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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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 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 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.

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.

Abstract Using computational tools, bulk transcriptomics can be deconvoluted to estimate the abundance of constituent cell types. However, existing deconvolution methods are conditioned on the assumption that the whole study population is served by a single reference panel, ignoring person-to-person heterogeneity. Here, we present imply, a novel algorithm to deconvolute cell type proportions using personalized reference panels. Simulation studies demonstrate reduced bias compared with existing methods. Real data analyses on longitudinal consortia show disparities in cell type proportions are associated with several disease phenotypes in Type 1 diabetes and Parkinson’s disease. imply is available through the R/Bioconductor package ISLET at https://bioconductor.org/packages/ISLET/ .

Abstract Prostate cancer is the most common cancer after non-melanoma skin cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in US men. Its incidence and mortality rates vary substantially across geographical regions and over time, with large disparities by race, geographic regions (i.e., Appalachia), among others. The widely used Cox proportional hazards model is usually not applicable in such scenarios owing to the violation of the proportional hazards assumption. In this paper, we fit Bayesian accelerated failure time models for the analysis of prostate cancer survival and take dependent spatial structures and temporal information into account by incorporating random effects with multivariate conditional autoregressive priors. In particular, we relax the proportional hazards assumption, consider flexible frailty structures in space and time, and also explore strategies for handling the temporal variable. The parameter estimation and inference are based on a Monte Carlo Markov chain technique under a Bayesian framework. The deviance information criterion is used to check goodness of fit and to select the best candidate model. Extensive simulations are performed to examine and compare the performances of models in different contexts. Finally, we illustrate our approach by using the 2004-2014 Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Registry data to explore spatial-temporal heterogeneity in overall survival and identify significant risk factors.

Abstract Although papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) has a good prognosis, its recurrence rate is high and remains a core concern in the clinic. Molecular factors contributing to different recurrence risks (RRs) remain poorly defined. Here, we perform an integrative proteogenomic and metabolomic characterization of 102 Chinese PTC patients with different RRs. Genomic profiling reveals that mutations in MUC16 and TERT promoter as well as multiple gene fusions like NCOA4-RET are enriched by the high RR. Integrative multi-omics analyses further describe the multi-dimensional characteristics of PTC, especially in metabolism pathways, and delineate dominated molecular patterns of different RRs. Moreover, the PTC patients are clustered into four subtypes (CS1: low RR and BRAF-like; CS2: high RR and metabolism type, worst prognosis; CS3: high RR and immune type, better prognosis; CS4: high RR and BRAF-like) based on the omics data. Notably, the subtypes display significant differences considering BRAF and TERT promoter mutations, metabolism and immune pathway profiles, epithelial cell compositions, and various clinical factors (especially RRs and prognosis) as well as druggable targets. This study can provide insights into the complex molecular characteristics of PTC recurrences and help promote early diagnosis and precision treatment of recurrent PTC.

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.

Monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T-cell lymphoma (MEITL), also known as type II enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma, is a rare malignant lymphoma of the extranodal lymphoid tissue derived from interepithelial T lymphocytes. MEITL is a primary intestinal T-cell lymphoma with a challenging diagnosis and aggressive progression, and it can invade other extraintestinal sites. In this study, we report four patients diagnosed with MEITL. All patients presented with abdominal pain, and one patient was admitted because of acute intestinal perforation. Two patients presented with unformed defecation and diarrhea. All patients carried the immunophenotypes CD3, CD7, CD8, CD20, and CD56, and the Ki-67 index ranged 60% to 90%. Three cases were analyzed using next-generation sequencing. One case displayed possibly relevant alterations of CREBBP, NOTCH2, SETD2, and STAT5B, and another case exhibited definite alteration of NOTCH1, possibly relevant alterations of CCND1 and DNMT3A, and potentially relevant alterations of HISTH3B, IGLL5, KMT2C, and KRAS. Different chemotherapy regimens were used, but the prognosis was poor. Hence, we illustrated that because of its low incidence, challenging diagnosis, and difficult treatment, further therapeutic improvements are urgently warranted.

