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Small wetlands are essential for preserving global biodiversity, yet they are frequently neglected in conservation strategies due to vague definitions and a lack of research attention. In this study, we conducted thirty-six surveys via the point count method in the Xiaohongxiang Wetland, Anning City, Yunnan Province, China, from November 2023 to June 2024. We aimed to evaluate the impact of various habitats surrounding Xiaohongxiang Wetland (wetlands, villages, farmlands, cherry plantations and pine forests) on the taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity of avian species and investigate the significance of these habitats for ecological conservation and restoration efforts. A total of 62 species were recorded. Small wetlands are vital for supporting common waterbirds, but may not safeguard rare species effectively. While cherry plantations and pine forests enhance avian diversity near wetlands, their low functional diversity could limit the ecological niches available to birds. This indicates that monoculture plantations might restrict the habitat variety needed for a diverse bird community. Our study found no clear phylogenetic clustering or overdispersion amongst bird species across habitats, suggesting that community assembly is shaped by competitive exclusion, habitat filtering and neutral processes. Despite a limited sample size, our results highlight a gap between taxonomic and functional diversity, indicating that multidimensional biodiversity metrics are essential for thoroughly evaluating wetland restoration and habitat impacts on bird diversity.

Abstract In random uncertain motor parameter identification field, there is low identification efficiency and ill-conditioned data coming from the second iteration involved in the uncertainty propagation and surrogate model between the motor parameters and the performance response. In this paper, the fourth-order moment method and trust region model management technology are combined to reduce the dependence of the surrogate model accuracy and improve the computational efficiency. In the framework, the inner layer calculates the cumulative probability under different motor performance response thresholds based on the fourth-order moment method, and obtain the probability density function of the calculated motor performance response. The outer layer transforms the random uncertain motor parameters identification into a deterministic optimization problem by minimizing the probability distribution between the calculated and the measured motor performance response. In the outer layer optimization, the trust region model management technology is used to divide the search interval of the entire parameter to be identified into a series of trust regions, construct a surrogate model on the trust region to calculate the motor performance response, and continuously update the trust region by comparing the response residuals between the calculated and measured motor performance response, so that the motor parameters to be identified continue to approach the interval where true values are located. At the same time, the genetic intelligent technology is introduced to further reduce the calculation cost. Finally, the probability distribution of random uncertain motor parameters is obtained according to the identified mean, standard deviation, skewness and kurtosis coefficients. The numerical results in the example verify that the random uncertain motor parameter identification can be effectively achieved by the proposed method.

Skin aging is an increasingly prominent topic in the context of healthy aging. During the aging process, the skin’s barrier function diminishes, its water content decreases, wrinkles begin to form, and changes occur in the gut microbiota composition. However, the relationship between gut microbiota and skin aging remains unclear. In this study, we explored skin rejuvenation in aged mice through fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) using feces from young mice. The results demonstrated enhanced water retention, thickened stratum corneum, increased collagen content, and improved epithelial cell differentiation in aged mice following FMT. Notably, FMT particularly increased the abundance of Lactobacillus and Lactococcus in aged mice, which were nearly undetectable in untreated aged mice. Non-targeted and targeted metabolomics analyses indicated that FMT significantly elevated levels of tryptophan (Trp) and its microbiota metabolites (e.g., indole-3-lactic acid (ILA)) in the feces and serum of aged mice. Both Trp and ILA appeared to rejuvenate aged skin by activating the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) to promote epidermal cell differentiation. In conclusion, FMT from young mice rejuvenated aged skin via Trp-metabolizing bacteria (Lactobacillus and Lactococcus) and Trp-derived metabolites, suggesting that interventions targeting Trp metabolites may effectively improve skin aging.

Abstract Background Diabetes, occasionally diagnosed in orthodontic patients, can impede orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) by accumulating advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in the periodontium. This accumulation impairs the osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) due to alterations in the force-loaded microenvironment, yet the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Methods Bioinformatics analysis of GSE112122 identified alterations in the mechanical regulation of histone methylation enzyme Lysine Demethylase 6B (KDM6B). OTM models were established in healthy and Nicotinamide/ Streptozotocin-induced type II diabetic rats. The impact of AGEs on mechanically induced osteogenesis and its correlation with KDM6B were evaluated by assessing the therapeutic effects of periodontal ligament injections of the AGEs/RAGE inhibitor FPS-ZM1. To investigate transcriptomic changes, we extracted human PDLSCs, which were subjected to RNA sequencing following the overexpression of KDM6B. Experimental validation further identified potential self-reinforcing loops and their associated antioxidative mechanisms. Results Mechanical forces upregulated KDM6B expression and function in PDLSCs, modulating extensive downstream osteogenesis-related transcriptional changes. Experiments with AGEs-treated and FPS-ZM1-treated samples demonstrated that AGEs impaired osteogenesis by compromising KDM6B mechanical responsiveness. A positive feedback loop between KDM6B and Wnt pathways was identified, inhibited by AGEs. This loop regulated superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), facilitating antioxidative stress and preventing stem cell ageing. Conclusions This study elucidates a novel mechanism by which AGEs influence the osteogenic process and antioxidative capacity of PDLSCs through the KDM6B/Wnt self-reinforcing loop under orthodontic force. Targeting the AGE/RAGE pathway or enhancing KDM6B may enhance orthodontic treatments for diabetic patients.

