Search

Abstract Post-stroke depression (PSD) affects millions of patients who suffer cerebral stroke. However, the molecular mechanisms and pathophysiology are poorly understood. Previous studies have shown that exosomes have been proven to be involved in neuropsychiatric disorders such as stroke and post-stroke depression in neurotransmitter release, neuronal remodeling, and neuron angiogenesis. Here we extracted and purified hippocampal exosomes from stroke mouse model to investigate mechanisms of hippocampal exocytosis in PSD assessed by using behavioral tests and biochemical methods. Aiming at the effect of hippocampal exosomes from stroke on the development of PSD, behavioral test was compared including sugar water preference experiment, open fields, forced swimming test, to explore it in depth. Further, the expression of depression-related protein (proBDNF and p75NTR) and synapse-associated proteins (Synaptotagmin and PSD95) was evaluated by Western blotting, RT-qPCR or immunofluorescence staining. Density of dendritic protrusions of neurons was assessed by Golgi staining to measure changes in spine density after the treatment of hippocampal exosomes from stroke. Our results revealed that injection of exosomes from stroke models significantly aggravated depressive-like behaviors, increase of depression-related protein (proBDNF and p75NTR) expression and deficiency of synapse-associated proteins (Synaptotagmin and PSD95) expression, and the decreased number of spin density. Our findings together suggest that hippocampal exosomes from stroke cause exacerbation of depressive-like behavior in mice, possibly resulting from the regulation of neurogenesis by its depression-associated proteins (proBDNF and p75NTR). Therefore, hippocampal exosomes from stroke are promising targets for the diagnosis and treatment of PSD.

Abstract The stability-related asymmetry in roots, trunk, and crown is always found as a typical effect of biomechanical design under heterogeneous stimulus environment. However, it appears to be a conflict between the biomechanical principle and the source-sink distance of nutrient allocation strategies when the orientational asymmetry occurs. Adaptive growth strategies associated with biomass and nutrient allocation remain to be explored. This study used both the minirhizotron and harvest methods to test the effect of trunk inclination of camphor trees (Cinnamomum camphora) and found that the asymmetry coefficient of root biomass was − 0.29, showing more root biomass distributed on the other side of trunk inclination. This side had larger surface area and volume of fine roots, the smaller in diameter and the larger in length of the first level roots, higher leaf total nitrogen (TN) and slightly higher root TN content, higher activities of antioxidant enzymes SOD, POD, and CAT in leaves, and lower soluble sugar and protein. The biomass, morphological and physiological characteristics suggest that trees may follow both the biomechanical design and source-sink distance of nutrient allocation strategies. The research results expand the connotation of root-shoot balance in the orientational allocation of biomass and physiological responses.

Abstract China’s large-scale tree planting programs are critical for achieving its carbon neutrality by 2060, but determining where and how to plant trees for maximum carbon sequestration has not been rigorously assessed. Here, we developed a comprehensive machine learning framework that integrates diverse environmental variables to quantify tree growth suitability and its relationship with tree numbers. Then, their correlations with biomass carbon stocks were robustly established. Carbon sink potentials were mapped in distinct tree-planting scenarios. Under one of them aligned with China’s ecosystem management policy, 44.7 billion trees could be planted, increasing forest stock by 9.6 ± 0.8 billion m³ and sequestering 5.9 ± 0.5 PgC equivalent to double China’s 2020 industrial CO2 emissions. We found that tree densification within existing forests is an economically viable and effective strategy and so it should be a priority in future large-scale planting programs.

Abstract Neuroepithelial tumors with fusion of PLAGL1 or amplification of PLAGL1/PLAGL2 have recently been described often with ependymoma-like or embryonal histology respectively. To further evaluate emerging entities with PLAG-family genetic alterations, the histologic, molecular, clinical, and imaging features are described for 8 clinical cases encountered at St. Jude (EWSR1-PLAGL1 fusion n = 6; PLAGL1 amplification n = 1; PLAGL2 amplification n = 1). A histologic feature observed on initial resection in a subset (4/6) of supratentorial neuroepithelial tumors with EWSR1-PLAGL1 rearrangement was the presence of concurrent ependymal and ganglionic differentiation. This ranged from prominent clusters of ganglion cells within ependymoma/subependymoma-like areas, to interspersed ganglion cells of low to moderate frequency among otherwise ependymal-like histology, or focal areas with a ganglion cell component. When present, the combination of ependymal-like and ganglionic features within a supratentorial neuroepithelial tumor may raise consideration for an EWSR1-PLAGL1 fusion, and prompt initiation of appropriate molecular testing such as RNA sequencing and methylation profiling. One of the EWSR1-PLAGL1 fusion cases showed subclonal INI1 loss in a region containing small clusters of rhabdoid/embryonal cells, and developed a prominent ganglion cell component on recurrence. As such, EWSR1-PLAGL1 neuroepithelial tumors are a tumor type in which acquired inactivation of SMARCB1 and development of AT/RT features may occur and lead to clinical progression. In contrast, the PLAGL2 and PLAGL1 amplified cases showed either embryonal histology or contained an embryonal component with a significant degree of desmin staining, which could also serve to raise consideration for a PLAG entity when present. Continued compilation of associated clinical data and histopathologic findings will be critical for understanding emerging entities with PLAG-family genetic alterations.

Abstract Temozolomide (TMZ) resistance is a major challenge in the treatment of glioblastoma (GBM). Tumour reproductive cells (TRCs) have been implicated in the development of chemotherapy resistance. By culturing DBTRG cells in three-dimensional soft fibrin gels to enrich GBM TRCs and performing RNA-seq analysis, the expression of stanniocalcin-1 (STC), a gene encoding a secreted glycoprotein, was found to be upregulated in TRCs. Meanwhile, the viability of TMZ-treated TRC cells was significantly higher than that of TMZ-treated 2D cells. Analysis of clinical data from CGGA (Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas) database showed that high expression of STC1 was closely associated with poor prognosis, glioma grade and resistance to TMZ treatment, suggesting that STC1 may be involved in TMZ drug resistance. The expression of STC1 in tissues and cells was examined, as well as the effect of STC1 on GBM cell proliferation and TMZ-induced DNA damage. The results showed that overexpression of STC1 promoted and knockdown of STC1 inhibited TMZ-induced DNA damage. These results were validated in an intracranial tumour model. These data revealed that STC1 exerts regulatory functions on MGMT expression in GBM, and provides a rationale for targeting STC1 to overcome TMZ resistance.

