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Abstract To comprehensively evaluate the feasibility of using C4F7N‐based gas mixture as arc extinguishing medium, a comparative study is performed on the variations of the multi‐physical fields, gas flow environment and decomposition characteristics of the gas mixtures. A modified theoretical basis of the arc model developed for the C4F7N‐based gas mixture is presented in the work with particular emphasis on the non‐recombination features of C4F7N. This work also experimentally studies the electrical characteristics of the gas medium and the monitored parameters are also used to calibrate the arc model. The amount change of the seven dominant decomposing by‐products is analysed as well. The results present that the C4F7N/CO2/O2 ternary gas mixture exhibits a more promising interrupting performance. Increasing the O2 concentration from 5% to 10% has less effects on the arc characteristics, but it could suppress the formation of CO. The arc behaviour of C4F7N/CO2/O2 gas mixture is also improved with increasing the velocity of the moving components. The findings provide important insights into the potential of C4F7N‐based gas mixtures as one of the sustainable and effective solutions for high‐voltage interrupting applications.

Abstract Objective To analyse the antibiotic resistance, resistance genes and clonal relationship of Escherichia coli in bloodstream infections in Ningxia from 2022 to 2023. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the antibiotic susceptibilities of 257 isolates. PCR was used to detect bla TEM, bla SHV, bla CTX−M, qnrS, qnrA, qnrB, oqxA, qepA, gyrA, gyrB, parC, and parE, and the clonal relationship through multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Results One hundred and twenty-nine of 257 patients were male (50.2%). The 257 E. coli isolates were mainly obtained from the Emergency, Hepatobiliary Surgery, and Haematology Departments, accounting for 56.6%, 7.3%, and 6.2%, respectively. There is no significant difference in sex and genes between the two groups over and under 60 years old (P > 0.05), but there is a significant difference in ST between them(P

Abstract Purpose This retrospective study evaluates the clinical efficacy of the Intersphincteric Approach with Internal Incision combined with Counter-Drainage (IAICD) for Deep Perianal Abscess (DPA), thereby providing a foundation for selecting optimal surgical treatment methods in clinical practice. Methods Using a retrospective cohort study design, we analyzed the clinical data of 120 patients who underwent inpatient surgical treatment for DPA at our hospital from January 2022 to June 2023. Of these, 57 patients underwent the IAICD (treatment group), while 63 patients received incision—drainage (control group). Clinical data from both groups were collected for statistical analysis. The primary outcomes measured were clinical efficacy, anal function scores and appearance scores. Secondary outcomes included postoperative pain, operation time, wound healing time and length of hospital stay. Results The treatment group had 52 cured cases, with a cure rate of 52/57 (91.2%), whereas the control group had 48 cured cases, with a cure rate of 48/63 (76.2%). The treatment group’s clinical efficacy was significantly better than the control group (P = 0.03). The operation time was longer in the treatment group compared to the control group (P 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that IAICD was a protective factor for the clinical efficacy of DPA patients (P = 0.01), While wound healing time and a history of perianal surgery were identified as independent risk factors associated with poor prognosis in patients with DPA (P = 0.039, P = 0.032). Conclusion For patients with DPA who have high expectations for minimizing postoperative recurrence, a comprehensive preoperative evaluation—including a history of prior perianal surgery—precise intraoperative localization of the internal opening, and meticulous postoperative wound care can collectively optimize clinical outcomes. The IAICD procedure not only preserves anal sphincter function but also effectively reduces the recurrence rate of postoperative abscesses or fistula formation.

Abstract Background Inbreeding, a central theme in evolutionary and conservation biology, is a crucial practice in breeding to stabilize and enhance the specific traits or to establish inbred lines. It also carries the risk of inbreeding depression, reduced fitness, and increased potential for extinction. Nevertheless, inbreeding has been extensively studied in small and endangered populations but its effects in large domesticated animals are poorly understood. Here, we aim to investigate the genomic consequences of inbreeding in the Banna miniature inbred pig (BN), a breed that has been inbred for over 40 years. Results We have sequenced 41 genomes of BN and Diannan miniature pig (DN) at high-coverage (> 31×) and combined them with published whole-genomes of swine to comprehensively investigate the genetic consequences of inbreeding. We find that BN is genetically closely related to DN, which is consistent with breeding records. All families of BN have undergone an extreme bottleneck due to intensive inbreeding, resulting in higher genomic inbreeding coefficients, reduced genetic diversity, and a lower effective population size (Ne) compare to non-inbred pigs. Furthermore, BN and DN exhibit an increased genetic load relative to Asian wild boars. Prolonged inbreeding and bottlenecks have led to some purging of deleterious mutations in BN compared to DN, and a conversion from masked load to realized load. Conclusions We present a comprehensive analysis to understand and assess the consequences of inbreeding in miniature inbred pigs from a perspective of population genomics. Utilizing genomic measurements proves effective in estimating the consequences of inbreeding, especially when a detailed and accurate historical record of pedigree are lacking. Our results provide valuable resources and a detailed perspective on the genomic impacts of inbreeding, potentially guiding efforts in breeding, breed improvement, and conservation.

Abstract The contamination of pork during breeding can negatively impact both food quality and safety. Sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC), a chlorine-containing disinfectant, is widely used in animal environments. In this study, 16S rRNA sequencing was used to determine the bacterial communities in a pork farm. We also assessed the effectiveness of NaDCC disinfection by analyzing microbial diversity. The results revealed that the predominant genera in pork skin samples and environmental samples were Staphylococcus and Acinetobacter, respectively. Escherichia coli and Streptococcus equinus were present in all the samples, suggesting that NaDCC is not fully effective in preventing zoonotic pathogen contamination. The Chao1 and Shannon indices for sow skins increased after disinfection. No significant differences were observed in the microbiological composition of sow barn samples before and after disinfection (p > 0.1). Additionally, bacterial abundance in sow skin was strongly correlated with abundance on pen floors (r = 0.906, p < 0.05), indicating potential cross-contamination between these sample types. Conversely, the bacterial abundance in the floor samples was weakly correlated with that in the other samples, suggesting that NaDCC is effective as a decontaminant. This study provides valuable insights into microbial contamination on pork farms and underscores the importance of proper disinfection practices. This study also offers scientific recommendations for improving disinfection protocols.

Abstract Suicide is a complex behavior strongly associated with depression. Despite extensive research, an objective biomarker for evaluating suicide risk precisely and timely is still lacking. Using the precision resting-state fMRI method, we studied 61 depressive patients with suicide ideation (SI) or suicide attempt (SA), and 35 patients without SI to explore functional biomarkers of suicide risk. Among them, 21 participants also completed electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatment, allowing the examination of functional changes across different risk states within the same individual. Functional networks were localized in each subject using resting-state fMRI and then an individualized connectome was constructed to represent the subject’s functional brain organization. We identified a set of connections that track suicide risk (r = 0.41, p = 0.001) and found that these risk-associated connections were hyper-connected in the frontoparietal network (FPN, p = 0.008, Cohen’s d = 0.58) in patients with suicide risk compared to those without. Moreover, ECT treatment significantly reduced (p = 0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.56) and normalized these FPN hyper-connections. These findings suggest that connections involving FPN may constitute an important biomarker for evaluating suicide risk and may provide potential targets for interventions such as non-invasive brain stimulation.

