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This article is an examination of how investors in the corporate bond market in emerging economies react to patents. To empirically explore this question, we constructed a sample of 1862 Chinese corporate bonds issued between 2004 and 2020 and gathered data on Chinese domestic patents, reverse innovation patents, and the validity of patents. The empirical results suggest that domestic patents are the primary source of information for bond investors in China when evaluating corporate innovation and that investors can successfully discern between patents that are valid and those that are not. At the same time, the positive relationship between corporate innovation and bond prices is found to be negatively moderated by credit ratings and state ownership. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complex curved composite components often rely on multiple reference curve algorithms for path planning in automated fiber placement. However, the reference curves are typically manually drawn. Moreover, designing the reference curves follows an iterative planning-analysis-improvement process, which can be inefficient. A new approach for the automatic pre-analysis and optimized generation of reference curves for fiber placement is proposed in this paper to enhance the efficiency of reference curve analysis and generation. Firstly, a pre-analysis algorithm for reference curves based on triangular meshes is proposed. This algorithm analyzes the theoretical geodesic curvature and angular deviation of the path before its planning. Subsequently, a comprehensive evaluation index for reference curve generation is formulated based on the pre-analysis algorithm, and the reference curve is optimized using genetic algorithms. The results demonstrate that the pre-analysis algorithm accurately computes the steering radius distribution of the path. Areas with over-limit steering radius can be eliminated while maintaining angular deviations within 10° by utilizing optimized reference curves for path planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context • Early intervention and treatment are key measures for tuberculosis (TB) prevention and control, making early, rapid, and accurate diagnostic methods crucial. The Liquid-solid (Biphasic) rapid cultures is a novel tool for the differential diagnosis of tuberculosis. Objective • The study intended to evaluate the value of the biphasic cultures by comparing it to the acid-fast staining and liquid cultures, which have been the traditional gold-standard technology, to determine its value in the diagnosis of TB. Design • The research team conducted an experimental study. Setting • The study took place at the Affiliated Wuxi Fifth Hospital of Jiangnan University in Wuxi, China. Participants • Participants were 221 patients with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis who had been admitted to the hospital between July 2020 and December 2021. Outcome Measures • Using three methods—liquid-solid (biphasic) culture, acid-fast staining, and mycobacterial growth indicator tube (MGIT) 960 liquid culture, the research team tested participants’ sputum samples: (1) for sensitivity; (2) for time to positive culture results, and (3) for differential diagnosis. Results • The biphasic culture’s sensitivity was significantly higher than that of acid-fast staining, (P = .0003), and no significant difference existed between it and the MGIT 960 liquid cultures. The biphasic cultures’s mean time to positivity was significantly shorter than that of the MGIT 960 liquid culture at the intervals 11-20 d (P < .0001) and 21-35 days (P = .0001). Moreover, the biphasic cultures could preliminarily differentiate nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) from mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), which is a significant advantage in tuberculosis diagnosis. Conclusions • This study highlights the potential of a biphasic culture as a reliable tool for the rapid differential diagnosis of tuberculosis, with a faster detection cycle and a higher sensitivity than conventional methods. The biphasic cultures is a valuable addition to the tuberculosis diagnostic armamentarium and can help improve patients’ outcomes by enabling earlier diagnosis and treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two‐dimensional nanofluidic membranes are promising candidates for various applications, such as energy conversion and ionic sensing. However, simultaneously achieving high stability and high ion transport in a nanofluidic membrane remains a great challenge. Herein, a robust and durable aramid nanofiber/carboxylated aramid nanofiber (ANF/cANF) nanofluidic hybrid membrane is designed with high ion conductivity and selectivity via surface grafting engineering and hybridization strategies. Due to the inherent ordered and asymmetric molecular structure, the strong interchain interactions of the ANF and the strong interfacial interactions between the ANF and cANF enable the membrane to exhibit robust structural stability in a wet state. Meanwhile, the enhanced surface charge enabled by the surface functionalization of carboxyl groups on the ANF results in excellent ion transport. As a result, the conductivity of the membrane is 5 and 36 times higher than the ANF membrane and bulk solution, respectively. Importantly, the ionic conductivity and mechanical strength of the membrane remain unchanged even after immersing in water for 90 days, demonstrating favorable underwater application potential. Moreover, the membrane is recyclable and has superior processability, allowing for large‐scale processing. This work provides a new strategy for designing durable and high‐ion‐transporting nanofluidic membranes for ion sensing and energy conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treatment of highly aggressive triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) in the clinic is challenging. Here, a liposome nanodrug (LP@PFH@HMME) integrating imaging agents and therapeutic agents for bimodal imaging‐guided sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is developed, which boosted immunogenicity to enable potent immunotherapy via immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) in TNBC. In the acidic tumor microenvironment (TME), LP@PFH@HMME undergoes "nano‐to‐micro" transformation due to a pH‐responsive lipid fusion, which makes droplets much more sensitive to ultrasound (US) in contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and SDT studies. The nanodrug demonstrates robust bimodal imaging ability through fluorine‐19 magnetic resonance imaging (19F MRI) and CEUS bimodal imaging, and it exhibits excellent solubility in aqueous solution with relatively high 19F content and desirable long transverse relaxation time (T2 = 1.072 s), making it suitable for high‐performance 19F MRI, in addition to effective accumulation of nanodrugs after tail vein injection. Thus, 19F MRI/CEUS dual imaging is achievable to show adequate time points for US irradiation of tumor sites to induce highly effective SDT, which produces abundant reactive oxygen species (ROS) triggering immunogenic cell death (ICD) to assist ICB‐based immunotherapy. The combination treatment design of sonodynamic therapy with immunotherapy effectively inhibited TNBC growth and recurrence, highlighting the promise of multifunctional nanodrugs in treating TNBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A durable and efficient hydrophobic/superoleophilic MIL-88A(Fe)@sponge (MS) with high throughput was fabricated via the dip-coating technique. Its adsorption capacities for pump oil, peanut oil, and CCl4 were 32.13 g g−1, 34.85 g g−1, and 34.25 g g−1, respectively. The hydrophobic surface of MS has excellent chemical resistance and physical stability in harsh environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple and efficient salicylaldehyde‐promoted cobalt‐catalyzed protocol for the C−H alkoxylation of aromatic amides by employing primary alcohols as the coupling partner has been developed. This method utilizes a 8‐aminoquinoline moiety as the directing group and successfully achieves the ortho−C−H alkoxylation in moderate to good yields under mild conditions. This protocol features excellent functional tolerance and broad substrate scope including natural products. In addition, the directing group could be easily removed as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The noise within train is a paradox; while harmful to passenger health, it is useful to operators as it provides insights into the working status of vehicles and tracks. Recently, methods for identifying defects based on interior noise signals are emerging, among which representation learning is the foundation for deep neural network models to understand the key information and structure of the data. To provide foundational data for track fault detection, a representation learning framework for interior noise, named the interior noise representation framework, is introduced. The method includes: (i) using wavelet transform to represent the original noise signal and designing a soft and hard denoising module for dataset denoising; (ii) deep residual convolutional denoising variational autoencoder (VAE) module performs representation learning with a VAE and deep residual convolutional neural networks, enabling richer data augmentation for sparsely labeled samples by manipulating the embedding space; (iii) deep embedding clustering submodule balances the representation of reconstruction and clustering features through the joint optimization of these aspects, categorizing metro noise into three distinct classes and effectively discriminating