Abstract Soybean represents a vital source of premium plant-based proteins for human nutrition. Importantly, the level of water-soluble protein (WSP) is crucial for determining the overall quality and nutritional value of such crops. Enhancing WSP levels in soybean plants is a high-priority goal in crop improvement. This study aimed to elucidate the genetic basis of WSP content in soybean seeds by identifying quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and set the foundation for subsequent gene cloning and functional analysis. Using 180 F10 recombinant inbred lines generated by crossing the high-protein soybean cultivar JiDou 12 with the wild variety Ye 9, our researcher team mapped the QTLs influencing protein levels, integrating Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis and gene expression profiling to identify candidate genes. During the 2020 and 2022 growing seasons, a standard bell-shaped distribution of protein content trait data was observed in these soybean lines. Eight QTLs affecting protein content were found across eight chromosomes, with LOD scores ranging from 2.59 to 7.30, explaining 4.15–11.74% of the phenotypic variance. Notably, two QTLs were newly discovered, one with a elite allele at qWSPC-15 from Ye 9. The major QTL, qWSPC-19, on chromosome 19 was stable across conditions and contained genes involved in nitrogen metabolism, amino acid biosynthesis, and signaling. Two genes from this QTL, Glyma.19G185700 and Glyma.19G186000, exhibited distinct expression patterns at maturity, highlighting the influence of these genes on protein content. This research revealed eight QTLs for WSP content in soybean seeds and proposed a gene for the key QTL qWSPC-19, laying groundwork for gene isolation and enhanced soybean breeding through the use of molecular markers. These insights are instrumental for developing protein-rich soybean cultivars.

ABSTRACT Purpose Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) and urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB) share histomorphological and therapeutic features but distinct epidemiologic and clinicopathologic characteristics. We examined alterations of chromatin regulatory genes in molecular subtypes, clonal relatedness, and T‐cell receptor (TCR) diversity in UTUC and UCB. Materials and Methods Targeted next‐generation sequencing or whole‐exome DNA sequencing and TCR sequencing were conducted with 34 UTUC and 49 UCB specimens from 63 patients. Tumors were subtyped based on the expression of CK5 and GATA3. Results of tissue microarray of 78 muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) samples were used as prognostic factors of different subtypes of MIBC. Results Chromatin regulatory genes were frequently mutated in both UTUC and UCB. Rapid relapse and progression of non‐MIBC are correlated with alterations of KMT2C and EP300. Frequency of alterations in chromatin regulatory genes is higher in UTUC patients with SBS22 and SBS2 signatures and lower in UCB patients with SBS2 and SBS6 signatures. GATA3 and CK5 double‐positive patients with higher frequencies of SMARCA4, ARID1A, and EP300 mutations have better prognoses than patients with basal subtypes. Although UTUC and UCB in the same patient can be either clonally related or developed independently, mutated genes in chromatin pathway were enriched in the related clones. Compared to UTUC, UCB had more deleterious mutations in DNA damage repair (DDR) genes, higher levels of tumor mutation burden (TMB) and copy number variations (CNVs), as well as higher TCR clonality and lower TCR diversity. Conclusions Since genetic alterations of the chromatin pathway genes are important in both UTUC and UCB, they could serve as potential biomarkers for predicting disease progression and therapeutic targets. Differences in mutation frequencies of DDR pathway, TMB, CNV, and TCR might be the contributing factors for the distinct responses to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) between UTUC and UCB.

Antiferromagnetic Weyl semimetal Mn3Sn exhibiting strong magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE) due to non-zero Berry curvature is attractive for spintronic and photonic device applications. Despite many reports on the anisotropic anomalous Hall effect (AHE), so far, there have been few studies on its anisotropic optical properties. In this work, we experimentally characterized the anisotropic optical and magneto-optical (MO) properties of Mn3Sn(20)/MgO(110) and Mn3Sn(0001)/Al2O3(0001) epitaxial films using ellipsometry in the wavelength range from 300 to 1690 nm. By measuring the Mueller matrix of magnetized Mn3Sn, the anisotropic permittivity tensor is determined using the 4 × 4 transfer matrix method. Temperature dependent MOKE measurement confirmed the origin of the anisotropic MO effect to the non-zero Berry curvature of the chiral magnetic phase. The measured permittivity also agrees well with first-principles calculations. The anisotropic optical and MO properties determined in this work can be useful for Mn3Sn based spintronic device characterization and photonic device development.

Abstract Profibrotic proximal tubules (PT) were identified as a unique phenotype of proximal tubule cells (PTCs) in renal fibrosis by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Controlling the process of renal fibrosis requires understanding how to manage the S1 subset’s branch to the S3 subset rather than to the profibrotic PT subset. Insulin-induced gene 1 (Insig1) is one of the branch-dependent genes involved in controlling this process, although its role in renal fibrosis is unknown. Here, we discovered that tubular Insig1 deficiency, rather than fibroblast Insig1 deficiency, plays a detrimental role in the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis in vivo and in vitro. Overexpression of Insig1 profoundly inhibited renal fibrosis. Mechanistically, Insig1 deletion in PTCs boosted SREBP1 nuclear localization, increasing Aldh1a1 transcriptional activity, causing excessive NAD+ consumption and ER enlargement, as well as accelerating renal fibrosis. We also identified nicardipine as a selective inhibitor of Aldh1a1, which could restore NAD+ and maintain ER homeostasis, as well as improve renal fibrosis. Together, our findings support tubular Insig1 as a new therapeutic target for chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Abstract Inferring the 3D surface shape of a known template from 2D images captured by a monocular camera is a challenging problem. Due to the severely underconstrained nature of the problem, inferring shape accurately becomes particularly challenging when the template exhibits high curvature, resulting in the disappearance of feature points and significant differences between the inferred and actual deformations. To address this problem, this paper proposes a concise and innovative approach that utilizes a physical simulator incorporating the object’s material properties and deformation law. We utilize a view frustum space constructed from the contours of a monocular camera image to effectively restrict the physically-based free motion of the template. Additionally, we employ mesh denoising techniques to ensure the smoothness of the surface following deformation. To evaluate our shape inference results, we utilize a ground truth 3D point cloud generated from multiple viewpoint images. The results demonstrate the superior performance of our approach compared to other methods in accurately inferring deformations, particularly in scenarios where feature points are unobservable. This method carries significant practical implications across diverse domains, including virtual reality, digital modeling, and medical surgery training.

The major symptoms of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) are low back pain, radiative lower extremity pain, and lower limb movement disorder. Patients with LDH suffer from great distress in their daily life accompanied by severe economic hardship and difficulty in self-care, with an increasing tendency in the aging population. PubMed and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for relevant studies of spontaneous resorption or regression in LDH after conservative treatment and for other potential studies, which included those from inception to June 30, 2023. The objective of this narrative review is to summarize previous literatures about spontaneous resorption in LDH and to discuss the mechanisms and influencing factors in order to assess the probability of spontaneous resorption by conservative treatment. Spontaneous resorption without surgical treatment is influenced by the types and sizes of the LDH, inflammatory responses, and therapeutic factors. If the lumbar disc herniated tissue comprises a higher percentage of cartilage or modic changes have been shown on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), resorption in LDH is prevented. The bull's eye sign on enhanced MRI, which is a ring enhancement around a protruding disc, is a vital indicator for easy reabsorption. In addition, the type of extrusion and sequestration in LDH could forecast the higher feasibility of natural reabsorption. Moreover, the higher the proportion of protrusion on the intervertebral disc tissue within the spinal canal, the greater the likelihood of reabsorption. Therefore, which illustrates the feasibility of conservative treatments for LDH. Nonsurgical management of LDH with clinical symptoms is recommended by the authors.