Clockwise circular oscillation (CW) laser welding experiments are carried out on 8.0 mm thick 5A06 aluminum alloy. Considering the beam oscillating trajectory and energy superposition effect, the energy distribution model of the workpiece surface is established. The effects of beam oscillation frequency and oscillation amplitude on joints’ forming and energy distribution are studied, and the influence mechanism of the interaction between the linear and circular motions of the beam on the energy distribution is revealed. The results show that compared with conventional laser welding, the action range of the oscillating welding beam becomes larger and the melting width increases significantly, which provides greater gap adaptability for butt welding. The surface energy of the workpiece changes from a single peak to a double peak, showing a “high on both sides and low in the middle” distribution, and the energy peak is 1/5 of that of conventional laser welding. When the oscillating frequency is 200 ~ 300 Hz and the oscillating amplitude is 1.5 ~ 2.5 mm, the laser energy distribution is relatively uniform, the undercut and spatter defects are almost eliminated, and the weld is well formed. When the oscillating amplitude increases from 1 mm to 3 mm, the energy superposition effect is weakened, the energy inhomogeneity is enhanced, and the energy peak is reduced. When the oscillating frequency increases from 100 Hz to 200 Hz, the uniformity and symmetry of energy distribution will get improved. When the oscillating frequency increases from 200 Hz to 300 Hz, the local superposition effect will be enhanced and the energy asymmetry will increase.

DNA-based data storage has emerged as a groundbreaking solution to the growing demand for efficient, high-density, and long-term data storage. It is attracting many researchers’ attention, who are implementing functions such as random access, searching, and data operations apart from the existing capabilities, including reading and writing. We summarize the recent progress of how biotechnological tools, based on sequence specificity, encapsulation, and high-dimensional structures of DNA molecules, facilitate the implementation of various functions. The limitations of using biochemical reactions that hinder the development of more precise and efficient information storage systems are also discussed. Future advancements in molecular biology and nanotechnology are expected to improve the architecture, scalability, and efficiency of DNA storage, positioning it as a sustainable and dynamic alternative to conventional data storage systems.

Abstract To optimize the safe distance between coal mining faces and natural gas wells, with the Ordos Basin as the engineering background for the intersectional development of natural gas and coal resources, a Gaussian function equation for subsidence curves under complete mining was proposed based on the probability integral method, and a model was constructed to determine the coordinated mining safety distance between coal mining faces and natural gas wells. Based on the distributed optical fiber monitoring principle of the BOTDR technology, on-site monitoring of the simulated monitoring well GX1 within the safety distance was carried out. The results indicated that the maximum strain change values of the outer casing and inner production casing of the simulated monitoring well GX1 were 836 με and 766 με, respectively, far less than the maximum ultimate tensile strain value of the overlying rock at the same depth position. Furthermore, the casing structure possessed ample resistance capability, ensuring no noticeable deformation occurred. Through comparison, it was found that the discriminant model reduced the reserved safety distance between the coal mining working face and the natural gas well by 58% compared with the currently used avoidance method of the surface subsidence boundary, liberated coal resources, and achieved a "win–win" situation of the coordinated mining of natural gas resources and coal resources. It can reasonably adjust the coordinated mining problem without a natural gas-coal co-mining mechanism, provide a new method for the layout of natural gas wells in gas-coal overlapping areas, and provide new ideas for the coordinated mining of coal-related associated resources.

As a potential substitute for SF6, C4F7N/CO2 mixture gas has a broad application prospect in gas insulated substation (GIS) busbars and high-voltage circuit breakers. Under high temperature conditions, Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) vapor may have a significant effect on the decomposition path of C4F7N/CO2 mixture, which has far-reaching significance for the study of arc extinction characteristics. The decomposition mechanism of C4F7N/CO2 mixture in PTFE vapor environment was investigated by using density functional theory (DFT) for quantum chemical calculation. In this study, the structure and vibration frequency of the optimized intermediates were calculated accurately, and the energy of the reactants and intermediates was evaluated by G4 theory method. The decomposition path of C4F7N/CO2 mixture under the influence of PTFE vapor was revealed by analyzing the decomposition path potential energy. This paper not only provides a theoretical basis for the interaction between PTFE vapor and C4F7N/CO2 mixture, but also provides a reference for the study of arc extinguishing characteristics of environmentally friendly gases in high voltage circuit breakers.

Abstract Establishing a reasonable and precise theoretical model for pipe roof is crucial for advancing pre-support technology in tunnel construction. By considering the processes of tunnel excavation and support, as well as the reduced constraint reaction force on the pipe roof in unexcavated section due to the disturbance at the tunnel face, this paper establishes a load-structure model for pipe roof based on the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory. The Pasternak elastic foundation model is utilized to ascertain the constraint reaction force exerted by primary support and surrounding soil ahead of the tunnel face on the pipe roof. Analytical expressions describing the load-bearing behaviour of the pipe roof under during each cycle of excavation and support are derived. The load-bearing behaviour of the pipe roof as the tunnel face advances to any position is solved via the superposition method. The accuracy and validity of the model are confirmed through case calculations and comparisons with existing research results. Furthermore, the effects of circumferential spacing, steel pipe diameter, primary support strength, and surrounding soil strength on the load-bearing behaviour of the pipe roof are examined. It is suggested that improving the surrounding soil strength can effectively enhance the effectiveness of pipe roof pre-reinforcement. The findings of this study offer valuable insights for evaluating the rationality of pipe roof design and support its design and construction processes.

Abstract Background Lead is a prevalent heavy metal pollutant in the environment, and chronic lead exposure in occupational settings has been linked to cognitive decline. Our objective was to delineate lead-induced changes in brain functional activity through the assessment of regional homogeneity (ReHo), degree centrality (DC) and seed-based functional connectivity (FC) using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). Methods In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 76 participants from a smelting company. Based on their blood lead levels, 26 participants were assigned to the lead exposure group (≥ 300 μg/L), whereas 23 were assigned to the control group (≤ 100 μg/L). Neuropsychological assessments included the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Mini-Mental State Examination, Self-rating Anxiety Scale, and Self-rating Depression Scale. Participants underwent rs-fMRI for ReHo, DC, and FC analyses. Brain regions demonstrating significant differences in ReHo and DC were identified as regions of interest for subsequent FC analysis. We also examined the relationships between lead levels, FC values, and neuropsychological scores. Results Compared to the control group, individuals with high lead exposure exhibited increased ReHo in the bilateral insula and vermis and elevated DC in the left olfactory cortex. Notably, the left insula demonstrated reduced FC with the right cerebellar crus I, left fusiform gyrus, left superior frontal gyrus, and left middle frontal gyrus. The right insula also displayed reduced FC with the right middle frontal gyrus but increased FC between the left olfactory cortex and right insula. Furthermore, negative correlations were observed between lead levels and FC of the left insula with the left fusiform gyrus (r = − 0.586), left superior frontal gyrus (r = − 0.556), and left middle frontal gyrus (r = − 0.626), as well as between FC of the right insula and the right middle frontal gyrus (r = − 0.587). Conversely, there was a positive association between FC of the left olfactory cortex with the right insula and lead levels (r = 0.609), whereas an inverse relationship was noted with neurocognitive assessments. Conclusions The disruption in insula coordination may significantly impair long-range FC and contribute to cognitive deficits resulting from lead exposure. The insula appears to be a pivotal region in lead-associated neurocognitive impairment.

