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Spatial transcriptomics is a rapidly growing field that aims to comprehensively characterize tissue organization and architecture at single-cell or sub-cellular resolution using spatial information. Such techniques provide a solid foundation for the mechanistic understanding of many biological processes in both health and disease that cannot be obtained using traditional technologies. Several methods have been proposed to decipher the spatial context of spots in tissue using spatial information. However, when spatial information and gene expression profiles are integrated, most methods only consider the local similarity of spatial information. As they do not consider the global semantic structure, spatial domain identification methods encounter poor or over-smoothed clusters. We developed ConSpaS, a novel node representation learning framework that precisely deciphers spatial domains by integrating local and global similarities based on graph autoencoder (GAE) and contrastive learning (CL). The GAE effectively integrates spatial information using local similarity and gene expression profiles, thereby ensuring that cluster assignment is spatially continuous. To improve the characterization of the global similarity of gene expression data, we adopt CL to consider the global semantic information. We propose an augmentation-free mechanism to construct global positive samples and use a semi-easy sampling strategy to define negative samples. We validated ConSpaS on multiple tissue types and technology platforms by comparing it with existing typical methods. The experimental results confirmed that ConSpaS effectively improved the identification accuracy of spatial domains with biologically meaningful spatial patterns, and denoised gene expression data while maintaining the spatial expression pattern. Furthermore, our proposed method better depicted the spatial trajectory by integrating local and global similarities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we investigate the self-reference interferometry of optical vortices using a Michelson interferometer. It is found that the detection of topological charge (TC) for optical vortices is constrained by some physical conditions. We present these conditions through theoretical analyses, numerical simulation and experimental results. The maximal detectable TCs are different for different parameters, which is helpful for the measurement of TC in practical applications. Within the range allowed by the constrained conditions, we also study the detection of TC using the interference pattern of a two-way optical vortex, by changing the inclined angle of one mirror of the Michelson interferometer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taking CNKI database as the data source and measuring visual map analysis tool Citespace as auxiliary tool, domestic 843 articles in recent 15 years are analyzed, and visualization maps such as time line analysis, institutional cooperation network analysis, author collaboration network analysis, keyword cooccurrence, and emergent words analysis are drawn. Combined with the literature content analysis, four hot spots in the research field of landscape architecture microclimate in China are obtained, namely ENVIMET, comfort, design strategy and urban green space. The research trend is thermal comfort, human body comfort and winter city. The research results can provide reference for the research on domestic garden microclimate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We sought to validate the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ) in a sample of Chinese adolescents and investigate differences in eating behaviors among Chinese normal weight, overweight, and obese adolescents. Chinese middle and high school students completed the DEBQ, Eating Disorder Inventory-1, and the Self-Control Scale. Result showed that the DEBQ had good internal consistency, test–retest reliability and criterion validity. Furthermore, the obese and overweight adolescents scored significantly higher than normal weight adolescents on three subscales. The DEBQ is effective for assessing eating behaviors in Chinese adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The invasion and expansion of Spartina alterniflora have led to a certain degree of degradation in the ecological environment of coastal wetlands. To discuss the impacts of Spartina alterniflora expansion on the tidal channels, we took the third core area of the Dafeng Elk National Nature Reserve in Yancheng, Jiangsu Province as the study area, retrieved the spatial distribution of Spartina alterniflora by random forest algorithm based on long time series of Landsat and Sentinel-2 images, analysed the expansion models. The tidal channels were obtained by the image segmentation based on MSAVI and visual interpretation and the spatiotemporal evolution traits were finally analysed. The results revealed that the area and perimeter of Spartina alterniflora are continuously increasing, with a wide-ranging invasion. The coverage area peaks at 13.4%, making it the dominant species in the study area. When excluding the influence of human activities, a significant negative correlation emerges between the invasion rate and compactness of Spartina alterniflora and the spatio-temporal evolution of tidal channels. Faster invasion rates and greater compactness correspond to a deceleration in tidal channel morphology development. Additionally, we also found that the growth of Spartina alterniflora has a positive influence on the growth and reproduction of elk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Autoantibodies against interferon-γ (IFN-γ) can inhibit IFN-γ-dependent signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 phosphorylation and thus increase the risk of infection with intracellular pathogens, such as Talaromyces marneffei (TM), nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTMs), and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB). Here, we