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Abstract Background Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most prevalent congenital anomaly, but its underlying causes are still not fully understood. It is believed that multiple rare genetic mutations may contribute to the development of CHD. Methods In this study, we aimed to identify novel genetic risk factors for CHD using an ENU-based dominant genetic screen in mice. We analyzed fetuses with malformed hearts and compared them to control littermates by whole exome or whole genome sequencing (WES/WGS). The differences in mutation rates between observed and expected values were tested using the Poisson and Binomial distribution. Additionally, we compared WES data from human CHD probands obtained from the Pediatric Cardiac Genomics Consortium with control subjects from the 1000 Genomes Project using Fisher’s exact test to evaluate the burden of rare inherited damaging mutations in patients. Results By screening 10,285 fetuses, we identified 1109 cases with various heart defects, with ventricular septal defects and bicuspid aortic valves being the most common types. WES/WGS analysis of 598 cases and 532 control littermates revealed a higher number of ENU-induced damaging mutations in cases compared to controls. GO term and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that pathways related to cardiac contraction and neuronal development and functions were enriched in cases. Further analysis of 1457 human CHD probands and 2675 control subjects also revealed an enrichment of genes associated with muscle and nervous system development in patients. By combining the mice and human data, we identified a list of 101 candidate digenic genesets, from which each geneset was co-mutated in at least one mouse and two human probands with CHD but not in control mouse and control human subjects. Conclusions Our findings suggest that gene mutations affecting early hemodynamic perturbations in the developing heart may play a significant role as a genetic risk factor for CHD. Further validation of the candidate gene set identified in this study could enhance our understanding of the complex genetics underlying CHD and potentially lead to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Abstract Objectives This study aimed at exploring how using different kinds of sheaths will affect the very first ablation procedure of apprentices. Methods 15 patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation were randomized to used fixed-curve, conventional steerable or visualized steerable sheath, and received complete isolation of pulmonary veins. All ablations were the very first procedure performed by 15 ablation apprentices. The use of fluoroscopy and catheter stability during the PVI were analyzed. Results Procedure duration was much longer in the fixed-curve group (116.8 ± 27 vs. 62.2 ± 17 vs. 60.4 ± 17, p

Mpox is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by the mpox virus (MPXV). Historically, the majority of mpox cases have been documented in Central Africa. However, since May 2022, there has been a notable rise in reported cases from regions beyond Africa. Currently, over 110 countries spanning Europe, North America, South America, Asia, and other territories have reported mpox infections. This report details a case involving a patient who identifies as a man who has sex with men (MSM) and is concurrently infected with MPXV, human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), Pneumocystis jiroveci, as well as extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB). This patient had also received a vaccination for smallpox in the past. Additionally, we provide photographic documentation charting the progression of dermatological manifestations associated with mpox. This case highlights the significance of sexual intercourse as a crucial mode of transmission for mpox. The rapid and widespread dissemination of the MPXV across various regions, especially among MSM communities, underscores the importance of enhancing preventive education efforts targeted at high-risk populations.

Abstract Background Early diagnosis of HIV infection decreases the time from HIV diagnosis to viral suppression and reduces further HIV transmission. The Chinese Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of HIV/AIDS (2021 edition) state that an HIV RNA level > 5,000 copies/mL is the threshold for diagnosing HIV infection. The impact of low viral load values on HIV diagnosis needs to be investigated. Methods There were 3455 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV1 + 2) antibody results (immunoblotting method) and 65,129 HIV viral load values at Beijing Youan Hospital from 2019 to 2022. A total of 2434 patients had both antibody confirmatory results and viral load results. The confirmatory antibody results and HIV viral load results of 2434 patients were analyzed to investigate the impact of low viral load values on HIV diagnosis. Results Of the 2434 patients who had both confirmatory antibody results and viral load results, the viral load values of 140 patients (5.8%) had viral loads ranging from 40 copies/mL to 5,000 copies/mL before positive confirmatory antibody result, and of these 140 patients, the sample receipt time for the viral load tests of 96 (66.7%) individuals was 1 to 6 days earlier than the corresponding sample receipt time for the confirmatory antibody test. In addition, 34 patients (1.4%) had low viral loads ranging from 40 copies/mL to 1,000 copies/mL before positive confirmatory antibody result. Conclusion This study revealed that there is a risk of missed diagnosis if a threshold of 5000 copies/mL is used for the diagnosis of HIV infection. These data provide valuable information for the early diagnosis of HIV infection, and our findings have potential benefits for decreasing HIV transmission.

Abstract Background Femoral neck system (FNS) has exhibited some drawbacks, such as non-fit of the plate with the lateral femoral cortex, postoperative pain, and the potential risk of subtrochanteric fractures. We have developed a low-profile FNS system that addresses some compatibility issues in FNS. In this study, we conducted finite element analysis on the 1-hole FNS (1 H-FNS), 2-holes FNS (2 H-FNS), and low-profile FNS (LP-FNS) and compared their biomechanical performance. Methods After the mesh convergence analysis, we established three groups of 1 H-FNS, 2 H-FNS, and LP-FNS. The interfragmentary gap, sliding distance, shear stress, and compressive stress and the bone-implant interface compression stress, stiffness, and displacement were determined under the neutral, flexion, or extension conditions of the hip joint, respectively. The stress and displacement of the femur after the implant removal were also investigated. Results (1) There were no obvious differences among the three FNS groups in terms of the IFM distance. However, the LP-FNS group showed less rotational angle compared with conventional FNS (neutral: 1 H-FNS, -61.64%; 2 H-FNS, -45.40%). Also, the maximum bone-implant interface compression stress was obviously decreased under the neutral, flexion, or extension conditions of the hip joint (1 H-FNS: -6.47%, -20.59%, or -4.49%; 2 H-FNS: -3.11%, 16.70%, or -7.03%; respectively). (2) After the implant removal, there was no notable difference in the maximum displacement between the three groups, but the maximum von Mises stress displayed a notable difference between LP-FNS and 1 H-FNS groups (-15.27%) except for the difference between LP-FNS and 2 H-FNS groups (-4.57%). Conclusions The LP-FNS may not only provide the same biomechanical stabilities as the 1 H-FNS and 2 H-FNS, but also have more advantages in rotational resistance especially under the neutral condition of the hip joint, in the bone-implant interface compression stress, and after the implant removal. In addition, the 1 H-FNS and 2 H-FNS have similar biomechanical stabilities except for the maximum von Mises stress after the implant removal. The femur after the LP-FNS removal not only is subjected to relatively little stress but also minimizes stress concentration areas.

Abstract To develop and validate a nomograph to predict the long-term survival probability of cervical cancer (CC) patients in Asia, Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) were used to collect information about CC patients in Asia. The patient data were randomly sampled and divided into a training group and a validation group by 7:3. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was used to screen key indicators, and multivariate Cox regression model was used to establish a prognostic risk prediction model for CC patients. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) were adopted to comprehensively evaluate the nomogram model. LASSO regression and multivariate Cox proportional hazards model analysis showed that age, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Stage, AJCC T, tumor size, and surgery were independent risk factors for prognosis. The ROC curve results proved that the area under curve (AUC) values of the training group in 3 and 5 years were 0.837 and 0.818, The AUC values of the validation group in 3 and 5 years were 0.796 and 0.783. DCA showed that the 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) nomograms had good clinical potential value. The nomogram model developed in this study can effectively predict the prognosis of Asian patients with CC, and the risk stratification system based on this nomogram prediction model has some clinical value for discriminating high-risk patients.