Abstract Decomposition of submerged plants releases organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus into water bodies, generating an important impact on the aquatic ecosystem. This study explored the influence of growth substrate with different compositions on the decomposition process of eelgrass (Vallisneria spinulosa Yan, V. spinulosa Yan). The sediment + iron–carbon fillers system exhibited significantly lower concentrations of total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) in the overlying water than other systems, with the maximum values of 5.68 and 7.05 mg/L, respectively. The addition of ceramic and calcium nitrate promoted the formation of HCl-extracted phosphorus (HCl–P) in the sediment, while the addition of iron–carbon fillers increased the content of NaOH-extracted phosphorus (NaOH–P). Three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in overlying water showed that different substrate compositions did not significantly affect the compositions of organic matter released during the decomposition of V. spinulosa Yan. The microbial community and abundance in each experimental group changed significantly before and after the decomposition of V. spinulosa Yan. The sediment + iron–carbon fillers system showed significantly higher abundance of microbial community than other systems, with the enrichment of functional bacteria related to denitrification and sulfate reduction. In contrast, the sediment + calcium nitrate system exhibited a smaller change of microbial community abundance, with the enrichment of aerobic denitrifying bacteria. In this paper, it was found that the sediment + iron–carbon group had a good adsorption effect on nitrogen and phosphorus released during the decomposition process of V. spinulosa Yan, and had a good effect on water purification as the growth substrate of submerged plants.

Abstract Background Understanding the molecular mechanisms in immunosuppressive regulation is crucial for improving immunotherapeutic strategies. Macrophages, the major immune cells in tumor microenvironment (TME), play a dual role in tumor progression. CD180, primarily expressed in macrophages, remains unclear and requires further investigation. Methods RNA-seq data were obtained to analyze CD180 expression in gliomas and assess its prognostic value. The comprehensive immune infiltration analysis was performed. Single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) data were used to examine CD180 expression distribution at the cellular level. CD180-overexpression macrophages were co-cultured with three glioma cell lines. The effects on glioma cell behavior were evaluated through qRT-PCR, Western blot, CCK-8 assay, EdU assay, Transwell assay, TUNEL assay, and flow cytometry. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and their potential biological functions were analyzed between different CD180 expression groups. Consensus clustering was used to identify CD180-related glioma subtypes. Results CD180 was significantly upregulated in glioma samples and associated with poor prognosis. High CD180 expression was correlated with increased immune cell infiltration, particularly macrophages, and elevated levels of immune checkpoints. Analysis of scRNA-seq data revealed the predominant expression of CD180 in macrophages within the glioma TME. In vitro experiments demonstrated that CD180-overexpression macrophages promoted glioma cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), while decreasing apoptosis. Mutations in TP53 and PTEN were significantly more prevalent in the high CD180 expression group. We identified nine chemotherapeutic agents that were more effective in glioma patients with high CD180 expression. Additionally, two CD180-related glioma subtypes with distinct prognosis were identified. Conclusions This study confirmed the prognostic role of CD180 in glioma and its involvement in immunosuppressive regulation and malignant phenotype promotion. Therefore, CD180 was considered as a promising target for immunotherapeutic strategies in glioma treatment.

Abstract Background Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction with high morbidity and mortality. Various studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of Chinese tonic medicines (CTMs) in treating sepsis or septic shock. However, trials directly comparing the efficacy and safety of different CTMs for sepsis or septic shock are still lacking. To identify the most optimal CTM for treating sepsis or septic shock, we plan to perform a systematic review and network meta-analysis of various CTMs used for sepsis or septic shock patients. Methods Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the efficacy and safety of CTMs for patients with sepsis or septic shock will be systematically searched in Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, Web Of Science, CBM, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases from inception to November 2023. The quality of the included studies will be assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias V.2.0. tool. The confidence of evidence will be evaluated through the CINeMA (Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis) web application. Primary outcomes include the delta Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (△SOFA) score at day 7 after interventions and 28-day mortality. Secondary outcomes comprise delta serum lactate levels (△Lac) and delta mean arterial pressure (△MAP) at day 7 after interventions as well as total dose and duration of vasoactive drugs. Safety outcome includes adverse drug reactions or adverse drug events (ADRs/ADEs). The Bayesian network meta-analysis will be conducted using the “BUGSnet” package in R version 4.2.2. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) values will be used to rank each treatment. Statistical inconsistency assessment, publication bias assessment, heterogeneity analysis, sensitivity analysis, and subgroup analysis will be performed. Discussion This study will provide new insights into the efficacy and safety of various CTMs used in sepsis or septic shock patients, providing help for future clinical practice and research. Systematic review registration CRD42023482572

Abstract As an emerging type of pluripotent stem cells, chemically induced pluripotent stem cells (CiPSCs) avoid the risks of genomic disintegration by exogenous DNAs from viruses or plasmids, providing a safer stem cell source. To verify CiPSCs’ capacity to differentiate into retinal organoids (ROs), we induced CiPSCs from mouse embryonic fibroblasts by defined small-molecule compounds and successfully differentiated the CiPSCs into three-dimensional ROs, in which all major retinal cell types and retinal genes were in concordance with those in vivo. We transplanted retinal photoreceptors from ROs into the subretinal space of retinal degeneration mouse models and the cells could integrate into the host retina, establish synaptic connections, and significantly improve the visual functions of the murine models. This proof-of-concept study for the first time demonstrated that CiPSCs could differentiate into ROs with a full spectrum of retinal cell types, and provided new insights into chemical approach-based retinal regeneration for degenerative diseases.

Abstract Objective To investigate the influencing factors of the number of physical diseases in elderly hospitalized psychiatric patients. Methods A total of 332 hospitalized elderly patients with mental illness were enrolled in this study. The number of combined physical diseases was divided into three groups, which were 0, 1 ~ 2, and ≥ 3. Data collected included sociodemographic characteristics, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, delirium status, social support, medication adherence, social functioning, ability to perform daily living, and swallowing function. Results The sample included 64.2% of female patients, mainly concentrated in 60 ~ 69 years old (48.2%). The length of hospital stay of patients was mainly 15 ~ 30 days (55.7%), and the course of disease was mainly 2 ~ 10 years (38.3%). After adjusting for confounding factors such as gender, poor lifestyle habits, course of disease, length of hospital stay, psychiatric symptoms, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, delirium, social functioning, social support, and drug therapy compliance, we found that the number of physical disorders in elderly patients with mental illness was related to age, ability of daily living, and swallowing function. The increase of age, the decrease of the ability of daily living, and poor swallowing function contribute to a higher number of comorbid medical disorders in elderly patients with mental illness (P

Abstract Early detection is warranted to improve prognosis of gastric cancer (GC) but remains challenging. Liquid biopsy combined with machine learning will provide new insights into diagnostic strategies of GC. Lipid metabolism reprogramming plays a crucial role in the initiation and development of tumors. Here, we integrated the lipidomics data of three cohorts (n = 944) to develop the lipid metabolic landscape of GC. We further constructed the serum lipid metabolic signature (SLMS) by machine learning, which showed great performance in distinguishing GC patients from healthy donors. Notably, the SLMS also held high efficacy in the diagnosis of early-stage GC. Besides, by performing unsupervised consensus clustering analysis on the lipid metabolic matrix of patients with GC, we generated the gastric cancer prognostic subtypes (GCPSs) with significantly different overall survival. Furthermore, the lipid metabolic disturbance in GC tissues was demonstrated by multi-omics analysis, which showed partially consistent with that in GC serums. Collectively, this study revealed an innovative strategy of liquid biopsy for the diagnosis of GC on the basis of the serum lipid metabolic fingerprints.

