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Aims: Recent research has suggested that microbial necromass has a disproportionate influence on soil organic C accumulation. But few field studies have followed the bacterial and fungal necromass changes during plant residue decomposition. How bacterial and fungal necromass drives soil C fractions; what role of soil C fractions play; and the critical factors which influence their formation have remained poorly understood. Methods: In a 512-days culture experiment with a perennial C3 herb (St.B, S. bungeana) we traced the formation of muramic acid (MurA) vs. Glucosamine (GluN), and investigated the relationships between MurA, GluN and soil C fractions. Results: The results showed that the bacteria community dominates the decomposition process due to soil pH (> 7) and microbial metabolic C-, P-limitations. The dynamics of bacterial necromass over the time-course of the experiment changed from fluctuating variations to a significant increase. This means that the bacterial necromass has been in a balance of accumulation and decomposition at early and middle periods. Significant accumulation only occurred in the later stages, which was attributed to the involvement of bacteria in more microbial necromass degradation. In this process, the entombing effect of bacterial necromass was more dramatic than their metabolic consumption. While in the case of microbial metabolism limitation, fungal necromass will lose its physicochemical protection of the mineral particles, and thus be degraded and utilized. The priming effecting caused by the one-time input of plant residues with high C/N ratios and soil mineralization resulted in the absence of SOC accumulation in the short term. Microorganisms regulate the turnover of POC, MAOC and MBC by microbial biomass and necromass. The utilization of soil C fractions is the direct cause of SOC decline, while the turnover of microbial necromass only plays an indirect role. Soil pH and microbial biomass stoichiometry as the critical factors in changes in bacterial and fungal necromass. Lower living microbial biomass production and the dynamics of microbial necromass indicate that microbial necromass is constantly broken down as an available C source. Conclusions: With the synergistic effect of soil C fractions, the production of microbial biomass and the degradation of cellular residues maintain microbial stoichiometric homeostasis. In addition to soil pH, microbial biomass stoichiometry co-determines microbial necromass formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Pembrolizumab plus cisplatin and fluorouracil demonstrated superior efficacy and comparable safety compared with fluorouracil and cisplatin (FP) as first-line treatment for locally advanced unresectable or metastatic carcinoma of the esophagus and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma in a phase III trial (KEYNOTE-590). This study evaluated the cost effectiveness of pembrolizumab plus FP versus FP and versus a blended chemotherapy comparator including FP, carboplatin plus paclitaxel, FOLFOX, FOLFIRI, docetaxel plus FP, trastuzumab plus FP, and trastuzumab plus FOLFOX from a US healthcare payer's perspective. Methods: A partitioned survival model was developed with three health states (progression-free, progressive disease, and death). Overall survival, progression-free survival, time on treatment, and adverse events were informed by patient-level data from KEYNOTE-590. The blended chemotherapy comparator reflected the current US treatment landscape and was assumed to have similar efficacy and safety as FP. Health utilities were estimated using linear mixed-effects models based on EQ-5D-5L data from the trial. Resource use and cost inputs (2020 US dollars) were based on US standard sources and literature. Costs, life-years, and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) discounted at 3.0% per year and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio were outcomes in the model. Sensitivity and scenario analyses were conducted to assess the robustness of base-case results. Results: Compared with FP, pembrolizumab plus FP produced a mean gain of 0.86 life-year and 0.77 QALY with additional costs of $112,630 over 37.6 years, yielding an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $147,097 per QALY. Results were similar when the intervention was pembrolizumab plus alternative chemotherapies or when blended chemotherapy became the comparator. Results were most sensitive to different overall survival extrapolation approaches. Conclusions: Our analysis suggests that pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy extended life-years and QALYs and is cost effective compared with chemotherapy alone as a first-line treatment for advanced esophageal cancer in the USA given a willingness-to-pay threshold of $150,000 per QALY. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: An ideal catalyst material in the air electrode can reduce the over‐potentials and obtain an excellent electrochemical performance for lithium‐oxygen batteries. In this paper, Ag modified NixAlyMnzO2 polynary metal oxides (Ag@NAM) is synthesized by a facile precipitation method and as a bifunctional catalyst for high performance air electrode of lithium‐oxygen batteries. X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectrum test results show that the Ag@NAM catalyst has high crystallinity, which can prevent the lattice distortion caused by manganese dissolution and Ag staying on the surface can change the bond energy in order to supply some special catalytic effects. Through scanning electron microscope observation, Ag@NAM with the proportion of Ag and NixAlyMnzO2 polynary metal oxides to 8.5:1.5 has regular block morphology and uniform grain size. When an air electrode catalyst for lithium‐oxygen batteries, Ag@NAM can provide a large electrochemical reaction space along with enough oxygen atoms and lithium ions for electrocatalytic and electrochemical reactions. Specific discharge capacities can achieve to 6834.83, 6477.07, and 4357.14 mAh g−1 at 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mA cm−2 current densities, respectively. In addition, this air electrode can carry out stable 28‐time charge and discharge cycles. Hence, we feel that Ag@NAM catalyst can play an ideal bifunctional catalytic role and effectively reduce the polarization resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A S135 drill pipe experienced severe corrosion failure only after several cycles in a well. In this paper, a series of experiments were conducted to analyze the causes of corrosion failure of drill pipe, including nondestructive testing, chemical and physical properties, macroscopic and microscopic analysis, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The results showed that the corrosion failure of the external thread joint and pipe body of the S135 drill pipe belonged to oxygen corrosion, and a large amount of Cl− in the environmental medium accelerates the corrosion. The external threaded joint of the drill pipe was more severely corroded than pipe body due to the following two reasons. Firstly, vortexing flow was easy to form at the drill pipe joints with single shoulder threads. Secondly, the drill pipe external thread joint had 3.0-grade banded structure segregation, forming a local small electrode potential difference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Here we report the prevalence of the suppressed vanM gene cluster as a reservoir of vancomycin resistance genes. Among 1284 clinical isolates of enterococci from four hospitals in Hangzhou, China, 55 isolates of Enterococcus faecium and one isolate of Enterococcus faecalis were screened positive for the vanM genotype. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that 55 of the 56 vanM -positive isolates were susceptible to vancomycin and teicoplanin. Most of them (54/56) belonged to the main epidemic lineage CC17, mostly the ST78 type. The vanM gene clusters in the 55 vancomycin-susceptible isolates showed sequence diversity owing to different insertion locations of IS 1216E. The vanM transposons could be classified into five types and they all carried two or more IS 1216E elements, leading to complete or partial deletions of vanR , vanS , or vanX. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction showed that the expression level of vanM was significantly lower in the vancomycin-susceptible isolates than in the vancomycin-resistant isolate. Considering the prevalence of the vanM genotype and the potential for conversion to a resistant phenotype, vanM might act as an important determinant of glycopeptide resistance in the future. It is essential to strengthen the surveillance of vanM -containing enterococci to control the dissemination of vancomycin resistance. Highlights • The vanM genotype was present at a high rate (4.36%) in clinical enterococci, mostly with silent resistant phenotype. • The suppressed vanM gene clusters were diversity, having defects in vanRS , vanX or vanH caused by IS 1216E. • Considering the potential for resistance development, vanM might act as an important glycopeptide resistant gene in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomass-derived carbon (BDCs) materials are receiving extensive attention as electrode materials for energy storage because of the considerable economic value offering possibility for practical applications, but the electrochemical capacitance of BDCs are usually relatively low resulted from limited electric double layer capacitance. Herein, an oxygen-rich porous carbon (KMAC) was fabricated through a rapid and convenient microwave assisted carbonization and KOH activation of camellia oleifera shell. The obtained KMAC possesses three-dimensional porous architecture, large surface area (1229 m 2 /g) and rich oxygen functionalities (C/O ratio of 1.66). As the electrode materials for supercapacitor, KMAC exhibits superior supercapacitive performances as compared to the activated carbon (KAC) derived from direct carbonization/KOH activation method in 2.0 M H 2 SO 4 (315 F/g vs. 202 F/g) and 6.0 M KOH (251 F/g vs. 214 F/g) electrolyte due to the rich oxygen-containing functional groups on the surface of porous carbon resulted from the developed microwave-assisted carbonization/activation approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Biomass‐derived porous carbon with abundant electro‐active oxygen functionalities was prepared by controlled pyrolysis and KOH activation of phoenix seeds, in which KOH not only acts as activation reagent constructing porous structure, but also serves as adjustor tuning the C/O ratio of the final carbon products. The obtained porous activated carbon nanosheet (PACN) possesses nanosheet morphology with nanoporous structure, large surface area (1166 m2/g) and high oxygen content of 10.2 at. %. As electrode for supercapacitor in 2.0 M H2SO4 electrolyte, the PACN achieves a high capacitance of 376 F/g at current density of 0.5 A/g, good rate capability (230 F/g at 20.0 A/g) and an excellent cycling stability with 99% capacitance retention over 10000 cycles, which can be attributed to the large surface area and rich electro‐active oxygenic functionalities. The symmetric supercapacitor with PACN exhibits a superior energy density of 5.9 Wh/kg at 3.5 kW/kg. The present work highlights the controlled pyrolysis and KOH activation strategy as a facile approach to utilize a potential biomass resource for low‐cost and high‐performance electrochemical capacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: KIAA1199 was upregulated in diverse cancers, but the association of KIAA1199 with gastric cancer (GC), the biological role of KIAA1199 in GC cells and the related molecular mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Methods: KIAA1199 expression was analysed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) in GC patient tissue. The small hairpin RNA (shRNA) was applied for the knockdown of endogenous KIAA1199 in NCI-N87 and AGS cells. MTT, colony formation, scratch wounding migration, transwell chamber migration and invasion assays were employed respectively to investigate the role of KIAA1199 in GC cells. The potential signaling pathway of KIAA1199 induced migration and invasion was detected. Results: KIAA1199 was upregulated in GC tissue and was an essential independent marker for poor prognosis. Knockdown KIAA1199 suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion in GC cells. KIAA1199 stimulated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and the enzymatic activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family members and thus accelerated the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) progression in GC cells. Conclusion: These findings demonstrated that KIAA1199 was upregulated in GC tissue and associated with worse clinical outcomes in GC, and KIAA1199 acted as an oncogene by promoting migration and invasion through the enhancement of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and MMPs mediated EMT progression in GC cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare image quality and diagnostic accuracy of arterial stenosis in low‐dose lower‐extremity CT angiography (CTA) between adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction‐V (ASIR‐V) and deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) algorithms. Methods: 46 patients undergoing low‐dose lower‐extremity CTA were enrolled. Images were reconstructed using ASIR‐V (blending factor of 50% (AV‐50) and 100% (AV‐100)) and DLIR (medium (DL‐M), and high (DL‐H)). CT values and standard deviation of the aorta, psoas, popliteal artery, popliteal and ankle muscles were measured. The edge‐rise distance and edge‐rise slope were calculated. The degrees of granularity and edge blurring were assessed using a 5‐point scale. The stenosis degrees were measured on the four reconstructions, and their mean square errors against that of digital subtraction angiography were calculated and compared. Results: For both ASIR‐V and DLIR, higher reconstruction