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In order to improve the impact toughness of polyamide 1012 (PA1012) by reducing the amount of hydrogen bonding resulting from PA1012 itself, 3-pentadecylphenol (PDP) was considered to be added into PA1012 using melting extrusion. The hydrogen bonding interaction between PA1012 and PDP was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The effects of PDP on the crystallization, melting process, and mechanical behavior of PA1012 were tested in detail. The results show that the PDP can reduce the temperature of PA1012 crystallization and melting but it can significantly improve elongation at break and impact toughness. The notched impact strength of the PA1012/PDP composites containing 20 wt% PDP reached to 70.6 kJ·m–2, which is about seven times that of the neat PA1012. The effects of PDP on PA1012 properties is ascribed to hydrogen bonding interaction between hydrogen bonding between phenol hydroxyl groups and amino groups on PA1012 chains. The deduction was also verified by adding acetylated 3-pentadecylphenol (APDP) to modify PA1012. It is believed the research will open up new prospects for the wide application of PA1012 toughening.

AIM: To develop a classifier for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome differentiation of diabetic retinopathy (DR), using optimized machine learning algorithms, which can provide the basis for TCM objective and intelligent syndrome differentiation. METHODS: Collated data on real-world DR cases were collected. A variety of machine learning methods were used to construct TCM syndrome classification model, and the best performance was selected as the basic model. Genetic Algorithm (GA) was used for feature selection to obtain the optimal feature combination. Harris Hawk Optimization (HHO) was used for parameter optimization, and a classification model based on feature selection and parameter optimization was constructed. The performance of the model was compared with other optimization algorithms. The models were evaluated with accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score as indicators. RESULTS: Data on 970 cases that met screening requirements were collected. Support Vector Machine (SVM) was the best basic classification model. The accuracy rate of the model was 82.05%, the precision rate was 82.34%, the recall rate was 81.81%, and the F1 value was 81.76%. After GA screening, the optimal feature combination contained 37 feature values, which was consistent with TCM clinical practice. The model based on optimal combination and SVM (GA_SVM) had an accuracy improvement of 1.92% compared to the basic classifier. SVM model based on HHO and GA optimization (HHO_GA_SVM) had the best performance and convergence speed compared with other optimization algorithms. Compared with the basic classification model, the accuracy was improved by 3.51%. CONCLUSION: HHO and GA optimization can improve the model performance of SVM in TCM syndrome differentiation of DR. It provides a new method and research idea for TCM intelligent assisted syndrome differentiation.

Abstract Bedload studies at the particle scale may help grasp the essence of the problem. Existing studies suffer from short filming durations, limited data volume, and a narrow range of sediment transport intensity variations. This paper employs the high‐speed photography technology and conducts experimental studies on bedload particle motion under 8 different sediment transport intensities. Using the latest image processing technology, over 6 million sediment particle coordinate points and nearly 400,000 particle motion trajectory curves were automatically obtained and used to compare the motion characteristics of bedload particles under different sediment transport intensities. The results show that under low sediment transport intensity, both the number of moving particles and particle motion velocity contribute to the bedload sediment transport rate, while under high‐intensity conditions, the transport rate mainly depends on the number of moving particles. The probability density distribution of sediment transport rate is concentrated and varies within a small range under low‐intensity conditions, exhibiting a tailing phenomenon. In contrast, under high‐intensity conditions, the range of sediment transport rate values increases, and the probability density curve tends to be symmetric, more closely approximating a normal distribution. Additionally, the paper compares the longitudinal and transverse motion velocities of particles and the coefficient of variation of the bedload sediment transport rate.

[Introduction] In magnetic confinement fusion research, electron cyclotron heating (ECH) and current drive means are widely implemented for applications including, but not limited to, plasma initiation, heating, non-inductive current drive, and magnetohydrodynamic instability control. In recent years, ECH-related technologies have experienced significant development in response to the development needs of future fusion reactors, and ECH has become one of the main auxiliary heating means in magnetic confinement fusion devices. [Method] Firstly, the ECH system was introduced, and its components, characteristics and application status were described; then the development status and trends of ECH system-related technologies were discussed with emphasis on four aspects. [Result] Combined with the research status and application requirements of ECH-related technologies, the important and difficult points in developing each related technology are identified. [Conclusion] Based on the development status and trends of ECH-related technologies, the article forecasts future research directions and applications of ECH system-related technologies in diverse aspects, including high-frequency and multi-frequency gyrotrons (microwave sources), the intelligent control technology of ECH system, the high-efficiency current drive technology, and the gyrotron-based collective Thomson scattering technology.

Abstract Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a highly contagious viral illness primarily affecting children globally. A significant epidemiological transition has been noted in mainland China, characterized by a substantial increase in HFMD cases caused by non-Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) and non-Coxsackievirus A16 (CVA16) enteroviruses (EVs). Our study conducts a retrospective examination of 36,461 EV-positive specimens collected from Guangdong, China, from 2013 to 2021. Epidemiological trends suggest that, following 2013, Coxsackievirus A6 (CVA6) and Coxsackievirus A10 (CVA10) have emerged as the primary etiological agents for HFMD. In stark contrast, the incidence of EV-A71 has sharply declined, nearing extinction after 2018. Notably, cases of CVA10 infection were considerably younger, with a median age of 1.8 years, compared to 2.3 years for those with EV-A71 infections, possibly indicating accumulated EV-A71-specific herd immunity among young children. Through extensive genomic sequencing and analysis, we identified the N136D mutation in the 2 A protein, contributing to a predominant subcluster within genogroup C of CVA10 circulating in Guangdong since 2017. Additionally, a high frequency of recombination events was observed in genogroup F of CVA10, suggesting that the prevalence of this lineage might be underrecognized. The dynamic landscape of EV genotypes, along with their potential to cause outbreaks, underscores the need to broaden surveillance efforts to include a more diverse spectrum of EV genotypes. Moreover, given the shifting dominance of EV genotypes, it may be prudent to re-evaluate and optimize existing vaccination strategies, which are currently focused primarily target EV-A71.

The purpose of this study was to use ultrasound-based extraction to prepare starch from the tubers of Cyperus esculentus. Ultrasonic treatment of Cyperus esculentus powder with a medium of alkaline-treated water can effectively improve the starch extraction efficiency. Box-Behnken design was used to optimize the extraction process, and the results showed that the optimal parameters were ultrasound time of 30 minutes, pH value of 9.0, ultrasound temperature of 40 °C, and solid-liquid ratio of 10:1. The extraction percentage under these conditions was 90.1%. The physicochemical properties of C. esculentus starch were compared with those of cassava, potato, and corn starch. The particle size of C. esculentus starch was approximately 2 to 15 μm. The gelatinization temperature was 70.5 °C, and the peak viscosity was similar to cassava but with better thermal stability. Like other tuber starches, C. esculentus starch had higher swelling power and solubility at 85 °C.