Abstract Background Breastmilk is widely regarded as the healthiest choice for both infants and mothers due to its numerous advantages over formula, such as higher concentrations of essential nutrients and antibodies, easier digestion, and superior taste. The World Health Organization International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes was adopted over 40 years ago to mitigate the effects of infant formula marketing on a woman’s decision to breastfeed. Yet, the commercial formula milk industry has continued to market their products aggressively and through an increasing variety of social media channels. This study examines the impact of formula milk marketing on specific components of the health system to understand how systems that are built to support and sustain breastfeeding may have been captured and repurposed by industry practices. Methods As part of A Multi-country Study of Early Infant Feeding Decisions, this qualitative study was conducted in two representative cities in China, Beijing and Jinan, in 2020. The participants were recruited through convenience sampling and snowballing sampling methods. Data were collected through 40 in-depth interviews and 10 focus group discussions with health professionals, pregnant women, and formula milk marketing executives. A thematic analytical method was used to analyze the main themes and sub-themes that detail the characteristics of formula milk marketing and its impact on the health system in China. Results Our results identified the most common practices used by the formula milk industry to reach health workers as well as mothers and their families through health systems. Such practices include (1) provider/facility-based marketing to sponsor academic activities (e.g., seminars, conferences, and research projects) and promote specialized infant formula that targets health care providers and facilities, which influence the health consultations and recommendations provided by health professionals to mothers and families; and (2) receiver-based marketing that targets Chinese women and increases marketing exposure through lectures provided by maternity schools at health facilities during the antenatal period and health promotion activities organized by formula milk companies outside of facilities during the postnatal care period. Conclusions Formula milk marketing aims to influence the practices and services within the health system in China, both directly through health professionals and facilities, and also indirectly by targeting mothers. These marketing strategies have impacted the perceptions of providers on formula milk, and strategies targeting consumers have aimed to further influence and undermine mothers’ intentions to continue breastfeeding. Stricter regulation of industry marketing practices is needed to create a supportive environment for mothers to breastfeed.

Abstract Gemella morbillorum is a gram-positive coccus that is part of the normal microbiota of the human oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract. It is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause invasive infections, including septic arthritis. Septic arthritis caused by Gemella morbillorum is relatively rare, but when it occurs, it can lead to severe joint damage and other complications if not promptly diagnosed and treated. Here, we report a case of recurrent septic arthritis caused by Gemella morbillorum.

Objective: To investigate the bactericidal mechanism of a composite sol made of carbon nitride and chitosan on Salmonella typhimurium by studying its effects on lipid metabolism. Methods: Transmission electron microscopy and protein leakage concentration were utilized to evaluate the magnitude of cell membrane damage induced by carbon nitride-chitosan composite sol at a cellular level. In addition, lipid metabolomics was employed to investigate the bactericidal process by examining several metabolite functions and regulatory networks associated with bacterial lipid metabolism. Results: The composite sol of carbon nitride-chitosan caused more extensive damage to the cell membrane of Salmonella typhimurium. In lipid metabolism, the significantly up-regulated in 203 metabolites and down-regulated in 95 metabolites. These metabolites were particularly involved in the metabolism of fatty acids, glycerophospholipids, and glycolipids. Metabolite function analysis showed that the composite sol treatment disrupted various metabolic pathways in bacteria. These pathways included fatty acid biosynthesis, glycerol phospholipid metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, tetraenoic acid metabolism, as well as pathways related to cell energy metabolism, material transport, and signal conduction. These disturbances finally resulted in the demise of the bacteria. Conclusion: This study revealed from the perspective of lipid metabolism that the combination of carbon nitride and chitosan disrupts the metabolic pathways of Salmonella, especially those related to lipid metabolism, leading to bacterial metabolic disruption and death. It provides a theoretical basis for comprehending the mechanisms by which photocatalytic materials exert their antibacterial properties.

Abstract Background As global aging accelerates, depression among the elderly becomes more common. Research had revealed that patients with late-life depression (LLD) face a higher risk of suicide compared to their counterparts in other age groups, with the pathways to suicide being multifaceted. Thus, investigating the various factors linked to the elevated risk of suicide in patients with LLD is critical. Objective To investigate the factors associated with a high level of suicide risk among patients with LLD. Methods A total of 108 patients with LLD were recruited for this study. From October 2022 to November 2023, a cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with LLD from the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University. Suicide risk was evaluated using the Chinese version of the Nurses’ Global Assessment of Suicide Risk Scale (NGASR). Potential influencing factors were included and analyzed through multivariate linear regression to identify the factors associated with a high level of suicide risk among patients with LLD. Results The mean NGASR score among patients with LLD was 7.30 ± 4.34 (range: 0 ~ 19). Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that depression-anxiety of the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) (β = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.13, 0.45, p

High strength-ductility synergy is difficult to achieve in Nb alloys. Although high strength has been achieved through severe plastic deformation (SPD) technology, led to low ductility in alloys. In this work, FSP technology was applied to treat Nb–5W–2Mo–1Zr-0.1C (Nb521) alloys in preparation of fine-grained (FG)/ultrafine-grained (UFG) Nb521 with excellent strength and ductility. The microstructure evolution and mechanical property improvement mechanism were systematically studied for Nb521 alloy through various characterization pathways. The research results indicated that UFG Nb521 alloy with a grain size of 0.63 ± 0.41 μm can be prepared using low shoulder plunge depth FSP (LPD-FSP), which is the first report of UFG Nb521 alloy. The main reason for the formation of onion rings structure in SZ is the periodic wear of the stirring tool, and the onion rings structure does not cause mechanical damage. The texture formed by Nb521 alloy under different processing parameters is off-axis shear texture, which matches the ideal shear texture of D2 (112‾)[111] after rotation. In addition, this study also elaborated on the refinement mechanism of the second phase particles (Nb, Zr) C in Nb521 alloy during FSP. This study also indicated that the increase in yield strength of FSP samples at room temperature is mainly determined by grain refinement. These findings provided new ideas for the development of high-performance niobium alloys.

Abstract Land hermit crabs are a group of shell-carrying crabs that have evolved remarkable terrestrial adaptations in behavior, morphology, physiology, and biochemistry. However, the genetic mechanisms underlying these adaptations remain unclear. In addition, usually it is very difficult to get good genome assemblies for crustaceans. In this study, we managed to assemble the first chromosome-level genome for a land hermit crab (Coenobita brevimanus) with careful manual curation. The final assembly spans 4.74 Gb, with the contig N50 of 1.75 Mb and scaffold N50 of 42.95 Mb, encompassing 117 chromosomes that account for 96.54% of the genome. The evaluations including genome BUSCO (95.26%), Merqury qv (35.88) and the mapping ratio of pair-end short reads (99.48%) showed the high-continuity of C. brevimanus genome assembly, making it the genome with the highest quality in crustaceans with genome size bigger than 3 Gb. The availability of this chromosome-scale genome of crustaceans represents a valuable resource for the land hermit crab, which represents an independent water-to-land transition evolutionary event in the animal kingdom.

