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Abstract Background Conjunctival sporotrichosis is a rare fungal infection, typically presenting as granulomatous lesions. Its manifestations can be atypical, particularly in immunosuppressed patients. Here, we present a rare case of a Mooren’s ulcer patient with bulbar conjunctival Sporotrichosis presenting as a salmon-pink tumor. Case presentation A 61-year-old with a history of Mooren’s ulcer and corneal transplantation was diagnosed with conjunctival Sporotrichosis in the left eye. Slit-lamp examination showed conjunctival congestion and edema with a salmon-pink appearance, accompanied by nodules looking like “bread crumbs” scattered under the conjunctiva. After partial tumor resection, histopathology and immunofluorescence staining suggested fungal infection with squamous epithelial hyperplasia. Microbiological testing (DNA) confirmed Sporothrix schenckii as the pathogen. The conjunctival mass resolved without recurrence after local and systemic anti-fungal medicine treatment. Despite the progression of Mooren’s ulcers, which further dissolved and perforated during treatment, aggressive management helped the patient retain some vision. Conclusion Immunosuppression, such as steroids and tacrolimus eyedrops, may predispose patients to opportunistic infections like sporotrichosis. Oral itraconazole, combined with subconjunctival and topical antifungal therapy, effectively treat severe Sporothrix conjunctivitis. Future studies should explore the balance between antifungal and immunosuppressive therapies to manage coexisting conditions like Mooren’s ulcer while curing fungal infections.

Abstract Background In the filed of antiviral therapy, effective therapeutic concentration is beneficial to shorten the recovery time of patients and reduce the transmission rate.The aim of this study is to retrospectively analyze the factors that lead to the drug concentration of Nirmatrelvir /Ritonavir (NMV/RTV) not reaching the standard. Methods In this study, the NMV/RTV drug concentration(Cnmv/rtv) data (n = 114) of COVID-19 patients over 18 years old were collected from May 2022 to July 2022, and the results of the patients were retrospectively compared. According to the analysis of the early study of NMV/RTV, combined with the research results at home and abroad, according to whether the measured drug concentration > 987 ng/ml, the patients were divided into target group and non-target group,The non-target group was defined as not reaching the trough concentration level. Results Serum NMV/RTV concentration in adult patients was correlated with prognostic nutritional index [PNI, (P

Abstract Background Retinoblastoma (RB), an aggressive intraocular malignancy, significantly adds to the global disease burden in early childhood. This study offers insights into the global burden of retinoblastoma (RB) in children aged 0–9 years, examining incidence, mortality, and DALYs from 1990 to 2021, across age, sex, location, and SDI levels. It aims to inform health policy, resource allocation, and RB combat strategies. Methods Data were retrieved from newly released Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study. The measures were estimated both as numerical counts and age-standardised rates per 100,000 population. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to rigorously examine temporal trends, estimating the average annual percentage change (AAPC). Spearman’s correlation test was used to examine the relationship between SDI and the burden of RB by location and year. Results Globally, the age-standardised incidence rate (ASIR), age-standardised mortality rate (ASMR), and age-standardised DALYs rate (ASDR) for RB among young children in 2021 were 0.09 [95% uncertainty interval (UI): 0.05 to 0.13], 0.04 (95%UI: 0.03 to 0.06), and 3.65 (95%UI: 2.21 to 4.96), respectively. Despite an overall increasing trend in incidence [AAPC: 0.62; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.42 to 0.82], the RB incidence rate demonstrated a significant decline from 2019 to 2021, while mortality and DALYs rate for RB showed overall downward trends. Trends in ASIR varied across regions, with the highest increase in East Asia. Among all GBD regions, only Southern Sub-Saharan Africa exhibited rising trends in mortality and DALYs rate. Gender comparisons showed negligible differences in ASIR, ASMR and ASDR in 2021. Moreover, the highest disease burden was noted in early neonatal (0–6 days), and in children aged 2–4 years at both global and regional levels. Analysis by SDI indicated that RB incidence rates increased with higher SDI levels. In addition, a significantly negative correlation was found between SDI level and both ASMR and ASDR of RB among children aged 0–9 years. Conclusions From 1990 to 2021, RB-related incidence, mortality, and DALYs varied by age and location. Evaluating spatiotemporal trends underscores the impact of health policies and substantial public health interventions on RB control.

Abstract Osteoporosis (OP) is a common and fracture-prone skeletal disease characterized by deteriorated trabecular microstructure and pathologically involving various forms of regulated bone cell death. However, the exact role, cellular nature and regulatory mechanisms of ferroptosis in OP are not fully understood. Here, we reported that OP femurs from ovariectomized (Ovx) mice exhibited pronounced iron deposition, ferroptosis, and transcriptional suppression of a key anti-ferroptotic factor GPX4 (glutathione peroxidase 4). GPX4 suppression was accompanied by hypermethylation of the Gpx4 promoter and an increase in DNA methyltransferases DNMT1/3a/3b and was transcriptionally promoted by repressive KLF5 and the transcriptional corepressors NCoR and SnoN. Conversely, DNMT inhibition with SGI-1027 reversed promoter hypermethylation, GPX4 suppression and ferroptotic osteoporosis. In cultured primary bone cells, ferric ammonium citrate (FAC) mimicking iron loading similarly induced GPX4 suppression and ferroptosis in osteoblasts but not in osteoclasts, which were rescued by siRNA-mediated individual knockdown of DNMT 1/3a/3b. Intriguingly, SGI-1027 alleviated the ferroptotic changes caused by FAC, but not by a GPX4 inactivator RSL3. More importantly, we generated a strain of osteoblast-specific Gpx4 haplo-deficient mice Gpx4 Ob+/− that developed spontaneous and more severe ferroptotic OP alterations after Ovx operation, and showed that GPX4 inactivation by RSL3 or semi-knockout in osteoblasts largely abolished the anti-ferroptotic and osteoprotective effects of SGI-1027. Taken together, our data suggest that GPX4 epigenetic suppression caused by DNMT aberration and the resulting osteoblastic ferroptosis contribute significantly to OP pathogenesis, and that the strategies preserving GPX4 by DNMT intervention are potentially effective to treat OP and related bone disorders.

Abstract The value and direction angle of the perpendicularity error of the thrust surface and bearing bush in hydrostatic thrust bearings directly affect the motion accuracy. In this paper, a rapid onsite measurement method and evaluation model for the value and direction angle of the perpendicularity error of the thrust surface and bearing bush in hydrostatic thrust bearings are presented. The method is validated by comparing experimental measurements with those obtained using a CMM. An analysis of the perpendicularity errors before and after correction shows that at different speeds (10 rpm, 30 rpm, and 50 rpm), the errors in the mean axial and tilt displacements of the thrust bearing are reduced by 68.41% and 35.44%, respectively.

