Search

Although proponents suggest that universal social-emotional learning (SEL) programs promote academic achievement, few studies have directly tested these outcomes under routine conditions in schools. Forty first-grade classrooms participated in an effectiveness trial in which schools (N = 13) were randomly assigned to implementation of a universal SEL program (SSIS SEL CIP) or control (business-as-usual practices) conditions within sites/regions. Teachers in the treatment condition prepared for and implemented the program in accordance with their typical local practices. There were no statistically significant main effects on teacher-rated student engagement, motivation, and academic skills. Effect sizes, however, were medium to large and positive for academic engaged time and math achievement. Students with lower teacher-rated academic motivation at pretest also were more likely to improve after program exposure. These findings help identify considerations for further studying the potential academic outcomes resulting from implementing universal SEL under typical conditions.

Extended reality (XR) -- encompassing virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) -- emerges as a potential transformative tool in educational realms. This article explores the potential of XR in facilitating mathematics assessments; it proposes a list of mathematical topics that could be effectively mediated by XR's immersive and interactive features. Additionally, it discusses some major challenges which could be barriers to the widespread adoption of XR in educational contexts and sets out a research agenda for further investigation.

Abstract This study explores a novel technique of preparing porous ceramics using egg white protein foaming method, in which hydrophobically modified Al2O3 particles self-assembly on the surface of protein bubbles to form a stable foam slurry, which is ultimately discharged and sintered to make porous Al2O3 ceramics. And egg white protein was a non-toxic and harmless natural substance that functions simultaneously as a foaming agent, a binder, and a gelling agent, has a significant advantage over ordinary foaming agents. The effect of protein foam content on the microscopic morphology, pore distribution, and strength of the porous ceramics was investigated. The mechanism of porous ceramics prepared by the protein foaming method was analyzed and the reliability of the study was verified by simulating the possible bonding with Gaussian 6.0. Porous ceramics with open porosity of 11.2–38.82%, near-spherical shape, average pore size of 150–240 μm, and compressive strength of 84–140 MPa were fabricated. The thermal insulating results showed that the porous ceramics have good thermal insulation performance, which was expected to be applied in the fields of aviation heat shields.

Abstract Background The impact of noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) on cognitive and mental outcomes in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) remains under debate due to contradictory findings from systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRMAs). To synthesize evidence from SRMAs assessing the effectiveness of NIBS techniques on cognitive and mental outcomes in AD and MCI populations. By comparing our findings to recent reviews and clinical guidelines, we highlight how this study addresses current limitations in the literature, provides a more holistic perspective on NIBS interventions, and guides future research and clinical practice. Methods We searched four databases from inception to May 15, 2024, reviewing SRMAs that analyzed the effects of NIBS. Effect sizes, 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and prediction intervals were computed for each meta-analysis. The methodological quality of the SRMAs was evaluated using the Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews 2, and the quality of evidence was assessed through the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation criteria. Findings Ten SRMAs detailing 22 associations were analyzed, focusing on two NIBS techniques across 12 unique outcomes. Significant improvements were observed in global cognition, language, executive function, and memory. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) significantly enhanced short-term global cognition (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.44; 95% CI 0.02–0.86), language (SMD, 1.64; 95% CI 1.22–2.06), executive function (SMD, 1.64; 95% CI 0.18–0.83), and long-term global cognition (SMD, 0.29; 95% CI 0.07–0.50). Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) was effective in improving memory (SMD, 0.60; 95% CI 0.32–0.89) and executive function (SMD, 0.39; 95% CI 0.08–0.71). NIBS interventions showed no significant correlation with neuropsychiatric symptoms but demonstrated good tolerability in terms of safety and acceptability. Interpretation This umbrella review indicates that NIBS techniques, particularly rTMS and tDCS, can significantly improve cognitive functions such as global cognition, language, executive functions, and memory in patients with AD and MCI. Despite potential benefits, results should be interpreted cautiously due to study heterogeneity and methodological limitations. Future studies should investigate their long-term effects and applicability across dementia types. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Background Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major risk factor for tuberculosis (TB), However, limited research exists on their clinical and strain characteristics. This study aims to investigate the correlation between these factors in TB-DM patients in Changping District. Methods Whole genome sequencing (WGS) and drug susceptibility tests (DST) were performed on culture-positive strains. Spearman correlation analysis was used to examine risk factors and the correlation between lineage, cavities, and hemoptysis in the TB-DM population. The specificity, sensitivity, and confidence intervals for predicting phenotypic drug resistance based on genotypic resistance were calculated. Results Among the 3924 TB patients, 292 had DM, showing a doubling in the proportion of TB patients with DM over seven years. Among the 144 etiologically positive TB-DM cases treated at the Changping Institute for Tuberculosis Prevention and Treatment, 75% (108/144) of the patients exhibited tuberculosis lesions that formed cavities and 12.5% (18/144) with hemoptysis. A statistically significant difference in cavity formation across different age groups was observed (r = -0.198, P

