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Chao Xuan,1 Hui Li,1 Qing-Wu Tian,1 Jun-Jie Guo,2 Guo-Wei He,3,4 Li-Min Lun,1 Qing Wang1 1Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China; 3Center for Basic Medical Research & Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, TEDA International Cardiovascular Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USACorrespondence: Chao XuanDepartment of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 1677, Wutai Mountain Road, Qingdao (West Coast), 266500, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86-532-82919388Email bio-x.c@hotmail.comQing WangDepartment of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 59, Haier Road, Qingdao, 266100, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86-532-82913085Email wangqing0533@yeah.netBackground: Amino acids play essential roles in protein construction and metabolism. Our study aims to provide a profile of amino acid changes in the serum of patients with early-onset coronary artery disease (EOCAD) and identify potential disease biomarkers.Methods: Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-multiple reaction monitoring-multistage/mass spectrometry (UPLC-MRM-MS/MS) was used to determine the amino acid profile of patients with EOCAD in sample pools. In the validation stage, the serum levels of candidate amino acids of interest are determined for each sample.Results: A total of 128 EOCAD patients and 64 healthy controls were included in the study. Eight serum amino acids associated with disease state were identified. Compared with the control group, serum levels of seven amino acids (L-Arginine, L-Methionine, L-Tyrosine, L-Serine, L-Aspartic acid, L-Phenylalanine, and L-Glutamic acid) increased and one (4-Hydroxyproline) decreased in the patient group. Results from the validation stage demonstrate that serum levels of 4-Hydroxyproline were significantly lower in myocardial infarction (MI) patients (9.889 ± 3.635 μg/mL) than those in the controls (16.433 ± 4.562 μmol/L, p < 0.001). Elevated serum 4-Hydroxyproline levels were shown to be an independent protective factor for MI (OR = 0.863, 95% CI: 0.822– 0.901). The significant negative correlation was seen between serum 4-Hydroxyproline levels and cardiac troponin I (r = − 0.667) in MI patients.Conclusion: We have provided a serum amino acid profile for EOCAD patients and screened eight disease state-related amino acids, and we have also shown that 4-Hydroxyproline is a promising target for further biomarker studies in early-onset MI.Keywords: amino acid, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, 4-Hydroxyproline

We here investigated the effect of vanadium microalloying on the microstructure, mechanical properties, especially corrosion performances of low carbon bainitic steels. The corrosion behaviors of the steels with different vanadium contents in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution were evaluated by electrochemical tests (including polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic measurements) and alternating immersion test (including weight loss and rust layer observation). Results show that the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of low carbon bainitic steels can be synergistically improved with vanadium microalloying. With help of the electron backscatter diffraction characterization and scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy, we first discovered that although the number of micro-galvanic couples increases because of grain refinement, the Volta potential gradient between the matrix and grain boundaries are decreased with vanadium microalloying, which can promote the formation of compact protective rust layers and improve the corrosion resistance of vanadium micro-alloyed low carbon bainitic steels.

Abstract Lung cancer is a malignant tumor originating from the bronchial mucosa or gland of the lung. Recently, lidocaine, a widely used amide local anesthetic, was demonstrated to inhibit many cancer progression. This research was performed to explore the specific mechanism of lidocaine in the lung cancer progression. The human normal lung epithelial cells (BEAS-2B), and NSCLC cell lines (A549 and H1299) were used and treated with lidocaine in this study. The cell biological behaviors were detected by CCK-8, wound healing and transwell assay. Besides, the mRNA and protein levels of related genes were detected by western blot. The results showed that lidocaine treatment significantly decreased the cell viability and migration of the A549 and H1299 cells. Furthermore, the lidocaine treatment significantly decreased the succinylation and protein levels of HIST1H2BL, which was reversed after SIRT5 knockdown. Additionally, HIST1H2BL knockdown decreased the cell viability and migration of the A549 and H1299 cells, while HIST1H2BL overexpression reversed the effects of lidocaine on the cell viability and migration of the A549 and H1299 cells. In conclusion, lidocaine treatment might inhibited the lung cancer progression through decreasing the SIRT5 mediated succinylation of HIST1H2BL.