Abstract Oil transport is greatly affected by heterogeneous pore–throat structures present in shale. It is therefore very important to accurately characterize pore–throat structures. Additionally, it remains unclear how pore–throat structures affect oil transport capacity. In this paper, using finite element (FE) simulation and mathematical modeling, we calculated the hydrodynamic resistance for four pore–throat structure. In addition, the influence of pore throat structure on shale oil permeability is analyzed. According to the results, the hydrodynamic resistance of different pore throat structures can vary by 300%. The contribution of additional resistance caused by streamline bending is also in excess of 40%, even without slip length. Furthermore, Pore–throat structures can affect apparent permeability by more than 60% on the REV scale, and this influence increases with heterogeneity of pore size distribution, organic matter content, and organic matter number. Clearly, modeling shale oil flow requires consideration of porous–throat structure and additional resistance, otherwise oil recovery and flow capacity may be overestimated.

Abstract. Background:. Total human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) DNA and integrated HIV DNA are widely used markers of HIV persistence. Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) can be used for absolute quantification without needing a standard curve. Here, we developed duplex ddPCR assays to detect and quantify total HIV DNA and integrated HIV DNA. Methods:. The limit of detection, dynamic ranges, sensitivity, and reproducibility were evaluated by plasmid constructs containing both the HIV long terminal repeat (LTR) and human CD3 gene (for total HIV DNA) and ACH-2 cells (for integrated HIV DNA). Forty-two cases on stable suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART) were assayed in total HIV DNA and integrated HIV DNA. Correlation coefficient analysis was performed on the data related to DNA copies and cluster of differentiation 4 positive (CD4+) T-cell counts, CD8+ T-cell counts and CD4/CD8 T-cell ratio, respectively. The assay linear dynamic range and lower limit of detection (LLOD) were also assessed. Results:. The assay could detect the presence of HIV-1 copies 100% at concentrations of 6.3 copies/reaction, and the estimated LLOD of the ddPCR assay was 4.4 HIV DNA copies/reaction (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 3.6–6.5 copies/reaction) with linearity over a 5-log10-unit range in total HIV DNA assay. For the integrated HIV DNA assay, the LLOD was 8.0 copies/reaction (95% CI: 5.8–16.6 copies/reaction) with linearity over a 3-log10-unit range. Total HIV DNA in CD4+ T cells was positively associated with integrated HIV DNA (r = 0.76, P

In order to study the financial management mode and innovation of electric power enterprises under the current situation, a research method of electric power financial management innovation in the era of Internet of Things is proposed. According to the network topology of the system and the analysis of the Android system, the client of the financial management system, the main functional modules of the system and the data warehouse are designed. The client of the financial management system will divide the client into an information interaction unit and a data calculation unit according to the actual needs of the client; the main functional modules of the system are divided into account management unit, salary management unit, project management unit, system management unit, and fixed asset management unit. Unit, revenue and expenditure management unit and report management unit, the sub-units of each unit are divided into brief analysis, and the outpatient registration fee management module and inpatient fee management module of the revenue and expenditure management unit are introduced in detail; in the hospital financial data warehouse, in the application layer An interactive platform is built between it and the data warehouse, and the module is integrated into the existing data warehouse to realize the processing, storage and operation of massive data. The proposed system has a large operating safety factor, high user satisfaction, and an average system flexibility factor of 0.94. The power financial management information platform based on the Internet of Things has a very good performance in the application. Therefore, the method in this paper can enhance the work efficiency of electric power enterprises and enhance the core competitiveness of electric power enterprises.

Abstract The exponential growth of various complex images is putting tremendous pressure on storage systems. Here, we propose a memristor-based storage system with an integrated near-storage in-memory computing-based convolutional autoencoder compression network to boost the energy efficiency and speed of the image compression/retrieval and improve the storage density. We adopt the 4-bit memristor arrays to experimentally demonstrate the functions of the system. We propose a step-by-step quantization aware training scheme and an equivalent transformation for transpose convolution to improve the system performance. The system exhibits a high (>33 dB) peak signal-to-noise ratio in the compression and decompression of the ImageNet and Kodak24 datasets. Benchmark comparison results show that the 4-bit memristor-based storage system could reduce the latency and energy consumption by over 20×/5.6× and 180×/91×, respectively, compared with the server-grade central processing unit-based/the graphics processing unit-based processing system, and improve the storage density by more than 3 times.

Remote sensing images exhibit rich texture features and strong autocorrelation. Although the super-resolution (SR) method of remote sensing images based on convolutional neural networks (CNN) can capture rich local information, the limited perceptual field prevents it from establishing long-distance dependence on global information, leading to the low accuracy of remote sensing image reconstruction. Furthermore, it is difficult for existing SR methods to be deployed in mobile devices due to their large network parameters and high computational demand. In this study, we propose a lightweight distillation CNN-Transformer SR architecture, named DCTA, for remote sensing SR, addressing the aforementioned issues. Specifically, the proposed DCTA first extracts the coarse features through the coarse feature extraction layer and then learns the deep features of remote sensing at different scales by fusing the feature distillation extraction module of CNN and Transformer. In addition, we introduce the feature fusion module at the end of the feature distillation extraction module to control the information propagation, aiming to select the informative components for better feature fusion. The extracted low-resolution (LR) feature maps are reorganized through the up-sampling module to obtain high-resolution (HR) feature maps with high accuracy to generate high-quality HR remote sensing images. The experiments comparing different methods demonstrate that the proposed approach performs well on multiple datasets, including NWPU-RESISC45, Draper, and UC Merced. This is achieved by balancing reconstruction performance and network complexity, resulting in both competitive subjective and objective results.

ObjectiveRadical hysterectomy has long been considered as the standard surgical treatment for early-stage cervical cancer (IA2 to IB1 stages), according to the 2009 International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology. This study aims to conduct an in-depth evaluation of the effectiveness and safety of non-radical surgery as an alternative treatment for patients with early-stage cervical cancer.MethodsA systematic search of online databases including PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was conducted to identify relevant literature on surgical treatment options for early-stage cervical cancer. Keywords such as “cervical cancer,” “conservative surgery,” “early-stage,” “less radical surgery,” and “simple hysterectomy” were used. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata 15.0 software, which included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies.ResultsThis meta-analysis included 8 eligible articles covering 9 studies, with 3,950 patients in the simple hysterectomy (SH) surgery group and 6,271 patients in the radical hysterectomy (RH) surgery group. The results indicate that there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the Overall Survival (OS) (HR = 1.04, 95% CI: 0.86–1.27, p = 0.671; Heterogeneity: I2 = 33.8%, p = 0.170), Disease Free Survival (DFS) (HR = 1.39, 95% CI: 0.59–3.29, p = 0.456; Heterogeneity: I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.374), Cervical Cancer Specific Survival (CCSS) (HR = 1.11, 95% CI: 0.80–1.54, p = 0.519; Heterogeneity: I2 = 11.9%, p = 0.287) and recurrence rate (RR = 1.16, 95% CI: 0.69–1.97, p = 0.583; Heterogeneity: I = 0.0%, p = 0.488). However, the mortality rate (RR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.10–1.67, p = 0.006; Heterogeneity: I2 = 35.4%, p = 0.158) and the rate of postoperative adjuvant therapy (RR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.16–2.19, p = 0.004; Heterogeneity: I2 = 92.7%, p

Peanut pod rot is one of the major plant diseases affecting peanut production and quality over China, which causes large productivity losses and is challenging to control. To improve the disease resistance of peanuts, breeding is one significant strategy. Crucial preventative and management measures include grading peanut pod rot and screening high-contributed genes that are highly resistant to pod rot should be carried out. A machine vision-based grading approach for individual cases of peanut pod rot was proposed in this study, which avoids time-consuming, labor-intensive, and inaccurate manual categorization and provides dependable technical assistance for breeding studies and peanut pod rot resistance. The Shuffle Attention module has been added to the YOLOv5s (You Only Look Once version 5 small) feature extraction backbone network to overcome occlusion, overlap, and adhesions in complex backgrounds. Additionally, to reduce missing and false identification of peanut pods, the loss function CIoU (Complete Intersection over Union) was replaced with EIoU (Enhanced Intersection over Union). The recognition results can be further improved by introducing grade classification module, which can read the information from the identified RGB images and output data like numbers of non-rotted and rotten peanut pods, the rotten pod rate, and the pod rot grade. The Precision value of the improved YOLOv5s reached 93.8%, which was 7.8%, 8.4%, and 7.3% higher than YOLOv5s, YOLOv8n, and YOLOv8s, respectively; the mAP (mean Average Precision) value was 92.4%, which increased by 6.7%, 7.7%, and 6.5%, respectively. Improved YOLOv5s has an average improvement of 6.26% over YOLOv5s in terms of recognition accuracy: that was 95.7% for non-rotted peanut pods and 90.8% for rotten peanut pods. This article presented a machine vision- based grade classification method for peanut pod rot, which offered technological guidance for selecting high-quality cultivars with high resistance to pod rot in peanut.