Abstract This study compares the effectiveness of Conbercept and Aflibercept in treating neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Conducted at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University's Ophthalmology Department (May 2020–May 2023), this prospective study enrolled 159 nAMD patients. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: one receiving 0.5 mg Conbercept and the other 2 mg Aflibercept intravitreal injections. Over 12 months, the study, employing a Treat-and-Extend (T&E) regimen, assessed Best-Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA), Central Retinal Thickness (CRT) changes and injection frequency. Of the 159 patients, 137 (149 eyes) completed the study. No significant age difference was found between the groups (P = 0.331). After 12 months, BCVA improved similarly in both groups (Conbercept: 52.8 ± 18.9, Aflibercept: 52.0 ± 19.7 letters; P = 0.820). CRT reduction was also comparable (Conbercept: 246.3 ± 82.8 µm, Aflibercept: 275.9 ± 114.3 µm; P = 0.079). Injection frequencies averaged 6.9 ± 0.7 (Conbercept) and 6.7 ± 0.7 (Aflibercept; P = 0.255). Subtype analysis revealed Type 1 MNV had higher baseline BCVA and lower CRT, with more frequent injections compared to other types. Both Conbercept and Aflibercept are clinically similar in efficacy for nAMD, with the T&E regimen proving therapeutically effective and potentially reducing patient costs. Anti-VEGF treatment efficacy varies across nAMD subtypes, indicating a potential benefit in tailored treatments for specific subtypes. Clinical trial registration number NCT05539235 (Protocol Registration and Results System).

ABSTRACTImproving irrigation water management is a key concern for the agricultural sector, and it requires extensive and comprehensive tools that provide a complete knowledge of crop water use and requirements. This study presents a novel methodology to explicitly estimate daily gross and net crop water requirements, actual crop water use, and irrigation efficiency of center pivot irrigation systems, by mainly utilizing the Sentinel-2 MultiSpectral Instrument (MSI) imagery at the farm scale. ETMonitor model is adapted to estimate actual water use (as the sum of canopy transpiration and evaporation of water intercepted by canopy and evaporation from soil) at daily/10-m resolution, benefiting from the high-resolution Sentinel-2 data and thus to assess the irrigation efficiency at the farm scale. The gross irrigation water requirement is estimated from the net crop water requirement and the water loss, including the water droplet evaporation directly into the air during application before droplets fall on the canopy and canopy interception loss. The method was applied to a pilot farmland with two major crops (wheat and potato) in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China, where modern equipment and appropriate irrigation methods are deployed for efficient water use. The estimated actual crop water use showed good agreement with the ground observations, e.g. the determination coefficients range from 0.67 to 0.81 and root mean square errors range from 0.56 mm/day to 1.24 mm/day for wheat and potato when comparing the estimated evapotranspiration with the measurement by the eddy covariance system. It also showed that the losses of total irrigated volume were 25.4% for wheat and 23.7% for potato, respectively, and found that the water allocation was insufficient to meet the water requirement in this irrigated area. This suggests that the amount of water applied was insufficient to meet the crop water requirement and the inherent water losses in the center pivot irrigation system, which imply the necessity to improve the irrigation practice to use the water more efficiently.

In order to improve the inherent flammability of polylactic acid (PLA) and make this new biodegradable material more widely used, B-modified ZSM-5 (B/Z5) was designed as synergistic agent of intumescent flame retardant (IFR), composed of ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and pentaerythritol (PER), and introduced into PLA/IFR (PLAs) to fabricate PLAs/B/Z5 composites by melt extrusion. The flame retardancy, surface morphology, and thermal stability of the composites were investigated by TG, LOI, UL-94, CCT, and SEM. The addition of B/Z5 makes the decomposition temperature of T5% as well as T10% of PLAs reduction in nitrogen atmosphere and carbon layer form in advance. UL-94 test shows the composites reach V-0 rating. LOI value also steadily increases, and the maximum value is 36.0% with B actual loading of 5.26% (recoded as 14B/Z5) in B/Z5. The PHRR decreases by 75% from 417.77 kW/m2 for pure PLA to 103.19 kW/m2 for PLAs/14B/Z5, and THR reduces from 92.78 to 19.26 MJ/m2, which decreases by about 80% and the char yield reaches 50%. This study provides a simple and green method for the preparation of high flame-retardant PLA, which has a broad practical application prospect.

Abstract Background Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the leading causes of digestive system tumor related death in the world. Unfortunately, effective chemopreventive agent is lack for patients with ESCC in clinical practice, which leads to the extremely high mortality rate. Methods A library of prescribed drugs was screened for finding critical anti-tumor properties in ESCC cells. The phosphoproteomics, kinase array, pulldown assay and drug affinity responsive target stabilization assay (DARTS) were applied to explore mechanisms and searched for synergistic targets. Established models of PDX in mice were used to determine the therapeutic effect of domperidone. Results After screening a library of prescribed drugs, we discovered that domperidone has anti-tumor properties. Domperidone, acting as a gastroprokinetic agent, has been widely used in clinic for gastrointestinal motility disorders. Despite limited research, there are indications that domperidone may have anti-tumor properties. In this study, we determined that domperidone significantly inhibited ESCC proliferation in vitro and in vivo. We employed phosphoproteomics to reveal p-ERK, and p-SMAD3 down-regulation upon domperidone treatment. Then, the results of kinase assay and pulldown assay further validated that domperidone directly combined with MEK1/2 and CDK4, leading to the inhibition of their kinase activity. Furthermore, our results revealed that MEK/ERK and CDK4/SMAD3 signal pathway were major pathways in domperidone against ESCC. Conclusion Collectively, these findings suggest that domperidone serves as an effective “multi-target” inhibitor of MEK1/2 and CDK4, offering potential benefits for the chemoprevention of ESCC.

Abstract Wounds are one of the most common health issues, and the cost of wound care and healing has continued to increase over the past decade. In recent years, there has been growing interest in developing innovative strategies to enhance the efficacy of wound healing. Tetrahedral framework nucleic acids (tFNAs) have emerged as a promising tool for wound healing applications due to their unique structural and functional properties. Therefore, it is of great significance to summarize the applications of tFNAs for wound healing. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the potential of tFNAs as a novel therapeutic approach for wound healing. In this review, we discuss the possible mechanisms of tFNAs in wound healing and highlight the role of tFNAs in modulating key processes involved in wound healing, such as cell proliferation and migration, angiogenesis, and tissue regeneration. The targeted delivery and controlled release capabilities of tFNAs offer advantages in terms of localized and sustained delivery of therapeutic agents to the wound site. In addition, the latest research progress on tFNAs in wound healing is systematically introduced. We also discuss the biocompatibility and biosafety of tFNAs, along with their potential applications and future directions for research. Finally, the current challenges and prospects of tFNAs are briefly discussed to promote wider applications.