In the university laboratory environment, it is not uncommon for individual laboratory personnel to be inadequately aware of laboratory safety standards and to fail to wear protective equipment (helmets, goggles, masks) in accordance with the prescribed norms. Manual inspection is costly and prone to leakage, and there is an urgent need to develop an efficient and intelligent detection technology. Video surveillance of laboratory protective equipment reveals that these items possess the characteristics of small targets. In light of this, a laboratory protective equipment recognition method based on the improved YOLOv7 algorithm is proposed. The Global Attention Mechanism (GAM) is introduced into the Efficient Layer Aggregation Network (ELAN) structure to construct an ELAN-G module that takes both global and local features into account. The Normalized Gaussian Wasserstein Distance (NWD) metric is introduced to replace the Complete Intersection over Union (CIoU), which improves the network's ability to detect small targets of protective equipment under experimental complex scenarios. In order to evaluate the robustness of the studied algorithm and to address the current lack of personal protective Equipment (PPE) datasets, a laboratory protective equipment dataset was constructed based on multidimensionality for the detection experiments of the algorithm. The experimental results demonstrated that the improved model achieved a mAP value of 84.2 %, representing a 2.3 % improvement compared to the original model, a 5 % improvement in the detection rate, and a 2 % improvement in the Micro-F1 score. In comparison to the prevailing algorithms, the accuracy of the studied algorithm has been markedly enhanced. The approach addresses the challenge of the challenging detection of small targets of protective equipment in complex scenarios in laboratories, and plays a pivotal role in perfecting laboratory safety management system.

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.

Abstract Reaumuria songarica, a drought‐resistant shrub, is widely distributed and plays a crucial role in the northern deserts of China. It is a key species for desert rehabilitation and afforestation efforts. Using the Maxent model to predict suitable planting areas for R. songarica is an important strategy for combating desertification. With 184 occurrence points of R. songarica and 13 environmental variables, the optimized Maxent model has identified the main limiting factors for its distribution. Distribution patterns and variation trends of R. songarica were projected for current and future climates (2030s, 2050s, 2070s, and 2090s) and different scenarios (ssp_126, ssp_370, and ssp_585). Results show that setting parameters to RM (regulation multiplier) = 4 and FC (feature combination) = LQHPT yields a model with good accuracy and high reliability. Currently, R. songarica is primarily suitable for desert control in eight provinces and autonomous regions, including Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, Qinghai, and Ningxia. The total suitable planting area is 148.80 × 104 km2, representing 15.45% of China's land area. Precipitation (Precipitation of the wettest month, Precipitation of the warmest quarter, and Annual precipitation) and Ultraviolet‐B seasonality are the primary environmental factors limiting the growth and distribution of R. songarica. Mean temperature of the warmest quarter is the primary factor driving changes in the distribution of suitable areas for R. songarica under future climate scenarios. In future climate scenarios, the suitable planting area of R. songarica will shrink, and the distribution center will shift towards higher latitude, potentially indicate further desertification. The area of highly suitable habitat has increased, while moderately and less suitable habitat areas have decreased. Increased precipitation within R. songarica's water tolerance range is favorable for its growth and reproduction. With changes in the suitable cultivation area for R. songarica, priority should be given to exploring and utilizing its germplasm resources. Introduction and cultivation can be conducted in expanding regions, while scientifically effective measures should be implemented to protect germplasm resources in contracting regions. The findings of this study provide a theoretical basis for addressing desertification resulting from climate change and offer practical insights for the development, utilization, introduction, and cultivation of R. songarica germplasm resources.

Background: Adverse effects of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have raised wide concerns. The association of PPIs with influenza is unexplored, while that with pneumonia or COVID-19 remains controversial. Our study aims to evaluate whether PPI use increases the risks of these respiratory infections. Methods: The current study included 160,923 eligible participants at baseline who completed questionnaires on medication use, which included PPI or histamine-2 receptor antagonist (H2RA), from the UK Biobank. Cox proportional hazards regression and propensity score-matching analyses were used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Comparisons with H2RA users were tested. PPI use was associated with increased risks of developing influenza (HR 1.32, 95% CI 1.12–1.56) and pneumonia (hazard ratio [HR] 1.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26–1.59). In contrast, the risk of COVID-19 infection was not significant with regular PPI use (HR 1.08, 95% CI 0.99–1.17), while the risks of severe COVID-19 (HR 1.19. 95% CI 1.11–1.27) and mortality (HR 1.37. 95% CI 1.29–1.46) were increased. However, when compared with H2RA users, PPI users were associated with a higher risk of influenza (HR 1.74, 95% CI 1.19–2.54), but the risks with pneumonia or COVID-19-related outcomes were not evident. Conclusions: PPI users are associated with increased risks of influenza, pneumonia, as well as COVID-19 severity and mortality compared to non-users, while the effects on pneumonia or COVID-19-related outcomes under PPI use were attenuated when compared to the use of H2RAs. Appropriate use of PPIs based on comprehensive evaluation is required. Funding: This work is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82171698, 82170561, 81300279, 81741067, 82100238), the Program for High-level Foreign Expert Introduction of China (G2022030047L), the Natural Science Foundation for Distinguished Young Scholars of Guangdong Province (2021B1515020003), the Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation (2022A1515012081), the Foreign Distinguished Teacher Program of Guangdong Science and Technology Department (KD0120220129), the Climbing Program of Introduced Talents and High-level Hospital Construction Project of Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (DFJH201923, DFJH201803, KJ012019099, KJ012021143, KY012021183), and in part by VA Clinical Merit and ASGE clinical research funds (FWL).