Polarization camera based on CMOS sensor and nano wire-grid technology have found widespread applications in medical diagnostics, remote sensing and industrial inspection. However, the limited filtering properties of wire-grid polarizers and the small field-of-view provided by conventional microlens restrict the energy efficiency of these systems while also increasing their cost, size and weight. In this study, we propose an innovative approach that integrates focusing and splitting of polarization states into a single-layer all-dielectric metasurface. This metasurface enables full-Stokes polarization imaging for a wide field-of-view conical light. The design of the metasurface utilizes a phase compensation method to effectively focus orthogonal polarized conical light onto the central pixel of the CMOS sensor. Theoretical analysis demonstrates that this metasurface can accurately detect full-Stokes parameters within ±20° incident cone angles with an average efficiency reaching 83.0%. The angle can be extended to ±90° with an average efficiency exceeding 80%. We fabricated a three super-pixel metasurface prototype, and experimental measurements reveal its ability to efficiently focus and split three pairs of orthogonal polarization states under ±11° conical angle incidence with an average focusing efficiency of 68.1%. This study presents a promising solution for achieving wide field-of-view and high-efficiency polarization detection in integrated CMOS systems.

Abstract Photovoltaic (PV) installations are a leading technology for generating green electricity and reducing carbon emissions. Roofing highways with solar panels offers a new opportunity for PV development, but its potential of global deployment and associated socio‐economic impacts have not been investigated. Here, we combine solar PV output modeling with the global highway distribution and levelized cost of electricity to estimate the potential and economic feasibility of deploying highway PV systems worldwide. We also quantify its co‐benefits of reducing CO2 equivalent emissions and traffic losses (road traffic deaths and socio‐economic burdens). Our analysis reveals a potential for generating 17.58 PWh yr−1 of electricity, of which nearly 56% can be realized at a cost below US$100 MWh−1. Achieving the full highway PV potential could offset 28.78% (28.21%–29.1%) of the global total carbon emissions in 2018, prevent approximately 0.15 million road traffic deaths, and reduce US$0.43 ± 0.16 trillion socio‐economic burdens per year. Highway PV projects could bring a net return of about US$14.42 ± 4.04 trillion over a 25‐year lifetime. To exploit the full potential of highway PV, countries with various income levels must strengthen cooperation and balance the multiple socio‐economic co‐benefits.

AbstractObjective The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the postoperative clinical outcomes of elderly patients who underwent the direct anterior approach (DAA) versus those who received posterolateral approach (PLA) for total hip arthroplasty (THA) in the treatment of femoral neck fractures.Methods An electronic search was conducted in databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and CNKI from their inception to January 2022. We calculated the odds ratio (OR) and mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the effect of DAA compared to PLA for the management of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in elderly patients using the dichotomous or continuous method with a random or fixed-effect model.Results 15 studies involving 1284 patients were included; 640 patients receiving DAA and 644 patients receiving PLA. DAA had a longer surgery duration than PLA [WMD = 9.41, 95% CI (4.64, 14.19), I2=95.5%]; The amount of postoperative drainage [WMD= −3.88, 95% CI (−5.59, −2.17), I2=98.3%], length of incision [WMD= −3.88, 95% CI (−5.59, −2.17), I2=98.3%], blood loss [WMD= −3.88, 95% CI (−5.59, −2.17), I2=98.3%], hospitalization time [WMD= −3.88, 95% CI (−5.59, −2.17), I2=98.3%], and postoperative bedtime [WMD = −5.56,95% CI (−7.11, −4.01), I2=99.0%], were similar between the two groups (p 0.05).Conclusions DAA offers a quicker functional recovery and is less invasive with an earlier return to daily activities in older THA patients than PLA. However, DAA was found to be associated with a high incidence of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury and a low incidence of postoperative dislocation.Key messagesThe present study aims to evaluate the clinical outcomes in elderly patients receiving DAA versus PLA for THA in the treatment of femoral neck fractures by mate-analysis.DAA offers a quicker functional recovery and is less invasive with an earlier return to daily activities in older THA patients. No significant difference was observed between the colchicine and comparators in terms of the need for HHS at 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively, VAS postoperatively, acetabular anteversion angle, acetabular abduction angle, and complications (wound infection, deep vein thrombosis, and intraoperative fracture).

Summary: Despite medical advances, there remains an unmet need for better treatment of obesity. Itaconate, a product of the decarboxylation of the tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediate cis-aconitate, plays a regulatory role in both metabolism and immunity. Here, we show that itaconate, as an endogenous compound, counteracts high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced obesity through leptin-independent mechanisms in three mouse models. Specifically, itaconate reduces weight gain, reverses hyperlipidemia, and improves glucose tolerance in HFD-fed mice. Additionally, itaconate enhances energy expenditure and the thermogenic capacity of brown adipose tissue (BAT). Unbiased proteomic analysis reveals that itaconate upregulates key proteins involved in fatty acid oxidation and represses the expression of lipogenic genes. Itaconate may provoke a major metabolic reprogramming by inducing fatty acid oxidation and suppression of fatty acid synthesis in BAT. These findings highlight itaconate as a potential activator of BAT-mediated thermogenesis and a promising candidate for anti-obesity therapy.

Although anti-TNF antibodies are extensively used to treat Crohn's disease (CD), a significant proportion of patients, up to 40%, exhibit an inadequate response to this therapy. Our objective was to identify potential targets that could improve the effectiveness of anti-TNF therapy in CD. Through the integration and analysis of transcriptomic data from various CD databases, we found that the expression of AQP9 was significantly increased in anti-TNF therapy-resistant specimens. The response to anti-TNF therapy in the CD mouse model was significantly enhanced by specifically inhibiting AQP9. Further experiments found that the blockade of AQP9, which is dominantly expressed in macrophages, decreased inflamed macrophage functions and cytokine expression. Mechanistic studies revealed that AQP9 transported glycerol into macrophages, where it was metabolized to LPA, which was further metabolized to LPA, resulting in the activation of the LPAR2 receptor and downstream hippo pathway, finally promoting the expression of cytokines, especially IL23 and IL1β⊡ Taken together, the expansion of AQP9+ macrophages is associated with resistance to anti-TNF therapy in Crohn’s disease. These findings indicated that AQP9 could be a potential target for enhancing anti-TNF therapy in Crohn’s disease.

The intricate distribution of oil and water in tight rocks makes pinpointing oil layers challenging. While conventional identification methods offer potential solutions, their limited accuracy precludes them from being effective in their applications to unconventional reservoirs. This study employed nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrum decomposition to dissect the NMR T2 spectrum into multiple sub-spectra. Furthermore, it employed laboratory NMR experiments to ascertain the fluid properties of these sub-spectra, aiming to enhance identification accuracy. The findings indicate that fluids of distinct properties overlap in the T2 spectra, with bound water, movable water, bound oil, and movable oil appearing sequentially from the low-value zone to the high-value zone. Consequently, an oil layer classification scheme was proposed, which considers the physical properties of reservoirs, oil-bearing capacity, and the characteristics of both mobility and the oil-water two-phase flow. When applied to tight oil layer identification, the scheme's outcomes align closely with actual test results. A horizontal well, deployed based on these findings, has produced high-yield industrial oil flow, underscoring the precision and dependability of this new approach.