IntroductionSalt tolerance during seed germination is an important trait for direct seeding and low-cost rice production. Nevertheless, it is still not clear how seed germination under salt stress is regulated genetically.MethodsIn this study, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were performed to decipher the genetic basis of seed germination under salt stress using 541 rice varieties collected worldwide.Results and discussionThree quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified including qGRG3-1 on chromosome 3, qGRG3-2 on chromosome 5, and qGRG4 on chromosome 4. Assessment of candidate genes in these loci for their responses to salt stress identified a TATA modulatory factor (OsTMF) in qGRG3-2. The expression of OsTMF was up-regulated in both roots and shoots after exposure to salt stress, and OsTMF knockout mutants exhibited delayed seed germination under salt stress. Haplotype analysis showed that rice varieties carrying OsTMF-Hap2 displayed elevated salt tolerance during seed germination. These results provide important knowledge and resources to improve rice seed germination under salt stress in the future.

Abstract Background Human immunodeficiency virus type one (HIV-1) is the leading cause of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). AIDS remains a global public health concern but can be effectively suppressed by life-long administration of combination antiretroviral therapy. Early detection and diagnosis are two key strategies for the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS. Rapid and accurate point-of-care testing (POCT) provides critical tools for managing HIV-1 epidemic in high-risk areas and populations. Methods In this study, a POCT for HIV-1 RNA was developed by CRISPR-Cas13a lateral flow strip combined with reverse transcriptase recombinase-aided amplification (RT-RAA) technology, the results can be directly observed by naked eyes. Results Moreover, with the degenerate base-binding CRISPR-Cas13a system was introduced into the RT-RAA primer designing, the technology developed in this study can be used to test majority of HIV-1 RNA with limit of detection (LOD) 1 copy/μL, while no obvious cross-reaction with other pathogens. We evaluated this method for detecting HIV-1 RNA of clinical samples, the results showed that the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy were 91.81% (85.03- 96.19%), 100% (92.60–100%), 100% (96.41–100%), 39.14% (25.59–54.60%) and 92.22% (86.89–95.88%), respectively. The lowest viral load detectable by this method was 112copies/mL. Conclusion Above all, this method provides a point-of-care detection of HIV-1 RNA, which is stable, simple and with good sensitivity and specificity. This method has potential to be developed for promoting early diagnosis and treatment effect monitoring of HIV patients in clinical.

The crown closure of Platycladus orientalis forests has a wide-ranging impact on vegetation and soil, thereby affecting the overall functioning of the ecosystem. There is limited research on the effects of the Platycladus orientalis forest crown closure on changes in community plant functional traits, and their interactions are not yet clear. Therefore, we investigated 50 plots of different types of Platycladus orientalis crown closure, and we measured the functional traits of nine shrub species and 68 herb species in 50 plots under five different densities of Platycladus orientalis forests in the Loess Plateau. The consequence of Pearson’s correlation analysis showed significant positive correlations between LC and LTD, LN and LP, LN and LNP, LN and LV, LN and H, LP and LV, LP and H, and SLA and LV (p < 0.05). LC was significantly negatively correlated with LP, LC with SLA, LC with LV, LN with LTD, LP with LNP, LP with LTD, and LTD with H (p < 0.05). Only the soil phosphorus content (SP) and soil water content (SWC) showed a significant positive correlation with multiple plant functional traits. The crown closure of Platycladus orientalis forests increased significantly, as did the plant functional features. Changes in the Platycladus orientalis forest crown closure significantly increased the LC, LV, LN, LP, and SLA in plant functional traits. An increase in Platycladus orientalis forest crown closure significantly increased the soil organic carbon (SC), soil phosphorus content (SP), soil nitrogen content (SN), soil water content (SWC), field capacity (FC), and soil porosity (PO). Based on a structural equation model, we found that, while changes in the Platycladus orientalis forest crown closure did not directly affect plant functional traits, they could indirectly influence these traits through soil factors, primarily the soil water content (SWC) and soil phosphorus content (SP) (p < 0.05). Additionally, the mechanisms of the Platycladus orientalis forest crown closure’s impact on different functional traits vary. The research results provide scientific elements for the ecological restoration of Platycladus orientalis forests on the Loess Plateau.

Plant growth requires the integration of internal and external cues, perceived and transduced into a developmental programme of cell division, elongation and wall thickening. Mechanical forces contribute to this regulation, and thigmomorphogenesis typically includes reducing stem height, increasing stem diameter, and a canonical transcriptomic response. We present data on a bZIP transcription factor involved in this process in grasses. Brachypodium distachyon SECONDARY WALL INTERACTING bZIP (SWIZ) protein translocated into the nucleus following mechanostimulation. Classical touch-responsive genes were upregulated in B. distachyon roots following touch, including significant induction of the glycoside hydrolase 17 family, which may be unique to grass thigmomorphogenesis. SWIZ protein binding to an E-box variant in exons and introns was associated with immediate activation followed by repression of gene expression. SWIZ overexpression resulted in plants with reduced stem and root elongation. These data further define plant touch-responsive transcriptomics and physiology, offering insights into grass mechanotranduction dynamics.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a commonly utilized phenolic contaminant in several manufacturing processes, contributing to environmental pollution. Therefore, the detection of BPA holds significant importance for monitoring water quality. In this work, we report a robust electrochemical detection method for BPA utilizing cobalt−nickel bimetal phosphide nanoparticles (CoNiP) supported on reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The CoNiP@rGO-modified glassy carbon electrode exhibits remarkable electrochemical activity in BPA detection. The detection mechanism is controlled by adsorption-mediated electron transfer, showcasing a low limit of detection (LOD) at 0.38 nM and a high sensitivity of 96.4 A M−1 cm−2 within the linear range of 0.001–8 μM. Furthermore, our developed sensor demonstrates good reproducibility and successfully detected BPA in actual water samples. The electrochemical activity of CoNiP@rGO was also characterized for hydroquinone (HQ) detected through a diffusion-controlled mechanism, displaying an excellent sensitivity of 36.4 A M−1 cm−2 across a broad linear range. These findings underscore the promising potential of CoNiP@rGO as a candidate for electrochemical detection of phenolic contaminants, especially in the sensing of BPA in environmental water samples. This efficacy is attributed to the modulation of its electronic properties, combined with its large electroactive surface area and low electron-transfer resistance.