Abstract Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common clinical problem, and patients who survive AKI have a high risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The acute protective effects of Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors in AKI have been examined, there is still relatively little known regarding the impact of acute CDK4/6 inhibition on the chronic sequence of AKI. Therefore, we utilized the CDK4/6 inhibitor Palbociclib to examine the long-term effects of CDK4/6 inhibition in a rodent model of ischemic AKI. Palbociclib (Palb) was administered during the acute stage or post the acute stage of AKI and mice were sacrificed 21 days post injury. We found that Palb could cause renal senescence and renal fibrosis. Furthermore, dasatinib (D) plus quercetin (Q) were used to eliminate senescent cells in ischemic AKI murine model and Palb was administered post the treatment of D + Q. We found that Palb could reverse the senolytic and antifibrotic effects induced by D + Q, which indicates that the profibrotic effect of Palb could be ascribed to its pro-senescent effects. Our results demonstrate that CDK4/6 inhibitors treatment might be deleterious on the chronic sequence of AKI.

Two new varieties from Xizang, China, i.e. Agapetes interdicta var. flaviflora and A. forrestii var. parvifolia, are described and illustrated. Agapetes interdicta var. flaviflora differs from the nominate variety in having yellow and smaller corollas with shorter lobes and anthers with shorter appendages at the base. Agapetes forrestii var. parvifolia is distinguished from the nominate variety in the smaller leaves with an acute apex, nearly transverse secondary veins and puberulent peduncle. Taxonomic notes on these taxa are also provided.

Abstract Background Arthritis notably elevates mortality risk. It remains unclear whether the cardiovascular health (CVH) metrics improves the risk of all-cause mortality in patients with all types of arthritis. Methods This study data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to probe the link between CVH and all-cause mortality among arthritis sufferers in the United States. CVH evaluation employed the Life's Essential 8 metrics. Mortality outcomes were scrutinized using Cox proportional hazard regression models. Additionally, a restricted cubic spline analysis delineated the linear relationship between CVH and mortality. The study also delved into the singular impact of each CVH component on mortality. Results In the cohort of 5919 patients with arthritis, improved CVH was linked to lower all-cause mortality. Specifically, each 10-point increment in CVH score was associated with a substantial decline in all-cause mortality risk [unadjusted hazard ratio (HR): 0.77, 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI): 0.71–0.83, P

Abstract Radiotherapy is a pivotal intervention for cancer patients, significantly impacting their treatment outcomes and survival prospects. Nevertheless, in the course of treating those with abdominal, pelvic, or retroperitoneal malignant tumors, the procedure inadvertently exposes adjacent intestinal tissues to radiation, posing risks of radiation-induced enteropathy upon reaching threshold doses. Stem cells within the intestinal crypts, through their controlled proliferation and differentiation, support the critical functions of the intestinal epithelium, ensuring efficient nutrient absorption while upholding its protective barrier properties. Intestinal stem cells (ISCs) regulation is intricately orchestrated by diverse signaling pathways, among which are the WNT, BMP, NOTCH, EGF, Hippo, Hedgehog and NF-κB, each contributing to the complex control of these cells' behavior. Complementing these pathways are additional regulators such as nutrient metabolic states, and the intestinal microbiota, all of which contribute to the fine-tuning of ISCs behavior in the intestinal crypts. It is the harmonious interplay among these signaling cascades and modulating elements that preserves the homeostasis of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs), thereby ensuring the gut's overall health and function. This review delves into the molecular underpinnings of how stem cells respond in the context of radiation enteropathy, aiming to illuminate potential biological targets for therapeutic intervention. Furthermore, we have compiled a summary of several current treatment methodologies. By unraveling these mechanisms and treatment methods, we aspire to furnish a roadmap for the development of novel therapeutics, advancing our capabilities in mitigating radiation-induced intestinal damage.

Abstract Background The distribution of fat and muscle mass in different regions of the body can reflect different pathways to mortality in individuals with diabetes. Therefore, we investigated the associations between whole‐body and regional body fat and muscle mass with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and non‐CVD mortality in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods Within the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2006, 1417 adults aged ≥50 years with T2D were selected. Dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry was used to derive whole‐body, trunk, arm, and leg fat mass and muscle mass indices (FMI and MMI). Mortality data until 31 December 2019 were retrieved from the National Death Index. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated from Cox proportional hazard models. Results A total of 1417 participants were included in this study (weighted mean age [standard error]: 63.7 [0.3] years; 50.5% female). Over a median follow‐up of 13.6 years, 797 deaths were recorded (371 CVD‐related and 426 non‐CVD deaths). Higher FMI in the arm was associated with increased risk of non‐CVD mortality (fourth quartile [Q4] vs. first quartile [Q1]: HR 1.82 [95% CI 1.13–2.94]), whereas higher FMI in the trunk or leg was not significantly associated with CVD or non‐CVD mortality. Conversely, higher arm MMI was associated with a lower risk of both CVD (Q4 vs. Q1: HR 0.51 [95% CI 0.33–0.81]) and non‐CVD (Q4 vs. Q1: HR 0.56 [95% CI 0.33–0.94]) mortality. There was a significant interaction between smoking status and arm FMI on non‐CVD mortality (P for interaction = 0.007). Higher arm FMI was associated with a higher risk of non‐CVD mortality among current or former smokers (Q4 vs. Q1: HR 2.67 [95% CI 1.46–4.88]) but not non‐smokers (Q4 vs. Q1: HR 0.85 [95% CI 0.49–1.47]). Conclusions Fat mass and muscle mass, especially in the arm, are differently associated with CVD and non‐CVD mortality in people with T2D. Our findings underscore the predictive value of body compositions in the arm in forecasting mortality among older adults with T2D.