Abstract Keratoconus (KC) is an irreversible blinding eye disease; therefore, early screening of KC suspects (KCS) is crucial for protecting patients’ quality of life. Scheimpflug imaging is a commonly used screening device in clinical practice. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic ability of a Scheimpflug imaging device (Scansys) for KC and KCS and compared it with other Scheimpflug-based devices (Pentacam and Corvis ST). This prospective case-control study included 107 normal eyes, 72 KCS, and 57 KC. Scansys screening index Keratoconus probability (KCP) showed excellent performance in diagnosing KC at a cutoff value of 16.4 (area under the receiver operating characteristic [AUROC] = 1.000), with 100% sensitivity and 98.11% specificity. KCP had a better KCS diagnostic ability at a cutoff value of 8.9 (AUROC = 0.813) than Corvis biomechanical index (CBI, AUROC = 0.764), reaching 67.61% sensitivity and 85.85% specificity. Pentacam screening index Belin/Ambrósio enhanced ectasia display deviation (BAD-D) showed the best performance with 92.96% sensitivity and 89.62% specificity at a cutoff value of 1.525 (AUROC = 0.970) in diagnosing KCS. Scansys provides accurate KCP parameters in diagnosing KC; however, the efficiency of diagnosing KCS should be further optimized.

Rechargeable magnesium-ion (Mg-ion) batteries have attracted wide attention for energy storage. However, magnesium anode is still limited by the irreversible Mg plating/stripping procedure. Herein, a well-designed binary Bi2O3-Bi2S3 (BO-BS) heterostructure is fulfilled by virtue of the cooperative interface and energy band engineering targeted fast Mg-ion storage. The built-in electronic field resulting from the asymmetrical electron distribution at the interface of electron-rich S center at Bi2S3 side and electron-poor O center at Bi2O3 side effectively accelerates the electrochemical reaction kinetics in the Mg-ion battery system. Moreover, the as-designed heterogenous interface also benefits to maintaining the electrode integrity. With these advantages, the BO-BS electrode displays a remarkable capacity of 150.36 mAh g−1 at 0.67 A g–1 and a superior cycling stability. This investigation would offer novel insights into the rational design of functional heterogenous electrode materials targeted the fast reaction kinetics for energy storage systems.

The article deals with the problem of a dynamic model of the truck crane considering the elasticity of the rope and the ground. The dynamic model of a truck crane in the vertical plane has been established. When considering the oscillation of a truck crane, it is a dynamic system with a large number of degrees of freedom. It is crucial to develop a dynamic model for the truck crane. This model will allow us to evaluate the dynamic response of the machine, analyze the vibration of the heavy object being lifted and lowered, and subsequently study stability and control problems. In this paper, the dynamic models of the cranes in the working plane have been established, built by Lagrange's multiplier equations, which are systems of differential-algebraic equations with the generalized coordinates of the machine's motions and the elastic coordinates. The Lagrange equation provides a simple method for solving dynamic problems. The advantage of this equation is that the form and number of equations do not depend on the number of objects in the investigated system, nor do they depend on the way the objects move. The number of Lagrange equations depends only on the number of degrees of freedom of the system.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with rhamnolipids (RLs) on the growth performance, slaughter performance, apparent digestibility and fat metabolism of broilers. Broiler chicks were randomly divided into 3 groups: control (C) group, 100 mg/kg (L) and 1,000 mg/kg (H) RL supplementation groups. The results, after dietary supplementation with RLs for 42 days, revealed a RL dose-dependent promoting effect on feed intake, and an increase of the evisceration index of 42-day-old broilers, but a decrease in the rate of abdominal fat gain. The dietary supplementation with RLs significantly increased the digestibility of protein and fat in broilers. The serum total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels of the H group were significantly higher than those of the C group (p

Abstract Organic nitrates, as effective donors of the signaling molecule nitric oxide, are widely applied in the pharmaceutical industry. However, practical and efficient methods for accessing organic nitrates are still scarce, and achieving high regiocontrol in unactivated alkene difunctionalization remains challenging. Here we present a simple and practical method for highly regioselective halonitrooxylation of unactivated alkenes. The approach utilizes TMSX (X: Cl, Br, or I) and oxybis(aryl-λ3-iodanediyl) dinitrates (OAIDN) as sources of halogen and nitrooxy groups, with 0.5 mol % FeCl3 as the catalyst. Remarkably, high regioselectivity in the halonitrooxylation of aromatic alkenes can be achieved even without any catalyst. This protocol features easy scalability and excellent functional group compatibility, providing a range of β-halonitrates (127 examples, up to 99% yield, up to >20:1 rr). Notably, 2-iodoethyl nitrate, a potent synthon derived from ethylene, reacts smoothly with a variety of functional units to incorporate the nitrooxy group into the desired molecules.