Due to the development of next-generation sequencing technology and an increased appreciation of their role in modulating host immunity and their potential as therapeutic agents, the human microbiome has emerged as a key area of interest in various biological investigations of human health and disease. However, microbiome data present a number of statistical challenges not addressed by existing methods, such as the varying sequencing depth, the compositionality, and zero inflation. Solutions like scaling and transformation methods help to mitigate heterogeneity and release constraints, but often introduce biases and yield inconsistent results on the same data. To address these issues, we conduct a systematic review of compositional data transformation, with a particular focus on the connection and distinction of existing techniques. Additionally, we create a new framework that enables the development of new transformations by combining proportion conversion with contrast transformations. This framework includes well-known methods such as Additive Log Ratio (ALR) and Centered Log Ratio (CLR) as special cases. Using this framework, we develop two novel transformations—Centered Arcsine Contrast (CAC) and Additive Arcsine Contrast (AAC)—which show enhanced performance in scenarios with high zero-inflation. Moreover, our findings suggest that ALR and CLR transformations are more effective when zero values are less prevalent. This comprehensive review and the innovative framework provide microbiome researchers with a significant direction to enhance data transformation procedures and improve analytical outcomes.

Background: In recent years, mRNA-based vaccines with promising safety and functional characteristics have gained significant momentum in cancer immunotherapy. However, stable immunological molecular subtypes of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and novel tumor antigens for LUAD mRNA vaccine development remain elusive. Therefore, a novel approach is urgently needed to identify suitable LUAD subtypes and potential tumor antigens. Methods: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), the Genotype Tissue Expression (GTEx), and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases were utilized to retrieve gene expression data. The LUAD Immunological Multi-Omics Classification (LIMOC) system was developed using seven machine learning (ML) algorithms by performing integrative immunogenomic analysis of single-cell and bulk tissue transcriptome profiling. Subsequently, a panel of approaches was applied to identify novel tumor antigens. Results: First, the LIMOC system was construct to identify three subtypes: LIMOC1, LIMOC2, and LIMOC3. Second, we identified CHIT1, LILRA4, and MEP1A as novel tumor antigens in LUAD; these genes were up-regulated, amplified, and mutated, and showed a positive association with APC infiltration, making them promising candidates for designing mRNA vaccines. Notably, the LIMOC2 subtype had the worst prognosis and could benefit most from mRNA immunization. Furthermore, we performed a comprehensive in silico screening of approximately 2000 compounds and identified Sorafenib and Azacitidine as potential subtype-specific therapeutic agents. Conclusions: Overall, our study established a robust LIMOC system and identified CHIT1, LILRA4, and MEP1A as promising tumor antigen candidates for development of anti-LUAD mRNA vaccines, particularly for the LIMOC2 subtype.

In this paper, a comprehensive study on 1373 K high-temperature oxidation behaviors in a Ni-20 at.% Al-5 at.% Pt system was performed by coupling experimental investigations with CALPHAD (CALculation of PHAse Diagram) calculations. The discussion was expanded to include the effects of chemical concentrations on the degradation mechanism of thermally grown oxide layers during oxidation at 1373 K. A step-by-step oxidation procedure was established: first, aluminum oxide grows on the underside, followed by nickel oxide, which fully develops and penetrates the original aluminum oxide. The formation of NiO leads to aluminum enrichment and nickel depletion; once the concentration of Al achieves a threshold, θ-Al2O3 transforms into α-Al2O3, forming a tight structure. At this point, Al diffusion toward the exterior predominates, followed by the inward diffusion of O. The diffusion of Ni is gradually restricted by the establishment of the α-Al2O3 layer. When Al is not enough, Al2O3 combines with NiO to develop NiAl2O4. Nickel segregation may also occur during subsequent oxidation at the oxide layer/matrix alloy boundary. Small voids are likely to form due to the merging of the vacancies caused by the unbalanced diffusion of Al toward the Al2O3 layer and the opposite diffusion of Ni, resulting in significant peeling failure. Additionally, Pt has a beneficial effect by forming a thinner oxide scale that is more resistant to spallation.

Epidemiological approaches for examining human health responses to environmental exposures in observational studies frequently address confounding by employing advanced matching techniques and statistical methods grounded in conditional likelihood. This study incorporates a recently developed Bayesian hierarchical spatiotemporal model within a conditional logistic regression framework to capture the heterogeneous effects of environmental exposures in a case-crossover (CCO) design. Spatial and temporal dependencies are modeled through random effects incorporating multivariate conditional autoregressive priors. Flexible frailty structures are introduced to explore strategies for managing temporal variables. Parameter estimation and inference are conducted using a Monte Carlo Markov chain method within a Bayesian framework. Model fit and optimal model selection are evaluated using the deviance information criterion. Simulations assess and compare model performance across various scenarios. Finally, the approach is illustrated with workers’ compensation claims data from New York and Florida to examine spatiotemporal heterogeneity in hospitalization rates related to heat prostration.

Abstract Lightweight refractory high-entropy alloys (LW-RHEAs) hold significant potential in the fields of aviation, aerospace, and nuclear energy due to their low density, high strength, high hardness, and corrosion resistance. However, the enormous composition space has severely hindered the development of novel LW-RHEAs with excellent comprehensive performance. In this paper, an machine learning (ML)-based alloy design strategy combined with a multi-objective optimization method was proposed and applied for a rational design of Al-Nb-Ti-V-Zr-Cr-Mo-Hf LW-RHEAs. The quantitative relation of “composition-structure-property” was first established by ML modeling. Then, feature analysis reveals that Cr content greater than 12 at.% is a key criterion for alloys with high corrosion resistance. The phase structure, density, melting point, hardness and corrosion resistance of the alloys were screened layer by layer, and finally, three LW-RHEAs with superb hard and corrosion resistance were successfully designed. Key experimental validation indicates that three target alloys have densities around 6.5 g/cm3, and all alloys are disordered bcc_A2 single-phase with the highest hardness of 593 HV and the largest pitting potential of 2.5 VSCE, which far exceeds all the literature reports. The successful demonstration in this paper clearly demonstrates that the present design strategy driven by the ML technique should be generally applicable to other RHEA systems.

In this paper, it was found for the first time that with Sr addition in Al–Si–Mg–Ce alloy, the morphology of eutectic (Si) can be modified from branch to fine fibrous, while the bulk-like Al2Si2Ce phase may replace the elongated needle-like one. Moreover, Mg was observed to segregate along the (Al)/Al2Si2Ce interface and Sr was found to concentrate in the interior of Al2Si2Ce phase. Such heterostructured Sr–Al2Si2Ce was also supported by first-principles calculations. The synergistic morphology modification of eutectic (Si) and Al2Si2Ce phases by Sr addition stimulated the simultaneous improvement in strength and ductility in Al–Si–Mg–Ce alloy.