significantly different features. The experimental results show that, compared to traditional mechanism‐based models for characterizing interior noise, this approach offers a data‐driven general analysis framework, providing a foundational model for downstream tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MXenes exhibit unique structural flexibility, excellent carrier mobility and abundant active sites, making them valuable catalysts in photocatalysis. The electronic properties and photocatalytic activity of Janus ZrMCO 2 (M = Ti, Hf) MXenes are investigated by hybrid HSE06 functional. Photocatalytic activities of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are further explored. Structural stability is proved by negative cohesive energy and elastic stiffness coefficients. ZrTiCO 2 and ZrHfCO 2 are all direct semiconductors. Ti/Hf doping makes conduction band minimum (CBM) have a redshift and induces the reduction of band gaps of Janus systems. The three systems are potential photocatalysts due to their appropriate bandgaps and significant absorption in visible region. The irradiation-generated holes and electrons can easily drive the HER or OER on ZrHfCO 2 MXene due to the small overpotential. ZrHfCO 2 and Zr 2 CO 2 are highly efficient for photocatalytic hydrogen production with STH efficient of 30.3%. Hf doping improves the photocatalytic reduction of CO 2 , while The Ti/Hf doping doesn't improve the N 2 reduction. • Ti/Hf doping induces the reduction of band gaps of Janus systems. • ZrHfCO 2 and Zr 2 CO 2 are highly efficient for photocatalytic hydrogen production with STH efficient of 30.3%. • ZrHfCO 2 and Zr 2 CO 2 can perform complete PWS reactions in acidic solution. • Hf doping can reduce the overpotential for OER and HER of Zr 2 CO 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In vivo phosphorus-31 (31P) magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) imaging (MRSI) is an important non-invasive imaging tool for studying cerebral energy metabolism, intracellular nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and redox ratio, and mitochondrial function. However, it is challenging to achieve high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) 31P MRS/MRSI results owing to low phosphorus metabolites concentration and low phosphorous gyromagnetic ratio ( γ ). Many works have demonstrated that ultrahigh field (UHF) could significantly improve the 31P-MRS SNR. However, there is a lack of studies of the 31P MRSI SNR in the 10.5 Tesla (T) human scanner. In this study, we designed and constructed a novel 31P-1H dual-frequency loop-dipole probe that can operate at both 7T and 10.5T for a quantitative comparison of 31P MRSI SNR between the two magnetic fields, taking into account the RF coil B1 fields (RF coil receive and transmit fields) and relaxation times. We found that the SNR of the 31P MRS signal is 1.5 times higher at 10.5T as compared to 7T, and the power dependence of SNR on magnetic field strength (B0) is 1.9. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild Horse Optimizer (WHO) is a swarm-based meta-heuristic algorithm inspired by animal behavior, which mainly imitates the decent behavior, grazing behavior, mating behavior and leadership dominance behavior of wild horses in nature in their lives for finding the optimal. The location update method of WHO is prone to low convergence accuracy, poor global search ability and local optimum problems. With the aim of balancing global searchability and exploitation performance, an improved WHO that incorporates a dual weight starvation strategy and a random convergence factor is proposed. In the exploration stage, the starvation strategy is inspired by the starvation characteristics of animals, so that the algorithm can continuously adjust the stallion position according to the starvation level and automatically adjust the distance between the stallion and the wild horse according to the changing adaptation value, which improves the global search performance and can jump out of the local optimum at the same time. In the exploitation stage, a convergence factor is added to help it jump out of the local optimum and continue to search for a better solution. The simulation experiment on 23 benchmark functions is to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm being compared with Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA), Moth-Flame Optimization (MFO), Rat Swarm Optimizer (RSO), Multi-Verse Optimizer (MVO), Gray Wolf Optimizer (GWO) and Artificial Bee Swarm Optimizer (ALO). Finally two real engineering design problems were solved. The simulation results show that the proposed SD3WHO has a strong seeking capability and optimization performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TiZrTaNb-based high-entropy alloys (HEAs) are research frontier of biomedical materials due to their high hardness, good yield strength, excellent wear resistance and corrosion resistance. Sn, as an essential trace element in the human body that plays a significant role in physiological process. It has stable chemical properties and a low elastic modulus. In this study, a new material, TiZrTaNbSn HEAs, was proposed as a potential biomedical alloy. The Ti35Zr25Ta15Nb15Sn10 biomedical high-entropy alloys (BHEAs) were successfully prepared through an arc melting furnace and then remelted using a German high-temperature and high-pressure apparatus under GPa-level (4 GPa and 7 GPa). The precipitation behavior of the needle-like HCP-Zr5Sn3 phase that precipitates discontinuously at the grain boundary was successfully controlled. The phase constitution, microstructure, and corrosion resistance of the alloy were studied. The results show that the needle-like HCP-Zr5Sn3 phase is eliminated and the (Zr, Sn)-rich nanoprecipitated phase is precipitated in the microstructure under high pressure, which leads to the narrowing of grain boundaries and consequently improves the corrosion resistance of the alloy. In addition, the formation mechanisms of (Zr, Sn)-rich nanoprecipitates in BHEAs were discussed. More Zr and Sn dissolve in the matrix due to the effect of high pressure, during the cooling process, they precipitate to form a (Zr, Sn)-rich nano-precipitated phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coinage metal (Au, Ag, Cu) cluster and polyoxometalate (POM) cluster represent two types of subnanometer “artificial atoms” with significant potential in catalysis, sensing, and nanomedicine. While composite clusters combining Ag/Cu clusters with POM have achieved considerable success, the assembly of gold clusters with POM is still lagging. Herein, we first designedly synthesized two cluster structural units: an Au3O cluster stabilized by diverse N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands and an amine‐terminated POM linker. The subsequent reaction involved amine substitution in the POM linker for the central O atom in the Au3O cluster, resulting in the first ternary composite cluster—a POM cluster sandwiched by two Au clusters protected by NHCs. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and other characteristic methods characterized their atomically precise structures. Furthermore, altering the NHC ligands decreased the number of gold atoms in the sandwich structures, accompanying the different protonated degrees of amine ligand in the terminal end of the POM linker. These composite clusters showed excellent performances in catalytic H2O2 conversion through the synergistic effect between gold clusters and POM clusters. This work opens a new avenue to functional composite metal clusters and would promote their enhanced catalysis applications through intercluster synergistic interactions within composite systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Li metal is regarded as the "Holy Grail" in the next generation of anode materials due to its high theoretical capacity and low redox potential. However, sluggish Li ions interfacial transport kinetics and uncontrollable Li dendrites growth limit practical application of the energy storage system in high‐power device. Herein, separators are modified by the addition of a coating, which spontaneously grafts onto the Li anode interface for in situ lithiation. The resultant alloy possessing of strong electron‐donating property promotes the decomposition of lithium bistrifluoromethane sulfonimide in the electrolyte to form a LiF‐rich alloy‐doped solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer. High ionic alloy solid solution diffusivity and electric field dispersion modulation accelerate Li ions transport and uniform stripping/plating, resulting in a high‐power dendrite‐free Li metal anode interface. Surprisingly, the formulated SEI layer achieves an ultra‐long cycle life of over 8000 h (20,000 cycles) for symmetric cells at a current density of 10 mA cm−2. It also ensures that the NCM(811)//PP@Au//Li full cell at ultra‐high currents (40 C) completes the charging/discharging process in only 68 s to provide high capacity of 151 mAh g−1. The results confirm that this scalable strategy has great development potential in realizing high power dendrite‐free Li metal anode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Li metal is regarded as the "Holy Grail" in the next generation of anode materials due to its high theoretical capacity and low redox potential. However, sluggish Li ions interfacial transport kinetics and uncontrollable Li dendrites growth limit practical application of the energy storage system in high‐power device. Herein, separators are modified by the addition of a coating, which spontaneously grafts onto the Li anode interface for in situ lithiation. The resultant alloy possessing of