Background Population aging has heightened, raising concerns about elderly health. Oral frailty, a novel frailty phenotype in the elderly, directly impacts the quality of life. A thorough grasp of oral frailty's prevalence in the elderly is crucial for formulating effective preventive and interventional strategies. Objective To systematically evaluate the prevalence of oral frailty in the elderly. Methods The CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, CBM, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL and Cochrane Library databases were searched for literature related to the study purpose with a time limit of the construction of the database to 19 April 2024. Literature was independently screened, information extracted and quality assessed by 2 researchers, and meta-analysis was performed using Stata 14.0 software. Results A total of 19 cross-sectional studies were included, with a total sample size of 11 776 cases and a risk of bias quality score of 6-9, all of which were of moderate or high quality. Meta-analysis showed that the prevalence of oral frailty in elderly people was 29.5% (95%CI=24.1%-35.2%), and the prevalence of pre-oral frailty was 47.9% (95%CI=40.5%-55.4%). Subgroup analyses showed that the progressive increase in the prevalence of oral frailty in the elderly with advancing age. Higher prevalence rates of oral frailty were observed in individuals screened using the Oral Frailty Index-8 (P

Objective To explore the application value of 80 kV deep learning image reconstruction （DLIR） algorithm in coronary CT angiography （CCTA）. Methods Sixty patients who underwent CCTA were divided into two groups based on the scanning protocols： 100 kV group （Group A， n = 30） and 80 kV group （Group B， n = 30）. In Group A， 60% ASIR-V （A-AV60） and DLIR high-level reconstruction （A-DLIR） was adopted. In Group B， DLIR high-level reconstruction （B-DLIR） was employed. The CT volumetric dose index （CTDIvol） and the dose length product （DLP） were recorded in both groups， and the effective dose （ED） was calculated. Regions of interest （ROI） were placed in the aortic root （AR）， left anterior descending coronary artery （LAD）， left circumflex coronary artery （LCX）， right coronary artery （RCA）， and the same-layer pectoral fat area. The CT values and noise values of each ROI were recorded. Signal-to-noise ratio （SNR） and contrast-to-noise ratio （CNR） were calculated. Subjective evaluation was performed on the original axis， curved planar reconstruction （CPR）， volume rendering （VR）， and maximum intensity projection （MIP） reconstructions after the second-generation freeze technology （Snapshot Freeze 2， SSF-2）， and the images in two groups were subject to subjective image quality evaluation. Results The ED in Group B was reduced by 45.14% compared to that in Group A. The CT values for AR， LAD， LCX， and RCA in the B-DLIR were higher than those in the A-AV60 and A-DLIR groups， and the differences were statistically significant （all P < 0.001）. The noise values for AR， LAD and LCX were similar， whereas statistical significance was observed in RCA between the A-DLIR and B-DLIR groups （P < 0.05）. The noise values in the A-DLIR and B-DLIR groups were smaller than that in the A-AV60 group， and the differences were statistically significant （both P < 0.001）. The SNR and CNR for AR， LAD， LCX and RCA were similar between the A-DLIR and B-DLIR groups， which were higher than those in the A-AV60 group （all P < 0.05）. The average subjective evaluation score of image quality in the B-DLIR group was higher than that in the A-AV60 group （P < 0.05）， whereas lower than that in the A-DLIR group （P < 0.05）. There were no significant differences in clarity， artifact and small branch visibility between the A-DLIR and B-DLIR groups （all P > 0.05）. Conclusions During CCTA， the 80 kV DLIR algorithm contributes to yielding high-quality images， further improves the diagnostic efficiency and reduces the irradiation dose.

Abstract Background Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a leading cause of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) among children, has resurged in the form of endemic or even pandemic in many countries and areas after the easing of COVID-19 containment measures. This study aimed to investigate the differences in epidemiological and clinical characteristics of children hospitalized for RSV infection during pre- and post-COVID-19 eras in Yunnan, China. Methods A total of 2553 pediatric RSV inpatients from eight hospitals in Yunnan were retrospectively enrolled in this study, including 1451 patients admitted in 2018–2019 (pre-COVID-19 group) and 1102 patients admitted in 2023 (post-COVID-19 group). According to the presence or absence of severe LRTI (SLRTI), patients in the pre- and post-COVID-19 groups were further divided into the respective severe or non-severe subgroups, thus analyzing the risk factors for RSV-associated SLRTI in the two eras. Demographic, epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory data of the patients were collected for the final analysis. Results A shift in the seasonal pattern of RSV activity was observed between the pre-and post-COVID-19 groups. The peak period of RSV hospitalizations in the pre-COVID-19 group was during January–April and October–December in both 2018 and 2019, whereas that in the post-COVID-19 group was from April to September in 2023. Older age, more frequent clinical manifestations (fever, acute otitis media, seizures), and elevated laboratory indicators [neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), c-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), co-infection rate] were identified in the post-COVID-19 group than those in the pre-COVID-19 group (all P

Nowadays, high-strength press-hardened steels (PHS) have gained wide applications in automotive body-in-white owing to excellent mechanical properties. Nevertheless, the fatigue properties of high-strength PHS and associated failure mechanisms have not been clearly revealed, which restricts their potential applications in other parts of automobiles involving fluctuating and repetitive stresses, such as wheels or beams. In this work, the fatigue behavior of 1900 and 2000 MPa grade PHS is systematically studied, with the main focus on the associated deformation and fatigue cracking mechanisms. The fatigue behavior of these two steels is similar, and the ratio of fatigue strength to tensile strength is around 0.5. The fatigue damage mechanism of high-strength PHS is dominated by surface cracking, as the fine martensite structures reduce the stress concentration and cracking at small-sized inclusions. This work can provide guidance for the application of high-strength PHS in alternating loads scenarios.