Abstract In the detection of multi‐component gas based on tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS), the problem of overlapping interference between the absorption lines of each gas is often encountered. For example, when detecting a gas mixture of sulphur dioxide (SO2) and thionyl fluoride (SOF2), the characteristic decomposition components of SF6, there is overlapping interference in the absorption lines of the two gases, which makes it difficult to detect the concentration of gases accurately. In view of this problem, a novel method based on support vector regression model used for TDLAS is proposed to detect two gases simultaneously. The detection results show that the correlation coefficients between the concentration of SO2 and SOF2 and the average value of the second harmonic peak reached 0.992 and 0.993. In addition, through model testing, different concentrations of SO2 and SOF2 gas mixture are simultaneously detected, and the resulting maximum errors for measuring SO2 and SOF2 concentrations are less than 7.13 × 10−5 and 0.26 × 10−2. The maximum errors of the measurement results in the verification test are not more than 6.4 × 10−3 and 4.6 × 10−2. Therefore, with assistance of the novel method, the detection of multiple gases by using a single laser is achieved.

Abstract Diagnosing liver lesions is crucial for treatment choices and patient outcomes. This study develops an automatic diagnosis system for liver lesions using multiphase enhanced computed tomography (CT). A total of 4039 patients from six data centers are enrolled to develop Liver Lesion Network (LiLNet). LiLNet identifies focal liver lesions, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), metastatic tumors (MET), focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH), hemangioma (HEM), and cysts (CYST). Validated in four external centers and clinically verified in two hospitals, LiLNet achieves an accuracy (ACC) of 94.7% and an area under the curve (AUC) of 97.2% for benign and malignant tumors. For HCC, ICC, and MET, the ACC is 88.7% with an AUC of 95.6%. For FNH, HEM, and CYST, the ACC is 88.6% with an AUC of 95.9%. LiLNet can aid in clinical diagnosis, especially in regions with a shortage of radiologists.

Abstract Electrochemical detection is favorable for the rapid and sensitive determination of heavy metal cadmium. However, the detection sensitivity needs to be further improved, and a portable, low-cost device is needed for on-site detection. Herein, an in-situ bismuth modified pre-anodized screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) was developed for Cd2+ determination by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV). The in-situ bismuth modification enhances the enrichment of Cd2+, and together with pre-anodization improve the electron transfer rate of electrode, thus enhancing the detection sensitivity. The electrode modification method combines pre-anodization and in-situ bismuth deposition, which is very easy and effective. Furthermore, a self-made PSoC Stat potentiostat coupled with a stirring device was fabricated for portable and low-cost electrochemical detection. After comprehensive optimization, the developed method can reach a testing time of 3 min, a detection limit of 3.55 μg/L, a linear range of 5–100 μg/L, and a recovery rate of 91.7–107.1% in water and rice samples for Cd2+ determination. Therefore, our method holds great promise for the rapid, sensitive and on-site determination of Cd2+ in food samples.

The swarming confrontation problem of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has been a focal point and challenge in the field of complex systems research in recent years, with significant application value in the military, network security, and artificial intelligence industries. In real-world confrontations, the uncertainty of the environment and the diversity of intelligent agent behaviors render the problem difficult to model, and operational environments necessitate intelligent agents to provide real-time, efficient responses to changes in the situation. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a research framework for the swarming confrontation problem of UAVs. First, an adversarial game model is developed based on the improved Lanchester equation to solve this problem toward the red and blue swarms. The adversarial game model focuses on describing the dynamic quantity change process of the red and blue UAV swarms. Second, based on the above confrontation model, a multiple-task assignment problem is investigated, which is derived from the above confrontation process. A new assignment strategy of these UAVs for strike tasks is proposed by adaptive improvement based on the traditional Kuhn–Munkres algorithm. This strategy is suitable for the red and blue parties under the adversarial environment, which can effectively complete the strike tasks and improve the confrontation ability of these UAVs. Third, a swarming confrontation algorithm is proposed to improve the environmental suitability of each UAV, especially when dealing with the influences of a series of uncertain factors generated by the real-time process of swarming offensive and defensive confrontations. This algorithm is based on the dynamic Bayesian network structure and focuses on predicting and evaluating the uncertainty generated during the confrontation process of the red and blue UAV swarms and performing corresponding reasoning and prediction through the dynamic Bayesian network, which can effectively reduce the complexity and calculation of the confrontation model and widely improve the accuracy and speed of decision-making. Finally, a Python-based real-time simulation platform is built on the above-mentioned confrontation model to illustrate the evolutionary process of the red and blue UAV swarms and to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm by comparison with the most classic artificial potential field method. The simulation results reveal that the above framework can demonstrate the real-time offensive and defensive confrontation process of red and blue UAV swarms according to the designed penetration mission, effectively solve the problem of task assignment conflicts between red and blue swarms, properly predict and evaluate the uncertainty issues derived from the swarm confrontation process, and improve the combat capabilities of UAV swarms.

