract Oriental tobacco budworm (Helicoverpa assulta) and cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) are two closely related species within the genus Helicoverpa. They have similar appearances and consistent damage patterns, often leading to confusion. However, the cotton bollworm is a typical polyphagous insect, while the oriental tobacco budworm belongs to the oligophagous insects. In this study, we used Nanopore, PacBio, and Illumina platforms to sequence the genome of H. assulta and used Hifiasm to create a haplotype-resolved draft genome. The Hi-C technique helped anchor 33 primary contigs to 32 chromosomes, including two sex chromosomes, Z and W. The final primary haploid genome assembly was approximately 415.19 Mb in length. BUSCO analysis revealed a high degree of completeness, with 99.0% gene coverage in this genome assembly. The repeat sequences constituted 38.39% of the genome assembly, and we annotated 17093 protein-coding genes. The high-quality genome assembly of the oriental tobacco budworm serves as a valuable genetic resource that enhances our comprehension of how they select hosts in a complex odour environment. It will also aid in developing an effective control policy.

Resumo Fundamento A fibrilação atrial (FA) é uma complicação prevalente associada à levosimendana; no entanto, permanece incerto se existem disparidades nos efeitos da levosimendana na FA não pós-operatória e pós-operatória. Objetivos Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da levosimendana na FA não pós-operatória e pós-operatória conduzindo uma metanálise de ensaios clínicos randomizados (ECR). Métodos PubMed, Embase, Biblioteca Cochrane e outras bases de dados foram pesquisadas. Pares de revisores identificaram ECRs que compararam levosimendana e placebo ou outras terapias, e os resultados relataram dados de eventos de FA. Foram utilizados modelos de efeitos aleatórios (com nível de significância de 5%). Resultados Foram incluídos 29 ensaios elegíveis compreendendo 6.550 participantes, onze dos quais avaliaram a incidência de FA não pós-operatória e 18 incluíram FA pós-operatória. A análise revelou que a levosimendana elevou significativamente o risco de FA no grupo não pós-operatório (OR, 1,62; IC 95%: 1,19-2,20; p=0,002) e reduziu a incidência de FA no grupo pós-operatório (OR, 0,65; IC 95%: 0,44-0,96; p=0,03). A ocorrência de FA diminuiu mais significativamente em pacientes que usaram levosimendana após cirurgia cardíaca (OR, 0,53; IC 95%: 0,32-0,88; p=0,02) do que em pacientes que usaram levosimendana antes da cirurgia cardíaca (OR, 0,67; IC 95%: 0,42-1,06; p=0,09). O risco de FA foi significativamente elevado pela grande dose em bolus de levosimendana (dose em bolus ≥12 μg/kg) (OR, 1,44; IC 95%: 1,10-1,88; p=0,004) e diminuído pela pequena dose em bolus de levosimendana (dose em bolus

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is responsible for causing fatal watery diarrhea in piglets, resulting in significant economic losses within the pig farming industry. Although vaccination is currently employed as a preventive measure, certain vaccines do not provide complete protection against PEDV field strains. Probiotics present a promising alternative due to their ability to regulate intestinal flora, enhance host immunity, and improve resistance against pathogenic microorganisms. We isolated six lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from the fecal microorganisms of Bama pigs, compared to Limosilactobacillus mucosae DSM13345 of the same genus in which Limosilactobacillus mucosae G01 (L. mucosae G01) proved to have a potent anti-PEDV effect. In a comprehensive manner, L. mucosae G01 significantly augmented the phosphorylation of IRF3 in IPEC-J2 cells, resulting in the induction of interferons (IFN α, IFN β, IFN λ1, and IFN λ3) and subsequent upregulation of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) (MX1, MX2, OAS1, and ZAP) in a dose-dependent fashion, consequently leading to the mitigation of PEDV replication. These findings underscore the promising prospects of L. mucosae G01 as a naturally derived substitute for combating PEDV and other enteric coronavirus infections.

Acting as a central hub in regulating brain functions, the thalamus plays a pivotal role in controlling high-order brain functions. Considering the impact of preterm birth on infant brain development, traditional studies focused on the overall development of thalamus other than its subregions. In this study, we compared the volumetric growth and shape development of the thalamic hemispheres between the infants born preterm and full-term (Left volume: P = 0.027, Left normalized volume: P < 0.0001; Right volume: P = 0.070, Right normalized volume: P < 0.0001). The ventral nucleus region, dorsomedial nucleus region, and posterior nucleus region of the thalamus exhibit higher vulnerability to alterations induced by preterm birth. The structural covariance (SC) between the thickness of thalamus and insula in preterm infants (Left: corrected P = 0.0091, Right: corrected P = 0.0119) showed significant increase as compared to full-term controls. Current findings suggest that preterm birth affects the development of the thalamus and has differential effects on its subregions. The ventral nucleus region, dorsomedial nucleus region, and posterior nucleus region of the thalamus are more susceptible to the impacts of preterm birth.

The purpose of this study was to assess the influence and the clinical effectiveness of the short stature homeobox 2 (SHOX2) and ras association domain family 1A (RASSF1A) genes by tissue sampling through ultrasound endoscopy-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) as auxiliary diagnostic tools for pancreatic cancer (PC). Methylation markers were detected in 96 patients using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qPCR), and the performance of this diagnostic assay was compared with CA19-9, CEA, and puncture fluid-based exfoliative cytology using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. The PC group exhibited higher methylation rates for SHOX2, RASSF1A, and the combined assay of both genes compared to the control group (95.7 % vs. 54.0 %, 78.3 % vs. 36.0 %, and 73.9 % vs. 16.0 %, P