intensity generated lower noise and higher signal‐to‐noise ratio and contrast‐to‐noise ratio values. The standard deviation values in AV‐100 images were significantly lower than other reconstructions. The two DLIR image groups had higher edge‐rise slope and lower edge‐rise distance (DL‐M:1.79 ± 0.37 mm and DL‐H:1.82 ± 0.38 mm vs AV‐50:1.96 ± 0.39 mm and AV‐100:2.01 ± 0.36 mm, p = 0.014) than ASIR‐V images. The overall image quality of DLIR was rated higher than ASIR‐V (DL‐M:0.83 ± 0.61, DL‐H:0.41 ± 0.62, AV‐50:1.85 ± 0.60 and AV‐100:2.37 ± 0.77, p < 0.001), with DL‐H having the highest overall image quality score. For stenosis measurement, DL‐H had the lowest mean‐square‐errors compared to digital subtraction angiography among all reconstruction groups. Conclusion: DLIR images had higher image quality ratings with lower image noise and sharper vessel walls in low‐dose lower‐extremity CTA, and DL‐H provides the best overall image quality and highest accuracy in diagnosing artery stenoses. Advances in knowledge: DLIR provides high‐quality images with sharper edges compared to ASIR‐V during low‐dose CTA of lower extremity arteries, and DLIR (high) provides the best overall image quality and highest accuracy in diagnosing artery stenoses among all reconstruction algorithms (ASIR‐V and DLIR). ASIR‐V with blending factor of 100% has the strongest noise reduction ability among all reconstruction algorithms (ASIR‐V and DLIR); however, it generates the most blurred images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate image quality and diagnostic confidence improvement using a thin slice and a deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) in contrast-enhanced abdominal CT. Methods: Forty patients with hepatic lesions in enhanced abdominal CT were retrospectively analyzed. Images in the portal phase were reconstructed at 5 mm and 1.25 mm slice thickness using the 50% adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR-V) (ASIR-V50%) and at 1.25 mm using DLIR at medium (DLIR-M) and high (DLIR-H) settings. CT number and standard deviation of the hepatic parenchyma, spleen, portal vein, and subcutaneous fat were measured, and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) was calculated. Edge-rise-slope (ERS) was measured on the portal vein to reflect spatial resolution and the CT number skewness on liver parenchyma was calculated to reflect image texture. Two radiologists blindly assessed the overall image quality including subjective noise, image contrast, visibility of small structures using a 5-point scale, and object sharpness and lesion contour using a 4-point scale. Results: For the 1.25-mm images, DLIR significantly reduced image noise, improved CNR and overall subjective image quality compared to ASIR-V50%. Compared to the 5-mm ASIR-V50% images, DLIR images had significantly higher scores in the visibility and contour for small structures and lesions; as well as significantly higher ERS and lower CT number skewness. At a quarter of the signal strength, the 1.25-mm DLIR-H images had a similar subjective noise score as the 5-mm ASIR-V50% images. Conclusion: DLIR significantly reduces image noise and maintains a more natural image texture; image spatial resolution and diagnostic confidence can be improved using thin slice images and DLIR in abdominal CT. Key Points: • DLIR further reduces image noise compared with ASIR-V while maintaining favorable image texture. • In abdominal CT, thinner slice images improve image spatial resolution and small object visualization but suffer from higher image noise. • Thinner slice images combined with DLIR in abdominal CT significantly suppress image noise for detecting low-density lesions while significantly improving image spatial resolution and overall image quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a case of necrotizing pneumonia in a young patient caused by community acquired-methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) in a teaching hospital in the People’s Republic of China. The patient had a typical clinical presentation and was successfully treated with antibiotics and intravenous immunoglobulin. A CA-MRSA strain, named SA268, was isolated from the blood of the patient. The isolate was susceptible to most antimicrobial agents, except cephalosporins, penicillins, and β-lactamase inhibitor combinations. Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) assigned SA268 to ST59, a clone widely spread in eastern Asia. The strain was positive for Panton Valentine Leukocidin (PVL)-encoding genes and SCCmec type V. We sequenced the complete genome of the SA268 isolate. The genome of SA268 was almost identical to that of the Taiwanese ST59 CA-MRSA strains M013 and SA957. However, we observed several differences in gene composition, which included differences in the SCCmec element and several lipoprotein genes that were present in the Taiwanese strains but absent from SA268. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Increasing evidence has shown that necroptosis has enormous significance in the generation and deterioration of cancer, and miRNA molecular markers involved in necroptosis in low-grade gliomas (LGGs) have not been thoroughly reported. Methods. Using the miRNA data of 512 samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), 689 miRNAs from LGG samples were split into high immunity score and low immunity score groups for analysis. The differential miRNAs related to necroptosis were analyzed by univariate Cox regression analysis. On the basis of the outcome of univariate Cox regression analysis, miRNAs with significant differences were selected to construct a multivariate Cox regression model and calculate the risk score. Then, we evaluated whether the risk score could be used as an unaided prognostic factor. Results. Overall, six differential miRNAs were identified (hsa-miR-148a-3p, hsa-miR-141-3p, hsa-miR-223-3p, hsa-miR-7-5p, hsa-miR-500a-3p, and hsa-miR-200a-5p). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed, and the c index was 0.71. Then, by mixing the risk score with clinicopathological factors, univariate Cox regression (HR: 2.7146, 95% CI: 1.8402−4.0044, P < 0.0001) and multivariate Cox regression analyses (HR: 2.3280, 95% CI: 1.5692−3.4536, P < 0.001) were performed. The data suggested that the risk score is an unaided prognostic indicator, which is markedly related with the overall survival time of LGG sufferers. Thus, a lower risk score is correlated with better prediction of LGG. Conclusion. In order to achieve the ultimate goal of improving the living conditions of patients, we established prognostic risk model using 6 miRNAs related to necroptosis, which has the ability to predict the prognosis of LGG. It is possible to further enrich the therapeutic targets for LGG and provide clinical guidance for the treatment of LGG in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To evaluate the clinical value of using a split-bolus contrast injection protocol in improving image quality consistency and diagnostic accuracy in