Search

Abstract To verify the treatment effect of the combination of transpulmonary chemoembolization (TPCE) and microwave ablation (MWA), targeting the treatment of recurrent or advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A total of 53 patients were studied and grouped according to the diameter of the largest pulmonary nodule, defined as index tumor size (ITS). Patients with an ITS > 3 cm (n = 20) were treated with TPCE and MWA. Patients with an ITS ≤ 3 cm were treated either with a combination therapy (n = 24) or MWA alone (n = 9). The treatment response, including complications and survival outcome, was then analyzed. After TPCE, there was an average ITS reduction of 0.91 cm, and 25% of patients in ITS > 3 cm were downgraded to ITS ≤ 3 cm. After TPCE, there were 12 patients (27%) with PR status and 32 (73%) with SD status. No PD patient in our case series was noted before MWA.The complication rate of MWA was significantly higher in ITS ≤ 3 cm than in ITS > 3 cm (p = 0.013). The median survival time (MST) was 26.7 months, and the time to progression was 13.2 months. The patients in the ITS ≤ 3 cm had longer MST than the others (31.6 vs. 15.8 months, p = 0.003). The significant prognostic factor was ITS > 3 cm (HR: 1.18, p = 0.02). A combination of TPCE and MWA might be feasible to control non-operable, recurrent, or advanced NSCLC.

Abstract Purposes T cells play a crucial role as regulators of anti-tumor activity within the tumor microenvironment (TME) and are closely associated with the progression of osteosarcoma (OS). Nevertheless, the specific role of T cell-related genes (TCRGs) in the pathogenesis of OS remains unclear. Methods First, we processed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data of OS from the public databases and performed cell annotation. We identified highly variable genes in each cell type using the "FindAllMarkers" function, explored the distribution of different clusters, and investigated inter-cellular communication patterns via the "CellChat" framework. Then, we used multivariate Cox analysis to construct a TCRG and developed a nomogram to predict survival probabilities for OS patients. Finally, we validated the aforementioned results using various cell lines and investigated the immune cell infiltration, expression of immune checkpoints, chemotherapy sensitivity, and the efficacy of targeted therapies across different risk groups. Results From the scRNA-seq data, we identified 3,000 highly variable genes, presented the top 10 genes, and validated the expression of core genes across different cell lines.Moreover, our analysis delved into interactions between T cells and other cell types. Our analyses constructed a predictive T cell-related signature (TCRS) that incorporated these prognostic TCRGs, showing a clear prognostic separation between the high-risk and low-risk OS patient groups in multiple cohorts. Survival analysis indicated better outcomes for patients classified in the high-risk group. The low-risk group exhibited elevated levels of CD4 memory resting T cells, contrasting with the higher levels of macrophage M0 observed in the high-risk group via the CIBERSORT algorithm. Furthermore, we observed that the low-risk group exhibitedAQ1 significant up-regulation of immune checkpoint genes (ICGs) and lower Tumour Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) scores, suggesting that they may be suitable for immunotherapy. Conversely, the high-risk group appeared more responsive to chemotherapy and targeted therapies, according to our drug sensitivity analysis. Conclusion In conclusion, our study identified TCRGs, constructed and validated a TCRS for OS, and assessed immune response and drug sensitivity in different risk groups of OS patients. These findings provide novel insights into personalized treatment strategies for OS, potentially guiding more effective therapeutic interventions.

Abstract This research proposes a novel deep breathing analogy (DBA) accelerated carbonation process. Inspired by the breathing mechanism of human lungs, the DBA method involves injecting pure CO2 into a reaction chamber at a specific pressure (inspiration) and subsequently evacuating the gas from the chamber to a negative pressure (exhalation). This process is repeated to remove excess water from the chamber and restore optimal carbonation conditions, which further enhances the efficiency of carbonation for the sample. The effectiveness of this method is evaluated based on weight gain, proportion of captured CO2 and carbonation depth. Results show that the DBA method significantly reduces the inhibition of carbonation. Based on the test results, a correlation between the proportion of captured CO2 and carbonation depth is established. Additionally, a more accurate prediction model for pressurized carbonation is proposed and the economic potential of concrete carbonation is studied.

Abstract The low cultivability of environmental bacteria has been widely acknowledged, but most previous estimates focused on the proportion of cultivable cells rather than cultivable taxa. Here, we estimate the proportions of cultivable cells and cultivable taxa for two sample types (soil and activated sludge) using cell counting, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, metagenomics, and cultivation on agar plates under various conditions. We find that the proportion of cultivable taxa exceeds that of cultivable cells at the sample level. A large proportion of cultivable taxa are taxonomically novel but tend to be present at very low abundance on agar plates, forming microcolonies, and some of them cease to grow during subculture. Compared with uncultivable taxa (under the conditions used in our study), cultivatable taxa tend to display higher metabolic activity as inferred by measuring rRNA copies per cell. Finally, we use the generated taxonomic and genomic information as a guide to isolate a strain representing a yet-uncultured class within the Bacteroidota and to enhance the cultivable diversity of Burkholderiales from activated sludge.

Abstract Background We investigated the associations between IgM, IgG, IgA, and IgE levels and all-cause mortality risk in Chinese centenarians. Methods All participants were from the China Hainan Centenarian Cohort Study. Eligible participants were divided into quartiles based on their IgM, IgG, IgA, and IgE levels. We used restricted cubic spline analyses, Cox regression analyses, and Kaplan–Meier survival curves to analyze associations between IgM, IgG, IgA, and IgE and all-cause mortality risk. Results A total of 906 centenarian participants were included in this study (81.2% female; median age, 102 years). During a median follow-up of 30.1 months, 838 (92.5%) participants died. Restricted cubic spline analysis revealed a nonlinear relationship (“L” type) between serum IgM level and all-cause mortality. Compared with the higher three quartiles of serum IgM level, the lowest quartile was associated with a higher risk of death (Q1 versus Q2-Q4: HR, 1.365; 95% CI, 1.166–1.598; P

Abstract Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) negatively impacts mental health, particularly in mothers of autistic children who experience heightened stress. Applied behaviour analysis (ABA) and music therapy are recognised interventions for improving ASD symptoms. However, the specific benefits of parent–child music therapy and ABA for autistic children and their mothers remain uncertain. This study evaluated the effects of parent–child music therapy on preschool autistic children and their mothers. Method A randomised controlled trial was conducted with 100 mother–child pairs assigned to either the control group receiving ABA or the intervention group receiving both music therapy and ABA. Qualitative interviews were conducted post-intervention for 12 mothers. Results Children in the intervention group exhibited lower scores for ASD symptoms than those in the control group. Moreover, mothers in the intervention group demonstrated reduced dysfunctional parent–child interaction, lower overall parental stress, significantly improved family functioning, and increased levels of hope compared with those in the control group. Mothers held positive views regarding music therapy. Conclusions Combining ABA with parent–child music therapy can alleviate ASD symptoms in children and reduce stress in mothers. Improved parent–child interaction and enhanced family functioning further support the benefits of this combined approach. Parent–child music therapy, combined with ABA demonstrated positive outcomes for autistic children, including reduced ASD symptoms, improved parent–child interaction, decreased parental stress, enhanced family functioning, and increased hope. These findings highlight the potential of incorporating music therapy as a valuable component in the comprehensive treatment of ASD. Trial registration This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial registry (05/07/2021, ChiCTR2100048261, https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=128957 ). Ethical approval was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee of Fujian Medical University and the study hospital (Fujian Provincial Maternity and Child Health Hospital; 2017 − 105), and informed consent was obtained from all subjects and/or their legal guardian(s).

