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Eutrophication caused by excessive nitrogen and phosphorus is an important factor affecting water quality in drinking water sources. Convenient monitoring of eutrophication in water bodies can reduce the use of pesticides and reduce energy consumption, helping to promote ecological and economic development. This study examined the relationship between water eutrophication and the oxidation-reduction potential (ORP). The results showed that various parameters related to eutrophication, such as ammonia nitrogen, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, chlorophyll-a, and cyanobacteria, had correlations with ORP. There is a close relationship between eutrophication and the concentration of cyanobacteria. When cyanobacteria blooms occur in the drinking water source, it may contaminate the drinking water. Because the conventional eutrophication index does not include the concentration of cyanobacteria, principal component analysis (PCA) was utilized to comprehensively analyze these eutrophication-related parameters and obtain the eutrophication-related index, with the cumulative contribution of principal components reaching 81.8%. Different mathematical methods such as neural network model and mathematical fitting were used to study the relationship between ORP and the eutrophication-related index. A threesegment relationship between the ORP and the index was established. This three-stage relationship was confirmed in different reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Luteolin is a flavonoid chemical that exists in a variety of medicinal and edible plants and holds many biologically active properties in liver protection, anti-cancer, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, etc. According to its hepatoprotective properties, luteolin was selected to co-treat with sorafenib, one of the approved protein kinase inhibitors, to reduce sorafenib-induced normal liver cell damage. Methods: The BRL-3A cell line was treated with sorafenib to establish a liver injury model, followed by luteolin treatment. The cell viability was detected, and the mechanism of action was detected by immunofluorescence, western blotting, and real-time quantitative PCR. Results: The research findings demonstrated that luteolin could increase cystine/glutamate transporter xCT (SLC7A11) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) expression and display a chelating effect on iron, which led to increased glutathione and decreased malondialdehyde, Fe2+ and lipid reactive oxygen species contents in BRL-3A cells, and the sorafenib-induced mitochondrial membrane potential decrease was also inhibited. In addition, when sorafenib caused the accumulation of lipid reactive oxygen species, luteolin could help release this oxidative stress by activating nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and up-regulating the expression of the associated genes heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1). Conclusion: Therefore, luteolin may ameliorate sorafenib-induced ferroptosis by activating the Nrf2-associated pathway without any impact on sorafenib anti-cancer activity. It can be used as an adjuvant to sorafenib to reduce liver injury in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) have a huge environmental impact, and CO2 emission reduction is already a common view in our society. Recently, selective hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol has attracted much attention because the process can effectively mitigate CO2 emissions and simultaneously produce high‐value‐added chemicals and fuels. The catalysts play a very important role in achieving high efficiency of CO2 to methanol. As one promising alternative, the alloy catalysts have demonstrated high performance in CO2 hydrogenation to methanol due to their unique geometry and electronic properties. Herein, we review the recent advances in alloy catalysts, including solid solution alloys and intermetallic compounds (mainly Cu‐based, In‐based, Ga‐based, and other alloy catalysts) for heterogeneous catalysis of CO2 hydrogenation to methanol. Moreover, the research ideas and development prospects of alloy catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation to methanol are overviewed to provide the ideas and references for the subsequent research on alloy catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With 75 known species, the freshwater fish genus Sinocyclocheilus is the largest cavefish radiation in the world and shows multiple adaptations for cave‐dwelling (stygomorphic adaptations), which include a range of traits such as eye degeneration (normal‐eyed, micro‐eyed and eyeless), depigmentation of skin, and in some species, the presence of "horns". Their behavioural adaptations to subterranean environments, however, are poorly understood. Wall‐following (WF) behaviour, where an organism remains in close contact with the boundary demarcating its habitat when in the dark, is a peculiar behaviour observed in a wide range of animals and is enhanced in cave dwellers. Hence, we hypothesise that wall‐following is also present in Sinocyclocheilus, possibly enhanced in eyeless species compared to eye bearing (normal‐/micro‐eyed species). Using 13 species representative of Sinocyclocheilus radiation and eye morphs, we designed a series of assays, based on pre‐existing methods for Astyanax mexicanus behavioural experiments, to examine wall‐following behaviour under three conditions. Our results indicate that eyeless species exhibit significantly enhanced intensities of WF compared to normal‐eyed species, with micro‐eyed forms demonstrating intermediate intensities in the WF distance. Using a mtDNA based dated phylogeny (chronogram with four clades A–D), we traced the degree of WF of these forms to outline common patterns. We show that the intensity of WF behaviour is higher in the subterranean clades compared to clades dominated by normal‐eyed free‐living species. We also found that eyeless species are highly sensitive to vibrations, whereas normal‐eyed species are the least sensitive. Since WF behaviour is presented to some degree in all Sinocyclocheilus species, and given that these fishes evolved in the late Miocene, we identify this behaviour as being ancestral with WF enhancement related to cave occupation. Results from this diversification‐scale study of cavefish behaviour suggest that enhanced wall‐following behaviour may be a convergent trait across all stygomorphic lineages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The common causes of rectovaginal fistula include obstetric trauma, local infection, and rectal surgery, while rectovaginal fistula following hemorrhoid surgery is extremely rare. Rectovaginal fistulae (RVF) rarely heal without intervention. Surgical treatment is usually performed, but the optimal surgical method remains controversial. The patient was a 37-year-old woman who was transferred to our hospital due to an unsuccessful repair of a rectovaginal fistula after hemorrhoid surgery in a local hospital. The next day after admission, she had prophylactic ileostomy, fecal diversion and combined treatment with cephalosporin antibiotic to create a clean postoperative area. However, there was still fecal outflow from the vagina, with no significant reduction in excretion compared to previous surgery. Digestive endoscopy confirmed a failure of the repair for rectovaginal fistula. Therefore, preventive ileostomy was continued to reduce the accumulation of bacteria in the fistula and control the inflammation. After 8 weeks, the endoscopic fistula inflammation disappeared, and the condition of endoscopic surgery was considered to be mature. Subsequently, a new surgical method combining transanal endoscopy and transvaginal endoscopy was performed. After 12 weeks of surgery, a follow-up endoscopic examination showed that the fistula had been repaired and healed. During the 1-year follow-up, no serious complication was encountered, no recurrence was found, and the repair effect was satisfactory. In conclusion, a new technique combining transanal endoscopy and transvaginal endoscopy can effectively be used for the surgical repair of rectovaginal fistula after a hemorrhoid operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunotoxicity remains a major hindrance to chemotherapy in cancer therapy. Nanocarriers may alleviate the immunotoxicity, but the