Abstract As climate change continues to modify temperature and rainfall patterns, risks from pests and diseases may vary as shifting temperature and moisture conditions affect the life history, activity, and distribution of invertebrates and diseases. The potential consequences of changing climate on pest management strategies must be understood for control measures to adapt to new environmental conditions. The redlegged earth mite (RLEM; Halotydeus destructor [Tucker]) is a major economic pest that attacks pastures and grain crops across southern Australia and is typically controlled by pesticides. TIMERITE® is a management strategy that relies on estimating the optimal timing (the TIMERITE® date) for effective chemical control of RLEM populations in spring. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of control at the TIMERITE® date from 1990 to 2020 across southern Australia using a simulation approach that incorporates historical climatic data and field experimental data on life history, seasonal abundance, and population level pesticide responses. We demonstrate that moisture and temperature conditions affect the life history of RLEM and that changes in the past three decades have gradually diminished the efficacy of the TIMERITE® strategy. Furthermore, we show that by incorporating improved climatic data into predictions and shifting the timing of control to earlier in the year, control outcomes can be improved and are more stable across changing climates. This research emphasises the importance of accounting for dynamic environmental responses when developing and implementing pest management strategies to ensure their long-term effectiveness. Suggested modifications to estimating the TIMERITE® date will help farmers maintain RLEM control outcomes amidst increasingly variable climatic conditions.

Abstract Background Breast cancer patients exhibit various response patterns to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). However, it is uncertain whether diverse tumor response patterns to NAC in breast cancer patients can predict survival outcomes. We aimed to develop and validate radiomic signatures indicative of tumor shrinkage and therapeutic response for improved survival analysis. Methods This retrospective, multicohort study included three datasets. The development dataset, consisting of preoperative and early NAC DCE-MRI data from 255 patients, was used to create an imaging signature-based multitask model for predicting tumor shrinkage patterns and pathological complete response (pCR). Patients were categorized as pCR, nonpCR with concentric shrinkage (CS), or nonpCR with non-CS, with prediction performance measured by the area under the curve (AUC). The prognostic validation dataset (n = 174) was used to assess the prognostic value of the imaging signatures for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) using a multivariate Cox model. The gene expression data (genomic validation dataset, n = 112) were analyzed to determine the biological basis of the response patterns. Results The multitask learning model, utilizing 17 radiomic signatures, achieved AUCs of 0.886 for predicting tumor shrinkage and 0.760 for predicting pCR. Patients who achieved pCR had the best survival outcomes, while nonpCR patients with a CS pattern had better survival than non-CS patients did, with significant differences in OS and RFS (p = 0.00012 and p = 0.00063, respectively). Gene expression analysis highlighted the involvement of the IL-17 and estrogen signaling pathways in response variability. Conclusions Radiomic signatures effectively predict NAC response patterns in breast cancer patients and are associated with specific survival outcomes. The CS pattern in nonpCR patients indicates better survival.

Abstract Predicting academic procrastination among college students in the context of a public crisis could provide essential academic support and decision-making strategies for higher education institutions to promote student psychological health. Notably, research focusing on predicting academic procrastination behavior among college students in the context of a global crisis is still limited. The purpose of this study is to address this gap by constructing a predictive model based on the decision tree algorithm to predict academic procrastination behavior among college students. A total of 776 college students from the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China participated in this study. The study gathered data from multiple aspects relevant to academic procrastination behavior, including demographic information, academic achievements, subjective well-being, smartphone addiction, negative emotions, self-esteem, life autonomy, pro-environmental behavior, academic achievement, and sense of school belonging. Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted utilizing SPSS version 26.0, and decision tree model analysis was performed with Modeler 18.0. The findings of this study identified eight predictive factors of college students’ academic procrastination in order of importance: subjective well-being, smartphone addiction, negative emotions, self-esteem, life autonomy, pro-environmental behavior, academic performance, and sense of school belonging. The model accuracy was 85.78%, and indicating a relatively high level of prediction. The findings of this study not only provided a new perspective for understanding academic procrastination but also offered practical guidance for educators on how to mitigate this behavior.