This study explores the impact of internal pre-damage from early drying shrinkage on the delayed ettringite formation (DEF) expansion behavior of cement-based materials subjected to high-temperature processes. Specimens of cement paste and mortar with water-cement (W/C) ratios of 0.4, 0.5, and 0.6 were characterized after curing under relative humidity (RH) conditions of 50, 70, and 100 for 56 days. The parameters assessed were drying shrinkage, dynamic elastic modulus, and free water content. Subsequent DEF expansion over time was quantified, and the underlying mechanism was analyzed using XRD and SEM techniques after 270 days of underwater curing. Results indicate that: (1) a lack of adequate early curing humidity significantly reduces the dynamic elastic modulus with more than a 10% drop in cement paste following 56 days at RH50; (2) a higher W/C ratio and lower early curing humidity lead to more internal damage due to shrinkage, thereby promoting DEF expansion; (3) drying intensifies internal pre-damage in the interfacial transition zone (ITZ), causing an earlier deterioration of DEF expansion in mortar compared to cement paste. However, the presence of aggregates constrains this, leading to lesser DEF expansion in mortar; (4) dynamic elastic modulus changes as measured by ultrasonic methods can quantitatively characterize the extent of deterioration caused by DEF expansion, thus offering a tool for non-destructive testing and DEF expansion deterioration analysis.

In China, the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) has undergone several variations over the decades and contributed to the diversity of the clinical epidemic PRRSV strains. This has complicated the prevention and control of PRRS. In particular, the efficacy of the currently available commercial vaccines against the highly pathogenic NADC34-like strains is unclear. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the protection efficacy of three commercial PRRS modified-live virus (MLV) vaccines derived from classical PRRS VR2332 MLV and R98 MLV against challenge with a heterologous NADC34-like PRRSV strain, JS2021NADC34, which has high pathogenicity in pigs. PRRSV- and antibody-free piglets were immunized with the PRRS VR2332 MLV vaccine or either of two R98 MLV vaccines (from different manufacturers) and were challenged with the JS2021NADC34 strain 28 days after immunization. Rectal temperature, clinical symptoms, viremia and viral shedding from the nose, gross lesions in the thymus and lungs, microscopic lesions and viral distribution in the lungs, as well as the humoral immune response and mortality rates were recorded over a 14-day post-challenge period. The results showed that PRRS VR2332 MLV had better efficacy against the JS2021NADC34 challenge than PRRS R98 MLV, with vaccinated piglets in the former group showing transient and mild symptoms, mild pathological lesions in the lungs, mild thymic atrophy, and low viral levels in sera and nasal swabs, as well as better growth performance and a 100% survival rate. In contrast, two PRRS R98 MLVs exhibited limited efficacy against the JS2021NADC34 challenge, with the piglets in two R98 groups showing obvious clinical symptoms and pathological changes in the lungs and thymus; moreover, there were two deaths caused by PRRS in two R98 groups, respectively. Despite this, the mortality rate was lower than that of the unvaccinated piglets that were challenged with JS2021NADC34. The cumulative results demonstrate that PRRS VR2332 MLV was partly effective against the highly pathogenic PRRSV NADC34-like strain based on the observations over the 14-day post-challenge period. Thus, it might be a viable option among the commercially available vaccines for control of NADC34-like virus infections in swine herds.

The component analysis of raw meal is critical to the quality of cement. In recent years, near-infrared (NIR) has been emerged as an innovative and efficient analytical method to determine the oxide content of cement raw meal. This study aims to utilize NIR spectroscopy combined with machine learning and chemometrics to improve the prediction of oxide content in cement raw meal. The Savitzky-Golay convolution smoothing method is applied to eliminate noise interference for the analysis of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), silicon dioxide (SiO2), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), and ferric oxide (Fe2O3) in cement raw materials. Different wavelength selection techniques are used to perform a comprehensive analysis of the model, comparing the performance of several wavelength selection techniques. The back-propagation neural network regression model based on particle swarm optimization algorithm was also applied to optimize the extracted and screened feature wavelengths, and the model prediction performance was checked and evaluated using Rp and RMSE. In conclusion, the results indicate that NIR spectroscopy in combination with ML and chemometrics has great potential to effectively improve the prediction performance of oxide content in raw materials and highlight the importance of modeling and wavelength selection techniques. By enabling more accurate and efficient determination of oxide content in raw materials, NIR spectroscopy coupled with meta-modeling has the potential to revolutionize quality assurance practices in cement manufacturing.

The photoelectric conversion efficiency of photovoltaic thermal (PVT) systems is a key concern in solar energy research. The widespread use of continuous nanofluid cooling in PVT/NPCM (Nano-Enhanced Phase Change Material) systems leads to heightened energy consumption. In order to improve efficiency of the PVT/NPCM systems, a two-dimensional transient heat transfer numerical model is established to analyze the PVT/NPCM system with intermittent flow cooling. Corresponding govern equations with boundary conditions are proposed, and numerically solved by using the finite element method. Simulation results are compared with experimental data, showing a deviation of less than 7 %. The findings indicate that the intermittent cooling reduces the flow energy consumption required to drive 2220 L of nanofluid compared to continuous cooling over a 7-h period. Furthermore, under intermittent cooling conditions, the average electrical efficiency stands at approximately 19.7 %. Notably, the electrical efficiency of PVT/NPCM systems employing intermittent flow cooling closely aligns with those employing continuous flow cooling, exhibiting a maximum deviation of merely 0.0348 %. Additionally, intermittent flow cooling emerges as a favorable choice under solar radiation intensities surpasses 1000W/m2, enabling a significant reduction in overall energy consumption while maintaining commendable cooling performance.

Abstract Background WD40 proteins, which are highly prevalent in eukaryotes, play important roles in plant development and stress responses. However, systematic identification and exploration of WD40 proteins in tobacco have not yet been conducted. Results In this study, a total of 399 WD40 regulatory genes were identified in common tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum). Gene structure and motif analysis revealed structural and functional diversity among different clades of tobacco WD40 regulatory genes. The expansion of tobacco WD40 regulatory genes was mainly driven by segmental duplication and purifying selection. A potential regulatory network of NtWD40s suggested that NtWD40s might be regulated by miRNAs and transcription factors in various biological processes. Expression pattern analysis via transcriptome analysis and qRT-PCR revealed that many NtWD40s exhibited tissue-specific expression patterns and might be involved in various biotic and abiotic stresses. Furthermore, we have validated the critical role of NtTTG1, which was located in the nuclei of trichome cells, in enhancing the drought tolerance of tobacco plants. Conclusions Our study provides comprehensive information to better understand the evolution of WD40 regulatory genes and their roles in different stress responses in tobacco.