Abstract Mid-infrared (MIR) fiber lasers are important for a wide range of applications in sensing, spectroscopy, imaging, defense, and security. Some progress has been made in the research of MIR fiber lasers based on soft glass fibers, however, the emission range of rare-earth ions and the robustness of the host materials are still a major challenge for MIR fiber lasers. The large number of gases provide a variety of optical transitions in the MIR band. When combined with recent advances in low-loss hollow-core fiber (HCF), there is a great opportunity for gas-filled fiber lasers to further extend the radiation to the MIR region. Here, a 4.8-μm CO-filled silica-based HCF laser is reported for the first time. This is enabled by an in-house manufactured broadband low-loss HCF with a measured loss of 1.81 dB/m at 4.8 μm. A maximum MIR output power of 46 mW and a tuning range of 180 nm (from 4644 to 4824 nm) are obtained by using an advanced 2.33-μm narrow-linewidth fiber laser. This demonstration represents the longest-wavelength silica-based fiber laser to date, while the absorption loss of bulk silica at 4824 nm is up to 13, 000 dB/m. Further wavelength expansion could be achieved by changing the pump absorption line and optimizing the laser structure.

To investigate the liquefaction resistance and dynamic deformation characteristics of tailings in earthquake-prone areas, this study focused on samples from an upstream tailing pond. Initially, it examined how sedimentation and consolidation behaviors are affected by the fine content (FC) of the tailings. Subsequently, dynamic triaxial tests were conducted to assess the impact of FC on the liquefaction resistance and dynamic deformation characteristics. Furthermore, this study analyzed the impact of FC on the dynamic deformation characteristics of tailings considering their microstructural features. The results revealed distinct consolidation processes at different depths in the tailing pond; leaching and chemical consolidation predominate in the upper layers, while self-weight consolidation is more common in the lower layers, with the FC increasing nonlinearly with depth. The dynamic shear stress, when plotted on a logarithmic scale, decreased approximately linearly as the number of dynamic cycles increased. An increase in effective consolidation confining pressure enhances particle contact, requiring stronger dynamic loads to destroy the tailing structure. The liquefaction resistance of the tailings first decreases and then increases with rising FC levels. A lower FC resulted in a higher liquefaction resistance and a quicker attenuation of the cyclic stress ratio in the tailings, whereas the FC variations weakly affected the dynamic pore water pressure ratios. The relationship between the dynamic pore water pressure ratio and vibration ratio follows a three-stage pattern: decelerating, stable, and accelerating growth. A larger consolidation pressure can partially suppress the dynamic pore water pressure growth to a certain extent. In addition, a two-parameter simplified model for dynamic pore water pressure, tailored to the tailing characteristics, was derived from a more complex three-parameter model. Moreover, the dynamic shear modulus of the tailings initially decreased and then increased with FC, whereas the damping ratio initially increased and then decreased. The dynamic deformation characteristics of the tailings gradually shift from being controlled by coarse particles to fine control, with a critical FC value observed during this process. Before and after reaching this critical FC, the dynamic shear modulus and damping ratio of the tailings exhibit opposite trends in relation to FC. However, further detailed dynamic triaxial testing across different FC ratios is necessary to determine the precise value of the critical FC value for the tailings. These results provide a theoretical foundation for assessing the stability of tailing ponds and analyzing tailing dynamics in earthquake-prone areas.

Abstract Leaf Area Index (LAI) is a critical parameter in terrestrial ecosystems, with high spatial resolution data being extensively utilized in various research studies. However, LAI data under future scenarios are typically only available at 1° or coarser spatial resolutions. In this study, we generated a dataset of 0.05° LAI (F0.05D-LAI) from 1983–2100 in a high spatial resolution using the LAI Downscaling Network (LAIDN) model driven by inputs including air temperature, relative humidity, precipitation, and topography data. The dataset spans the historical period (1983–2014) and future scenarios (2015–2100, including SSP-126, SSP-245, SSP-370, and SSP-585) with a monthly interval. It achieves high accuracy (R² = 0.887, RMSE = 0.340) and captures fine spatial details across various climate zones and terrain types, indicating a slightly greening trend under future scenarios. F0.05D-LAI is the first high-resolution LAI dataset and reveals the potential vegetation variation under future scenarios in China, which benefits vegetation studies and model development in earth and environmental sciences across present and future periods.

Abstract Exploring farmers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for cultivated land protection and its influencing factors is key to promoting their enthusiasm for participating in cultivated land pollution governance. However, existing studies often overlook the differences in farmers’ preference for different levels of cultivated land attributes and the issue of intertemporal choice in farmers’ WTP, thus lowering the effectiveness of cultivated land protection policies. Using survey data from 646 small farmers in Shandong, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang provinces of China, this study empirically analyzes the impact of time preference on farmers’ WTP for cultivated land attribute levels by utilizing the choice experiment method, measures the relative importance of different cultivated land attributes and attribute levels to farmers, and calculates farmers’ WTP for different cultivated land attribute levels. The results revealed that farmers are generally reluctant to pay for cultivated land protection. Time preference affects farmers’ WTP for different levels of cultivated land attributes, with future-biased preference increasing farmers’ WTP and present-biased preference inhibiting it. Furthermore, for farmers, the relative importance of cultivated land attributes is in the order of cultivated land quality, cultivated land surrounding landscape and ecological environment, cultivated land social security function, and cultivated land area. The most crucial cultivated land attribute level is the improved cultivated land quality, with an average WTP of 3290.625 CNY per hectare (approximately 459.117 USD). In contrast, the least important cultivated land attribute level is the unchanged cultivated land area, with an average WTP of 1001.250 CNY per hectare (approximately 139.697 USD). The economic benefits of cultivated land protection in the sampled provinces can reach 353.892 million CNY per year (approximately 49.376 million USD) annually, which is calculated based on vegetable planting area. Our results suggest that the government should diversify farmers’ sources of income while increasing the amount of income, thereby reducing barriers to farmers’ payment. Simultaneously, farmers’ time preferences should be considered to guide them toward expecting long-term benefits and encouraging their active participation in cultivated land pollution governance. Moreover, cultivated land protection policies should match the preference of farmers for cultivated land attributes and attribute levels, and a limited fiscal fund should be allocated to the cultivated land attributes (i.e., cultivated land quality) and attribute levels (i.e., improved cultivated land quality) preferred by farmers to improve policy efficiency. This study highlights the importance of encouraging farmers to actively participate in cultivated land pollution governance and improving the allocation efficiency of the government’s cultivated land protection fund.

Abstract High altitude exposure negatively affects human attentional function. However, no studies have explored the regulation of attentional and physiological functions from a dietary perspective. A total of 116 Han Chinese students from Tibet University who were born and raised in a plain area and had been living in Tibet for > 2 years were recruited. All participants were male migrants. A food frequency questionnaire, complete blood count, and attention network test were performed on the participants. Pearson’s correlation was applied to assess the reliability and validity of the food frequency questionnaire. Principal component analysis was utilized to extract dietary patterns. A linear mixed model was employed to account for individual differences. The results showed that the five main dietary patterns were coarse grain, alcohol, meat, protein, and snacking dietary patterns. Furthermore, individuals who adhered to the coarse grain dietary pattern and had high mean corpuscular hemoglobin showed better attentional performance. Individuals with high alcohol consumption and systemic immune-inflammation index levels exhibited worse attentional performance. These findings imply that high-altitude migrants should include more coarse grains in their daily diet and avoid excessive alcohol consumption to improve attention.

