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Abstract Background Polyarteritis nodosa is a relatively uncommon type of systemic necrotizing vasculitis that primarily affects medium-sized arteries. While gastrointestinal involvement is known in polyarteritis nodosa, heavy gastrointestinal bleeding due to gastric ulceration is relatively uncommon. We present the case of an 81-year-old male of Chinese ethnicity who experienced severe gastrointestinal bleeding as a result of polyarteritis nodosa and an innovative treatment approach for a better patient outcomes. Case presentation Upon admission to the medical intensive care unit, the patient underwent a comprehensive diagnostic assessment, including examinations for cardiovascular and dermatological abnormalities, laboratory tests, autoantibody and tumor marker assessments, and imaging studies (such as endoscopies, whole-body computed tomography, and positron emission tomography–computed tomography scans), and a skin biopsy. The patient had tachycardia, hypotension, and extensive skin abnormalities on the lower extremities along with anemia, low platelets, and abnormal renal function. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed gastric and duodenal ulcers. Additional examinations, including electronic colonoscopy, capsule endoscopy, and whole-body computed tomography, were negative. A positron emission tomography–computed tomography scan showed increased uptake in the arterial walls and skin, which supported the diagnosis of polyarteritis nodosa, later confirmed by a biopsy of the skin on the lower extremities. Methylprednisolone, octreotide, and omeprazole were administered, leading to improvement in gastrointestinal symptoms, ulcer healing, and skin recovery. The patient continued with prednisone for 1 month. Conclusion This case serves to inform gastroenterologists about the need to consider polyarteritis nodosa in severe upper gastrointestinal bleeding and underscores the importance of prompt, medication-based treatment for successful patient outcome.

Abstract Laser cooling typically requires one or more repump lasers to clear dark states, which complicates experimental setups, especially for systems with multiple repumping frequencies. Here, we demonstrate cooling of Be+ ions using a single laser beam, enabled by micromotion-induced one-dimensional heating. By manipulating the displacement of Be+ ions from the trap’s nodal line, we precisely control the ion micromotion velocity, eliminating the necessity of a 1.25 GHz offset repump laser while keeping ions cold in the direction perpendicular to the micromotion. We use two equivalent schemes, cooling laser detuning and ion trajectory imaging to measure the speed of the Be+ ions, with results accurately reproduced by molecular dynamics simulations based on a machine learned time-dependent electric field inside the trap. This work provides a robust method to control micromotion velocity of ions and demonstrates the potential of micromotion-assisted laser cooling to simplify setups for systems requiring multiple repumping frequencies.

Abstract Background To investigate the contemporary comparative inpatient prognosis among US and Chinese patients with type A aortic dissection (TAAD). Methods Data from Chinese multi-institutional TAAD registry and the US National Inpatient Sample databases were analyzed. We used multivariable logistic regression models to compare in-hospital mortality and perioperative complication rates between the US and China. Length of stay and overall costs were fitted with quantile regression models. Independent prognostic factors associated with post-operative survival were assessed via Cox proportional hazards models. Results Among 3,121 eligible TAAD patients, 1,073 were from China (25.0% female; mean ± SD age, 53.9 ± 12.4) and 2,048 were from the US (31.2% female; mean ± SE age, 59.8 ± 0.3). During the study period, the in-hospital mortality rates in China and the US were 15.5% and 13.3%, yet the difference was insignificant after adjustment (aOR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.69–1.97). While there was no significant difference in overall perioperative complications (aOR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.52–2.18), the patterns of complications differed between two cohorts. While Chinese TAAD patients experienced significantly longer duration of hospitalization (median difference, + 10.4 days; 95% CI, 9.2–11.5), the US TAAD cohort had significantly greater overall hospitalization costs (49.9; 95% CI, 55.4–44.5, in 1000 USD). Conclusions Notwithstanding significant differences in demographic and clinical characteristics, TAAD patients from China and the US demonstrated comparable in-hospital mortality and overall perioperative complication rates. Future initiatives should focus on expanding surgical eligibility to the elderly Chinese TAAD patients and optimizing the duration of hospitalization without undermining meaningful clinical outcomes. Trial registration KY20220425-05, April 5th 25 2022.