Abstract Background The vital role of rhizosphere microbiome in protecting plants against pathogen infection has been well characterized. By contrast, beneficial effects of the plant endophytic microbiome and interactions with plants remain poorly understood. Here, we integrated microbial community analysis, culture-based methods and plant defense gene quantification to systematically investigate the responses of endophytic root and stem microbiomes and the defense system of the tobacco plant to Ralstonia solanacearum, a bacterial pathogen causing bacterial wilt disease worldwide. Results An obvious reduction of community diversity and changes of microbial composition were observed in tobacco root and stem compartments upon R. solanacearum infection. Beneficial endophytic microbes were enriched in both diseased root and stem compartments, and beneficial microbes enriched in roots were more diverse than those in stems. Several beneficial bacteria enriched in diseased roots showed positive correlations with the pathogen abundance and exhibited great antagonistic activities against R. solanacearum. At the same time, the expression of key genes participating in plant defense signaling pathways and activities of plant defense enzymes were activated with R. solanacearum infection. Inoculation of beneficial endophyte Burkholderia ASV_550 in soils could greatly enhance the tobacco defense system in the presence of pathogen and decrease the disease incidence. Conclusions The recruited beneficial microbes exhibited an enhancement of the defense system of host plants. This work provides endophyte evidence for the “cry for help” strategy in plants and advances the current understanding of plant–microbe interactions in resisting plant disease. Graphical Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a multifaceted disease influenced by the interplay of genetic and environmental factors. The clinical heterogeneity of CRC cannot be attributed exclusively to genetic diversity and environmental exposures, and epigenetic markers, especially DNA methylation, play a critical role as key molecular markers of cancer. This review compiles a comprehensive body of evidence underscoring the significant involvement of DNA methylation modifications in the pathogenesis of CRC. Moreover, this review explores the potential utility of DNA methylation in cancer diagnosis, prognostics, assessment of disease activity, and prediction of drug responses. Recognizing the impact of DNA methylation will enhance the ability to identify distinct CRC subtypes, paving the way for personalized treatment strategies and advancing precision medicine in the management of CRC.

Abstract Background COVID-19-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) can result in tissue damage and multiple organ dysfunction, especially in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) receiving immunosuppressive drugs. Presently, single-cell research on COVID-19-induced ARDS is considerably advanced, yet knowledge about ARDS in KTRs is still constrained. Methods Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis was performed to construct a comprehensive single-cell immune landscape of the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of eight patients with COVID-19-induced ARDS, five KTRs with COVID-19-induced ARDS, and five healthy individuals. Subsequently, we conducted a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis, including cell clustering, enrichment analysis, trajectory analysis, gene regulatory network analysis, and cell–cell interaction analysis, to investigate the heterogeneity of the immune microenvironment in KTRs with ARDS. Result Our study revealed that KTRs exhibit significant heterogeneity with COVID-19-induced ARDS compared with those of other individuals, with significant reductions in T cells, as well as an abnormal proliferation of B cells and monocytes. In the context of dual influences from immunosuppression and viral infection, KTRs exhibited more specific plasma cells, along with significant enrichment of dysfunctional GZMB and XAF1 double-positive effector T cells and IFI27-positive monocytes. Additionally, robust communication existed among T cells and monocytes in cytokine signaling. These effects impede the process of immune reconstitution in KTR patients. Conclusion Our findings suggest that KTRs with COVID-19-induced ARDS show elevated antibody levels, impaired T cell differentiation, and dysregulation of innate immunity. In summary, this study provides a theoretical foundation for a comprehensive understanding of COVID-19-induced ARDS in KTRs.

Abstract Background Klebsiella pneumoniae is a notorious clinical pathogen and frequently carries various plasmids, which are the main carriers of antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes. In comparison to self-transmissible conjugative plasmids, mobilizable plasmids have received much less attention due to their defects in conjugative elements. However, the contribution of mobilizable plasmids to the horizontal transfer of antimicrobial resistance genes and virulence genes of K. pneumoniae remains unclear. In this study, the transfer, stability, and cargo genes of the mobilizable plasmids of K. pneumoniae were examined via genetic experiments and genomic analysis. Methods Carbapenem-resistant (CR) plasmid pHSKP2 and multidrug-resistant (MDR) plasmid pHSKP3 of K. pneumoniae HS11286, virulence plasmid pRJF293 of K. pneumoniae RJF293 were employed in conjugation assays to assess the transfer ability of mobilizable plasmids. Mimic mobilizable plasmids and genetically modified plasmids were constructed to confirm the cotransfer models. The plasmid morphology was evaluated through XbaI and S1 nuclease pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and/or complete genome sequencing. Mobilizable plasmid stability in transconjugants was analyzed via serial passage culture. In addition, in silico genome analysis of 3923 plasmids of 1194 completely sequenced K. pneumoniae was performed to investigate the distribution of the conjugative elements, the cargo genes, and the targets of the CRISPR-Cas system. The mobilizable MDR plasmid and virulence plasmid of K. pneumoniae were investigated, which carry oriT but lack other conjugative elements. Results Our results showed that mobilizable MDR and virulence plasmids carrying oriT but lacking the relaxase gene were able to cotransfer with a helper conjugative CR plasmid across various Klebsiella and Escherichia coli strains. The transfer and stability of mobilizable plasmids rather than conjugative plasmids were not interfered with by the CRISPR–Cas system of recipient strains. According to the in silico analysis, the mobilizable plasmids carry about twenty percent of acquired antimicrobial resistance genes and more than seventy-five percent of virulence genes in K. pneumoniae. Conclusions Our work observed that a mobilizable MDR or virulence plasmid that carries oriT but lacks the relaxase genes transferred with the helper CR conjugative plasmid and mobilizable plasmids escaped from CRISPR–Cas defence and remained stable in recipients. These results highlight the threats of mobilizable plasmids as vital vehicles in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance and virulence genes in K. pneumoniae.