Abstract Assessing the impact of past and future urban land expansion on ecosystem services (ESs) is essential for the sustainable management of urban landscapes. Despite recent progress, it remains challenging to determine the influence mechanism of different urbanization stages and areas on ESs and their trade-offs/synergies. Here, we analyzed the responses of four ESs and their trade-offs/synergies to the spatial and temporal differentiation of urbanization in the Su-Xi-Chang region of China from 1990 to 2050. The results showed that the relationship between ESs and urbanization followed a U-shaped curve from 1990 to 2050. Between 1990 and 2020, urbanization weakened trade-offs and enhanced lose-lose situations, exhibiting an S-shaped curve. From 2020 to 2050, lose-lose situations are expected to diminish, and the curve is projected to display a downward trend. Our findings suggest the implementation of compact urban development, sustainable agricultural practices, reforestation, and the conversion of farmland to lakes.

Abstract Background Cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke have been linked to a higher risk of dementia. We examined whether high levels of cognitive reserve (CR) can attenuate the increased dementia risk and brain pathologies associated with CMDs. Methods Within the UK Biobank, 216,178 dementia-free participants aged ≥ 60 were followed for up to 15 years. Baseline CMDs and incident dementia were ascertained from medical records, medication use, and medical history. Latent class analysis was used to generate an indicator of CR (low, moderate, and high) based on education, occupational attainment, confiding in others, social contact, leisure activities, and television watching time. A subsample (n = 13,663) underwent brain MRI scans during follow-up. Volumes of total gray matter (GMV), hippocampus (HV), and white matter hyperintensities (WMHV) were ascertained, as well as mean diffusivity (MD) and fractional anisotropy (FA) in white matter tracts. Results At baseline, 43,402 (20.1%) participants had at least one CMD. Over a mean follow-up of 11.7 years, 6,600 (3.1%) developed dementia. The presence of CMDs was associated with 57% increased risk of dementia (HR 1.57 [95% CI 1.48, 1.67]). In joint effect analysis, the HRs of dementia for people with CMDs and moderate-to-high CR and low CR were 1.78 [1.66, 1.91] and 2.13 [1.97, 2.30]), respectively (reference: CMD-free, moderate-to-high CR). Dementia risk was 17% lower (HR 0.83 [0.77, 0.91], p

Abstract DNA N6-adenine methylation (6mA) has recently gained importance as an epigenetic modification in eukaryotes. Its function in lineages with high levels, such as early-diverging fungi (EDF), is of particular interest. Here, we investigated the biological significance and evolutionary implications of 6mA in EDF, which exhibit divergent evolutionary patterns in 6mA usage. The analysis of two Mucorales species displaying extreme 6mA usage reveals that species with high 6mA levels show symmetric methylation enriched in highly expressed genes. In contrast, species with low 6mA levels show mostly asymmetric 6mA. Interestingly, transcriptomic regulation throughout development and in response to environmental cues is associated with changes in the 6mA landscape. Furthermore, we identify an EDF-specific methyltransferase, likely originated from endosymbiotic bacteria, as responsible for asymmetric methylation, while an MTA-70 methylation complex performs symmetric methylation. The distinct phenotypes observed in the corresponding mutants reinforced the critical role of both types of 6mA in EDF.

Abstract Background The intrusion of maxillary anterior teeth is often required and there are various intrusion modes with mini-implants in clear aligner treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of maxillary anterior teeth intrusion with different intrusion modes, aiming to provide references for precise and safe intrusion movements in clinical practice. Methods Cone-beam computed tomography and intraoral optical scanning data of a patient were collected. Finite element models of the maxilla, maxillary dentition, periodontal ligaments (PDLs), clear aligner (CA), attachments, and mini-implants were established. Different intrusion modes of the maxillary anterior teeth were simulated by changing the mini-implant site (between central incisors, between central and lateral incisor, between lateral incisor and canine), loading site (between central incisors, on central incisor, between central and lateral incisor, between lateral incisor and canine), and loading mode (labial loading and labiolingual loading). Ten conditions were generated and intrusive forces of 100 g were applied totally. Then displacement tendency of the maxillary anterior teeth and CA, and stress of the PDLs were analyzed. Results For the central incisor under condition L14 and for the canine under conditions L11, L13, L23, and L33, the intrusion amount was negative. Under other conditions, the intrusion amount was positive. The labiolingual angulation of maxillary anterior teeth exhibited positive changes under all conditions, with greater changes under linguoincisal loading. The mesiodistal angulation of canine exhibited positive changes under labial loading, while negative changes under linguoincisal loading except for condition L14. Conclusions The intrusion amount, labiolingual and mesiodistal angulations of the maxillary anterior teeth were affected by the mini-implant site, loading site, and loading mode. Labial and linguoincisal loading may have opposite effects on the intrusion amount of maxillary anterior teeth and the mesiodistal angulation of canine. The labiolingual angulation of the maxillary incisors would increase under all intrusion modes, with greater increases under linguoincisal loading.

Calcification is a self-limiting disease, characterized by the deposition of calcium, causing severe pain, swelling, and movement disorder. It is mainly found in the shoulder joint but has also been reported in other joints such as the wrist, hip, knee, foot, and ankle. However, calcification of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) has been rarely reported. The patient was a 47-year-old female without any trauma, whose chief complaint was pain and impaired flexion–extension of the affected knee joint. The diagnosis was calcification of the MCL, subsequently demonstrated by imaging examination. Conservative treatment was initially attempted, followed by arthroscopic surgery, and the postoperative pathological results confirmed the calcified tendon. The patient had a favorable prognosis 1 month after the procedure. This study demonstrates that arthroscopic surgery can result in effective and swift recovery of clinical outcomes for patients with calcification of the MCL.