Background: Population aging has become a primary global public health issue, and the prevention of age-associated diseases and prolonging healthy life expectancies are of particular importance. Gut microbiota has emerged as a novel target in various host physiological disorders including aging. Comprehensive understanding on changes of gut microbiota during aging, in particular gut microbiota characteristics of centenarians, can provide us possibility to achieving healthy aging or intervene pathological aging through gut microbiota-directed strategies. Aim of Review: This review aims to summarize the characteristics of the gut microbiota associated with aging, explore potential biomarkers of aging and address microbiota-associated mechanisms of host aging focusing on intestinal barrier and immune status. By summarizing the existing effective dietary strategies in aging interventions, the probability of developing a diet targeting the gut microbiota in future is provided. Key Scientific Concepts of Review: This review is focused on three key notions: Firstly, gut microbiota has become a new target for regulating health status and lifespan, and its changes are closely related to age. Thus, we summarized aging-associated gut microbiota features at the levels of key genus/species and important metabolites through comparing the microbiota differences among centenarians, elderly people and younger people. Secondly, exploring microbiota biomarkers related to aging and discussing future possibility using dietary regime/components targeted to aging-related microbiota biomarkers promote human healthy lifespan. Thirdly, dietary intervention can effectively improve the imbalance of gut microbiota related to aging, such as probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics, but their effects vary among.

Recently, researchers in the road field are focusing on the development of green asphalt materials with lower emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The characterization methodology of asphalt VOCs and the influencing factors on VOCs release have always been the basic issue of asphalt VOCs emission reduction research. Researchers have proposed a variety of asphalt VOCs characterization methodologies, which also have mutually irreplaceable characteristics. Asphalt VOCs volatilization is affected by many factors. In this study, asphalt VOCs characterization methodologies were summarized, including their advantages, disadvantages, characteristics and applicable requirements. Subsequently, the influencing factors of VOCs release, such as asphalt types and environment conditions, are summarized to provide theoretical support for the emission reduction research. The classification and mechanism of newly-development asphalt VOCs emission reduction materials are reviewed. The reduction efficiencies are also compared to select better materials and put forward the improvement objective of new materials and new processes. In addition, the prospects about development of VOCs release mechanism of asphalt materials during the full life cycle and feasibility research of high-efficiency composite emission reduction materials in the future were put forward.

BackgroundPsoriasis is commonly associated with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, raising concerns about the hepatic effects of systemic treatments on psoriasis and its comorbid conditions. This study evaluates liver stiffness measurement (LSM) alterations and identifies predictors of abnormal LSM in psoriatic patients following systemic treatments, including biologics and methotrexate.MethodsThis prospective cohort study is based on the PSOWCH database (Psoriasis Cohort of West China Hospital). We initially included psoriatic patients who had undergone sound touch elastography (STE), then recruited patients who had STE before systemic treatment and reassessed them after at least six months. Three treatment subgroups were formed (interleukin inhibitors, tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, and methotrexate), classifying post-treatment STE outcomes using threshold values of 6.5 kPa and 10.3 kPa.ResultsAmong the 52 recruited patients, overall STE values significantly increased during follow-up. Univariate regression analysis showed that age, gender, psoriasis severity, psoriatic arthritis status, and current treatment type were not significantly correlated with abnormal STE outcomes at cutoff values of 6.5 kPa and 10.3 kPa. In the multivariate model, body mass index (BMI) was identified as a risk factor for post-treatment STE ≥ 6.5 kPa (odds ratio [OR], 1.26; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.60, P=0.031).ConclusionsThis exploratory study reveals that systemic treatment type is not associated with abnormal post-treatment LSM. However, a significant association exists between BMI and abnormal LSM outcomes. These findings highlight the critical importance of BMI management in therapeutic interventions for psoriasis.

Background Rituximab (RTX) is considered the first-line treatment for pemphigus vulgaris (PV), which is a B-cell-mediated acquired autoimmune disease. However, no consensus on the optimum dosage has been achieved.Objectives To investigate the efficacy and safety of low-dose RTX (a single infusion of 500 mg) for the treatment of PV, a cohort study was conducted for patients with PV, along with a 12-month follow-up following the administration of RTX.Methods Patients with moderate or severe PV were divided into group A (low-dose RTX combined with corticosteroids) and group B (corticosteroids alone). Data on complete remission (CR) rates, doses of corticosteroids, cumulative doses of corticosteroids at the third, sixth, and twelfth months, pemphigus disease area index and adverse effects (AEs) were collected.Results Forty-four patients with moderate or severe PV were enrolled in this study (19 in group A and 25 in group B). Patients treated with low-dose RTX had higher CR rates, lower doses of corticosteroids at the third, sixth, and twelfth months, lower cumulative doses of corticosteroids at the sixth and twelfth months, and fewer AEs than those who received corticosteroids alone.Conclusions This study indicated that low-dose RTX may be a beneficial and secure therapy option for patients with moderate to severe PV.