Abstract The authors report a novel electret‐based miniature electrostatic motor with an electret film as the stator and a metal electrode as the rotor. A particular commutator is used to transform the polarity of the metal electrode. When the size of the electret‐based electrostatic motor (EEM) is 42 × 44 × 15 mm3, the maximum power consumption is only 5.4 mW. The rotation speed of the EEM increases with the increase of the supply voltage, and the maximum rotation speed can reach up to 2864 rpm. Powered by two nickel‐hydride batteries with a rated capacity of 1700 mAh, the EEM can drive a fan with a diameter of 40 mm to rotate continuously for 18 h. The EEM has the characteristics of low power consumption and convenient fabrication. Experimental results show that the EEM demonstrates high reliability and has potential applications in micro‐electromechanical systems.

ABSTRACTTobacco mosaic virus (TMV) causes a significant yield loss in solanaceous crops. Accurate and rapid diagnosis of TMV is an essential pre-requisite for proactive and tailored disease management strategies, filling the gap between more rigorous laws regarding pesticide use and maintaining crop production. Herein, we developed a time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay (TRFIA) to quantitatively detect TMV in tobacco. TMV virions were used as immunogens to develop monoclonal antibodies, which were then conjugated to Eu3+ nanospheres. The detection limit of the TRFIA platform was 0.24 ng/mL, with recovery rates in the range of 90.71–108.11% in spiked tobacco. The specificity was confirmed using ten species of tobacco-infecting phytopathogens. In-field applicability was implemented by screening for TMV in 10,000 tobacco leaf samples collected from five fields in Kunming, China. Overall, the proposed TRFIA platform is rapid, accurate, and end-user friendly, demonstrating its application in TMV onsite testing in tobacco.

BackgroundModifications of behavior can help reduce the risk of transmission by disrupting the parasite life cycle. Behavior intension is a necessary intermediate step in behavior change. This study aimed to explore protection motivation theory (PMT) in predicting likelihood of engagement in protective behavior against infection with Schistosoma.MethodsIn China, a questionnaire for data collection was sent to users who followed the WeChat public account from June 2 to 6, 2023. Factors affecting intentional behavior of participants were analyzed using stepwise regression analysis and structural equation modeling.ResultsA total of 2,243 valid questionnaires were collected, with a mean age of 30 ± 8.4 years. Approximately 1,395 (62.2%) participants reported that they had been exposed to wild waters in daily work and life. About 51.0 and 50.7% of respondents reported never having been exposed to wild water in the last 3 and 6 months, respectively. Results indicated that prior knowledge of schistosomiasis was associated with the 7 PMT subconstructs, which then influenced future preventative behaviors.ConclusionBehavior intentionis a complicated and indispensable part of behavior change that is influenced by professional knowledge, socio-economic status, and personal characteristics. The effective dissemination of knowledge regards schistosomiasis should be strengthened to emphasize the effectiveness of protective measures against infection and severe disease.

PurposeThe optimal resuscitative fluid for patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) remains controversial. Therefore, our objective was to assess the effect of balanced crystalloids in contrast to normal saline on clinical outcomes among patients with DKA.MethodsWe searched electronic databases for randomized controlled trials comparing balanced crystalloids versus normal saline in patients with DKA, the search period was from inception through October 20th, 2023. The outcomes were the time to resolution of DKA, major adverse kidney events, post-resuscitation chloride, and incidence of hypokalemia.ResultsOur meta-analysis encompassed 11 trials, incorporating a total of 753 patients with DKA. There was no significant difference between balanced crystalloids and normal saline group for the time to resolution of DKA (MD -1.49, 95%CI -4.29 to 1.31, P=0.30, I2 = 65%), major adverse kidney events (RR 0.88, 95%CI 0.58 to 1.34, P=0.56, I2 = 0%), and incidence of hypokalemia (RR 0.80, 95%CI 0.43 to 1.46, P=0.46, I2 = 56%). However, there was a significant reduction in the post-resuscitation chloride (MD -3.16, 95%CI -5.82 to -0.49, P=0.02, I2 = 73%) among patients received balanced crystalloids.ConclusionAmong patients with DKA, the use of balanced crystalloids as compared to normal saline has no effect on the time to resolution of DKA, major adverse kidney events, and incidence of hypokalemia. However, the use of balanced crystalloids could reduce the post-resuscitation chloride.Systematic review registrationhttps://osf.io, identifier c8f3d.

Guipi wan (GPW) is a traditional Chinese medicine commonly used in clinical practice, typically to treat neurological diseases such as neurasthenia and traumatic brain injury. It may have positive effects on cerebral ischemia‒reperfusion injury (cI/R). This study aimed to assess the effects of GPW in a mouse model of cI/R and find its possible targets. C57BL/6J mice were used to establish the cI/R model, and the laser speckle doppler was used to determine the success of the model. GPW was administered intragastrically for 7 days, brain tissue sections were stained with TTC, HE, and TUNEL, Western blot assay was performed to detect the effect of apoptosis-related proteins. Furthermore, we screened active ingredients from the TCM Database and constructed a compound‒target network using the Cytoscape 3.8.0 software. Moreover, we employed protein‒protein interaction and component‒target‒pathway network analyses to determine the potential components of GPW and its target genes, the key target was verified through molecular docking. Finally, we detected the influence of the downstream signaling pathway of the target through Western blot. The results showed that GPW decreased the cerebral infarction area, neurological function scores, and neuronal apoptosis in mice by regulating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Network analysis indicated that gamma-aminobutyric acid B receptor 1 (GABBR1) might be a potential target for the treatment of cI/R. Molecular docking indicated that 9 active components in GPW could bind to GABBR1 with desirable binding energy. This study represented the demonstratable effect of GPW in the treatment of cI/R injury and suggested GABBR1 as a potential target using network analysis.