optimal design remains unclear. Here, we created two variants of maytansine (DM1)-loaded synthetic high-density lipoproteins (D-sHDL) with either physically entrapped (ED-sHDL) or chemically conjugated (CD-sHDL) DM1. We found that CD-sHDL showed less accumulation in the tumor draining lymph nodes (DLNs) and femur, resulting in a lower toxicity against myeloid cells than ED-sHDL via avoiding scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SR-B1)-mediated DM1 transportation into the granulocyte-monocyte progenitors and dendritic cells. Therefore, higher densities of lymphocytes in the tumors, DLNs, and blood were recorded in mice receiving CD-sHDL, leading to a better efficacy and immune memory of CD-sHDL against colon cancer. Furthermore, liposomes with conjugated DM1 (CD-Lipo) showed lower immunotoxicity than those with entrapped drug (ED-Lipo) through the same mechanism after apolipoprotein opsonization. Our findings highlight the critical role of drug loading patterns in dictating the biological fate and activity of nanomedicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With 75 known species, the freshwater fish genus Sinocyclocheilus is the largest cavefish radiation in the world and shows multiple adaptations for cave‐dwelling (stygomorphic adaptations), which include a range of traits such as eye degeneration (normal‐eyed, micro‐eyed and eyeless), depigmentation of skin, and in some species, the presence of "horns". Their behavioural adaptations to subterranean environments, however, are poorly understood. Wall‐following (WF) behaviour, where an organism remains in close contact with the boundary demarcating its habitat when in the dark, is a peculiar behaviour observed in a wide range of animals and is enhanced in cave dwellers. Hence, we hypothesise that wall‐following is also present in Sinocyclocheilus, possibly enhanced in eyeless species compared to eye bearing (normal‐/micro‐eyed species). Using 13 species representative of Sinocyclocheilus radiation and eye morphs, we designed a series of assays, based on pre‐existing methods for Astyanax mexicanus behavioural experiments, to examine wall‐following behaviour under three conditions. Our results indicate that eyeless species exhibit significantly enhanced intensities of WF compared to normal‐eyed species, with micro‐eyed forms demonstrating intermediate intensities in the WF distance. Using a mtDNA based dated phylogeny (chronogram with four clades A–D), we traced the degree of WF of these forms to outline common patterns. We show that the intensity of WF behaviour is higher in the subterranean clades compared to clades dominated by normal‐eyed free‐living species. We also found that eyeless species are highly sensitive to vibrations, whereas normal‐eyed species are the least sensitive. Since WF behaviour is presented to some degree in all Sinocyclocheilus species, and given that these fishes evolved in the late Miocene, we identify this behaviour as being ancestral with WF enhancement related to cave occupation. Results from this diversification‐scale study of cavefish behaviour suggest that enhanced wall‐following behaviour may be a convergent trait across all stygomorphic lineages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The slug test has been commonly used to estimate aquifer parameters. Previous studies on the slug test mainly focused on a single‐layer aquifer. However, understanding the interaction between layers is particularly important when assessing aquifer parameters under certain circumstances. In this study, a new semi‐analytical model on transient flow in a three‐layered aquifer system with a partially penetrating well was developed for the slug test. The proposed model was solved using the Laplace transform method and the Goldstein‐Weber transform method, where the semi‐analytical solution for the model was obtained. The drawdowns of the proposed model were analyzed to understand the impacts of the different parameters on the drawdowns in a three‐layered aquifer system. The results indicated that groundwater interactions between the layers have a significant impact on the slug test. In addition, a shorter and deeper well screen as well as a greater permeability ratio between the layers creates a greater interface flow between them, leading to a higher drawdown in the slug test. Finally, a slug test in a three‐layered aquifer system was conducted in our laboratory to validate the new model, which indicated that the proposed model performed better in the interpretation of the experimental data than a previous model proposed by Hyder et al. (1994). We also proposed an empirical relationship to qualitatively identify the errors in the application of single‐layer model for the analysis of response data in a three‐layered aquifer system. Article impact statement: The study presents a new analytical solution for improving aquifer parameter estimations in a three‐layered system. It adds to the commonly employed slug test in field operations to improve our understanding of the interactions between multiple aquifer layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The study aimed to explore the predictors of vascular complications (VCs) associated with transradial access, as the occurrence and severity of these complications were found to be significantly lower compared to femoral access. However, it is important to note that the occurrence of these complications still has a negative impact on clinical outcomes. Nevertheless, there is limited available data on the predictors of complications specifically related to radial access. Methods A retrospective case-control study was conducted on individuals who underwent percutaneous coronary diagnostic or therapeutic procedures at Daping Hospital, following the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study compared demographic characteristics, VC types, ankle brachial index (ABI), and severity of coronary artery stenosis between the two groups. Results We enrolled 300 subjects with VCs and 300 age- and sex-matched subjects without VCs as controls. There were no differences in the baseline characteristics or comorbidities between the groups. Compared to the control group, the VC group has a higher portion of left radial access (6.0%) and previous radial artery puncture history (29.7% vs. 18.3%, p<0.001). The ABI was significantly lower than the non-VC group (1.17 ± 0.17 vs. 1.23±0.14, p<0.001). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, several factors were found to be independently associated with the occurrence of VC. These factors include ABI (OR=0.060, 95% CI: 0.014–0.249, p<0.001), the procedure being performed by junior operators (OR=1.892, 95% CI: 1.314–2.745, p<0.001), and previous access on the same radial artery (OR=1.795, 95% CI: 1.190–2.707, p<0.01). Conclusions Patients who exhibit a lower ABI and have a history of prior radial access procedures may be at an increased risk of developing radial access VC. Therefore, it is recommended to routinely measure ABI prior to these procedures, as it may serve as a predictive tool for assessing the risk of VC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clonal hematopoiesis (CH) represents the clonal expansion of hematopoietic stem cells and their progeny driven by somatic mutations. Accurate risk assessment of CH is critical for disease prevention and clinical decision-making. The size of CH has been showed to associate with higher disease risk, yet, factors influencing the size of CH are unknown. In addition, the characteristics of CH in long-lived individuals are not well documented. Here, we report an in-depth analysis of CH in longevous (=90 y old) and common (60~89 y old) elderly groups. Utilizing targeted deep sequencing, we found that the development of CH is closely related to age and the expression of aging biomarkers. The longevous elderly group exhibited a significantly higher incidence of CH and significantly higher frequency of TET2 and ASXL1 mutations, suggesting that certain CH could be beneficial to prolong life. Intriguingly, the size of CH neither correlates significantly to age, in the range of 60 to 110 y old, nor to the expression of aging biomarkers. Instead, we identified a strong correlation between large CH size and the number of mutations per individual. These findings provide a risk assessment biomarker for CH and also suggest that the evolution of the CH is influenced by