Nanoindentation test method is widely used to measure the material hardness, which is a standard test and the effect of measurement error is limited. However, the measured results of the nano-hardness for the same plane of single crystal materials, such as sapphire, were very different. The possible reason for the difference of nano-hardness is induced by the anisotropy of single crystal materials. In this study, nanoindentation tests were carried out to obtain the nano-hardness of C-plane sapphire. The tests with two different indenter orientations were designed as follow. On C-plane, one edge of the Berkovich indenter was indented parallel to the direction [101‾0], as well as one edge indented perpendicular to the direction [101‾0] for comparison. The average hardness was 25.58 GPa and 29.64 GPa respectively. Molecular dynamics simulation was employed to reveal the generation mechanism of anisotropy in nanoindentation process. The results showed that the distribution of subsurface dislocations and the activation of slip systems were affected by indenter orientations, which resulted in the difference in nano-hardness. When one edge of the Berkovich indenter was indented perpendicular to the direction [101‾0], C-plane sapphire had a stronger ability to resist deformation, showing a higher hardness on the macroscopic level.

Thrombus formation and tissue embedding significantly impair the clinical efficacy and retrievability of temporary interventional medical devices. Herein, we report an insect sclerotization-inspired antifouling armor for tailoring temporary interventional devices with durable resistance to protein adsorption and the following protein-mediated complications. By mimicking the phenol-polyamine chemistry assisted by phenol oxidases during sclerotization, we develop a facile one-step method to crosslink bovine serum albumin (BSA) with oxidized hydrocaffeic acid (HCA), resulting in a stable and universal BSA@HCA armor. Furthermore, the surface of the BSA@HCA armor, enriched with carboxyl groups, supports the secondary grafting of polyethylene glycol (PEG), further enhancing both its antifouling performance and durability. The synergy of robustly immobilized BSA and covalently grafted PEG provide potent resistance to the adhesion of proteins, platelets, and vascular cells in vitro. In ex vivo blood circulation experiment, the armored surface reduces thrombus formation by 95 %. Moreover, the antifouling armor retained over 60 % of its fouling resistance after 28 days of immersion in PBS. Overall, our armor engineering strategy presents a promising solution for enhancing the antifouling properties and clinical performance of temporary interventional medical devices.

Abstract Background Indotyphlops braminus, the only known triploid parthenogenetic snake, is a compelling species for revealing the mechanism of polyploid emergence in vertebrates. Methods In this study, we applied PacBio isoform sequencing technology to generate the first full-length transcriptome of I. braminus, aiming to improve the understanding of the molecular characteristics of this species. Results A total of 51,849 nonredundant full-length transcript assemblies (with an N50 length of 2980 bp) from I. braminus were generated and fully annotated using various gene function databases. Our analysis provides preliminary evidence supporting a recent genome duplication event in I. braminus. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the divergence of I. braminus subgenomes occurred approximately 11.5 ~ 15 million years ago (Mya). The full-length transcript resource generated as part of this research will facilitate transcriptome analysis and genomic evolution studies in the future.

ObjectiveThis study examines the intricate interplay between architectural design and visitor emotional responses at the Jewish Museum Berlin, focusing on how specific spatial elements such as the Holocaust Tower, Garden of Exile, The Voids, and The Axis elicit varied affective experiences. The research aims to extend the discourse on environmental psychology and architectural empathy, particularly within the context of memorial museums.MethodEmploying a non-intrusive approach, the study gathered emotional response data using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) from 113 museum visitors, with 102 valid responses analyzed. Environmental conditions such as light, sound, and spatial design were quantitatively measured to correlate with emotional responses captured at the end of visitors' tours across the designated museum spaces.ResultsFindings revealed that architectural elements significantly influence emotional responses. High levels of negative emotions like fear and anxiety were markedly evident in the Holocaust Tower due to its minimal lighting and stark concrete structure. Conversely, the Garden of Exile induced more positive emotions through its use of natural light and greenery, emphasizing the role of biophilic design in enhancing emotional well-being. Statistical analysis supported these observations, with variations in emotional impact across different spaces demonstrating the profound effect of architectural design on visitor experiences.ConclusionThis study confirms that a variety of design elements and spatial strategies not only facilitate the presentation of historical narratives but also actively sculpt the emotional involvement and experiences of visitors. Our findings highlight the efficacy of emotionally-oriented architectural design in deepening the impact and engagement of museum visitors, emphasizing the transformative power of these environments in shaping visitor perceptions and interactions.

Summary: Polymyxins are often the only effective antibiotics against the “Critical” pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii. Worryingly, highly polymyxin-resistant A. baumannii displaying dependence on polymyxins has emerged in the clinic, leading to diagnosis and treatment failures. Here, we report that arginine metabolism is essential for polymyxin-dependent A. baumannii. Specifically, the arginine degradation pathway was significantly altered in polymyxin-dependent strains compared to wild-type strains, with critical metabolites (e.g., L-arginine and L-glutamate) severely depleted and expression of the astABCDE operon significantly increased. Supplementation of arginine increased bacterial metabolic activity and suppressed polymyxin dependence. Deletion of astA, the first gene in the arginine degradation pathway, decreased phosphatidylglycerol and increased phosphatidylethanolamine levels in the outer membrane, thereby reducing the interaction with polymyxins. This study elucidates the molecular mechanism by which arginine metabolism impacts polymyxin dependence in A. baumannii, underscoring its critical role in improving diagnosis and treatment of life-threatening infections caused by “undetectable” polymyxin-dependent A. baumannii.

Summary: Aging-related cardiac fibrosis represents the principal pathological progression in cardiovascular aging. The Muscleblind-like splicing regulator 2 (MBNL2) has been unequivocally established as being associated with cardiovascular diseases. Nevertheless, its role in aging-related cardiac fibrosis remains unexplored. This investigation revealed an elevation of MBNL2 levels in the aged heart and senescent cardiac fibroblasts. Notably, the inhibition of MBNL2 demonstrated a capacity to mitigate H2O2-induced myofibroblast transformation and aging-related cardiac fibrosis. Further mechanistic exploration unveiled that aging heightened the expression of SENP1 and impeded the SUMO1 binding with KLF4, and SUMOylation of KLF4 effectively increased by the inhibition of MBNL2. Additionally, the inhibition of TGF-β1/SMAD3 signaling attenuated the impact of over-expression of MBNL2 in inducing senescence and cardiac fibrosis. MBNL2, by orchestrating SUMOylation of KLF4, upregulating the TGF-β1/SMAD3 signaling pathway, emerges as a significant promoter of aging-related cardiac fibrosis. This discovery identifies a novel regulatory target for managing aging-related cardiac fibrosis.

Monitoring of mining-induced subsidence dynamics enables to the exploration and analysis of changes in the direction of surface deformation caused by the extraction of underground resources. Both human activities and geological environments affect these changes to a large extent. LuTan-1 (LT-1) satellite as the first SAR mission with L-band bistatic spaceborne in China, provides continuous imagery for analyzing surface deformations through differential SAR interferometry, offering valuable velocity results using stacking techniques. The results of the subsidence bowl obtained from LT-1 closely align with those from Sentinel-1 in the almost same period in Datong, China. Furthermore, we validated the DInSAR results of LT-1 and Sentinel-1 using continuous GNSS data from the corresponding time frames. Notably, we observed a significant improvement in the quality and accuracy of LT-1 datasets due to the in-orbit performance test. Finally, we explored the surface deformation dynamics pertinent to mining activities using DInSAR results obtained from four different time periods. These results revealed substantial changes on the shape and spatial location of the subsidence bowls over time. This indicates a maximum horizontal displacement in the directional change of approximate 1.429 km and an average face advance rate between 0.724 and 6.355 m/day within about a one-year time period. Lastly, velocity and accumulated displacement gradient maps, derived from stacking results, were overlaid to the distribution of critical infrastructures in the study areas to assess their exposure to mining subsidence, and a validation process was carried out using GF-7 optical images. This study emphasizes the potential of LT-1 to monitor mining subsidence dynamics and its capability for joint analysis with the exposure of critical infrastructures.