Abstract The Arctic Ocean’s Beaufort Gyre, the largest Arctic freshwater reservoir, plays a crucial role for climate and marine ecosystems. Understanding how it changes in a warming climate is therefore essential. Here, using high-resolution simulations and Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 data, we find that the Beaufort Gyre will increasingly accumulate freshwater, elevate sea level, and spin up its circulation as the climate warms. These changes, collectively referred to as inflation, are more pronounced in the Beaufort Gyre region than in other Arctic areas, amplifying the spatial asymmetry of the Arctic Ocean. The inflation is driven by increased surface freshwater fluxes and intensified surface stress from wind strengthening and sea ice decline. Current climate models tend to underestimate this inflation, which could be alleviated by high-resolution ocean models and improved atmospheric circulation simulations. The inflation of the Beaufort Gyre underscores its growing importance in a warming climate.

Abstract Human-machine interaction has emerged as a revolutionary and transformative technology, bridging the gap between human and machine. Gesture recognition, capitalizing on the inherent dexterity of human hands, plays a crucial role in human-machine interaction. However, existing systems often struggle to meet user expectations in terms of comfort, wearability, and seamless daily integration. Here, we propose a handwriting recognition technology utilizing an intelligent hybrid-fabric wristband system. This system integrates spun-film sensors into textiles to form the smart fabric, enabling intelligent functionalities. A thermal encapsulation process is proposed to bond multiple spun-films without additional materials, ensuring the lightweight, breathability, and stretchability of the spun-film sensors. Furthermore, recognition algorithms facilitate precise accurate handwriting recognition of letters, with an accuracy of 96.63%. This system represents a significant step forward in the development of ergonomic and user-friendly wearable devices for enhanced human-machine interaction, particularly in the virtual world.

Abstract Background Neuroblastoma (NB), the most prevalent solid tumor in children, arises from sympathetic nervous system and accounts for 15% of pediatric cancer mortality. This malignancy exhibits substantial genetic and clinical heterogeneity, thus complicating treatment strategies. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1), a key enzyme catalyzing polyADP-ribosylation (PARylation), plays critical roles in various cellular processes, and contributes to tumorigenesis and aggressiveness. However, the functions and regulatory mechanisms of PARP1 in NB progression still remain to be determined. Methods The association of PARP1 expression with NB patients’ survival was analyzed by mining of R2 database. Western blotting, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, MTT colorimetric, soft agar, and matrigel invasion assays were utilized to assess PARP1 expression and its effects on aggressiveness of NB cell lines. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) sequencing and ChIP assays were employed to investigate the binding of Yin Yang 1 (YY1) to PARP1 promoter. Protein interactions were explored by BioGRID database analysis, molecular docking, and co-immunoprecipitation assay. RNA sequencing and crosslinking-immunoprecipitation high throughput sequencing datasets were used to identify precursor mRNA splicing targets of non-POU domain containing octamer binding protein (NONO). Results High PARP1 expression was associated with poor survival of NB patients. PARP1 over-expression enhanced the proliferation and invasion of NB cell lines, confirming its oncogenic roles. YY1 was identified as a key transcriptional regulator facilitating PARP1 expression. Additionally, PARP1 interacted with NONO to induce its PARylation, resulting in stabilization of NONO protein via preventing ubiquitin-mediated degradation. NONO facilitated the splicing and mRNA maturation of target genes a disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain 8 (ADAM8) and testis-expressed gene 14 (TEX14) in a PARylation-dependent manner. Rescue experiments indicated that YY1 facilitated PARP1-mediated PARylation of NONO and subsequent mRNA maturation of ADAM8 and TEX14 in NB cells. In clinical NB cases, high expression of YY1, PARP1, NONO, ADAM8, or TEX14 was associated with poor survival of patients. Conclusions These findings indicate that YY1 drives PARP1 expression essential for PARylation of NONO in mRNA maturation during NB progression.