Abstract Chronic adipose tissue inflammation accompanied by macrophage accumulation and activation is implicated in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes in humans. The transcriptional coregulator CREBZF is a key factor in hepatic metabolism, yet its role in modulating adipose tissue inflammation and type 2 diabetes remains elusive. The present study demonstrates that overnutrition‐induced CREBZF links adipose tissue macrophage (ATM) proinflammatory activation to insulin resistance. CREBZF deficiency in macrophages, not in neutrophils, attenuates macrophage infiltration in adipose, proinflammatory activation, and hyperglycemia in diet‐induced insulin‐resistant mice. The coculture assays show that macrophage CREBZF deficiency improves insulin sensitivity in primary adipocytes and adipose tissue. Mechanistically, CREBZF competitively inhibits the binding of IκBα to p65, resulting in enhanced NF‐κB activity. In addition, bromocriptine is identified as a small molecule inhibitor of CREBZF in macrophages, which suppresses the proinflammatory phenotype and improves metabolic dysfunction. Furthermore, CREBZF is highly expressed in ATM of obese humans and mice, which is positively correlated with proinflammatory genes and insulin resistance in humans. This study identifies a previously unknown role of CREBZF coupling ATM activation to systemic insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Introduction: Baidu San mainly treats viral colds and relieves muscle pain. They are widely used in clinical practice, but their therapeutic effects and anti-inflammatory mechanisms against influenza are unknown. Methods: Active compounds and targets were mined with the help of TCMSP platform, OMIM database and Gene Cards database. Protein-protein interaction networks and component-target networks were established to screen core targets and components, and GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed in the DAVID database and visualized by the Microbiology Letter Platform. Finally, the binding affinity between potential targets and active compounds was assessed by molecular docking. Results: Baidu San is effective in the treatment of influenza. network pharmacology studies have shown that TNF, AKT1 and EGFR are the core targets of action of Baidu San in the treatment of influenza. Luteolin, quercetin and kaempferol are the key compounds. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses suggest that the mechanism of action of Baidu San is related to antiviral, anti-inflammatory and modulation of immune function are closely related. Conclusion: This study highlights the potential of combining in vitro experiments and network pharmacology as a promising strategy to explore the potential mechanism of TCMs.

Abstract Background There has been ongoing debate about the use of tourniquets in total knee arthroplasty, and their application is widely studied. A comprehensive understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of tourniquet use during the procedure is crucial for optimizing surgical outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of tourniquet application, with a particular focus on blood loss and perioperative complications, providing valuable insights for clinical practice. Methods Fifty patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty were randomized into tourniquet (n = 25) and nontourniquet (n = 25) groups. The same surgeon performed all surgical procedures. The follow-up time was 14 days after surgery. Primary outcomes were hemoglobin level changes, blood loss, operation time, and perioperative plasma D-dimer levels. Secondary outcomes were postoperative complications, including thrombotic and nonthrombotic events. Results No significant differences were found in drainage, calculated blood loss, total blood loss, postoperative hemoglobin levels, or blood transfusion between the two groups (P > 0.05). No differences in D-dimer levels were observed on postoperative Days 1, 3, and 14 between the two groups, except on postoperative Day 7, when the D-dimer level in the tourniquet group was lower than that in the nontourniquet group (P = 0.03). The incidence of local complications (thigh bruising, blisters, pain, fat liquefaction, and superficial infections) in the tourniquet group was significantly higher than that in the nontourniquet group (P = 0.03), but no significant differences were found in thromboembolic and nonthromboembolic events or overall complications (P > 0.05). Conclusion We conclude that tourniquet use does not reduce the length of surgery or blood loss but does increase local complications in total knee arthroplasty.

Abstract Background UTX (encoded by KDM6A), a histone demethylase for H3K27me2/3, is frequently mutated in human cancers. However, its functional and regulatory mechanisms in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain unclear. Methods Immunohistochemistry staining was used to investigate the clinical relevance of UTX in CRC. Additionally, we generated a spontaneous mouse CRC model with conditional Utx knockout to explore the role of UTX in the colorectal tumorigenesis. Post-translational regulation of UTX was determined by co-immunoprecipitation and immunoblot analyses. Results Herein, we identify that downregulation of UTX, mediated by the Cullin 4B-DNA Damage Binding Protein-1-Constitutive Photomorphogenesis Protein 1 (CUL4B-DDB1-COP1) complex, promotes CRC progression. Utx deletion in intestinal epithelial cells enhanced the susceptibility to tumorigenesis in AOM/DSS-induced spontaneous mouse CRC model. However, this effect is primarily alleviated by GSK126, an inhibitor of histone methyltransferase EZH2. Mechanistically, EMP1 and AUTS2 are identified as putative UTX target genes mediating UTX functions in limiting intestinal tumorigenesis. Notably, the CUL4B-DDB1-COP1 complex is identified as the functional E3 ligase responsible for targeting UTX for degradation in CRC cells. Thus, Cop1 deficiency in mouse intestinal tissue results in UTX accumulation and restricts tumorigenesis. Furthermore, patient cohort analysis reveals that UTX expression is negatively correlated with clinical stage, favorable disease outcomes, and COP1 expression. Conclusions In the current study, the tumor suppressor function and regulation of UTX in CRC provide a molecular basis and the rationale to target EZH2 in UTX-deficient CRC.

Abstract Background Quantitative proteomics is an indispensable tool in life science research. However, there is a lack of reference materials for evaluating the reproducibility of label-free liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS)-based measurements among different instruments and laboratories. Results Here, we develop the Quartet standard as a proteome reference material with built-in truths, and distribute the same aliquots to 15 laboratories with nine conventional LC–MS/MS platforms across six cities in China. Relative abundance of over 12,000 proteins on 816 mass spectrometry files are obtained and compared for reproducibility among the instruments and laboratories to ultimately generate proteomics benchmark datasets. There is a wide dynamic range of proteomes spanning about 7 orders of magnitude, and the injection order has marked effects on quantitative instead of qualitative characteristics. Conclusion Overall, the Quartet offers valuable standard materials and data resources for improving the quality control of proteomic analyses as well as the reproducibility and reliability of research findings.

Phosphogypsum is a solid waste with great environmental stockpile pressure produced by the wet production of phosphoric acid. Although there are various methods to purify and utilize phosphogypsum, the means for environmentally friendly, low energy consumption, and high value-added utilization still need to be further explored. Here, CaSO4·2H2O crystal was directly purified and regulated from phosphogypsum by using the anti-solvent method. The antisolvent can be adsorbed in the c-axis direction of the crystal and further inhibit the growth rate in this direction, resulting in a change in the morphology of the crystal. By adjusting the polarity and chain length of the anti-solvent, the morphology of CaSO4·2H2O crystal can change from butterfly-like flake crystals to hexagonal prism-like crystals. When n-propanol with long chain was used as the anti-solvent, the morphology of the CaSO4·2H2O crystal showed a hexagonal prism with a specific surface area of 19.98 m2/g and a Cu2+ loading efficiency of 52.67%. The encouraging results open up new possibilities for the application of phosphogypsum.