Abstract The ORF9b protein, derived from the nucleocapsid’s open-reading frame in both SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, serves as an accessory protein crucial for viral immune evasion by inhibiting the innate immune response. Despite its significance, the precise regulatory mechanisms underlying its function remain elusive. In the present study, we unveil that the ORF9b protein of SARS-CoV-2, including emerging mutant strains like Delta and Omicron, can undergo ubiquitination at the K67 site and subsequent degradation via the proteasome pathway, despite certain mutations present among these strains. Moreover, our investigation further uncovers the pivotal role of the translocase of the outer mitochondrial membrane 70 (TOM70) as a substrate receptor, bridging ORF9b with heat shock protein 90 alpha (HSP90α) and Cullin 5 (CUL5) to form a complex. Within this complex, CUL5 triggers the ubiquitination and degradation of ORF9b, acting as a host antiviral factor, while HSP90α functions to stabilize it. Notably, treatment with HSP90 inhibitors such as GA or 17-AAG accelerates the degradation of ORF9b, leading to a pronounced inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication. Single-cell sequencing data revealed an up-regulation of HSP90α in lung epithelial cells from COVID-19 patients, suggesting a potential mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2 may exploit HSP90α to evade the host immunity. Our study identifies the CUL5-TOM70-HSP90α complex as a critical regulator of ORF9b protein stability, shedding light on the intricate host–virus immune response dynamics and offering promising avenues for drug development against SARS-CoV-2 in clinical settings.

Abstract This research delves into the nuances, origins, and societal effects of irrational religious orientations within China’s Generation Z, employing grounded theory methodology for a comprehensive analysis. The focus is on those born between 1995 and 2010, a demographic raised amidst rapid information technology growth and significantly influenced by digitalization and globalization. The study identifies three primary dimensions of irrational religious orientations in Generation Z: religious spiritual dependence, religious instrumental tendency, and religious uniqueness identity. These are shaped by factors such as the overwhelming influx of information via digital media, societal pressures and psychological dilemmas, conflicts in values and identity crises, as well as feelings of social isolation and the need for group belonging. To address these trends, the study suggests several interventions: enhancing multicultural and values education, implementing stricter online information regulation and literacy programs, boosting mental health awareness and support, and fostering engagement in social and cultural activities. These recommendations are essential for comprehensively understanding and effectively responding to the irrational religious orientations of Generation Z, ultimately contributing to their overall well-being and healthy development.

Based on the organic geochemical data and the molecular and stable carbon isotopic compositions of natural gas of the Lower Permian Fengcheng Formation in the western Central Depression of Junggar Basin, combined with sedimentary environment analysis and hydrocarbon-generating simulation, the gas-generating potential of the Fengcheng source rock is evaluated, the distribution of large-scale effective source kitchen is described, the genetic types of natural gas are clarified, and four types of favorable exploration targets are selected. The results show that: (1) The Fengcheng Formation is a set of oil-prone source rocks, and the retained liquid hydrocarbon is conducive to late cracking into gas, with characteristics of high gas-generating potential and late accumulation; (2) The maximum thickness of Fengcheng source rock reaches 900 m. The source rock has entered the main gas-generating stage in Penyijingxi and Shawan sags, and the area with gas-generating intensity greater than 20×108 m3/km2 is approximately 6 500 km2. (3) Around the western Central Depression, highly mature oil-type gas with light carbon isotope composition was identified to be derived from the Fengcheng source rocks mainly, while the rest was coal-derived gas from the Carboniferous source rock; (4) Four types of favorable exploration targets with exploration potential were developed in the western Central Depression which are structural traps neighboring to the source, stratigraphic traps neighboring to the source, shale-gas type within the source, and structural traps within the source. Great attention should be paid to these targets.

Based on the latest results of near-source exploration in the Middle and Lower Jurassic of the Tuha Basin, a new understanding of the source rocks, reservoir conditions, and source-reservoir-cap rock combinations of the Jurassic Shuixigou Group in the Taibei Sag is established using the concept of the whole petroleum system, and the coal-measure whole petroleum system is analyzed thoroughly. The results are obtained in three aspects. First, the coal-measure source rocks of the Badaowan Formation and Xishanyao Formation and the argillaceous source rocks of the Sangonghe Formation in the Shuixigou Group exhibit the characteristics of long-term hydrocarbon generation, multiple hydrocarbon generation peaks, and simultaneous oil and gas generation, providing sufficient oil and gas sources for the whole petroleum system in the Jurassic coal-bearing basin. Second, multi-phase shallow braided river delta–shallow lacustrine deposits contribute multiple types of reservoirs, e.g. sandstone, tight sandstone, shale and coal rock, in slope and depression areas, providing effective storage space for the petroleum reservoir formation in coal-measure strata. Third, three phases of hydrocarbon charging and structural evolution, as well as effective configuration of multiple types of reservoirs, result in the sequential accumulation of conventional-unconventional hydrocarbons. From high structural positions to depression, there are conventional structural and structural-lithological reservoirs far from the source, low-saturation structural-lithological reservoirs near the source, and tight sandstone gas, coal rock gas and shale oil accumulations within the source. Typically, the tight sandstone gas and coal rock gas are the key options for further exploration, and the shale oil and gas in the depression area is worth of more attention. The new understanding of the whole petroleum system in the coal measures could further enrich and improve the geological theory of the whole petroleum system, and provide new ideas for the overall exploration of oil and gas resources in the Tuha Basin.