Abstract The ultimate aim of fluorescence microscopy is to achieve high-resolution imaging of increasingly larger biological samples. Extended depth of field presents a potential solution to accelerate imaging of large samples when compression of information along the optical axis is not detrimental to the interpretation of images. We have implemented an extended depth of field (EDF) approach in a random illumination microscope (RIM). RIM uses multiple speckled illuminations and variance data processing to double the resolution. It is particularly adapted to the imaging of thick samples as it does not require the knowledge of illumination patterns. We demonstrate highly-resolved projective images of biological tissues and cells. Compared to a sequential scan of the imaged volume with conventional 2D-RIM, EDF-RIM allows an order of magnitude improvement in speed and light dose reduction, with comparable resolution. As the axial information is lost in an EDF modality, we propose a method to retrieve the sample topography for samples that are organized in cell sheets.

Abstract The development of adaptive survival strategies is crucial for human occupation of the high-altitude areas of the Tibetan Plateau (TP). However, the history of this adaptation and its driving mechanisms are poorly understood. We used records of pollen, coprophilous fungal spores, and charcoal from a well-dated, high-resolution lake sediment core from the Southern Tibetan Plateau (STP) to investigate the history of high-altitude survival strategies, including arable agriculture and pastoralism, spanning the past 3600 years. The results revealed that survival strategies were dominated by arable agriculture, supplemented by pastoralism, from ~3600 to 1800 cal yr BP. However, after 1800 cal yr BP, this strategy shifted to low-level arable agriculture with intensified pastoralism. Comparison of our findings with regional paleoclimatic and archaeological records revealed that this transformation was an adaptive response to drought intensification. This adaptive resilience was a key aspect of human occupation of the high-altitude regions of the TP during the late Holocene.

Abstract The governance policies have a prominent impact on the development and regional planning of the Yangtze River Basin, a key region for China to achieve modernization. Taking the public policy documents issued by China’s central government for the Yangtze River Basin from 1980 to 2022 as the research object, this paper introduces the NLP (Natural Language Processing) technology and semantic analysis methods to carry out quantitative research on policies. This study first examines the textual connotations of the policies and the characteristics of the policy changes based on the LDA (Latent Dirichlet Allocation) model to determine how policy changes occur for the governance of the Yangtze River Basin. Using the punctuated equilibrium theory, it then conducts two case studies in which the implications of specific major events are analyzed in depth. Research has shown that the changes in governance policies for the Yangtze River Basin are characterized by gradual changes and intermittent mutation, roughly divided into three stages: the stage of reform and development, the stage of transition, and the stage of prioritizing ecological conservation and green development. Moreover, such changes jointly result from three factors: the major events, the focus of public opinions, and the care of the central government.

Objective: To explore the protective effects of 20-Hydroxyecdysone (20-HE) on high glucose induced HepG2 cells and its related molecular mechanism. Methods: In this study, high glucose (50 mmol/L glucose) was used to establish the oxidative damage model in HepG2 cells. The CCK-8 assay, caspase-3 assay, fluorescent probe method, and colorimetric method were used to assess the levels of cell viability, apoptosis, oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA), respectively. The signaling pathways involved in the regulation of 20-HE were predicted using bioinformatics analysis. The phosphorylation level of Akt protein was detected by Western blot to evaluate the activation level of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. The involvement of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in the regulatory effects of 20-HE was verified using the inhibitor LY294002. Results: Treatment with 20-HE had no significant toxic effect on HepG2 cells at concentrations lower than 20 μmol/L. In the injured cells, 20-HE could significantly improve the viability (P

Abstract Background Blood lipid profiles are associated with various nutritional elements and dietary factors. This study aimed to explore the association between total dietary vitamin E intake and remnant cholesterol (RC), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Methods A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using NHANES 2007–2018 data. A total of 8,639 eligible participants (45.58% men and 54.42% women) with an average age of 46.12 ± 16.65 years were included in this study. Weighted multivariate linear regression and subgroup analyses were used to examine the association between vitamin E intake and RC, TC, HDL-C, and LDL-C. Smooth curve fitting was used to explore potential non-linear associations. Results After adjusting for other covariates, multivariate linear regression analysis showed that higher vitamin E intake was negatively associated with plasma RC (β = -0.22, 95% CI: -0.27, -0.16), TC (β = -0.33, 95% CI: -0.51, -0.16), LDL-C (β = -0.25, 95% [confidence interval] CI: -0.40, -0.10) and positively associated with HDL-C (β = 0.13, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.20) in US adults. Subgroup analysis indicated that age may influence the association between vitamin E intake and RC. At the same time, gender may also affect the association between vitamin E intake and HDL-C. Conclusion Higher vitamin E intake was negatively associated with plasma RC, TC, LDL-C and positively associated with HDL-C.

Abstract Background Idiopathic scrotal calcinosis (ISC) is a manifestation of idiopathic calcinosis cutis, and its etiology is still unknown. Case presentation We report a 36-year-old patient manifested multiple gradually increasing yellowish-white scrotal nodules with occasional itching and stinging in the past 6 years and was successfully cured via surgical excision. The laboratory test combined with pathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of ISC. Like pathological calcinosis in other soft tissues, a large amount of collagen fiber deposition was observed around the calcification nodule, suggesting that abnormal collagen fiber deposition might be an important factor leading to idiopathic calcinosis in the scrotum. Moreover, koilocytes, which indicate human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, were also detected around calcified nodules, indicating the potential pathogenic role of HPV infection in ISC. Conclusions Here, we report that ISC shows abnormal excessive deposition of collagen fibers around calcified nodules, which may be a vital factor contributing to the disease. Furthermore, combined with the literature review, a new pathogenic mechanism of ISC is proposed, and the site specificity of scrotal calcinosis is explained, providing a basis for further exploration of the pathogenic mechanism of ISC.

Purpose: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is associated with several vascular disorders, but the associations between ED and vascular parameters are still unclear. Materials and Methods: We analyzed and synthesized a comprehensive range of studies from PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus regarding the associations between ED and the following measures: ankle-brachial index (ABI), pulse wave velocity (PWV), intima-media thickness (IMT), nitrate-mediated dilation (NMD), flow-mediated dilation (FMD), augmentation index (AI), endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and other vascular parameters. Subgroup analysis was conducted according to specific types of parameters. Study quality was assessed by using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to confirm the robustness of the pooled results. Results: Fifty-seven studies with 7,312 individuals were included. Twenty-eight studies were considered to be high-quality. ED patients had a 0.11 mm higher IMT (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.07, 0.15), a 2.86% lower FMD (95% CI: -3.56, -2.17), a 2.34% lower NMD (95% CI: -3.37, -1.31), a 2.83% higher AI (95% CI: 0.02, 5.63), a 1.11 m/s higher PWV (95% CI: 0.01, 2.21), and a 0.72% lower percentage of EPCs (95% CI: -1.19, -0.24) compared to those without ED. However, ABI was similar between ED patients and non-ED individuals. According to sensitivity analysis, the pooled results were robust. Conclusions: Our study confirmed the associations between ED and several vascular parameters and highlighted the importance of prevention and management of vascular and endothelial dysfunction in ED patients.

Abstract Background The diagnosis of peripheral isolated nodular lesions that are suspected as pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is challenging, which are not easily accessible via conventional bronchoscopy. This study evaluated the combined use of Xpert MTB/RIF assay and endobronchial ultrasonography with a guide sheath (EBUS-GS) for detecting MTB infection in peripheral lung bands, for early detection of PTB. Methods The clinical data of 232 patients with suspected peripheral nodular PTB who underwent EBUS-GS between June 2020 and October 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and area under the curve (AUC) of acid-fast bacilli smear, culture, Xpert MTB/RIF assay, and pathological examination were calculated. To assess diagnostic accuracy, the results of the four methods were directly compared with the final clinical diagnosis. Results In total, 146 and 86 patients were clinically diagnosed with peripheral nodular PTB and non-PTB, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and AUC values of combined Xpert MTB/RIF assay and EBUS-GS were 47.26%, 100.0%, 100.0%, 52.76%, and 0.74; those of acid-fast bacilli smear were 8.22%, 97.67%, 85.71%, 38.53%, and 0.53; those of culture were 31.51%, 100.0%, 100.0%, 46.24%, and 0.66; and those of pathological examination were 23.97%, 97.67%, 94.59%, 43.08%, and 0.61, respectively. Conclusion The diagnostic accuracy of the combined Xpert MTB/RIF assay and EBUS-GS was significantly better than that of other conventional tests. Hence, this novel technique can be routinely applied for diagnosing and managing peripheral nodular PTB.