Abstract Background This study focused on the aging mechanism and degradation of mechanical and structural features of elastodontic appliances (EA) under artificial and intraoral aging to achieve oral myofunctional therapy with particular removable silicone elastomer devices. Materials and methods EAs artificially aged in saliva with different pH values were investigated through cyclic compression testing along with characterization techniques (Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), and characterization analysis was also performed on clinically retrieved EAs. Results Artificial aging was found to have minimal effect on the structural properties of EAs, and intraorally aged samples showed perceptible micro-morphology. The Mullins index and peak stress decreased (P

This study was designed to explore the hepatoprotective effects of enzymatic degradation products derived from sturgeon roe on alcohol-damaged hepatocytes and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Utilizing sturgeon roe as the research material, the enzymatic process was optimized by focusing on key parameters such as enzymatic efficiency and in vitro activity. The protective effects on hepatocytes were systematically investigated by using the HepG2 cell model. Advanced computerized virtual screening technology was employed to identify potential bioactive peptides within the sturgeon roe. The findings indicated that the optimum enzymatic product of sturgeon roe was obtained under the conditions of 1:1 compounding of alkaline protease (1343 U/g) and trypsin (27 U/g) for 8 h, yielded a protein recovery of 49.30%±0.57%, a hydrolysis degree of 46.05%±0.92%, and ABTS+ free radical scavenging rate of 51.45%±0.66%. Notably, at a concentration of 5 mg/mL, this product significantly enhanced the activity of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) by 168.64%±1.42% (P

Abstract Background Comprehensive treatment of gastric cancer (GC) is progressing, but the rapid proliferation and metastasis of GC remains a cause of high recurrence and mortality rates. In this study we investigated GC-associated circRNA tending to yield more insight into the mechanisms of gastric cancer development. Methods We detected the expression levels of circTSN in GC tissues and cell lines using qRT-PCR. The circular structure of circTSN was confirmed by Sanger sequencing, agarose gel electrophoresis and RNase R. A series of cell functional experiments were employed to investigate the implication of circTSN aberrant expression on the proliferation and metastasis of GC cells. The predicted binding domain between circTSN and miR-1825 was analyzed by luciferase reporter gene analysis. Meanwhile, subcutaneous tumor xenografts in nude mice were used to validate the role of circTSN in vivo. Results It was found that RNA levels of circTSN were significantly elevated in GC tissues and cell lines, which was also confirmed to contain a closed-loop structure. CCK8, clone formation, EdU, transwell and in vivo experiments indicated that the highly expressed circTSN was involved in the proliferation and metastasis process of GC. In addition, circTSN modulates the expression of SLC38A2 by sequence-specific binding to miR-1825. Conclusion This study identified that circTSN, which is highly expressed in GC, was able to contribute to the proliferation and metastasis of GC cell through miR-1825/SLC38A2 axis and this might provide a new candidate target for the precision treatment of GC.

Abstract Latexin (LXN) is abundant in macrophages and plays critical roles in inflammation. Much is known about macrophages in atherosclerosis, the role of macrophage LXN in atherosclerosis has remained elusive. Here, the expression of LXN in human and mouse atherosclerotic lesions was examined by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. LXN knockout and LXN/ApoE double-knockout mice were generated to evaluate the functions of LXN in atherosclerosis. Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) experimentation was carried out to determine whether macrophage LXN regulates atherosclerosis. We found that LXN is enriched in human and murine atherosclerotic lesions, mainly localized to macrophages. LXN deletion ameliorated atherosclerosis in ApoE -/- mice. BMT demonstrate that deletion of LXN in bone marrow protects ApoE -/- mice against atherosclerosis. Mechanistically, we found that LXN targets and inhibits JAK1 in macrophages. LXN deficiency stimulates the JAK1/STAT3/ABC transporter pathway, thereby enhancing the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant phenotype, cholesterol efflux, subsequently minimizing foam cell formation and atherosclerosis. Gene therapy by treatment of atherosclerotic mice with adeno-associated virus harbouring LXN-depleting shRNA attenuated the disease phenotype. In summary, our study provides new clues for the role of LXN in the pathological regulation of atherosclerosis, and determines that LXN is a target for preventing atherosclerosis, which may be a potential new anti-atherosclerosis therapeutic target.

Cooked rice and the vegetables like lettuce are common kitchen waste, which are carbonaceous materials and have the potential as feedstock for the production of activated carbon. Cooking is similar to hydrothermal treatment (HTC), which might impact the subsequent activation of kitchen waste. In this study, the HTC of lettuce, rice, or their mixture and the activation of the resulting hydrochars were conducted. The results indicated that cross-polymerization between the N-containing organics from lettuce and the sugar derivatives from rice took place in their co-HTC, which significantly increased the hydrochar yield. Activation of the hydrochar from the co-HTC generated the AC with a yield of 2 times that from direct activation of mixed lettuce/rice. However, the co-HTC facilitated aromatization, reducing reactivity with K2C2O4 in activation and producing the AC with main micropores and low specific surface area. Activation of the hydrochar from HTC of rice followed the above trend, while that from lettuce was the opposite. The organics in lettuce were thermally unstable and could not undergo sufficient aromatization. The activation of hydrochar from HTC of lettuce thus generated the AC with the lowest yield, but the highest specific surface area (1684.9 m2/g), abundant mesopores, and superior capability for adsorption of tetracycline. However, the environmental impacts and energy consumption for the production of AC from the hydrochar of lettuce were higher than that from hydrochar of co-HTC.

Abstract Background Mechanical unloading-induced bone loss threatens prolonged spaceflight and human health. Recent studies have confirmed that osteoporosis is associated with a significant reduction in bone microvessels, but the relationship between them and the underlying mechanism under mechanical unloading are still unclear. Methods We established a 2D clinostat and hindlimb-unloaded (HLU) mouse model to simulate unloading in vitro and in vivo. Micro-CT scanning was performed to assess changes in the bone microstructure and mass of the tibia. The levels of CD31, Endomucin (EMCN) and histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) in tibial microvessels were detected by immunofluorescence (IF) staining. In addition, we established a coculture system of microvascular endothelial cells (MVECs) and osteoblasts, and qRT‒PCR or western blotting was used to detect RNA and protein expression; cell proliferation was detected by CCK‒8 and EdU assays. ChIP was used to detect whether HDAC6 binds to the miRNA promoter region. Results Bone mass and bone microvessels were simultaneously significantly reduced in HLU mice. Furthermore, MVECs effectively promoted the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts under coculture conditions in vitro. Mechanistically, we found that the HDAC6 content was significantly reduced in the bone microvessels of HLU mice and that HDAC6 inhibited the expression of miR-375-3p by reducing histone acetylation in the miR-375 promoter region in MVECs. miR-375-3p was upregulated under unloading and it could inhibit MVEC proliferation by directly targeting low-density lipoprotein-related receptor 5 (LRP5) expression. In addition, silencing HDAC6 promoted the miR-375-3p/LRP5 pathway to suppress MVEC proliferation under mechanical unloading, and regulation of HDAC6/miR-375-3p axis in MVECs could affect osteoblast proliferation under coculture conditions. Conclusion Our study revealed that disuse-induced bone loss may be closely related to a reduction in the number of bone microvessels and that the modulation of MVEC function could improve bone loss induced by unloading. Mechanistically, the HDAC6/miR-375-3p/LRP5 pathway in MVECs might be a promising strategy for the clinical treatment of unloading-induced bone loss.

Balancing the hardness and electrical conductivity of copper alloys within complex compositions and processes poses a formidable challenge. This study proposes a strategy combining machine learning with the Pareto front techniques to identify optimal combinations of composition and processing for Cu-xTi (1.5 ≤ x ≤ 5.4, in wt.%) alloys. Through thermodynamic calculations, precipitation simulations, and experimental characterizations, the microstructural evolution of β'-Cu4Ti precipitates in the designed alloys was explored. The interpretability and predictability of the machine learning model played a crucial role in understanding impact of complex alloy compositions and processing on the evolution of properties, thereby guiding the design of Cu-Ti alloys towards improved attributes.