report a rare case of triple infection caused by TM, NTM, and TB in a human immunodeficiency virus–negative patient. Case presentation: A middle-aged female was admitted to our hospital after experiencing recurrent rash, cough, and expectoration for 4 months. She was successively diagnosed with NTM, TM, and TB infections without conventional immunosuppression-associated factors. However, after effective anti-infective treatment, the patient was confirmed to have allergic conjunctivitis and was successfully treated with corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. The most conspicuous characteristics were recurrent infection and immune disorders. Conclusions: High-titer anti-IFN-γ autoantibodies are strongly associated with severe and disseminated infections, such as NTM, TM, and TB. It is characterized by persistently high degree of inflammation and high immunoglobin levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Autoantibodies against interferon-γ (IFN-γ) can inhibit IFN-γ-dependent signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 phosphorylation and thus increase the risk of infection with intracellular pathogens, such as Talaromyces marneffei (TM), nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTMs), and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB). Here, we report a rare case of triple infection caused by TM, NTM, and TB in a human immunodeficiency virus–negative patient. Case presentation: A middle-aged female was admitted to our hospital after experiencing recurrent rash, cough, and expectoration for 4 months. She was successively diagnosed with NTM, TM, and TB infections without conventional immunosuppression-associated factors. However, after effective anti-infective treatment, the patient was confirmed to have allergic conjunctivitis and was successfully treated with corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. The most conspicuous characteristics were recurrent infection and immune disorders. Conclusions: High-titer anti-IFN-γ autoantibodies are strongly associated with severe and disseminated infections, such as NTM, TM, and TB. It is characterized by persistently high degree of inflammation and high immunoglobin levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with lymphoma are at risk for developing pulmonary opportunistic infections due to immunocompromise. However, clinical reports of concurrent lymphoma and opportunistic infection at presentation are rare and often confined to single cases. A delayed diagnosis of either opportunistic infection or lymphoma usually occurs in this complex situation. Here, we report such a case and analyse 18 similar cases searched in the PubMed database to deepen clinicians' understanding.Case Presentation: A 48-year-old man presented with a 3-month history of fever, cough and emaciation. High-resolution computed tomography revealed bilateral cavitating lesions of different sizes. Aspergillus fumigatus complex was identified from a bronchoalveolar lavage fluid culture. However, antifungal treatment combined with multiple rounds of antibacterial therapy was unsuccessful, and the patient's lung lesions continued to deteriorate. Multiple puncture biopsies finally confirmed the coexistence of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Despite the initiation of combination chemotherapy, the patient died of progressive respiratory failure.Conclusions: Synchronous pulmonary lymphoma and simultaneous opportunistic infection is rare and usually lacks specific clinical and imaging manifestations. Lymphoma should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis of patients with an opportunistic infection when treatment fails or other symptoms are present that could be considered "atypical" for the condition. Tissue biopsy is the gold standard, and multiple biopsies are essential for making the final diagnosis and should be performed upon early suspicion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is considerable interest in adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) as a means of organizing biological and toxicological information to assist in data interpretation and method development. While several chemical sectors have shown considerable progress in applying this approach, this has not been the case in the food sector. In the present study, safety evaluation reports of food additives listed in Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Union were screened to qualitatively and quantitatively characterize toxicity induced in laboratory animals. The resulting database was used to identify the critical adverse effects used for risk assessment and to investigate whether food additives share common AOPs. Analysis of the database revealed that often such scrutiny of AOPs was not possible or necessary. For 69% of the food additives, the report did not document any adverse effects in studies based on which the safety evaluation was performed. For the remaining 31% of the 326 investigated food additives, critical adverse effects and related points of departure for establishing health-based guidance values could be identified. These mainly involved effects on the liver, kidney, cardiovascular system, lymphatic system, central nervous system and reproductive system. AOPs are available for many of these apical endpoints, albeit to different degrees of maturity. For other adverse outcomes pertinent to food additives, including gastrointestinal irritation and corrosion, AOPs are lacking. Efforts should focus on developing AOPs for these particular endpoints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the establishment of a high-efficiency genome editing system in white birch trees. The researchers aimed to optimize the genome editing system in white birch to address the challenges of climate change and growing societal demands. They conducted a screening process using a superior white birch strain and tested different endogenous promoters to drive sgRNA expression. The study found that the efficiency of genome editing varied depending on the promoters used, with endogenous promoters showing higher editing efficiencies compared to exogenous promoters. The findings provide valuable support for the development of a multiple-gene editing system and molecular breeding in white birch and other forest trees. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract The effects of different hole transport layers (HTLs) have been investigated in the inverted quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QD-LEDs). Surprisingly, the HTL with shallower highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) level leads to higher current. The unique energy levels of di-[4-(N,N-ditolyl-amino)-phenyl]cyclohexane (TAPC) HTL cause Auger-assisted hole injection and better carrier confinement within the QD emitting layer, resulting in lower driving voltage and higher efficiency. In addition, the hole injection is further effectively enhanced by inserting a thin 1,4,5,8,9,11-hexaazatriphenylene hexacarbonitrile (HATCN) layer between TAPC and MoO 3. And the optimized device with 4-nm-thick HATCN obtains a maximum power efficiency of 26.2 lm/W, meaning a 50% improvement compared to the device employing individual MoO 3 hole injection layer. Owing to the deep lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) level and strong electron withdrawing ability of HATCN, electrons can easily transport from the HOMO of TAPC to the LUMO of HATCN, and the holes left on TAPC can greatly enhance the hole transport ability. Besides, the reduced barrier from the high work function of MoO 3 /Al as well as the smoother surface morphology of HATCN/MoO 3 film also assists hole injection. It is believed that the combination of HTL and insertion of HATCN between HTL and MoO 3 can be applied to many other opto-electronic devices to improve hole injection. Graphical abstract Image 10231 Highlights • The inverted QD-LEDs employing HTL with shallower HOMO get lower turn-on voltage. • The higher LUMO level and lower electron mobility of TAPC impede electron leakage. • The insertion of HATCN between TAPC and MoO 3 effectively enhance hole injection. • Charge generation occurs between TAPC and HATCN. • A 50% increase on power efficiency is obtained with the 4-nm-thick HATCN insertion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Talaromyces marneffei (T. marneffei), a dimorphic fungus, causes local or disseminated infection in humans. We aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics, prognostic factors, and survival outcomes of patients with T. marneffei infection and compare the differences between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive and HIV-negative subgroups. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 241 patients with T. marneffei infection at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University between January 2012 and January 2022. The overall population was stratified into HIV-positive (n = 98) and HIV-negative (n = 143) groups according to HIV status. Kaplan–Meier analysis and multivariate Cox regression models were used to determine the prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Results: With a median follow-up time of 58.9 months, 120 patients (49.8%) experienced disease progression and 85 patients (70.8%) died. The 5-year rates of OS and PFS were 61.4% (95% CI 55.0–68.6%) and 47.8% (95% CI 41.5–55.1%), respectively. As an independent factor, patients who were HIV positive had better PFS (HR 0.50, 95% CI 0.31–0.82; p < 0.01) than patients who were HIV negative. Compared with patients who were HIV positive, patients who were HIV negative were older and had more probabilities of underlying diseases, chest involvement, bone destruction, and higher count of neutrophils (all p < 0.05). Hemoglobin (PFS: HR 0.62; 95% CI 0.39–1.00; p < 0.05; OS: HR 0.45; 95% CI 0.22–0.89; p = 0.02) and lymphocyte count (PFS: HR 0.06; 95% CI 0.01–0.26; p < 0.01; OS: HR 0.08; 95% CI 0.01–0.40; p < 0.01) were independent prognostic factors for PFS and OS in patients who were HIV negative. Conclusions: Patients with T. marneffei infection have a poor prognosis. Patients who are HIV positive and HIV negative have relatively independent clinical characteristics. Multiple organ involvement and disease progression are more common in patients who are HIV negative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify, critically appraise, and synthesize current evidence regarding the effects of spinal mobilization on physical function in patients with stroke. Three databases, PubMed, Embase, and Scopus, were searched from inception to March 15, 2024. Randomized controlled trials comparing the effects of spinal mobilization to conventional therapy were eligible for inclusion. Methodological quality was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. Meta-analyses were performed to determine the effects of spinal mobilization. Nine randomized controlled trials were included, with a total of 294 patients with stroke. All included studies were evaluated as good or above for quality assessment. No adverse events related to spinal mobilization were reported. Compared to conventional therapy, spinal mobilization demonstrated significantly improved forward head posture (SMD: 1.00, 95% CI: 0.53 to 1.46, p < 0.001); there were no between-group differences on forced vital capacity (SMD: 0.44, 95% CI: -0.01 to 0.88, p = 0.06), forced expiratory volume (SMD: 0.33, 95% CI: -0.12 to 0.77, p = 0.15), balance (SMD: 0.36, 95% CI: -0.04 to 0.77, p = 0.08), gait speed (SMD: 0.48, 95% CI: -0.44 to 1.40, p = 0.31), and trunk function (SMD: 0.79, 95% CI: -0.17 to 1.75, p = 0.11). Cervical mobilization significantly improved forward head posture; however, no significant differences were found in other outcomes. Clinicians may consider spinal mobilization as an adjunctive intervention in stroke rehabilitation to address posture-related impairments to expand treatment strategy and optimize quality