Riemerella anatipestifer (RA) is a significant poultry pathogen causing acute septicemia and inflammation. The function of protease RAYM_01812, responsible for gelatin degradation, is unexplored in RA pathogenesis. To elucidate its role, we generated a deletion mutant ΔRAYM_01812 (ΔRAYM) and complementary CΔRAYM_01812 (CΔRAYM) strain and revealed the protease’s role in extracellular gelatinase activity. By expressing full-length 76 kDa RAYM_01812 protein without signal peptide as well as seven partial structural domains fragments, we evidence that the N-terminal propeptide acts as an enzymatic activity inhibitor and it gets cleaved at A112. Also, we show that the β-fold sheet domain is necessary for enhancing the enzymatic protease activity. Sequential auto-proteolysis forms a stable 40 kDa enzyme. Then, testing the strains in duck sera indicated that the absence or presence of RAYM_01812 results in reduced or enhanced bacterial survival, respectively. Furthermore, we found that the protease is able to cleave IgY antibodies as well as the complement factors C3a and C5a, that the protease reduces C3a- or C5a-mediated monocyte chemotaxis, and results in enhanced membrane attack complex (MAC) formation on the surface of ΔRAYM compared to CΔRAYM. This suggests that RAYM_01812 plays a crucial role in protecting against the serum complement-mediated bactericidal effect through inhibiting MAC formation and monocyte chemotaxis. Animal infection assays showed a 1090-fold reduced virulence of ΔRAYM compared to RA-YM, evidenced by decreased tissue loading and weaker histopathological changes. In conclusion, RAYM_01812 acts as a vital virulence factor, enabling host innate immune defence escape through complement killing evasion and monocyte chemotaxis inhibition.

BackgroundRapid economic growth in China has led to significant resource and environmental challenges, particularly in less economically developed regions. This study aims to identify effective strategies for achieving green, low-carbon development in these regions during the economic transition.MethodsWe employed the Fuzzy-Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) method to scrutinize the impact of economic, demographic, industrial, and technological factors on low-carbon development across a selection of Chinese provinces, including Qinghai, Hunan, Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Hainan, and Chongqing. This approach facilitates a nuanced exploration of the multifaceted determinants of low-carbon progress within the regional contexts of China.ResultsThe study identified three distinct paths to low-carbon development, each with unique prioritization characteristics. These paths are the traditional early low-carbon path, the semi-modernized mid-carbon path, and the post-modernized low-carbon path. Each path offers tailored strategies for less developed regions to enhance their environmental innovation capacity and global competitiveness.ConclusionThis research contributes a novel perspective for regional sustainable development in China by offering tailored low-carbon development strategies for less developed regions. The findings suggest that region-specific strategies, aligned with developmental stages and characteristics, are essential for ensuring balanced economic, social, and environmental development.

Chronic colonic inflammation might result in increased cell proliferation that poses risk of colitis-associated cancer(CAC), an aggressive subtype of colorectal cancer. This study aimed to investigate dietary intervention effect and mechanism of chitooligosaccharide(COS) on azoxymethane(AOM)/dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced CAC development in mice. COS at dose of 500 mg/kg markedly suppressed colonic levels of tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α, interleukin(IL)-1β, and IL-6 in CAC mice. Compared to CAC model controls, the number of colonic epithelial cells expressing Ki-67 and the colonic expression levels of cyclin D1 were decreased in COS-treated CAC mice. COS administration significantly down-regulated expression of micro(mi)RNA-155, toll-like receptor(TLR)4, nuclear factor-kappaB(NF-κB), phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription protein 3(pSTAT3), and regenerating islet derived 3 gamma(Reg3g), whereas up-regulated the suppressors of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) expression in CAC colons. Overall, COS exerted protective activity against AOM/DSS-induced colitis-associated carcinogenesis, mechanism of which was associated with its anti-proliferation effect possible via regulating miRNA-155/TLR4/Reg3g pathway.

Population mobility is becoming a common phenomenon worldwide which can contribute to the development of individuals and societies. This paper offers that the launch of HSR would facilitate population mobility and spatial disparity. We also find that the HSR connection mainly affects migration of people under 14 and 15 to 64 years old, with no effect on the old over 65. This implies that labor-led family migration has become the main form of movement under the effect of HSR. Furthermore, HSR connection has promoted the concentration of high-skilled labor and the outflow of low-skilled labor in large cities. This study offers useful insights for policy makers that concerns transport infrastructure and the issue of household and workforce structure it raises. JEL: O30, O18, D60, L31.

The study of groundwater evolution is of great significance for water resource protection and management, groundwater pollution control, and ecological environment protection. Experts and scholars have found that the hydrochemical processes and evolutionary patterns of groundwater are determined by both natural processes and human activities. However, there is relatively little research on the evolution of groundwater in mining areas where human activities have a significant impact. Therefore, to study the main controlling factors affecting the hydrogeochemical evolution of groundwater in mining areas, this paper proposes a method combining mixed ratio calculation and multivariate statistical analysis. Firstly, a total of 40 groundwater samples are classified into six clusters via hierarchical cluster analysis. By comprehensively analyzing the spatial location of the samples, it was found that there was no obvious distribution pattern of groundwater in space. Furthermore, the rationality of the cluster analysis is evaluated via principal component analysis. Next, hydrochemical and isotopic analyses were conducted to determine the source of groundwater in the mining area, and a three terminal element mixing model was established to identify the source of pollutants and calculate the terminal element mixing ratio. The research results indicate that groundwater in mining areas is formed by a mixture of shallow bedrock fissure water, deep bedrock fissure water, and rainwater, and the mixing effect is the main factor affecting the evolution of groundwater in mining areas, with a more significant impact than the depth of groundwater circulation. In addition, different types and degrees of water–rock interaction in different regions have altered the hydrochemical characteristics of groundwater in mining areas, such as the dissolution of multiple minerals, cation exchange, and common ion effects. Based on the above analysis results, a water circulation model for the mining area has been established. The findings of this study not only contribute to the protection of shallow fissure groundwater in the study area, but also provide a basis for investigating the groundwater evolution patterns in other metal mines.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurological disease characterized by the progressive destruction of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) and the degeneration of motor neurons, eventually leading to atrophy and paralysis of voluntary muscles responsible for motion and breathing. NMJs, synaptic connections between motor neurons and skeletal muscle fibers, are extremely fragile in ALS. To determine the effects of early electroacupuncture (EA) intervention on nerve reinnervation and regeneration following injury, a model of sciatic nerve injury (SNI) was first established using SOD1G93A mice, and early electroacupuncture (EA) intervention was conducted at Baihui (DU20), and bilateral Zusanli (ST36). The results revealed that EA increased the Sciatic nerve Functional Index, the structural integrity of the gastrocnemius muscles, and the cross-sectional area of muscle fibers, as well as up-regulated the expression of acetylcholinesterase and facilitated the co-location of α7 nicotinic acetate choline receptors and α-actinin. Overall, these results suggested that EA can promote the repair and regeneration of injured nerves and delay NMJ degeneration in SOD1G93A-SNI mice. Moreover, analysis of the cerebral cortex demonstrated that EA alleviated cortical motor neuron damage in SOD1G93A mice, potentially attributed to the inhibition of the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes pathway and the release of interferon-β suppressing the activation of natural killer cells and the secretion of interferon-γ, thereby further inhibiting microglial activation and the expression of inflammatory factors. In summary, EA delayed the degeneration of NMJ and mitigated the loss of cortical motor neurons, thus delaying disease onset, accompanied by alleviation of muscle atrophy and improvements in motor function in SOD1G93A mice.