With the rapid development of Mg alloys, deeper understanding to the thermodynamic and diffusional kinetic behavior of intermetallic compounds (IMCs) is important for studying the effect of alloying elements to the microstructure evolution. Specially, a systematic quantitative investigation on the diffusional growth of IMCs is of great necessity. However, the works studying the elemental diffusion behaviors of multiple-element IMCs are rare in magnesium alloy systems. The current work takes the ternary Mg-Al-Zn system as research target, and combines the diffusion couple technique, phase stability diagrams, in-situ observation technique and numerical inverse method to investigate the temperature-dependent kinetic coefficients. The parabolic growth constant (PGC) and interdiffusion coefficients for Mg solid-solution phase and γ-Mg17Al12, β-Mg2Al3, ε-Mg23Al30, MgZn2, Mg2Zn3, τ-Mg32(Zn, Al)49 and ϕ-Mg5Zn2Al2 IMCs in the Mg-Al-Zn alloy system are determined. By comparing the current experimental with calculation results, the rate-controlling factor of the temperature-dependent diffusion growth of ϕ, τ and ε ternary IMCs in the Mg-Al-Zn system is further discussed in detail.

In-situ conversion technology is a sustainable and effective method of recovering medium-low maturity shale, which can be produced with oil resources expected to exceed global total proven oil reserves. Nevertheless, criteria and procedures for grading such shale oil resources are lacking. We present a combination of distinct faceis and theoretical economic index (Ie) to grade the in-situ conversion shale oil resources of Chang 7 Member in the Ordos Basin and Nenjiang Formation in the Songliao Basin. This shale oil resource was categorized into four classes: invalid, valid, sweet-spot and core resource. For the shale dominated by type II kerogen (Chang 7), total organic carbon (TOC) values at 6%, 9%, and 12%, hydrocarbon generation potential (S1+S2) values at 15 mg/g, 30 mg/g, and 50 mg/g, and Ie at 2, 3, and 4, respectively, represent the boundary of the four resource grades. For the shale dominated by type Ⅰ kerogen (Nenjiang), TOC values at 4%, 6%, and 8%, S1+S2 values at 19 mg/g, 32 mg/g, 48 mg/g, and Ie at 2, 3, and 4, respectively, represent the boundary of the four resource grades. Our research provides a feasible practical strategy for evaluating and predicting in-situ conversion shale oil resources in lacustrine basins.

ABSTRACT Sugarcane is a key crop for sugar and energy production, and understanding the diversity of its associated microbes is crucial for optimizing its growth and health. However, there is a lack of thorough investigation and use of microbial resources in sugarcane. This study conducted a comprehensive analysis of culturable microbes and their functional features in different tissues and rhizosphere soil of four diverse sugarcane species using metagenomics techniques. The results revealed significant microbial diversity in sugarcane’s tissues and rhizosphere soil, including several important biomarker bacterial taxa identified, which are reported to engage in several processes that support plant growth, such as nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, and the production of plant hormones. The Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size (LEfSe) studies identified unique microbial communities in different parts of the same sugarcane species, particularly Burkholderia, which exhibited significant variations across the sugarcane species. Microbial analysis of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) indicated that genes related to sucrose metabolism were mostly present in specific bacterial taxa, including Burkholderia, Pseudomonas, Paraburkholderia, and Chryseobacterium. This study improves understanding of the diversities and functions of endophytes and rhizosphere soil microbes in sugarcane. Moreover, the approaches and findings of this study provide valuable insights for microbiome research and the use of comparable technologies in other agricultural fields.IMPORTANCEThis work utilized metagenomics techniques for conducting a comprehensive examination of culturable microbes and their functional characteristics in various tissues and rhizosphere soil of four distinct sugarcane species. This study enhances comprehension of the diversity and functions of endophytes and rhizosphere soil microbes in sugarcane. Furthermore, the methodologies and discoveries of this work offer new perspectives for microbiome investigation and the use of similar technologies in other agricultural fields.

BackgroundThe study aimed to review the etiology of corneal blindness and investigate the relative risk of corneal graft rejection (CGR) in the southern Liaoning region.MethodsThe clinical records of 359 patients (394 eyes) who underwent corneal transplantation at the Department of Keratoconus of the Third People’s Hospital of Dalian from January 2019 to December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The data included patients’ age, gender, occupation, diagnosis, surgical procedure, postoperative immune rejection, and neovascularization. The data were collected and descriptively analyzed to characterize the etiology of corneal blindness and to analyze the risk factors for postoperative immune rejection after corneal transplantation using logistic regression.ResultsThe mean age of the patients who underwent corneal transplantation was 55.90 ± 0.80 years, and there were more male patients than female patients with corneal blindness. Infectious keratitis (41.1%) was reported as the leading cause of corneal blindness, and penetrating corneal transplantation was the main surgical procedure for the recovery of sight. Preoperative corneal vascularization and penetrating corneal graft rejection were identified as risk factors for immune rejection of corneal grafts. The preoperative corneal vascularization was performed (p = 0.044, OR = 2.607). Penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) was performed (p = 0.024, OR = 1.953), and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty was also performed (p = 0.801, OR = 1.088). Viral infections (p

Objectives To investigate uterine fibroid (UF)-associated imaging changes, and their prevalence, incidence and potential risk factors in the Chinese population.Design This was a retrospective observational study using health examination data.Setting A physical examination centre in Nanchong, China, between October 2017 and December 2020.Participants A total of 33 915 Chinese women older than 15 years of age underwent uterine imaging during the study period.Primary and secondary outcome measures This study identified entries of UF-associated imaging changes through a two-round expert consultation and calculated prevalence and incidence of UF-associated imaging changes. Logistic regression estimated the association (OR, 95% CI of body mass index, high blood pressure (HBP), blood lipid profile, and fasting blood glucose level) with UF-associated imaging changes. Age-stratified (≤40 years and >40 years) risks were ascertained.Results Besides the entry ‘Potential UF’, 17 other entries of UF-associated imaging changes screened by the expert consultation were included, involving a total of 46 864 records (n=33 915), and crude prevalence=25.18%; crude incidence density/1000-woman-years=63.28. Incidence and prevalence increased with age during reproductive age (15–49 years) and decreased thereafter. The greatest burden was in women aged 40–54 years, the prevalence was 38.60%–45.38% and the incidence was 14.73%–17.96%. In the incident younger population (age ≤40 years), overweight (OR: 1.48, 95% CI 1.03 to 2.14) and HBP (OR: 2.16, 95% CI 1.10 to 4.24) were associated with a higher risk for UF-associated imaging changes; in the >40 years group, no association was observed.Conclusion UF incidence and prevalence in Asians were higher than previously reported, showed age-related increase in reproductive age, and UF incidence increased with overweight and HBP in ≤40-year-old participants. Variation in UF burden and factors with higher risk noted in different age ranges, and the correlations identified in younger women make it possible for early preventive measures for women with a higher risk of UF.