Objective: This study endeavors to synthesize selenium nanoparticles (SPS-SeNPs) by low molecular weight Porphyra haitanensis polysaccharide, with a primary focus on assessing their morphological attributes and antioxidant efficacy. Methods: Polysaccharide concentration, reaction time, and reaction temperature were systematically manipulated to optimize the preparation process. The preparation process of SPS-SeNPs was systematically investigated through both single-factor and orthogonal experiments. The determination of SeNPs particle size within SPS-SeNPs was executed via dual-wavelength colorimetry, with the absorbance ratio (A410/490) of the SPS-SeNPs solution serving as a pivotal evaluation metric. Structural elucidation encompassed scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The investigation extended to the assessment of total antioxidant activity, reducing power, and DPPH free radical scavenging rate. Results: The optimal conditions for SPS-SeNPs preparation were ascertained at a polysaccharide concentration of 2 mg/mL, a reaction temperature of 40 ℃, and a reaction time of 0.5 h, resulting in an absorbance ratio of 2.0487±0.0082. SeNPs within SPS-SeNPs exhibited a well-dispersed spherical morphology. The elemental composition percentages of SPS-SeNPs were found to be as follows: C (42.00%), O (41.35%), and Se (16.65%). The selenium within SPS-SeNPs was validated to be in an amorphous state with a zero valence, maintaining stability over 30 days at 4 ℃ under dark storage conditions. It demonstrated outstanding total antioxidant capacity, reducing power, and DPPH free radical scavenging ability (IC50=31.45±1.16 µg/mL), surpassing the performance of sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) and low molecular weight P. haitanensis polysaccharides (SPS). Conclusions: SPS-SeNPs synergistically harness the antioxidative properties of polysaccharides and the heighten biological activity of nano-selenium, thereby furnishing substantial theoretical underpinning for the progressive development and application of crude P. haitanensis polysaccharides.

Abstract Background Adequate sleep and physical activity promote longevity among older adults. Caffeine supplementation could be used to increase activity levels, but its effects have not been examined in real-world settings where potential trade-offs regarding sleep quality are also considered. This study sought to examine associations between caffeine intake and accelerometer-derived sleep and activity among older adults under free-living conditions. Methods Cross-sectional data were gathered from older adults aged 65 + in the 2011-14 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES). Sleep parameters were derived from accelerometer data using a data-driven machine learning approach. Caffeine consumption was categorized based on weight (in mg/kg: 0, > 0 to 1, > 1 to 2, > 2 to 3, > 3) and absolute consumption (in mg: 0, > 0 to 100, > 100 to 200, > 200 to 300, > 300). Multivariable survey weighted regression models were used to examine associations between caffeine with average total daytime activity, highly active minutes, sleep duration, and sleep efficiency. Covariate adjustments included demographics, body mass index, smoking, alcohol, sleep disorders, sleep parameters (for activity outcomes), and daytime activity (for sleep outcomes). Results N = 1,629 NHANES participants were included. Caffeine consumption was highest in the morning. In adjusted models, older adults who consumed > 3 mg/kg were 16.5% more active during the day (95% CI: 9.0, 24.4) and were highly active for 42.8 additional minutes (95% CI: 20.3, 65.4) compared to non-consumers. Similar results were observed for absolute consumption (mg), and significant but lower magnitude effects were observed for lower levels of consumption. Caffeine showed no association with sleep efficiency, while low levels of consumption (≤ 1 mg/kg, ≤ 200 mg) were associated with longer sleep duration. Conclusions Under free-living dietary, sleep, and activity patterns, this study found older adults who consumed caffeine were more active than non-consumers. Overall consumption was not associated with sleep efficiency but was associated with longer sleep duration at ≤ 1 mg/kg and ≤ 200 mg. Future causal studies should determine the effectiveness of caffeine for promoting higher activity in older adult populations.

The use of organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticides has been prohibited due to their highly toxicity. In recent years, pyrethroids (PYRs) have been widely used in agricultural production and the environment due to their high efficiency and stability, but the residual hazards caused by their frequent use have become increasingly prominent. 3-Phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA) is one of the major metabolites of PYRs, which is an environmental estrogen with great potential harms. Pesticide residues have seriously affected people’s production and life, which has attracted extensive attention from researchers. PYRs and 3-PBA degrading bacteria have been widely reported, and microbial and enzymatic degradation is recognized as an effective method for reducing or removing pesticide residues from agricultural products and the environment. The continuous development of genetic engineering and molecular biology technology provides a new way to explore methods for reducing pesticide residues. In this article, we summarize the basic properties and residual hazards of PYRs and 3-PBA, and we review the current status of PYRs residues in agricultural products and the environment as well as recent progress in research on the modes of microbial metabolism and the mechanisms of microbial adsorption and degradation of PYRs. Moreover, we give an outlook on enzymes degrading PYRs and their genetic engineering in order to provide a reference for solving the problem of pesticide residues in agricultural products and the environment.