factor(s) in addition to age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Drug-induced liver damage is a severe medical issue that affects people all over the world. Sorafenib has some side effects that cause liver injury. A dietary medicinal plant called Penthorum chinense Pursh. (PCP) has hepatoprotective properties. There are currently few reports on PCP's protective impact and mechanism against sorafenib-induced liver injury. Methods: To create a liver injury model, sorafenib was administered to BRL-3A cells. Cell viability assays, immunofluorescence tests, Western blotting, real-time quantitative PCR, and high-content imaging systems were utilized to examine PCP's effect and mechanism. Results: In this study, PCP treatment mitigated the liver damage caused by sorafenib by enhancing cell survival, lowering lipid reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels, and elevating glutathione levels. In addition, PCP can enhance the protein expression of cystine/glutamate transporter xCT and glutathione peroxidase 4, reduce iron content and alleviate mitochondrial toxicity. Further mechanism studies revealed that PCP inhibited ferroptosis by promoting the production of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 nuclear translocation and subsequently affecting target genes (HO-1 and NQO1). Conclusion: Together, PCP regulates the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 pathway, which helps to lessen ferroptosis brought on by sorafenib. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of highly integrated technology, a large number of satellites have been launched into synchronous orbit, saturating the number of satellites in these orbits. As a result, there has been a substantial increase in demand for near-Earth orbit satellites. However, due to their proximity to Earth, the location of these satellites rapidly drifts in free space. To maintain the received and transmitted signals within range, the ground antenna must track the satellites immediately. Therefore, near-Earth orbit satellite tracking has become a key technology in satellite communication research. In order to further improvement, we propose a new type of electronic beam squinting (EBS) tracking feed. In this paper, we will conduct both theoretical and experimental analyses of this EBS feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present a dual-polarized broadband low side lobe array designed for operation in the Ku-band. The antenna array operates within the frequency range of 14.0 GHz to 15.2 GHz, covering a bandwidth of over 8%. To realize this wide operational frequency, we have selected broadband microstrip antenna elements as the units of the array. In order to fulfill the demanding criteria of broadband performance and low sidelobe characteristics, we introduce a broadband low-sidelobe feeding network based on a directional coupler design. This feeding network ensures connectivity with the antenna units, resulting in a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) < 2 within the 14.0 GHz to 15.2 GHz frequency range. Furthermore, our antenna array achieves an array gain exceeding 21 dBi and keeps array sidelobes below -20 dB across the entire operating frequency band. Our research breakthrough addresses the critical design challenge of creating large-scale array antennas that combine broadband capabilities with high gain and minimal sidelobe interference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of highly integrated technology, a large number of satellites have been launched into synchronous orbit, saturating the number of satellites in these orbits. As a result, there has been a substantial increase in demand for near-Earth orbit satellites. However, due to their proximity to Earth, the location of these satellites rapidly drifts in free space. To maintain the received and transmitted signals within range, the ground antenna must track the satellites immediately. Therefore, near-Earth orbit satellite tracking has become a key technology in satellite communication research. In order to further improvement, we propose a new type of electronic beam squinting (EBS) tracking feed. In this paper, we will conduct both theoretical and experimental analyses of this EBS feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present a dual-polarized broadband low side lobe array designed for operation in the Ku-band. The antenna array operates within the frequency range of 14.0 GHz to 15.2 GHz, covering a bandwidth of over 8%. To realize this wide operational frequency, we have selected broadband microstrip antenna elements as the units of the array. In order to fulfill the demanding criteria of broadband performance and low sidelobe characteristics, we introduce a broadband low-sidelobe feeding network based on a directional coupler design. This feeding network ensures connectivity with the antenna units, resulting in a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) < 2 within the 14.0 GHz to 15.2 GHz frequency range. Furthermore, our antenna array achieves an array gain exceeding 21 dBi and keeps array sidelobes below -20 dB across the entire operating frequency band. Our research breakthrough addresses the critical design challenge of creating large-scale array antennas that combine broadband capabilities with high gain and minimal sidelobe interference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is concerned with the following first-order Hamiltonian system -z = JHz(t, z), where the Hamiltonian function H(t, z) = 12 Lz · z + A(?t)G(|z|) and - > 0 is a small parameter. Under some natural conditions, we obtain a new existence result for ground state homoclinic orbits by applying variational methods. Moreover, the concentration behavior and exponential decay of these ground state homoclinic orbits are also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the knowledge contribution behavior of users in online Q&A communities, focusing on factors like community recognition, online social interaction and community devotion using a dual-stage deep learning modeling approach. It identifies community recognition, online social interaction and community devotion as significant factors influencing knowledge contribution while highlighting the negative impact of the sense of reciprocation.

Squalene is a triterpenoid compound and widely used in various industries such as medicine and cosmetics due to its strong antioxidant and anticancer properties. The purpose of this study is to increase the accumulation of squalene in filamentous fungi using exogeneous butenafine hydrochloride, which is an inhibitor for squalene epoxidase. The detailed settings achieved that the filamentous fungi, Trichoderma virens PS1-7, produced squalene up to 429.93 ± 51.60 mg/L after culturing for 7 days in the medium consisting of potato infusion with glucose at pH 4.0, in the presence of 200 μm butenafine. On the other hand, no squalene accumulation was observed without butenafine. This result indicated that squalene was biosynthesized in the filamentous fungi PS1-7, which can be used as a novel source of squalene. In addition, we successfully obtained highly 13C-enriched squalene by using [U-13C6]-glucose as a carbon source replacing normal glucose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composite sucker rods are widely used in oil fields because of light weight, high strength, and corrosion resistance. Bonded technology becomes the primary connection method of composites. However, the joints with composite sucker rods are prone to debone and fracture. The connected characteristics are less considered, so the failure mechanism of the joint is still unclear. Based on the cohesive zone model (CZM) and the Johnson-Cook constitutive model, a novel full-scale numerical model of the joint with composite sucker rod was established, and verified by pull-out experiments. The mechanical properties and slip characteristics of the joint were studied, and the damaged procession of the joint was explored. The results showed that: a) the numerical model was in good agreement with the experimental results, and the error is within 5%; b) the von Mises stress, shear stress, and interface stress distributed symmetrically along the circumferential path increased gradually from the fixed end to the loading end; c) the first-bonded interface near the loading end was damaged at first, followed by debonding of the second-bonded