3D visualization and segmentation are increasingly widely used in physical, biological and medical science, facilitating advanced investigative methodologies. However, the integration and reproduction of segmented volumes or results across the spectrum of mainstream 3D visualization platforms remain hindered by compatibility constraints. These barriers not only challenge the replication of findings but also obstruct the process of cross-validating the accuracy of 3D visualization outputs. To address this gap, we developed an innovative revisualization method implemented within the open-source framework of Drishti, a 3D visualization software. Leveraging four animal samples alongside three mainstream 3D visualization platforms as case studies, our method demonstrates the seamless transferability of segmented results into Drishti. This capability effectively fosters a new avenue for authentication and enhanced scrutiny of segmented data. By facilitating this interoperability, our approach underscores the potential for significant advancements in accuracy validation and collaborative research efforts across diverse scientific domains.

ABSTRACT Polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) is a traditional non-culture technique that can provide a fingerprint of the microbial community. In the field of gut microbiota analysis, PCR-DGGE still holds potential for development. In the present study, we utilized an improved nested PCR-DGGE approach targeting the V3 region of 16S ribosomal DNA to investigate the impact of whole grain highland hull-less barley (WHLB), a cereal known for its significant hypocholesterolemic effect, on the gut microbiota profiles of high-fat diet rats. Seventy-two male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into four groups and fed a normal control diet, a high-fat diet, or a high-fat diet supplemented with a low or high dose of WHLB for 4 or 8 weeks. The results revealed that the dominant bands varied among different dose groups and further changed with different treatment times. The compositions of bacterial communities in feces and cecal content were similar, but the dominant bacterial bands differed. After performing double DGGE, extracting the bands, sequencing the DNA, and aligning the sequences, a total of 19 bands were classified under the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla, while two bands were identified as unclassified uncultured bacteria. The relative abundance of Lactobacillus gasseri, Uncultured Prevotella sp., and Clostridium sp. increased following the administration of WHLB. Illumina-based sequencing was employed to assess the reliability of DGGE, demonstrating its reliability in analyzing the dominant taxonomic composition, although it may have limitations in accurately detecting the alpha diversity of bacterial species.IMPORTANCEWhile next-generation sequencing has overshadowed polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE), the latter still holds promise for advancing gut microbiota analysis due to its unique advantages. In this study, we used optimized nested PCR-DGGE to investigate the gut microbiota profile of high-fat diet rats after administering whole grain highland hull-less barley. High-throughput sequencing was employed to validate the DGGE results. Our results proved the reliability of PCR-DGGE for analyzing the dominant taxonomic composition while also providing visual evidence of a notable relationship between the composition of cecal and fecal microbial communities, highlighting substantial differences in both richness and abundance.

An eco-friendly, mild and efficient acylation of various nucleophiles with alkenyl carboxylates via inorganic base catalysis is described. Among five inorganic base species examined, K2CO3 was proved to be the most efficient catalyst for the acylation. A broad variety of acylated products were achieved within 15 min at room temperature in high yields. In addition, we found that the 3-position of indoles should have a suitable substituent group under this procedure.

Background: Oxidative stress plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of many retinal diseases. However, only a few systematic bibliometric studies have been conducted. This study aims to visualize research hotspots and developmental trends in oxidative stress in the retina from 2013 to 2023 by analyzing bibliometric data. Methods: We retrieved papers on oxidative stress in the retina published between 2013 and 2023 from the Web of Science Core Collection. The data were visually analyzed using CiteSpace and VOSviewer software. Results: The total number of 2100 publications were included in the analysis. An overall increasing trend in the number of publications is observed between 2013 and 2023. Chinese publications were the most contributive, but United States publications were the most influential. Shanghai Jiao Tong University was the most active and prolific institution. Antioxidants was the most productive journal, while Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity were the journals with the most-cited articles. Kaarniranta K, from Finland, was the most productive and influential author. Examination of co-cited references revealed that researchers in the field are primarily focused on investigating the molecular mechanisms, preventive strategies, and utilization of antioxidants to address retinal oxidative damage. Diabetic retinopathy, endothelial growth factor, retinitis pigmentosa, retinal degeneration, antioxidant response, retinal ganglion cells, and genes are the research hotspots in this field. Metabolism, sodium iodate, and system are at the forefront of research in this field. Conclusion: Attention toward retinal oxidative stress has increased over the past decade. Current research focuses on the mechanisms of retinal diseases related to oxidative stress and the experimental study of antioxidants in retinal diseases, which may continue to be a trend in the future.

Abstract Universal protein coatings have recently gained wide interest in medical applications due to their biocompatibility and ease of fabrication. However, the challenge persists in protein activity preservation, significantly complicating the functional design of these coatings. Herein, an active dual‐protein surface engineering strategy assisted by a facile stepwise protein–protein interactions assembly (SPPIA) method for catheters to reduce clot formation and infection is proposed. This strategy is realized first by the partial oxidation of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and lysozyme (LZM) for creating stable nucleation platforms via hydrophobic interaction, followed by the assembly of nonoxidized BSA (pI, the isoelectric point, ≈4.7) and LZM (pI ≈11) through electrostatic interaction owing to their opposite charge under neutral conditions. The SPPIA method effectively preserves the conformation and functionality of both BSA and LZM, thus endowing the resultant coating with potent antithrombotic and bactericidal properties. Furthermore, the stable nucleation platform ensures the adhesion and durability of the coating, resisting thrombosis and bacterial proliferation even after 15 days of PBS immersion. Overall, the SPPIA approach not only provides a new strategy for the fabrication of active protein coatings but also shows promise for the surface engineering technology of catheters.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated condition that persistently harms the central nervous system. While existing treatments can slow its course, a cure remains elusive. Stem cell therapy has gained attention as a promising approach, offering new perspectives with its regenerative and immunomodulatory properties. This article reviews the application of stem cells in MS, encompassing various stem cell types, therapeutic potential mechanisms, preclinical explorations, clinical research advancements, safety profiles of clinical applications, as well as limitations and challenges, aiming to provide new insights into the treatment research for MS.