Background and objectives: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory musculoskeletal disorder affecting 30% of psoriatic patients. Effective treatment, especially with biologics like IL-17 and TNF inhibitors, is vital for improving patient outcomes. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of secukinumab and adalimumab in PsA patients through clinical and ultrasonographic evaluations.Materials and methods: We enrolled 116 PsA patients, with 58 patients receiving secukinumab and 58 receiving adalimumab. Regular follow-ups were conducted at weeks 4, 12, 24, and 52. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients achieving at least a 20% improvement in the ACR response (ACR20) at week 12, with additional evaluations for axial arthritis, enthesitis, skin involvement, minimal disease activity, health assessment questionnaire, and ultrasound changes.Results: There was no significant difference in ACR20 response between the two groups at week 12 (OR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.26–1.37, p = 0.22). However, secukinumab demonstrated superior efficacy in achieving Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI)90 (OR: 2.25, 95%CI: 1.07–4.74, p = 0.03), while adalimumab showed better improvement in ultrasound synovitis count (β: 0.94, 95%CI: 0.09–1.79, p = 0.03) and synovitis PD signal (β: 0.20, 95%CI: 0.03–0.36, p = 0.02).Conclusions: In conclusion, both treatments were highly effective for PsA, with secukinumab being more suitable for severe skin involvement and adalimumab for significant ultrasound-confirmed synovitis.

The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is essential for Gram-negative bacteria to antagonize a wide variety of prokaryotic and eukaryotic competitors and thus gain survival advantages. Two sets of T6SS have been found in Vibrio fluvialis, namely VflT6SS1 and VflT6SS2, among which VflT6SS2 is functionally expressed. The CqsA/LuxS-HapR quorum sensing (QS) system with CAI-1 and AI-2 as signal molecules can regulate VflT6SS2 by regulators LuxO and HapR, with LuxO repressing while HapR activating VflT6SS2. Quorum regulatory small RNAs (Qrr sRNAs) are Hfq-dependent trans-encoded sRNAs that control Vibrio quorum sensing. In V. fluvialis, Qrr sRNAs have not been characterized and their regulatory function is unknown. In this study, we first identified four Qrr sRNAs in V. fluvialis and demonstrated that these Qrr sRNAs are regulated by LuxO and involved in the modulation of VflT6SS2 function. On the one hand, Qrr sRNAs act on HapR, the activator of both the major and the auxiliary clusters of VflT6SS2, and then indirectly repress VflT6SS2. On the other hand, they directly repress VflT6SS2 by acting on tssB2 and tssD2_a, the first gene of the major cluster and the highly transcriptional one among the two units of the first auxiliary cluster, respectively. Our results give insights into the role of Qrr sRNAs in CAI-1/AI-2 based QS and VflT6SS2 modulation in V. fluvialis and further enhance understandings of the network between QS and T6SS regulation in Vibrio species.

To investigate the effects of different brine and fermentation methods on the quality characteristics of fermented chili peppers, this study employed four different fermentation methods: Natural fermentation with sterile water, co-inoculation fermentation (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KUST-D1303:Pichia manshurica KUST-F1705=1:1) with sterile water, natural fermentation with aged brine and co-inoculation fermentation with aged brine. The quality characteristics of the fermented chili peppers were compared and analyzed. Results showed that compared to other fermentation methods, co-inoculation fermentation with aged brine significantly (P

Abstract Background Growth differentiation factor‐15 (GDF‐15) is a stress response protein and is related to cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This study aimed to investigate the association between GDF‐15 and pre‐eclampsia (PE). Method The study involved 299 pregnant women, out of which 236 had normal pregnancies, while 63 participants had PE. Maternal serum levels of GDF‐15 were measured by using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits and then translated into multiple of median (MOM) to avoid the influence of gestational week at blood sampling. Logistic models were performed to estimate the association between GDF‐15 MOM and PE, presenting as odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results MOM of GDF‐15 in PE participants was higher compared with controls (1.588 vs. 1.000, p 1) had a 4.74‐fold (95% CI = 2.23–10.08, p

Abstract As a typical E3 ligase, TRIM65 (tripartite motif containing 65) is involved in the regulation of antiviral innate immunity and the pathogenesis of certain tumors. However, the role of TRIM65 in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and the underlying mechanism has not been determined yet. In this study, we identified TRIM65 as a novel oncogene in RCC, which enhanced the tumor cell proliferation and anchorage-independent growth abilities both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we found that TRIM65-regulated RCC proliferation mainly via direct interaction with BTG3 (BTG anti-proliferation factor 3), which in turn induced the K48-linked ubiquitination and subsequent degradation through K41 amino acid. Furthermore, TRIM65 relieved G2/M phase cell cycle arrest via degradation of BTG3 and regulated downstream factors. Further studies revealed that TRIM65 acts through TRIM65-BTG3-CyclinD1 axis and clinical sample IHC chip data indicated a negative correction between TRIM65 and BTG3. Taken together, our findings demonstrated that TRIM65 promotes RCC cell proliferation via regulation of the cell cycle through degradation of BTG3, suggesting that TRIM65 may be a promising target for RCC therapy.