interface, leading to the complete shear fracture of the epoxy, and resulted in the debonding of the joint with composite sucker rod, which can provide a theoretical basis for the structural design and optimization of the joint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the biological activity of essential oils (EOs) and their main components (caryophyllene and cuminol) against Tribolium castaneum larvae and Lasioderma serricorne adults. EOs were extracted from both flowers and leaves of Elsholtzia stauntoni. The results indicated that the EOs derived from both flowers and leaves, as well as their main components (caryophyllene and cuminol), exhibited contact activities with LD50 values of 35.11, 43.66, 15.44, and 26.05 µg/larva, respectively, against T. castaneum larvae. Moreover, they demonstrated obvious contact toxicities with LD50 values of 14.15, 11.18, 17.81, and 13.91 µg/adult, respectively, against L. serricorne adults. Additionally, EOs from both flowers and leaves exhibited fumigant activities against T. castaneum larvae (LC50 = 24.42 and 62.54 mg/L) and L. serricorne adults (LC50 = 15.26 and 24.29 mg/L). Furthermore, the EOs of flowers and leaves and their main components (caryophyllene and cuminol) remained significantly repellency to T. castaneum larvae and L. serricorne adults within the testing concentration range of 78.63-15.83 nL/cm2 after 12 h of exposure. These findings suggested that the EO from E. stauntoni and its two major components could potentially be developed as a natural insecticide for controlling T. castaneum larvae and L. serricorne adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive cardiopulmonary disease with unclear underlying molecular mechanisms and limited therapeutic options. This study aimed to explore the role of core fucosylation and the only glycosyltransferase FUT8 in PAH. We observed increased core fucosylation in a monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PAH rat model and isolated rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) treated with platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB). We found that 2-fluorofucose (2FF), a drug used to inhibit core fucosylation, improved hemodynamics and pulmonary vascular remodeling in MCT-induced PAH rats. In vitro, 2FF effectively restrains the proliferation, migration, and phenotypic switching of PASMCs and promotes apoptosis. Compared with controls, serum FUT8 concentration in PAH patients and MCT-induced rats was significantly elevated. FUT8 expression appeared increased in the lung tissues of PAH rats, and the colocalization of FUT8 with a-SMA was also observed. SiRNA was used to knockdown FUT8 in PASMCs (siFUT8). After effectively silencing FUT8 expression, phenotypic changes induced in PASMCs by PDGF-BB stimulation were alleviated. FUT8 activated the AKT pathway, while the admission of AKT activator SC79 could partially counteract the negative effect of siFUT8 on the proliferation, apoptotic resistance, and phenotypic switching of PASMCs, which may be involved in the core fucosylation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR). Our research confirmed the critical role of FUT8 and its mediated core fucosylation in pulmonary vascular remodeling in PAH, providing a potential novel therapeutic target for PAH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spacecraft electromagnetic docking has many potential advantages, such as no propellant consumption and plume contamination, while providing high-precision, continuous, reversible, synchronous, and noncontacting control capabilities. With these advantages, there are strong dynamic nonlinearity and coupling, which are not friendly to controller design. Electromagnetic actuation has capabilities of force/torque symmetry and self-alignment, which could be exploited not only to simplify the controller but also to reduce the demand of relative motion measurement and improve control precision. In this paper, based on the theoretical derivation of nonlinear relative motion dynamic models, the magnetic force/torque symmetries and the self-alignment capability are analyzed, and then the self-attraction magnetic dipoles are solved. In addition, several numerical simulation cases are given to verify these capabilities and dipole solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our first record of the rare and scatteredly distributed Ixeridium sagittarioides for Guizhou, China, triggered a study to assess its systematic position. The species was placed in four different genera in the course of its taxonomic history and was recently treated with doubts as a member of Ixeridium in the Flora of China. Comparative morphological investigation and phylogenetic analyses based on the nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) and five non-coding plastid DNA regions (petD region, psbA-trnH, trnL-trnF, rpl32-trnL(UAG) and 5´rps16-trnQ(UUG) spacers) provided evidence that the species is not a member of Ixeridium and the Crepidinae but has evolved by ancient hybridisation of members of the Lactuca alliance (Lactucinae). It is reinstated as Lactuca sagittarioides and a comprehensive morphological description is provided, based on material from its entire range of distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a special single‐well test with dual‐screened configuration, dipole flow test with a tracer (DFTT) has been an efficient tool for aquifer parameter interpretation. The tool is excellent for characterizing the vertical distribution of hydraulic conductivity, dispersivity and in situ reaction rate in aquifers. It is noteworthy that the effects of skin and ambient groundwater flow (AGF) on the solute transport, which have been widely investigated in terms of conventional tracer tests, have not been comprehensively studied with respect to DFTT. Meanwhile, it is important to elucidate the potentials of DFTT in identifying the primary skin properties as well as the methods to avoid the AGF effects on DFTT. Consequently, we developed a mathematical model for DFTT accounting for skin and AGF. The results show that a negative skin acts as a preferential pathway for tracer transport and the AGF effects on breakthrough curves (BTCs) can be easily mistaken for reaction. Through extensive mathematical model‐based experiments, the BTCs calculated from the DFTT models with skin effects were categorized into four types, each of which is able to imply a specific kind of skin. Additionally, a new dimensionless parameter ξ′$$ {\xi}^{\prime } $$, composed of injection/extraction rate, hydraulic conductivity, hydraulic gradient of AGF and screen parameters, was defined to quantitatively indicate the AGF effects on the overestimation degree of the in situ first‐order reaction, implying that one can adjust the field parameters of DFTT to keep ξ′$$ {\xi}^{\prime } $$ less than 3.7% to achieve an overestimation error of reaction rate below 50%. Article Impact Statement: The article describes novel modeling applications in aquifer parameter interpretation through vertical circulation well technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Distant metastasis (DM) and neoadjuvant treatment response prediction remain critical challenges in the management of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical relevance of viable circulating tumor cells (CTCs) for DM or response in patients with LARC in a neoadjuvant setting. Methods: The detection of viable CTCs at different stages of treatment was planned for consecutive patients from a prospective trial. The Kaplan-Meier method, Cox proportional hazards model, and logistic regression model were utilized to analyze factors associated with DM or pathological complete response (pCR) and clinical complete response (cCR). Results: Between December 2016 and July 2018, peripheral blood samples from 83 patients were collected before any treatment (median follow-up time, 49.3 months). CTCs were present in 76 of 83 patients (91.6%) at baseline, and more than three CTCs detected in the blood sample was considered high risk. Only the CTC risk group was significantly associated with 3-year metastasis-free survival (MFS) (high risk vs. low risk, 57.1% (95% CI, 41.6-72.6) vs. 78.3% (95% CI, 65.8-90.8), p = 0.018, log-rank test). When all the important variables were entered into the Cox model, the CTC risk group remained the only significant independent factor for DM (hazard ratio (HR), 2.74; 