strong electron‐donating property promotes the decomposition of lithium bistrifluoromethane sulfonimide in the electrolyte to form a LiF‐rich alloy‐doped solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer. High ionic alloy solid solution diffusivity and electric field dispersion modulation accelerate Li ions transport and uniform stripping/plating, resulting in a high‐power dendrite‐free Li metal anode interface. Surprisingly, the formulated SEI layer achieves an ultra‐long cycle life of over 8000 h (20,000 cycles) for symmetric cells at a current density of 10 mA cm−2. It also ensures that the NCM(811)//PP@Au//Li full cell at ultra‐high currents (40 C) completes the charging/discharging process in only 68 s to provide high capacity of 151 mAh g−1. The results confirm that this scalable strategy has great development potential in realizing high power dendrite‐free Li metal anode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuroinflammation and endothelial cell apoptosis are prominent features of blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption, which have been described in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and can predict cognitive decline. Recent reports revealed vascular β-amyloid (Aβ) deposits, Muller cell degeneration and microglial dysfunction in the retina of AD patients. However, there has been no in-depth research on the roles of inflammation, retinal endothelial cell apoptosis, and blood-retinal barrier (BRB) damage in AD retinopathy. We found that Raddeanin A (RDA) could improve pathological and cognitive deficits in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease by targeting β-amyloidosis, However, the effects of RDA on AD retinal function require further study. To clarify whether RDA inhibits inflammation and apoptosis and thus improves BRB function in AD-related retinopathy. In vitro we used Aβ-treated HRECs and MIO-M1 cells, and in vivo we used 3×Tg-AD mice to investigate the effect of RDA on BRB in AD-related retinopathy. We found that RDA could improve BRB function in AD-related retinopathy by inhibiting NLRP3-mediated inflammation and suppressing Wnt/β-catenin pathway-mediated apoptosis, which is expected to improve the pathological changes in AD-related retinopathy and the quality of life of AD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerical simulations were performed to analyze the external flow field characteristics of a non-pneumatic tire (NPT) with flexible spokes. The simulation results revealed that the acute shoulders and cavities formed by spokes are the principal contributors to the high aerodynamic drag and ventilation moment (VM). By changing the parameters of the shear bands, a significant reduction in the aerodynamic drag coefficient (Cd) and ventilation moment could be achieved. Taking the minimum aerodynamic drag coefficient and ventilation moment as optimization objectives, a five-factor and four-level orthogonal experiment was designed with the spoke thickness, spoke radial length, spoke curvature, spoke outer offset rate, and spoke inner offset rate as the design parameters. The optimal combination of spoke parameters was obtained by range analysis and variance analysis, with the reduction of Cd and VM by 6.25% and 16.55%, respectively. Meanwhile, the feasibility of optimization parameters of the shear bands and spokes was confirmed by mechanical performance test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the actual industrial application of robots, the characteristics of robot malfunctions change accordingly as the working environment becomes increasingly diverse and complex. Utilizing the original fault diagnosis models in new working environments correspondingly leads to a decline in the performance and the generalization capability of the model. Moreover, the monitoring data collected in new working processes often has limited or no labels, making the diagnosis models trained with this data unable to identify faults accurately. In this paper, we propose a Domain adaptive Cross-process Fault Diagnosis method (DCFD) to leverage knowledge from existing working processes for diagnosing faults in new working processes. DCFD uses Multi-Kernel Maximum Mean Discrepancy (MK-MMD) to measure the difference between the current working processes and the previous working processes, enhancing the fault diagnosis capability of the robotic system in cross-process scenarios. DCFD achieves an average fault classification accuracy of 98% on 12 types of migration tasks, which demonstrates the effectiveness of DCFD on cross-process fault diagnosis classification tasks in real-time industrial application scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This meta-analysis evaluated the association of ABO blood type on central venous catheter-related thrombosis (CRT). Methods: Data were derived from 8477 patients at Sichuan Cancer Hospital from January 2015 to December 2021 and articles previously published in Chinese and English databases. Data from our hospital were collected by reviewing electronic medical records. Searched databases included CNKI, VIP, Wan Fang, China Biomedical, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EMBASE, CINAHL, and OVID (up to July 2023). All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 22.0 and Revman 5.3. The Bonferroni method was used to adjust the α test level for reducing the risk of I errors in the multiple comparisons. A P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Continuous variables were analyzed using a two-independent sample T test. The chi-squared test was used to analyze categorical data. Results: A total of 818 studies were identified in the search. However, only four studies met the inclusion criteria. Combined with data from our hospital, five studies were included with a total of 18407 cases. Those studies only focused on peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). According to the data from our hospital, logistic regression revealed that myelosuppression [odds ratio (OR), 1.473; P = 0.005) and radiotherapy(OR, 1.524; P<0.001) were independent risk factors for symptomatic PICC- VTE. Blood types A (OR, 1.404; P = 0.008), B (OR, 1.393; P = 0.016), and AB (OR, 1.861; P<0.001) were associated with a significantly higher risk of symptomatic PICC-VTE than blood type O. And the hematologic tumor has a significantly higher risk of PICC-VTE than breast cancer (OR, 0.149; P < 0.001), and gynecological tumor (OR, 0.386; P = 0.002). In the meta-analysis of the association between ABO blood type and PICC related thrombosis, the I2 statistic was not significant in any of the pairwise comparisons, and a fixed-effects model was subsequently used for all analyses. The meta-analysis indicated that the incidence of symptomatic PICC related thrombosis was significantly lower in individuals with the O blood type (3.30%) than in those with the A (4.92%), B (5.20%), or AB (6.58%) blood types (all P < 0.0083). However, in the pairwise comparisons among A, B, and AB, the differences were nonsignificant (P > 0.0083). Conclusions: According to the results from our single center analysis, we found that myelosuppression, radiotherapy, hematologic tumor, and non-O blood type were independent risk factors for symptomatic PICC related thrombosis. In the meta-analysis of further exploration of ABO blood type and PICC related thrombosis, we found that ABO blood type may influence PICC related thrombosis, and individuals with the O blood type had a lower risk of PICC related thrombosis than those with non-O blood type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The orexin system is closely related to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Orexin-A aggravates cognitive dysfunction and increases amyloid β (Aβ) deposition in AD model mice, but studies of different dual orexin receptor (OXR) antagonists in AD have shown inconsistent results. Our previous study revealed that OX1R blockade aggravates cognitive deficits and pathological progression in 3xTg-AD mice, but the effects of OX2R and its potential mechanism in AD have not been reported. In the present study, OX2R was blocked by oral administration of the selective OX2R antagonist MK-1064, and the effects of OX2R blockade on cognitive dysfunction and neuropsychiatric symptoms in 3xTg-AD mice were evaluated via behavioral tests. Then, immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and ELISA were used to detect Aβ deposition, tau phosphorylation, and neuroinflammation, and electrophysiological and wheel-running activity recording were recorded to observe hippocampal synaptic plasticity and circadian rhythm. The results showed that OX2R blockade ameliorated cognitive dysfunction, improved LTP depression, increased the expression of PSD-95, alleviated anxiety- and depression-like behaviors and circadian rhythm disturbances in 3xTg-AD mice, and reduced Aβ pathology, tau phosphorylation, and neuroinflammation in the brains of 3xTg-AD mice. These results indicated that chronic OX2R blockade exerts neuroprotective effects in 3xTg-AD mice by reducing AD pathology at least partly through improving circadian rhythm disturbance and the sleep-wake cycle and that OX2R might be a potential target for the prevention and treatment of AD; however, the potential mechanism by which OX2R exerts neuroprotective effects on AD needs to be further investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• MRKH patients experience postoperative psychological and sexual distress. • Higher incidence of postoperative depression and anxiety symptoms in MRKH patients. • The FSFI scores were positively associated with self-esteem and negatively with depression and anxiety scores. • The patient's sexual