Summary: Background: Antipsychotics and mood stabilisers are gathering attention for the disturbance of metabolism. This network meta-analysis aims to evaluate and rank the metabolic effects of the commonly used antipsychotics and mood stabilisers in treating bipolar disorder (BD). Methods: Registries including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Ovid, and Google Scholar were searched before February 15th, 2024, for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) applying antipsychotics or mood stabilisers for BD treatment. The observed outcomes were twelve metabolic indicators. The data were extracted by two reviewers independently, and confirmed by another four reviewers and a corresponding author. The above six reviewers all participated in data analyses. Data extraction was based on PRISMA guidelines, and quality assessment was conducted according to the Cochrane Handbook. Use a random effects model for data pooling. The PROSPERO registration number is CRD42023466669. Findings: Together, 5421 records were identified, and 41 publications with 11,678 complete-trial participants were confirmed eligible. After eliminating possible sensitivity, risperidone ranked 1st in elevating fasting serum glucose (SUCRA = 90.7%) and serum insulin (SUCRA = 96.6%). Lurasidone was most likely to elevate HbA1c (SUCRA = 82.1%). Olanzapine ranked 1st in elevating serum TC (SUCRA = 93.3%), TG (SUCRA = 89.6%), and LDL (SUCRA = 94.7%). Lamotrigine ranked 1st in reducing HDL (SUCRA = 82.6%). Amisulpride ranked 1st in elevating body weight (SUCRA = 100.0%). For subgroup analyses, quetiapine is more likely to affect indicators of glucose metabolism among male adult patients with bipolar mania, while long-term lurasidone tended to affect glucose metabolism among female patients with bipolar depression. Among patients under 18, divalproex tended to affect glucose metabolism, with lithium affecting lipid metabolism. In addition, most observed antipsychotics performed higher response and remission rates than placebo, and displayed a similar dropout rate with placebo, while no between-group significance of rate was observed among mood stabilisers. Interpretation: Our findings suggest that overall, antipsychotics are effective in treating BD, while they are also more likely to disturb metabolism than mood stabilisers. Attention should be paid to individual applicability in clinical practice. The results put forward evidence-based information and clinical inspiration for drug compatibility and further research of the BD mechanism. Funding: The National Key Research and Development Program of China (2023YFC2506200), and the Research Project of Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory (No. JNL-2023001B).

In this study, Senescence Accelerated Mice (SAMP8) were supplemented with exogenous DHA milk, endogenous DHA milk, normal milk, or 0.9 % saline solution. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), gas chromatography (GC), ultra-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI MS/MS), and Morris water maze were used to characterize the effects of diet on oxidative stress and cognition in SAMP8 mice. Supplementation endogenous DHA milk or exogenous DHA milk can enhance the antioxidant capacity of mice organs. Endogenous DHA milk increased the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of mice brain and serum than normal milk and 0.9 % saline solution (P ≤ 0.05), as well as increased SOD activity of mice liver and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity of mice brain than normal milk (P ≤ 0.05). Exogenous DHA milk increased SOD activity of mice brain than normal milk and 0.9 % saline solution, as well as increased SOD activity of mice serum than 0.9 % saline solution (P ≤ 0.05). Several polar lipid relative content, such as 18:0/18:2 PS, 17:0 Ceramide, and 20:4 LPC in mice brain was affected by dietary supplementation with DHA-containing milk. Lipid oxidation metabolites in mice brain were not affected by DHA-containing milk. Endogenous DHA milk increased the number of platform location crossing times of mice in the Morris water maze test, compared with Exogenous DHA milk, normal milk, and 0.9 % saline solution (P ≤ 0.05).

In cold mountain environments, rock glaciers and talus represent common periglacial landforms. Accurate monitoring of their activity is crucial for understanding alpine kinematics. Presently, spaceborne SAR satellites monitor periglacial landform deformations mainly utilizing medium-resolution data. However, capturing surface structure deformations accurately and comprehending the movement mechanisms remain challenging. This study employs high-resolution GF-7 optical stereo images and Radarsat-2 SAR data, introducing a multibaseline persistent scatterer and distributed scatterer combined multitemporal InSAR (MT-InSAR) method to identify rock glaciers and talus landforms, as well as to analyze their deformations. Initially, rock glaciers and talus are outlined using GF-7 optical images, and digital surface models are extracted. The developed MT-InSAR method then detects the line of sight and slope-parallel deformations of these landforms. Radarsat-2 monitoring reveals that 47.5% of identified rock glaciers are classified as active, while talus deformations are less active compared to rock glaciers. By utilizing high-resolution optical and SAR satellite data, we first documented the intricate deformation features within standard rock glaciers, such as the front, lateral margins, and optionally ridge-and-furrow deformations, as well as their interaction with the surrounding terrain topography. This discovery offers evidence of gravity-driven forces impacting rock glacier movement. We have also conducted a deformation analysis of the talus, obtaining spatial deformation characteristics of typical talus. It was observed that the deformation of the talus is jointly influenced by the conditions of surface debris cover and the slope of the terrain. This study highlights the value of high-resolution optical and SAR satellites in studying periglacial geomorphology dynamics.

Water-body type problems classification plays a vital role in ecological conservation, water resource management, and urban planning. Accurate classification can aid decision-makers in understanding the functions of different water-body types, providing key information for urban planning and promoting harmony between human activities and the natural environment. Despite extensive research in the field of water-body segmentation, exploration in the water-body type classification community is not as widespread. Therefore, this article proposes a novel water-body type classification method based on a two-step deep-learning model, decomposing water-body type classification into water-body segmentation and water-body type identification. Especially, this method constructs a unique data strategy by organically integrating backscatter features, polarimetric features, and DEM features, providing the model with rich and comprehensive information. In the first step, the segmentation network uses the fused feature to extract all water-body from synthetic aperture radar images. Subsequently, the extracted water-body are combined with the input data, forming a multifeature input for the identification network to distinguish between natural and artificial water-body. During this process, a swarm intelligence optimization algorithm is employed to explore the optimal hyperparameters of the network, including those of the segmentation and identification networks. Finally, the proposed method is assessed using extensive experiments on water-body segmentation tasks, water-body type identification tasks, and joint water-body type classification tasks. This article not only provides a new perspective in the field of water-body type classification but also demonstrates the immense potential of deep-learning network hyperparameter optimization and feature fusion in solving such.

[Objective] Urban rail transit system is an important part of modern urban economy. To better realize the low-carbon transformation of urban economy, attention should be given to the impact of urban rail transit system on this transformation. [Method] Based on the panel data of 283 cities from 2000 to 2019, a double difference model is employed to explore the impact of urban rail transit on promoting the low-carbon transformation of urban economy. [Result & Conclusion] The research results indicate that urban rail transit not only contributes to promoting the low-carbon transformation of urban economy, but also advances the improvement of local green technology innovation levels, further facilitating the development of low-carbon transformation in urban economy. Effective promotion of the low-carbon economic transformation by urban rail transit is contingent upon specific conditions related to urban population density.