Abstract Background The Yangtze River Economic Belt, as a core economic region in China, is facing the dual challenges of an aging population and growing healthcare demand, and the balanced development and optimal allocation of nursing human resources is crucial to the region’s healthcare system. An in-depth study of the regional differences and convergence of nursing human resources in the region will provide a key basis for policy makers to achieve equity and efficiency in healthcare services and meet the growing demand for healthcare. Aim To analyze the regional differences and convergence characteristics of nursing human resource levels in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, and to provide scientific references for optimizing regional nursing human resource allocation. Methods Based on the panel data of 107 cities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt from 2010 to 2020, the regional differences and their sources were analyzed by using Dagum’s Gini coefficient, and the convergence characteristics were examined by the coefficient of variation and spatial convergence model. Results The average value of the number of nursing human resources in the Yangtze River Economic Belt is 2,132,300 people, with obvious regional differences, and the hypervariable density difference (53.01%) is the main source of the regional differences; there are obvious trends of σ-convergence and conditional β-convergence of the level of nursing human resources in the overall and the three major regions of the upstream, midstream, and downstream, and different factors have different moderating effects on the speed of spatial convergence in the other areas. Conclusion The implementation of precise policies for nursing human resources in different regions of the Yangtze River Economic Belt steadily reduces the regional differences between the upper, middle, and lower reaches and enhances the spatial linkage between regions of nursing human resources to improve the quality of nursing human resources.

The purpose of this study was to explore the effectiveness of a universal classroom-based social-emotional learning (SEL) program for first grade students. Forty classrooms from 13 elementary schools across 3 states participated in the trial. Teachers in classrooms randomly assigned to the implementation condition were provided with free access to all curricular materials from the SSIS SEL Classwide Intervention Program (Elliott & Gresham, 2017). Consistent with the goals of an effectiveness trial, teachers made local decisions regarding how they implemented the SSIS SEL CIP within their own classroom. Measures of participating students' (N = 365) social behavior (positive and negative) were collected before and after program implementation in all participating classrooms (treatment and business-as-usual control). Overall, results were mixed relative to hypotheses. Main effects tended to be non-significant and negligible in size; however, several interactions indicated positive outcomes resulting from program exposure (increases in prosocial behavior, decreases in negative social behavior) for students with lower skills at baseline. In addition to replication, future research directions include identifying critical program components and approaches to implementation that optimize program effectiveness under authentic conditions.

Zishen Yuzhen Pill (ZYP) is a Chinese herbal product developed by Shenzhen TCM Hospital, which have been frequently used to treat osteoporosis (OP). This study aimed to determine the major chemical components of ZYP and its prototype compounds and metabolites in rat biological samples, as well as explore the potential effect of ZYP-containing serum in MC3T3-E1 cells. UPLC-Q/TOF-MS was used to identify the chemical components. Then, ZYP was orally administered to rat, and samples of plasma, urine, feces, bile, and tissue were collected to identify prototype compounds and metabolites. The viability of MC3T3-E1 cells was evaluated using the CCK-8 method after treatment with various concentrations (2%, 4%, and 8%) of ZYP-containing serum. Following treatment of MC3T3-E1 cells with ZYP-containing serum, the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Alizarin red S (ARS) were measured, and the levels of Runx2, Opn, Opg and Osterix were quantified using the qPCR and Western blot analysis. And cells were collected for RNA-seq analysis. Results indicated that a total 152 compounds were identified in ZYP, including flavonoids, iridoid, lignans, triterpene saponins, etc. Furthermore, we detected a total of 70 prototype components and 99 metabolites distributed in different tissues. In addition, ZYP-containing serum observably promoted osteogenesis by increasing ALP and ARS activities, as well as up-regulating the expression of Runx2, Opn, Opg and Osterix in MC3T3-E1 cells. RNA-seq results indicated that the beneficial effects may be related to the upregulation of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. This work provided further support for the traditional application of ZYP in the treatment of OP. And this study can promote the further pharmacokinetic and pharmacological evaluation of ZYP.

IntroductionThe rapid evolution of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) has opened new possibilities for public healthcare. Effective integration of these technologies is essential to ensure precise and efficient healthcare delivery. This study explores the application of IoT-enabled, AI-driven systems for detecting and managing Dry Eye Disease (DED), emphasizing the use of prompt engineering to enhance system performance.MethodsA specialized prompt mechanism was developed utilizing OpenAI GPT-4.0 and ERNIE Bot-4.0 APIs to assess the urgency of medical attention based on 5,747 simulated patient complaints. A Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) machine learning model was employed for text classification to differentiate urgent from non-urgent cases. User satisfaction was evaluated through composite scores derived from Service Experiences (SE) and Medical Quality (MQ) assessments.ResultsThe comparison between prompted and non-prompted queries revealed a significant accuracy increase from 80.1% to 99.6%. However, this improvement was accompanied by a notable rise in response time, resulting in a decrease in SE scores (95.5 to 84.7) but a substantial increase in MQ satisfaction (73.4 to 96.7). These findings indicate a trade-off between accuracy and user satisfaction.DiscussionThe study highlights the critical role of prompt engineering in improving AI-based healthcare services. While enhanced accuracy is achievable, careful attention must be given to balancing response time and user satisfaction. Future research should optimize prompt structures, explore dynamic prompting approaches, and prioritize real-time evaluations to address the identified challenges and maximize the potential of IoT-integrated AI systems in medical applications.