Plastic consumption has surged due to population growth and shifts in consumer behavior. Upcycling aims to address plastic waste by finding innovative reuse strategies. By integrating waste plastic into new products and materials, upcycling supports a more sustainable and environmentally friendly economic model. This reduces the overall environmental footprint, including CO2 emissions, associated with plastic consumption. Moreover, converting plastic waste into carbon nanotubes, can effectively sequester carbon. This means that carbon is captured and stored in a stable form, preventing its release into the atmosphere as CO2. This contributes directly to reducing net emissions. Recent interest in upcycling strategies includes producing target-oriented catalysts to reform plastic waste into carbon nanotubes embedded spent catalysts, offering potential for various applications. However, research in this area is scattered and lacks comprehensive conclusions. This review critically examines the use of spent catalysts from plastic waste pyrolysis and identifies their suitability for practical applications. It suggests focusing on the catalytic pyrolysis of plastic waste for target-oriented catalysts, as they offer good hydrogen yield and post-pyrolysis use in targeted applications. The unique structure of these catalysts enhances performance compared to commercial alternatives, but post-treatment is crucial to remove impurities for optimal performance. The upcycling of plastic waste into CNTs-metal composites substantially contributes to Sustainable Development Goals 7, 9, 12 and 13, by taking action to combat climate change and by guaranteeing access to affordable, clean, and sustainable energy. This review aims to be helpful for researchers who are currently new to the topic and want to continue research in this domain.

NiTi shape memory alloys (SMAs) prepared by the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technology have demonstrated promise in aerospace and medical applications. Nevertheless, ensuring repeatability and customised design in printed parts remains challenging. This paper addressed this challenge by introducing a machine learning model that effectively predicted the performance of NiTi SMAs across diverse LPBF processing and equipment conditions. Trained on a dataset of 195 entries from 23 publications, the model accurately predicted critical metrics, including density, ultimate tensile strength, elongation, and thermal hysteresis. Validation using data from eight experimental groups confirmed its reliability and generalisation capability. Multi-objective optimisation identified processes yielding synergistic improvements, achieving a tensile strength of 783[Formula: see text]8 MPa, an elongation of 13.7[Formula: see text]0.8% and a low hysteresis of 15.1 K. This study also discussed strategic applications of the model for LPBF process optimisation and proposed a method for constructing tailored LPBF process maps for specific NiTi alloy performance attributes.

Cisplatin is a particularly potent antineoplastic drug. However, its usefulness is restricted due to the induction of nephrotoxicity. More recent research has indicated that β-hydroxybutyrate (β-HB) protects against acute or chronic organ damage as an efficient healing agent. Nonetheless, the therapeutic mechanisms of β-HB in acute kidney damage caused by chemotherapeutic drugs remain unclear. Our study developed a model of cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI), which involved the administration of a ketogenic diet or β-HB. We analyzed blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr) levels in serum, and used western blotting and immunohistochemical staining to assess ferroptosis and the calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase kinase 2 (Camkk2)/AMPK pathway. The mitochondrial morphology and function were examined. Additionally, we conducted in vivo and in vitro experiments using selective Camkk2 inhibitor or activator to investigate the protective mechanism of β-HB on cisplatin-induced AKI. Exogenous or endogenous β-HB effectively alleviated cisplatin-induced abnormally elevated levels of BUN and Cr and renal tubular necrosis in vivo. Additionally, β-HB reduced ferroptosis biomarkers and increased the levels of anti-ferroptosis biomarkers in the kidney. β-HB also improved mitochondrial morphology and function. Moreover, β-HB significantly attenuated cisplatin-induced cell ferroptosis and damage in vitro. Furthermore, western blotting and immunohistochemical staining indicated that β-HB may prevent kidney injury by regulating the Camkk2-AMPK pathway. The use of the Camkk2 inhibitor or activator verified the involvement of Camkk2 in the renal protection by β-HB. This study provided evidence of the protective effects of β-HB against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and identified inhibited ferroptosis and Camkk2 as potential molecular mechanisms.

The CALPHAD (calculation of phase diagrams) method was applied to facilitate the design of a crack-free Al-Mg-Si-Ti alloy fabricated by laser-powder bed fusion (L-PBF). Calculation and alloy characterisation show that Ti addition at 0.77 wt.% can offer a synergic effect of increasing the heterogeneous nucleation rate and the growth restriction factor (Q) in the initial solidification stage. Meanwhile, the increase of Mg/Si ratio can promote the formation of Al/Mg2Si eutectics to provide excellent backfilling ability in the final solidification stage. As a result, the experimental Al-Mg-Si-Ti alloy significantly improve the crack susceptibility. Also, the Al-Mg-Si-Ti alloy with dislocation interaction of Al/Mg2Si eutectics and Al3Ti particles show an excellent ultimate tensile strength of 447.8 MPa and elongation of 9.1% under as-LPBFed condition.

Healthy trees are considered the foundation for high-quality pomelo production; however, leaf chlorosis frequently happens in pomelo orchards, and the reasons and adverse effects on plant growth and fruit quality are poorly understood. We conducted a field investigation with six paired groups between the yellow and green leaves of pomelo trees to analyze the growth, mineral and quality characteristics in different leaf positions and fruit parts. Compared with green pomelo trees, the concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) were decreased and increased potassium (K) in various leaf organs of yellow pomelo trees, resulting in accumulated non-structural carbohydrates and reduced growth variables (including SPAD value as relative chlorophyll content, dry weight, leaf area, water content, and specific leaf weight), which was amplified with fruit than without fruit. Also, there was the highest positive correlation between leaf Mg concentration and SPAD value, further confirmed by the path analysis and random forest analysis, implying that Mg is the main factor affecting leaf chlorosis. Moreover, leaf chlorosis also affected fruit quality, in which the concentrations of N, P and Ca were decreased and increased K and Mg, with lower sugar content (including total soluble sugar, sucrose, and total soluble solids) and higher acidity content (including pH, vitamin C, and titratable acidity), resulting in decreased total soluble solids/titratable acidity and antioxidant capacity (less phenol content). The positive correlations between leaf Mg concentration and fruit quality parameters were also observed. However, these measured parameters were highly separated and accounted for 53.1 % of leaf and fruit organs between the yellow and green leaves of pomelo trees. Overall, our results demonstrate that Mg deficiency induced leaf chlorosis affects plant growth and fruit quality in pomelo trees, that SPAD can be used to monitor leaf Mg status, and these findings provide the basis for optimized nutrient management in sustainable pomelo production.

With the rapid development of the economy and society, the likelihood of sudden public health emergencies in urban areas continues to rise. In particular, major infectious diseases that have gained global attention, such as the SARS virus, H1N1 influenza, Ebola outbreak, and COVID-19 pandemic, have presented significant challenges to urban emergency management systems. Evaluating emergency management capability is a fundamental requirement for developing emergency response capacity. To this end, this study combines the theory of resilience with the theory of full-process equilibrium emergency management, selects 31 evaluation indicators from six key aspects: preparedness, forewarning, mitigation, disposal, recovery, and learning. The indicator weights are determined using the AHP-Entropy Weight Method, and a TOPSIS model is constructed to assess the emergency management capability of urban public health emergencies. The model’s applicability is validated by examining 18 cities in Henan Province. The findings suggest that Jiaozuo, Hebi, Zhengzhou, and Luohe possess relatively robust emergency management capabilities for sudden public health incidents, whereas Kaifeng, Pingdingshan, and Shangqiu exhibit weaker capabilities.