95% CI, 1.17-6.45, p = 0.021). The pCR and continuous cCR rates were higher in patients with a decreased number of CTCs of more than one after radiotherapy (HR, 4.00; 95% CI, 1.09-14.71, P = 0.037). Conclusions: The dynamic detection of viable CTCs may strengthen pretreatment risk assessment and postradiotherapy decision making for LARC. This observation requires further validation in a prospective study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The BZ and DB blocks in Tarim Oilfield (China) are condensate gas reservoirs operating under high pressure and high temperature. To mitigate and control the problem of wax deposition, in this study, the wax appearance temperature (WAT) at different cooling rates and wax melting temperature (WMT) at different heating rates of the condensate oil were tested using differential scanning calorimetry. In addition, the crystalline behaviors of wax during precipitation and melting were observed from a micro perspective. By considering the components of the condensate gas and the production data, the carbon number distribution of the well fluids under stratigraphic conditions was simulated. Based on the results, the phase envelope of the well fluids was also simulated, and the relationships between the phase and the temperature and pressure of the oil-gas condensate were analyzed. The temperature and pressure at different depths of the wells were simulated. It was found that the WAT decreased with increasing cooling rate and the WMT increased with increasing heating rate. Furthermore, the wax content of the oil-gas condensate in DB was higher than that in BZ. Finally, it was predicted that wax precipitation occurred above the depth of 500 m in the BZ well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The collision force of a heavy rail transit vehicle hitting a bridge pier is affected by many factors. In order to investigate the characteristics of the collision force when a heavy rail transit vehicle hits a bridge, the finite element software LS-DYNA is used to simulate the impact of a heavy rail transit vehicle on a bridge. The influence of the vehicle speed of heavy rail transit vehicles, the strength of bridge pier concrete, the spacing of pier stirrups, the ratio of pier stirrup reinforcement, and the eccentric distance between the vehicle and the bridge pier on the characteristics of the collision force. The simulation analysis results show that the total deformation frequency around the impact point of the bridge pier and the heavy rail transit vehicle decreases as the distance from the impact point increases, and the deformation frequency in the vicinity of the impact point is the largest. The speed of the heavy rail transit vehicle, the concrete strength of the bridge pier, the reinforcement ratio of the pier stirrup, the larger the eccentric distance between the vehicle and the bridge pier, and the smaller the spacing between the stirrups, the greater the collision force when the heavy rail transit vehicle hits the bridge pier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective • To explore the key sites in which L-arginine affects the expression of human coagulation factor VIII gene, and to create new drug targets for the treatment of hemophilia. Methods • A total of 5 human FVIII genes (A1, A2, A3, C1 and C2) with B domain deletion were transfected into human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) as promoters. Run-on assay and ELISA analysis were performed to observe the driving effect of each domain gene on chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) gene transcription and expression, and the effect of L-arginine on each promoter. Results • In co-culture with L-arginine, transcriptional expression of the CAT gene was not detected in the PCAT3-Basic group (negative control without promoters), PA3-CAT3-Enhancer group or PC1-CAT3-Enhancer group. The transcriptional expression of CAT gene in the PCAT3-Control group (positive control with promoters) and PA1-CAT3-Enhancer group was unchanged compared with the non-L-arginine intervention, while the transcriptional expression of CAT gene in the PA2-CAT3- Enhancer group was significantly enhanced. Conclusions • A1 and A2 domain genes had promoter function and could initiate the transcription and expression of CAT gene, but A3, C1 and C2 domain genes could not. Moreover, L-arginine can significantly enhance transcription and expression of human coagulation factor VIII via A2 domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insects are a valuable biological resource on Earth, known for their high biodiversity, ease of cultivation, and large populations. In China, the utilization of insects has a long history and has produced significant economic and social benefits. Insect products such as silkworms, silk, and bees are already familiar to the public and have continuously promoted the global economy. Recently, in some ethnic minority areas of China, insect industries have become the main source of fiscal revenue and an essential industrial support for rural revitalization. This has laid a strong foundation for research and development in the insect industry throughout China. It is urgent to utilize national resources to focus on strategic issues related to the high effective development of the insect industry. By gathering related resources for insect research, breakthroughs are expected in the discovery and development of innovative materials, drugs, and proteins based on insect resources. Such advancements will create significant value for human society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the paper, the aluminosilicate fiber-reinforced zirconia (AS f /ZrO 2) ceramic composites were successfully fabricated by polymer impregnation and pyrolysis (PIP) method. The microstructure and high-temperature mechanical properties of the original composites were well studied. The results revealed that the composites could maintain the stability of microstructure at 1000 °C. The flexural strength increased from 58.82 ± 2.83 MPa to 88.74 ± 6.20 MPa and the flexural modulus increased from 29.26 ± 4.67 GPa to 40.76 ± 8.76 GPa. The thermal exposure improved the interfacial bonding and made the load transfer more effective. After heat treatment from 1200 °C to 1400 °C, the flexural strength gradually declined due to the crystallization of the AS fibers and ZrO 2 matrix, while the flexural modulus increased in a completely different trend. After heat treatment at 1400 °C, the composites could maintain a flexural strength of 66.95 ± 4.24 MPa with a flexural modulus of 60.42 ± 7.25 GPa. But the fracture mode gradually evolved to brittleness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Although the morphological assessment of melanoma is generally straightforward, diagnosis can be especially difficult when the significant morphological and immunohistochemical results overlap with those of benign and malignant melanocytic tumours and histological mimics. This study assessed the potential diagnostic utility of measuring PReferentially expressed Antigen in MElanoma (PRAME) immunohistochemically in naevi, melanomas and clear cell sarcomas (CCSs) in Chinese patients. Methods: We examined the immunohistochemical expression of PRAME in 317 melanocytic naevi, 178 primary melanomas, 72 metastatic melanomas and 19 CCSs and compared the sensitivity and specificity of PRAME immunohistochemistry (IHC) in the differential diagnosis of melanocytic tumours and histological mimics. Results: Of the 317 melanocytic naevi, 98.1%were completely negative for PRAME; six cases showed focal PRAME immunoreactivity in a minor population of lesional melanocytes. Diffuse nuclear immunoreactivity for PRAME was found in 89.9% of primary melanomas and 93.1% of metastatic melanomas. Regarding melanoma subtypes, PRAME was expressed in 100% of superficial spreading melanomas, 100% of melanomas arise in congenital naevus, 91.4% of nodular melanomas, 87.8% of acral lentigo melanomas, 80.0% of lentigo malignant melanomas, 60.0% of Spitz melanomas, 96.2% of mucosal melanomas and 80.0% of uveal melanomas. None of the two desmoplastic melanomas expressed PRAME. Of the 19 CCS cases, 89.5% were negative for PRAME and 10.5% showed focal weak PRAME immunoreactivity in a minor population of tumour cells. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that PRAME may be a useful marker to support a suspected diagnosis of melanoma. In addition, lack of PRAME expression is a valuable hint to CCS in a suspected case, and then molecular confirmation of the presence of EWSR1 rearrangement is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ovarian cancer is one of the major gynaecological malignancies and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Dysregulation of miR-2053 has been reported in numerous types of cancer; however, its function in ovarian cancer remains largely unknown. In our study, the roles of miR-2053 during the development of ovarian cancer were investigated. miR-2053 expression was examined in ovarian cancer specimens and cells. Furthermore, the detailed functions and downstream targets of miR-2053 were identified. Briefly, the levels of miR2053 were assessed in ovarian cancer tissues and paired non-cancerous samples, as well as in ovarian cancer cells using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The proliferation of cells was determined by cell counting kit-8 kit, and the levels of PCNA were also examined using immunostaining. Cell migration and invasion were evaluated using Transwell assay, and E-cad expression was assessed by immunostaining. In addition, cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry, and the expression of cleaved caspase-3 was examined using western blotting. The results revealed the downregulation of miR-2053 in ovarian cancer tissues and cells. Moreover, miR-2053 mimics suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of ovarian cancer cells, while cell apoptosis was promoted. In addition, SOX4 was a putative downstream molecule of miR-2053 in ovarian cancer. Furthermore, SOX4 is involved in miR-2053-regulated growth and metastasis of ovarian cancer cells. In summary, miR-2053 and its novel target SOX4 could serve essential roles during tumour development of ovarian cancer, more importantly, miR-2053/SOX4 axis may be novel candidate for targeted therapy for patients with ovarian cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious traumatic disease of the central nervous system, and there is currently no effective treatment for SCI because of its complicated pathophysiology. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have multidirectional differentiation abilities. Our study aims to explore the effects of bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP-7)-modified BMSCs transplantation on the repair of SCI in rats. Methods: In this study, a rat spinal cord injury model was established with the modified Allen method. Then, BMSCs transfected with the BMP7 gene were transplanted to treat the spinal cord injury in rats. Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the sham operation group (sham group), spinal cord injury group (model group), BMSC treatment group (BMSC group) and LV-BMP7-BMSC treatment group (LV-BMP7-BMSC group). The Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) score was used to evaluate the recovery of hindlimb function in the rats. The levels of neurofilament protein NF-200 (NF-200) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were detected by immunofluorescence, RT-PCR and Western blotting. Results: At 14 d, 21 d, and 28 d after treatment, the BBB score of the rats in the LV-BMP7- BMSC group was higher than that of the rats in the model group and BMSC group. The results showed that NF-200 was expressed at the local spinal cord injury site. Compared with that of the sham group, the NF-200 expression level of the BMSC group and LV-BMP7-BMSC group was increased (P < 0.05). The results showed that the mRNA expression levels of NF-200 in the spinal cord tissue of the BMSC group and LV-BMP7-BMSC group were increased compared with those of the sham group (P < 0.05). The western blotting results further confirmed the PCR results. Conclusion: BMP-7 gene-modified BMSC transplantation can promote the repair of spinal cord functions after SCI in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous alumina fiber–reinforced alumina matrix composites (Al2O3f/Al2O3 composites) were produced via sol–gel process, then the high‐temperature mechanical property and thermal shock resistance of Al2O3f/Al2O3 composites were investigated. The results showed that the composites exhibited excellent high‐temperature properties. The mechanical property of the composites was affected by heat treatment (prepared at 1100°C exhibited the most desirable mechanical property). The tensile strength of the composites abruptly decreased at higher temperatures. Although the mechanical property of the composites deteriorated after the thermal shock test was conducted at high temperatures, they exhibited excellent thermal shock resistance. After 50 thermal shock tests conducted at 1300 and 1500°C, the flexural strength of the composites was found to be 124.34 and 93.04 MPa, thus showing a decrease in strength with the increasing temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During aquifer pumping tests in the field, the attenuation process of the pumping rate is generally monitored, and the aquifer may be slanted, especially in riverbank terraces, piedmont plain and other similar terrains. The combination of these two factors (attenuation process and aquifer slope) has not received enough academic attention, therefore, a two‐dimensional groundwater flow model is developed for an exponentially decreasing variable rate pumping well in a sloping aquifer in this study. The new semi‐analytical solution (based on a linearized free‐surface boundary) is obtained using the Laplace transform and finite Fourier cosine transform. Meanwhile, to depict the linearized boundary precisely with the first‐order free surface equation, a numerical model that considers the decline of the water table is also developed. Results show that under the effect of the variable rate, the time‐drawdown curve presents a downward trend at intermediate times. Additionally, the error caused by the linearization of the free‐surface equation on the analytical model is found to be acceptable except when the sloping angle is larger than π/6. Furthermore, since this study extends the work of Huang et al. (2014), who considered a constant pumping rate, the new solution was found better to interpret real pumping test data reported by Antonio and Pacheco (2002), and the laboratory experiment results. Overall, the new solution proves to be useful for parameter inversion accurately as the average pumping rate tended to underestimate hydraulic parameters when fitting short‐term pumping data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports that Neuroinflammation is a fundamental contributor to progressive neuronal damage, which arouses a heightened interest in neurodegenerative disease therapy. Ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7) has a crucial role in regulating protein stability in multiple biological processes; however, the potential role of USP7 in neurodegenerative progression is poorly understood.

This study evaluated the spatial variability of hydraulic conductivity (K) along the Han River watershed in the Jianghan Plain (China) by using different geostatistical methods. The K distribution was estimated from 58 borehole measurements, and co-kriging estimates were obtained by incorporating 287 electrical resistivity (ρ) and 260 hydraulic gradient (I) values as auxiliary data. Additionally, 2,980 lithology samples were classified into three hydrofacies units in terms of decreasing K, which was simulated accordingly. The results indicate that the highest K values are in the western part of Shahu town and near the Yangtze River. The trend continues to diminish across western and northern Xiantao town and north-west of Xingou town, as well as across the transition zone from highland to lowland (from Shayang town to Zhanggang town). The low K values occur from the northern part of Jiukou town to Shayang town, and around Xingou town, and then are scattered around the high K values, with the lowest K values distributed in the north-west of the study area (from the catchment margin to the north of Shayang town), in Yanglinwei town, and east of Shahu town. As for the geostatistical methods, co-kriging estimates based on ρ and I highlight the variability of K, with the latter providing more realistic results. The three-dimensional hydrofacies model realistically represents the spatial distributions of K in the Quaternary aquifer system. The estimated results and