With the widespread adoption of the Internet and an increase in the number of Internet users, the security of the network environment has been seriously threatened by Internet public hazards organizations, such as the Internet water army and the internet public hazards community. Given the characteristics of these organizations, which include being distant from domestic supervision and possessing strong concealment and camouflage abilities, a social network characteristic analysis method was proposed for Internet public hazards organizations. Initially, at the user characteristic level, the influence distribution of group members was calculated through centrality measurement to identify the core users with the greatest influence, and an analysis of the anonymity characteristics of these core members was conducted. Subsequently, at the complex network characteristic level, the cluster status and resource distribution within the community were studied through the analysis of small-world effects and scale-free characteristics. Finally, at the temporal characteristic level, after preprocessing the post content of core members, BERTopic was utilized for dynamic topic modeling to ascertain the relationship between community themes and time. A large number of experimental performance analyses have verified the effectiveness of the proposed method. The research results can be utilized to analyze the characteristics of public hazard communities, track criminal activity trajectories, and provide theoretical references for the investigation and crackdown of public hazard organizations, as well as for the design of automated detection systems.

Objective Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) is currently the most common surgical procedure for unstable Kummell disease (KD), but cement loosening or displacement often occurs after PVP. We had been using percutaneous pediculoplasty (PPP) or a self-developed bone cement bridging screw system to avoid this severe complication. This study intends to compare these novel surgical procedures through a 2-year follow-up evaluation. Methods From May 2017 to May 2021, 77 patients with single-level unstable KD were included in the PPP group, and 42 patients received the PVP-bone cement bridging screw system were included in the screw group. The changes in the vertebral body index (VBI), bisegmental Cobb angle, visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the cement loosening rate and displacement rate at different follow-up time points were used to evaluate the clinical efficacy. Results There was no significant difference in VBI or bisegmental Cobb angle between the 2 groups (p > 0.05) before operation, immediately after operation and at 6-month follow-up, while at 1-year and 2-year postoperative evaluations, the screw group had higher VBI and bisegmental Cobb angle than the PPP group (p < 0.05). Before operation, immediately after operation, at 6-month and 1-year follow-up, there was no significant difference in VAS or ODI score between the 2 groups (p > 0.05), while at 2-year follow-up, the screw group still had higher VAS and ODI scores than the PPP group (p < 0.05). No bone cement displacement occurred in both groups, but the rate of bone cement loosening was 14.29% in group PPP, and 0 in screw group (p < 0.05). Conclusion This 2-year follow-up study shows that the PVP-bone cement bridging screw system combined therapy had better midterm treatment efficacy than the PVP-PPP combined therapy in patients with unstable KD, and the bone cement bridging screw system is a preferred therapy with better anti cement loosening ability.

Abstract The chromatin modifier GRAIN WEIGHT 6a (GW6a) enhances rice grain size and yield. However, little is known about its gene network determining grain size. Here, we report that MITOGEN-ACTIVED PROTEIN KINASE 6 (OsMAPK6) and E3 ligase CHANG LI GENG 1 (CLG1) interact with and target GW6a for phosphorylation and ubiquitylation, respectively. Unexpectedly, however, in vitro and in vivo assays reveal that both of the two post-translational modifications stabilize GW6a. Furthermore, we uncover two major GW6a phosphorylation sites (serine142 and threonine186) targeted by OsMAPK6 serving an important role in modulating grain size. In addition, our genetic and molecular results suggest that the OsMAPK6-GW6a and CLG1-GW6a axes are crucial and operate in a non-additive manner to control grain size. Overall, our findings identify a previously unknown mechanism by which phosphorylation and ubiquitylation non-additively stabilize GW6a to enhance grain size, and reveal correlations and interactions of these posttranslational modifications during rice grain development.