IntroductionThis study aimed to compare the consistency of pupil offset measurements obtained using the Pentacam, Keratron Scout, and Sirius devices.MethodsThis retrospective cross-sectional study included 146 young myopic individuals (292 eyes) scheduled for refractive surgery at Dalian Third People’s Hospital between January 2023 and December 2023. Three devices were utilized to measure the chord mu of the pupil deviation along with the Cartesian distances of the X and Y coordinates (Px, Py) associated with the pupil offset. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to compare differences in pupil offset acquisition across various devices. Additionally, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland–Altman plot were utilized to assess the consistency among the three devices.ResultsChord mu, measured using the Pentacam, Keratron Scout, and Sirius devices, were 0.18 ± 0.10, 0.21 ± 0.11, and 0.18 ± 0.11, respectively. The Px values were 0.00 ± 0.14, -0.02 ± 0.16, and -0.01 ± 0.13, respectively, while the Py values were 0.09 ± 0.13, 0.10 ± 0.15, and 0.10 ± 0.13. The ICCs for the three device measurements, chord mu, Px, and Py, were 0.817, 0.900, and 0.855, respectively. When comparing the three devices, the 95% limits of agreement (LoA) for mu and Px measured using the Sirius and Keratron Scout were the narrowest, ranging from −0.15 to 0.08 and −0.11 to 0.13, respectively. Additionally, the 95% LoA for Py measured using the Sirius and Pentacam was the narrowest, ranging from −0.13 to 0.15. The pupil centers in both eyes were predominantly located above the apex of the cornea.ConclusionSirius, Keratron Scout, and Pentacam have good consistency in pupil shift measurement in young myopic patients, and the three devices can be used as references in clinical practice.

IntroductionAKK-derived outer membrane vesicles (AKK-OMVs) have shown potential in modulating intestinal mucosal immunity by increasing the number of intestinal goblet cells. However, it remains unclear whether AKK-OMVs can directly regulate MUC2 secretion in goblet cells exposed to indomethacin in vitro and the underlying mechanisms involved.MethodsThe abnormal mucin secretion model in LS174T cells was established using indomethacin, with treatment including Akkermansia muciniphila (AKK) supernatant, AKK-OMVs, and extracellular vesicle removal supernatant. The effects of these treatment on MUC2 expression were observed. Transcriptomic sequencing analysis was used to explore the underlying regulatory mechanisms, which were further validated through qRT-PCR and western blotting.ResultsThe treatment with AKK supernatant and AKK-OMVs alleviated the indomethacin-induced reduction in MUC2 secretion in goblet cells. Mechanistically, transcriptomic analysis showed that the gene expression associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress were upregulated after indomethacin treatment in LS174T cells. This suggests that AKK-OMVs, as the active component in the supernatant, improved MUC2 expression by inhibiting ER stress.ConclusionAKK-OMVs can directly stimulate goblet cells to promote MUC2 secretion, providing potential for further in vivo studies to confirm their protective effects against indomethacin-induced intestinal injury.

Abstract Background The study evaluated the performance of the Mindray N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in a healthy population in China, focusing on creating a reference range for future clinical applications adjusted according to different demographics. Methods The study measured NT-proBNP in 2277 healthy individuals. We analyzed age and sex-stratified data, performed precision, accuracy, linearitcvy, and detection limit studies, and evaluated method comparison and consistency between Roche and Mindray assays on 724 serum samples. We used Excel 2010, Medcalc, and GraphPad Prism 9. Results In males, the 97.5th centile NT-proBNP concentration at age

Abstract Reducing interface nonradiative recombination is important for realizing highly efficient perovskite solar cells. In this work, we develop a synergistic bimolecular interlayer (SBI) strategy via 4-methoxyphenylphosphonic acid (MPA) and 2-phenylethylammonium iodide (PEAI) to functionalize the perovskite interface. MPA induces an in-situ chemical reaction at the perovskite surface via forming strong P-O-Pb covalent bonds that diminish the surface defect density and upshift the surface Fermi level. PEAI further creates an additional negative surface dipole so that a more n-type perovskite surface is constructed, which enhances electron extraction at the top interface. With this cooperative surface treatment, we greatly minimize interface nonradiative recombination through both enhanced defect passivation and improved energetics. The resulting p-i-n device achieves a stabilized power conversion efficiency of 25.53% and one of the smallest nonradiative recombination induced V oc loss of only 59 mV reported to date. We also obtain a certified efficiency of 25.05%. This work sheds light on the synergistic interface engineering for further improvement of perovskite solar cells.

Complex mapping relationships between high-entropy alloy compositions and performances struggle to precisely elucidate by traditional machine learning models, hindering the accurate and efficient design of high-performance alloys. In this work, a novel alloy design strategy combined self-decision deep neural network, data reconstruction with network structure optimization was proposed, which effectively enhanced the model's ability to predict the mapping relationships between high-dimensional composition spaces and mechanical properties of alloy. Compared to other machine learning methods, significantly improves model prediction accuracy (hardness model: 97.98%; strength model: 94.40%). Through above model, the mechanical properties of 308 new (CuNiMn)-X high-entropy copper alloys was studied added other elements such as Al, Ti, Cr, and Fe, which designed and produced a novel (CuNiMn)60Al20Cr20 alloy with high hardness of 474 HV, high compressive strength of 2322 MPa, and high fracture strain of 25.20%. The primary factors influencing alloy performance and their respective thresholds were also quantitatively revealed (hardness: electronegativity deviation (0.02, 0.1) and nuclear charge deviation (0, 0.25); compressive strength: mean nuclear charge (25, 30) and mean atomic radius (134 p.m.)). These findings provide a new perspective and approach for the design and mechanism understanding of high-performance alloys with complex compositions.

Interactions of cellulose- and lignin-derived intermediates have been well documented during pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass. The reaction network for the interactions is rather complex, as cellulose-derived volatiles could interact/react with not only lignin-derived volatiles but also lignin-derived char and vice versa. To probe specifically the impacts of cellulose-derived volatiles on the lignin-derived char or the opposite, herein the sequential pyrolysis was performed by arranging cellulose in the upper bed with lignin in the lower bed or lignin above with cellulose below at 350 and 650 °C, respectively. The results indicated that the sequential pyrolysis of cellulose→lignin or lignin→cellulose at 350 °C induced increased char yield from formation of carbonaceous deposits via volatiles-char interactions. Compared with the lignin-derived volatiles, the cellulose-derived volatiles, especially aldehyde fractions, were more reactive towards the lignin-derived char at 350 °C, forming oxygen-rich lignin-derived char with a higher yield, an abundance of aliphatic structures and consequently lower thermal stability. In sequential pyrolysis of lignin→cellulose, more aromatics-rich species were deposited on cellulose-derived char, but the lignin-derived volatiles were less reactive for enhancing the char yield. At 650 °C, instead of polymerisation of the volatiles on the char, either the cellulose- or lignin-derived char catalyzed the cracking of the counterpart volatiles to remove the aliphatic functionalities, which made the char more aromatic and thermally more stable.

Abstract Nuclear lamin B1 (LMNB1) is a member of the nuclear lamin protein family. LMNB1 can maintain and ensure the stability of nuclear structure and influence the process of cell senescence by regulating chromatin distribution, DNA replication and transcription, gene expression, cell cycle, etc. In recent years, several studies have shown that the abnormal expression of LMNB1, a classical biomarker of cell senescence, is highly correlated with the progression of various malignant tumors; LMNB1 is therefore considered a new potential tumor marker and therapeutic target. However, the mechanism of action of LMNB1 is influenced by many factors, which are difficult to clarify at present. This article focuses on the recent progress in understanding the role of LMNB1 in cell senescence and malignant tumors and offers insights that could contribute to elucidating the mechanism of action of LMNB1 to provide a new direction for further research.