hydrofacies simulation could provide a basic database for further groundwater modeling and water resource evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La doped silica aerogel composites (La 2 O 3 /SiO 2 -n) with different Si/La molar ratio were synthesized through sol-gel method and atmospheric drying technology, which were used to adsorb thiophenic compounds from model fuels. Compared with the pure SiO 2 aerogel, the adsorption capacities of La 2 O 3 /SiO 2 -n obviously increased, owing to adding La species led to the appearance of the weak Lewis acid sites on the surface. The adsorption mechanism of La 2 O 3 /SiO 2 -n for thiophenics included the direct S-La bond and weak π-La acid-base interaction between La3+ and thiophenics, and the former was primary. Among La 2 O 3 /SiO 2 -n, the La 2 O 3 /SiO 2 -200 not only had the highest adsorption capacity for thiophene, up to 8.16 mg S/g ads (i.e., 138.31 mg-S/mmol La), but also exhibited an excellent anti-aromatics competitive adsorption ability and a good regeneration performance. The adsorption kinetic and adsorption isotherms were well described by pseudo-second-order (PSO) and Langmuir models, respectively, indicating the adsorption of La 2 O 3 /SiO 2 -200 for TH was dominated by chemisorption, which was a spontaneous and endothermic process. The present of aromatics in model fuels had a slightly negative effect on the adsorption of La 2 O 3 /SiO 2 for thiophene. [Display omitted] • Simple preparation of La 2 O 3 /SiO 2 aerogel composites. • Appearance of weak Lewis acid centers on the surface of aerogel after doping La. • The selective adsorption of La 2 O 3 /SiO 2 for thiophenics rather than aromatics. • The main adsorption mechanism was S-La bond instead of π-La acid-base interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In recent years, the number of adolescents engaging in premarital sex has increased, and an increasing number of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) cases have been reported in China. Many studies have indicated that CSA has a well-established association with risky sexual activities. However, only a limited number of studies have explored possible reasons for this association among middle school students, a population that may engage in premarital sex, which is critical for the development of interventions to prevent risky sexual behavior. Based on random samples of middle school students from a Chinese city, this article investigated the relationship between CSA and students' premarital sexual permissiveness (PSP).Methods: In a cross-sectional study conducted between 2016 and 2017 in Luzhou, China, 2292 middle school and high school students aged 12-18 years were recruited by multistage random sampling. All students were administered anonymous questionnaires. Multiple linear regression and binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to analyze the relationship between CSA and PSP.Results: The prevalence of CSA was 15.4% (354/2292; 95% CI: 14-16.9%). A higher percentage of male respondents (18.2%) than female respondents (12.9%) had experienced CSA. A positive association between CSA and PSP was found among students. Respondents who had suffered CSA exhibited greater PSP, and this relationship was observed in the male sample, female sample and the total student sample in Luzhou (β = - 3.76, P < 0.05; β = - 2.79, P < 0.05; and β = - 2.84, P < 0.05, respectively). Respondents who had suffered CSA were also more likely to express a double standard about premarital sex (odds ratio [OR] =1.41, P < 0.05), especially among male students (odds ratio [OR] =1.63, P < 0.05).Conclusions: Sex differences in CSA and the relationship between CSA and PSP were significant among this large sample of middle school students in Luzhou (China). The findings suggest that experiencing CSA may be closely related to youth attitudes toward premarital sex, especially among males. Therefore, it is important to emphasize the prevention of CSA and provide adolescent reproductive health programs to reduce the impact of CSA on sexual cognition and attitude, prevent premarital sex and promote positive attitudes toward sexual equality for middle school students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides a review of recent developments in the rapidly changing and advancing field of textile-based flexible pressure sensors. It summarizes the basic principles and approaches employed when building textile-based pressure sensors as well as the most commonly used materials and techniques. The textile pressure sensor is a promising candidate for the next-generation sensing platform since it can be easily incorporated into modern garments in a breathable and conformable way. This article briefly introduces the characteristics of piezoelectric, capacitance, piezoresistive and triboelectric flexible pressure sensors, focuses on the working principles of these four types of flexible pressure sensors and reviews their recent progress and applications in electronic skin, health care and rehabilitation, human motion capture, physiological activity monitoring and human-machine interaction. Moreover, the remaining challenges in the development process and prospects of textile-based flexible sensors are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cervical cancer is known to be the fourth most common cancer among women globally. In various factors, genetic factors have been considered as one major risk factor for cervical cancer. The research of genetic susceptibility to cervical cancer can be greatly helpful in studying the complex mechanism. This study was conducted to identify whether polymorphic variants of p73 G4C14-A4T14 and tumor protein p53 (p53) codon 72, either independently or jointly, might be associated with the risk of cervical cancer.Methods: The genotypes of p73 G4C14-A4T14 and p53 codon 72 polymorphisms of peripheral blood DNA from 190 cervical cancer patients and 210 controls were investigated using polymerase chain reaction with confronting two-pair primers and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism, respectively.Results: The frequency of p73 G4C14-A4T14 AT/AT (P = 0.013) or p53 codon 72 GG (P = 0.026) genotype was associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer by comparing with the p73 G4C14-A4T14 GC/GC or p53 codon 72 CC genotype, respectively. In addition, the interaction between the p73 G4C14-A4T14 and p53 codon 72 polymorphisms increased the risk of cervical cancer in a multiply manner, with the odds ratio being 3.692 (95% confidence interval =2.106-6.473) for subjects carrying both p73 G4C14-A4T14 GC/AT+AT/AT and p53 codon 72 GG genotypes.Conclusion: These results suggest that there is a statistical difference between p73 and p53 gene polymorphism and the risk of cervical cancer in Chinese women, and there is a potential gene-gene interaction in the incidence of cervical cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), a member of the plant auxin family, plays an important role in biological activity. There are few reports on the preparation of deuterated IPA. Deuterated trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TfOD) is a hydrogen-deuterium exchange reagent used for aromatic compounds. The hydrogen-deuterium exchange of IPA and indole-3-alaknoic acid derivatives with TfOD was examined in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Muscle quality index (MQI) is a novel indicator reflecting the quality of skeletal muscles. The association between MQI and the development of advanced fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is unknown. We investigated the association of low MQI with advanced fibrosis among adults with NAFLD using a nationally representative sample of the US population. Adults with NAFLD who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2014 were included. Sex-specific standard was used to define low and extremely low MQI. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to assess the association between MQI level and advanced fibrosis. In the study, 3758 participants with NAFLD were included. The prevalence of low and extremely low MQI was 11.7% (95% CI 10.4–13.0%) and 2.2% (95% CI 1.6–2.8%), respectively. Among these participants, 96 were assessed to have advanced fibrosis. Individuals with low [(odds ratio (OR) 2.