lower extremity CT angiography (CTA). Methods Fifty (mean age, 66 ± 12 years) and 39 (mean age, 66 ± 11 years) patients underwent CTA in the lower extremity arteries using split-bolus and fixed-bolus injection schemes, respectively. The objective and subjective image quality of the 2 groups were compared and the diagnostic efficacy for the degree of vessel stenosis was compared using digital subtraction angiography as the gold standard. A P  <  .05 was considered statistically significant. Results In comparison with the fixed-bolus scheme, the split-bolus scheme greatly improved the consistency of image quality of the low extremities by significantly increasing the arterial enhancement (337.87 ± 64.67HU vs. 254.74 ± 71.58HU, P  <  .001), signal-to-noise ratio (22.58 ± 11.64 vs. 7.14 ± 1.98, P  <  .001), and contrast-to-noise ratio (37.21 ± 10.46 vs. 31.10 ± 15.40, P  =  .041) in the infrapopliteal segment. The subjective image quality was better (P  <  .001) and the diagnostic accuracy was higher in the split-bolus group than in the fixed-bolus group (96.00% vs. 91.67%, P  <  .05, for diagnosing >50% stenosis, and 97.00% vs. 89.10%, P  <  .05, for diagnosing occlusion) for the infrapopliteal segment arteries. Conclusions Compared with the fixed-bolus injection scheme, the split-bolus injection scheme improves the image quality consistency and diagnostic accuracy especially for the infrapopliteal segment arteries in lower extremity CTA. Advances in knowledge (1) The split-bolus injection scheme of CTA of the lower extremity arteries improves the overall image quality, uniformity of contrast enhancement. (2) Compared with the fixed-bolus injection scheme, the split-bolus injection scheme especially improves the infrapopliteal segment arteries image quality and diagnostic efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Tix+ in-situ intercalation strategy via titanium foil/vanadium ion solution interface for long cycle LSB. • Inserted Tix+ can strengthen interlayer interaction so as to enhance lithium-ion mobility rate. • Mixed valence of V5+/V4+ reduces the stress and strain of lithium-ion intercalation. • Ti-VO 2.375 /S cathode delivers lower capacity decay with a stable coulombic efficiency. Lithium sulfur battery (LSB) has great potential as a promising next-generation energy storage system owing to ultra-high theoretical specific capacity and energy density. However, the polysulfide shuttle effect and slow redox kinetics are recognized the most stumbling blocks on the way of commercializing LSB. On this account, for the first time, we use Tix+ in-situ intercalation strategy via titanium foil/vanadium ion (V5+) solution interface to modify the layer of vanadium oxide for long cycle LSB. The inserted Tix+ strengthens interlayer interaction and enhances lithium-ion mobility rate. Meanwhile, based on density functional theory (DFT) calculation, the mixed valence of V5+/V4+ in the vanadium oxide structure reduces the stress and strain of lithium-ion intercalation through the interlayer support of titanium ions (Tix+). Also, Tix+ refines the structural stability of the sulfur wrapped composite matrix so as to facilitate the LiPSs transformation, and improve the electrochemical performances. Consequently, the Ti-VO 2.375 /S cathode delivers a lower capacity decay of 0.037 % per cycle over 1500 cycles with a stable coulombic efficiency around 100 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Interface engineering is used to boost the ORR activity of the SOFC cathode. • NBSC/GDC hetero-interfaces were constructed by in situ self-assembly. • NBSC/GDC hetero-interfaces facilitate the charge transfer and oxygen ion transport. • NBSC-10GDC exhibits an impressive MPD value of 1.36 W cm−2 at 750 °C. The development of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) faces impediments in terms of challenges associated with oxygen reduction activity and CO 2 durability. Therefore, a series of novel composite cathode materials, consisting of NdBa 0.5 Sr 0.5 Co 2 O 5+ δ (NBSC) and Gd 0.1 Ce 0.9 O 2- δ (GDC), were designed and synthesized using a one-pot strategy through a self-assembly process. The incorporation of GDC leads to a significant increase in the number of active sites. Furthermore, it alters the anisotropic transport properties of oxygen ions within layered double perovskite materials, consequently creating a three-dimensional conduit for O2– transportation. Simultaneously, the in-situ formation of closely intertwined heterogeneous interfaces between NBSC and GDC particles can facilitate the charge transfer processes and oxygen ion transport, thereby improving the kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The NBSC-10GDC cathode, prepared through the one-pot method, exhibits reduced polarization resistances and enhanced CO 2 tolerance in comparison to the mechanically mixed cathode. At 750 °C, the one-pot NBSC-10GDC exhibits a low area-specific resistance (ASR) of 0.029 Ω cm2, which is 69.8% lower than the ASR of single-phase NBSC and 42.0% lower than mechanically mixed NBSC-10GDC. Additionally, the one-pot NBSC-10GDC demonstrates a remarkable maximum power density (MPD) of 1.36 W cm−2 at 750 °C. These findings highlight the considerable potential of the one-pot NBSC-10GDC as a promising material for SOFC cathode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tubing used in a gas well rarely collapses and fails during applying annulus pressure. In this study, the failure causes of tubing collapse were analyzed by means of data verification, macroscopic observation, magnetic particle inspection, physical and chemical inspection, optical microscopy, and tubing collapse test. Mechanical analysis of the string and full-scale physical simulation test simulating downhole working conditions. Finally, the verification analysis of the collapse test is carried out by the finite element analysis (FEA). The results showed that (1) the physical dimension, physical and chemical properties, and collapse resistance of this batch of tubing met the requirements of the tubing ordering technical standard. (2) Assuming that the well packer slip was unsealed and could slide freely, the mechanical theoretical analysis of collapsed tubing string and collapse test under simulated working condition load was carried out, which reproduced the load when the tubing collapsed. It can be seen from this that the packer did fail. (3) The FEA calculation results showed that when the external pressure was greater than 30.75 MPa, it would inevitably lead to collapse failure in case of packer unsealed. In conclusion, the root cause for the collapse failure of the 105th underground tubing string was that the packer lost its sealing function, resulting in an abnormal axial load. While under the action of external pressure, the tubing was overloaded and collapsed. It is recommended to carry out verification tests on the material performance of packer slip, the dimensional changes of packer tool outer diameter and inner diameter under actual well conditions, the creep behavior