Abstract The binding of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) to the orphan nuclear receptor Nur77 facilitates the ubiquitination and degradation of Nur77, and leads to aberrant fatty acid uptake for breast cancer progression. Because of its crucial role in clinical prognosis, the interaction between Nur77 and PPARγ is an attractive target for anti‐breast‐cancer therapy. However, developing an inhibitor of the Nur77‐PPARγ interaction poses a technical challenge due to the absence of the crystal structure of PPARγ and its corresponding interactive model with Nur77. Here, ST‐CY14, a stapled peptide, is identified as a potent modulator of Nur77 with a KD value of 3.247 × 10−8 M by in silico analysis, rational design, and structural modification. ST‐CY14 effectively increases Nur77 protein levels by blocking the Nur77‐PPARγ interaction, thereby inhibiting lipid metabolism in breast tumor cells. Notably, ST‐CY14 significantly suppresses breast cancer growth and bone metastasis in mice. The findings demonstrate the feasibility of exploiting directly Nur77‐PPARγ interaction in breast cancer, and generate what to the best knowledge is the first direct inhibitor of the Nur77‐PPARγ interaction available for impeding fatty acid uptake and therapeutic development.

Using subterranean rock cores as samples, the impact of depletion exploitation and cyclic gas injection on the occurrence and dynamic utilization of condensate oil and the damage to reservoirs were studied. Initially, the internal pore structure of the rock core was analysed using computer tomography (CT), followed by depletion and cyclic gas injection experiments, with in-situ CT scanning of the samples. The results indicate that under different fracture apertures, condensate oil exhibits wave flow and slug flow states. The production effectiveness of cyclic gas injection is significantly superior to depletion exploitation production, with condensate oil saturation decreasing by over 30%. During cyclic gas injection, fractures serve as the main flow channels, with condensate oil being extracted first. In cyclic gas injection, the most significant effect is seen during the first injection, with a decrease in oil saturation of around 3%. Subsequent injections show decreases of approximately 1% and 0.5% in oil saturation respectively. As the gas injection volume increases, the extent of cumulative production rate improvement also gradually increases; however, once the injection volume reaches the reservoir pressure, the rate of cumulative production rate improvement will gradually decrease. These findings provide technical support for optimizing the development mode of condensate gas reservoirs, clarifying the seepage law of condensate oil and gas, and providing technical support for the efficient development of fractured condensate gas reservoirs.

Abstract Magnolol is a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound in many edible plants, which has various biological effects including anti-aging and alleviating neurodegenerative diseases. However, the underlying mechanism on longevity is uncertain. In this study, we investigated the effect of magnolol on the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans and explored the mechanism. The results showed that magnolol treatment significantly extended the lifespan of nematode and alleviated senescence-related decline in the nematode model. Meanwhile, magnolol enhanced stress resistance to heat shock, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), mercuric potassium chloride (MeHgCl) and paraquat (PQ) in nematode. In addition, magnolol reduced reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and increased superoxide dismutase and catalase (CAT) activities in nematodes. Magnolol also up-regulated gene expression of sod-3, hsp16.2, ctl-3, daf-16, skn-1, hsf-1, sir2.1, etc., down-regulated gene expression of daf-2, and promoted intranuclear translocation of daf-16 in nematodes. The lifespan-extending effect of magnolol were reversed in insulin/IGF signaling (IIS) pathway-related mutant lines, including daf-2, age-1, daf-16, skn-1, hsf-1 and sir-2.1, suggesting that IIS signaling is involved in the modulation of longevity by magnolol. Furthermore, magnolol improved the age-related neurodegeneration in PD and AD C. elegans models. These results indicate that magnolol may enhance lifespan and health span through IIS and sir-2.1 pathways. Thus, the current findings implicate magnolol as a potential candidate to ameliorate the symptoms of aging.