Abstract Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) have emerged as an effective treatment for osteoporosis. However, the specific mechanism underlying their therapeutic efficacy remains controversial. Herein, we confirm the pro-osteogenic effects of 15 Hz and 0.4-1 mT low-frequency sinusoidal EMFs (SEMFs) on rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Subsequent miRNA sequencing reveal that miR-34b-5p is downregulated in both the 0.4 mT and 1 mT SEMFs-stimulated groups. To clarify the role of miR-34b-5p in osteogenesis, BMSCs are transfected separately with miR-34b-5p mimic and inhibitor. The results indicate that miR-34b-5p mimic transfection suppress osteogenic differentiation, whereas inhibition of miR-34b-5p promote osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. In vivo assessments using microcomputed tomography, H&E staining, and Masson staining show that miR-34b-5p inhibitor injections alleviate bone mass loss and trabecular microstructure deterioration in ovariectomy (OVX) rats. Further validation demonstrates that miR-34b-5p exerts its effects by regulating STAC2 expression. Modulating the miR-34b-5p/STAC2 axis attenuate the pro-osteogenic effects of low-frequency SEMFs on BMSCs. These studies indicate that the pro-osteogenic effect of SEMFs is partly due to the regulation of the miR-34b-5p/STAC2 pathway, which provides a potential therapeutic candidate for osteoporosis.

Abstract Iron metabolism disorder has been identified as a contributor to the pathogenesis and progression of multiple cognitive dysfunction-related diseases, including postoperative delirium. However, the association between preoperative iron reserves and postoperative delirium risk remains elusive. This retrospective cohort study aimed to explore the impact of preoperative serum ferritin levels on the risk of postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing non-neurosurgical and non-cardiac procedures. Conducted at the Chinese PLA General Hospital between January 2014 and December 2021, the study finally included 12,841 patients aged 65 years and above. Preoperative serum ferritin levels were assessed within 30 days before surgery, and postoperative delirium occurrence within the first seven days after surgery was determined through medical chart review. The analyses revealed that both low and high levels of serum ferritin were associated with an increased risk of postoperative delirium. Patients in the lowest quintile of serum ferritin exhibited an 81% increased risk, while those in the highest quintile faced a 91% increased risk compared to those in the second quintile. Furthermore, mediation analyses indicated that the direct effect of preoperative serum ferritin on postoperative delirium contradicted its indirect effect mediated by hemoglobin levels. These findings suggest that maintaining serum ferritin within moderate range preoperatively could be beneficial for managing postoperative delirium risk among elderly patients.

With the advancement in autonomous driving techniques, autonomous demand-responsive transit (ADRT) is a newly emerging sustainable transport mode for the future, which will provide more flexible services to public users. ADRT offers benefits such as flexible stops and routes and comfortable seats, but it also involves risks due to the vehicles being driverless. This paper particularly investigates users’ preferences and attitudes towards ADRT, and mode choice behavior between ADRT buses and traditional buses. A survey with Likert scale statements and stated preference (SP) choice scenarios is designed and conducted to explore users’ attitudes towards the safety risks of autonomous vehicles (AVs), social concerns, service flexibility concerns when using AVs, interest in new things, and shuttle mode choices. An integrated choice and latent variable (ICLV) model is adopted to explore users’ psychological factors through latent variables and to integrate them into mode choice behavioral modeling. Estimated results indicate that users’ attitudes towards AV safety risks, their social concerns, and their flexibility concerns with ADRT strongly influence their mode choices and are strongly related to sociodemographic and travel-related factors such as age, gender, income, education, number of family members. In general, a young age, a high education level, a higher income, private car ownership, and better knowledge of AVs are positively related to attitudes towards ADRT. Females, users from large families, and users with driving licenses or long commuting times are less willing to adopt ADRT. The study's outcomes highlight significant heterogeneities among users and can be highly valuable for policymakers, such as government authorities, in providing social support and designing policies targeting specific population groups. This will be beneficial in attracting more users to this emerging mobility service and contributing to sustainable urban development.

Affected by factors such as few light sources and uneven illumination in underground coalmines, underground images have some problems such as low illumination, presenting many dark areas, blurring or missing detail information, excessive darkness generating noise, etc. Traditional image enhancement methods are prone to some shortcomings such as color distortion and loss of detail information in low-light image enhancement. Furthermore, a deep-learning low-light image enhancement method can solve the problem of low-light image brightness enhancement to a certain extent, but its model generalization ability is poor in real-world scenarios. Aiming at above mentioned problems, taking the advantage of Transformer's strong generalization ability, a low illumination image enhancement algorithm based on Transformer model is proposed. Firstly, the Swin v2 module is combined with the convolution module to construct the multiplicative and additive maps of the underground low illuminance image, and superimposed with the original image for fitting, in order to solve the problems of blurring or missing detail information, and over-darkness generating noise. At the same time, the attention mechanism of the fusion multi-scale module is used to perform color processing on the superimposed fitted image to solve the problems of limited image brightness enhancement, the existence of many dark areas, and color distortion. The experiments verify that the performances of this paper's algorithm on the objective quality metrics Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR), Structural Similarity (SSIM), are improved by 34.76%, 55.73%; 47.32%, 52.76%; 22.52%, 25.7%; 19.615%, 12.285%; 5.81%, 2.625%, compared to LIME, Zero-DCE, RetiNexNet, MBLLEN, and KIND algorithms. Meanwhile, the qualitative analysis results show that the proposed method can significantly enhance the low illumination image of the underground coalmine, the image brightness reaches the visible range, the color is more realistic compared to other methods, and the image detail information is clearer. The study shows that the proposed algorithm has a good performance in terms of the degree of image noise, color distortion, contrast, structural similarity, and brightness, which is relatively superior overall.

Abstract Background Neuroinflammation is a vital pathogenic mechanism for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia, and age-related cognitive decline. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) exhibit potent anti-inflammatory properties and can modulate neurodegenerative diseases arising from central nervous system inflammatory responses. However, the role of Tregs in neuroinflammation-related cognitive dysfunction remains unclear. It is highly plausible that Htr7+ Tregs expressing unique genes associated with the nervous system, including the Htr7 gene encoding the serotonin receptor 5-HT7, play a pivotal role. Methods Mice were given a tryptophan-rich diet (with a tryptophan content of 0.6%) or a normal diet (with a tryptophan content of 0.16%). The neuroinflammation-mediated cognitive dysfunction model was established by intracerebroventricular injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in 8-week-old C57BL/6J mice. The activation and infiltration of Tregs were measured using flow cytometry. Primary Tregs were cocultured separately with primary CD8+ T cells and primary microglia for in vitro validation of the impact of 5-HT and 5-HT7 receptor on Tregs. Prior to their transfer into recombination activating gene 1 (Rag1−/−) mice, Tregs were ex vivo transfected with lentivirus to knock down the expression of Htr7. Results In this study, the tryptophan-rich diet was found to reverse LPS-induced cognitive impairment and reduce the levels of 5-HT in peripheral blood. The tryptophan-rich diet led to increased levels of 5-HT in peripheral blood, which in turn promoted the proliferation and activation of Htr7+ Tregs. Additionally, the tryptophan-rich diet was also shown to attenuate LPS-mediated neuroinflammation by activating Htr7+ Tregs. Furthermore, 5-HT and 5-HT7 receptor were found to enhance the immunosuppressive effect of Tregs on CD8+ T cells and microglia. In Rag1−/− mice, Htr7+ Tregs were shown to alleviate LPS-induced neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment. Conclusions Our research revealed the ability of Htr7+ Tregs to mitigate neuroinflammation and prevent neuronal damage by suppressing the infiltration of CD8+ T cells into the brain and excessive activation of microglia, thereby ameliorating LPS-induced cognitive impairment. These insights may offer novel therapeutic targets involving Tregs for neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment.