Summary: Memory-augmented neural network (MANN) has received increasing attention as a promising approach to achieve lifelong on-device learning, of which implementation of the explicit memory is vital. Content addressable memory (CAM) has been designed to accelerate the explicit memory by harnessing the in-memory-computing capability. In this work, a CAM cell with quadratic code is proposed, and a 1Mb Flash-based multi-bit CAM chip capable of computing Euclidean (L2) distance is fabricated. Compared with ternary CAM, the latency and energy are significantly reduced by 5.3- and 46.6-fold, respectively, for the MANN on Omniglot dataset. Besides, the recognition accuracy has slight degradation (

Abstract Background New treatment strategies are required against infections caused by Helicobacter pylori, which grows increasingly resistant to antibiotics. Polymerase chain reaction-based methods for antibiotic susceptibility testing are available for detecting H. pylori-specific mutations that confer resistance to clarithromycin and levofloxacin. Several meta-analyses have compared eradication rates for susceptibility-guided versus empirical therapy for H. pylori treatment; however, all have significant limitations and high heterogeneity, and the results are contradictory. The main objective of this trial is to assess whether a sequential strategy based on molecular susceptibility testing-guided therapy for H. pylori has a better eradication rate than empirical therapy. Methods This trial is designed as a prospective, randomised, open-label, active-controlled and single-centre study. Men and women who are H. pylori-positive, naïve to treatment, and aged 18–65 years will be recruited. A total of 500 participants will be randomised to receive either empirical therapy or a susceptibility-guided sequential strategy. Bismuth quadruple therapy will be the empirical first-line therapy, and in case of failure, high-dose dual (proton-pump inhibitor + amoxicillin) treatment will be the rescue therapy. For the susceptibility-guided sequential strategy, regimen selection will be based on H. pylori susceptibility to clarithromycin (first-line) and levofloxacin (rescue). A first-line treatment of clarithromycin triple therapy will be selected for clarithromycin-sensitive strains. For clarithromycin resistance, a high-dose dual therapy will be selected. During the rescue treatment, a levofloxacin quadruple regimen will be selected for levofloxacin-sensitive strains, and a furazolidone quadruple regimen will be selected for others. The primary outcome is the first-line eradication rate in both groups, and the overall (including first and rescue therapies) H. pylori eradication rate in both groups is one of the secondary outcomes. The eradication rates of H. pylori will be analysed by intention-to-treat analysis, modified intention-to-treat analysis, and per-protocol analysis. Discussion This randomised controlled trial will provide objective and valid evidence about the value of polymerase chain reaction-based molecular methods for antibiotic susceptibility testing in guiding H. pylori eradication. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT05549115. Released on 18 September 2022. First posted on 22 September 2022. Enrolment of the first participant on 20 September 2022. The study is retrospectively registered.

MnTeMoO6 is a nonlinear optical material with a potential application in mid-infrared nonlinear optics. But until now, its application is limited for several defects as poor mechanical and thermal performances. To improve the performance of MnTeMoO6, the Se-doping has been employed. MnSexTe1−xMoO6 has been designed, and calculated by using the first principles method. Crystal structures, electronic structures and absorption spectra of MnSen/16Te1−n/16MoO6 (n = 0, 1, 2, 3) have been investigated. The calculation results show that Se4+ ions have a great possibility to substitute Te-sites with equivalent isomorphism in MnTeMoO6. Fortunately, for the Se-doping ratio increase in MnSen/16Te1−n/16MoO6 (n = 1, 2, 3), the structural stability would increase slightly, the laser damage threshold would be improved. Meanwhile, the cleavage fracture of MnSexTe1−xMoO6 crystal would be affected by the c-axis lengthening. Unfortunately, the transmission of MnSexTe1−xMoO6 would become worse in the visible region, thus the laser frequency conversion efficiency would be affected. Taken together, to improve the performance of MnTeMoO6 crystal, Se4+ would be an appropriate dopant to substitute for Te4+. This research results will accelerate the application of MnTeMoO6 crystal, and have reference significance for the exploration and application of new functional materials.

Urban landscape has important effects on urban climate, and the local climate zone (LCZ) framework has been widely applied in related studies. However, few studies have compared the relative contributions of LCZ on the urban thermal environment across different cities. Therefore, Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen in China were selected to conduct a comparative study to explore the relationship between LCZ and land surface temperature (LST). The results showed that (1) both the composition and spatial configuration of LCZ had obvious differences among the three cities. Beijing had a higher area proportion of compact mid-rise and low-rise LCZ types. The spatial pattern of LCZ in Shenzhen was especially quite different from those of Beijing and Shanghai. (2) Shenzhen had the strongest summer surface urban heat island (UHI) intensity and the largest UHI region area. However, the proportion of urban cooling island areas was still the highest in Shenzhen. (3) Different LCZs showed significant LST differences. The largest LST difference between the LCZs reached 5.57 °C, 4.50 °C, and 12.08 °C in Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, respectively. Built-up LCZs had higher LSTs than other LCZ types. (4) The dominant driving LCZs on LST were different among these cities. The LST in Beijing was easily influenced by built-up LCZ types, while the cooling effects generated by LCZ G(water) were much stronger than built-up LCZs’ warming effects in Shanghai. These results indicated that the effect of the LCZ on LST had significant differences among LCZ types and across cities, and the dominant LCZs should be given more priority in future urban planning.

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis represents a promising technology for green hydrogen production, but its widespread deployment is greatly hindered by the indispensable usage of platinum group metal catalysts, especially iridium (Ir) based materials for the energy-demanding oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, we report a new sequential precipitation approach to the synthesis of mixed Ir-nickel (Ni) oxy-hydroxide supported on antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) nanoparticles (IrNi _y O _x /ATO, 20 wt.% (Ir + Ni), y = 0, 1, 2, and 3), aiming to reduce the utilisation of scarce and precious Ir while maintaining its good acidic OER performance. When tested in strongly acidic electrolyte (0.1 M HClO _4 ), the optimised IrNi _1 O _x /ATO shows a mass activity of 1.0 mA µ g _Ir ^−1 and a large turnover frequency of 123 s ^−1 at an overpotential of 350 mV, as well as a comparatively small Tafel slope of 50 mV dec ^−1 , better than the IrO _x /ATO control, particularly with a markedly reduced Ir loading of only 19.7 µ g _Ir cm ^−2 . Importantly, IrNi _1 O _x /ATO also exhibits substantially better catalytic stability than other reference catalysts, able to continuously catalyse acidic OER at 10 mA cm ^−2 for 15 h without obvious degradation. Our in-situ synchrotron-based x-ray absorption spectroscopy confirmed that the Ir ^3+ /Ir ^4+ species are the active sites for the acidic OER. Furthermore, the performance of IrNi _1 O _x /ATO was also preliminarily evaluated in a membrane electrode assembly, which shows better activity and stability than other reference catalysts. The IrNi _1 O _x /ATO reported in this work is a promising alternative to commercial IrO _2 based catalysts for PEM electrolysis.

ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate the effect of acupuncture on the emotion domain and metabolic parameters of Chinese women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) by secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial, conducted from 6 July 2012 to 7 October 2015.MethodIn this study, we investigated the effects of acupuncture (458 patients) and sham acupuncture (468 patients) on metabolic parameters, serum ions, and all quality-of-life scale scores related to PCOS. The quality of life of patients was evaluated using five relevant scales, operated by the research assistant, namely, PCOSQ, SF-36, and ChiQOL, as well as Zung-SAS and Zung-SDS. Metabolic parameters and serum ions were measured.ResultsA reduction in acne score, AN, Hcy, and LDL-C, and an increase in the level of lipoprotein α, Apo A1, and Apo A1/Apo B were observed in the acupuncture group after 4 months’ intervention after adjusting clomiphene and reproductive outcome (p< 0.05). An increase in SF-36 total scores, RP and RE scores, ChiQOL total scores, and emotion domain scores was observed in the acupuncture group after 4 months’ intervention, while PF and HT scores were decreased (adjusted p< 0.05). Those same changes were observed in sham acupuncture. Meanwhile, the serum levels of Ca, K, and Cl were elevated in the acupuncture group after the interventions (adjusted p< 0.005). There were no significant differences in HOMA-IR, MetS, FPG, FINS, HDL-C, TG, Apo B, and level of serum P, Mg, and Na. Also, no changes in BP, GH, VT, SF, physical form domain, and spirit domain were observed after treatment.ConclusionAcupuncture can improve not only the emotional changes in SF-36 scores and ChiQOL scores, but also lipid metabolism, implying that it may have a correlation between emotional change and lipid metabolism. Furthermore, acupuncture can also regulate the changes of serum Ca, K, and Cl.Clinical trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT01573858.