Bioactive compounds derived from herbal medicinal plants modulate various therapeutic targets and signaling pathways associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the world's primary cause of death. Ginkgo biloba, a well-known traditional Chinese medicine with notable cardiovascular actions, has been used as a cardio- and cerebrovascular therapeutic drug and nutraceutical in Asian countries for centuries. Preclinical studies have shown that ginkgolide B, a bioactive component in Ginkgo biloba, can ameliorate atherosclerosis in cultured vascular cells and disease models. Of clinical relevance, several clinical trials are ongoing or being completed to examine the efficacy and safety of ginkgolide B-related drug preparations in the prevention of cerebrovascular diseases, such as ischemia stroke. Here, we present a comprehensive review of the pharmacological activities, pharmacokinetic characteristics, and mechanisms of action of ginkgolide B in atherosclerosis prevention and therapy. We highlight new molecular targets of ginkgolide B, including nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidases (NADPH oxidase), lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1), sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), platelet-activating factor (PAF), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) and others. Finally, we provide an overview and discussion of the therapeutic potential of ginkgolide B and highlight the future perspective of developing ginkgolide B as an effective therapeutic agent for treating atherosclerosis.

Abstract Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a primary cause of dementia. The complement system is closely related to AD pathology and may be a potential target for the prevention and treatment of AD. In our study, we conducted a bioinformatics analysis to analyze the role of the complement system and its related factors in AD using Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) data. We also conducted a functional analysis. Our study verified that 23 genes were closely related to differentially expressed complement system genes in diseases after intersecting the disease-related complement system module genes and differentially expressed genes. The STRING database was used to predict the interactions between the modular gene proteins of the differential complement system. A total of 21 gene proteins and 44 interaction pairs showed close interactions. We screened key genes and created a diagnostic model. The predictive effect of the model was constructed using GSE5281 and our study indicated that the predictive effect of the model was good. Our study also showed enriched negative regulation of Notch signaling, cytokine secretion involved in the immune response pathway, and cytokine secretion involved in immune response hormone-mediated apoptotic signaling pathway. We hope that our study provides a promising target to prevent and delay the onset, diagnosis, and treatment of AD.

ABSTRACT: Protein lactosylation is a significant modification that occurs during the heat treatment of dairy products, causing changes in proteins' physical-chemical and nutritional properties. Knowledge of the detailed lactosylation information on milk proteins under various heat treatments is important for selecting appropriate thermo-processing and identifying markers to monitor heat load in dairy products. In the present study, we used proteomics techniques to investigate lactosylated proteins under different heating temperatures. We observed a total of 123 lactosylated lysines in 65 proteins, with lactosylation even occurring in raw milk. The number of lactosylated lysines and proteins increased moderately at 75°C to 130°C, but dramatically at 140°C. We found that 6 out of 10, 9 out of 16, 6 out of 12, and 5 out of 15 lysine residues in κ-casein, β-lactoglobulin, α-lactalbumin, and αS1-casein, respectively, were lactosylated under the applied heating treatment. Moreover, different lactosylation states of individual lysines and proteins can indicate the intensity of heating processes. Lactosylation of K14 in β-lactoglobulin could distinguish pasteurized and UHT milk, while lactosylation of lactotransferrin can reflect moderate heat treatment of products.

Abstract Bifidobacteria are key gut commensals that confer various health benefits and are commonly used as probiotics. However, little is known about the population-level variation in gut bifidobacterial composition and its affecting factors. Therefore, we analyzed Bifidobacterium species with amplicon sequencing of the groEL gene on fecal samples of 1674 healthy individuals, who belonged to eight ethnic groups and resided in 60 counties/cities of 28 provinces across China. We found that the composition of the bifidobacterial community was associated with geographical factors, demographic characteristics, staple food type, and urbanization. First, geography, which reflects a mixed effect of other variables, explained the largest variation in the bifidobacterial profile. Second, middle adolescence (age 14–17) and age 30 were two key change points in the bifidobacterial community development, and a bifidobacterial community resembling that of adults occurred in middle adolescence, which is much later than the maturation of the whole gut microbial community at approximately age 3. Third, each ethnicity showed a distinct bifidobacterial profile, and the remarkable amount of unknown Bifidobacterium species in the Tibetan gut suggested undiscovered biodiversity. Fourth, wheat as the main staple food promoted the flourish of B. adolescentis and B. longum. Fifth, alpha diversity of the bifidobacterial community decreased with urbanization. Collectively, our findings provide insight into the environmental and host factors that shape the human gut bifidobacterial community, which is fundamental for precision probiotics.

Abstract HSPA13, an important member of the heat shock protein family, plays an essential role in the oncogenesis of many organs, but the mechanism and function in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still unclear. In the present study, we found that HSPA13 was highly expressed in HCC and predicted poor clinical prognosis. Upregulation of HSPA13 was significantly associated with vascular invasion in HCC patients. Functionally, knockdown experiments demonstrated that HSPA13 promoted HCC proliferation, migration, and invasion. Mechanistic investigation showed that HSPA13 could interact with TANK to inhibit its ubiquitination and degradation. In addition, the expression of HSPA13 and TANK were positively correlated in HCC tissues. To conclude, the present study uncovers the oncogenic function of HSPA13 in the progression of HCC by regulating the stability of TANK. These findings suggest that HSPA13 and TANK may serve as promising targets for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.

The clinical utilization of doxorubicin (Dox) in various malignancies is restrained by its major adverse effect: irreversible cardiomyopathy. Extensive studies have been done to explore the prevention of Dox cardiomyopathy. Currently, ferroptosis has been shown to participate in the incidence and development of Dox cardiomyopathy. Sorting Nexin 3 (SNX3), the retromer-associated cargo binding protein with important physiological functions, was identified as a potent therapeutic target for cardiac hypertrophy in our previous study. However, few study has shown whether SNX3 plays a critical role in Dox-induced cardiomyopathy. In this study, a decreased level of SNX3 in Dox-induced cardiomyopathy was observed. Cardiac-specific Snx3 knockout (Snx3-cKO) significantly alleviated cardiomyopathy by downregulating Dox-induced ferroptosis significantly. SNX3 was further demonstrated to exacerbate Dox-induced cardiomyopathy via induction of ferroptosis in vivo and in vitro, and cardiac-specific Snx3 transgenic (Snx3-cTg) mice were more susceptible to Dox-induced ferroptosis and cardiomyopathy. Mechanistically, SNX3 facilitated the recycling of transferrin 1 receptor (TFRC) via direct interaction, disrupting iron homeostasis, increasing the accumulation of iron, triggering ferroptosis, and eventually exacerbating Dox-induced cardiomyopathy. Overall, these findings established a direct SNX3–TFRC–ferroptosis positive regulatory axis in Dox-induced cardiomyopathy and suggested that targeting SNX3 provided a new effective therapeutic strategy for Dox-induced cardiomyopathy through TFRC-dependent ferroptosis.

Abstract Background Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), which is frequently secondary to severe emotional (fear, anxiety, etc.) or physical stress, is an acute reversible heart failure syndrome characterized by temporary left ventricular regional systolic dysfunction. Nevertheless, TTS after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is rare, and its clinical characteristics are easily confused with complications after PCI. Case presentation This article reports a case of TTS induced by psychological and physical pressure after successful PCI in our institution. The patient had symptoms comparable to complications after PCI, including V1-V5 ST segment elevation and T wave changes of electrocardiogram (ECG) and troponin elevation. Coronary angiogram, left ventricle opacification (LVO), and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) were performed to exclude postoperative complications. Diagnosis of TTS was eventually achieved. Conclusion We cannot dismiss the risk of TTS in patients who have unexplained V1-V5 ST segment elevation and T wave changes of ECG and troponin elevation following successful PCI. Meanwhile, medical personnel should provide mental, cultural, and emotional services to patients in addition to essential diagnostic and treatment technical services during the perioperative period.