Most of the pyroptosis inhibitors targeted Gasdermin D (GSDMD) are functioning by restraining GSDMD-N (p30) oligomerization. For the first time, this work discovered a pyroptosis inhibitor taking effect by degrading p30 and GSDMD. As the principal bioactive constituent in Erigeron breviscapus, scutellarin (SCU) assumes a pivotal role in the realm of anti-inflammatory processes. In this study, SCU demonstrated efficacy in hindering pyroptosis mediated by the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) inflammasome, NLR-family CARD-containing protein 4 (NLRC4) inflammasome, and that activated through the non-canonical pathway. The inhibitory effect is achieved by thwarting apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing CARD (ASC) oligomerization and inducing the ubiquitin-dependent selective autophagy of p30/GSDMD. Throughout the autophagic process, SCU facilitates selective autophagy of the pyroptosis executor p30/GSDMD through K33-linked polyubiquitination at Lys51 catalyzed by the E3 ligase tripartite motif-containing 21 (TRIM21). This process contributes to the recognition of p30/GSDMD by the cargo receptor sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1)/p62. The characteristic positions SCU as a prospective clinical intervention for a broader spectrum of inflammatory-related disorders.

Abstract Secondary BRAF variations have been identified as a mechanism of resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in patients with driver gene-positive NSCLC. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of consensus regarding the characteristics and subsequent treatment strategies for these patients. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with driver gene-positive NSCLC who received TKIs therapy at Zhejiang Cancer Hospital between May 2016 and December 2023. The clinical and genetic characteristics of these patients were assessed, along with the impact of various treatment strategies on survival. This study enrolled 27 patients with advanced NSCLC, in whom BRAF variations occurred at a median time of 28 months after the initiation of targeted therapy. The multivariate accelerated failure time (AFT) model revealed that, compared to chemotherapy-based regimens group, the combined targeted therapy group (p

Abstract Antibiotics, as emerging persistent pollutants, pose significant threats to human health. The effective and low-cost removal of ciprofloxacin (CIP) from wastewater has become an important research focus. In this study, fly ash (FA) was used as the raw material, and modified fly ash (MFA) was prepared by varying microwave power, alkali concentration, and immersion time to investigate its adsorption characteristics for CIP. Results showed that the optimal preparation conditions for MFA with the most effective adsorption of CIP, using the Box-Behnken response surface methodology, were a microwave power of 480 W, an alkali concentration of 1.5 mol/L, and a modification time of 3 h. Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analyses revealed that after modification, the glassy structure of FA is destroyed, the specific surface area is increased, and obvious hydroxyl O–H absorption peaks appear. Both FA and MFA exhibited adsorption processes for CIP that conformed to pseudo-second-order kinetics and the Langmuir equation. Maximum adsorption of CIP (9.61 and 12.67 mg/g) was achieved at pH = 6. With increasing temperature, the adsorption capacity of both FA and MFA for CIP decreased, indicating an exothermic process. The adsorption capacity of CIP decreased with increasing ion concentration, with the impact order of ions being Al3+ > Ca2+ > Na+. The results show that pore filling, electrostatic interaction, ion exchange and complexation are the main ways of CIP adsorption by FA. Microwave alkali modified fly ash is an economical and efficient adsorbent for CIP removal in water, realizing the purpose of “treating waste with waste”. This study provides a scientific basis for controlling CIP treatment in wastewater.