arousal increased significantly with time after surgery. The Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is a rare condition with significant psychological implications. However, our understanding of its impact on postoperative sexual function and mental health is still limited. Evaluate the mental health status and sexual functioning of women with MRKH syndrome after vaginoplasty surgery. We enrolled 53 cases with MRKH syndrome who underwent artificial vaginoplasty. The participants were asked to participate in a two-round survey conducted between February 2021 during the covid-19 period and March 2023. The survey included questionnaires to measure depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and sexual functioning. Differences between scores over time were analysed using a paired sample t -test, and we assessed the correlation between mental health and sexual functioning. In the first round, patients' mean ± SD age at surgery was 23.6 ± 4.5 years old, and the mean ± SD time that had elapsed since surgery at the time of the survey was 34.2 ± 20.8 months. None of the patients reported low self-esteem, 45.3 % reported mild-to-moderate depression, and 34.0 % reported mild anxiety. Thirty patients have had vaginal intercourse during the last six months. The mean ± SD Female Sexual Functioning Index score was 24.6 ± 4.4, and 60.0 % had a score of 23.5 or higher, indicating high sexual functioning. The sexual functioning scores were positively correlated with self-esteem scores and negatively correlated with depression or anxiety scores (p < 0.05). There was no significant improvement in patient's mental health status and sexual function between the second round survey (71.3 ± 17.8 months after surgery) and the first round survey (p > 0.05). In contrast, the sexual arousal of FSFI were significantly higher in the second survey round (p < 0.05). Most patients undergoing vaginoplasty reported persisting mental health challenges. However, the majority reported good sexual functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Non-pharmacological interventions have a myriad of available intervention options and contain multiple components. Whether specific components of non-pharmacological interventions or combinations are superior to others remains unclear. The main aim of this study is to compare the effects of different combinations of non-pharmacological interventions and their specific components on health-related outcomes in adults with subjective cognitive decline. Methods: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL, PsycINFO, CENTRAL, Web of Science, and China's two largest databases, CNKI and Wanfang, were searched from inception to 22nd, January 2023. Randomized controlled trials using non-pharmacological interventions and reporting health outcomes in adults with subjective cognitive decline were included. Two independent reviewers screened studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. Component network meta-analysis was conducted employing an additive component model for network meta-analysis. This study followed the PRISMA reporting guideline and the PRISMA checklist is presented in Additional file 2. Results: A total of 39 trials with 2959 patients were included (range of mean ages, 58.79–77.41 years). Resistance exercise might be the optimal intervention for reducing memory complaints in adults with subjective cognitive decline; the surface under the cumulative ranking p score was 0.888, followed by balance exercise (p = 0.859), aerobic exercise (p = 0.832), and cognitive interventions (p = 0.618). Music therapy, cognitive training, transcranial direct current stimulation, mindfulness therapy, and balance exercises might be the most effective intervention components for improving global cognitive function (iSMD, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.36 to 1.29), language (iSMD, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.24 to 0.38), ability to perform activities of daily living (iSMD, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.21 to 0.89), physical health (iSMD, 3.29; 95% CI, 2.57 to 4.00), and anxiety relief (iSMD, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.26 to 1.16), respectively. Conclusions: The form of physical activity performed appears to be more beneficial than cognitive interventions in reducing subjective memory complaints for adults with subjective cognitive decline, and this difference was reflected in resistance, aerobic, and balance exercises. Randomized clinical trials with high-quality and large-scale are warranted to validate the findings. Trial registration: PROSPERO registry number. CRD42022355363. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sarcopenia is highly prevalent among patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Computed tomography (CT)‐based assessment of low skeletal muscle index (SMI) is widely used for diagnosing sarcopenia. However, there are conflicting findings on the association between low SMI and overall survival (OS) in CRC patients. The objective of this study was to investigate whether CT‐determined low SMI can serve as a valuable prognostic factor in CRC. Methods: We collected data from patients with CRC who underwent radical surgery at our institution between June 2020 and November 2021. The SMI at the third lumbar vertebra was calculated using CT scans, and the cutoff values for defining low SMI were determined using receiver operating characteristic curves. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the associations between clinical characteristics and postoperative major complications. Results: A total of 464 patients were included in the study, 229 patients (46.7%) were classified as having low SMI. Patients with low SMI were older and had a lower body mass index (BMI), a higher neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and higher nutritional risk screening 2002 (NRS2002) scores compared to those with normal SMI. Furthermore, patients with sarcopenia had a higher rate of major complications (10.9% vs. 1.3%; p < 0.001) and longer length of stay (9.09 ± 4.86 days vs. 8.25 ± 3.12 days; p = 0.03). Low SMI and coronary heart disease were identified as independent risk factors for postoperative major complications. Moreover, CRC patients with low SMI had significantly worse OS. Furthermore, the combination of low SMI with older age or TNM stage II + III resulted in the worst OS in each subgroup analysis. Conclusions: CT‐determined low SMI is associated with poor prognosis in patients with CRC, especially when combined with older age or advanced TNM stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although sorafenib has been consistently used as a first-line treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), most patients will develop resistance, and the mechanism of resistance to sorafenib needs further study. Methods: Using KAS-seq technology, we obtained the ssDNA profiles within the whole genome range of SMMC-7721 cells treated with sorafenib for differential analysis. We then intersected the differential genes obtained from the analysis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients in GSE109211 who were ineffective and effective with sorafenib treatment, constructed a PPI network, and obtained hub genes. We then analyzed the relationship between the expression of these genes and the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Results: In this study, we identified 7 hub ERGs (ACTB, CFL1, ACTG1, ACTN1, WDR1, TAGLN2, HSPA8) related to drug resistance, and these genes are associated with the cytoskeleton. Conclusions: The cytoskeleton is associated with sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma. Using KAS-seq to analyze the early changes in tumor cells treated with drugs is feasible for studying the drug resistance of tumors, which provides reference significance for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Plant health is intricately linked to crop quality, food security and agricultural productivity. Obtaining accurate plant health information is of paramount importance in the realm of precision agriculture. Wearable sensors offer an exceptional avenue for investigating plant health status and fundamental plant science, as they enable real‐time and continuous in‐situ monitoring of physiological biomarkers. However, a comprehensive overview that integrates and critically assesses wearable plant sensors across various facets, including their fundamental elements, classification, design, sensing mechanism, fabrication, characterization and application, remains elusive. In this study, we provide a meticulous description and systematic synthesis of recent research progress in wearable sensor properties, technology and their application in monitoring plant health information. This work endeavours to serve as a guiding resource for the utilization of wearable plant sensors, empowering the advancement of plant health within the precision agriculture paradigm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Double traditional metal (TM) Janus MXenes have more superior properties when compared with MXenes. The electronic and optical properties, Bader charge and quantum capacitance of ZrMCO 2 (M = Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta, W) are explored by density functional theory (DFT). The stability of these systems is confirmed by cohesive energy. The substitution of Ti/Hf atoms results in the decrease of bandgap of ZrTiCO 2 /ZrHfCO 2 , which is induced by the redshift of conduction band minimum (CBM). ZrMCO 2 (M = Cr, Mn) are magnetic semiconductors and ZrMCO 2 (M = Sc, V, Y, Fe) are magnetic metals. All doping atoms except Hf improve the maximum