of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Steel slag and nano-SiO 2 were used as partial replacement of cement. • NS improve the early strength of cement-SS system. • Cement paste incorporating SS and NS meets the requirements of standards for low-heat cement. Research on low-heat cement (LHC) was significant for the preparation of mass concrete. However, the low early strength was one of the difficulties during the engineering applications. In present study, steel slag (SS) was used to produce LHC, and nano-SiO 2 (NS) was added to promote the early strength development. Cement was replaced by SS, and NS was further added into the cement-SS binder. Setting time, fluidity, and compressive strength were researched; hydration process and hydrates were also studied by hydration heat, hydration temperature, XRD, TGA, and NMR; microstructure was characterized by MIP and SEM. Results showed that SS reduced the early hydration heat of cement significantly, and meanwhile the compressive strength was reduced and the porosity was increased obviously. However, the addition of NS into cement-SS binder promoted the early strength, which was equivalent to that of single cement, and more importantly the increase on hydration heat and hydration temperature was few. The use of SS reduced the Ca(OH) 2 content of cement due to the dilution effect; the addition of NS decreased the Ca(OH) 2 content of cement-SS binder owing to the pozzolanic reaction. Indeed, the hydration degree between cement and cement-SS-NS binder was very close. Furthermore, the harmless pore volume of cement-SS binder was increased evidently because of the addition of NS. This research proved that reactive nano materials was efficient to promote the early strength of LHC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Steel slag and nano-SiO 2 were used as partial replacement of cement. • NS improve the early strength of cement-SS system. • Cement paste incorporating SS and NS meets the requirements of standards for low-heat cement. Research on low-heat cement (LHC) was significant for the preparation of mass concrete. However, the low early strength was one of the difficulties during the engineering applications. In present study, steel slag (SS) was used to produce LHC, and nano-SiO 2 (NS) was added to promote the early strength development. Cement was replaced by SS, and NS was further added into the cement-SS binder. Setting time, fluidity, and compressive strength were researched; hydration process and hydrates were also studied by hydration heat, hydration temperature, XRD, TGA, and NMR; microstructure was characterized by MIP and SEM. Results showed that SS reduced the early hydration heat of cement significantly, and meanwhile the compressive strength was reduced and the porosity was increased obviously. However, the addition of NS into cement-SS binder promoted the early strength, which was equivalent to that of single cement, and more importantly the increase on hydration heat and hydration temperature was few. The use of SS reduced the Ca(OH) 2 content of cement due to the dilution effect; the addition of NS decreased the Ca(OH) 2 content of cement-SS binder owing to the pozzolanic reaction. Indeed, the hydration degree between cement and cement-SS-NS binder was very close. Furthermore, the harmless pore volume of cement-SS binder was increased evidently because of the addition of NS. This research proved that reactive nano materials was efficient to promote the early strength of LHC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the relationships between life event stress, early maladaptive schemas, impulsivity and binge eating among adolescents and investigated the effects of early maladaptive schemas and impulsivity on the relationship between life event stress and binge eating. Specifically, we examined a moderated mediation model in which early maladaptive schemas mediated this relationship and impulsivity moderated the mediation effect. Life event stress, early maladaptive schemas, impulsivity and binge eating were investigated in a sample of 2172 seventh‐, eighth‐ and tenth‐grade middle and high school students (mean age = 14.55 years, standard deviation = 1.29). The results indicated that adolescents with greater life event stress, more early maladaptive schemas and higher levels of impulsivity displayed more severe binge eating. In addition, early maladaptive schemas mediated the relationship between life event stress and binge eating, while impulsivity moderated this relationship. Furthermore, impulsivity also moderated the mediation effect of early maladaptive schemas; as impulsivity levels increased, the strength of the association between life event stress and early maladaptive schemas increased. This study illustrates the importance of understanding individual differences and their effects on the relationship between life event stress and binge eating. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High efficiency non‐doped blue and white organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) are realized by using a bilayer interface‐exciplex (i‐Exc) structure. Since the neutral exciplex are formed at the interface, the interface charge accumulation is reduced, thereby suppressing exciton quenching in the device. With the i‐Exc structure, a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 23.1% is achieved in the non‐doped blue phosphorescent OLED. Moreover, the white emission can be obtained by inserting an ultrathin orange‐red phosphorescent emitter into the blue devices. The charge trapping in the orange‐red emitter can be suppressed by adjusting the position of the ultrathin orange‐red emitting layer in the device, contributing to superior spectral stability. The WOLED achieves an EQE of 20.0% and exhibits a stable warm white emission. The Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) coordinates of WOLED are (0.41, 0.40) at 5 V and slightly change to (0.40, 0.41) at 9 V. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]