Alcohol abuse has recently become a serious health concern worldwide, and the incidence of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is rapidly increasing with high morbidity and mortality. Ferroptosis is a newly recognized form of regulated cell death caused by the iron-dependent accumulation of lipid peroxidation. Here we showed that the circadian clock protein BMAL1 in hepatocytes is both necessary and sufficient to protect against ALD by mitigating ferroptosis. Upon exposure to alcohol (5 % Lieber-DeCarli liquid alcohol diet for 10 days before binged alcohol with 5 g/kg body weight in vivo, 300 mmol/L for 12 h in vitro, respectively), the content of iron, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) was boosted significantly while glutathione (GSH) was decreased that mainly based on the downregulated protein expression of ferritin heavy chain (FTH), ferroportin (FPN), heme oxygenase1(HO-1) and anti-cystine/glutamate antiporter (SLC7A11), while these changes could be abolished by ferroptosis inhibitor Ferrostatin-1[Fer-1 (5 mg/kg body weight for 10 days in vivo, 10 μmol/L for 2 h in vitro, respectively)]. Further study indicated that the alcohol could activate the protein expression of brain and muscle arnt-like protein-1 (BMAL1) which exerts a protective effect against ferroptosis through promoting nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) translocation into nuclear and subsequently stimulating its downstream proteins FTH, FPN, glutathione peroxidase 4 activity (GPX4), HO-1, SLC7A11, while knockdown of BMAL1 and Nrf2 by RNA interference further downregulated the expression of these protein and thus promoting ferroptosis in response to alcohol. Collectively, our results unveiled that the protective action of BMAL1 during alcohol challenge depends on its ability to activate Nrf2-ARE antiferroptosis pathway and targeting hepatic BMAL1 to dampen hepatic ferroptosis signaling may have therapeutic potential for ALD.

The stability of metal nanoclusters (NCs) on graphene supports is crucial for their applications in catalysis. Here, we report on the preparation of a composite material comprising Au NCs on graphene support with multi-curvature defects through the vapor deposition of porous Au and in situ heating, followed by a preliminary exploration of its structural stability. Transmission electron microscopy revealed dense encapsulation of Au NCs within the spatial folds of the graphene support, with their structure and position remaining stable over 1 min at 800 °C, indicating exceptional structural stability. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) characterization and density-functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrate that this stabilizing effect is attributed to the unique electronic properties of the graphene surface, particularly its spatial curvature and topology with defects. Graphene surfaces with multi-curvature defects exhibit a stronger anchoring effect toward Au NCs compared to planar graphene. This work provides a theoretical basis for advancing the design and optimization of graphene-supported metal cluster catalysts.

Background: The limited understanding of the physiology and psychology of polar expedition explorers has prompted concern over the potential cognitive impairments caused by exposure to extreme environmental conditions. Prior research has demonstrated that such stressors can negatively impact cognitive function, sleep quality, and behavioral outcomes. Nevertheless, the impact of the polar environment on neuronal activity remains largely unknown. Methods: In this study, we aimed to investigate spatiotemporal alterations in brain oscillations of 13 individuals (age range: 22–48 years) who participated in an Arctic expedition. We utilized electroencephalography (EEG) to record cortical activity before and during the Arctic journey, and employed standardized low resolution brain electromagnetic tomography to localize changes in alpha, beta, theta, and gamma activity. Results: Our results reveal a significant increase in the power of theta oscillations in specific regions of the Arctic, which differed significantly from pre-expedition measurements. Furthermore, microstate analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in the duration of microstates (MS) D and alterations in the local synchrony of the frontoparietal network. Conclusion: Overall, these findings provide novel insights into the neural mechanisms underlying adaptation to extreme environments. These findings have implications for understanding the cognitive consequences of polar exploration and may inform strategies to mitigate potential neurological risks associated with such endeavors. Further research is warranted to elucidate the long-term effects of Arctic exposure on brain function.

BackgroundLevels of self-awareness may affect the decision-making ability of clinical nurses and may also be related to mental health. Therefore, it is crucial to develop tools to identify nurses’ level of self-awareness. The purpose of this study was to investigate the reliability and validity of a short scale among Chinese nurses and to explore the factors associated with nurses’ self-awareness.MethodsA total of 957 participants were recruited, 549 participants were used for reliability tests and 408 subjects were used for impact factor studies. They completed the General Information Questionnaire, the Self-Awareness Scale for Nurses, and the Psychological Distress Scale. Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, Cronbach’s alpha, and retest reliability were used to investigate the psychometric properties of the Self-Awareness Scale for Nurses. Multiple regression analyses were used in this study to investigate the relationship between nurses’ self-awareness and the independent variables.ResultsA 4-factor model of the Chinese version of the Self-Awareness Scale for Nurses was validated. The overall Cronbach’s alpha value for the Chinese version of the Self-Awareness Scale for Nurses was 0.873. Cronbach’s alpha values for each subscale ranged from 0.808 to 0.979. Significant predictors of each dimension of the Self-awareness and the total score of the scale were age and work experience.ConclusionThe Chinese version of the Self-Awareness Scale for Nurses is a valid and reliable scale.

Background PEBP (phosphatidyl ethanolamine-binding protein) is widely found in eukaryotes including plants, animals and microorganisms. In plants, the PEBP family plays vital roles in regulating flowering time and morphogenesis and is highly associated to agronomic traits and yields of crops, which has been identified and characterized in many plant species but not well studied in Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn.), an important coarse food grain with medicinal value. Methods Genome-wide analysis of FtPEBP gene family members in Tartary buckwheat was performed using bioinformatic tools. Subcellular localization analysis was performed by confocal microscopy. The expression levels of these genes in leaf and inflorescence samples were analyzed using qRT-PCR. Results Fourteen Fagopyrum tataricum PEBP (FtPEBP) genes were identified and divided into three sub-clades according to their phylogenetic relationships. Subcellular localization analysis of the FtPEBP proteins in tobacco leaves indicated that FT- and TFL-GFP fusion proteins were localized in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. Gene structure analysis showed that most FtPEBP genes contain four exons and three introns. FtPEBP genes are unevenly distributed in Tartary buckwheat chromosomes. Three tandem repeats were found among FtFT5/FtFT6, FtMFT1/FtMFT2 and FtTFL4/FtTFL5. Five orthologous gene pairs were detected between F. tataricum and F. esculentum. Seven light-responsive, nine hormone-related and four stress-responsive elements were detected in FtPEBPs promoters. We used real-time PCR to investigate the expression levels of FtPEBPs among two flowering-type cultivars at floral transition time. We found FtFT1/FtFT3 were highly expressed in leaf and young inflorescence of early-flowering type, whereas they were expressed at very low levels in late-flowering type cultivars. Thus, we deduced that FtFT1/FtFT3 may be positive regulators for flowering and yield of Tartary buckwheat. These results lay an important foundation for further studies on the functions of FtPEBP genes which may be utilized for yield improvement.