Abstract Side‐scan sonar (SSS) detection is a key method in underwater environmental security and subsea resource development. However, many detection approaches primarily concentrate on tracking the evolution path of optical image object detection tasks when using acoustic images, resulting in complex structures and limited versatility. To tackle this issue, we introduce a pioneering dual‐domain multi‐frequency network (D2MFNet) meticulously crafted to harness the distinct characteristics of SSS image detection. In D2MFNet, a novel method for optimizing and improving the detection sensitivity in different frequency ranges called multi‐frequency combined attention mechanism (MFCAM) is proposed. This mechanism amplifies the relevance of dual‐domain features across different channels and spaces. Moreover, we introduce a dual‐domain feature pyramid network (D2FPN) significantly augments the depth and breadth of feature information in underwater small datasets. The methods offer plug‐and‐play functionality with substantial performance enhancements. Extensive experiments are conducted to validate the efficacy of the proposed techniques, and the results showcase their state‐of‐the‐art performance. MFCAM improves the mAP by 16.9% in the KLSG dataset and 15.5% in the SCTD dataset. The mAP of D2FPN was improved by 8.4% in the KLSG dataset and by 9.8% in the SCTD dataset. The code and models will be publicly available at https://dagshub.com/estrellaww00/D2MFNet.

ObjectiveTo analyze the differences in the expressions of the total and phosphorylated proteins in human colon cancer HCT116 cells after the knockout (KO) of retinoic acid-induced protein 16 (RAI16) and explore the possible mechanism and related signaling pathways affecting its protein function in HCT116 cells. MethodsHCT116 KO and WT cell proteins were collected and extracted, and the protein extraction efficiency was detected via a sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) experiment. After protein digestion, the peptides were labeled with TMT and analyzed via mass spectrometry. We used bioinformatics methods to analyze the identified differential proteins and differentially phosphorylated proteins by using GO, KEGG, and STRING databases. ResultsThe results of SDS-PAGE showed no evident protein degradation. In addition, some key bands were significantly different between the experimental and control groups. A total of 147 up-regulated and 230 down-regulated differential proteins were screened in accordance with the conditions of Foldchange≥1.5 or Foldchange≤1/1.5 and P

Abstract The early stages of embryonic development rely on maternal products for proper regulation. However, screening for functional maternal-specific factors is challenging due to the time- and labor-intensive nature of traditional approaches. Here, we combine a computational pipeline and F0 null mutant technology to screen for functional maternal-specific chromatin regulators in zebrafish embryogenesis and identify Mcm3l, Mcm6l, and Npm2a as playing essential roles in DNA replication and cell division. Our results contribute to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying early embryo development and highlight the importance of maternal-specific chromatin regulators in this critical stage.

Abstract Background Spiroplasma eriocheiris has been proved to be a pathogen causing tremor disease of Eriocheir sinensis, it is also infectious to other aquatic crustaceans, resulting in a serious threat on the sustainable development of the aquaculture industry. S. eriocheiris is a helical-shaped microbe without a cell wall, and its motility is related to the cytoskeleton protein MreB which belongs to the actin superfamily and has five MreB homologs. Results In this study, we purified MreB3, MreB4 and MreB5, and successfully prepared monoclonal antibodies. After S. eriocheiris treated with actin stabilizator Phalloidin and inhibitors A22, we found that Phalloidin and A22 affect the S. eriocheiris morphology by altering MreB expression. We confirmed that the ability of S. eriocheiris to invade E. sinensis was increased after treatment with Phalloidin, including that the morphology of E. sinensis blood lymphocytes was deteriorated, blood lymphocytes viability was decreased, peroxidase activity and cell necrosis were increased. On the contrary, the pathogenicity of S. eriocheiris decreased after treatment with A22. Conclusions Our findings suggest that the MreB protein in S. eriocheiris plays a crucial role in its morphology and pathogenicity, providing new insights into potential strategies for the prevention and control of S. eriocheiris infections.

Abstract Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) pose a significant threat to immunocompromised individuals, leading to considerable morbidity and mortality. Prompt and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. Here we develop a rapid molecular diagnostic method that involves three steps: fungal enrichment using affinity-magnetic separation (AMS), genomic DNA extraction with silicon hydroxyl magnetic beads, and detection through a one-pot system. This method, optimized to detect 30 CFU/mL of C. albicans in blood and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples within 2.5 h, is approximately 100 times more sensitive than microscopy-based staining. Initial validation using clinical samples showed 93.93% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and high predictive values, while simulated tests demonstrated 95% sensitivity and 100% specificity. This cost-effective, highly sensitive technique offers potential for use in resource-limited clinical settings and can be easily adapted to differentiate between fungal species and detect drug resistance.

Routinely collected health data (RCD) are currently accelerating publications that evaluate the effectiveness and safety of medicines and medical devices. One of the fundamental steps in using these data is developing algorithms to identify health status that can be used for observational studies. However, the process and methodologies for identifying health status from RCD remain insufficiently understood. While most current methods rely on International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes, they may not be universally applicable. Although machine learning methods hold promise for more accurately identifying the health status, they remain underutilized in RCD studies. To address these significant methodological gaps, we outline key steps and methodological considerations for identifying health statuses in observational studies using RCD. This review has the potential to boost the credibility of findings from observational studies that use RCD.

BackgroundApproximately one-third of depressed individuals receive treatment globally. The application rate of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treating depression globally remains relatively low. The proposed study presents a pilot trial to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions at different levels in improving depression status in community populations.MethodsA randomized controlled trial will be conducted in two communities in Guangdong, China, with a follow-up period of 12 weeks. Participants will be randomly allocated to control or intervention groups. Participants in the control group will be assigned to routine care, while participants in the intervention group will receive TCM intervention measures. The participants in the intervention group will receive integrated traditional Chinese and Western treatment according to the symptom grading of depression severity. Primary outcome measurements include the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17), and the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). Secondary outcome measurements include the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), the Multiple Mental Health Literacy Scale (MMHL), the Short-Form 12 (SF-12), and the Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (TESS). The data will be collected at baseline (T1), 2 weeks after intervention (T2), 4 weeks after intervention (T3), 8 weeks after intervention (T4), and 12 weeks after intervention (T5).DiscussionThis study will provide an experimental basis for the effectiveness of hierarchical integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine (ITCWM) in improving the condition of patients with different degrees of depression. At the end of the study, it is expected for the experimental group to have an improvement in depressive symptoms and sleep quality and an enhancement in mental health awareness.Clinical trial registrationhttp://www.chictr.org.cn, identifier ChiCTR2300075169.

IntroductionPneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is a common and serious complication of HIV/AIDS, with a higher prevalence in patients not receiving antiretroviral therapy. Due to the high mortality rate of PCP, accurate prediction of its case fatality rate is very important for clinical treatment. We aimed to develop a risk model for the near-term prognosis of people with HIV/AIDS and PCP and verify its effectiveness.MethodsThis single-center, retrospective observational study was conducted at Beijing Youan Hospital from January 2012 to October 2022. 972 AIDS patients with Pneumocystis pneumonia met our criteria were recruited. The patients were divided into death group and survival group according to clinical outcome during hospitalization. Data of the two groups were collected including general information and laboratory test results. 53 medical characteristics of the two groups were collected. Prediction variables were screened with Multivariate logistic regression analysis and Lasso regression model. We used ROC curve to identify the discrimination of training and testing data sets. The Shapley Additive exPlanation (SHAP) method was applied to explain the final model and the weights of features.ResultsThe overall mortality rate among hospitalized patients was 17.8%. We found that the best prediction effect can be obtained when ALB, PO2, TBIL, LDH, CD4+ T lymphocyte counts are incorporated into the PCP risk prediction model. The model had a perfect discrimination with AUC of 0.994 and 0.947 in training and validation cohorts. The prognosis risk grade was divided into three grades: low-risk group (0-25 points with mortality of 5.9%), moderate-risk group (25-50 points with mortality of 45.1%) and high-risk group (above 50 points with mortality of 80%). There is a statistically significant difference in mortality among these three grades (χ2 = 419.271, P