Abstract Background The ginseng endophyte Paenibacillus polymyxa Pp-7250 (Pp-7250) has multifaceted roles such as preventing ginseng diseases, promoting growth, increasing ginsenoside accumulation, and degrading pesticide residues, however, these effects still have room for improvements. Composite fungicides are an effective means to improve the biocontrol effect of fungicides, but the effect of Pp-7250 in combination with its symbiotic bacteria on ginseng needs to be further investigated, and its mechanism of action has not been elucidated. In this study, a series of experiments was conducted to elucidate the effect of Paenibacillus polymyxa and Bacillus cereus co-bacterial agent on the yield and quality of understory ginseng, and to investigate their mechanism of action. Results The results indicated that P. polymyxa and B. cereus co-bacterial agent (PB) treatment improved ginseng yield, ginsenoside accumulation, disease prevention, and pesticide degradation. The mechanism is that PB treatment increased the abundance of beneficial microorganisms, including Rhodanobacter, Pseudolabrys, Gemmatimonas, Bacillus, Paenibacillus, Cortinarius, Russula, Paecilomyces, and Trechispora, and decreased the abundance of pathogenic microorganisms, including Ellin6067, Acidibacter, Fusarium, Tetracladium, Alternaria, and Ilyonectria in ginseng rhizosphere soil. PB co-bacterial agents enhanced the function of microbial metabolic pathways, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, biosynthesis of antibiotics, biosynthesis of amino acids, carbon fixation pathways in prokaryotes, DNA replication, and terpenoid backbone biosynthesis, and decreased the function of microbial plant pathogens and animal pathogens. Conclusion The combination of P. polymyxa and B. cereus may be a potential biocontrol agent to promote the resistance of ginseng to disease and improve the yield, quality, and pesticide degradation.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a hepatic metabolic syndrome arising from lipid metabolic imbalance, with its prevalence increasing globally. In this study, we observed a significant up-regulation of interferon regulatory factor 8 (IRF8) in the liver of NAFLD model mice and patients. Overexpression of IRF8 induced lipid accumulation in the mouse primary hepatocytes. Mice with adeno-associated virus-mediated IRF8 overexpression exhibited hepatic steatosis due to up-regulated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) expression and increased fatty acid uptake and lipogenesis. In vitro, small interfering RNA-mediated IRF8 knockdown attenuated triglyceride accumulation by dampening PPARγ expression through transcriptional inhibition of brain and muscle ARNT-like 1. The PPARγ-specific antagonist GW9662 abolished the effect of IRF8 overexpression. Furthermore, adeno-associated virus-mediated IRF8 knockdown in the mouse liver markedly alleviated hepatic steatosis and obesity-related metabolic syndrome. These findings indicate that IRF8 plays a vital role in modulating hepatic lipid metabolism in a PPARγ-dependent manner and provide a previously unknown insight into NAFLD therapeutic strategies.

BackgroundThe decreased ovarian function has a negative impact on the mental health of women and increases the risk of anxiety and depression. A growing number of clinical studies have demonstrated that acupuncture-related therapies can effectively and safely restore hormone levels and improve ovarian reserve function. However, the effectiveness of acupuncture-related therapies in alleviating anxiety and depression symptoms in patients with ovarian hypofunction has not been thoroughly evaluated. Therefore, this study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the impact of the different acupuncture-related therapies on the mental health of patients with ovarian hypofunction.MethodsWe comprehensively searched eight famous databases for randomized controlled trials up to October 30, 2024. Databases include PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE and Cochrane Library, China Biomedical (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database and VIP Database.ResultsThe study included 12 RCTs, involving 780 patients with ovarian hypofunction, including 403 patients with POI, 297 patients with DOR, and 80 patients with POF. Acupuncture-related therapy was obviously superior to hormone therapy in relieving anxiety symptoms (SMD: -0.90; 95%CI: -1.28, -0.53; P

Background: To make a group consensus about non-pharmacological interventions of traditional Chinese medicine in treating polycystic ovary syndrome based on the previous guidelines, literature, and expert viewpoints. Methods: Organized by Chinese Integrative Medicine & Traditional Chinese Medicine Academy, Chinese Maternal and Child Health Association, China, 29 experts from 18 Chinese provinces and 2 international experts, who specialize in gynecology, obstetrics, pediatrics, endocrinology, cardiovascular, psychology, reproductive genetics, nursing, acupuncture and tuina, traditional Chinese medicine, integrative medicine, and other disciplines, discussed and revised the recommendations one by one through in-person or online communication. Each recommendation was approved by ≥90% of the experts before it could be established. The main outcome measure is an optimal clinical regimen for addressing the requirements of women with PCOS and improving their quality of life. Result(s): The writing panel drafted the initial report, following a consensus process via adequate communication, which was then reviewed and revised by the consensus panel. This consensus provides 12 non-pharmacological interventions (including acupuncture, thumbtack needle, thread-embedding therapy, TEAS, AA, acupoint hot compress, cupping, acupressure, moxibustion, five elements music, aromatherapy, traditional Chinese exercises) for 8 phenotypes of PCOS, resulting in 34 items of clinical practice recommendations. Conclusion(s): The consensus provides 12 non-pharmacological interventions of traditional Chinese medicine for 8 phenotypes of PCOS, resulting in 34 items of clinical practice recommendations, which may be improved by more high-quality multicenter clinical trials.