Abstract Condensed matter physics has often provided a platform for investigating the interplay between particles and fields in cases that have not been observed in high-energy physics. Here, using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we provide an example of this by visualizing the electronic structure of a noncentrosymmetric magnetic Weyl semimetal candidate NdAlSi in both the paramagnetic and ferrimagnetic states. We observe surface Fermi arcs and bulk Weyl fermion dispersion as well as the emergence of new Weyl fermions in the ferrimagnetic state. Our results establish NdAlSi as a magnetic Weyl semimetal and provide an experimental observation of ferrimagnetic regulation of Weyl fermions in condensed matter.

Abstract Carbon nanosol (CNS) is a carbon-based nanomaterial that promotes plant growth; however, its functional mechanisms and effects on the microbiome are not fully understood. Here, we explored the effects of CNS on the relationship between the soil, endophytic microbiomes and plant productivity. CNS treatment increased the fresh biomass of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) plants by 27.4% ± 9.9%. Amplicon sequencing analysis showed that the CNS treatment significantly affected the composition and diversity of the microbial communities in multiple ecological niches associated with tobacco, especially the bulk soil and stem endophytic microbiome. Furthermore, the application of CNS resulted in enhanced network connectivity and stability of the microbial communities in different niches, particularly in the soil, implying a strengthening of certain microbial interactions. Certain potentially growth-promoting root endophytic bacteria were more abundant under the CNS treatment. In addition, CNS increased the abundance of some endophytic microbial functional genes known to enhance plant growth, such as those associated with nutrient metabolism and the plant hormone biosynthesis pathways. We isolated two bacterial strains (Sphingopyxis sp. and Novosphingobium sp.) that were enriched under CNS treatment, and they were confirmed to promote tobacco plant growth in vitro. These results suggested that CNS might, at least in part, promote plant growth by enriching beneficial bacteria in the microbiome. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Objectives Primary blast lung injury (PBLI) is the main cause of death in blast injury patients, and is often ignored due to the absence of a specific diagnosis. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are becoming recognized as new regulators of various diseases, but the role of circRNAs in PBLI remain largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate PBLI-related circRNAs and their probable roles as new regulators in PBLI in order to provide new ideas for PBLI diagnosis and treatment. Methods The differentially expressed (DE) circRNA and mRNA profiles were screened by transcriptome high-throughput sequencing and validated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The GO and KEGG pathway enrichment was used to investigate the potential function of DE mRNAs. The interactions between proteins were analyzed using the STRING database and hub genes were identified using the MCODE plugin. Then, Cytoscape software was used to illustrate the circRNA-miRNA-hub gene network. Results A total of 117 circRNAs and 681 mRNAs were aberrantly expressed in PBLI, including 64 up-regulated and 53 down-regulated circRNAs, and 315 up-regulated and 366 down-regulated mRNAs. GO and KEGG analysis revealed that the DE mRNAs might be involved in the TNF signaling pathway and Fanconi anemia pathway. Hub genes, including Cenpf, Ndc80, Cdk1, Aurkb, Ttk, Aspm, Ccnb1, Kif11, Bub1 and Top2a, were obtained using the MCODE plugin. The network consist of 6 circRNAs (chr18:21008725–21020999 + , chr4:44893533–44895989 + , chr4:56899026–56910247-, chr5:123709382–123719528-, chr9:108528589–108544977 + and chr15:93452117–93465245 +), 7 miRNAs (mmu-miR-3058-5p, mmu-miR-3063-5p, mmu-miR-668-5p, mmu-miR-7038-3p, mmu-miR-761, mmu-miR-7673-5p and mmu-miR-9-5p) and 6 mRNAs (Aspm, Aurkb, Bub1, Cdk1, Cenpf and Top2a). Conclusions This study examined a circRNA-miRNA-hub gene regulatory network associated with PBLI and explored the potential functions of circRNAs in the network for the first time. Six circRNAs in the circRNA-miRNA-hub gene regulatory network, including chr18:21008725–21020999 + , chr4:44893533–44895989 + , chr4:56899026–56910247-, chr5:123709382–123719528-, chr9:108528589–108544977 + and chr15:93452117–93465245 + may play an essential role in PBLI.

Phenol is a serious pollutant to the environment, therefore, it is urgent to find a rapid and effective method for its removal. In this study, Bacillus cereus ZWB3 immobilized on a polyurethane (PUF) carrier was studied. The PUF-ZWB3 required only 20 h for the degradation of 1,500 mg L−1 of phenol, shortened by 8 h than the free bacteria. In addition, the PUF-ZWB3 could increase the degradation concentration of phenol from 1,500 to 2,000 mg L−1, and the complete degradation of 2,000 mg L−1 phenol only used 44 h. In addition, the PUF-ZWB3 showed much higher removal of phenol than the free bacteria at different pH values, salt concentrations, and heavy metal ions. Particularly, the PUF-ZWB3 could still completely remove phenol in a strongly alkaline environment, such as pH 10 and 11. In addition, the removal efficiency of phenol by PUF-ZWB3 was still 100% after 10 cycles. This study showed that the PUF immobilization system had great potential in the field of remediation of organic pollution. HIGHLIGHTS PUF can increase the degradation rate and concentration of phenol by ZWB3.; The PUF-ZWB3 system can effectively degrade high concentrations of phenol at a higher pH.; The PUF-ZWB3 system has an excellent cyclic degradation performance.;

Abstract Pyopneumothorax with bronchopleural fistula is a rare complication of lung infection. We herein report a case of pyopneumothorax with bronchopleural fistula caused by Porphyromonas gingivalis infection, a common pathogenic pathogen of periodontitis, in a 49‐year‐old man with periodontitis. The patient was admitted with respiratory failure. Pleural puncture yielded a lot of gas continually and foul‐smelling light brown pus, which was found to be caused due to infection with P. gingivalis by the metagenomic next generation sequencing (mNGS) and anaerobic culture.