of packer seal, and the performance of shear pin under actual working conditions, especially in the well containing H2S, so as to prevent the pressure leakage of gas well annulus caused by packer unsealing and the reoccurrence of such downhole string collapse accidents. The first collapse test under simulated working condition load is conducted in this paper. Analyzing the collapse failure work and putting forward suggestions to effectively prevent similar failures from happening again are of great significance to the oilfield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to explore the epidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) in eastern China. Therefore, 287 primary CRC patients and 287 age-matched healthy control subjects were recruited to estimate the seroprevalence of T. gondii and identify the risk factors of infection. Enzyme-linked immunoassays were used to test for anti-T. gondii immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM antibodies. Forty-six (16%) samples were positive for anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies in patients with CRC, compared with 26 (9.1%) in the healthy controls, a significant difference (P = 0.007). By contrast, eight (2.8%) patients tested positive for T. gondii IgM antibodies, compared with three (1.1%) in the controls, a difference that was not significant (P = 0.13). Multivariable backward stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed that a rural residence (OR 2.83; 95% CI 1.15–7.01; P = 0.024) and treatment with chemotherapy (OR 2.16; 95% CI 1.02–4.57; P = 0.045) were risk factors for T. gondii infection in patients with CRC. Thus, T. gondii infection is serious in patients with CRC, and a rural residence and treatment with chemotherapy are independent risk factors for infection by this parasite. Therefore, medical professionals should be aware of this pathogen in patients with CRC, and the causes of T. gondii infection in these patients need to be explored further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have attracted great attention due to their unique physical and chemical properties derived from the dimensionality effect and modulation in their band structure. Herein, an important industrial catalytic material, gamma alumina (γ-Al 2 O 3 ) with well-defined two-dimensional nanosheet structure was fabricated by a designed crown ether induced assembly approach. The obtained γ-Al 2 O 3 nanosheets with a thickness of ∼4 nm possess high surface area (351 m 2 /g) and 16% pentacoordinate Al 3+ sites which are the main catalytic active sites for ethanol dehydration to ethylene, compared to almost no pentacoordinate Al 3+ sites for the commercial γ-Al 2 O 3 nanoparticles. Furtherly, systematical investigation reveals that the crown ether plays the key role in the assembly of nanosheet structure. As a catalyst for ethanol dehydration to ethylene, the obtained alumina nanosheets with easily-accessible surface and more active sites, exhibit a superior catalytic performance to the commercial alumina with a much higher yield at large space velocity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A set of identical Co3O4 nanosheets with different oxygen vacancy amounts are rationally designed by varied reduction treatments and comparison of their properties. Remarkably, the oxygen-vacancy-rich Co3O4 nanosheets (OVR-Co3O4 NSs) exhibit excellent electrochemical performance for their potential use as a promising candidate for the next generation of supercapacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (PCK1) is the rate-limiting enzyme in gluconeogenesis. PCK1 is considered an anti-oncogene in several human cancers. In this study, we aimed to determine the functions of PCK1 in colorectal cancer (CRC). PCK1 expression in CRC tissues was tested by western blot and immunohistochemistry analyses and associations of PCK1 level with clinicopathological characteristics and disease survival evaluated. Further, we studied the effect of PCK1 on CRC cell proliferation and the underlying mechanisms. Our results show that PCK1 is expressed at significantly lower levels in CRC than in control tissues. High PCK1 expression was correlated with smaller tumor diameter and less bowel wall invasion (T stage). Overexpression and knockdown experiments demonstrated that PCK1 inhibits CRC cell growth both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, PCK1 antagonizes CRC growth via inactivating UBAP2L phosphorylation at serine 454 and enhancing autophagy. Overall, our findings reveal a novel molecular mechanism involving PCK1 and autophagy, and highlight PCK1 as a promising candidate therapeutic target in CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Plant cuticular wax accumulation limits nonstomatal transpiration and is regulated by external environmental stresses. DEWAX (DECREASE WAX BIOSYNTHESIS) plays a vital role in diurnal wax biosynthesis. However, how DEWAX expression is controlled and the molecular mechanism of wax biosynthesis regulated by the diurnal cycle remains largely unknown. Here, we identified two Arabidopsis MYB‐SHAQKYF transcription factors, MYS1 and MYS2, as new regulators in wax biosynthesis and drought tolerance.Mutations of both MYS1 and MYS2 caused significantly reduced leaf wax, whereas overexpression of MYS1 or MYS2 increased leaf wax biosynthesis and enhanced drought tolerance. Our results demonstrated that MYS1 and MYS2 act as transcription repressors and directly suppress DEWAX expression via ethylene response factor‐associated amphiphilic repression motifs.Genetic interaction analysis with DEWAX, SPL9 (SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN‐LIKE 9), and CER1 (ECERIFERUM 1) in wax biosynthesis and under drought stresses demonstrated that MYS1 and MYS2 act upstream of the DEWAX‐SPL9 module, thus regulating CER1 expression. Expression analysis suggested that the diurnal expression pattern of DEWAX is partly regulated by MYS1 and MYS2.Our findings demonstrate the roles of two unidentified transcription repressors, MYS1 and MYS2, in wax biosynthesis and provide insights into the mechanism of diurnal cycle‐regulated wax biosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternate-day fasting (ADF) has been reported to reduce body weight, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress damage. However, it is not known whether ADF affects obesity-induced anxiety-like behavior. Here, male C57BL/6 mice were given an alternate fasting and high-fat diet (HFD) or standard chow diet (SD) every other day for 16 or 5 weeks. After the intervention, the degree of anxiety of the mice was evaluated by the open field test (OFT) and the elevated plus maze (EPM) test. Pathological changes in the hippocampus, the expression of Sirt1 and its downstream protein monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) in the hippocampus, and the expression of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were detected. Compared with HFD-fed mice, HFD-fed mice subjected to ADF for 16 weeks had a lower body weight