Abstract Background Blinatumomab early‐line treatment in B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B‐ALL) might improve clinical outcomes. Methods We conducted a retrospective real‐world cohort analysis in 20 newly diagnosed B‐ALL patients who received reduced‐dose chemotherapy (idarubicin, vindesine, and dexamethasone) for 1–3 weeks, followed by blinatumomab for 1–4 weeks as an induction therapy. Results At the end of the induction therapy, a complete remission rate of 100% was achieved; 17 (85%) patients were minimal residual disease (MRD) negative (

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a common malignant tumor, whose morbidity and mortality keep the top three in the male-related tumors in developed countries. Abnormal ion channels, such as transient receptor potential canonical 6 (TRPC6), are reported to be involved in the carcinogenesis and progress of prostate cancer and have become potential drug targets against prostate cancer. Here, we report a novel small molecule inhibitor of TRPC6, designated as PCC0208057, which can suppress the proliferation and migration of prostate cancer cells in vitro, and inhibit the formation of Human umbilical vein endothelial cells cell lumen. PCC0208057 can effectively inhibit the growth of xenograft tumor in vivo. Molecular mechanism studies revealed that PCC0208057 could directly bind and inhibit the activity of TRPC6, which then induces the prostate cancer cells arrested in G2/M phase via enhancing the phosphorylation of Nuclear Factor of Activated T Cells (NFAT) and Cdc2. Taken together, our study describes for the first time that PCC0208057, a novel TRPC6 inhibitor, might be a promising lead compound for treatment of prostate cancer.

IntroductionSome clinical studies have shown that music therapy as an adjunctive therapy can improve overall symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. However, the neural mechanisms of this improvement remain unclear due to insufficient neuroimaging evidence.MethodsIn this work, 17 patients with schizophrenia accepted a five-week music therapy (music group) that integrated listening, singing, and composing, and required patients to cooperate in a group to complete music therapy tasks. Meanwhile, 15 patients with schizophrenia received a five-week visual art intervention as the control group including handicraft and painting activities. We collected the Manchester Scale (MS) and Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS) scores and electroencephalography (EEG) data before and after intervention in two groups.ResultsBehavioral results showed that both interventions mentioned above can effectively help patients with schizophrenia relieve their overall symptoms, while a trend-level effect was observed in favor of music therapy. The EEG results indicated that music therapy can improve abnormal neural oscillations in schizophrenia which is reflected by a decrease in theta oscillation in the parietal lobe and an increase in gamma oscillation in the prefrontal lobe. In addition, correlation analysis showed that in the music group, both reductions in theta oscillations in the parietal lobe and increases in gamma oscillations in the prefrontal lobe were positively correlated with the improvement of overall symptoms.DiscussionThese findings help us to better understand the neural mechanisms by which music therapy improves overall symptoms in schizophrenia and provide more evidence for the application of music therapy in other psychiatric disorders.

Bacterially infected wounds are a hidden danger to human health, and the elimination of invasive wound bacteria is critical for proper wound healing. Nanozymes with peroxidase (POD)-like and catalase (CAT)-like activities serve as promising antimicrobial agents since they avoid the damage caused by high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) while providing sufficient oxygen (O2). Herein, we report hybrid composites of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) assembled on two-dimensional or three-dimensional (2D/3D) Zn-based metal organic frameworks (Zn-MOFs) via free amino groups. Specifically, the formed 3D Zn-MOF@Au, which combines the advantages of AuNPs and stabilized 3D MOFs, exhibits more significant POD-like activity in terms of decomposing H2O2 into toxic hydroxyl radicals than 2D Zn-MOF@Au while being able to supply sufficient O2. We performed systematic antimicrobial tests against bacteria using this composite nanomaterial with different dimensions, and the results showed that the 3D Zn-MOF@Au composite had better antibacterial effects against gram-positive (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA) and gram-negative (Escherichia coli, E. coli) bacteria with the addition of a low dose of H2O2. Animal experiments showed that this hybrid composite effectively accelerated bacteria-infected wound healing with excellent biocompatibility. This study demonstrated the great promise of metal nanoparticles modified different dimensional MOFs for antimicrobial therapy applications.

The user alignment of cross-social networks is divided into user and group alignments, respectively. Obtaining users’ full features is difficult due to social network privacy protection policies in user alignment mode. In contrast, the alignment accuracy is low due to the large number of edge users in the group alignment mode. To resolve this issue, First, stable topics are obtained from user-generated content (UGC) based on embedded topic jitter time, and the weight of user edges is updated by using vector distances. An improved Louvain algorithm, called Stable Topic-Louvain (ST-L), is designed to accomplish multi-level community detection without predetermined tags. It aims to obtain fuzzy topic features of the community and finalize the community alignment across social networks. Furthermore, iterative alignment is executed from coarse-grained communities to fine-grained sub-communities until user-level alignment occurs. The process can be terminated at any layer to achieve multi-granularity alignment, which resolves the low accuracy issue of edge user alignment at a single granularity and improves the accuracy of user alignment. The effectiveness of the proposed method is shown by implementing real datasets.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the spatiotemporal distribution of patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and the factors influencing this distribution in Jiangsu Province, China, from 2011 to 2020.MethodsThe incidence of reported HCV in Jiangsu Province from 2011 to 2020 was obtained from the Chinese Information System for Disease Control and Prevention (CISDCP). R and GeoDa software were used to visualize the spatiotemporal distribution and the spatial autocorrelation of HCV. A Bayesian spatiotemporal model was constructed to explore the spatiotemporal distribution of HCV in Jiangsu Province and to further analyze the factors related to HCV.ResultsA total of 31,778 HCV patients were registered in Jiangsu Province. The registered incidence rate of HCV increased from 2.60/100,000 people in 2011 to 4.96/100,000 people in 2020, an increase of 190.77%. Moran's I ranged from 0.099 to 0.354 (P < 0.05) from 2011 to 2019, indicating a positive spatial correlation overall. The relative risk (RR) of the urbanization rate, the most important factor affecting the spread of HCV in Jiangsu Province, was 1.254 (95% confidence interval: 1.141–1.376), while other factors had no significance.ConclusionThe reported HCV incidence rate integrally increased in the whole Jiangsu Province, whereas the spatial aggregation of HCV incidence was gradually weakening. Our study highlighted the importance of health education for the floating population and reasonable allocation of medical resources in the future health work.

We report a 42-year-old male patient who was diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and subsequently underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for revascularization. The patient was transferred to the cardiac intensive care unit for intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) due to frequent malignant arrhythmia after PCI. Then the patient experienced the most severe complications of IABP, including multiple organ embolism and intestinal necrosis. This report highlights the rare serious complications of IABP and the challenges encountered in handling this complex case.