Abstract The cornea, consisting of three cellular and two non-cellular layers, is the outermost part of the eyeball and frequently injured by external physical, chemical, and microbial insults. The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a crucial role in the repair of corneal injuries. Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1), an important transcription factor involved in EMT, is expressed in the corneal tissues. It regulates cell activities like migration, transformation, and proliferation, and thereby affects tissue inflammation, fibrosis, tumor metastasis, and necrosis by mediating various major signaling pathways, including transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. Dysfunction of ZEB1 would impair corneal tissue repair leading to epithelial healing delay, interstitial fibrosis, neovascularization, and squamous cell metaplasia. Understanding the mechanism underlying ZEB1 regulation of corneal injury repair will help us to formulate a therapeutic approach to enhance corneal injury repair.

In order to reveal the aroma compositions of two varieties of Yunnan teas processed based on the Liu Bao tea craft and to explore the more suitable varieties of tea plants for making Liu Bao tea, headspace solid-phase micro extraction and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC/MS) was used to analyze the aroma compositions of two varieties of Yunnan teas by combining the relative odor activity value (ROAV) method with the relative odor activity value (ROAV) method. Headspace solid-phase micro extraction and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC/MS) was used to analyze the volatile constituents of the two varieties of tea from Yunnan by using the relative aroma activity value (ROAV) method. The results showed that a total of 152 volatile components were detected, with alcohols and esters as the main volatile components, and linalool, lauryl alcohol, nonanal, dihydrokiwifruit lactone, methyl linolenate and methyl palmitate as the main volatile components, and the results of ROAV showed that there were 19 main aroma-contributing volatile components during the processing of the two varieties, and the aroma compounds that were significantly (P

Abstract Background This study investigated the current status of the quality of life (QOL) of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) patients in Nanjing, China, and analyzed the influencing factors. Methods The survey was conducted among patients with DR-TB who were hospitalized in the tuberculosis department of the Second Hospital of Nanjing (Nanjing Public Health Medical Center) from July 2022 to May 2023. The Chinese version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire was used to investigate the QOL levels of patients with DR-TB, and a multiple linear regression model was used to analyze the QOL influencing factors. Results A total of 135 patients participated in the study; 69.6% were male, the average age was 46.30 ± 17.98 years, 13.33% had an education level of elementary school or below, and 75.56% were married. The QOL scores were 51.35 ± 17.24, 47.04 ± 20.28, 43.89 ± 17.96, and 35.00 ± 11.57 in the physiological, psychological, social, and environmental domains, respectively. The differences between the four domain scores and the Chinese normative results were statistically significant (P

Abstract Food‐derived peptides have garnered significant attention in research due to their multifaceted functionalities, abundant availability, efficient utilization of agricultural by‐products, and environmentally sustainable preparation methods. These peptides play a crucial role in human health, yet their precise mechanisms of action remain largely unexplored, posing challenges in their screening, preparation, and effective application utilizing protein‐based raw materials. This review offers an extensive examination of 19 types of bioactive peptides derived from food. The sources of food‐derived bioactive peptides are well concluded and the classifications are made according to their potential health benefit based on five primary systems: general bodily functions, the nervous system, the cardiovascular system, the metabolic system, and the immune system. This review specifically highlights the multifaceted impacts of tasty peptides on human health, extending beyond their gustatory effects. Furthermore, it explores the interplay between various functions of bioactive peptides, noting a progression from basic to advanced functionalities. Antioxidant activity and the modulation of key enzymes are identified as fundamental actions that are interconnected with other functional properties. This implies that a single bioactive peptide could exhibit multiple beneficial effects. The key role of antioxidant capabilities is underscored based on their broad influence and straightforward assessment. This comprehensive analysis aims to deepen the systematic understanding of the diverse benefits offered by various food‐derived peptides.

Abstract Background Patients with immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infection are challenging to be cured completely due to the existence of HIV-1 latency reservoirs. However, the knowledge of the mechanisms and biomarkers associated with HIV-1 latency is limited. Therefore, identifying proteins related to HIV-1 latency could provide new insights into the underlying mechanisms of HIV-1 latency, and ultimately contribute to the eradication of HIV reservoirs. Methods An Isobaric Tags for Relative and Absolute Quantification (iTRAQ)-labeled subcellular proteomic study was performed on an HIV-1 latently infected cell model (U1, a HIV-1-integrated U937 cell line) and its control (U937). Differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were analyzed using STRING-DB. Selected DEPs were further evaluated by western blotting and multiple reaction monitoring technology in both cell model and patient-derived cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4)+ T cells. Finally, we investigated the relationship between a specific DEP lysosome-associated membrane glycoprotein 2 (LAMP2) and HIV-1 reactivation by panobinostat or lysosome regulation by a lysosomotropic agent hydroxychloroquine in U1 and U937 cells. Results In total, 110 DEPs were identified in U1 cells comparing to U937 control cells. Bioinformatics analysis suggested associations of the altered proteins with the immune response and endosomal/lysosomal pathway. LAMP2, leukocyte surface antigen CD47, CD55, and ITGA6 were downregulated in HIV-1 latent cells. Downregulated LAMP2 was further confirmed in resting CD4+ T cells from patients with latent HIV-1 infection. Furthermore, both HIV-1 reactivation by panobinostat and stimulation with hydroxychloroquine upregulated LAMP2 expression. Conclusions Our results indicated the involvement of the endosomal/lysosomal pathway in HIV-1 latency in macrophage cell model. The down-modulation of LAMP2 was associated with HIV latency, and the restoration of LAMP2 expression accompanied the transition of viral latency to active infection. This study provides new insights into the mechanism of HIV-1 latency and potential strategies for eradicating HIV-1 reservoirs by targeting LAMP2 expression.

Abstract Microbes living inside or around sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) are crucial for their resistance to abiotic and biotic stress, growth, and development. Sequences of microbial genomes and genes are helpful to understand the function of these microbes. However, there is currently a lack of such knowledge in sugarcane. Here, we combined Nanopore and Illumina sequencing technologies to successfully construct the first high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) and gene catalogues of sugarcane culturable microbes (GCSCMs), which contained 175 species-level genome bins (SGBs), and 7,771,501 non-redundant genes. The SGBs included 79 novel culturable bacteria genomes, and 3 bacterial genomes with nitrogen-fixing gene clusters. Four single scaffold near-complete circular MAGs (cMAGs) with 0% contamination were obtained from Nanopore sequencing data. In conclusion, we have filled a research gap in the genomes and gene catalogues of culturable microbes of sugarcane, providing a vital data resource for further understanding the genetic basis and functions of these microbes. In addition, our methodology and results can provide guidance and reference for other plant microbial genome and gene catalogue studies.