Mucinous ovarian carcinoma (MOC) is a rare histological type of epithelial ovarian cancer. It has poor response to conventional platinum-based chemotherapy regimens and PARPi-based maintenance treatment, resulting in short survival and poor prognosis in advanced-disease patients. MOC is characterized by mucus that is mainly composed of mucin in the cystic cavity. Our review discusses in detail the role of mucins in MOC. Mucins are correlated with MOC development. Furthermore, they are valuable in the differential diagnosis of primary and secondary ovarian mucinous tumors. Some types of mucins have been studied in the context of chemoresistance and targeted therapy for ovarian cancer. This review may provide a new direction for the diagnosis and treatment of advanced MOC.

Objective: To explore the efficacy and safety of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in treating recurrent/refractory ovarian cancer (OC).Methods: The online databases, including PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library, were searched for relevant literatures on exploring the efficacy and safety of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in the treatment of recurrent/refractory OC. The keywords are as follows: Ovarian neoplasms, programmed death receptor, PD-1, PD-L1, immunotherapy, and immune checkpoint inhibitor. Furthermore, qualified studies were screened for further meta-analysis.Results: In this study, 11 studies (990 patients) were analyzed to evaluate the efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in the treatment of recurrent/refractory OC. The combined results proved that the objective response rate (ORR) was 6.7%, 95% CI (4.6%,9.2%), disease control rate (DCR) was 37.9%, 95% CI (33.0%, 42.8%), median overall survival (OS) was 10.70 months, 95% CI (9.23, 12.17), and median progression free survival (PFS) was 2.24 months, 95% CI (2.05, 2.43). In addition, in terms of the safety of patients suffering from recurrent/refractory OC and receiving PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, the combined treatment related adverse events (TRAEs) were 70.9% (61.7%–80.2%), and the combined immune related adverse events (iAEs) were 29%, 95% CI (14.7%, 43.3%).Conclusion: In patients with recurrent/refractory OC, PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors were used alone and there was no obvious evidence of improved efficacy and survival. As for safety, the incidences of TRAEs and iAEs are high, so PD1/PD-L1 inhibitors should be applied according to individual conditions.Clinical Trial Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=367525, identifier CRD42022367525.

The development of efficient pipelines for the bioconversion of grass lignocellulosic feedstocks is challenging due to the limited understanding of the molecular mechanisms controlling the synthesis, deposition, and degradation of the varying polymers unique to grass cell walls. Here, we describe a large-scale forward genetic approach resulting in the identification of a collection of chemically mutagenized maize mutants with diverse alterations in their cell wall attributes such as crystalline cellulose content or hemicellulose composition. Saccharification yield, i.e. the amount of lignocellulosic glucose (Glc) released by means of enzymatic hydrolysis, is increased in two of the mutants and decreased in the remaining six. These mutants, termed candy-leaf (cal), show no obvious plant growth or developmental defects despite associated differences in their lignocellulosic composition. The identified cal mutants are a valuable tool not only to understand recalcitrance of grass lignocellulosics to enzymatic deconstruction but also to decipher grass-specific aspects of cell wall biology once the genetic basis, i.e. the location of the mutation, has been identified.

Background:. Adipose tissue thermogenic activities use fatty acids from lipolysis for heat generation. Therefore, a tight coupling between lipolysis and thermogenesis is physiologically imperative in maintaining not only body temperature but also lipids homeostasis. Adipose tissue dysfunction contributes to alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Here, studies were conducted to examine how alcohol intake affects adipose tissue thermogenic activities and whether altered adipose tissue thermogenesis contributes to ALD. Methods:. Both the Lieber-DeCarli and the NIAAA mouse models of ALD were used. Denervation surgery in epididymal fat pads was performed. CL316,243, a selective β3-adrenoceptor agonist, SR59230A, a selective β3 adrenoceptor (ADRB3) antagonist, and rapamycin, a selective mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) inhibitor, were administrated through i.p. injection. Adipocyte-specific Prdm16 knockout mice were subjected to alcohol-containing diet chronically. Results:. Chronic alcohol consumption, which enhances adipose tissue lipolysis, inhibits thermogenic activities of beige adipocytes in inguinal white adipose tissue (WAT), leading to an uncoupling status between lipolysis and thermogenesis in WAT at both basal and ADRB3 stimulation states. CL316,243 administration exacerbates liver pathologies of ALD. Alcohol intake inhibits mTORC1 activities in WAT. In mice, mTORC1 inhibition by rapamycin inhibits the thermogenesis of iWAT, whereas enhancing WAT lipolysis. Further investigations using adipocyte-specific Prdm16 knockout mice revealed that functional deficiency of beige adipocytes aggravates liver pathologies of ALD, suggesting that the inhibitory effect of alcohol on WAT browning/thermogenesis contributes to ALD pathogenesis. Conclusion:. Chronic alcohol consumption induces an “uncoupling status” between lipolysis and browning/thermogenesis in WAT by inhibiting mTORC1 activation. Diminished WAT browning/thermogenesis, concomitant with enhanced lipolysis, contributes to ALD pathogenesis.

Abstract Background Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a grain legume crop that originated from South America and is now grown around the world. Peanut growth habit affects the variety’s adaptability, planting patterns, mechanized harvesting, disease resistance, and yield. The objective of this study was to map the quantitative trait locus (QTL) associated with peanut growth habit-related traits by combining the genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) and bulked segregant analysis sequencing (BSA-seq) methods. Results GWAS was performed with 17,223 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 103 accessions of the U.S. mini core collection genotyped using an Affymetrix version 2.0 SNP array. With a total of 12,342 high-quality polymorphic SNPs, the 90 suggestive and significant SNPs associated with lateral branch angle (LBA), main stem height (MSH), lateral branch height (LBL), extent radius (ER), and the index of plant type (IOPT) were identified. These SNPs were distributed among 15 chromosomes. A total of 597 associated candidate genes may have important roles in biological processes, hormone signaling, growth, and development. BSA-seq coupled with specific length amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) method was used to find the association with LBA, an important trait of the peanut growth habit. A 4.08 Mb genomic region on B05 was associated with LBA. Based on the linkage disequilibrium (LD) decay distance, we narrowed down and confirmed the region within the 160 kb region (144,193,467–144,513,467) on B05. Four candidate genes in this region were involved in plant growth. The expression levels of Araip.E64SW detected by qRT-PCR showed significant difference between ‘Jihua 5’ and ‘M130’. Conclusions In this study, the SNP (AX-147,251,085 and AX-144,353,467) associated with LBA by GWAS was overlapped with the results in BSA-seq through combined analysis of GWAS and BSA-seq. Based on LD decay distance, the genome range related to LBA on B05 was shortened to 144,193,467–144,513,467. Three candidate genes related to F-box family proteins (Araip.E64SW, Araip.YG1LK, and Araip.JJ6RA) and one candidate gene related to PPP family proteins (Araip.YU281) may be involved in plant growth and development in this genome region. The expression analysis revealed that Araip.E64SW was involved in peanut growth habits. These candidate genes will provide molecular targets in marker-assisted selection for peanut growth habits.