but more brown adipose tissue (BAT), less anxiety behavior, and less pathological damage in the hippocampus, and lower expression of Sirt1 and MAO-A protein and higher 5-HT levels in the hippocampus could be observed. In addition, we noted that long-term ADF intervention could cause anxiety-like behavior in SD mice. Next, we changed the intervention time to 5 weeks. The results showed that short-term ADF intervention could reduce the body weight and increase the BAT mass of SD mice, but it did not affect anxiety. These results indicated that long-term ADF ameliorated obesity-induced anxiety-like behavior and hippocampal damage, but caused anxiety in normal-weight mice. Short-term ADF did not produce adverse emotional reactions in normal-weight mice. Here, we might provide new ideas for the treatment of obesity-induced anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tribendimidine is a new anthelmintic agent synthesized by Chinese scientists. It is a broad spectrum agent with high activity against parasites. However, its disposition and metabolism remain unknown. Objective: To investigate the metabolism, disposition, and metabolites of tribendimidine in healthy human volunteers. Methods: Twelve healthy Chinese volunteers were chosen after clinical assessment of health status and laboratory tests. They received single oral doses of tribendimidine 400mg enteric-coated tablets. Blood and urine samples were collected at scheduled timepoints. Samples were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometric (LC-MS) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods, respectively. Results: Tribendimidine was rapidly and completely broken down to p-(1-dimethylamino ethylimino) aniline (dADT) and terephthalaldehyde (TPAL). Furthermore, dADT was partially transformed to acetylated dADT, and TPAL completely transformed to terephalic acid (TPAC). The main pharmacokinetic parameters (± SD) of dADT were as follows: elimination half life (t½) 4.74 ± 1.80 h; elimination rate constant (Ke) 0.16 ± 0.06 h-1; apparent volume of distribution (Vd/F) 12.23 ± 8.69L · kg-1; apparent total clearance of the drug from plasma (CL/F) 1.63 ± 0.58L · h-1 kg-1; area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) from time 0 to time 24 hours (AUC24) 4.29 ± 1.88 µg · mL-1 · h; AUC from time zero to infinity (AUC∞) 4.45 ± 1.81 µg · mL-1 h; maximum plasma drug concentration (Cmax) 0.64 ± 0.27 µg · mL-1; and time to Cmax (tmax) 4.20 ± 0.71 h. A total of 35.28% dADT and 28.50% TPAC were excreted through the urine within 24 hours after tribendimidine administration. Conclusion: These results reveal the disposition, metabolism, and main metabolites of tribendimidine in healthy Chinese volunteers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel Co 3 O 4 @Fe 2 O 3 composite with nanosheet morphology can improve the electron transfer in the catalytic process. • The electronic interaction between Co 3 O 4 and Fe 2 O 3 in the heterostructure region can obtain the more catalytic active site. • The Co 3 O 4 @Fe 2 O 3 composite produces better ORR/OER bifunctional catalytic activity and fast charge transfer. • The interface between Co 3 O 4 and Fe 2 O 3 can promote the reversible formation and decomposition of Li 2 O 2. Lithium-oxygen battery (LOB) has attracted wide attention owing to its high specific energy and environmental protection advantages. However, LOB also has many problems, such as the discharge products accumulated around the pore size to block the oxygen diffusion channel. In this work, a Co 3 O 4 @Fe 2 O 3 nanosheet composite catalytic material is designed, which can effectively improve the electron transfer in the catalytic process. Furthermore, due to the electronic interaction between Co 3 O 4 and Fe 2 O 3 in the heterostructure region, the optimal active sites for the adsorption and activation of the reactant molecules can be obtained so as to produce better ORR/OER bifunctional catalytic activity. Besides that, the interface between Co 3 O 4 and Fe 2 O 3 can stimulate more electrons to participate in the redox reaction and promote the reversible formation and decomposition of Li 2 O 2. When Co 3 O 4 @Fe 2 O 3 nanosheet composite as cathode catalyst, LOB can achieve a high discharge specific capacity of 5585 mAh/g with 141 stable charge and discharge cycles. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• None of SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected among the 36 objects surface samples and 9 staffs PPE samples in isolation wards. • Though SARS-CoV-2 RNA of the sewage samples were positive from inlets of the sewage disinfection pool and negative from the outlet of the last sewage disinfection pool, no viable virus was detected by culture. The aim of this paper was to monitor the presence of SARS-Cov-2 among hospital environment surfaces, sewage, and personal protective equipment (PPE) of staffs in isolation wards in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, China. Surfaces of objects were routinely wiped with 1000 mg/L chlorine containing disinfectant. Air and sewage disinfection was proceeded routinely and strictly. Hospital environmental surfaces and PPE of staffs in isolation wards were sampled using swabs. The sewage from various inlet and outlets were sampled. The respiratory and stool specimens of patients were collected. The respiratory specimens of staffs in the isolation wards were also sampled once a week. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) methods were used to confirm the existence of SARS-Cov-2 RNA. Viral culture was done for the samples positive for SARS-Cov-2 RNA. During the study period, 33 laboratory-confirmed patients were hospitalized in isolation wards in the hospital. None of SARS-Cov-2 RNA was detected among the 36 objects surface samples and 9 staffs PPE samples in isolation wards. Though the 3 sewage samples from the inlet of preprocessing disinfection pool were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA and the sample from the outlet of preprocessing disinfection pool was weakly positive, the sewage sample from the outlet of the last disinfection pool was negative. All of the 5 sewage samples from various points were negative by viral culture of SARS-Cov-2. None of the respiratory specimens of staffs in the isolation wards were positive. Though SARS-Cov-2 RNA of the sewage samples were positive from inlets of the sewage disinfection pool and negative from the outlet of the last sewage disinfection pool, no viable virus was detected by culture. The monitoring data in this study suggested that the strict disinfection and hand hygiene could decrease the hospital-associated COVID-19 infection risk of the staffs in isolation wards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vancomycin-variable enterococci (VVE) are a potential risk factor for vancomycin resistance gene dissemination and clinical treatment failure. vanM has emerged as a new prevalent resistance determinant among clinical enterococci in China. A total of 54 vancomycin-susceptible enterococci (VSE) isolates carrying incomplete vanM gene clusters were isolated in our previous study.Objectives: To determine the potential of vanM-carrying VSE to develop vancomycin resistance and investigate the mechanism of alteration of the resistance phenotype.Methods: Fifty-four vanM-positive VSE strains were induced in vitro by culturing in increasing concentrations of vancomycin. Genetic changes between three parent VVE strains and their resistant variants were analysed using Illumina and long-read sequencing technologies, quantitative PCR and Southern blot hybridization. Changes in expression level were determined by quantitative RT-PCR.Results: Twenty-five of the 54 VSE strains carrying vanM became resistant upon vancomycin exposure. A significant increase in vanM copy number was observed ranging from 5.28 to 127.64 copies per cell in induced resistant VVE strains. The vanM transposon was identified as tandem repeats with IS1216E between them, and occurred in either the plasmid or the chromosome of resistant VVE cells. In addition, an increase in vanM expression was observed after resistance conversion in VVE.Conclusions: This study identified tandem amplification of the vanM gene cluster as a new mechanism for vancomycin resistance in VVE strains, offering a competitive advantage for VVE under antibiotic pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This study characterized the complete genome of an ST338 CA-MRSA strain isolated from a patient in China. • ST59 and ST338 MRSA are closely related in both phenotype and genotype, revealing a limitation of MLST in identifying similarities among isolates having different sequence types. • ST59 and ST338 MRSA may be transmitted among the communities of Taiwan and the Chinese mainland. To determine the molecular characteristics of a sequence type 338 community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) strain and the relationship among MRSA strains from various lineages and areas. Whole-genome sequencing, genomic comparison, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and hemolysis analysis were performed to identify the resistance determinants and virulence factors of strain ZY05 and the relationships among CC59 clones. MRSA strain ZY05 was resistant to tetracycline, erythromycin, and clindamycin, and the resistance genes erm (B) and tet (K) were detected in the genome. ZY05 harbors the genomic islands νSaα, νSaβ, νSaγ, and ΦSa2, the pathogenicity island νSa1, and virulence factors such as Panton–Valentine leukocidin, phenol-soluble modulins, alpha-hemolysin, enterotoxin B, enterotoxin K, and enterotoxin Q, which are the same as those present in ST59 strains. In addition, the virulence potential of ST338 did not differ from that of ST59. This strain contains the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCC mec) type V T , a distinct SCC mec type previously reported from Taiwan. The results of core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) analysis showed that the gene distances between ST59 and ST338 were close among CC59 isolates, while strains from Taiwan were identical to isolates from the Chinese mainland with respect to these two sequence types. The ST338 strain ZY05, which has a close genetic relationship to ST59 strains, is multidrug-resistant and highly virulent. Strains of two identical lineages, ST59 and ST338, from Taiwan and the Chinese mainland may have the same genetic background. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel Si@SiC nanowire is synthesized via a facile vacuum direct current arc method. • The pores between crosslinked nanowires can provide more space for the volume expansion. • SiC with strong Si-C bond force embedded in nanowires can buffer the volume change of Si active material. • Phenol resin coating Si@SiC nanowires can improve the conductivity and stability. • The material is loose and porous with a large specific surface area, which is conducive to the transport of ions and electrons. Owing to the volume expansion of silicon-based materials during the lithium insertion and de-insertion process, it has been restricted in the commercial advancement of lithium-ion batteries. Herein, 1D crosslinked Si and SiC nanowires are successfully prepared via a facile vacuum DC arc method and embedded into the pyrolyzed amorphous carbon of phenolic resin (PF) so as to form a novel Si@SiC@PF nanocomposite anode for lithium-ion batteries. Vacuum DC arc method generates instantaneous high temperatures during the reaction process, so the reactant can be ionized into a plasma state and grows into nanomaterials with a specific morphology and stable structure during the condensation. The crosslinked nanowires structure provides sufficient pores and SiC serving as a buffer owing to its high Si-C bond energy can slow down the volume expansion of silicon active material during the electrochemical reaction process. And embedding it into amorphous carbon can improve the conductivity and cycle stability. The electrochemical performance shows the specific discharge capacity after 300 cycles of Si@SiC with PF mass ratio to 1:4 anode can be stable at 1132 mAh·g−1 at the 0.2 A·g−1 current density and has more superb rate capabilities. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Persistent pruritic eruptions (PPEs), presenting with dyskeratotic keratinocytes histologically, are characteristic skin rash in patients with adult‐onset Still's disease (AOSD). The lesions may be histologically similar to other entities that present with dyskeratosis. In the present study, we compared the histopathological features between PPEs and other entities presenting with dyskeratosis. Methods and results: To investigate whether histopathological findings can be used to discriminate among PPEs and other entities presenting with dyskeratotic keratinocytes, cutaneous histopathological changes of PPEs associated with AOSD (n = 26) were compared with those of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (n = 16), dermatomyositis (n = 19), and drug eruption (n = 16). Dyskeratosis was observed in the upper one‐third of the epidermal layer in all 26 PPEs. The rate of dyskeratosis for PPEs was higher than that for SLE (18.8%) and dermatomyositis (15.8%). In drug eruptions, the dyskeratotic cells were distributed in all levels of the epidermis. Variable densities of neutrophils were found in the dermis in all PPEs. Conclusions: Although this was a retrospective study conducted at a single centre, presentation of dyskeratotic keratinocytes in the upper one‐third of the epidermal layer is a distinctive histopathological reactive pattern of PPEs. This pattern may be a useful histopathological marker for early diagnosis of AOSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Infection with Acinetobacter baumannii was emerging as one of the leading causes of mortality after donation after cardiac death transpalantion. Methods: We reported a case of a recipient who underwent DCD renal transplantation and later got infected by A.baumannii. Etests were done to verify the