Abstract Chiral 1,2,3-triazoles are highly attractive motifs in various fields. However, achieving catalytic asymmetric click reactions of azides and alkynes for chiral triazole synthesis remains a significant challenge, mainly due to the limited catalytic systems and substrate scope. Herein, we report an enantioselective azidation/click cascade reaction of N-propargyl-β-ketoamides with a readily available and potent azido transfer reagent via copper catalysis, which affords a variety of chiral 1,2,3-triazoles with up to 99% yield and 95% ee under mild conditions. Notably, chiral 1,5-disubstituted triazoles that have not been accessed by previous asymmetric click reactions are also prepared with good functional group tolerance.

Abstract Reducing the levels of dietary protein is an effective nutritional approach in lowering feed cost and nitrogen emissions in ruminants. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary Lys/Met ratio in a low protein diet (10%, dry matter basis) on the growth performance and hepatic function (antioxidant capacity, immune status, and glycolytic activity) in Tibetan lambs. Ninety two-month-old rams with an average weight of 15.37 ± 0.92 kg were randomly assigned to LP-L (dietary Lys/Met = 1:1), LP-M (dietary Lys/Met = 2:1) and LP-H (dietary Lys/Met = 3:1) treatments. The trial was conducted over 100 d, including 10 d of adaption to the diets. Hepatic phenotypes, antioxidant capacity, immune status, glycolytic activity and gene expression profiling was detected after the conclusion of the feeding trials. The results showed that the body weight was higher in the LP-L group when compared to those on the LP-M group (P 1). Gene Ontology (GO) and correlation analyses showed that in the LP-L group, core genes (C1QA and JUNB) enriched in oxidoreductase activity were positively correlated with antioxidant indicators, while the MYO9A core gene enriched in the immune response was positively associated with immune indicators, and core genes enriched in molecular function (PDK3 and PDP2) were positively correlated with glycolysis indicators. In summary, low-protein diet with a low Lys/Met ratio (1:1) could reduce the hepatic oxidative stress and improve the glycolytic activity by regulating the expression of related genes of Tibetan sheep.

Abstract Peritendinous adhesion that forms after tendon injury substantially limits daily life. The pathology of adhesion involves inflammation and the associated proliferation. However, the current studies on this condition are lacking, previous studies reveal that cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX2) gene inhibitors have anti‐adhesion effects through reducing prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and the proliferation of fibroblasts, are contrary to the failure in anti‐adhesion through deletion of EP4 (prostaglandin E receptor 4) gene in fibroblasts in mice of another study. In this study, single‐cell RNA sequencing analysis of human and mouse specimens are combined with eight types of conditional knockout mice and further reveal that deletion of COX2 in myeloid cells and deletion of EP4 gene in sensory nerves decrease adhesion and impair the biomechanical properties of repaired tendons. Furthermore, the COX2 inhibitor parecoxib reduces PGE2 but impairs the biomechanical properties of repaired tendons. Interestingly, PGE2 local treatment improves the biomechanical properties of the repaired tendons. These findings clarify the complex role of PGE2 in peritendinous adhesion formation (PAF) and tendon repair.

Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is a syndrome of pathology, imaging, and clinical manifestations caused primarily by a variety of functional or structural lesions in the small blood vessels of the brain. CSVD contributes to approximately 45% of dementia and 25% of ischemic strokes worldwide and is one of the most important causes of disability. The disease progresses insidiously, and patients often have no typical symptoms in the early stages, but have an increased risk of stroke, death, and poor long-term prognosis. Therefore, early diagnosis of CSVD is particularly important. Neuroimaging is the most important diagnostic tool used for CSVD. Therefore, it is important to explore the imaging mechanisms of CSVD for its early diagnosis and precise treatment. In this article, we review the principles and analysis methods of DTI, analyze the latest DTI studies on CSVD, clarify the disease-lesion mapping relationships between cerebral white matter (WM) microstructural damage and CSVD, explore the pathogenic mechanisms and preclinical imaging features of CSVD, and summarize the latest research directions of CSVD and research methods to provide a comprehensive and objective imaging basis for the diagnosis and treatment of CSVD.