Drought is one of the abiotic stresses limiting the production of soybean (Glycine max). Elucidation of the genetic and molecular basis of the slow-wilting (SW) trait of this crop offers the prospect of its genetic improvement. A panel of 188 accessions and a set of recombinant inbred lines produced from a cross between cultivars Liaodou 14 and Liaodou 21 were used to identify quantitative-trait loci (QTL) associated with SW. Plants were genotyped by Specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing and seedling leaf wilting was assessed under three water-stress treatments. A genome-wide association study identified 26 SW-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including three located in a 248-kb linkage-disequilibrium (LD) block on chromosome 2. Linkage mapping revealed a major-effect QTL, qSW2, associated with all three treatments and adjacent to the LD block. Fine mapping in a BC2F3 population derived from a backcross between Liaodou 21 and R26 confined qSW2 to a 60-kb interval. Gene expression and sequence variation analysis identified the gene Glyma.02 g218100, encoding an auxin transcription factor, as a candidate gene for qSW2. Our results will contribute significantly to improving drought-resistant soybean cultivars by providing genetic information and resources.

Automated ventricular function analysis can enhance healthcare consistency and accessibility, particularly in resource-limited settings. Current segmentation methods trained on adult heart ultrasounds struggle to accurately outline the irregular shape of the left ventricle owing to their limited exploration of border features. HFE-Mamba is introduced for left ventricle segmentation with shape awareness in order to address the existing challenge. Therefore, this proposal introduces the High-Frequency Enhancement Block (HFEB), enhancing the high-frequency component of left ventricles, particularly the boundary area in pediatric echocardiograms. Moreover, this also facilitates the investigation of target boundary specifics while extracting features. The incorporation of newly suggested vision mamba layers into encoder and decoder branches enhances the model’s computational and memory efficiency while capturing global dependencies. Tests conducted on two publicly available datasets indicate the superior predictive accuracy of the HFE-Mamba model in identifying target shapes.

In addressing the Flexible Job Shop Scheduling Problem (FJSP), deep reinforcement learning eliminates the need for mathematical modeling of the problem, requiring only interaction with the real environment to learn effective strategies. Using disjunctive graphs as the state representation has proven to be a particularly effective method. Additionally, attention mechanisms enable rapid focus on relevant features. However, due to the unique structure of attention mechanisms, current methods fail to provide effective strategies after changes in scale. To resolve this issue, we propose an end-to-end deep reinforcement learning framework for the FJSP. Initially, we introduce a lightweight attention model, the Graph Gated Channel Transformation (GGCT), to identify the characteristics of the workpieces being scheduled at the current decision-making moment, while suppressing redundant features. Subsequently, to address the inability to provide effective strategies after changes in scale, we modify the expression of disjunctive graph features, channeling global features into different channels to capture relevant information at the current moment effectively. Comparative analysis on generated and classical datasets shows our model reduces the average makespan significantly, from 8.243% to 7.037% and from 10.08% to 8.69%, respectively.

The calculation and visualization of the dose field in the decommissioning of nuclear facilities is one of the important functions of the decommissioning virtual simulation system. The dose field simulation tools can provide radiation field distribution and play an important role in determining the decommissioning plan and protecting personnel during the engineering implementation process. This article investigates the development of dose field calculation and visualization in the reactor decommissioning virtual simulation systems. A preliminary technology plan suitable for the development of the decommissioning dose field calculation and visualization display programs of the first Heavy Water Research Reactor (HWRR) in China is proposed. The applicability of the selected scheme is analyzed. The functional requirement and development direction of the HWRR reactor decommissioning dose field tool are preliminarily determined. Furthermore, the reactor vessel of HWRR reactor is modeled, the dose field distribution is calculated and visualized based on the preliminary decommissioning code. This research can provide technical support for the development of the decommissioning simulation system for the first HWRR reactor in China.