Introduction: Cognitive fatigue is mainly caused by enduring mental stress or monotonous work, impairing cognitive and physical performance. Natural scene exposure is a promising intervention for relieving cognitive fatigue, but the efficacy of virtual reality (VR) simulated natural scene exposure is unclear. We aimed to investigate the effect of VR natural scene on cognitive fatigue and further explored its underlying neurophysiological alterations with electroencephalogram (EEG) microstates analysis. Methods: Ten participants performed a 20-minute 1-back task before and after VR intervention while EEG was recorded (pre-task, post-task). Performance was measured with mean accuracy rate (MAR) and mean reaction time (MRT) of the continuous 1-back task. VR simulation of the Canal Town scene was utilized to alleviate cognitive fatigue caused by 1-back tasks. Four resting-state phases were identified: beginning, pre, post, and end phases. Results: Post-task had a higher MAR and a lower MRT than pre-task. For pre-task, MAR was negatively correlated with trials, while MRT was positively correlated with trials. Four EEG microstates classes (A-D) were identified, and their temporal parameters (mean duration, time coverage and occurrence) and transition probabilities were calculated. After intervention, mean duration and time coverage of class B decreased, all parameters of class C increased, while all parameters of class D decreased. Transition probabilities between classes B and D decreased but increased between classes A and C. Conclusion: VR simulation of Canal Town scene is a potentially effective method to alleviate cognitive fatigue. Microstate is an electrophysiological trait characteristic of cognitive fatigue and might be used to indicate the effect of VR intervention.

Abstract Background Identification of risk genes and loci associated with the recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer (BC) is of utmost importance. Genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) represent valuable tools for identifying the disease risk associated with a given single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP); they offer significant insights into the disease progression mechanism by analyzing SNP information of the entire genome. Though GWAS has already identified several genetic susceptibility SNPs for BC, their significance in the recurrence and metastasis of this cancer remains unclear. Here, we used a GWAS approach to identify SNPs specifically associated with the risk of BC recurrence and metastasis. Methods This study adopted a two‐stage GWAS approach. In the first stage, 97 pairs of BC patients with or without recurrence and metastasis, treated at the Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute from November 2013 to April 2014, were identified using propensity score matching. DNA extracted from the patient peripheral blood was then subjected to Illumina ASA chip analysis for genome‐wide SNP detection. In the second stage, the findings were verified in a validation set of 854 BC patients recruited at the same hospital from May 2014 to June 2015. SNP genotyping was performed using time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. The SNP loci and their corresponding genes and pathways were analyzed using the DAVID (https://david.ncifcrf.gov/) online enrichment analysis tool. Results Based on the GWAS results, 191 SNP‐related genes significantly associated with BC recurrence and metastasis were identified as expression quantitivative trait loci (p

Study region: We selected the China’s Huaihe River Basin as the study region.Study focus: Bias correction is crucial for improving the accuracy of Global Climate Model (GCM) predictions. We proposed an improved statistical bias correction method called the EquiDistant Cumulative Distribution Function (CDF) matching method with least square fitting of CDF’s deviation (LS-EDCDF) to correct biases in GCM precipitation. The LS-EDCDF method incorporates recurrence periods and least squares with the determination of transfer functions relating observation to model simulation. We applied this and three other methods—EquiDistant Cumulative Distribution Function matching method (EDCDF), combined Linear Scaling and Cumulative Distribution Function matching method (LS-CDF) and Quantile-quantile mapping method (QUANT)—to correct biases in the CMCC-CM2-SR5 model. Performance was evaluated in four aspects. Taylor diagram statistical metrics and correlation coefficients are used to measure agreements between the basin-average observations and bias-corrected model precipitation and their CDFs during the validation period (2015–2020), respectively. The Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices (ETCCDI) extreme precipitation indices and spatial patterns of extreme precipitation in July 2020 in the observations and bias-corrected data were then compared to evaluate the effectiveness of these methods on capturing precipitation extremes.New hydrological insights for the region: Results show that the LS-EDCDF method outperforms the other three methods in correcting monthly CDFs, reducing biases, and preserving extreme precipitation. All results of these methods indicate that the CMCC-CM2-SR5 model tends to overestimate precipitation but performs well during the main flood seasons, especially for extreme precipitation. Future projections suggest decreasing interannual variability of precipitation, with a lower change rate during the flood season and a higher rate during the non-flood season. The bias-corrected data from this method can serve as a valuable input for projecting future floods in this important area of China.

Homoharringtonine is a natural alkaloid with significant pharmacological potential that has demonstrated promising efficacy in the treatment of hematological malignancies in recent years. This article systematically reviews the pharmacological mechanisms of Homoharringtonine, focusing on its key roles in inducing apoptosis, inhibiting cell cycle progression, and reducing cell migration and invasion. Additionally, HHT exhibits multiple biological activities, including immunomodulation, antiviral effects, and anti-fibrotic properties, with recent studies also revealing its potential neuroprotective functions. In clinical trials, Homoharringtonine has demonstrated promising efficacy in the treatment of hematological malignancies, particularly in various types such as acute myeloid leukemia and chronic myeloid leukemia. Despite the significant antitumor effects observed in clinical applications, its low bioavailability and potential side effects remain major challenges that limit its widespread use. This article details the latest research advancements aimed at enhancing the bioavailability of Homoharringtonine, including various drug delivery systems such as nanoparticles and liposomes, as well as chemical modification strategies. These approaches not only improve HHT’s bioavailability in vivo but also enhance its targeting ability while reducing toxicity to normal cells. Furthermore, the combination of HHT with other drugs presents broader prospects for clinical treatment. By exploring the diverse pharmacological activities of Homoharringtonine in depth, this article aims to provide a foundation for developing novel therapeutic approaches based on natural products, thereby advancing HHT’s application research in cancer treatment and other fields.

Background Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) has been recognized as a pivotal pressor substance in hypertension, yet understanding of its effects and origins in the RVLM remains largely elusive. This study aimed to elucidate the pivotal enzymes and molecular mechanisms underlying PGE2 synthesis induced by central Ang II (angiotensin II) and its implications in the heightened oxidative stress and sympathetic outflow in hypertension. Methods and Results RVLM microinjections of PGE2 and Tempol were administered in Wistar‐Kyoto rats. Intracisternal drug delivery and adeno‐associated viral vectors microinjection were used in both Wistar‐Kyoto rats and spontaneous hypertensive rats to modulate the function of Ang II, PGE2 receptor 3, and expression of COX2 (cyclooxygenase 2). Microinjection of PGE2 into the RVLM significantly augmented sympathetic activity (25.380±1.566%) and oxidative stress level, whereas intracisternal infusion of a prostaglandin E receptor 3 antagonist attenuated sympathetic activity in both spontaneous hypertensive rats and Ang II‐induced hypertensive rats. Furthermore, Ang II treatment upregulated COX2 expression in RVLM neurons (1.000±0.112 versus 1.506±0.370 fold change), with no significant effect on other enzymes involved in PGE2 synthesis. Additionally, inhibition of the JAK2/STAT3 (Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) signaling pathway nullified Ang II‐mediated elevation of COX2 expression, as evidenced by phosphorylated STAT3 binding to the COX2 sequence in PC12 cells. Conclusions Central Ang II induces the accumulation of RVLM PGE2 through the neuronal AT1R (angiotensin type 1 receptor)/JAK2/STAT3/COX2 pathway, thereby promoting oxidative stress, augmenting sympathetic outflow, and contributing to essential hypertension.