BackgroundFei-Yan-Qing-Hua decoction (FYQHD) is derived from the well-known Ma Xing Shi Gan decoction, which was documented in Zhang Zhong Jing’s “Treatise on Exogenous Febrile Disease” during the Han Dynasty. Although FYQHD has been used in the treatment of pneumonia and has demonstrated clinical efficacy for decades, the underlying mechanism by which FYQHD protects against influenza virus infection through modulation of gut flora remains unclear. Here, we examined the regulatory impacts of FYQHD on an influenza virus-infected mouse model and explored the mechanisms involved.MethodsAn infectious mouse model was created by intranasal instillation of influenza A virus (IAV). The effectiveness of FYQHD was assessed through various measures, including weight loss, lung wet/dry ratio, oxidative stress levels, viral load in lung tissues, and intestinal injuries. Changes in gut microbiota and SCFA production were also examined.ResultsThe results showed that FYQHD significantly reduced viral load, increased the production of type I interferon (IFN-I), and restored the integrity of the intestinal barrier following IAV challenge. Additionally, FYQHD significantly corrected the dysbiosis of gut microbiota induced by influenza virus infection, enhancing the abundance of SCFA-producing bacteria and acetate production. However, the depletion of gut microbiota significantly attenuated the protective effects of FYQHD against influenza virus infection. In vitro, the antiviral effect of acetate was demonstrated through the upregulation of concentrations of IFN-β.ConclusionFYQHD attenuates influenza virus-induced lung and intestinal injuries by boosting the host antiviral response through increasing the abundance of Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136 and Roseburia, along with elevated acetate levels. The study advances our understanding of the therapeutic mechanisms of FYQHD and provides a theoretical basis for the application of FYQHD in the treatment of influenza.

Osmanthus fragrans is an ethylene-sensitive flower, and flower senescence was mediated by ethylene-responsive transcription factors (OfERFs). A total of 227 OfERFs were identified from O. fragrans, which were classified into five subfamilies: AP2 (35), DREB (57), ERF (125), RAV (6), and Soloist (4). Gene composition and structural analysis indicate that members of different subfamilies have different gene structures and conserved domains. Their gene promoter contains various functional responsive elements, including auxin, jasmonic acid, and other responsive elements. Among them, 124 OfAP2/ERF genes have expressed at any stage of flowering, and 10 of them may play roles in flowering or senescence. By comparative transcriptome analysis, OfAP2/ERFs affected by ethephon (ETH) and 5′-azacytidine (Aza) treatment were divided into three categories, which have various target gene sets. Importantly, these target gene sets participate in similar or different biological processes and metabolic pathways, suggesting that ethylene and DNA hypomethylation have crosstalk and a unique mechanism in regulating the flower senescence of O. fragrans. Co-expression analysis revealed that several key OfAP2/ERFs played a central role in organic acid metabolism and biosynthesis of branched-chain amino acids (BcAAs), among which OfERF017 was selected for further functional analysis. Overexpression of OfERF017 leads to significant enrichment of genes in organic acid metabolism pathways, which leads to a decrease in organic acid levels and promoting the flower senescence of O. fragrans. Together, these results give insights into the characteristics and functional analysis of OfAP2/ERF genes in O. fragrans.

The growth rate of young ruminants has been associated with production performance in later life, with recent studies highlighting the importance of rumen microbes in supporting the health and growth of ruminants. However, the specific role of rumen epithelium bacteria and microbiota-host interactions in influencing the early life growth rate of ruminants remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the rumen fermentation pattern, microbiota characteristics, and global gene expression profiles of the rumen epithelium in 6-month-old goats with varying growth rates. Our results showed that goats with high average daily gain (HADG) exhibited higher rumen propionate concentrations. Goats with low average daily gain (LADG) had the higher relative abundances of rumen epithelium bacteria genera U29-B03 and Quinella, while exhibiting a lower relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae UCG-009. In the rumen fluid, the relative abundances of bacteria genus Alloprevotella were lower and Desulfovibrio were higher in LADG goats compared to HADG goats. Additionally, the relative abundance of fungal genus Symmetrospora was lower in LADG goats compared to HADG goats. Transcriptome analysis showed that 415 genes were differentially expressed between LADG and HADG goats, which were enriched in functions related to cell junction and cell adhesion, etc. Correlation analysis revealed that rumen epithelium bacteria genera UCG-005 and Candidatus Saccharimonas were negatively associated, while Lachnospiraceae NK3A20 group and Oscillospiraceae NK4A214 group were positively associated with average daily gain (ADG) and genes related to barrier function. The rumen fluid bacteria genus Alloprevotella was positively correlated, while Desulfovibrio was negatively correlated with rumen propionate and ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N) concentrations, as well as genes related to barrier function and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) transport. In summary, our study reveals that the higher ruminal fermentation efficiency, improved rumen epithelial barrier functions, and enhanced SCFAs transport in HADG goats could be attributed to the rumen microbiota, particularly the rumen epithelium bacteria, such as Lachnospiraceae and Oscillospiraceae NK4A214 group.