Soil salinization is a critical issue that not only hampers the efficiency and sustainability of global agricultural production but also poses significant challenges to the achievement of sustainable development goals across environmental, economic, and social dimensions. Halotolerant plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (HPGPR) have the potential to mitigate abiotic stress, foster plant growth, and bolster the stress resistance capabilities of crops. This study conducted the isolation, identification, and characterization of HPGPR originating from a saline-alkali orchard area in northwest China. The efficacy of the isolated bacterial strains was evaluated through potted plant experiments, assessing the growth of tomato plants under in vitro conditions and under varying salinity stress. Ultimately, the study investigated the influence of these HPGPR on soil physicochemical properties, enzymatic activities, and the structure and composition of the microbial community. Upon isolating 12 bacterial strains, we conducted an in vitro assessment of their salt tolerance, ultimately singling out three robust isolates, which exhibited exceptional salt tolerance. Detailed 16S rRNA gene sequencing and meticulous taxonomic evaluation systematically assigned these isolates to Priestia endophyticus GSCK1 (accession number: OR569048), Bacillus atrophaeus GSCK2 (accession number: OR569061), and Serratia fonticola GSCK6 (accession number: OR569062), respectively. These strains exhibited notable biochemical and plant growth-promoting traits, including enzymatic activities and the production of indole-3-acetic acid. They significantly enhanced plant growth metrics and soil fertilities, particularly strain GSCK6, which also reshaped the soil microbial community, augmenting beneficial microbe abundance. The HPGPR treatment notably improved soil pH, nutrient availability, enzymatic activities, and reduced soil electrical conductivity, underscoring their potential in agricultural resilience against salinity. The eco-friendly salt stress mitigation strategy of HPGPR not only enhances soil quality and promotes plant growth by regulating the composition and function of microbial communities, but also provides a novel solution for global agricultural production. This approach is conducive to increasing crop yield and quality, reducing the limitations of saline-alkali land on agricultural production, and promoting food security and sustainable agricultural development.

ABSTRACT: Spermatogenesis is a crucial indicator of geese reproduction performance and production. The testis is the main organ responsible for sperm production, and the egg-laying cycle in geese is a complex physiological process that demands precise orchestration of hormonal cues and cellular events within the testes, however, the seasonal changes in the transcriptomic and proteomic profiles of goose testicles remain unclear. To explore various aspects of the mechanisms of the seasonal cyclicity of testicles in different goose breeds, in this study, we used an integrative transcriptomic and proteomic approach to screen the key genes and proteins in the testes of 2 goose males, the Hungarian white goose and the Wanxi white goose, at 3 different periods of the laying cycle: beginning of laying cycle (BLC), peak of laying cycle (PLC), and end of laying cycle (ELC). The results showed that a total of 9,273 differentially expressed genes and 4,543 differentially expressed proteins were identified in the geese testicles among the comparison groups. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis suggested that the DEGs, in the comparison groups, were mainly enrichment in metabolic pathways, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, cyctokine-cyctokine receptor interaction, calcium signaling pathway, apelin signaling pathway, ether lipid metabolism, cysteine, and methionine metabolism. While the DEPs, in the 3 comparison groups, were mainly involved in the ribosome, metabolic pathways, carbon metabolism, proteasome, endocytosis, lysosome, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, oxidative phosphorylation, nucleocytoplasmic transport, and tight junction. The protein-protein interaction network analysis (PPI) indicated that selected DEPs, such as CHD1L, RAB18, FANCM, TAF5, TSC1/2, PHLDB2, DNAJA2, NCOA5, DEPTOR, TJP1, and RAPGEF2, were highly associated with male reproductive regulation. Further, the expression trends of 4 identified DEGs were validated by qRT-PCR. In conclusion, this work offers a new perspective on comprehending the molecular mechanisms and pathways involved in the seasonal cyclicity of testicles in the Hungarian white goose and the Wanxi white goose, as well as contributing to improving goose reproductive performance.

Background and purpose: Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) can regulate gene transcription, mRNA shear, stabilization and translation, and it is an important regulatory factor in a variety of biological processes. This study aimed to investigate the expression and clinical features of lncRNA FLJ30679 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and its effect on the malignant biological behavior of OSCC. Methods: The expression of FLJ30679 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tissues and normal tissues was analyzed by the UCSC Xena database for expression and prognosis. The expression of FLJ30679 in OSCC cell lines was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RTFQ-PCR). The subcellular localization of FLJ30679 in OSCC cells was detected by RNA nuclear-cytoplasmic fractionation assays. FLJ30679 Smart Silencer was used to establish the FLJ30679 knockdown group (SS-FLJ30679), and overexpression plasmid of FLJ30679 was used to establish FLJ30679 overexpression group (FLJ30679). The effects of altered FLJ30679 expression on the proliferative and migration capacity of OSCC cells were examined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and transwell migration assays. RTFQ-PCR and Western blot were used to determine the effect of altered FLJ30679 expression on the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes in OSCC cells. The effects of altered FLJ30679 expression on the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase (AKT) pathway were detected by Western blot. Results: Online query of database showed that FLJ30679 expression was higher in HNSCC tissues compared to normal tissues (P

Coastal regions are increasingly vulnerable to sea-level rise and extreme storm events, making the accurate prediction of wave run-up on seawalls crucial for effective flood and erosion protection. This study presents a novel hybrid approach combining K-means clustering with artificial neural networks (ANNs) to predict wave run-up distance. The method begins with dimensionless analysis to scale all the variables, followed by data segmentation using K-means clustering to group wave characteristics such as the Froude number, scaled distance from the wave front to the shoreline, and wave nonlinearity. These clusters help to focus the ANN on more homogeneous wave conditions, significantly improving prediction accuracy. Two-dimensional flume experiments systematically varied wave height, period, and steepness, producing a robust dataset that accounts for a range of wave conditions. The model’s performance is demonstrated through a high R2 value of 0.97 and low mean squared error (MSE) of 0.0092, surpassing traditional ANN models in its ability to capture complex wave dynamics.