quantum capacitance of ZrMCO 2 at positive bias. Wide voltage makes ZrMCO 2 (M = Nb, Ta, W) change into anode material and ZrFeCO 2 into cathode material. ZrMCO 2 (M = Sc, Mn, Y, Hf, Zr) and ZrMCO 2 (M = V, Cr) can serve as cathode and anode materials in whole voltage, respectively. Much charge accumulating between Fe and C atoms results in the smallest Fe–C bond among all M − C bonds, which indicates the strongest interaction between Fe and C atoms. Optical properties and work function are further explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the test situation of pulmonary nodules among health examination population in a certain area and analyze its relationship with lifestyle and dietary habits. Methods A study was conducted on 10 580 individuals who underwent health examinations at the health management center of The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University from June 2022 to June 2023, regardless of occupation. All health examines underwent low-dose spiral computed tomography (LDCT) lung examination to screen for pulmonary nodule patients, the detection rate and imaging characteristics of pulmonary nodules were analyzed, and a questionnaire survey on their lifestyle and dietary habits was conducted, the relationship between the detection rate of pulmonary nodules and lifestyle and dietary habits were analyzed. Results A total of 2 054 positive cases of pulmonary nodules were detected among 10 580 healthy individuals, with a detection rate of 19.41%. Among them, 320 cases were of type 1 nodules (3.02%), 1 425 cases were of type 2 nodules (13.47%), 218 cases were of type 3 nodules (2.06%), and 91 cases were of type 4 nodules (0.86%). There was a statistically significant difference in the classification of Lung RANDS for positive pulmonary nodules of different densities and sizes (P < 0.05). There were statistically significant differences in the detection rate of pulmonary nodules among healthy individuals of different ages, genders, occupational environments, smoking habits, participation in physical exercise, and dietary habits (whether you have the habit of eating breakfast, whether you eat a high-oil diet, whether you eat fried products and the combination of meat and vegetables) . Multivariate logistic regression results showed that males (OR = 2.143, 95% CI: 1.151-3. 9880), smokers (OR = 2.234, 95% CI: 1.435-3.480), aged over 40 years old (OR = 1.451, 95% CI: 1.031-2.040), not participating in physical exercise (OR = 1.582, 95% CI: 1.157-2.165), and no habit of eating breakfast (OR = 1.404, 95% CI: 1.036-1.902), high oil diet (OR = 1.409, 95% CI: 1.073-1.850) and eat fried products (OR = 1.795, 95% CI: 1.269-2.539) were independent risk factors for pulmonary nodules in healthy individuals in this region (P < 0.05) . Conclusion The detection rate of pulmonary nodules in the health examination population in Luzhou region is relatively high, and related lifestyle and dietary habits may affect the occurrence of pulmonary nodules. It is recommended to actively carry out LDCT for people over 40 years old in this area, focusing on high-risk groups who smoke, do not participate in physical exercise, have habits of not eating breakfast, high oil diet and eating fried products. Early detection and management of high-risk pulmonary nodules can reduce the risk of lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) are the first-line treatment option for anemia in patients with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (LR-MDS). A systematic literature review was conducted to identify evidence of the association between prognostic factors and ESA response/failure in LR-MDS. MEDLINE, Embase, and relevant conferences were searched systematically for studies assessing the association between prognostic factors and ESA response/failure in adult patients. Of 1566 citations identified, 38 were included. Patient risk status in studies published from 2000 onwards was commonly assessed using the International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) or revised IPSS. ESA response was generally assessed using the International Working Group MDS criteria. Among the included studies, statistically significant relationships were found, in both univariate and multivariate analyses, between ESA response and the following prognostic factors: higher hemoglobin levels, lower serum erythropoietin levels, and transfusion independence. Furthermore, other prognostic factors such as age, bone marrow blasts, serum ferritin level, IPSS risk status, and karyotype status did not demonstrate statistically significant relationships with ESA response. This systematic literature review has confirmed prognostic factors of ESA response/failure. Guidance to correctly identify patients with these characteristics could be helpful for clinicians to provide optimal treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer is a highly heterogeneous disease with varied subtypes, prognoses and therapeutic responsiveness. Human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA-I) shapes the immunity and thereby influences the outcome of breast cancer. However, the implications of HLA-I variations in breast cancer remain poorly understood. In this study, we established a multiomics cohort of 1156 Chinese breast cancer patients for HLA-I investigation. We calculated four important HLA-I indicators in each individual, including HLA-I expression level, somatic HLA-I loss of heterozygosity (LOH), HLA-I evolutionary divergence (HED) and peptide-binding promiscuity (Pr). Then, we evaluated their distribution and prognostic significance in breast cancer subtypes. We found that the four breast cancer subtypes had distinct features of HLA-I indicators. Increased expression of HLA-I and LOH were enriched in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), while Pr was relatively higher in hot tumors within TNBCs. In particular, a higher Pr indicated a better prognosis in TNBCs by regulating the infiltration of immune cells and the expression of immune molecules. Using the matched genomic and transcriptomic data, we found that mismatch repair deficiency-related mutational signature and pathways were enriched in low- Pr TNBCs, suggesting that targeting mismatch repair deficiency for synthetic lethality might be promising therapy for these patients. In conclusion, we presented an overview of HLA-I indicators in breast cancer and provided hints for precision treatment for low- Pr TNBCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: We analyzed the effect of dexmedetomidine (DEX) as a local anesthetic adjuvant on postoperative delirium (POD) in elderly patients undergoing elective hip surgery. Methods: In this study, 120 patients undergoing hip surgery were enrolled and randomly assigned to two groups: fascia iliaca compartment block with DEX + ropivacaine (the Y group, n = 60) and fascia iliaca compartment block with ropivacaine (the R group, n = 60). The primary outcomes: presence of delirium during the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) period and on the first day (D1), the second day (D2), and the third day (D3) after surgery. The secondary outcomes: preoperative and postoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), occurrence of insomnia on the preoperative day, day of operation, D1 and D2; HR values of patients in both groups before iliac fascia block (T1), 30 min after iliac fascia block (T2), at surgical incision (T3), 20 min after incision (T4), when they were transferred out of the operating room (T5) and after leaving the recovery room (T6) at each time point; VAS for T1, PACU, D1, D2; the number of patients requiring remedial analgesics within 24 h after blockade and related complications between the two groups. Results: A total of 97 patients were included in the final analysis, with 11 and 12 patients withdrawing from the R and Y groups, respectively. The overall incidence of POD and its incidence in the PACU and ward were all lesser in the Y group than in the R group (p <0.05). Additionally, fewer cases required remedial analgesia during the PACU period, and more vasoactive drugs were used for maintaining circulatory system stability in the Y group as compared to the R group (p <0.05). At the same time, the incidence of intraoperative and postoperative bradycardia in the Y group was higher than that in the R group, accompanied by lower postoperative CRP and ESR (all p <0.05). Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided high fascia iliaca compartment block with a combination of ropivacaine and DEX can reduce the incidence of POD, the use of intraoperative opioids and postoperative remedial analgesics, and postoperative inflammation in elderly patients who have undergone hip surgery, indicating that this method could be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of POD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined teachers' perceptions and attitudes toward students with special education needs (SEN) in primary and secondary schools in Foshan city located in the Guangdong province. The factors affecting teachers' perceptions were investigated through a survey with 1,424 participants. The results indicated that the teachers' perceptions of students with SEN were influenced by gender, age, class teacher role, administrator role, subject taught, type of disability of students, school support resources, and job demands. The findings extended current understanding of the influential factors on teacher's perception. Moreover, it raised a concern for school level support that will contribute to the building of inclusive environment. Re-examination of the inclusive policy from the perspective of a whole school support approach is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluoro‐ and chlorofluorocabons (FC/CFCs) are important refrigerants, solvents, and fluoropolymers in industry while being toxic and carrying high global warming potential. Detection and reclamation of FC/CFCs based on adsorption technology with highly selective adsorbents is important to labor safety and environmental protection. Herein, the study reports an integrated method to combine capture, separation, enrichment, and analysis of representative FC/CFCs (chlorodifluoromethane(R22) and 1,1,1,2‐tetrafluoroethane (R134a)) by using the highly stable and porous Zr‐MOF, DUT‐67. Gas adsorption and breakthrough experiments demonstrate that DUT‐67 has high R22/R134a uptake (124/116 cm3 g−1) and excellent R22/R134a/CO2 separation performance (IAST selectivities of R22/CO2 and R134a/CO2 ranging from 51.4 to 33.3, and 31.1 to 25.8), even in rather low concentration and humid conditions. A semi‐quantitative analysis protocol is set up to analyze the low concentrations of R22/R134a based on the high selective R22/R134a adsorption ability, fast adsorption kinetics, water‐resistant utility, facile regeneration, and excellent recyclability of DUT‐67. In situ single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, theoretical calculations, and in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectra have been employed to understand the adsorption mechanism. This work may provide a potential adsorbent for purge and trap technique under room temperature, thus promoting the application of MOFs for VOCs sampling and quantitative analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess and compare the effectiveness of various treatment approaches for laryngeal contact granulomas (LCG). Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of 45 patients diagnosed with LCG at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from October 2017 to May 2023. Based on the treatment modalities administered, patients were categorized into three groups: acid suppression alone, hormone injection combined with acid suppression, and surgery combined with acid suppression. Subsequently, the study compared differences in treatment efficacy and average healing time among these three groups, using various indicators. Results: The findings indicate that the granuloma size in LCG patients with hoarseness (0.126, 95% CI 0.087–0.288) was significantly greater compared to LCG patients without hoarseness (0.047, 95% CI 0.014–0.083) (P = 0.001). However, there were no significant variations in age, morphology (unlobulated/lobulated), laterality ratio (left/right), sex ratio (male/female), history of tracheal intubation (non-intubation/intubation), and RFS score (RFS > 7/RFS ≤ 7) (P > 0.05), regardless of the presence of hoarseness symptoms. At the treatment observation endpoint of 3 months, the curative ratio in the group receiving hormone injection combined with acid suppression was found to be significantly higher compared to the group receiving acid suppression alone (P = 0.018). In addition, the average healing time of patients in the hormone injection combined with acid suppression group was notably shorter than that of the acid suppression alone group (P = 0.007). Conclusions: The combination of hormonal injections and acid suppression may enhance the curative ratio and expedite the healing time of LCG. Level of evidence: 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the role of interleukin (IL)‐17 in connective tissue disease‐associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (CTD‐PAH) and to investigate its possible mechanism on pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). Methods: Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to compare levels of serum IL‐17 in patients with CTD‐PAH and healthy controls (HCs). After treatment for 3 months, the serum IL‐17 levels were tested in CTD‐PAH. ELISA and immunohistochemistry were used to compare levels of serum IL‐17 and numbers of pulmonary artery IL‐17+ cells, respectively, in a rat model of monocrotaline‐induced PAH and untreated rats. Proliferation, migration, and inflammatory factors expression of PASMCs were assessed after stimulation with different concentrations of IL‐17 for various time periods. Proteins in the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway were examined by western blot. Results: Levels of IL‐17 were upregulated in patients with CTD‐PAH compared to HCs. After 3 months of treatment, serum IL‐17 levels were downregulated with pulmonary artery pressure amelioration. Moreover, serum IL‐17 levels and numbers of IL‐17+ cells infiltrating lung arterioles were increased in PAH model rats. IL‐17 could dose‐ and time‐dependently promote proliferation and migration of PASMCs as well as time‐dependently induce IL‐6 and intercellular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) expression. The levels of MKK6 increased after IL‐17 treatment. Inhibition of MAPK decreased proliferation of PASMCs. Conclusion: Levels of IL‐17 may increase in CTD‐PAH, and IL‐17 promotes proliferation, migration, and secretion of IL‐6 and ICAM in PASMCs, respectively, which likely involves the p‐38 MAPK pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluid mechanics is a branch of physics that focuses on the study of the behavior and laws of motion of fluids, including gases, liquids, and plasmas. The Yu–Toda–Sasa–Fukuyama equation, a class of Kadomtsev–Petviashvili type equations, is a significant integrable model with applications in fluids and other fields. In this paper, we study breather and soliton solutions of a generalized (3 + 1)-dimensional YTSF equation. By utilizing the Hirota bilinear method and Painlevé analysis, we construct solutions in the form of trigonometric and hyperbolic functions and analyze the interaction between waves graphically. We consider the characteristics of wave distribution along characteristic lines to obtain the distance between each wave and the angle generated, which is beneficial for understanding the ocean wave superposition effect. Additionally, we examine the dynamic characteristics of the wave, such as amplitude, velocity, period, shape, position, width, and phase. Furthermore, we investigate the effects of the system parameters on solitons and breathers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the potential electrophysiological biomarkers of human responses by comparing the electroencephalogram brain wave changes towards lavender versus normal saline in a healthy human population. Method: This study included a total of 44 participants without subjective olfactory disturbances. Lavender and normal saline were used as the olfactory stimulant and control. Electroencephalogram was recorded and power spectra were analysed by the spectral analysis for each alpha, beta, delta, theta and gamma bandwidth frequency upon exposure to lavender and normal saline independently. Results: The oscillatory brain activities in response to the olfactory stimulant indicated that the lavender smell decreased the beta activity in the left frontal (F7 electrode) and central region (C3 electrode) with a reduction in the gamma activity in the right parietal region (P4 electrode) (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Olfactory stimulants result in changes of electrical brain activities in different brain regions, as evidenced by the topographical brain map and spectra analysis of each brain wave. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the historical perspective and current status of drying research and development (R&D) in China. The International Drying Symposium (IDS) series was launched in 1978, and since then, China has made significant contributions to drying science, engineering, and technology. The article highlights the exponential growth in Chinese publications on drying and the top institutions and industries involved in drying R&D. It also mentions the development of various drying technologies in China, such as single droplet drying, microwave-assisted spouted bed drying, and pulsed vacuum drying. Additionally, the article discusses the growth of the drying equipment manufacturing industry in China and the country's role in organizing academic conferences on drying. China is expected to continue advancing in the field of drying and promoting high-quality development and energy-efficient practices. [Extracted from the article]