Abstract Background Low immune function after laparoscopic total gastrectomy puts patients at risk of infection-related complications. Low-dose naloxone (LDN) can improve the prognosis of patients suffering from chronic inflammatory diseases or autoimmune diseases. The use of LDN during perioperative procedures may reduce perioperative complications. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of LDN on endogenous immune function in gastric cancer patients and its specific mechanisms through a randomized controlled trial. Methods Fifty-five patients who underwent laparoscopic-assisted total gastrectomy were randomly assigned to either a naloxone group (n = 23) or a nonnaloxone group (n = 22). Patients in the naloxone group received 0.05 µg/kg-1.h− 1naloxone from 3 days before surgery to 5 days after surgery via a patient-controlled intravenous injection (PCIA) pump, and patients in the nonnaloxone group did not receive special treatment. The primary outcomes were the rates of postoperative complications and immune function assessed by NK cell, CD3+ T cell, CD4+ T cell, CD8+ T cell, WBC count, neutrophil percentage, and IL-6 and calcitonin levels. The secondary outcomes were the expression levels of TLR4 (Toll-like receptor), IL-6 and TNF-α in gastric cancer tissue. Results Compared with the nonnaloxone group, the naloxone group exhibited a lower incidence of infection (in the incision, abdomen, and lungs) (P

As artificial intelligence-based automatic generation technology advances, the emergence of misinformation in more sophisticated guises has become a significant threat to the economy and social order. Among its forms, out-of-context misinformation stands out as particularly deceptive and readily executable. This type of misinformation involves malicious actors enhancing the credibility of false narratives by misrepresenting contextual details such as individuals, events, and locations within real images. To address the shortcomings of current detection algorithms, which heavily depend on knowledge bases and often overlook the stance relationship between the information under scrutiny and online evidence, a stance analysis-based out-of-context misinformation detection method was developed. This method involved several steps for the detection of an image-caption pair along with the corresponding textual and visual evidence retrieved from the Internet. Initially, a stance gain score for each piece of textual evidence was calculated based on the co-occurrence of named entities. Subsequently, independent stance analysis networks were utilized to perform hierarchical clustering on both the image and visual evidence, as well as on the caption and textual evidence. This process involved the extraction of semantic stance representations, facilitated by multiple attention mechanisms and a stance analysis module. The authenticity of the image-caption pair was subsequently predicted based on the outcomes of semantic comparison and stance analysis. Experimental results indicate that the incorporation of stance analysis significantly enhances the method's detection capabilities. Specifically, the accuracy of this method outperforms the state-of-the-art algorithm that employs Internet evidence for detection by 2.3%.

Background: Physical entity interactions in mixed reality (MR) environments aim to harness human capabilities in manipulating physical objects, thereby enhancing virtual environment (VEs) functionality. In MR, a common strategy is to use virtual agents as substitutes for physical entities, balancing interaction efficiency with environmental immersion. However, the impact of virtual agent size and form on interaction performance remains unclear. Methods: Two experiments were conducted to explore how virtual agent size and form affect interaction performance, immersion, and preference in MR environments. The first experiment assessed five virtual agent sizes (25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, and 125% of physical size). The second experiment tested four types of frames (no frame, consistent frame, half frame, and surrounding frame) across all agent sizes. Participants, utilizing a head-mounted display, performed tasks involving moving cups, typing words, and using a mouse. They completed questionnaires assessing aspects such as the virtual environment effects, interaction effects, collision concerns, and preferences. Results: Results from the first experiment revealed that agents matching physical object size produced the best overall performance. The second experiment demonstrated that consistent framing notably enhances interaction accuracy and speed but reduces immersion. To balance efficiency and immersion, frameless agents matching physical object sizes were deemed optimal. Conclusions: Virtual agents matching physical entity sizes enhance user experience and interaction performance. Conversely, familiar frames from 2D interfaces detrimentally affect interaction and immersion in virtual spaces. This study provides valuable insights for the future development of MR systems.

Abstract Malocclusion, identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of three major oral diseases, profoundly impacts the dental-maxillofacial functions, facial esthetics, and long-term development of ~260 million children in China. Beyond its physical manifestations, malocclusion also significantly influences the psycho-social well-being of these children. Timely intervention in malocclusion can foster an environment conducive to dental-maxillofacial development and substantially decrease the incidence of malocclusion or reduce the severity and complexity of malocclusion in the permanent dentition, by mitigating the negative impact of abnormal environmental influences on the growth. Early orthodontic treatment encompasses accurate identification and treatment of dental and maxillofacial morphological and functional abnormalities during various stages of dental-maxillofacial development, ranging from fetal stages to the early permanent dentition phase. From an economic and societal standpoint, the urgency for effective early orthodontic treatments for malocclusions in childhood cannot be overstated, underlining its profound practical and social importance. This consensus paper discusses the characteristics and the detrimental effects of malocclusion in children, emphasizing critical need for early treatment. It elaborates on corresponding core principles and fundamental approaches in early orthodontics, proposing comprehensive guidance for preventive and interceptive orthodontic treatment, serving as a reference for clinicians engaged in early orthodontic treatment.

Abstract Background The rebound of influenza A (H1N1) infection in post-COVID-19 era recently attracted enormous attention due the rapidly increased number of pediatric hospitalizations and the changed characteristics compared to classical H1N1 infection in pre-COVID-19 era. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and severity of children hospitalized with H1N1 infection during post-COVID-19 period, and to construct a novel prediction model for severe H1N1 infection. Methods A total of 757 pediatric H1N1 inpatients from nine tertiary public hospitals in Yunnan and Shanghai, China, were retrospectively included, of which 431 patients diagnosed between February 2023 and July 2023 were divided into post-COVID-19 group, while the remaining 326 patients diagnosed between November 2018 and April 2019 were divided into pre-COVID-19 group. A 1:1 propensity-score matching (PSM) was adopted to balance demographic differences between pre- and post-COVID-19 groups, and then compared the severity across these two groups based on clinical and laboratory indicators. Additionally, a subgroup analysis in the original post-COVID-19 group (without PSM) was performed to investigate the independent risk factors for severe H1N1 infection in post-COIVD-19 era. Specifically, Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression was applied to select candidate predictors, and logistic regression was used to further identify independent risk factors, thus establishing a prediction model. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and calibration curve were utilized to assess discriminative capability and accuracy of the model, while decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to determine the clinical usefulness of the model. Results After PSM, the post-COVID-19 group showed longer fever duration, higher fever peak, more frequent cough and seizures, as well as higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-10, creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) and fibrinogen, higher mechanical ventilation rate, longer length of hospital stay (LOS), as well as higher proportion of severe H1N1 infection (all P