Abstract Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) represent a major global health burden, which necessitate effective frameworks to identify potential risk factors and estimate the corresponding direct economic disease burden. In this article, we proposed a framework designed to address these needs through a case study conducted in a Tuberculosis (TB) hospital in Hubei Province, China, using data from 2018 to 2019. A comprehensive multistep procedure was developed, including ethical application, participant inclusion, risk factor identification, and direct economic disease burden estimation. In the case study, ethical approval was obtained, and patient data were anonymized to ensure privacy. All TB hospitalized patients over the study period were included and classified into groups with and without HAIs after screening the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Key risk factors, including gender, age, and invasive procedure were identified through univariate and multivariate analyses. Then, propensity score matching was employed to select the balanced groups with similar characteristics. Comparisons of medical expenditures (total medical expenditure, medicine expenditure, and antibiotics expenditure) and hospitalization days between the balanced groups were calculated as the additional direct economic disease burden measures caused by HAIs. This framework can serve as a tool for not only hospital management and policy-making, but also implementation of targeted infection prevention and control measures. Moreover, it has the potential to be applied in various healthcare settings at local, regional, national, and international levels to identify high-risk areas, optimize resource allocation, and improve hospital management and governance, as well as inter-organizational learning. Challenges to implement the framework are also raised, such as data quality, regulatory compliance, considerations on unique nature of communicable diseases and other diseases, and training need for professionals.

Abstract Hydrogels, provided that they integrate strength and toughness at desired high content of water, promise in load-bearing tissues such as articular cartilage, ligaments, tendons. Many developed strategies impart hydrogels with some mechanical properties akin to natural tissues, but compromise water content. Herein, a strategy deprotonation-complexation-reprotonation is proposed to prepare polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels with water content as high as ~80% and favorable mechanical properties, including tensile strength of 7.4 MPa, elongation of around 1350%, and fracture toughness of 12.4 kJ m−2. The key to water holding yet improved mechanical properties lies in controllable nucleation for refinement of crystalline morphology. With nearly constant water content, mechanical properties of as-prepared hydrogels are successfully tailored by tuning crystal nuclei density via deprotonation degree and their distribution uniformity via complexation temperature. This work provides a nucleation concept to design robust hydrogels with desired water content, holding implications for practical application in tissue engineering.

Abstract Dysnatremia is common in donors and recipients of liver transplantation (LT). However, the influence of dysnatremia on LT prognosis remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate effects of donors’ and recipients’ serum sodium on LT prognosis. We retrospectively reviewed 248 recipients who underwent orthotopic LT at our center between January 2016 and December 2018. Donors and recipients perioperative and 3-year postoperative clinical data were included. Delta serum sodium was defined as the donors’ serum sodium minus the paired recipients’ serum sodium. Donors with serum sodium > 145 mmol/L had significantly higher preoperative blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (P

Research on doping modification of ZnTiO3 ceramics to enhance microwave dielectric properties has been hindered by poor performance, unclear structure-function mechanisms. To expand the applicability of ZnTiO3 ceramics, this study explores Zn1–xLi2xTiO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) ceramics using a phase engineering strategy. Our findings reveal that the introduction of Li+ into the ZnTiO3 system initiates a multiple phase transition, starting at x = 0.1. Initially, ilmenite ZnTiO3 transforms into a cubic ordered spinel phase (space group P4332). Subsequently, a transition to a disordered spinel phase (space group Fd3¯m) occurs at x = 0.5, culminating in the formation of a monoclinic rock salt-structured Li2TiO3 phase. Significantly, two sets of ceramics with near-zero temperature coefficients of resonance frequency (τf) were obtained at x = 0.1 and 0.75. Moreover, the quality factor (Q×f) demonstrated a 4.4-fold increase compared to that of ZnTiO3 ceramics at x = 0.25 (105,013 GHz). Additionally, it was observed that the Ti4+ polarization in Zn1−xLi2xTiO3 ceramics was underestimated by 11.3%–13.3%, causing the measured dielectric constant (εr) exceeding the theoretical dielectric constant (εth). The ionic polarizability of Ti4+ was adjusted to stabilize around 3.29 Å3. Evaluation using multiple methods, including Phillips–van Vechten–Levine (P–V–L) theory, Raman vibrational mode analysis, bond valence, bond energy theory, and octahedral distortion, confirms that the Ti–O bonds within the octahedron predominantly affect εr, the increasing lattice energy (U) contributes to the enhancement of Q×f, and the strengthened Li–O bond energy effectively regulates τf.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of antibiotic bone cement combined with the lobulated perforator flap based on the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery (d-LCFA) in the treatment of infected traumatic tissue defects in the foot, in accordance with the Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) concept. Methods From December 2019 to November 2022, 10 patients with infected traumatic tissue defects of the foot were treated with antibiotic bone cement combined with the d-LCFA lobulated perforator flap. The cohort comprised 6 males and 4 females, aged 21 to 67 years. Initial infection control was achieved through debridement and coverage with antibiotic bone cement, requiring one debridement in nine cases and two debridements in one case. Following infection control, the tissue defects were reconstructed utilizing the d-LCFA lobulated perforator flap, with the donor site closed primarily. The flap area ranged from 12 cm×6 cm to 31 cm×7 cm. Postoperative follow-up included evaluation of flap survival, donor site healing, and ambulatory function of the foot. Results The follow-up period ranged from 7 to 24 months, averaging 14 months. Infection control was achieved successfully in all cases. The flaps exhibited excellent survival rates and the donor site healed by first intention. Based on the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale, pain and function were evaluated as excellent in 3 cases, good in 5 cases, and moderate in 2 cases. Conclusion The application of antibiotic bone cement combined with the d-LCFA lobulated perforator flap is an effective treatment for infected traumatic tissue defects of the foot with the advantages of simplicity, high repeatability, and precise curative effects. The application of the d-LCFA lobulated perforator flap in wound repair causes minimal damage to the donor site, shortens hospital stays, lowers medical expenses, and accelerates patient rehabilitation, aligning with the ERAS concept. Therefore, it is a practice worth promoting in clinical use.

Abstract High myopia (HM) is a leading cause of blindness worldwide with currently no effective interventions available. A major hurdle lies in its often isolated perception as a purely ocular morbidity, disregarding potential systemic implications. Recent evidence suggests the existence of a gut-eye axis; however, the role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of HM remains largely unexplored. Herein, we provide a potential crosstalk among HM’s gut dysbiosis, microbial metabolites, and scleral remodeling. Utilizing 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we observed an altered gut microbiota profile in HM patients with a significant reduction in probiotic abundance compared with healthy controls. Subsequent targeted metabolic profiling revealed a notable decrease in plasma levels of the gut microbiota-derived metabolite indole-3-acetic acid (3-IAA) among HM patients, which is closely associated with the reduced probiotics, both negatively correlated with HM severity. Genetic analyses determined that gut microbiota are causally associated with myopia risk. Importantly, when mice subjected to HM modeling receive fecal microbiota transplantation from healthy donors, there is an increase in 3-IAA plasma levels and simultaneous retardation of HM progression along with better maintenance of collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1) expression in the sclera. Furthermore, 3-IAA gavage achieves similar effects. Mechanistic investigations confirm the transcriptional activation of COL1A1 by 3-IAA via promoting the enrichment of SP1 to its promoter. Together, our findings provide novel insights into the gut microbiota-eye axis in the pathogenesis of HM and propose new strategies for HM intervention by remodeling the gut microbiota and indole supplementation.