The Chang 7, Chang 8, and Chang 9 members of the Triassic Yanchang Formation in the Fuxian–Ganquan area of the Ordos Basin all develop lacustrine shales. However, current geological research and shale oil and gas exploration mainly focus on Chang 7 shale, with little attention given to Chang 8 and Chang 9 shale formations. Based on the experimental data from whole-rock mineral analysis, organic geochemical analysis, field-emission scanning electron microscopy analysis, and hydrocarbon generation simulation experiments, combined with well-logging data, the shale distribution, mineral composition, source rock characteristics, reservoir properties, and oil and gas contents of Chang 7, Chang 8, and Chang 9 shales were comprehensively analyzed. Moreover, the effect of integrated exploration of multilayer shales was evaluated based on a specific example. The results indicate that three sets of shales are extensively developed in the Yanchang Formation in the study area, but their thicknesses and distribution ranges vary greatly, and Chang 7 shale has the largest thickness and distribution range. Their clay mineral contents are relatively high, reaching an average of 46.7%. Also, the types of their organic matter are mainly Type I-II1, with high abundance and an average organic carbon content of 4.7%. Their vitrinite reflectance is between 0.7% and 1.3%, indicating that they are in the oil–gas symbiosis stage. Furthermore, they develop various types of nanoscale pores, such as intergranular pores, intragranular pores, and organic pores, and their porosity has an average value of 2.51% and increases significantly after crude oil is extracted. Oil and gas coexist in these three sets of shales, with an average free hydrocarbon content of 3.9 mg/g and an average gas content of 2.6 m3/t. Finally, in order to explore the integrated exploration and development of multilayer shale oil and gas formations, multilayer staged fracturing tests were carried out on six vertical wells for three sets of shales; the production results show that the gas production rate significantly increased by threefold, with a daily oil production rate of more than 1 ton.

In this study, comprehensive investigation of the shrinkage compensation mechanisms of calcium-based expansive agents (CEAs), their effects on the properties of (ultra) high-strength concrete (HSC/UHSC), and the existing problems in applying this methodology was conducted. Analyses showed that the rational use of CEAs under certain conditions could greatly or completely inhibit the development of autogenous shrinkage of HSC/UHSC and significantly reduce the risk of associated cracking. However, it was found that the hydration of the CEAs affected the hydration process of other binders, thereby altering the microstructure of concrete. This, in turn, led to a reduction in mechanical properties such as compressive strength, flexural strength, and elastic modulus, with the rate of reduction increasing as the amount of CEA used increased. Moreover, when attempting to improve the shrinkage compensation effects, increasing the amount of CEA presented a risk of delayed expansion cracking of the HSC/UHSC. Neither the expansion mechanism, expansion conditions, nor the inhibition methods have yet been fully clarified in the current stage. Lastly, newly proposed Ca–Mg composite EAs were outlined, and the research prospects of Ca–Mg composite EAs in HSC/UHSC were explored.

The continued advancement of organic electronic technology will establish organic electrochemical transistors as pivotal instruments in the field of biological detection. Here, we present a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art technology and advancements in the use of organic electrochemical transistors as biosensors. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the diverse modification materials, methods, and mechanisms utilized in organic electrochemical transistor-structured biosensors (OETBs) for the selective detection of a wide range of target analyte encompassing electroactive species, electro-inactive species, and cancer cells. Recent advances in OETBs for use in sensing systems and wearable and implantable applications are also briefly introduced. Finally, challenges and opportunities in the field are discussed.

In response to challenges such as narrow visibility for ship navigators, limited field of view from a single camera, and complex maritime environments, this study proposes panoramic visual perception-assisted navigation technology. The approach includes introducing a region-of-interest search method based on SSIM and an elliptical weighted fusion method, culminating in the development of the ship panoramic visual stitching algorithm SSIM-EW. Additionally, the YOLOv8s model is improved by increasing the size of the detection head, introducing GhostNet, and replacing the regression loss function with the WIoU loss function, and a perception model yolov8-SGW for sea target detection is proposed. The experimental results demonstrate that the SSIM-EW algorithm achieves the highest PSNR indicator of 25.736, which can effectively reduce the stitching traces and significantly improve the stitching quality of panoramic images. Compared to the baseline model, the YOLOv8-SGW model shows improvements in the P, R, and mAP50 of 1.5%, 4.3%, and 2.3%, respectively, its mAP50 is significantly higher than that of other target detection models, and the detection ability of small targets at sea has been significantly improved. Implementing these algorithms in tugboat operations at ports enhances the fields of view of navigators, allowing for the identification of targets missed by AISs and radar systems, thus ensuring operational safety and advancing the level of vessel intelligence.

Abstract Background Increasing evidence shows that an elevated homocysteine(Hcy) level is associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study systematically evaluated the correlation between homocysteine level and the incidence of CKD reported in cohort and cross-sectional studies. Methods We searched electronic databases and reference lists for relevant articles. 4 cohort studies and 7 cross-sectional studies including 79,416 patients were analyzed in a meta-analysis. Hyperhomocysteinemia was defined as a Hcy level > 15 µmol/L, which was the criterium used in previous studies. Meta-analyses were conducted of literature searches from online databases such as PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and Scopus. Computed pooled adjusted odds ratios with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were used to estimate the risk of new-onset CKD according to Hcy levels in the general population. Results People with high Hcy levels were more likely to suffer from CKD than people with normal Hcy levels (pooled OR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.72–2.55). This positive relationship persisted across different study types such as cohort studies (summary OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.55–3.13) and cross-sectional studies (summary OR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.63–2.63). Conclusions People with hyperhomocysteinemia have a higher incidence of CKD, Hyperhomocysteinemia may also be an independent risk factor for CKD in the general population.