ObjectivesTo provide valuable insights for targeted interventions and resource allocation, our analysis delved into the multifaceted burden, trends, risks, and projections of multi drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB).MethodsThis research employed data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 dataset, which used a comparative risk assessment to quantify the disease burden resulting from risk factors. Initially, this database was utilized to extract details concerning the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), mortality, incidence, and the number of individuals afflicted by MDR-TB. Subsequently, regression analyses were conducted using the Joinpoint program to figure average annual percent change (AAPC) to ascertain the trend. Thirdly, the age-period-cohort model (APCM) was adopted to analyze evolutions in incidence and mortality. Finally, utilizing the Nordpred model within R software, we projected the incidence and mortality of MDR-TB from 2020 to 2030.ResultsMDR-TB remained a pressing global health concern in regions with lower socio-demographic indexes (SDI), where the AAPC in DALYs topped 7% from 1990 to 2019. In 2019, the cumulative DALYs attributed to MDR-TB tallied up to 4.2 million, with India, the Russian Federation, and China bearing the brunt. Notably, the incidence rates have shown a steadfast presence over the past decade, and a troubling forecast predicts an uptick in these areas from 2020 to 2030. Additionally, the risk of contracting MDR-TB grew with advancing age, manifesting most acutely among men aged 40+ in lower SDI regions. Strikingly, alcohol consumption had been identified as a significant contributor, surpassing the impacts of smoking and high fasting plasma glucose, leading to 0.7 million DALYs in 2019.ConclusionsA robust strategy is needed to end tuberculosis (TB) by 2030, especially in lower SDI areas.

BackgroundThe overall understanding of the correlations between mortality risk and phytoestrogens in general population remains limited. We examined the association between urinary phytoestrogen levels and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).MethodsWeighted Cox proportional hazard regression models were employed to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Nonlinear relationships were assessed using multivariable-adjusted restricted cubic splines (RCS).ResultsIn the fully adjusted model, the highest quartiles of urinary genistein levels were correlated with significantly elevated all-cause (HR = 1.36, 95%CI: 1.16–1.59) and cardiovascular (HR = 1.58, 95%CI: 1.20–2.09) mortality. Urinary enterolactone levels in the third quartile were associated with reduced all-cause (HR = 0.77, 95%CI: 0.65–0.90) and cardiovascular (HR = 0.74, 95%CI: 0.55–0.99) mortality. In the highest quartiles of urinary daidzein levels, the cardiovascular mortality was significantly increased (HR = 1.44, 95%CI: 1.09–1.90). RCS showed an non-linear relationship between urinary daidzein levels and all-cause mortality (P = 0.04).ConclusionIn the context of a nationally representative sample, genistein exhibited associations with elevated all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, whereas enterolactone showed an association with reduced mortality. The dose–response relationship between urinary daidzein levels and all-cause mortality as well as sex-specific disparities in the impact of phytoestrogen levels should be considered.

IntroductionWheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is among themost important crop worldwide. Given a growing population and changing climate, enhancing wheat yield is of great importance. Yield is closely associated with flower and spike development, and E-class genes play important roles in the flower and kernel development of plants. Currently, the absence of systematic analysis on the E gene family hinders our comprehension of their roles in plant growth and development.MethodsIdentify E-class genes based on homologous sequence searches. Analyze the identified E-class genes through a series of gene family analyses. Determine the expression levels of wheat E-class genes by searching public databases. Validate the functions of these genes by transforming them into Arabidopsis. Finally, determine the interactions between the genes through yeast two-hybrid experiments.ResultsFifteen E-class genes (TaEs) were identified in common wheat. Nine E-class genes were detected in five ancestral/closely related species, including one in Aegilops tauschii (AtE), one in T. Urartu (TuEs), two in T. turgidum (TtEs), two in T. dicoccoides (TdEs), and three in T. spelta (TsEs). The 24 E-class genes were classified into three subgroups using a phylogenetic approach. All genes were highly expressed in spikes, and most were only highly expressed at the floret meristem stage. The effects of TaSEP5-A on flowering and growth cycles were confirmed in homologous mutants and transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana. The E-class genes were able to regulate the growth cycle of Arabidopsis. Finally, we confirmed the interactions between TaSEP5-A and other wheat E-class genes based on yeast two-hybrid assays.DiscussionOur findings provide information regarding the E-class genes in wheat and will potentially promote the application of these genes in wheat improvement.

Transformer-based approaches have demonstrated remarkable performance in image processing tasks due to their ability to model long-range dependencies. Current mainstream Transformer-based methods typically confine self-attention computation within windows to reduce computational burden. However, this constraint may lead to grid artifacts in the reconstructed images due to insufficient cross-window information exchange, particularly in image super-resolution tasks. To address this issue, we propose the Multi-Scale Texture Complementation Block based on Spatial Relaxation Transformer (MSRT), which leverages features at multiple scales and augments information exchange through cross windows attention computation. In addition, we introduce a loss function based on the prior of texture smoothness transformation, which utilizes the continuity of textures between patches to constrain the generation of more coherent texture information in the reconstructed images. Specifically, we employ learnable compressive sensing technology to extract shallow features from images, preserving image features while reducing feature dimensions and improving computational efficiency. Extensive experiments conducted on multiple benchmark datasets demonstrate that our method outperforms previous state-of-the-art approaches in both qualitative and quantitative evaluations.