Etomidate (ET), a hypnotic agent used for the induction of anesthesia, is rapidly metabolized to etomidate acid (ETA) in the liver. Recently, ET has become one of the most serious alternative drugs of abuse in China. Therefore, an urgent need exists to develop a fast and convenient analysis method for monitoring ET. The current work presents a simple, fast, and sensitive direct injection method for the determination of ET and ETA in wastewater. After the optimization of the ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and sample filtration conditions, the method exhibited satisfactory limits of detection (1 ng/L) and good filtration loss. The validated method was successfully applied to determine the concentrations of ET and ETA in wastewater samples (n = 245) from several wastewater treatment plants in China. The concentrations of the targets in positive samples ranged from less than the lower limits of quantitation to 47.71 ng/L. The method can meet ET monitoring and high-throughput analysis requirements. HIGHLIGHT Etomidate (ET) use has spread rapidly, and it is now one of the most seriously abused substances in China. Our study first developed a simple, fast, and sensitive direct injection method for the quantitative determination of ET and etomidate acid in wastewater. After optimizing the UPLC–MS/MS and sample pretreatment conditions, the method was applied to authentic wastewater samples (n = 245) from several WWTPs in China.;

1,4-Dioxane concentration in most contaminated water is much less than 1 mg/L, which cannot sustain the growth of most reported 1,4-dioxane-metabolizing pure cultures. These pure cultures were isolated following enrichment of mixed cultures at high concentrations (20 to 1,000 mg/L). This study is based on a different strategy: 1,4-dioxane-metabolizing mixed cultures were enriched by periodically spiking 1,4-dioxane at low concentrations (≤1 mg/L). Five 1,4-dioxane-metabolizing pure strains LCD6B, LCD6D, WC10G, WCD6H, and WD4H were isolated and characterized. The partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the five bacterial strains were related to Dokdonella sp. (98.3%), Acinetobacter sp. (99.0%), Afipia sp. (99.2%), Nitrobacter sp. (97.9%), and Pseudonocardia sp. (99.4%), respectively. Nitrobacter sp. WCD6H is the first reported 1,4-dioxane-metabolizing bacterium in the genus of Nitrobacter. The net specific growth rates of these five cultures are consistently higher than those reported in the literature at 1,4-dioxane concentrations

An accurate and timely spatialization of electricity consumption is fundamental for energy management and sustainable urban development. While previous research has relied heavily on statistical data or moderate-resolution nighttime light data, this study has presented a new spatialization method by combining high-resolution Luojia 1–01 nighttime light and urban functional zoning information. The total electricity consumption volume can be allocated to each land use pixel based on its strong linear relationship with nighttime light. Specifically, urban functional zoning data were connected with the corresponding economic sectors to differentiate the complex relationships between electricity consumption and nighttime light within different zones. The digital number value of every pixel can be multiplied by its corresponding electricity consumption coefficient. A number of comparisons have indicated that the proposed method can more accurately characterize the spatial distribution of electricity consumption. Our results can exhibit much clearer outlines and more detailed internal characteristics. More importantly, urban functional zoning information can be used to distinguish the electricity consumption of various economic sectors at fine scales. The proposed method is expected to capture the spatial characteristics of electricity consumption in a timely and accurate manner. The findings can help local authorities formulate sustainable energy utilization and emission reduction strategies.

The aroma profile of fermented chili pepper was analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) coupled with chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O). A total of 19 aroma-active compounds were detected, exhibiting aroma intensities spanning from 1.8 to 4.2. And 12 aroma-active compounds were determined as pivotal odorants through odor activity value (OAV) calculation. Concentrations of these aroma-active compounds were quantified and subsequently employed in reconstructing the aroma profile of fermented chili pepper. Quantitative descriptive sensory analysis and electronic nose analysis proved that the aroma profile of fermented chili pepper was basically reconstituted. Omission experiments confirmed that methyl salicylate, linalool, 2-methoxy-3-isobutylpyrazine, and phenylethyl alcohol were the key aroma-active compounds of fermented chili pepper. Moreover, the perceptual interactions between the key aroma-active compounds were investigated. It was found that methyl salicylate masked the floral aroma, while phenylethyl alcohol had an additive effect on the aroma of linalool and 2-methoxy-3-isobutylpyrazine.