Background: This study aimed to compare the outcomes of double−armed two−suture longitudinal intussusception microsurgical vasoepididymostomy (LIVE) and single−armed two−suture LIVE techniques in patients with epididymal obstructive azoospermia (EOA). The main outcomes assessed were patency rates, patency time, semen quality and natural pregnancy rates. Methods: Data from patients with EOA who underwent two−suture LIVE were obtained from databases including PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science. Weighted data were analyzed using a random−effects model, and weighted mean differences were reported. Results: A total of 1574 patients with EOA from 24 studies were included. The overall patency rate was approximately 68% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 63–72%), with a patency time of approximately 4.63 months (95% CI: 4.15–5.12). The sperm concentration reached 26.90 million/ml and the sperm motility was 23.74%. The natural pregnancy rate was 38% (95% CI: 31–46%). The different definitions of patency do not seem to have any meaningful impact when comparing patency rates. There was no significant difference in patency rates, patency time, semen quality and natural pregnancy rates between the double−armed and single−armed LIVE techniques. Conclusion: The single−armed LIVE is a potential alternative surgical option when high quality double−needle sutures are not easily accessible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the extent of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) and superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) damage in patients with idiopathic vocal cord paralysis (IVCP) exhibiting different paralytic sides. Methods: A total of 84 IVCP cases were evaluated using stroboscopic laryngoscopy, voice analysis, and laryngeal electromyography (LEMG). The results were compared between patients with left‐sided paralysis and right‐sided paralysis based on different disease courses (less than or more than 3 months). Results: Initially, the average age and disease progression of IVCP patients were found to be similar regardless of the side of paralysis (p >.05). Additionally, there were no significant variations in voice indicators, such as MPT, DSI, and VHI, between IVCP patients with left and right vocal cord paralysis (p >.05). Furthermore, no disparities were detected in the latencies and amplitudes of the paralyzed RLN and SLN, as well as the durations and amplitudes of the action potentials in the paralyzed TM and PCM, among IVCP patients with left and right vocal cord paralysis (p >.05). Notably, the amplitudes of the left paralytic CM were significantly lower than those of the right paralytic CM (0.45 vs. 0.53, Z = −2.013, p =.044). In addition, no disparities were observed in APDs and amplitudes between the ipsilateral PCM and TM, either for patients with left or right vocal fold paralysis (p >.05). Finally, all the IVCP patients were subdivided into two subgroups according to different disease course (less than or more than 3 months), and in each subgroup, the comparison of voice indicators and LEMG results in IVCP patients with left or right vocal fold paralysis were similar with the above findings (p >.05). Conclusion: Overall, the degree of RLN and SLN damage appeared to be similar in IVCP patients with left and right vocal cord paralysis, provided that the disease course was comparable. Level of Evidence: 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This letter proposes a broadband mono‐cone antenna with a shorted parasitic ring and parasitic metal pillars. Four parasitic metal pillars expand the high‐frequency operation band, while a shorted parasitic ring increases the current flow path and expands the low‐frequency operation band. A 148.3% impedance bandwidth for VSWR ≤ 2 from 0.831 to 5.6 GHz is attained. The antenna has stable radiation performance across the entire operation spectrum. The simulated and measured results show a good agreement. It is exceptionally compatible with GSM900, DCS1800, PCS1900, UMTS, IMT2000, WiBro, WiMAX2350/3500, LPWAN, wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11b), and a portion of the WLAN/Wi‐Fi frequency spectrum. Indoor applications such as wireless energy collection, partial discharge detection, and so on are possible for the proposed antenna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Given the evidence that the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a number of case-control studies have attempted to assess the relationship between genetic polymorphisms in MMP genes and COPD risk. However, reliable measures of these results are lacking. Material and methods: We assessed the published evidence for association of the MMP-3, MMP-9 and MMP-12 polymorphisms with COPD risk using meta-analytic techniques. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for each study using fixed or random effect models. Results: A total of 23 case-control studies were included in the meta-analysis. No significant association was observed between the MMP-9 rs3918242 polymorphism and COPD risk in the overall populations under the dominant (T/T + C/T vs. C/C: OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.00-1.69, p = 0.054) and allele contrast (T allele vs. C allele: OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 0.97-1.53, p = 0.088) models. However, in sub-group analysis the polymorphism rs3918242 was significant in Asians under the dominant model (T/T + C/T vs. C/C: OR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.02-2.72, p = 0.043). The results for MMP-12 rs2276109 showed an association with COPD only in mixed populations (G/G + A/G vs. A/A: OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.10-2.24, p = 0.013; G allele vs. A allele: OR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.09-2.14, p = 0.015). We did not find any significant association of the MMP-12 rs652438 and MMP-3 rs35068180 polymorphisms with COPD. Conclusions: The findings of this meta-analysis suggest that there is a risk of COPD associated with the MMP-9 rs3918242 and MMP-12 rs2276109 polymorphisms in certain ethnic groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhododendron fortunei belongs to a scented Rhododendron species native to China, which produces fragrant flowers of great ornamental and environmental values for landscaping or indoor beautification. However, the scents in Rhododendron fortunei have not yet been investigated, let alone the mechanism of the formation of these fragrance in the flowers. In this study, we measured the scents in terms of its volatile components and contents (VOC) in Rhododendron fortunei at four different flowering stages and in different tissues of the plant by headspace solid-phase micro-extraction combined (HS-SPME) with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Then the characteristic aromatic values, which reflects the degree of scent perception by human, of each VOC in the plant was calculated according to its respective aromatic thresholds. Results showed that three main VOCs measured from highest to lowest are methyl benzoates, terpenes and fatty acid derivatives. Their content increased after the flower bud opening and reached the highest at half to full blossom. In a flower most VOC contents were measured in petals and only trace amount in other tissues such as stamen, pistil. A small amount of VOCs was determined in leaves as well.All aromatic values were almost corresponded to the contents of three main VOCs, indicating that the flower fragrance arises truly from these VOC components. S-adenosyl-L-methionine: benzoic acid carboxyl methyl transferase (BAMT) catalyzes the final step to form methyl benzoates. To understand the mechanism of the formation of this main type fragrance and its regulation, we firstly isolate a gene of RfBAMT from petal of Rhododendron fortunei by using homologous cloning and RACE technology. The full length of its cDNA was 1383 bp，with an open reading frame of 1104 bp, encoding a total of 368 amino acids. The phylogenetic tree analysis showed that RfBAMT was the closest to the BSMT of Camellia japonica, belonging to methyltransferases family. Then we measured the expression level of RfBAMT again at four flower developmental stages and in different flower tissues and leaves. The results showed that the expression level of this gene was highly positively correlated with the emitted content of methyl benzoates in the flowering, implying that RfBAMT plays a pivotal role in the formation and regulation of methyl benzoates in Rhododendron fortune.This researchshowed that the RfBAMT was cloned and identified in our study and its expression level was highly positively correlated with the emitted content of methyl benzoates in the flowers and leaves, which indicated this gene may play an important role on regulation of methyl benzoate synthesis in Rhododendron fortunei. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) remain imperfect in predicting clinical outcomes of triple-negative breast cancer because outcomes do not always correlate with the expression of these biomarkers. Genomic and transcriptomic alterations that may contribute to the expression of these biomarkers remain incompletely uncovered. Methods We evaluated PD-L1 immunohistochemistry scores (SP142 and 28-8 assays) and TILs in our triple-negative breast cancer multiomics dataset and 2 immunotherapy clinical trial cohorts. Then, we analyzed genomic and transcriptomic alterations correlated with TILs, PD-L1 expression, and patient outcomes. Results Despite TILs serving as a decent predictor for triple-negative breast cancer clinical outcomes, exceptions remained. Our study revealed that several genomic alterations were correlated with unexpected events. In particular, PD-L1 expression may cause a paradoxical relationship between TILs and prognosis in certain patients. Consequently, we classified triple-negative breast cancers into 4 groups based on PD-L1 and TIL levels. The TIL-negative PD-L1–positive and TIL-positive PD-L1–negative groups were not typical "hot" tumors; both were associated with worse prognoses and lower immunotherapy efficacy than TIL-positive PD-L1–positive tumors. Copy number variation of PD-L1 and oncogenic signaling activation were correlated with PD-L1 expression in the TIL-negative PD-L1–positive group, whereas GSK3B-induced degradation may cause undetectable PD-L1 expression in the TIL-positive PD-L1–negative group. These factors have the potential to affect the predictive function of both PD-L1 and TILs. Conclusions Several genomic and transcriptomic alterations may cause paradoxical effects among TILs, PD-L1 expression, and prognosis in triple-negative breast cancer. Investigating and targeting these factors will advance precision immunotherapy for patients with this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MXenes are promising electrode materials due to their excellent performance. However, the quantum capacitance (Cdiff) and