The mechanical properties of titanium alloys are greatly affected by their microstructural composition, with a complex relationship between strength and plasticity. This study examines the impact of aging treatment on twinning behavior and its consequences on the mechanical characteristics of a hot-rolled Ti-0.3Mo-0.8Ni-0.5Al-0.5Zr alloy. By analyzing the changes in microstructure, mechanical properties, and crystallographic features during aging, the study reveals that aging results in the formation of lamellar α phases within the matrix grains. This process increases the lamellar α phase and reduces the average grain size with longer aging periods, promoting microstructural changes that enhance twinning and modify grain boundary features. Specifically, there is a decrease in medium angle grain boundaries (MAGBs) and an increase in low angle grain boundaries (LAGBs). Tensile tests show that although the tensile strength decreases compared to the hot-rolled alloy, plasticity significantly improves. The twinning behavior induced by aging helps enhance the tensile strength while maintaining ductility as aging progresses. Additionally, the study investigates how grain lattice orientation and aging twinning affect mechanical properties. Grains with high Schmid Factor (SF) values (>0.4) are more likely to activate multiple slip systems, leading to a uniform strain distribution and enhanced ductility. Overall, aging treatment of the Ti-0.3Mo-0.8Ni-0.5Al-0.5Zr alloy brings about beneficial microstructural changes that improve its mechanical properties, particularly enhancing strength and ductility. This research provides valuable insights into the interplay among microstructure, crystallography, and mechanical performance, essential for advancing and optimizing titanium alloys for various applications.

Background: The anti-inflammatory effect of exercise may be an underlying factor in improving several autoimmune diseases. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the evidence on the role of exercise training in mitigating inflammation in adolescents and adults with autoimmune disease. Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases were systematically reviewed for related studies published between January 1, 2003, and August 31, 2023. All randomized and non-randomized controlled trials of exercise interventions with autoimmune disease study participants that evaluated inflammation-related biomarkers were included. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Tool for the assEssment of Study qualiTy and reporting in EXercise scale and Cochrane bias risk tool. Results: A total of 14,565 records were identified. After screening the titles, abstracts, and full texts, 87 were eligible for the systematic review. These studies were conducted in 25 different countries and included a total of 2779 participants (patients with autoimmune disease, in exercise or control groups). Overall, the evidence suggests that inflammation-related markers such as C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, and tumor necrosis factor α were reduced by regular exercise interventions. Regular exercise interventions combined with multiple exercise modes were associated with greater benefits. Conclusion: Regular exercise training by patients with autoimmune disease exerts an anti-inflammatory influence. This systematic review provides support for the promotion and development of clinical exercise intervention programs for patients with autoimmune disease. Most patients with autoimmune disease can safely adopt moderate exercise training protocols, but changes in inflammation biomarkers will be modest at best. Acute exercise interventions are ineffective or even modestly but transiently pro-inflammatory.

Abstract Background The circadian clock, also known as the circadian rhythm, is responsible for predicting daily and seasonal changes in the environment, and adjusting various physiological and developmental processes to the appropriate times during plant growth and development. The circadian clock controls the expression of the Lhcb gene, which encodes the chlorophyll a/b binding protein. However, the roles of the Lhcb gene in tea plant remain unclear. Results In this study, a total of 16 CsLhcb genes were identified based on the tea plant genome, which were distributed on 8 chromosomes of the tea plant. The promoter regions of CsLhcb genes have a variety of cis-acting elements including hormonal, abiotic stress responses and light response elements. The CsLhcb family genes are involved in the light response process in tea plant. The photosynthetic parameter of tea leaves showed rhythmic changes during the two photoperiod periods (48 h). Stomata are basically open during the day and closed at night. Real-time quantitative PCR results showed that most of the CsLhcb family genes were highly expressed during the day, but were less expressed at night. Conclusions Results indicated that CsLhcb genes were involved in the circadian clock process of tea plant, it also provided potential references for further understanding of the function of CsLhcb gene family in tea plant.