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.22–4.91)] and extremely low MQI (OR 10.48, 95% CI 3.20–34.27) were associated with advanced fibrosis in multivariable analysis. A linear trend relationship was also observed between MQI level and the risk of advanced fibrosis (Ptrend = 0.001). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses yielded similar results to the main analyses. Decreased MQI is highly prevalent, and is associated with an increased risk of advanced fibrosis in adult US population with NAFLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, a binary inorganic molten salt electrolyte based on lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) and potassium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (KFSI) is applied to Li–CO2 batteries that can operate under 80 °C. Benefiting from the intrinsic nonvolatility, electrochemical stability, raised ionic conductivity, sufficient solubility and safety, the molten electrolyte endows the Li–CO2 battery with a large discharge capacity of 4612 mA h g−1 and superior rate capability. The introduction of the Ru@Super P carbon cathode further optimizes the discharge capacity (9503 mA h g−1), overpotential (1.15 V), and rate capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The giant Jiaodong gold deposits represent one of the largest gold provinces (>5000 tons of Au) in the North China Craton of eastern China. They formed ~1.7 b.y. after high-grade metamorphism of the crust. The metasomatized subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) has been increasingly proposed as the main source of such gold mineralization, but the direct geochemical links remain scarce. Here, we present a comprehensive d34S dataset of sulfides from fresh lamprophyres (130-121 Ma) that formed from the metasomatized SCLM that is spatially and temporally associated with the Jiaodong gold deposits (ca. 120 Ma). Due to the negligible effects of crustal contamination and magmatic degassing, the consistently high d34S (4‰-6‰, n = 73) of lamprophyres from variable localities reveals d34S-enriched mantle sources relative to the asthenospheric mantle (-1.3‰ ± 0.3‰). Combined with the radiogenic Sr-Nd-Pb isotope signatures of these lamprophyres, we determined that such high d34S signatures could have resulted from a period of mantle metasomatism related to subducted continental materials. The lamprophyres share d34S (4.4‰ ± 0.8‰) and Sr-Nd-Pb isotopes with coeval gold-mineralized diorites (ca. 120 Ma) beneath the ore field (d34S: 5.4‰ ± 2.5‰), which were interpreted to have sampled the magma chamber underlying the auriferous fluid systems. The lamprophyres and diorites consistently indicate the key control of metasomatized SCLM, although these mantle-derived magmas followed different pathways from source to crust. These relatively primitive and evolved magmas all show S and Pb isotopes similar to ore-related sulfides from the Jiaodong gold deposits, particularly those formed in the deep parts and at the early stage of the Jiaodong auriferous fluid system (d34S: 5‰-7‰). Such results suggest that the primary auriferous fluids are genetically linked to the magmas derived from the metasomatized SCLM. Combined with radiogenic isotopes, our study on the sulfur isotopes of mantle-derived magmas identifies the metasomatized mantle source of the gold and provides new evidence for establishing a geochemical link between metasomatized SCLM, derivative magmas, and the giant gold deposits, supporting the model that subduction-related metasomatism plays a key role in the enrichment of volatiles and gold in the SCLM for large-scale gold mineralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver fibrosis is a major global health concern. Management of chronic liver disease is severely restricted in clinics due to ineffective treatment approaches. However, a lack of targeted therapy may aggravate this condition. Asiatic acid (AA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid acid, can effectively protect the liver from hepatic disorders. However, the pharmaceutical application of AA is limited by low oral bioavailability and poor targeting efficiency. This study synthesized a novel liver-targeting material from PEG-SA, chemically linked to ursodeoxycholic acid (UA), and utilized it to modify AA nanostructured lipid carriers (UP-AA-NLC) with enhanced targeting and improved efficacy. The formulation of UP-AANLC was optimized via the Box-Behnken Experimental Design (BBD) and characterized by size, zeta potential, TEM, DSC, and XRD. Furthermore, in vitro antifibrotic activity and proliferation of AA and NLCs were assessed in LX-2 cells. The addition of UP-AA-NLC significantly stimulated the TGF-beta1-induced expression of a-SMA, FN1, and Col I a1. In vivo near-infrared fluorescence imaging and distribution trials in rats demonstrated that UP-AA-NLC could significantly improve oral absorption and liver-targeting efficiency. Oral UP-AA-NLC greatly alleviated carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury and fibrosis in rats in a dosage-dependent manner, as reflected by serum biochemical parameters (AST, ALT, and ALB), histopathological features (H&E and Masson staining), and antioxidant activity parameters (SOD and MDA). Also, treatment with UP-AA-NLC lowered liver hydroxyproline levels, demonstrating a reduction of collagen accumulation in the fibrotic liver. Collectively, optimized UP-AA-NLC has potential application prospects in liver-targeted therapy and holds great promise as a drug delivery system for treating liver diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of thermal exposure on a mullite fiber was analyzed. This type of mullite fiber, consisting of γ-Al 2 O 3 and amorphous SiO 2 , was developed for high-temperature applications. Heat treatments at temperatures ranging from 900 °C to 1500 °C for 1h were performed in air. Investigations showed that the tensile strength of the initial fiber was about 1.60 GPa. And the elastic modulus was about 133.51 GPa. The bundles' strength decreased at 900 °C slightly after thermal treatment, then increased and got a maximum at 1100 °C with 1.65 GPa. At above 1100 °C, the strength degraded sharply due to the mullite phase transformation and the exaggerated grain growth. At 1300 °C, the phase reaction almost finished with a tensile strength of 0.86 GPa. And the strength retention was only 47.50%. When the heat-treated temperature got to 1500 °C, the density of surface defects in the fiber surged, making it too fragile and weak to go through the tensile tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Reduced quality of life after cystectomy has made bladder preservation a popular research topic for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Previous research has indicated significant tumor downstaging after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). However, maximal transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) was performed before NAC to define the pathology, impacting the real evaluation of NAC. This research aimed to assess real NAC efficacy without interference from TURBT and apply combined modality therapies guided by NAC efficacy. Materials and Methods Patients with cT2-4aN0M0 MIBC were confirmed by cystoscopic biopsy and imaging. NAC efficacy was assessed by imaging, urine cytology, and cystoscopy with multidisciplinary team discussion. Definite responders (≤ T1) underwent TURBT plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Incomplete responders underwent radical cystectomy or partial cystectomy if feasible. The primary endpoint was the bladder preservation rate. Results Fifty-nine patients were enrolled, and the median age was 63 years. Patients with cT3-4 accounted for 75%. The median number of NAC cycles was three. Definite responders were 52.5%. The complete response (CR) was 10.2%, and 59.3% of patients received bladder-sparing treatments. With a median follow-up of 44.6 months, the 3-year overall survival (OS) was 72.8%. Three-year OS and relapse-free survival were 88.4% and 60.0% in the bladder-sparing group but only 74.3% and 37.5% in the cystectomy group. The evaluations of preserved bladder function were satisfactory. Conclusion After stratifying MIBC patients by NAC efficacy, definite responders achieved a satisfactory bladder-sparing rate, prognosis, and bladder function. The CR rate reflected the real NAC efficacy for MIBC. This therapy is worth verifying through multicenter research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]