surface storage charge (Q) of bare M2C are little reported theoretically up to now. Herein, Cdiff and Q of 12 M2C MXenes related with 3d, 4d, and 5d transition metal (TM) atoms are investigated in aqueous and ionic/organic systems. All M2C MXenes are metallic. M2C with 5d TM are cathode materials. M2C with 4d TM are also cathode materials except Y2C MXene. For M2C with 3d TM, Sc2C and Mn2C are cathode materials, while Ti2C, V2C, and Cr2C are anode materials, especially for Ti2C and V2C with larger |Qp|/|Qn| and Qp. The broadened voltage maintains the type of electrode materials. W2C is the least promising cathode material in broad voltage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the standard thin disc theory, it is predicted that the radiation-pressure-dominated inner region of a thin disc is thermally unstable, while observations suggest that it is common for a thin disc of more than 0.01 Eddington luminosity to be in a thermally stable state. Previous studies have suggested that magnetically driven winds have the potential to suppress instability. In this work, we implement one-dimensional global simulations of the thin accretion disc to study the effects of magnetically driven winds on thermal instability. The winds play a role in transferring the angular momentum of the disc and cooling the disc. When the mass outflow rate of winds is low, the important role of winds is to transfer the angular momentum and then shorten the outburst period. When the winds have a high mass outflow rate, they can calm down the thermal instability. We also explore the parameter space of the magnetic field strength and the mass loading parameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The family Toxocaridae is a group of zooparasitic nematodes of veterinary, medical and economic significance. However, the evolutionary relationship of Porrocaecum and Toxocara, both genera currently classified in Toxocaridae, and the monophyly of the Toxocaridae remain under debate. Moreover, the validity of the subgenus Laymanicaecum in the genus Porrocaecum is open to question. Due to the scarcity of an available genetic database, molecular identification of Porrocaecum nematodes is still in its infancy. Methods: A number of Porrocaecum nematodes collected from the Eurasian marsh harrier Circus aeruginosus (Linnaeus) (Falconiformes: Accipitridae) in the Czech Republic were identified using integrated morphological methods (light and scanning electron microscopy) and molecular techniques (sequencing and analyzing the nuclear 18S, 28S and ITS regions). The complete mitochondrial genomes of the collected nematode specimens and of Porrocaecum (Laymanicaecum) reticulatum (Linstow, 1899) were sequenced and annotated for the first time. Phylogenetic analyses of ascaridoid nematodes based on the amino acid sequences of 12 protein-coding genes of mitochondrial genomes were performed using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference. Results: A new species of Porrocaecum, named P. moraveci n. sp., is described based on the morphological and genetic evidence. The mitogenomes of P. moraveci n. sp. and P. reticulatum both contain 36 genes and are 14,517 and 14,210 bp in length, respectively. Comparative mitogenomics revealed that P.moraveci n. sp. represents the first known species with three non-coding regions and that P. reticulatum has the lowest overall A + T content in the mitogenomes of ascaridoid nematodes tested to date. Phylogenetic analyses showed the representatives of Toxocara clustered together with species of the family Ascarididae rather than with Porrocaecum and that P. moraveci n. sp. is a sister to P. reticulatum. Conclusions: The characterization of the complete mitochondrial genomes of P. moraveci n. sp. and P. reticulatum is reported for the first time. Mitogenomic phylogeny analyses indicated that the family Toxocaridae is non-monophyletic and that the genera Porrocaecum and Toxocara do not have an affinity. The validity of the subgenus Laymanicaecum in Porrocaecum was also rejected. Our results suggest that: (i) Toxocaridae should be degraded to a subfamily of the Ascarididae that includes only the genus Toxocara; and (ii) the subfamily Porrocaecinae should be resurrected to include only the genus Porrocaecum. The present study enriches the database of ascaridoid mitogenomes and provides a new insight into the systematics of the superfamily Ascaridoidea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NH2-UiO-66@TCNQ composites (NUxTCy) were fabricated from NH2-UiO-66 and organic superconductor 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) by a green ball-milling method. The as-prepared optimum NU90TC10 demonstrated 100% photocatalytic Cr(VI) reduction at an initial concentration of 5 mg L−1 within 50 min under low-power ultraviolet (UV) light. All experiments confirmed that the introduction of low dosage TCNQ into NH2-UiO-66 could promote Cr(VI) elimination. The results of electron spin resonance (ESR) tests, photochemical Pt0 deposition and electrochemical experiments confirmed that the TCNQ superconductor could improve the photocatalytic Cr(VI) removal by accelerating the separation of charge carriers over NH2-UiO-66. The factors influencing the photocatalytic Cr(VI) elimination over NU90TC10, like pH, hole scavengers and foreign ions, were investigated. The NU90TC10 composite demonstrated excellent stability and practicability up to five cycles. This work provided a new photocatalyst candidate for boosted photocatalytic Cr(VI) elimination under low power LED light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, there is a great demand for the development of orange–red phosphors for temporary applications in the sides of lighting and display. This study investigated the photoluminescence properties of a new tungstate phosphor Li3Ba2Gd3−x(WO4)8:xSm3+ synthesized using traditional high-temperature solid-state reactions. In response to 405 nm light excitation, three main peaks appeared at 647, 610, and 592 nm. This represents the 4f → 4f characteristic transition of Sm3+. Due to concentration quenching effect, x = 0.12 is the best concentration for Sm3+ ions doping, and further increasing Sm3+ will decrease emission intensity. Using experimental data, the critical energy transition distance at which concentration quenching occurs can be determined to be 10.8 Å, meaning primarily an interaction between dipoles. In the decay curves of Li3Ba2Gd3−x(WO4)8:xSm3+, the luminescent lifetimes decreased from 830 to 509 μs as Sm3+ concentration increased. Color coordinates of Li3Ba2Gd2.88(WO4)8:0.12Sm3+ are (0.593, 0.406), which correspond to orange–red color. Moreover, the phosphor exhibited good thermal stability, retaining 65.2% of its intensity at 200 °C comparing with that at 25 °C. According to these results, Li3Ba2Gd2.88(WO4)8:0.12Sm3+ is a good orange–red phosphor for light-emitting diodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The family Toxocaridae is a group of zooparasitic nematodes of veterinary, medical and economic significance. However, the evolutionary relationship of Porrocaecum and Toxocara, both genera currently classified in Toxocaridae, and the monophyly of the Toxocaridae remain under debate. Moreover, the validity of the subgenus Laymanicaecum in the genus Porrocaecum is open to question. Due to the scarcity of an available genetic database, molecular identification of Porrocaecum nematodes is still in its infancy. Methods: A number of Porrocaecum nematodes collected from the Eurasian marsh harrier Circus aeruginosus (Linnaeus) (Falconiformes: Accipitridae) in the Czech Republic were identified using integrated morphological methods (light and scanning electron microscopy) and molecular techniques (sequencing and analyzing the nuclear 18S, 28S and ITS regions). The complete mitochondrial genomes of the collected nematode specimens and of Porrocaecum (Laymanicaecum) reticulatum (Linstow, 1899) were sequenced and annotated for the first time. Phylogenetic analyses of ascaridoid nematodes based on the amino acid sequences of 12 protein-coding genes of mitochondrial genomes were performed using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference. Results: A new species of Porrocaecum, named P. moraveci n. sp., is described based on the morphological and genetic evidence. The mitogenomes of P. moraveci n. sp. and P. reticulatum both contain 36 genes and are 14,517 and 14,210 bp in length, respectively. Comparative mitogenomics revealed that P.moraveci n. sp. represents the first known species with three non-coding regions and that P. reticulatum has the lowest overall A + T content in the mitogenomes of ascaridoid nematodes tested to date. Phylogenetic analyses showed the representatives of Toxocara clustered together with species of the family Ascarididae rather than with Porrocaecum and that P. moraveci n. sp. is a sister to P. reticulatum. Conclusions: The characterization of the complete mitochondrial genomes of P. moraveci n. sp. and P. reticulatum is reported for the first time. Mitogenomic phylogeny analyses indicated that the family Toxocaridae is non-monophyletic and that the genera Porrocaecum and Toxocara do not have an affinity. The validity of the subgenus Laymanicaecum in Porrocaecum was also rejected. Our results suggest that: (i) Toxocaridae should be degraded to a subfamily of the Ascarididae that includes only the genus Toxocara; and (ii) the subfamily Porrocaecinae should be resurrected to include only the genus Porrocaecum. The present study enriches the database of ascaridoid mitogenomes and provides a new insight into the systematics of the superfamily Ascaridoidea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]