Background and PurposeNicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), which are expressed throughout the mammalian brain, mediate a variety of physiological functions. Despite their widespread presence, the functions of nAChRs are not yet fully understood. α-Conotoxins, which are peptides derived from the venom of marine cone snails, target different subtypes of nAChRs. Specifically, α-Conotoxins [D1G, ΔQ14] LvIC, identified from Conus lividus, have demonstrated strong activity on α6β4* nAChRs in vitro. However, the effects of [D1G, ΔQ14] LvIC have not been investigated in vivo. This study aims to examine the activities of [D1G, ΔQ14] LvIC and explore its potential mechanisms in vivo.MethodsThe study involved the injection of [D1G, ΔQ14] LvIC into the lateral cerebral ventricle (LV) of mice. Following this procedure, behavioral tests were conducted to assess changes in the mice’s behavior. To investigate the molecular alterations in the mice’s brains, untargeted metabolomics and label-free Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) were employed. Subsequently, Western blot (WB) and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) techniques were utilized to detect specific molecular changes induced by [D1G, ΔQ14] LvIC.ResultsThe injection of [D1G, ΔQ14] LvIC led to a decrease in locomotor activity in mice. This treatment also resulted in reduced expression of neuronal calcium sensor 1 (NCS-1) and neuroligin 3 (NLGN-3) in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus (Hip), and caudate putamen (CPu). Both NCS-1 and NLGN-3 are crucial for neuronal development, synapse formation, and neuron activity, and their reduction is associated with decreased synapse strength. Despite these changes, results from the Morris water maze (MWM) indicated that [D1G, ΔQ14] LvIC did not impair the learning and memory abilities of the mice.ConclusionOur findings indicate that α-conotoxin [D1G, ΔQ14] LvIC significantly decreased locomotor activity in mice. Additionally, it altered gene expression primarily in areas related to neuronal development, synapse formation, and neuron activity, while also reducing synapse strength. This study first proposed that [D1G, ΔQ14] LvIC could modulate mice’s locomotor activity. However, further investigation is needed to understand the therapeutic effects of [D1G, ΔQ14] LvIC.

Introduction Previous population-based studies, mainly from high-income countries, have shown that a higher forced vital capacity (FVC) is associated with a lower risk of developing cardiometabolic diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the longitudinal association between spirometry measures and the onset of cardiometabolic diseases across sites in low-income, middle-income and high-income countries.Methods The study population comprised 5916 individuals from 15 countries participating in the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease baseline and follow-up assessments. Postbronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FVC and FEV1/FVC were measured at baseline. Participants who reported having doctor-diagnosed hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and stroke at follow-up but not at baseline were considered new cases of these diseases. The association between lung function and the onset of participant-reported cardiometabolic diseases was assessed in each site using regression models, and estimates were combined using random effects meta-analysis. Models were adjusted for sex, age, smoking, body mass index and educational level.Results Participants with greater per cent predicted FVC were less likely to have new-onset diabetes (OR per 10%=0.91, 95% CI 0.84 to 0.99), heart disease (OR per 10%=0.86, 95% CI 0.80 to 0.92) and stroke (OR per 10%=0.81, 95% CI 0.73 to 0.89) during the follow-up period (mean±SD 9.5±3.6 years). A greater percentage of FEV1 was associated with a lower risk of onset of heart disease and stroke. No significant association was found between FEV1/FVC and onset of reported cardiometabolic diseases, except for a higher risk of diabetes (OR per 10%=1.21, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.35) in participants with higher FEV1/FVC.Conclusions The findings of this study suggest that a low FVC is more important than a low FEV1/FVC as a risk factor for developing cardiometabolic diseases. The value of including FVC in risk score models to improve their precision in predicting the onset of cardiometabolic diseases should be explored.

ObjectivesThis study aimed to develop and validate a robust predictive model for accurately identifying migraine without aura (MWoA) individuals from migraine patients.MethodsWe recruited 637 migraine patients, randomizing them into training and validation cohorts. Participant’s medical data were collected such as demographic data (age, gender, self-reported headache characteristics) and clinical details including symptoms, triggers, and comorbidities. The model stability, which was developed using multivariable logistic regression, was tested by the internal validation cohort. Model efficacy was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), alongside with nomogram, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA).ResultsThe study included 477 females (average age 46.62 ± 15.64) and 160 males (average age 39.78 ± 19.53). A total of 397 individuals met the criteria for MWoA. Key predictors in the regression model included patent foramen ovale (PFO) (OR = 2.30, p = 0.01), blurred vision (OR = 0.40, p = 0.001), dizziness (OR = 0.16, p

The DNA molecule is a promising next-generation data storage medium. Recently, it has been theoretically proposed that non-natural or modified bases can serve as extra molecular letters to increase the information density. However, this strategy is challenging due to the difficulty in synthesizing non-natural DNA sequences and their complex structure. Here, we described a practical DNA data storage transcoding scheme named R+ based on an expanded molecular alphabet that introduces 5-methylcytosine (5mC). We demonstrated its experimental validation by encoding one representative file into several 1.3∼1.6 kbps in vitro DNA fragments for nanopore sequencing. Our results show an average data recovery rate of 98.97% and 86.91% with and without reference, respectively. Our work validates the practicability of 5mC in DNA storage systems, with a potentially wide range of applications. Availability and implementation R+ is implemented in Python and the code is available under a MIT license at https://github.com/Incpink-Liu/DNA-storage-R_plus.

To explore the impact of thermal barrier coating (TBC) surface roughness on the cooling effectiveness of film-cooled turbine vanes, the GE-E3 high pressure turbine vane was used. Utilizing the method of conjugate heat transfer (CHT) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), we employed the SST k-ω two-equation turbulence model to conduct numerical simulations of the film cooling process. Our analysis delves into the effects of varying roughness levels (0 μm, 0.81 μm, 2 μm and 3 μm) on vane cooling efficiency, TBC performance, and vane heat transfer coefficient. Results indicate a notable enhancement in vane film cooling efficiency, particularly in proximity to the leading edge (LE), owing to the presence of TBC. As TBC surface roughness increases, heat transfer coefficients on the suction side (SS) and pressure side (PS) near the trailing edge (TE) generally rise, diminishing both cooling and TBC effectiveness. However, divergent outcomes emerge near the LE due to the inherent uncertainty in heat transfer predictions. Notably, reducing TBC surface roughness from 3 μm to 0 μm yields an average cooling efficiency increase of 2.45 %, with a maximum improvement of 2.1 %.

Background: Although intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) has shown effectiveness in addressing working memory (WM) deficits in individuals with schizophrenia (SZ), the current body of evidence is limited and the specific mechanisms involved remain unclear. Therefore, this pilot fMRI study aimed to examine the efficacy of parietal iTBS in ameliorating WM impairments and explore its influence on the resting-state effective connectivity within the frontoparietal network in patients with SZ. Method: A total of 48 patients diagnosed with SZ were randomly assigned to an active or sham iTBS group and underwent 20 sessions of active or sham iTBS over 4 weeks. Subsequently, all patients underwent cognitive tests, clinical symptom assessments, and resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) scans. The effective connectivity between the frontal and parietal brain regions during the rs-fMRI scans was analyzed using a spectral dynamic causal modeling approach. Additionally, this trial was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry in November 2022 (registry number: ChiCTR2200057286). Results: iTBS treatment improved the positive symptoms, negative symptoms, general psychopathology, and WM deficits. Following the iTBS intervention, the active group demonstrated a significant increase in connectivity strengths from the right MFG to the right SPL (p = 0.031) and from the left SPL to the left MFG (p = 0.010) compared to the pre-treatment levels. Additionally, compared to the sham group, the active group displayed a significantly higher connectivity strength from the right MFG to the right SPL (p = 0.042) after iTBS treatment. Conclusion: All these findings suggest that iTBS targeting the parietal region may influence the resting-state effective connectivity within the frontoparietal network, thereby offering promising therapeutic implications for alleviating the cognitive deficits in SZ.