Abstract Background In the post-pandemic era, a wide range of COVID-19 sequelae is of growing health concern. However, the risks of digestive diseases in long COVID have not been comprehensively understood. To investigate the long-term risk of digestive diseases among COVID patients. Methods In this large-scale retrospective cohort study with up to 2.6 years follow-up (median follow-up: 0.7 years), the COVID-19 group (n = 112,311), the contemporary comparison group (n = 359,671) and the historical comparison group (n = 370,979) predated the COVID-19 outbreak were built using UK Biobank database. Each digestive outcome was defined as the diagnosis 30 days or more after the onset of COVID-19 infection or the index date. Hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed utilizing the Cox regression models after inverse probability weighting. Results Compared with the contemporary comparison group, patients with previous COVID-19 infection had higher risks of digestive diseases, including gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction (HR 1.38 (95% CI 1.26 to 1.51)); peptic ulcer disease (HR 1.23 (1.00 to 1.52)); gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (HR 1.41 (1.30 to 1.53)); gallbladder disease (HR 1.21 (1.06 to 1.38)); severe liver disease (HR 1.35 (1.03 to 1.76)); non-alcoholic liver disease (HR 1.27 (1.09 to 1.47)); and pancreatic disease (HR 1.36 (1.11 to 1.66)). The risks of GERD were increased stepwise with the severity of the acute phase of COVID-19 infection. Even after 1-year follow-up, GERD (HR 1.64 (1.30 to 2.07)) and GI dysfunction (HR 1.35 (1.04 to 1.75)) continued to pose risks to COVID-19 patients. Compared to those with one SARS-CoV-2 infection, reinfected patients were at a higher risk of pancreatic diseases (HR 2.57 (1.23 to 5.38)). The results were consistent when the historical cohort was used as the comparison group. Conclusions Our study provides insights into the association between COVID-19 and the long-term risk of digestive system disorders. COVID-19 patients are at a higher risk of developing digestive diseases. The risks exhibited a stepwise escalation with the severity of COVID-19, were noted in cases of reinfection, and persisted even after 1-year follow-up. This highlights the need to understand the varying risks of digestive outcomes in COVID-19 patients over time, particularly those who experienced reinfection, and develop appropriate follow-up strategies.

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.

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.

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 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.

As ancient organisms, tree ferns play a crucial role as an evolutionary bridge between lower and higher plant species, providing various utilitarian benefits. However, they face challenges such as overexploitation, climate change, adverse environmental conditions, and insect pests, resulting in conservation concerns. In this study, we provide an overview of metabolic and transcriptomic resources of leaves in two typical tree ferns, A. spinulosa and A. metteniana, and explore the resistance genes for the first time. The landscape of metabolome showed that the compound skimmin may hold medicinal significance. A total of 111 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were detected, with pathway enrichment analysis highlighting 14 significantly enriched pathways, including 2-oxocarboxylic acid metabolism possibly associated with environmental adaptations. A total of 14,639 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found, among which 606 were resistance (R) genes. We identified BAM1 as a significantly differentially expressed R gene, which is one of the core genes within the R gene interaction network. Both the maximum-likelihood phylogenetic tree and the PPI network revealed a close relationship between BAM1, FLS2, and TMK. Moreover, BAM1 showed a significant positive correlation with neochlorogenic acid and kaempferol-7-O-glucoside. These metabolites, known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, likely play a crucial role in the defense response of tree ferns. This research provides valuable insights into the metabolic and transcriptomic differences between A. spinulosa and A. metteniana, enhancing our understanding of resistance genes in tree ferns.

The molecular pathology of lung injury in patients with Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) remain unclear. In this study, we performed a proteomic study of lung tissues from seven patients with COVID-19, and eight without. Lung parenchymal tissues with COVID-19 were obtained from autopsy samples, while control samples were obtained from paracancerous tissues. Proteins were extracted using phenol extraction. A tandem mass tag-based quantitative proteomic approach combined with bioinformatic analysis was used to detect proteomic changes in the SARS-CoV-2-infected lung tissues. A total of 6,602, and 6,549 proteins were identified in replicates 1 and 2, respectively. Of these, 307, and 278, respectively, were identified as differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). In total, 216 DEPs were identified in this study. These proteins were enriched in 189 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. The downregulated proteins are mainly involved in focal adhesion (n = 5), and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway (n = 4). The upregulated proteins were related to neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation (n = 16), and the phagosome pathway (n = 11). The upregulated proteins in these two pathways interact with one another. Further immunohistochemistry verified NET enrichment in the tissues with COVID-19 compared to the controls. Our results systematically outlined the proteomic profiles of the lung's response to SARS-CoV-2 infection and indicated that NET formation was hyper-activated. These results will hopefully provide new evidence for understanding the mechanism behind fatal COVID-19.