Abstract Characterizing the nature of hydrodynamical transport properties in quantum dynamics provides valuable insights into the fundamental understanding of exotic non-equilibrium phases of matter. Experimentally simulating infinite-temperature transport on large-scale complex quantum systems is of considerable interest. Here, using a controllable and coherent superconducting quantum simulator, we experimentally realize the analog quantum circuit, which can efficiently prepare the Haar-random states, and probe spin transport at infinite temperature. We observe diffusive spin transport during the unitary evolution of the ladder-type quantum simulator with ergodic dynamics. Moreover, we explore the transport properties of the systems subjected to strong disorder or a tilted potential, revealing signatures of anomalous subdiffusion in accompany with the breakdown of thermalization. Our work demonstrates a scalable method of probing infinite-temperature spin transport on analog quantum simulators, which paves the way to study other intriguing out-of-equilibrium phenomena from the perspective of transport.

ObjectiveTo optimize the energy capture efficiency of a rocker-type wave energy converter, the effects of the platform pillar wave diversion scheme and shape of finned floats on energy capture are studied.MethodsFirst, a hydrodynamic model of float motion is established. Next, the hydrodynamic characteristics of different finned floats are calculated using AQWA software and analyzed under different platform pillar wave diversion schemes, different frequency domain parameters such as added mass, radiation damping, wave excitation force and response amplitude operator (RAO), and different time domain parameters such as displacement, velocity, acceleration and excitation force. Finally, the energy-capture width ratios of different finned floats under different platform pillar wave diversion schemes are investigated.ResultsThe results show that different platform pillar wave diversion schemes have little effect on the frequency domain parameters of the finned floats or the float motion displacement of time domain parameters, but a large effect on the motion period. Energy capture is optimal at a fin angle of 100° under the double-pillar wave diversion scheme.ConclusionsBased on the proposed numerical simulation model, the hydrodynamic response of multi-degree-of-freedom finned floats in wave motion can be simulated accurately, providing useful references for the optimized design of the float shape for oscillating float-type wave energy generation platforms.

Abstract Nitrous acid (HONO), a key precursor of hydroxyl radicals (OH), is one of the factors affecting atmospheric chemistry and air quality. Currently, the proposed sources of HONO are not able to fully explain observed HONO concentrations. In this study, a comprehensive field observation of HONO was conducted in the autumn of 2021 in urban Beijing. The box model using a default Master Chemical Mechanism (MCM) was unable to reproduce the observed HONO concentrations with a normalized mean bias (NMB) of −92.8%. The NMB improved to −46.1% after the inclusion of seven additional HONO formation pathways. Several factors like vehicle emission factor (1.23%) and nocturnal NO2 heterogeneous uptake coefficient on the ground surface (8.25 × 10−6) were calculated based on observational data. The enhancement factor for nocturnal NO2 heterogeneous conversion was established as a function of relative humidity (RH) and incorporated into the model, which compensated for the missing nocturnal HONO sources and well-reproduced the observed HONO concentrations, with an NMB of −5.1%. The major source of HONO at night was found to be the heterogeneous reaction of NO2 on the ground surface, contributing up to 85.6%. During the daytime, it was the homogeneous reaction of NO with OH, accounting for 41.8%. The daytime primary source of OH was mainly the photolysis of HONO, which constituted 73.6% and therefore promoted the formation of secondary pollutants and exacerbated haze events.

Abstract A set of nine unique tobacco extract samples was analyzed using a self-developed electronic nose (E-nose) system, a commercial E-nose, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The evaluation employed principal component analysis, statistical quality control, and soft independent modeling of class analogies (SIMCA). These multifaceted statistical methods scrutinized the collected data. Subsequently, a quality control model was devised to assess the stability of the sample quality. The results showed that the custom E-nose system could successfully distinguish between tobacco extracts with similar odors. After further training and the development of a quality control model for accepted tobacco extracts, it was possible to identify samples with normal and abnormal quality. To further validate our E-nose and extend its use within the tobacco industry, we collected and accurately classified the flavors of different tobacco leaf positions, with a remarkable accuracy rate of 0.9744. This finding facilitates the practical application of our E-nose system for the efficient identification of tobacco leaf positions.

Abstract Objectives Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is caused by cerebral ischemia due to thrombosis in the blood vessel. The purpose of this study is to identify key genes related to metabolism to aid in the mechanism research and management of AIS. Materials and Methods Gene expression data were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Weighted gene co‐expression network analysis, Gene Ontology and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes analysis were used to identify metabolism‐related genes that may be involved in the regulation of AIS. A protein protein interaction network was mapped using Cytoscape based on the STRING database. Subsequently, hub metabolism‐related genes were identified based on Cytoscape‐CytoNCA and Cytoscape‐MCODE plug‐ins. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm and differential expression analysis. In addition, drug prediction, molecular docking, ceRNA network construction, and correlation analysis with immune cell infiltration were performed to explore their potential molecular mechanisms of action in AIS. Finally, the expression of hub gene was verified by real‐time PCR. Results Metabolism‐related genes FBL, HEATR1, HSPA8, MTMR4, NDUFC1, NDUFS8 and SNU13 were identified. The AUC values of FBL, HEATR1, HSPA8, MTMR4, NDUFS8 and SNU13 were all greater than 0.8, suggesting that they had good diagnostic accuracy. Correlation analysis found that their expression levels were also related to the infiltration levels of multiple immune cells, such as Activated.CD8.T.cell and Activated.dendritic.cell. It was found that only HSPA8 was successfully matched to drugs with literature support, and these drugs were acetaminophen, bupivacaine, dexamethasone, gentamicin, tretinoin and cisplatin. Moreover, it was also identified that the ENSG000000218510‐hsa‐miR‐330‐3p‐HEATR1 axis may be involved in regulating AIS. Conclusions The identification of FBL, HEATR1, HSPA8, MTMR4, NDUFC1, NDUFS8 and SNU13 provides a new research direction for exploring the molecular mechanisms of AIS, which can help in clinical management and diagnosis.

Abstract Background Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a type of cancer that can develop at any point in adulthood, spanning the range of age-related changes that occur in the body. However, the specific molecular mechanisms underlying the connections between age and genetic mutations in RCC have not been extensively investigated. Methods Clinical and genetic data from patients diagnosed with RCC were collected from two prominent medical centers in China as well as the TCGA dataset. The patients were categorized into two groups based on their prognosticated age: young adults (YAs) and older adults (OAs). Univariate and multivariate analysis were employed to evaluate the relationships between age and genetic mutations. Furthermore, a mediation analysis was conducted to assess the association between age and overall survival, with genetic disparities serving as a mediator. Results Our analysis revealed significant differences in clinical presentation between YAs and OAs with RCC, including histopathological types, histopathological tumor stage, and sarcomatoid differentiation. YAs were found to have lower mutation burden and significantly mutated genes (SMGs) of RCC. However, we did not observe any significant differences between the two groups in terms of 10 canonical oncogenic signaling pathways-related genes mutation, telomerase-related genes (TRGs) mutation, copy number changes, and genetic mutations associated with clinically actionable targeted drugs. Importantly, we demonstrate superior survival outcomes in YAs, and we confirmed the mediating effect of genetic disparities on these survival outcome differences between YAs and OAs. Conclusion Our findings reveal previously unrecognized associations between age and the molecular underpinnings of RCC. These associations may serve as valuable insights to guide precision diagnostics and treatments for RCC.