The role of pumped storage in global energy structure transformation is becoming increasingly prominent. This article introduces a flexible excitation system based on fully controlled device converters into pumped storage units (PSUs). It can address the issues of insufficient excitation capacity and limited stability associated with traditional thyristor excitation systems. The study focuses on linear active disturbance rejection control (LADRC) for the flexible excitation control system of pumped storage units and utilizes intelligent optimization algorithms to optimize the controller parameters. This addresses the inherent problem of traditional PID controllers, which are unable to alleviate the trade-off between response speed and overshoot. At the same time, the robustness and anti-interference of the control system are improved, effectively enhancing the performance of the pumped storage flexible excitation control system. Simulation verifies the feasibility and superiority of the proposed method.

Flowering time is a key agronomic trait that directly affect the adaptation and yield of soybean. After whole genome duplications, about 75% of genes being represented by multiple copies in soybean. There are four TERMINAL FLOWER 1 (TFL1) genes in soybean, and the TFL1b (Dt1) has been characterized as the determinant of stem growth habit. The function of other TFL1 homologs in soybean is still unclear. Here, we generated knockout mutants by CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology and found that the tfl1c/tfl1d double mutants flowered significantly earlier than wild-type plants. We investigated that TFL1c and TFL1d could physically interact with the bZIP transcription factor FDc1 and bind to the promoter of APETALA1a (AP1a). RNA-seq and qRT-PCR analyses indicated that TFL1c and TFL1d repressed the expressions of the four AP1 homologs and delayed the flowering time in soybean. The two genes play important roles in the regulation of flowering time in soybean and mainly act as the flowering inhibitors under long-day conditions. Our results identify novel components in the flowering-time regulation network of soybean and will be invaluable for molecular breeding of improved soybean yield.

IntroductionPeripheral nerve injuries, especially those involving long-distance deficits, pose significant challenges in clinical repair. This study explores the potential of continuous microcurrent electrical nerve stimulation (cMENS) as an adjunctive strategy to promote regeneration and repair in such cases.MethodsThe study initially optimized cMENS parameters and assessed its impact on Schwann cell activity, neurotrophic factor secretion, and the nerve regeneration microenvironment. Subsequently, a rat sciatic nerve defect-bridge repair model was employed to evaluate the reparative effects of cMENS as an adjuvant treatment. Functional recovery was assessed through gait analysis, motor function tests, and nerve conduction assessments. Additionally, nerve regeneration and denervated muscle atrophy were observed through histological examination.ResultsThe study identified a 10-day regimen of 100uA microcurrent stimulation as optimal. Evaluation focused on Schwann cell activity and the microenvironment, revealing the positive impact of cMENS on maintaining denervated Schwann cell proliferation and enhancing neurotrophic factor secretion. In the rat model of sciatic nerve defect-bridge repair, cMENS demonstrated superior effects compared to control groups, promoting motor function recovery, nerve conduction, and sensory and motor neuron regeneration. Histological examinations revealed enhanced maturation of regenerated nerve fibers and reduced denervated muscle atrophy.DiscussionWhile cMENS shows promise as an adjuvant treatment for long-distance nerve defects, future research should explore extended stimulation durations and potential synergies with tissue engineering grafts to improve outcomes. This study contributes comprehensive evidence supporting the efficacy of cMENS in enhancing peripheral nerve regeneration.

The task of question matching/retrieval focuses on determining whether two questions are semantically equivalent. It has garnered significant attention in the field of natural language processing (NLP) due to its commercial value. While neural network models have made great strides and achieved human-level accuracy, they still face challenges when handling complex scenarios. In this paper, we delve into the utilization of different specializations encoded in different layers of large-scale pre-trained language models (PTMs). We propose a novel attention-based model called ERNIE-ATT that effectively integrates the diverse levels of semantics acquired by PTMs, thereby enhancing robustness. Experimental evaluations on two challenging datasets showcase the superior performance of our proposed model. It outperforms not only traditional models that do not use PTMs but also exhibits a significant improvement over strong PTM-based models. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach in enhancing the robustness of question matching/retrieval systems.

Abstract Fasting has been grown in popularity with multiple potential benefits. However, very few studies dynamically monitor physiological and pathological changes during long‐term fasting using noninvasive methods. In the present study, we recruited 37 individuals with metabolic syndrome to engage in a 5‐day water‐only fasting regimen, and simultaneously captured the molecular alterations through urinary proteomics and metabolomics. Our findings reveal that water‐only fasting significantly mitigated metabolic syndrome‐related risk markers, such as body weight, body mass index, abdominal circumference, blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose levels in metabolic syndrome patients. Indicators of liver and renal function remained within the normal range, with the exception of uric acid. Notably, inflammatory response was inhibited during the water‐only fasting period, as evidenced by a decrease in the human monocyte differentiation antigen CD14. Intriguingly, glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation underwent a sex‐dependent reprogramming throughout the fasting period, whereby males exhibited a greater upregulation of carbohydrate metabolism‐related enzymes than females. This disparity may be attributed to evolutionary pressures. Collectively, our study sheds light on the beneficial physiological effects and novel dynamic molecular features associated with fasting in individuals with metabolic syndrome using noninvasive methods.

Abstract Adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) is usually used to reduce the risk of disease relapse and improve survival for stage II/III colorectal cancer (CRC). However, only a subset of patients could benefit from ACT. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify improved biomarkers to predict survival and stratify patients to refine the selection of ACT. We used high-throughput proteomics to analyze tumor and adjacent normal tissues of stage II/III CRC patients with /without relapse to identify potential markers for predicting prognosis and benefit from ACT. The machine learning approach was applied to identify relapse-specific markers. Then the artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted multiplex IHC was performed to validate the prognostic value of the relapse-specific markers and construct a proteomic-derived classifier for stage II/III CRC using 3 markers, including FHL3, GGA1, TGFBI. The proteomics profiling-derived signature for stage II/III CRC (PS) not only shows good accuracy to classify patients into high and low risk of relapse and mortality in all three cohorts, but also works independently of clinicopathologic features. ACT was associated with improved disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in stage II (pN0) patients with high PS and pN2 patients with high PS. This study demonstrated the clinical significance of proteomic features, which serve as a valuable source for potential biomarkers. The PS classifier provides prognostic value for identifying patients at high risk of relapse and mortality and optimizes individualized treatment strategy by detecting patients who may benefit from ACT for survival.

Abstract Loss of TGF-β-mediated growth suppression is a major contributor to the development of cancers, best exemplified by loss-of-function mutations in genes encoding components of the TGF-β signaling pathway in colorectal and pancreatic cancers. Alternatively, gain-of-function oncogene mutations can also disrupt antiproliferative TGF-β signaling. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying oncogene-induced modulation of TGF-β signaling have not been extensively investigated. Here, we show that the oncogenic BCR-ABL1 of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and the cellular ABL1 tyrosine kinases phosphorylate and inactivate Smad4 to block antiproliferative TGF-β signaling. Mechanistically, phosphorylation of Smad4 at Tyr195, Tyr301, and Tyr322 in the linker region interferes with its binding to the transcription co-activator p300/CBP, thereby blocking the ability of Smad4 to activate the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors and induce cell cycle arrest. In contrast, the inhibition of BCR-ABL1 kinase with Imatinib prevented Smad4 tyrosine phosphorylation and re-sensitized CML cells to TGF-β-induced antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic responses. Furthermore, expression of phosphorylation-site-mutated Y195F/Y301F/Y322F mutant of Smad4 in Smad4-null CML cells enhanced antiproliferative responses to TGF-β, whereas the phosphorylation-mimicking Y195E/Y301E/Y322E mutant interfered with TGF-β signaling and enhanced the in vivo growth of CML cells. These findings demonstrate the direct role of BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase in suppressing TGF-β signaling in CML and explain how Imatinib-targeted therapy restored beneficial TGF-β anti-growth responses.