Abstract Background The application of artificial intelligence patient-controlled analgesia (AI-PCA) facilitates the remote monitoring of analgesia management, the implementation of mobile ward rounds, and the automatic recording of all types of key data in the clinical setting. However, it cannot quantify the quality of postoperative analgesia management. This study aimed to establish an index (analgesia quality index (AQI)) to re-monitor and re-evaluate the system, equipment, medical staff and degree of patient matching to quantify the quality of postoperative pain management through machine learning. Methods Utilizing the wireless analgesic pump system database of the Cancer Hospital Affiliated with Nantong University, this retrospective observational study recruited consecutive patients who underwent postoperative analgesia using AI-PCA from June 1, 2014, to August 31, 2021. All patients were grouped according to whether or not the AQI was used to guide the management of postoperative analgesia: The control group did not receive the AQI guidance for postoperative analgesia and the experimental group received the AQI guidance for postoperative analgesia. The primary outcome was the incidence of moderate-to-severe pain (numeric rating scale (NRS) score ≥ 4) and the second outcome was the incidence of total adverse reactions. Furthermore, indicators of AQI were recorded. Results A total of 14,747 patients were included in this current study. The incidence of moderate-to-severe pain was 26.3% in the control group and 21.7% in the experimental group. The estimated ratio difference was 4.6% between the two groups (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.2% to 6.0%; P

The host defence responses play vital roles in viral infection and are regulated by complex interactive networks. The host immune system recognizes viral pathogens through the interaction of pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) with pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). As a PRR mainly in the cytoplasm, cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) senses and binds virus DNA and subsequently activates stimulator of interferon genes (STING) to trigger a series of intracellular signalling cascades to defend against invading pathogenic microorganisms. Integrated omic and functional analyses identify the cGAS-STING pathway regulating various host cellular responses and controlling viral infections. Aside from its most common function in regulating inflammation and type I interferon, a growing body of evidence suggests that the cGAS-STING signalling axis is closely associated with a series of cellular responses, such as oxidative stress, autophagy, and endoplasmic reticulum stress, which have major impacts on physiological homeostasis. Interestingly, these host cellular responses play dual roles in the regulation of the cGAS-STING signalling axis and the clearance of viruses. Here, we outline recent insights into cGAS-STING in regulating type I interferon, inflammation, oxidative stress, autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum stress and discuss their interactions with viral infections. A detailed understanding of the cGAS-STING-mediated potential antiviral effects contributes to revealing the pathogenesis of certain viruses and sheds light on effective solutions for antiviral therapy.

Background: It is now understood that T cells play a key role in the occurrence and development of psoriasis. Herein, a bibliometric analysis was conducted to summarize the content and trends of T cell-related research in psoriasis. Methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted on publications pertaining to T cells in psoriasis between 2003 and 2022 retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database using tools such as CiteSpace, the Bibliometrix R package, and VOSviewer. Results: The study included a total of 3595 articles authored by 14,188 individuals, including all coauthors in article bylines. The Laboratory for Investigative Dermatology at Rockefeller University, led by James G Krueger, has made significant contributions to this field through focusing on the pathogenesis of psoriasis and exploring the potential of using biological agents to treat psoriasis. Furthermore, targeted inhibitors have significantly impacted the treatment of psoriasis, with researchers focusing on small-molecule targeted drugs as a new area of research that could potentially replace biological agents. Conclusions: Research has established the efficacy and long-term safety of targeted inhibition of T cell-related targets. Deucravacitinib, a psoriasis treatment drug targeting TYK2 as an allosteric inhibitor, has attracted significant attention and raised high expectations.

Objective: The PRAS40 is an essential inhibitory subunit of the mTORC1 complex, which regulates autophagy. It has been suggested that Erxian Decoction (EXD) could treat spinal cord injury (SCI) via the autophagy pathway. However, the mechanism of whether EXD acts through PRAS40 remains unclear.Methods: With the help of immobilized PRAS40, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and molecular docking, the bioactive metabolites in the EXD were screened. To establish in vitro SCI models, PC12 cells were exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and then treated with the identified EXD substances. Furthermore, Western blot assay was carried out to identify potential molecular mechanisms involved. For assessing the effect of metabolites in vivo, the SCI model rats were first pretreated with or without the metabolite and then subjected to the immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining, Basso, Beattie & Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale, and H&E staining.Results: The immobilized PRAS40 isolated indole, 4-nitrophenol, terephthalic acid, palmatine, sinapinaldehyde, and 3-chloroaniline as the potential ligands binding to PRAS40. Furthermore, the association constants of palmatine and indole as 2.84 × 106 M-1 and 3.82 × 105 M-1 were elucidated via ITC due to the drug-like properties of these two metabolites. Molecular docking results also further demonstrated the mechanism of palmatine binding to PRAS40. Western blot analysis of PC12 cells demonstrated that palmatine inhibited the expression of p-mTOR by binding to PRAS40, activating the autophagic flux by markedly increasing LC3. The injection of palmatine (10μM and 20 μM) indicated notably increased BBB scores in the SCI rat model. Additionally, a dose-dependent increase in LC3 was observed by IHC staining.Conclusion: This research proved that EXD comprises PRAS40 antagonists, and the identified metabolite, palmatine, could potentially treat SCI by activating the autophagic flux.

Rapid diagnosis of urogenital schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma haematobium requires an accurate and timely assay, especially for low-intensity S. haematobium infection cases and in non-endemic areas. The mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase 1 (cox1) gene fragment of S. haematobium was selected as detection target as this short fragment, which can be rapidly sequenced and yet possess good diagnostic resolution. A pair of primers and a fluorescent probe were designed according to the principle of recombinase-aided amplification (RAA), which was subsequently optimized and applied as an S. haematobium-specific RAA assay. Its diagnostic performance was validated for sensitivity and specificity in comparison to microscopy-based egg counting after urine filtration. The RAA assay could detect as little as 10 copies/μL of S. haematobium recombinant plasmid, and no cross-reactions were observed with S. mansoni, S. japonicum, Ancylostoma duodenale, Clonorchis sinensis, Echinococcus granulosus, or Ascaris lumbricoides. This test can be conducted at 39 °C and the whole RAA reaction can be completed within 20 min. The validation of the RAA assay showed that it had 100 % consistency with urine-egg microscopy, as it does not require an elaborate reading tool, is simple to use, and should be useful for field diagnostics and point-of-care applications.