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed significant challenges on global health, emphasizing the persistent threat of large-scale infectious diseases in the future. This study addresses the need to enhance pooled testing efficiency for large populations. The common approach in pooled testing involves consolidating multiple test samples into a single tube to efficiently detect positivity at a lower cost. However, what is the optimal number of samples to be grouped together in order to minimize costs? i.e. allocating ten individuals per group may not be the most cost-effective strategy. In response, this paper introduces the hierarchical quotient space, an extension of fuzzy equivalence relations, as a method to optimize group allocations. In this study, we propose a cost-sensitive multi-granularity intelligent decision model to further minimize testing costs. This model considers both testing and collection costs, aiming to achieve the lowest total cost through optimal grouping at a single layer. Building upon this foundation, two multi-granularity models are proposed, exploring hierarchical group optimization. The experimental simulations were conducted using MATLAB R2022a on a desktop with Intel i5-10500 CPU and 8G RAM, considering scenarios with a fixed number of individuals and fixed positive probability. The main findings from our simulations demonstrate that the proposed models significantly enhance the efficiency and reduce the overall costs associated with pooled testing. For example, testing costs were reduced by nearly half when the optimal grouping strategy was applied, compared to the traditional method of grouping ten individuals. Additionally, the multi-granularity approach further optimized the hierarchical groupings, leading to substantial cost savings and improved testing efficiency.

Abstract Superparaelectrics are considered promising candidate materials for achieving superior energy storage capabilities. However, due to the complicated local structural design, simultaneously achieving high recoverable energy density (W rec) and energy storage efficiency (η) under high electric fields remains a challenge in bulk superparaelectrics. Here, we propose utilizing entropy engineering to disrupt long-range ferroic orders into local polymorphic distortion disorder with multiple BO6 tilt types and diverse heterogeneous polarization configurations. This strategy reduces the switching barriers, thereby facilitating the emergence of superparaelectric behaviors with ideal polarization forms. Furthermore, it enables high polarization response, negligible remnant polarization, delayed polarization saturation, and enhanced breakdown electric fields (E b) in high-entropy superparaelectrics. Consequently, an extraordinary W rec of 15.48 J cm–3 and an ultrahigh η of 90.02% are achieved at a high E b of 710 kV cm–1, surpassing the comprehensive energy storage performance of previously reported bulk superparaelectrics. This work demonstrates that entropy engineering is a viable strategy for designing high-performance superparaelectrics.

Abstract Background The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is linked to both the development and progression of diabetes, while obesity remains a significant risk factor for this disease. However, the relationship between the TyG index and overweight or obese diabetes remains unclear. Methods This study was a cross-sectional analysis of data from 40,633 participants with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 24 kg/m2 who were screened from January 2018 to December 2023 at Henan Provincial People’s Hospital. Participants were divided into groups of overweight or obese individuals with diabetes and those without diabetes according to the diabetes diagnostic criteria. The TyG index, the dependent variable, was determined using the equation ln [fasting triglycerides (mg/dL) × fasting glucose (mg/dL)/2]. We explored the association between TyG index and diabetes in overweight or obese individuals through multivariate logistic regression, subgroup analysis, generalized additive models, smoothed curve fitting, and analysis of threshold effects. Results Patients who were overweight or obese and had diabetes had higher TyG index levels than those without diabetes. After adjusting for confounders, our findings indicated a significant association between the TyG index and the risk of diabetes in overweight or obese individuals [odds ratio (OR) = 7.38, 95% confidence interval (CI): 6.98–7.81]. There was a J-shaped nonlinear association between TyG index and diabetes. When TyG index was > 4.46, the risk of diabetes increased sharply. Notably, a high baseline TyG index (Q4 group) correlated with a notably greater risk of diabetes than did the Q1 group, with an OR of 22.72 (95% CI: 20.52–25.16). Subgroup analysis revealed that the association between TyG and diabetes was stronger in females than in males (OR = 7.57, 95% CI: 6.76–8.48,), more significant in individuals with a BMI of 24–28 kg/m2 than in those with a BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2 (OR = 8.40, 95% CI: 7.83–9.02), and increased with age (OR = 8.15, 95% CI: 7.25–9.17) (all P for interaction 4.46. Furthermore, factors such as sex, age, and BMI significantly influence the risk of diabetes in overweight or obese individuals. Specifically, older women with a BMI of 24–28 kg/m2 are at a greater risk of diabetes under similar TyG index conditions.

Abstract The E‐proteinoid 3 receptor (PTGER3), a member of the prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) subtype receptor, belongs to the G‐protein‐coupled superfamily of receptors. Animal studies have demonstrated its involvement in salt sensitivity by regulating sodium reabsorption. This study aimed to investigate the association between genetic variants of PTGER3 and salt sensitivity, longitudinal blood pressure (BP) changes, and the incidence of hypertension in Chinese adults. A chronic salt intake intervention was conducted involving 514 adults from 124 families in the 2004 Baoji Salt‐Sensitivity Study Cohort in northern China. These participants followed a 3‐day regular baseline diet, followed by a 7‐day low‐salt diet (3.0 g/d) and a 7‐day high‐salt diet (18 g/d), and were subsequently followed for 14 years. The findings revealed a significant relationship between the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs17482751 of PTGER3 and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) response to high salt intervention. Additionally, SNPs rs11209733, rs3765894, and rs2268062 were significantly associated with longitudinal changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP), DBP, and mean arterial pressure (MAP) during the 14‐year follow‐up period. SNP rs6424414 was significantly associated with longitudinal changes in DBP over 14 years. Finally, SNP rs17482751 showed a significant correlation with the incidence of hypertension over 14 years. These results emphasize the significant role of PTGER3 gene polymorphism in salt sensitivity, longitudinal BP changes, and the development of hypertension in the Chinese population.

Abstract Sharply increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) are thought to induce oxidative stress, damage cell structure and cause cell death; however, its role in prostate cancer remains unclear. Enzalutamide is a widely used anti-prostate cancer drug that antagonizes androgen binding with its receptor. Further exploration of the mechanism and potential application strategies of enzalutamide is crucial for the treatment of prostate cancer. Here, we confirmed PEX10 can be induced by ROS activators while reduce ROS level in prostate cancer cells, which weakened the anti-tumor effect of ROS activators. The androgen receptor (AR) can promote the expression of PEX10 by acting as an enhancer in cooperation with FOXA1. The anti-tumor drug enzalutamide inhibits PEX10 by inhibiting the function of AR, and synergize with ROS activators ML210 or RSL3 to produce a stronger anti-tumor effect, thereby sensitizing cells to ROS activators. This study reveals a previously unrecognized function of enzalutamide and AR by regulating PEX10 and suggests a new strategy of enzalutamide application in prostate cancer treatment.

Infected bone defect is a formidable clinical challenge. Conventional approaches to prevention and treatment for infected bone defects are unsatisfactory. The key elements of the treatment are bone defect reconstruction, anti-infection, and osteogenesis. Conventional treatment methods remain unsatisfactory owing to the absence of composite integrating materials with anti-infective, and osteogenic activities as well as proper mechanical strength at the same time. In this study, we fabricated a vancomycin-encapsulated hydrogel with bacteria-responsive release properties combined with a shaved porous (submicron-micron) three-dimensional-printed Ti6Al4V implant. The implant surface, modified with submicron-sized pores through microarc oxidation (MAO), showed enhanced osteogenic activity and integrated well with the hydrogel drug release system, enabling sustained vancomycin release. In vitro experiments underscored the commendable antibacterial ability, biosafety, and osteoinductive potential. Effective antibacterial and osteogenic abilities of the implant were further demonstrated in vivo in infected rabbit bone defects. These results showed that the vancomycin-encapsulated hydrogel-loaded microarc-oxidized 3D-printed porous Ti6Al4V can repair the infected bone defects with satisfactory anti-infection and osseointegration effects.