Early lipid accumulation is thought to contribute to liver regeneration through unclear functional mechanisms. Here the authors identify an epigenetic regulator, MIER1, that bridges the acute lipid accumulation and cell cycle gene transcription during liver regeneration after surgical resection in male mice.

The tree crown volume (CV), as a major indicator in the evaluation of ecological environment quality, can assess the health and carbon sequestration of urban trees. In this study, a new low-cost method, the plane calculation of angle disparity (PCAD), was employed to obtain the CV in China using satellite images from Google Earth. Meanwhile, primary data on street trees from four Western cities were acquired from online datasets. Nonparametric statistical methods showed no significant difference in CV per street tree between Beijing and Shanghai in China, ranging from 10 to 150 m3, almost one-seventh of that in the four cities (Paris and London in Europe and Los Angeles and Seattle in America). The CV of Platanus acerifolia in Paris and London exhibited values five times higher than those in Beijing and Shanghai. The annual crown volume increment (CVI) was less than 5 m3 in Beijing and Shanghai, significantly lower than in Seattle (66.55 m3). The purpose of the research was to verify the operability of the PCAD and compare the CVI in different cities all over the world, providing new ideas for urban tree management and carbon sequestration evaluation and a basis for government decision making in areas with a low CVI.

BackgroundAutophagy plays a critical role in the progression of osteoarthritis (OA), mainly by regulating inflammatory and immune responses. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the potential relevance of autophagy-related genes (ARGs) associated with infiltrating immune cells in OA.MethodsGSE114007, GSE169077, and ARGs were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and the Human Autophagy database. R software was used to identify the differentially expressed autophagy-related genes (DEARGs) in OA. Functional enrichment and protein–protein interaction (PPI) analyses were performed to explore the role of DEARGs in OA cartilage, and then Cytoscape was utilized to screen hub ARGs. Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) was used to conduct immune infiltration analysis and evaluate the potential correlation of key ARGs and immune cell infiltration. Then, the expression levels of hub ARGs in OA were further verified by the GSE169077 and qRT-PCR. Finally, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to validate the final hub ARGs.ResultsA total of 24 downregulated genes and five upregulated genes were identified, and these genes were enriched in autophagy, mitophagy, and inflammation-related pathways. The intersection results identified nine hub genes, namely, CDKN1A, DDIT3, FOS, VEGFA, RELA, MAP1LC3B, MYC, HSPA5, and HSPA8. GSE169077 and qRT-PCR validation results showed that only four genes, CDKN1A, DDT3, MAP1LC3B, and MYC, were consistent with the bioinformatics analysis results. Western blotting and immunohistochemical (IHC) showed that the expression of these four genes was significantly downregulated in the OA group, which is consistent with the qPCR results. Immune infiltration correlation analysis indicated that DDIT3 was negatively correlated with immature dendritic cells in OA, and FOS was positively correlated with eosinophils.ConclusionCDKN1A, DDIT3, MAP1LC3B, and MYC were identified as ARGs that were closely associated with immune infiltration in OA cartilage. Among them, DDIT3 showed a strong negative correlation with immature dendritic cells. This study found that the interaction between ARGs and immune cell infiltration may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of OA; however, the specific interaction mechanism needs further research to be clarified. This study provides new insights to further understand the molecular mechanisms of immunity involved in the process of OA by autophagy.

The molecular differences between the two major gastric cancer subtypes diffuse-type gastric cancer (DGC) and intestinaltype gastric cancer (IGC) remain to be investigated. Here, integrated analysis of proteome, phospho-proteome and transcription factor activity for DGC and IGC reveals potential subtypes.

Abstract Background Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a complex disease involving the upregulation of many inflammation-related proteins. Alternative polyadenylation (APA), a crucial post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism, has been proven to play vital roles in many inflammatory diseases. However, it is largely unknown whether and how APA exerts function in DN. Methods We performed transcriptomics and proteomics analysis of glomeruli samples isolated from 50 biopsy-proven DN patients and 25 control subjects. DaPars and QAPA algorithms were adopted to identify APA events from RNA-seq data. The qRT-PCR analysis was conducted to verify 3′UTR length alteration. Short and long 3ʹUTRs isoforms were also overexpressed in podocytes under hyperglycemia condition for examining protein expression. Results We detected transcriptome-wide 3′UTR APA events in DN, and found that APA-mediated 3ʹUTR lengthening of genes (APA genes) increased their expression at protein but not mRNA level. Increased protein level of 3′UTR lengthening gene was validated in podocytes under hyperglycemia condition. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that APA genes were enriched in inflammation-related biological processes including endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways, NF-κB signaling and autophagy. Further bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that 3′UTR APA of genes probably altered the binding sites for RNA-binding proteins, thus enhancing protein translation. Conclusion This study revealed for the first time that 3′UTR lengthening of APA genes contributed to the progression of DN by elevating the translation of corresponding proteins, providing new insight and a rich resource for investigating DN mechanisms.

The provenance evolution of Paleocene is a main factor controlling the sedimentary filling characteristics of the East China Sea Shelf Basin, and is of great significance in the exploration and development of petro-bearing basins. Based on the core samples of the Paleocene of the Lishui Sag, East China Sea Shelf Basin, the systematic analysis of petrological and mineralogical characteristics was carried out. Through the study of the spatial and temporal distribution of sandstone clastic components, light and heavy mineral assemblages and related parameters, the evolution of the Paleocene provenance system in the study area and its significance for the sedimentary filling of the basin were discussed. The Paleocene clastic rocks in the Lishui Sag are mainly lithic feldspar sandstone, feldspar lithic sandstone and lithic sandstone. The sandstone is mainly moderately well-sorted, and the grains are mostly subangular or subrounded, with poor overall rounding, indicating that the structural maturity and compositional maturity are relatively lower. The light mineral assemblages of the Guifeng and Lingfeng formations of Peleocene are obviously different and show zoning features in different parts of the basin. In the central and northern parts of the western subsag, there are mainly parent rock types of cycle orogenic belts, while in the south of the western subsag, there are mainly parent rock types of cycle orogenic belts and magma arc. In the eastern subsag, there are mainly parent rock types of cycle orogenic belts. The characteristics of heavy mineral assemblages in the main horizons of the Paleocene in the study area change little. The Zhejiang-Fujian uplift belt in the west and the Yandang uplift in the east are the most important provenance areas of the Lishui Sag. The Lingfeng low uplift in the center of the basin suffered serious denudation before the deposition of the lower member of the Mingyuefeng Formation, providing local provenance for the basin. The provenance system analysis showed that when the Yueguifeng and Lingfeng formations were deposited, they were in the early and peak stages of fault depression, and the intra-basin provenance area was formed by the intra-basin fault uplift. As the upper member of the Lingfeng Formation was deposited, the basin entered the late stage of fault depression, local intra-basin provenance was no longer developed, and the main provenance system was extra-basin provenance.