The Duvernay Formation in Canada is one of the major oil and gas source formations in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin, located at its deepest point. While it demonstrates promising development potential, challenges arise in the urgent need for integration of geology and engineering models, as well as in optimizing sweet spots, particularly as infill wells and pads become central operational objectives for the shale gas field. A lack of the geomechanical understanding of shale gas reservoirs presents a significant obstacle in addressing these challenges. To overcome this, we implemented data acquisition and prepared historical models and profiles, resulting in an extended high-resolution geological and reservoir property model with a fine grid system. Subsequently, a 3D full-field multi-scale geomechanical model was constructed for the main district by integrating seismic data (100 m), geological structures (km), routine logs (m), core data (cm), and borehole imaging (0.25 m), following a well-designed workflow. The predicted fracturability index (brittleness) ranges from 0.6 to 0.78, and a lower horizontal stress difference (STDIFF) is anticipated in the target formation, Upper Duvernay_D, making it a favorable candidate for hydraulic fracturing treatment. Post-analysis of the multi-disciplinary models and various data types provides guidelines for establishing a specific big database, which serves as the foundation for production performance analysis and aggregate sweet spot analysis. Fourteen geological and geomechanical candidate parameters are selected for the subsequent sweet spot analysis. This study highlights the effectiveness of multi-scale geomechanical modeling as a tool for the integration of multi-disciplinary data sources, providing a bridge between geological understanding and future field development decisions. The workflows also offer a data-driven framework for selecting parameters for sweet spot analysis and production dynamic analysis.

The challenge of mitigating adverse climatic conditions is a critical issue that affects worker safety and operational efficiency in underground engineering. This study introduces an innovative approach using pumping wet shotcrete as an insulating material, incorporated with microencapsulated phase change materials (MPCMs) and filled within fluorine rubber tubes to address this concern. The MPCMs were synthesized via suspension polymerization, utilizing paraffin as the core material and modified SiO2-poly (lauryl methacrylate) as the shell material. To determine the optimal composition for practical application, an orthogonal experimental design was employed, complemented by comprehensive performance testing. The results indicated that a mix of 1375 kg/m3 of sand, 120 kg/m3 of ceramsite, and 1 g/cm of SiO2-MPCMs in each fluorine rubber tube having an inner diameter of 13 mm, provided the best balance between multiple properties. Notably, the insulation performance improved by 60–75 % compared to traditional pumping wet shotcrete, demonstrating a significant enhancement in thermal management capabilities. The findings contribute substantially to the field of thermal management in mines, presenting a novel technique that could be instrumental in improving safety and efficiency in deep underground operations.

Treatments of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are diverse, but their efficacy is limited, and it is therefore urgent to find better therapies. Controlling mucosal inflammation is a must in IBD drug treatment. The occurrence of anti-tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) monoclonal antibodies has provided a safer and more efficacious therapy. However, this kind of treatment still faces failure in the form of loss of response. β-Carboline alkaloids own an anti-inflammatory pharmacological activity. While Kumujan B contains β-carboline, its biological activity remains unknown. In this study, we attempted to determine the anti-inflammatory effects of Kumujan B using both the TNF-α- induced in vitro inflammation and DSS-induced in vivo murine IBD models. Our data show that Kumujan B attenuated the expression of interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) induced by TNF-α in mouse peritoneal macrophages. Kumujan B suppressed c-Jun N-terminal protein kinases (JNK) signaling, especially c-Jun, for anti-inflammatory response. Furthermore, Kumujan B promoted K11-linked ubiquitination and degradation of c-Jun through the proteasome pathway. In an in vivo study, Kumujan B inhibited the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α and improved the colon barrier function in dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS)-induced experimental mice colitis. Kumujan B exhibited in vivo and in vitro anti-inflammatory effects, making it a potential therapeutic candidate for treating IBD.

Objectives This study aimed to quantitatively evaluate optic nerve head and retinal vascular parameters in children with hyperopia in relation to age and spherical equivalent refraction (SER) using artificial intelligence (AI)-based analysis of colour fundus photographs (CFP).Methods and analysis This cross-sectional study included 324 children with hyperopia aged 3–12 years. Participants were divided into low hyperopia (SER+0.5 D to+2.0 D) and moderate-to-high hyperopia (SER≥+2.0 D) groups. Fundus parameters, such as optic disc area and mean vessel diameter, were automatically and quantitatively detected using AI. Significant variables (p