susceptibility test results in clinic. Wholegenome analysis was applied to investigate the resistant mechanism at gene level. Results: The pathogen was isolated from his draining liquid the day after the surgery, and susceptibility test reavealed that it was sensitive to tigecycline. However, the isolate obtained from the draining liquid became tigecycline-resistant after fifteen-day administration of tigecycline. The Susceptibility tests showed that the pathogen recovered from tigecycline resistance and became intermediated to tigecycline. Whole-Genome analysis revealed the genetic level change leading to tigecycline resistance and we identified the location of mutation by comparing the whole genome sequence of the isolates. Three loci were figured out which may contribute to drug resistance, including genes encoding HTH domain protein, MFS transporter and AdeS. Conclusion: Understanding the genetic characteristics associated with drug resistance mechanism and antimicrobial profiles of pathogen is important in controlling infection outbreak and preventing serious complications and gives a new insight into the development of antimicrobial agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Strong microbial-substrate interactions exist in transformation interface soil layers. • Microbial metabolism was limited by C and P during litter decomposition. • Microbial non-homeostatic behavior corresponded to the transition stage. • The effect of microbial factors on enzyme stoichiometry was more stable. The relationships between soil eco-enzymatic stoichiometry and substrate stoichiometry could be used to explain nutrient cycling processes regulated by microbial biomass stoichiometry. But what are the relationships between the stoichiometry of resources, microorganisms, and enzymes? We do not have a clear understanding yet, particularly in the different stages of litter decomposition. By analyzing the response of extracellular enzymatic stoichiometry to the imbalance between microbial and substrate stoichiometry, we explore the microbial-mediated litter transformation and microbial adaptation mechanisms in the transformation interface soil (TIS) layer. The results showed that soil microbial metabolism was limited by C and P during decomposition, peaking in the transition (middle) stage and then gradually decreasing. According to the judgment of microbial homeostasis (effect of substrate stoichiometry on microbial biomass stoichiometry), the microbial communities shift from homeostatic in the early stage to non-homeostatic in the middle stage and then return to homeostasis in the later stage. During the litter decomposition, the non-homeostatic period corresponded to the transition stage. That means severe microbial metabolic limitation is a potential determinant of microbial homeostasis. Soil microorganisms adapt and alleviate microbial metabolic limitations by adjusting extracellular enzyme activity and microbial non-homeostatic behavior when the available resources fail to satisfy microbial requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physiological characteristics and survival of ectotherms are significantly influenced by the environmental temperature. Heat shock proteins (Hsps) are the primary molecular factors that are associated with ectotherm thermal adaption. Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) is an important Hsp family member that is involved in many aspects of protein homeostasis and in the immune response. In this study, an inducible Hsp70 homologue ( PsHsp70 ) from the soft-shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis was analysed at the molecular level. The recombinant PsHsp70 was purified from Escherichia coli and showed apparent ATPase activity by spectrophotometric assay. The constitutive expression of PsHsp70 was detected in the muscle, liver, kidney, brain, heart and lung by expression assay. The PsHsp70 expression pattern slightly differed in hatchlings incubated at 26 °C, 28 °C, and 30 °C. However, bacterial pathogens induced different levels of PsHsp70 expression in the livers of hatchlings incubated at 26 °C, 28 °C, and 30 °C. Under the harsh temperature of 34 °C, the overexpression of PsHsp70 in the pIRES2-EGFP plasmid in turtle embryos did not significantly affect the survival rate of either hatchlings or two-month-old turtles; however, the lysozyme activity significantly differed between hatchlings and two-month-old turtles before bacterial challenge, and the lysozyme activity of both hatchlings and two-month-old turtles changed significantly after bacterial challenge. Taken together, these results suggest that PsHsp70 may play a role in coping with environmental and biological stresses and may be involved in the immune response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the feasibility of using deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) to significantly reduce radiation dose and improve image quality in contrast-enhanced abdominal CT. This was a prospective study. 40 patients with hepatic lesions underwent abdominal CT using routine dose (120kV, noise index (NI) setting of 11 with automatic tube current modulation) in the arterial-phase (AP) and portal-phase (PP), and low dose (NI = 24) in the delayed-phase (DP). All images were reconstructed at 1.25 mm thickness using ASIR-V at 50% strength. In addition, images in DP were reconstructed using DLIR in high setting (DLIR-H). The CT value and standard deviation (SD) of hepatic parenchyma, spleen, paraspinal muscle and lesion were measured. The overall image quality includes subjective noise, sharpness, artifacts and diagnostic confidence were assessed by two radiologists blindly using a 5-point scale (1, unacceptable and 5, excellent). Dose between AP and DP was compared, and image quality among different reconstructions were compared using SPSS20.0. Compared to AP, DP significantly reduced radiation dose by 76% (0.76 ± 0.09 mSv vs 3.18 ± 0.48 mSv), DLIR-H DP images had lower image noise (14.08 ± 2.89 HU vs 16.67 ± 3.74 HU, p < 0.001) but similar overall image quality score as the ASIR-V50% AP images (3.88 ± 0.34 vs 4.05 ± 0.44, p > 0.05). For the DP images, DLIR-H significantly reduced image noise in hepatic parenchyma, spleen, muscle and lesion to (14.77 ± 2.61 HU, 14.26 ± 2.67 HU, 14.08 ± 2.89 HU and 16.25 ± 4.42 HU) from (24.95 ± 4.32 HU, 25.42 ± 4.99 HU, 23.99 ± 5.26 HU and 27.01 ± 7.11) with ASIR-V50%, respectively (all p < 0.001) and improved image quality score (3.88 ± 0.34 vs 2.87 ± 0.53; p < 0.05). DLIR-H significantly reduces image noise and generates images with clinically acceptable quality and diagnostic confidence with 76% dose reduction. (1) DLIR-H yielded a significantly lower image noise, higher CNR and higher overall image quality score and diagnostic confidence than the ASIR-V50% under low signal conditions. (2) Our study demonstrated that at 76% lower radiation dose, the DLIR-H DP images had similar overall image quality to the routine-dose ASIR-V50% AP images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]