A detailed examination of the traffic in production data centers (DCs) suggests a new way to build optical network architectures (ONAs). As a result, recent efforts have pursued high-fan-out and cluster-based ONAs. A high-fan-out and flexible-cluster (HFFC) ONA for DCs is proposed in this article. The HFFC architecture is made up of an optical switch and a number of clusters, with the latter consisting of a number of top-of-rack (ToR) switches. Compared to a high-fan-out, scalable, and cluster-based optical interconnect (FSCOI), the HFFC architecture solves a congestion problem by removing the FSCOI's couplers and increasing the available bandwidth between clusters. By removing the couplers, the value of fan-out can be increased. In addition, one or several clusters can constitute a flexible cluster. The flexible cluster can be tailored for diverse intra-flexible-cluster traffic. The performance of the HFFC architecture is evaluated by simulation using synthetic traffic patterns. Compared to the FSCOI architecture, our approach has better performance in various traffic scenarios. In addition, the HFFC architecture has a flexible cluster capacity, making it more suited to large-scale intra-flexible-cluster traffic.

European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Reanalysis 5 (ERA5) is a state-of-the-art reanalysis dataset and has been widely used in climate change analysis and land surface process simulations. However, few assessments have been conducted across the entire ocean for this dataset till now. The motivation of this study is to utilize the in-situ observations and remotely sensed sea surface temperature (SST) products to propose a new approach to evaluate the precision of ERA5 air temperature over the whole ocean. First, a stacked multilayer perceptron regressor model was employed to map global marine air temperature (MAT) by incorporating in-situ records into moderate-resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) SST products. Second, a monthly MAT dataset with a spatial resolution of 0.05° × 0.05° was developed and validated for the assessment of ERA5 air temperature particularly in the regions where only satellite observations are available. It demonstrates that the quality of estimated MAT (RMSE = 1.62 °C, Bias = 0.03 °C) is evidently high in 80.3% of the observation stations, which is much better than that of averaged SST (RMSE = 2.29 °C, Bias = 1.14 °C). Thus, the estimated MAT is credible enough to be employed to assess ERA5 air temperature both at the grid and regional scale. Finally, the ERA5 air temperature was compared and validated with the estimated MAT temporally and spatially. The further study suggested that estimated MAT and ERA5 air temperature basically maintain consistency in expressing persistent warming, particularly in the western Pacific, western Atlantic, and northern Indian Ocean. In addition, the trend of ERA5 air temperature during 50°S–50°N reaches 0.016 ± 0.003°C/yr, which is similar to that of estimated MAT (0.017 ± 0.002 °C/yr) during 2003–2021.

Soil moisture (SM) plays a vital role in linking the global terrestrial water, energy, and carbon cycles. Land data assimilation (DA) is typically applied for acquiring more accurate SM estimates by incorporating remote sensing (RS) retrievals to constraint model parameters and system states. In addition to RS SM retrievals that are frequently used in land DA, the land surface temperature (LST), which can be directly and independently retrieved from thermal infrared measurements, is closely linked with SM, and can also be used in the land DA to improve SM estimation. However, it is hampered by the lack of a general observation operator that links LST retrievals with SM in the land surface model (LSM). Therefore, a novel LST DA scheme is developed in this article, in which RS LST is linked to SM by a linear relationship between the simulated ensembles of SM and LST generated by the Ensemble Kalman filter. Subsequently, MODIS LST is assimilated into the LSM to estimate SM and calibrate the soil parameters (soil porosity, soil texture) with the dual-cycle assimilation algorithm. The DA SM results are validated using an in situ SM network deployed in the central Tibetan Plateau. The results demonstrate that our DA scheme improved the SM accuracy—leading to a decrease in the root-mean-square error from 0.11 m3m−3 to 0.026 m3m−3. This article provides a novel scheme of LST assimilation, which is beneficial for the assimilation of high-resolution RS data.

Background: Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) is an immunogenic tumor, and immune infiltrates are relevant to patients’ therapeutic response and prognosis. NDUFS1, the core subunit of mitochondrial complex I, has been reported to be associated with KIRC patients’ prognosis. However, the upstream regulator for NDUFS1 and their correlations with immune infiltration remain unclear.Methods: The expression of NDUFS genes in KIRC and their influences on patients’ survival were investigated by UALCAN, ENCORI, Oncomine, TIMER as well as Kaplan-Meier Plotter. miRNAs regulating NDUFS1 were predicted and analyzed by TargetScan and ENCORI. The correlations between NDUFS1 expression and immune cell infiltration or gene marker sets of immune infiltrates were analyzed via TIMER. The overall survival in high/low NDUFS1 or hsa-miR-320b expressed KIRC patients with or without immune infiltrates were analyzed via Kaplan-Meier Plotter. The combined NDUFS1 expression and/or CD4+ T cell infiltration on KIRC patients’ overall survival were validated by multiplexed immunofluorescence (mIF) staining in tissue microarray (TMA). Furthermore, the influences of NDUFS1 expression on the chemotaxis of CD4+ T cells to KIRC cells were performed by transwell migration assays.Results: We found that the low expression of NDUFS1 mRNA and protein in KIRC was correlated with unfavorable patients’ survival and poor infiltration of CD4+ T cells. In patients with decreased CD4+ T cell infiltration whose pathological grade less than III, TMA mIF staining showed that low expression of NDUFS1 had significantly poor OS than that with high expression of NDUFS1 did. Furthermore, hsa-miR-320b, a possible negative regulator of NDUFS1, was highly expressed in KIRC. And, low NDUFS1 or high hsa-miR-320b consistently correlated to unfavorable outcomes in KIRC patients with decreased CD4+ T cell infiltration. In vitro, NDUFS1 overexpression significantly increased the chemotaxis of CD4+ T cell to KIRC cells.Conclusion: Together, NDUFS1, upregulated by decreased hsa-miR-320b expression in KIRC patients, might act as a biomarker for CD4+ T cell infiltration. And, the combination of NDUFS1 with CD4+ T cell infiltration predicts favorable prognosis in KIRC.

Macrophage is located in different tissue to serve diverse functions. Here the authors use mass spectrometry and bulk RNA-sequencing to profile 11 mouse macrophage populations from 8 tissues, and combine their de novo data with public datasets to report an integrated proteomic and transcriptomic landscape of mouse macrophage as a valuable resource.

The accumulation of myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC) has been associated with prostate cancer progression and castration resistance. Here the authors show that loss of ARID1A, a subunit of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex, results in polymorphonuclear-MDSC infiltration and cooperates with Pten loss to accelerate prostate tumorigenesis.