Interfacial solar-driven evaporation technology shows great potential in the field of industrial seawater desalination, and the development of efficient and low-cost evaporation materials is key to achieving large-scale applications. Hydrogels are considered to be promising candidates; however, conventional hydrogel-based interfacial solar evaporators have difficulty in simultaneously meeting multiple requirements, including a high evaporation rate, salt resistance, and good mechanical properties. In this study, a Janus sponge-like hydrogel solar evaporator (CPAS) with excellent comprehensive performance was successfully constructed. The introduction of biomass agar (AG) into the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel backbone reduced the enthalpy of water evaporation, optimized the pore structure, and improved the mechanical properties. Meanwhile, by introducing hydrophobic fumed nano-silica aerogel (SA) and a synergistic foaming-crosslinking process, the hydrogel spontaneously formed a Janus structure with a hydrophobic surface and hydrophilic bottom properties. Based on the reduction of the evaporation enthalpy and the modulation of the pore structure, the CPAS evaporation rate reached 3.56 kg m−2 h−1 under one sun illumination. Most importantly, owing to the hydrophobic top surface and 3D-interconnected porous channels, the evaporator could work stably in high concentrations of salt-water (25 wt% NaCl), showing strong salt resistance. Efficient water evaporation, excellent salt resistance, scalable preparation processes, and low-cost raw materials make CPAS extremely promising for practical applications.

Despite numerous studies on chondrogenesis, the repair of cartilage—particularly the reconstruction of cartilage lacunae through an all-in-one advanced drug delivery system remains limited. In this study, we developed a cartilage lacuna-like hydrogel microsphere system endowed with integrated biological signals, enabling sequential immunomodulation and endogenous articular cartilage regeneration. We first integrated the chondrogenic growth factor transforming growth factor-β3 (TGF-β3) into mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs). Then, TGF-β3@MSNs and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) were encapsulated within microspheres made of polydopamine (pDA). In the final step, growth factor-loaded MSN@pDA and a chitosan (CS) hydrogel containing platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) were blended to produce growth factors loaded composite microspheres (GFs@μS) using microfluidic technology. The presence of pDA reduced the initial acute inflammatory response, and the early, robust release of PDGF-BB aided in attracting endogenous stem cells. Over the subsequent weeks, the continuous release of IGF-1 and TGF-β3 amplified chondrogenesis and matrix formation. μS were incorporated into an acellular cartilage extracellular matrix (ACECM) and combined with a polydopamine-modified polycaprolactone (PCL) structure to produce a tissue-engineered scaffold that mimicked the structure of the cartilage lacunae evenly distributed in the cartilage matrix, resulting in enhanced cartilage repair and patellar cartilage protection. This research provides a strategic pathway for optimizing growth factor delivery and ensuring prolonged microenvironmental remodeling, leading to efficient articular cartilage regeneration.

The Linxing gas field on the northeastern edge of Ordos Basin is mainly composed of multi-thin interbedded tight sandstone reservoirs. These reservoirs feature complex lithologies and low permeability, and are affected by multiple factors with unclear mechanisms, leading to difficulties in hydraulic fracturing operations and significant variability in operation outcomes. Therefore, this study designed and conducted a series of large-scale three-dimensional (3D) physical simulation experiments of hydraulic fracturing under different geological conditions, focusing on different rock components, clay contents, particle sizes, sedimentary cycles, and planar and longitudinal heterogeneities of the tight sandstone reservoirs in the Linxing gas field. According to the similarity criteria, the basic parameters of the experiments were determined by referencing the triaxial geostress, rock strength, wellbore structural parameters, and on-site fracturing operational parameters of the Permian Shihezi Formation. Based on the characteristics of the main reservoirs in typical wells of the Linxing gas field, 15 cubic rock cores were produced to account for different rock components, clay contents, particle sizes, sedimentary cycle combinations, and planar and longitudinal heterogeneity combinations. Fifteen sets of hydraulic fracturing simulation experiments were conducted, and the main controlling factors affecting the propagation of hydraulic fractures were summarized by analyzing the injection pressure curves and observing the fracture surfaces of rock samples. The results indicate that rock minerals, particle sizes, sedimentary cycles, and planar and longitudinal heterogeneities have a significant impact on fracture propagation patterns in tight reservoirs. The fracture surfaces are more prone to buckling with larger sandstone particle sizes, weaker cementation, higher clay content, and stronger planar heterogeneity, increasing the expansion pressure and difficulty in sand addition. Sedimentary cycles facilitate hydraulic fractures to propagate along the cycle planes, resulting in horizontal fractures. The difficulty of breaking through in retrograde cycle interfaces is greater than in prograde cycles. Interfaces between sand and mud layers, sand and coal layers, and natural weak sandstone surfaces are easily activated, leading to "工" or "T" shaped fractures. A combination of "工", "T", and "十" shaped fractures may occur in sand-mud multi-thin interlayers. This experimental study reveals the propagation patterns of hydraulic fractures under different geological conditions, providing insights for research in similar blocks.

Abstract Rock strength is imperative for the design and stability analysis of engineering structures. The Mohr–Coulomb (M-C) criterion holds significant prominence in geotechnical engineering. However, the M-C criterion fails to accurately capture the nonlinear strength response and neglects the critical state of rocks, potentially leading to inaccuracies in the design phase of deep engineering projects. This study introduces an innovative stress-dependent friction angle and cohesion (SFC) for the M-C criterion to capture the nonlinear strength responses of intact rocks, spanning from non-critical to critical states (brittle to ductile regions). A novel method for determining these stress-dependent parameters at each corresponding $$\sigma_{3}$$ σ 3 is initially introduced. Subsequently, an examination of the confinement dependency of the friction angle and cohesion is conducted, leading to the derivation of the SFC model. The SFC-enhanced M-C criterion, utilizing parameters obtained from triaxial tests under lower $$\sigma_{3}$$ σ 3 , demonstrates the capability to delineate the complete non-linear strength envelope from brittle to ductile regions. Validation through triaxial test data confirms that the predictions of the SFC-enhanced M-C criterion accurately correspond to the strength characteristics of the tested rocks.

Abstract Skillful subseasonal forecasts are crucial for various sectors of society but pose a grand scientific challenge. Recently, machine learning-based weather forecasting models outperform the most successful numerical weather predictions generated by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), but have not yet surpassed conventional models at subseasonal timescales. This paper introduces FuXi Subseasonal-to-Seasonal (FuXi-S2S), a machine learning model that provides global daily mean forecasts up to 42 days, encompassing five upper-air atmospheric variables at 13 pressure levels and 11 surface variables. FuXi-S2S, trained on 72 years of daily statistics from ECMWF ERA5 reanalysis data, outperforms the ECMWF’s state-of-the-art Subseasonal-to-Seasonal model in ensemble mean and ensemble forecasts for total precipitation and outgoing longwave radiation, notably enhancing global precipitation forecast. The improved performance of FuXi-S2S can be primarily attributed to its superior capability to capture forecast uncertainty and accurately predict the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), extending the skillful MJO prediction from 30 days to 36 days. Moreover, FuXi-S2S not only captures realistic teleconnections associated with the MJO but also emerges as a valuable tool for discovering precursor signals, offering researchers insights and potentially establishing a new paradigm in Earth system science research.