In compliance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, we conducted this systemic review on the prevalence, mechanism, and therapy of sleep disorder in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). After searching PubMed and Embase, 78 articles were selected for this review. This review discusses the bidirectional relationship between CVD and sleep disorders. Sleep impairment is highly prevalent in patients with CVD and mainly involves insomnia and sleep-breathing disorders. Several valuable biomarkers could be implicated in predicting sleep disorders in CVD patients, such as placental growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor family, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, endoglin, fms-like tyrosine kinase-1, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, erythropoietin. Moreover, non-drug therapies, namely physical exercise, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), and continuous positive airway pressure benefit the prognosis of patients with CVD. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of sleep quality, which is responsible for long- and short-term cardiac outcomes in patients with CVD.

High pressure technology has been utilized as an important means to regulate phase structure and improve the properties/performance of alloys. The CALPHAD approach based on accurate databases has great advantages in efficient alloy design. However, the application of CALPHAD in high pressure field is hindered by the lack of reliable thermodynamic model/database for multicomponent alloys under pressure. In this paper, a phenomenologically thermodynamic model for multicomponent alloys under pressure is first developed by separating the contribution into two parts, one is at atmosphere pressure and the other is caused by an increase in pressure, and then successfully applied to establish the pressure-dependent thermodynamic database of ternary Al–Si–Mg system. The calculated phase equilibria/thermodynamic properties of pressure dependence in related alloys are in good agreement with the limited experimental data in the literature, validating the reliability of the obtained thermodynamic database. After that, a CALPHAD design framework for pressurized solidified alloys is proposed by integrating the present pressure-dependent thermodynamic model/database, CALPHAD-type calculations/simulations, and previously developed high-throughput calculation platform Malac-Distmas. Such a framework is finally applied to predict the pressurized solidification and high pressure heat treatment behaviors in different Al–Si–Mg alloys. The predicted microstructure, phase transitions and phase equilibria after pressurized solidification and high pressure heat treatment are consistent with the experimental data. Furthermore, the insights into effect of pressure on the thermodynamic essence of alloys are gained, which may definitely facilitate the advancement of alloy design under high pressure technology.

ObjectiveAs a spectrum of neurodegenerative conditions, dementia presents a significant challenge to worldwide health. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is recognized as the intermediate stage between normal cognitive functioning and dementia. Studies highlight the significant impact of dietary patterns on the management of MCI and dementia. Currently, comprehensive research on dietary patterns specific to MCI and dementia is limited, but bibliometric analysis offers a method to pinpoint essential research directions.MethodsOn November 18, 2023, a search was conducted in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) for publications on diet and MCI/dementia. Tools such as Rstudio, CiteSpace, and VOSviewer were employed to create a knowledge atlas. This atlas analyzed collaborations, reference co-citations, keyword patterns, and emerging trends.ResultsThe search yielded 1,493 publications on diet and MCI/dementia, indicating a growing interest despite fluctuations. Contributions came from 70 countries/regions and 410 organizations across 456 journals. The USA and China led in publication numbers, with significant contributions from Columbia University and Harvard Medical School. Top authors include Scarmeas Nikolaos, Morris Martha Clare, and Samieri Cecilia. The Ketogenic, Mediterranean, and MIND diets emerged as key dietary patterns for cognitive decline prevention, highlighting the role of genetic factors, especially ApoE polymorphisms, in cognitive deterioration.ConclusionThis study provides core countries, institutions, and authors in the field, and points out the development directions in the field. Future research directions in dietary for MCI and dementia will focus on: (1) the potential effects of the KD in alleviating oxidative stress and modulating gut microbiota in neurodegenerative diseases; (2) how diet influences cognitive health through patterns of ApoE and protein expression; (3) investigating the interactions between gut microbiota and brain function, known as the “gut-brain axis.”