In a dynamic environment, expectations of the future constantly change based on updated evidence and affect the dynamic allocation of attention. To further investigate the neural mechanisms underlying attentional expectancies, we employed a modified Central Cue Posner Paradigm in which the probability of cues being valid (that is, accurately indicated the upcoming target location) was manipulated. Attentional deployment to the cued location (α), which was governed by precision of predictions on previous trials, was estimated using a hierarchical Bayesian model and was included as a regressor in the analyses of electrophysiological (EEG) data. Our results revealed that before the target appeared, alpha oscillations (8∼13 Hz) for high-predictability cues (88 % valid) were significantly predicted by precision-dependent attention (α). This relationship was not observed under low-predictability conditions (69 % and 50 % valid cues). After the target appeared, precision-dependent attention (α) correlated with alpha band oscillations only in the valid cue condition and not in the invalid condition. Further analysis under conditions of significant attentional modulation by precision suggested a separate effect of cue orientation. These results provide new insights on how trial-by-trial Bayesian belief updating relates to alpha band encoding of environmentally-sensitive allocation of visual spatial attention.

In order to reduce leakage flow, cavity tips are often used in high-pressure turbines, at the cost of higher thermal load compared to flat tips. To better control the leakage flow and heat transfer at the blade tip, a cavity-filling geometry is proposed in this paper, and the effects of the filling area are also investigated by numerical simulation. The results indicate that the new geometries maintain the advantages of cavity tips in terms of aerodynamic performance. With the cavity filling area increasing, the heat transfer of the new geometries shows a trend of initially increasing and then decreasing. When the front 15% of the blade tip chord length is filled, the average heat transfer of this configuration is reduced by 3.7% compared to the cavity blade tip, and the high heat transfer area is reduced by 23.3%, at the cost of more intensive hot spots. As the cavity-filling area increases from 5% to 15%, the size of the vortexes at the cavity reduces, resulting in a rise in the leakage. Similar behaviors of the tip heat transfer and leakage flow were also found when the turbine pressure ratios varied from 3 to 7, with the cavity-filling geometry.

Background Acne vulgaris (AV) is a common skin disease. Fire needle is a method of quickly piercing the local skin lesions with red-hot needles for AV. This work aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fire needle combined with chemical peels for AV. Methods Eight databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Internet, Wanfang, Sinomed, and VIP databases were searched to enrolled randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing fire needle therapy combined with chemical peels with chemical peels alone. The risk of bias was evaluated by the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool. Statistical analysis was completed by RevMan 5.3 and Stata 14.0. Results Altogether 18 studies including 1213 patients were enrolled. Compared with chemical peels alone, fire needle adjuvant chemical peels therapy improved the total effective rate (RR = 1.37,95% CI [1.26,1.48], p

Abstract The development of real-time and accurate visual stress detection is crucial for the field of building engineering. Herein, a new strategy is explored for the development of novel cementitious materials by hierarchical aggregation smart luminescent material and resin-based material. The cementitious material with such layered structure is inherently capable of visualization of stress monitoring and recording by converting the stress to visible light. The specimen fabricated by the novel cementitious material could repetitively emit green visible light under excitation of a mechanical pulse for 10 cycles, suggesting that the cementitious material shows highly reproducible performance. Moreover, the numerical simulations and analysis for the models of stress indicate that the luminescent time is synchronous with the stress and the emission intensity is proportional to the value of stress. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that the cementitious material realizes visible stress monitoring and recording, which supplies new insights for exploring modern multi-functional building materials.

ObjectiveTo estimate the incidence and burden of acute gastroenteritis among residents in Heilongjiang province, and to provide evidence for developing strategies on food-borne disease prevention and control. MethodsThe data on residents′ acute gastroenteritis incidence during 2018 were collected from community population surveys and hospital-based foodborne disease surveillance in Heilongjiang province and a pyramid model of disease burden was constructed to estimate total number of acute gastroenteritis cases in the province. The health burden of acute gastroenteritis was measured with disability adjusted life years (DALYs).ResultsFor whole population of the province in 2018, the estimated number of acute gastroenteritis cases was 133 814 (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 105 635 – 169 334); the monthly prevalence was 3.54% (95%CI: 3.28% – 3.80%); and the incidence was 0.470/person year. The DALYs due to acute gastroenteritis was 11 320.40 (95%CI: 9239.09 – 13947.73) and the DALYs rate of the disease was 0.30 (95%CI: 0.25 – 0.37)/1 000 population, with the highest DALYs rate for the residents aged < 5 years (0.526 [95%CI: 0.24 – 1.41]/1 000 population) and the residents aged ≥ 60 years (0.680 [95%CI: 0.49 – 0.96]/1 000 population), respectively. ConclusionThe incidence of acute gastroenteritis was high among residents of Heilongjiang province, especially among the children under 5 years and the elderly over 60 years.

Objective: Shoulder arthroscopic rotator cuff tear repair is currently the main treatment for full-thickness rotator cuff tears, and postoperative rehabilitation training is essential. However, pain and limitation of activity during the rehabilitation process will lead to poor results. Hence, identifying rehabilitation approaches is crucial. This study aimed to compare patient's rehabilitation outcomes and experience between rehabilitation in the supine position and in the standing position. Methods: This prospective study included patients diagnosed with full-thickness rotator cuff tears who underwent shoulder arthroscopic double-row rivet repair at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from March 2019 to September 2021. The patients were randomly assigned to the standing rehabilitation exercise group (group A) and the supine rehabilitation exercise group (group B). All patients were followed up for 6 months to record and compare the visual analog scale (VAS) scores, shoulder range of motion, and rehabilitation compliance. Results: Altogether, 86 patients participated in the study, of whom 79 patients completed the 6-month follow-up. Groups A and B had 39 and 40 patients, respectively. Before operation, the VAS score, forward flexion and extension angle, and abduction angle were comparable between groups A and B. After operation, the patients in groups A and B all experienced a significant improvement in the VAS score, forward flexion and extension angle, and abduction angle (p