In the workplace, the application of artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly widespread, including in employee performance management where AI feedback is gaining importance. Some companies are also using AI to provide negative feedback to employees. Our research compares the impact of AI negative feedback and leader negative feedback on employees. In order to explore the impact of AI negative feedback on employees, we investigated how AI negative feedback impacts employee psychology and behavior and compared these effects to those of human leader negative feedback, within the framework of the feedback process model. To explore these differences, we conducted three experimental studies (n = 772) from two different regions (i.e., China and the United States). The results reveal that leader negative feedback induces greater feelings of shame in employees, leading to work withdrawal behaviors, compared to AI negative feedback. Conversely, AI negative feedback has a more detrimental effect on employees’ self-efficacy, leading to work withdrawal behaviors, compared to leader negative feedback. Furthermore, employees’ AI knowledge moderates the relationship between negative feedback sources and employee withdrawal behavior. Specifically, employees who perceive themselves as having limited AI knowledge are more likely to feel ashamed when receiving leader negative feedback than when receiving AI negative feedback. Conversely, employees who believe they are knowledgeable about AI are more likely to have their self-efficacy undermined by AI negative feedback than leader negative feedback. Our research contributes significantly to the literature on AI versus human feedback and the role of feedback sources, providing practical insights for organizations on optimizing AI usage in delivering negative feedback.

ABSTRACT: The Hungarian White Goose (Anser anser domesticus) is an excellent European goose breed, with high feather and meat production. Despite its importance in the poultry industry, no available genome assembly information has been published. This study aimed to present Chromosome-level and functional genome sequencing of the Hungarian White Goose. The results showed that the genome assembly has a total length of 1115.82 Mb, 39 pairs of chromosomes, 92.98% of the BUSCO index, and contig N50 and scaffold N50 were up to 2.32 Mb and 60.69 Mb, respectively. Annotation of the genome assembly revealed 19550 genes, 286 miRNAs, etc. We identified 235 expanded and 1,167 contracted gene families in this breed compared with the other 16 species. We performed a positive selection analysis between this breed and four species of Anatidae to uncover the genetic information underlying feather follicle development. Further, we detected the function of miR-199-x, miR-143-y, and miR-23-z on goose embryonic skin fibroblast. In summary, we have successfully generated a highly complete genome sequence of the Hungarian white goose, which will provide a great resource to improve our understanding of gene functions and enhance the studies on feather follicle development at the genomic level.

ABSTRACT Regulator of G-protein signaling (RGS) proteins exhibit GTPase-accelerating protein activities to govern G-protein function. In the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, there is a family of at least eight RGS and RGS-like proteins (MoRgs1 to MoRgs8), each exhibiting distinct or shared functions in the growth, appressorium formation, and pathogenicity. MoRgs3 recently emerged as one of the crucial regulators that senses intracellular oxidation during appressorium formation. To explore this unique regulatory mechanism of MoRgs3, we identified the nucleoside diphosphate kinase MoNdk1 that interacts with MoRgs3. MoNdk1 phosphorylates MoRgs3 under induced intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, and MoRgs3 phosphorylation is required for appressorium formation and pathogenicity. In addition, we showed that MoRgs3 phosphorylation determines its interaction with MoCrn1, a coronin-like actin-binding protein homolog, which regulates MoRgs3 internalization. Finally, we provided evidence demonstrating that MoRgs3 functions in MoMagA-mediated cAMP signaling to regulate normal appressorium induction. By revealing a novel signal perception mechanism, our studies highlighted the complexity of regulation during the appressorium function and pathogenicity of the blast fungus.IMPORTANCEWe report that MoRgs3 becomes phosphorylated in an oxidative intracellular environment during the appressorium formation stage. We found that this phosphorylation is carried out by MoNdk1, a nucleoside diphosphate kinase. In addition, this phosphorylation leads to a higher binding affinity between MoRgs3 and MoCrn1, a coronin-like actin-binding protein that was implicated in the endocytic transport of several other RGS proteins of Magnaporthe oryzae. We further found that the internalization of MoRgs3 is indispensable for its GTPase-activating protein function toward the Gα subunit MoMagA. Importantly, we characterized how such cellular regulatory events coincide with cAMP signaling-regulated appressorium formation and pathogenicity in the blast fungus. Our studies uncovered a novel intracellular reactive oxygen species signal-transducing mechanism in a model pathogenic fungus with important basic and applied implications.