Abstract HIV subtypes convey important epidemiological information and possibly influence the rate of disease progression. In this study, HIV disease progression in patients infected with CRF01_AE, CRF07_BC, and subtype B was compared in the largest HIV molecular epidemiology study ever done in China. A national data set of HIV pol sequences was assembled by pooling sequences from public databases and the Beijing HIV laboratory network. Logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with the risk of AIDS at diagnosis ([AIDSAD], defined as a CD4 count

The genus Fragaria consists of a rich diversity of ploidy levels with diploid (2x), tetraploid (4x), pentaploid (5x), hexaploidy (6x), octoploid (8x) and decaploid (10x) species. Only a few studies have explored the origin of diploid and octoploid strawberry, and little is known about the roles of tetraploidy and hexaploidy during the evolution of octoploid strawberry. The chloroplast genome is usually a stable circular genome and is widely used in investigating the evolution and matrilineal identification. Here, we assembled the chloroplast genomes of F. x ananassa cv. ‘Benihoppe’ (8x) using Illumina and HiFi data seperately. The genome alignment results showed that more InDels were located in the chloroplast genomes based on the PacBio HiFi data than Illumina data. We obtain highly accurate chloroplast genomes assembled through GetOrganelle using Illumina reads. We assembled 200 chloroplast genomes including 198 Fragaria (21 species) and 2 Potentilla samples. Analyses of sequence variation, phylogenetic and PCA analyses showed that Fragaria was divided into five groups. F. iinumae, F. nilgerrensis and all octoploid accessions formed Group A, C and E separately. Species native to western China were clustered into Group B. Group D consisted of F. virdis, F. orientalis, F. moschata, and F. vesca. STRUCTURE and haplotype network confirmed that the diploid F. vesca subsp. bracteata was the last maternal donator of octoploid strawberry. The dN/dS ratio estimated for the protein-coding genes revealed that genes involved in ATP synthase and photosystem function were under positive selection. These findings demonstrate the phylogeny of totally 21 Fragaria species and the origin of octoploid species. F. vesca was the last female donator of octoploid, which confirms the hypothesis that the hexaploid species F. moschata may be an evolutionary intermediate between the diploids and wild octoploid species.

Abstract Calcination treatments in the range of 500–900 °C of TiO2 synthesised by the sol–gel resulted in materials with variable physicochemical (i.e., optical, specific surface area, crystallite size and crystalline phase) and morphological properties. The photocatalytic performance of the prepared materials was evaluated in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) following UV-LED irradiation of aqueous solutions containing iron ions as sacrificial electron acceptors. The highest activity for water oxidation was obtained with the photocatalyst thermally treated at 700 °C (TiO2-700). Photocatalysts with larger anatase to rutile ratio of the crystalline phases and higher surface density of oxygen vacancies (defects) displayed the best performance in OER. The oxygen defects at the photocatalyst surface have proven to be responsible for the enhanced photoactivity, acting as important active adsorption sites for water oxidation. Seeking technological application, water oxidation was accomplished by immobilising the photocatalyst with the highest OER rate measured under the established batch conditions (TiO2-700). Experiments operating under continuous mode revealed a remarkable efficiency for oxygen production, exceeding 12% of the apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) at 384 nm (UV-LED system) compared to the batch operation mode.

Abstract Objective To explore the clinical outcomes and effect on intraoperative blood loss and postoperative pain of patients undergoing the retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RLPN) for complex renal tumors. Methods Fifty patients with complex renal tumor admitted to our hospital from February 2017 to February 2019 were selected as the research object and divided into the RLPN group (given the retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, n = 24) and the OPN group (given the open partial nephrectomy, n = 26) by number table method to compare their various perioperative indicators and serum stress response and analyze the clinical effect of different surgical methods on the complex renal tumor. Results The clinical information of patients in both groups were not significantly different (P > 0.05); in addition to the operative time, the intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, warm ischemia time, and numerical rating scale (NRS) scores of the RLPN group were clearly lower than those of the OPN group (P < 0.05); after treatment, patients in the RLPN group obtained significantly lower white blood cell (WBC) count, cortisol, and c-reactive protein (CRP) levels than the OPN group (P < 0.05); the renal glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of the affected side, quality of life scores, and 3-year overall survival rate of treated patients in the RLPN group were obviously higher than those in the OPN group (P < 0.05); and patients in the RPLN group had significantly lower incidence rate (P < 0.05). Conclusion Compared with OPN, RLPN is more worthy of promotion and application, because it has better treatment outcomes, significantly reduces intraoperative blood loss, alleviates the body stress response and postoperative pain, and improves the quality of life.

Objective This study aimed to investigate the risk factors of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in admitted patients with lung carcinoma before surgery. Methods We conducted a retrospective case-control study of 94 preoperative lung cancer patients with VTE between January 2017 to December 2020. Each VTE patients was randomly matched with 2 control patients according to residence and gender. The clinical characteristics and related laboratory test results between the groups were compared by univariate analysis, while the risk factors of VTE in preoperative patients with lung cancer were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results Patients aged ≥60 years, a history of arrhythmia, homocysteine>15ummol/L, Fibrinogen (FIB) >4 g/L and D-dimer>500 ng/mL were found to be associated with an increased risk of VTE by univariate analysis. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age ≥60 years (OR=10.985), FIB >4 g/L (OR=8.861) and D-Dimer >500 ng/mL (OR=6.613) were independent risk factors for VTE in patients with lung carcinoma before surgery (P4 g/L and D-Dimer >500 ng/mL. As for these patients, prophylactic anticoagulant therapy should be considered before surgery.

The plant-specific IQ67 domain (IQD) is the largest class of calmodulin targets found in plants, and plays an important role in many biological processes, especially fruit development processes. However, the functional role of IQD proteins in the development of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) shape remains unknown, as the IQD protein family in watermelon has not been systematically characterized. Herein, we elucidated the gene structures, chromosomal locations, evolutionary divergence, and functions of 35 IQD genes in the watermelon genome. The transcript profiles and quantitative real-time PCR analysis at different stages of fruit development showed that the ClIQD24 gene was highly expressed on 0 days after pollination. Furthermore, we found that the ectopic overexpression of ClIQD24 promoted tomato fruit elongation, thereby revealing the significance of ClIQD24 in the progression of watermelon shape. Our study will serve as a reference for further investigations on the molecular mechanisms underlying watermelon fruit shape formation.

ObjectiveThe selection of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) or open laparotomy for ovarian cancer (OC) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy still remains controversial. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of MIS versus open laparotomy following neoadjuvant chemotherapy for advanced OC, so as to provide another option to select optimal surgical procedures for patients with OC.MethodsRelevant literature studies about the risks of progression or mortality between women receiving MIS and open laparotomy for interval debulking surgery (IDS) were searched in the online databases, including PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library with the following keywords: “ovarian neoplasms”, “minimally invasive surgical procedures”, “laparotomy”, and “neoadjuvant therapy”. Eligible studies were screened out for further meta-analysis.ResultsSix eligible literature studies, with 643 patients in the MIS group and 2,885 patients in the open laparotomy group, were included in this meta-analysis. No significant differences were detected in the overall survival (OS) of patients with OC who were treated with MIS or open laparotomy [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.85; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.59–1.23; heterogeneity: P = 0.051, I2 = 57.6%]. However, the progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly higher in patients with OC treated with MIS than those treated with laparotomy (HR = 0.73; 95% CI = 0.57 to 0.92; heterogeneity: P = 0.276, I2 = 22.4%). The completeness of debulking removal (R0 rate) in the open laparotomy group was not statistically higher compared with the control group (RR = 1.07; 95% CI = 0.93 to 1.23; heterogeneity: P = 0.098, I2 = 52.3%), and no significant differences in residual disease of ≤1 cm (R1) (RR = 1.08; 95% CI = 0.91 to 1.28; heterogeneity: P = 0.330, I2 = 12.6%) and postoperative complications were found between the two groups (RR = 0.72; 95% CI = 0.34 to 1.54; heterogeneity: P = 0.055, I2 = 60.6%). Furthermore, the length of stays in hospital was significantly shorter in patients with OC treated with MIS than those treated with open laparotomy (Standard Mean Difference (SMD) = −1.21; 95% CI = −1.78 to −0.64; heterogeneity: P < 0.001, I2 = 92.7%].ConclusionsFor IDS after NACT in patients with advanced OC, complete cytoreductive surgery with MIS is another feasible and effective choiceSystematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022298519, identifier CRD42022298519

Abstract Peanut is one of the important oil and economic crops, among which the variegated testa peanut is a unique member. The molecular mechanisms underlying the pigment synthesis in variegated testa are still unclear. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the flavonoid metabolism pathway in pigmented areas indicated that there were 27 DEGs highly related to the synthesis of variegated testa color among 1,050 DEGs. Of these 27, 13 were up-regulated and 14 were down-regulated, including 3 PALs, 1 C4H, 2 CHSs, 1 F3H, 1 F3'H, 2 DFRs, 2 LARs, 2 IAAs, 4 bHLHs, and 9 MYBs. GO (Gene Ontology) analysis indicated that DEGs were similarly enriched in three branches. KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) analysis suggested flavonoid biosynthesis is the most direct metabolic pathway for the synthesis of testa variegation. The liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) results showed that cyanidin and delphinidin were the primary metabolites that caused the color differences between the pigmented and the non-pigmented areas. Through the verification of 20 DEGs via qPCR, the results were consistent with transcriptome sequencing in four comparison groups. The results in this study lay the foundation for revealing the molecular regulation mechanisms of flavonoid synthesis in variegated testa peanut.