The non-conventional structure layered double hydroxides (LDHs) as pollutant adsorbents with significant adsorption efficiency are promising valuable research topics. In this work, the defect ordering MgAl-LDHs nanosheets for the highly efficient removal of Congo red (CR) are designed and fabricated by a facile environmental-friendly hydrothermal method based on solid insoluble substances magnesium oxide (MgO) and aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)3) as precursors. The decrease of Mg/Al ordering changes the interlayer spacing of LDHs and improves the defect sites with low oxygen coordination on the LDHs laminate, which enhances the removal efficiency of CR from 45.6 to 97.7%. This study reveals that a defect enhancing combined mechanism of surface adsorption and the anion-exchange in MgAl-LDHs can obtain an outstanding adsorption efficiency for removing CR. The reactivity of the Mg/Al disorder with O defect on the LDHs laminate increases with the reduction of frontier orbitals energy gap (ΔEgap), resulting in a high adsorption capacity for CR. The uncover of the defect enhancing adsorption mechanism provides a new strategy to fabricate MgAl-LDHs with high capability for wastewater remediation.

ObjectiveThe prevalence of mental distress has been noted in shelter hospitals set up for COVID-19. Potential risk demographic and hospitalization factors were screened. We also aimed to determine whether humanistic care established in the shelter hospital was effective in ameliorating mental distress.MethodsA cross-sectional observational survey-based single-centered study was conducted from 28th April to 5th May 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic in Shanghai. Asymptomatic adult inpatients and those with mild symptoms were recruited for this study, and humanistic care measures were carried out by the administrative office according to the Work Program on Psychological Assistance and Social Work Services at the Shelter Hospital launched on 5th March 2020. Symptoms of mental distress, such as reported stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia were measured using the Chinese Stress Response Questionnaire-28, the Chinese version of Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and Insomnia Severity Index-7, respectively.ResultsIn total, 1,246 out of 9,519 inpatients, including 565 (45.35%) women and 681 (54.65%) men, with a median age of 36 years responded to the survey. The overall prevalence of stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia in inpatients was 94 (7.54%), 109 (8.75%), 141 (11.32%), and 144 (11.56%), respectively. Mental distress was aggravated by COVID-19-related symptoms, comorbidities, and prolonged hospital stays. A stable internet connection was the most effective measure to reduce stress and depression. Offering inpatient with study or work facilitations, and mental health education help to ameliorate anxiety and depression. Organizing volunteering was a potential protective factor against stress.ConclusionHumanistic care is crucial and effective for protecting against mental distress, which should be emphasized in shelter hospitals.

The tight reservoirs of the Fengcheng Formation at the southern margin of the Mahu Sag have strong heterogeneity due to the diversity in their pore types, sizes, and structures. The microscopic characteristics of tight reservoirs and the mechanisms that generate them are of significance in identifying the distribution of high-quality reservoirs and in improving the prediction accuracy of sweet spots in tight oil reservoirs. In this paper, high-pressure mercury intrusion (HPMI) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments were carried out on samples from the tight reservoirs in the study area. These experimental results were combined with cluster analysis, fractal theory, and microscopic observations to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate pore types, sizes, and structures. A classification scheme was established that divides the reservoir into four types, based on the microstructure characteristics of samples, and the genetic mechanisms that aided the development of reservoir microstructure were analyzed. The results show that the lower limit for the tight reservoir in the Fengcheng Formation is Φ of 3.5% and K of 0.03 mD. The pore throat size and distribution span gradually decrease from Type I, through Type II and Type III reservoirs to non-reservoirs, and the pore type also evolves from dominantly intergranular pores to intercrystalline pores. The structural trend shows a decrease in the ball-stick pore-throat system and an increase in the branch-like pore-throat system. The dual effects of sedimentation and diagenesis shape the microscopic characteristics of pores and throats. The sorting, roundness, and particle size of the original sediments determine the original physical properties of the reservoir. The diagenetic environment of ‘two alkalinity stages and one acidity stage’ influenced the evolution of pore type and size. Although the cementation of authigenic minerals in the early alkaline environment adversely affected reservoir properties, it also alleviated the damage of the later compaction to some extent. Dissolution in the mid-term acidic environment greatly improved the physical properties of this tight reservoir, making dissolution pores an important reservoir space. The late alkaline environment occurred after large-scale oil and gas accumulation. During this period, the cementation of authigenic minerals had a limited effect on the reservoir space occupied by crude oil. It had a more significant impact on the sand bodies not filled with oil, making them function as barriers.

Seed coat color is a typical morphological trait that can be used to reveal the evolution of soybean. The study of seed coat color-related traits in soybeans is of great significance for both evolutionary theory and breeding practices. In this study, 180 F10 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from the cross between the yellow-seed coat cultivar Jidou12 (ZDD23040, JD12) and the wild black-seed coat accession Y9 (ZYD02739) were used as materials. Three methods, single-marker analysis (SMA), interval mapping (IM), and inclusive composite interval mapping (ICIM), were used to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling seed coat color and seed hilum color. Simultaneously, two genome-wide association study (GWAS) models, the generalized linear model (GLM) and mixed linear model (MLM), were used to jointly identify seed coat color and seed hilum color QTLs in 250 natural populations. By integrating the results from QTL mapping and GWAS analysis, we identified two stable QTLs (qSCC02 and qSCC08) associated with seed coat color and one stable QTL (qSHC08) related to seed hilum color. By combining the results of linkage analysis and association analysis, two stable QTLs (qSCC02, qSCC08) for seed coat color and one stable QTL (qSHC08) for seed hilum color were identified. Upon further investigation using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, we validated the previous findings that two candidate genes (CHS3C and CHS4A) reside within the qSCC08 region and identified a new QTL, qSCC02. There were a total of 28 candidate genes in the interval, among which Glyma.02G024600, Glyma.02G024700, and Glyma.02G024800 were mapped to the glutathione metabolic pathway, which is related to the transport or accumulation of anthocyanin. We considered the three genes as potential candidate genes for soybean seed coat-related traits. The QTLs and candidate genes detected in this study provide a foundation for further understanding the genetic mechanisms underlying soybean seed coat color and seed hilum color and are of significant value in marker-assisted breeding.

A method to calculate element concentrations in Al alloy castings, based on the serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBFSEM) measurement at nano-scale, was proposed. For the high vacuum die casting (HVDC) Al-10Si-0.4MgMn-0.6Cu alloy, it reveals that the solute fractions of the Si, Mg and Cu in the Al matrix reaches about 0.39 wt%, 0.15 wt%, and 0.10 wt%, respectively, under the as-cast condition. After it was heat treated via T5 process, larger nano-scale precipitation phases with low density and non-uniform distribution were formed in the α-Al matrix. After T6-treated, the narrow neck regions of the seaweed-like α-Fe phase particles were fragmented as well, but could not dissolve into the α-Al matrix. The element concentrations of the Si, Mg and Cu in the α-Al matrix increases to 0.75 wt%, 0.23 wt%, and 0.43 wt%, respectively. Hence, finer nano-scale precipitation phases with high density and uniform distribution are formed in the Al matrix. Consequently, the ultimate tensile strength, yield strength and elongation of the T6-treated alloy simultaneously increase of about 15%, 52% and 63%, respectively. It presents that the solute solution during high pressure die casting solidification has decisive effect on the mechanical properties before and after heat treatment.