Abstract Aims/Introduction To evaluate the differences in cardiac autonomic function, cardiac structure and diastolic function between individuals with diabetic foot (DF) and those with diabetes but without DF. Materials and Methods A total of 413 individuals with DF and 437 without DF who underwent a 24‐h electrocardiogram Holter and a Doppler echocardiogram were included. The heart rate variability parameters to evaluate cardiac autonomic function, and the indices for the assessment of cardiac structure and left ventricular (LV) diastolic function, including left atrium, LV posterior wall thickness, interventricular septum and E/e′ ratio, were measured or calculated. Propensity score matching was used for the sensitivity analysis to minimize potential imbalance. Results In both the crude and propensity score matching analyses, significant differences were observed in heart rate variability between individuals with and without DF, as evidenced by lower standard deviation of the normal sinus interval, lower low‐frequency power/high‐frequency power ratio, lower standard deviation of the 5‐min average RR intervals, lower low‐frequency power, lower percentage of normal adjacent RR interval difference >50 ms, lower root mean square of successive RR interval differences and lower high‐frequency power (all P

Abstract Background Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) are rare but severe complications that occur after solid organ or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantations (allo-HSCT), with rapid progression and high mortality. Primary central nervous system (CNS)-PTLD are rarely recognized histo-pathologically. In addition, the diagnostic value of the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) DNA copies in CNS-PTLD remains poorly understood. Objectives We herein report a case of monomorphic EBV-associated CNS-PTLD (diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, DLBCL) after allo-HSCT and perform a meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of PTLD treatment strategies in recent years. Methods We present the case report covering clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of a patient with primary CNS-PTLD. Additionally, we include a systematic review and meta-analysis of the clinical characteristics of 431 patients with PTLD after allo-HSCT. We evaluate the main treatment options and outcomes of PTLD management, including rituximab, chemotherapies, and autologous or human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched EBV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte infusion (EBV-CTLs)/donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI). Results The meta-analysis revealed an overall response rate of 69.0% for rituximab alone (95% CI: 0.47–0.84), 45.0% for rituximab plus chemotherapies (95% CI: 0.15–0.80), and 91.0% for rituximab plus EBV-CTLs/DLI (95% CI: 0.83–0.96). The complete response (CR) rate after treatments for PTLD was 67.0% (95% CI: 0.56–0.77). Moreover, the 6-month and 1-year overall survival (OS) rate was 64.0% (95% CI: 0.31–0.87) and 49.0% (95% CI: 0.31–0.68), respectively. Conclusions This case highlighted the urgent need for effective, low-toxic treatment regimens for CNS-PTLD. Our meta-analysis suggested that rituximab combined with EBV-CTLs/DLI could be a favorable strategy for the management of PTLD after allo-HSCT.

This research documents a new record of Miniopterus magnater in the south-western region of China, a significant discovery given the limited diversity of the Miniopterus genus within the country. Only three species of Miniopterus occur in China: Miniopterus magnater, Miniopterus fuliginosus and Miniopterus pusillus. These species share a high degree of morphological similarity, particularly in their external characteristics. This underscores the necessity for the identification of additional distinguishing traits that can aid in the taxonomic differentiation of these closely-related species.During the 2023 field expedition to various nature reserves in Yunnan Province, China, we encountered specimens of the genus Miniopterus. Utilising a combination of morphological assessments and phylogenetic analyses, we identified six individuals as Miniopterus magnater. A review of the existing geographical distribution data revealed that this species is primarily found in central and southern regions of China, with no previous records from the south-western part of the country. Based on our findings, we present a novel record of Miniopterus magnater's distribution in the south-western region of China.

In this work, the effect of tungsten inert gas (TIG) remelting on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance of 5052 aluminum alloy joints produced by metal inert gas (MIG) welding is investigated. The results indicate that after TIG remelting of MIG welds, the proportion of dendrites increases in the remelted weld zone (WZ), porosity decreases by 76.9%, and the Fe elements in the second phase become coarser and more segregated. In contrast, the Mg elements form a solid solution with a decreased degree of segregation. In addition, the average grain size of the remelted structure decreases, while the proportion of sub-grain boundaries (SGBs) and the kernel average misorientation (KAM) values increase. Moreover, the heat-affected zone (HAZ) widens, and the grains become coarser. An increase of 4.5% in tensile strength and 20.0% in elongation was observed in the TIG-remelted joints after TIG remelting. Electrochemical and immersion tests on the TIG-remelted microstructure showed reduced corrosion resistance. Electrochemical tests mainly exhibited galvanic corrosion, resulting in the formation of pits. The types of corrosions observed in the immersion test differ from those in the electrochemical test, primarily exhibiting exfoliation corrosion and pitting corrosion. A higher geometric dislocation density (ρGND) in the structure increases the susceptibility to corrosion.

Abstract To assess the safety of varicella vaccine (VarV) by conducting post-marketing surveillance on adverse events following immunization (AEFI) in Jiangsu Province, China. Methods We utilized the AEFI Information System of mainland China to monitor and categorize adverse reactions associated with VarV. Results The incidence rate of AEFI was significantly higher after the first dose (48.79/100,000 doses) compared to the second dose (45.18/100,000 doses) (χ2 = 4.63, P = 0.031). Regional variations in AEFI incidence were observed within Jiangsu Province. Common reactions comprised 90.96% of AEFIs, while rare reactions and coincidental events accounted for 6.59% and 0.51%, respectively. Notably, there were no adverse events linked to vaccine quality, program errors, psychogenic reactions, or fatalities. Over 96% of AEFIs occurred within three days of VarV administration, with redness at the injection site (2.6 cm to 5 cm in diameter) being the most frequently observed symptom. Conclusion VarV demonstrates a commendable safety profile. Although there was a slight increase in AEFI incidence between 2022 and 2023, common vaccine reactions were predominantly observed, and the rates of rare reactions remained very low.

Abstract The dynamics of soft microparticles enclosed in a droplet flowing in a channel is an unexplored fundamental problem that lies at the heart of numerous applications, including droplet-based microfluidics, tissue engineering and smart material synthesis. Here we show that enclosing a flexible capsule into a droplet can amplify the capsule’s deformation parameters in channel flow by up to two orders of magnitude. Previously unreported capsule equilibrium shapes in channel flow, including an oblate spheroid and a reversed bullet, have also been discovered. We propose two theoretical models to predict the equilibrium position of the capsule inside the droplet, and estimate the capsule deformation, respectively. The present study provides an effective but simple approach to enhance and control the deformation of soft particles in a flowing suspension, which may inspire widespread applications, from high-throughput single-cell mechanical phenotyping, enhanced cross-membrane drug delivery, to manufacturing shape-controlled non-spherical particles and artificial cells.