Abstract Background Ovarian cancer (OC) is a gynecological malignancy with the highest mortality rate. Cisplatin (DDP) based chemotherapy is a standard strategy for ovarian cancer. Despite good response rates for initial chemotherapy, almost 80% of the patients treated with DDP based chemotherapy will experience recurrence due to drug-resistant, which will ultimately result in fatality. The aim of the present study was to examine the pathogenesis and potential molecular markers of cisplatin-resistant OC by studying the differential expression of mRNAs and miRNAs between cisplatin resistant OC cell lines and normal cell lines. Methods Two mRNA datasets (GSE58470 and GSE45553) and two miRNA sequence datasets (GSE58469 and GSE148251) were downloaded from the Gene expression omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were screened by the NetworkAnalyst. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were conducted to analyze the biological functions of DEGs. The protein-protein interaction network was constructed using STRING and Cytoscape software to identify the molecular mechanisms of key signaling pathways and cellular activities. FunRich and MiRNATip databases were used to identify the target genes of the DEMs. Results A total of 380 DEGs, and 5 DEMs were identified. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network of DEGs containing 379 nodes and 1049 edges was constructed, and 4 key modules and 24 hub genes related to cisplatin-resistant OC were screened. Two hundred ninety-nine target genes of the 5 DEMs were found out. Subsequently, one of these 299 target genes (UBB) belonging to the hub genes of GSE58470 and GSE45553 was identified by MCODE and CytoHubba,which was regulated by one miRNA (mir-454). Conclusions One miRNA–mRNA regulatory pairs (mir-454-UBB) was established. Taken together, our study provided evidence concerning the alteration genes involved in cisplatin-resistant OC, which will help to unravel the mechanisms underlying drug resistant.

Abstract Water splitting has been proposed to be a promising approach to producing clean hydrogen fuel. The two half‐reactions of water splitting, that is, the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), take place kinetically fast in solutions with completely different pH values. Enabling HER and OER to simultaneously occur under kinetically favorable conditions while using exclusively low‐cost, earth‐abundant electrocatalysts is highly desirable but remains a challenge. Herein, we demonstrate that using a bipolar membrane (BPM) we can accomplish HER in a strongly acidic solution and OER in a strongly basic solution, with bifunctional self‐supported cobalt‐nickel phosphide nanowire electrodes to catalyze both reactions. Such asymmetric acid/alkaline water electrolysis can be achieved at 1.567 V to deliver a current density of 10 mA/cm2 with ca. 100% Faradaic efficiency. Moreover, using an “irregular” BPM with unintentional crossover the voltage needed to afford 10 mA/cm2 can be reduced to 0.847 V, due to the assistance of electrochemical neutralization between acid and alkaline. Furthermore, we show that BPM‐based asymmetric water electrolysis can be accomplished in a circulated single‐cell electrolyzer delivering 10 mA/cm2 at 1.550 V and splitting water very stably for at least 25 hours, and that water electrolysis is enabled by a solar panel operating at 0.908 V (@13 mA/cm2), using an “irregular” BPM. BPM‐based asymmetric water electrolysis is a promising alternative to conventional proton and anion exchange membrane water electrolysis.

The production of hydrogen through water electrolysis (WE) from renewable electricity is set to revolutionise the energy sector that is at present heavily dependent on fossil fuels. However, there is still a pressing need to develop advanced electrocatalysts able to show high activity and withstand industrially-relevant operating conditions for a prolonged period of time. In this regard, high entropy materials (HEMs), including high entropy alloys and high entropy oxides, comprising five or more homogeneously distributed metal components, have emerged as a new class of electrocatalysts owing to their unique properties such as low atomic diffusion, structural stability, a wide variety of adsorption energies and multi-component synergy, making them promising catalysts for challenging electrochemical reactions, including those involved in WE. This review begins with a brief overview about WE technologies and a short introduction to HEMs including their synthesis and general physicochemical properties, followed by a nearly exhaustive summary of HEMs catalysts reported so far for the hydrogen evolution reaction, the oxygen evolution reaction and the overall water splitting in both alkaline and acidic conditions. The review concludes with a brief summary and an outlook about the future development of HEM-based catalysts and further research to be done to understand the catalytic mechanism and eventually deploy HEMs in practical water electrolysers.

Radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation has emerged as an effective alternative for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF), but ablation lesions will result in swelling and hematoma of local surrounding tissue, triggering inflammatory cell infiltration and increased release of inflammatory cytokines. Some studies have shown that the inflammatory response may be related to the early occurrence of AF. The most direct way to inhibit perioperative inflammation is to use anti-inflammatory drugs such as glucocorticoids. Here, we prepared polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles loaded with budesonide (BUD) and delivered them through irrigation of saline during the onset of ablation. Local high temperature promoted local rupture of PLGA nanoparticles, releasing BUD, and produced a timely and effective local myocardial anti-inflammatory effect, resulting in the reduction of acute hematoma and inflammatory cell infiltration and the enhancement of ablation effect. Nanoparticles would also infiltrate into the local myocardium and gradually release BUD ingredients to produce a continuous anti-inflammatory effect in the next few days. This resulted in a decrease in the level of inflammatory cytokine IL-6 and an increase of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. This study explored an extraordinary drug delivery strategy to reduce ablation-related inflammation, which may prevent early recurrence of AF.

Abstract Background Parathyroid protection and central neck dissection (CND) are basic points of thyroid cancer surgery and draw persistent concern. We aimed to evaluate the value of carbon nanoparticles (CNs) for parathyroid gland protection and CND in thyroid surgery for thyroid cancer patients. Methods A total of 386 consecutive thyroid cancer patients were enrolled in the retrospective study. Three hundred thirty-four patients using CNs intraoperatively were included in the CN group, and 52 patients without using CNs or any other helping agent were included in the control group. Intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) was examined. Medical records and histopathologic reports were reviewed. Histopathologic examination was performed. Results There were no statistical significances in demographic and basic surgical information, preoperative iPTH, and serum calcium between the two groups (P > 0.05). In the CN group, the thyroid tissue and central neck lymph nodes were stained black by CNs, while the parathyroid glands were not. Histopathological examination showed that the carbon nanoparticles might accumulated in the subcapsular sinus of lymph nodes compared with the none-stained samples. The staining with CNs did not impact the histopathological examination. There were no significant differences in postoperative hypocalcemia and hypoPT at day 1, 1 month, and half year after surgery between the two groups, respectively. There was a big decline of iPTH level after surgery, whereas the perioperative decreasing amplitude of PTH was not statistically different between the CNs and control group (57.2 ± 28.6 vs 55.7 ± 27.8, P = 0.710). There were 43 patients occurring incidental parathyroidectomy in the CN group (43/334, 12.9%) and 7 patients in the control group (7/52, 13.5%), without significant difference (P = 0.907). There was no significant difference in the number of lymph nodes identified by pathology per patient between the CNs and control group regardless of unilateral and bilateral CND. Conclusions Carbon nanoparticles help highlight parathyroid glands and lymph nodes in thyroidectomy, but generate no significant benefit for parathyroid glands protection and lymph node dissection. The value of carbon nanoparticles in thyroid cancer surgery should not be exaggerated and needs further evaluation.