Abstract Background Standardized corneal densitometry (CD) values in large samples of healthy Chinese individuals are scarce. Therefore, we aimed to determine the standard CD values using a Scheimpflug camera in healthy corneas, investigate the correlations of sex, age, and ocular parameters with corneal density, and explore the impact of corneal density on the forward scattering and optical quality of the eye. Methods This retrospective observational study involved 990 healthy Chinese individuals, including 494 males and 496 females (mean age: 23.88 ± 6.90 years). The CD values at various depths and radial areas of 0–12 mm were measured using a Scheimpflug camera. Densitometric measurements were expressed in standardized grayscale units (GSU). The optical scatter index (OSI), modulation transfer function cutoff values (MTFcutoff), and Strehl’s ratio (SR) were also determined using an optical quality analysis system. Results The average CD within a 12 mm diameter area was 16.26 ± 1.35 GSU. The highest and lowest optical densities at different depths were observed in the anterior (21.41 ± 2.16 GSU) and posterior (12.00 ± 1.01 GSU) layers, respectively (P 0.05). However, upon adjusting for age, central corneal thickness (CCT), corneal curvature, white-to-white (WTW) corneal diameter, and axial length, females exhibited a greater average CD within the 12 mm diameter and in the 6–10 mm and 10–12 mm circles than males. Age-related changes in CD were evident, except in the 2–6 mm circle. CCT, corneal curvature, WTW corneal diameter, and partial depth correlated with CD in the radial area, and CD in different areas correlated with the OSI, MTFcutoff, and SR (P

In this paper, AlSi7Mg-xSc modified alloys with different Sc contents were designed based on the thermodynamic calculation of the crack sensitivity factor and growth inhibition factor. The two new AlSi7Mg-xSc powders were fabricated by the selective laser melting (SLM) process. It was found that the addition of Sc was beneficial to the molten pool deoxidation during the SLM process, and effectively prevented the oxidation of Al alloy. At the same time, Sc2O3, Al2O3, and AlSc2Si2 played the role of hetero-nucleation to improve the strength and plasticity of AlSi7Mg-xSc. The maximum tensile strength and elongation of AlSi7Mg-xSc were 411 MPa and 9.45%, respectively, which provided new materials for the material database of the SLM process.

Hardness and Young's modulus are critical indicators in the design of innovative Cu–Ni–Sn–Al alloys with desired elastic and strength properties. In this study, the composition-dependent hardness and Young's modulus in the fcc Cu–Ni–Sn–Al alloys were determined using high-throughput experiments, the CALPHAD (CALculation of PHAse Diagrams) approach, and machine learning (ML) model. By combining the diffusion-couples tool, nanoindentation, and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) techniques, the 341 sets of composition-related hardness and Young's modulus in the fcc Cu–Ni–Sn–Al system, as well as its sub-binary and sub-ternary systems, were effectively determined. These measured data were subsequently utilized to establish the relationship of Young's modulus and hardness with respect to composition in the fcc Cu–Ni–Sn–Al system through the combined application of CALPHAD and back propagation (BP) artificial neural network machine learning models. A comparison between the two approaches revealed that the ML method achieves higher accuracy in ternary and quaternary alloys compared to the CALPHAD method. The impact of alloying elements on the values of hardness and Young's modulus was analyzed, demonstrating that the Ni content has the largest effect on hardness, while the Young's modulus increases with addition of Ni but decreases with the addition of Al and Sn. Finally, the effects of solute elements on the nanomechanical properties of aged Cu1-x(Ni3Sn)x and Cu–9Ni–6Sn-xAl alloys were examined.

Stem cell-based therapy has emerged as a promising approach for heart repair, potentially regenerating damaged heart tissue and improving outcomes for patients with heart disease. However, the efficacy of stem cell-based therapies remains limited by several challenges, including poor cell survival, low retention rates, poor integration, and limited functional outcomes. This article reviews current enhancement strategies to optimize mesenchymal stem cell therapy for cardiac repair. Key approaches include optimizing cell delivery methods, enhancing cell engraftment, promoting cell functions through genetic and molecular modifications, enhancing the paracrine effects of stem cells, and leveraging biomaterials and tissue engineering techniques. By focusing on these enhancement techniques, the paper highlights innovative approaches that can potentially transform stem cell therapy into a more viable and effective treatment option for cardiac repair. The ongoing research and technological advancements continue to push the boundaries, hoping to make stem cell therapy a mainstream treatment for heart disease.

The objectives of this research were to analyze anthocyanins in blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.), bilberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L), and cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.), using HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS2, Fourteen, fifteen, and eight anthocyanins were identified in blue honeysuckle, bilberry, and cranberry, respectively. Cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) and peonidin-3-glucoside were detected in all three types of berries, with blue honeysuckle showing the highest C3G content at 5686.28 mg/100 g DW. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC), along with ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays, were measured. Blue honeysuckle exhibited the highest levels of TPC and TFC. The SOD, POD, and CAT activities in blue honeysuckle were 1761.17 U/g, 45,525.65 U/g, and 1043.24 U/g, respectively, which were significantly superior to those in bilberry and cranberry. The antioxidant mechanisms of these enzymes were investigated by molecular docking, C3G showed a higher affinity for POD, confirming the effectiveness of C3G as an antioxidant.

Boron (B) is an essential micronutrient for plant growth and development; however, the process of B toxicity in citrus production is still poorly understood. We proposed a hypothesis that B toxicity in citrus trees is related to the characteristics of B transport from soil to leaf or fruit. For this, a field experiment was conducted for two treatments, control (B free or without B) and B fertilizer treatment (100 g Na2B4O7·10H2O plant−1), to investigate the effects on plant growth, nutrient uptake, fruit yield and quality, and B transport in 10-year-old pomelo trees [Citrus grandis (L.) Osbeck cv. Guanximiyou]. Our results showed that excess B fertilization directly led to B toxicity in pomelo trees by dramatically increasing soil total B and water-soluble B contents. B toxicity induced interveinal chlorosis in leaves and decreased leaf biomass and function, resulting in a decreased 45.3% fruit yield by reducing 30.6% fruit load and 21.4% single fruit weight. Also, B toxicity induced changes in mineral elements between leaf positions and fruit parts, in which the concentrations of B, potassium, and magnesium were increased while those of nitrogen and iron were decreased. Under B toxicity conditions, fruit quality parameters of total soluble solids (TSS), TSS/titratable acidity (TA), total soluble sugar, sucrose, pH, vitamin C, and total phenol contents decreased, which were regulated by the lower carbohydrate production in new leaves and the lower transport capacity in old leaves. Moreover, B toxicity significantly increased the transfer factor and bio-concentration factor of B in pomelo plants, with higher levels in leaf organs than in fruit organs. Taken together, excess B fertilization-induced B toxicity in pomelo trees, with induced growth inhibition and nutrient disorder, results in reduced fruit yield and quality, which are related to B transport from soil to organs. The findings of this study highlight the understanding of B toxicity in citrus plants and strengthen B management in pomelo production for high yield and high quality.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory vascular disease characterized by lipid metabolism disorder and lipid accumulation. Equisetin (EQST) is a hemiterpene compound isolated from fungus of marine sponge origin, which has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, lipid-lowering, and weight loss effects. Whether EQST has anti-atherosclerotic activity has not been reported. In this study, we revealed that EQST displayed anti- atherosclerosis effects through inhibiting macrophage inflammatory response, lipid uptake and foam cell formation in vitro, and finally ameliorated high-fat diet (HFD)-induced atherosclerosis in AopE-/- mice in vivo. Mechanistically, EQST directly bound to STAT3 with high-affinity by forming hydrophobic bonds at GLN247 and GLN326 residues, as well as hydrogen bonds at ARG325 and THR346 residues. EQST interacted with STAT3 physically, and functionally inhibited the transcription activity of STAT3, thereby regulating atherosclerosis. Therefore, these results supports EQST as a candidate for developing anti-atherosclerosis therapeutic agent.