Purpose: To explore global/regional myocardial deformation across various layers, vascular distributions, specific levels and distinct walls in healthy individuals using cardiovascular magnetic resonance feature tracking (CMR-FT). Methods: We selected a cohort of 55 healthy participants and CMR cine images were used to obtain the left ventricular (LV) peak longitudinal, circumferential, radial strains (LS, CS, RS). The characteristics of normal LV strain in various layers (endocardium, myocardium, epicardium), territories [left anterior descending artery (LAD), left circumflex artery (LCX), and right coronary artery (RCA)], levels (basal, middle, apical) and walls (anterior, septum, inferior, lateral) were compared. Results: The absolute values of the LV global LS and CS gradually decreased from endocardium to epicardium. The absolute LV global RS (65.7 ± 47.7%) was maximum relative to LS (−22.0 ± 10.8%) and CS (−22.8 ± 7.7%). The absolute values of the LCX territorial strain were the largest compared with the LAD and RCA territorial strains. Regional RS, endo-CS and endo-LS gradually increased from the basal to the apical level. The LV lateral walls had the highest strain values (CS, LS, and RS). Conclusions: Variations in normal LV strain values across various layers, territories, levels, and walls were observed, suggesting the necessity for careful clinical interpretation of these strain values. These findings also partially revealed the complexity of normal cardiac mechanics.

IntroductionMyopia is causing a major public health concern, with its prevalence increasing globally. This study aimed to discuss posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens (pIOL) research publication trends and hotspots over the past 20 years.MethodsBibliometric analysis was performed using the Web Science Core Collection to investigate posterior-chamber pIOL research publication trends. The extracted records were analyzed, and a knowledge map was built using VOSviewer v.1.6.20. The analysis included visualizing the annual publication count, countries/regions distribution, international and institutional collaborations, author productivity, and journal contribution, in addition to identifying knowledge bases and hotspots. Burst keywords were extracted using CiteSpace v.6.1.R.ResultsIn total, 791 articles on posterior chamber pIOLs published between 2003 and 2023 were retrieved. China had the highest number of publications, whereas Japanese papers received the most citations. Fudan University had the highest number of publications, with articles from Kitasato University having the highest number of citations. Regarding individual research, Xingtao Zhou has published the most significant number of articles, and Shimizu Kimiya had the highest number of citations. The top productive/influential journal was ‘Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery’. The top cited references primarily focused on reporting the clinical outcomes of implantable collamer lens (ICL) for individuals with moderate to high myopia. The keywords primarily formed four clusters: posterior chamber pIOL clinical outcomes for myopic astigmatism correction, posterior chamber pIOL implantation complications, ICL size selection and postoperative vault predictions, and postoperative visual quality following posterior chamber pIOL implantation.ConclusionThis study presents the first bibliometric analysis of research trends in posterior chamber pIOL over the past two decades. We investigated the current state and emerging trends of global collaboration and research focal points in this field, offering fresh insights and guidance for researchers.

On September 18, 2020, a landslide occurred on the left bank of Tianbao Reservoir in Tianbao Village, Sihe Town, Jingning County, Pingliang City, Gansu Province. The landslide is 180 m long, 240 m wide, 48.5×104 m3 in volume, and 191° in main sliding direction, which is the revival of the old loess-mudstone landslide. Landslide destroys the excavated slope and highway subgrade, which seriously threatens the normal construction of Tianbao Reservoir. Through field investigation, geotechnical test and calculation, the geological conditions, basic characteristics and causes of landslide formation in Tianbao Reservoir were discussed, and the stability of landslide was analyzed by simplified Janbu method. The study found that the formation conditions of the landslide are mainly three aspects : the geological foundation of the old landslide, the excavation of the front edge of the slope, and the continuous heavy rainfall. That is, the old landslide is caused by the large-scale excavation of the slope toe and the heavy rainfall. The stability calculation results show that after excavating the slope toe, the stability coefficient is less than 0.98 under the rainstorm condition, which is in the unstable sliding state. After sliding, the stability coefficient of each working condition is less than 1.05, which is in the unstable-unstable state.

Abstract Aim To determine the effectiveness and safety of photoactivated chromophore-corneal cross-linking (PACK-CXL) adjuvant in infectious keratitis by April 5, 2022. Methods We searched randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing standard antibiotic treatment (SAT) plus PACK-CXL to SAT in infectious keratitis in Embase, MEDLINE with PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. We independently screened and extracted data using predesigned tables. Cochrane’s risk-of-bias tool was utilized to examine the quality of RCTs. A random-effects model was employed to determine the overall effect size of the meta-analyses. Grading of Recommendations, and Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) was also performed to examine the quality of evidence. Results Seven eligible RCTs with 283 patients were acquired. Adjuvant PACK-CXL reduced the time needed to perform corneal healing in fungal keratitis (− 1.33 months; 95% CI, − 1.83 to − 0.42, I 2 = 0%, P