Abstract Background Helios has been reported to stabilize regulatory T (Treg) suppressive function. Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) expression in three human monocyte subsets modulates immune responses. Recently, our team reported that three monocyte subsets are associated with T helper cell differentiation in HIV-1-infected patients. Until now, the effects of monocyte subsets and their PD-1 expression on Foxp3+Helios+ Treg cells have not been fully characterized, especially during acute HIV-1 infection. Results The frequency of Foxp3+Helios+CD45RA+ Treg cells is significantly higher in patients with acute HIV-1 infection than those of healthy controls and chronic HIV-1-infected patients undergoing combined antiretroviral therapy. The frequency of Foxp3+Helios+CD45RA+ Treg cells is inversely correlated with CD4 T-cell counts and the CD4/CD8 ratio in chronic HIV-1-infected patients. During acute HIV-1 infection, the frequency of Foxp3+Helios+CD45RA+ Treg cells is inversely correlated with the frequency of the intermediate CD14++CD16+ monocyte subset, but positively correlated with PD-1 expression in both intermediate CD14++CD16+ and non-classical CD14+CD16++ monocyte subsets. Conclusions In this study, the perturbations of Foxp3+Helios+ Treg cells were characterized, and the association between monocyte subsets and their PD-1 expression and Foxp3+Helios+ Treg cells was evaluated during HIV-1 infection. Our observations provide new evidence of the roles for Foxp3+Helios+ Treg cells and PD-1 expression on monocyte subsets in HIV pathogenesis.

This study examined the effect of sleep disturbance on gut microbiota (GM), atrial substrate, and atrial fibrillation (AF) inducibility. C57BL/6 mice were subjected to six weeks of sleep deprivation (SD) using the method of modified multiple-platform. Transesophageal burst pacing was performed to evaluate AF inducibility. Feces, plasma, and an atrium were collected and analyzed by 16s rRNA sequencing, liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based metabolome, histological studies, and transcriptome. Higher AF inducibility (2/30 of control vs. 15/30 of SD, p = 0.001) and longer AF duration (p < 0.001), concomitant with aggravated fibrosis, collagen, and lipid accumulation, were seen in the SD mice compared to control mice. Meanwhile, elevated alpha diversity, higher abundance of Flavonifractor, Ruminococcus, and Alloprevotella, as well as imbalanced functional pathways, were observed in the gut of SD mice. Moreover, the global patterns for the plasma metabolome were altered, e.g., the decreased butanoate metabolism intermediates in SD mice. In addition, disrupted metabolic homeostasis in the SD atrium, such as fatty acid metabolism, was analyzed by the transcriptome. These results demonstrated that the crosstalk between GM and atrial metabolism might be a promising target for SD-mediated AF susceptibility.

Metamaterial analogues of electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) enable a unique avenue to endow a coupled resonator system with quantum interference behavior, exhibiting remarkable properties in slow-wave and highly sensitive sensing. In particular, tunable and ultracompact-chip-integrated EIT-like effects reveal fantastic application prospects in plasmonic circuits and networks. Here, we demonstrate an electrically tuned on-chip EIT analogue by means of dynamic EIT modules side-coupled to ultrathin corrugated metallic strips supporting spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SSPPs). By embedding PIN diodes into the subradiant mode, on-to-off control of the destructive coupling between the radiative and subradiant modes results in dynamic chip-scale EIT-like behavior under the change of the bias voltage, allowing for an electrically tunable group delay of the surface waves. The physical mechanism of the active modulation is elucidated with the coupled mode theory. In addition, the cascaded capacity performed by installing multiple EIT modules with an interval of equivalent wavelength are also characterized on a planar plasmonic waveguide. The proposed system will pave a versatile route toward dynamic control in chip-scale functional devices.

Abstract Rechargeable potassium metal batteries are promising energy storage devices with potentially high energy density and markedly low cost. However, eliminating dendrite growth and achieving a stable electrode/electrolyte interface are the key challenges to tackle. Herein, a novel “quasi‐liquid” potassium‐sodium alloy (KNA) anode comprising only 3.5 wt% sodium (KNA‐3.5) is reported, which exhibits outstanding electrochemical performance able to be reversibly cycled at 4 mA cm–2 for 2000 h. Moreover, it is demonstrated that adding a small amount of sodium hexafluorophosphate (NaPF6) into the potassium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide electrolyte allows for the formation of the “quasi‐liquid” KNA on electrode surface. Comprehensive experimental studies reveal the formation of an unusual metastable KNa2 phase during plating, which is believed to facilitate simultaneous nucleation and suppress the growth of dendrites, thereby improving the electrode's cycle lifetime. The “quasi‐liquid” KNA‐3.5 anode demonstrates markedly enhanced electrochemical performance in a full cell when pairing with Prussian blue analogs or sodium rhodizonate dibasic as the cathode material, compared to the pristine potassium anode. Importantly, unlike the liquid KNA reported before, the “quasi‐liquid” KNA‐3.5 exhibits good processability and can be readily shaped into sheet electrodes, showing substantial promise as a dendrite‐free anode in rechargeable potassium metal batteries.

The diffusion of viruses at the cell membrane is essential to reach a suitable entry site and initiate subsequent internalization. Although many viruses take advantage of glycosaminoglycans (GAG) to bind to the cell surface, little is known about the dynamics of the virus–GAG interactions. Here, single-particle tracking of the initial interaction of individual herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) virions reveals a heterogeneous diffusive behavior, regulated by cell-surface GAGs with two main diffusion types: confined and normal free. This study reports that different GAGs can have competing influences in mediating diffusion on the cells used here: chondroitin sulfate (CS) enhances free diffusion but hinders virus attachment to cell surfaces, while heparan sulfate (HS) promotes virus confinement and increases entry efficiency. In addition, the role that the viral mucin-like domains (MLD) of the HSV-1 glycoprotein C plays in facilitating the diffusion of the virus and accelerating virus penetration into cells is demonstrated. Together, our results shed new light on the mechanisms of GAG-regulated virus diffusion at the cell surface for optimal internalization. These findings may be extendable to other GAG-binding viruses.

Drought is one of the major abiotic stress factors limiting peanut production. It causes the loss of pod yield during the pod formation stage. Here, one previously identified drought-tolerant cultivar, “L422” of peanut, was stressed by drought (35 ± 5%) at pod formation stage for 5, 7, and 9 days. To analyze the drought effects on peanut, we conducted physiological and transcriptome analysis in leaves under well-watered (CK1, CK2, and CK3) and drought-stress conditions (T1, T2, and T3). By transcriptome analysis, 3,586, 6,730, and 8,054 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in “L422” at 5 days (CK1 vs T1), 7 days (CK2 vs T2), and 9 days (CK3 vs T3) of drought stress, respectively, and 2,846 genes were common DEGs among the three-time points. Furthermore, the result of weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) revealed one significant module that was closely correlated between drought stress and physiological data. A total of 1,313 significantly up-/down-regulated genes, including 61 transcription factors, were identified in the module at three-time points throughout the drought stress stage. Additionally, six vital metabolic pathways, namely, “MAPK signaling pathway-plant,” “flavonoid biosynthesis,” “starch and sucrose metabolism,” “phenylpropanoid biosynthesis,” “glutathione metabolism,” and “plant hormone signal transduction” were enriched in “L422” under severe drought stress. Nine genes responding to drought tolerance were selected for quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) verification and the results agreed with transcriptional profile data, which reveals the reliability and accuracy of transcriptome data. Taken together, these findings could lead to a better understanding of drought tolerance and facilitate the breeding of drought-resistant peanut cultivars.