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Both CH4 hydrate accumulation and hydrate-based CO2 sequestration involve hydrate formation in mixed clay sediments. The development of realistic clay models and a nanoscale understanding of hydrate formation in mixed clay sediments are crucial for energy recovery and carbon sequestration. Here, we propose a novel molecular model of pseudo-hexagonal montmorillonite nanoparticles. The stress–strain curves of tension, compression, and shear of pseudo-hexagonal montmorillonite nanoparticles exhibit linear characteristics, with tension, compression, and shear moduli of ∼435, 410, and 137 GPa, respectively. We perform microsecond molecular dynamics simulations to study CH4 and CH4/CO2 hydrate formation in montmorillonite–illite mixed clay sediments with surface defects. The results indicate that hydrate formation in mixed clay sediments is significantly influenced by the presence of clay defects. CH4 and CH4/CO2 mixed hydrates are challenging to form at the junction between the inside and outside clay defects. CH4 and CH4/CO2 mixed hydrates exhibit a preference for forming outside the clay defects rather than inside the clay defects. Some CH4 and CO2 molecules from the inside clay defect migrate to the outside clay defect, thereby promoting CH4 and CH4/CO2 mixed hydrate formation outside the clay defects. This molecular insight advances the development of clay particle models and expands an understanding of natural gas hydrate accumulation and hydrate-based CO2 sequestration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquid metal phase change materials have the advantages of high thermal conductivity and high volumetric latent heat, which are expected to address the growing challenges of thermal management of advanced electronics. In previous studies, the effect of radiative heat transfer from fins of a phase change heat sink on thermal management performance has rarely been considered. In this study, radiative coating materials with high emissivity were prepared and coated on the fins of the liquid metal phase change heat sink. The effect of radiative heat transfer on the performance of liquid metal phase change heat sink was investigated. The experimental results of continuous heating under natural convection conditions show that the introduction of the radiative coating with an emissivity of 0.9298 can extend the time for the surface temperature of the heat source to reach 100 °C by 9.4%, while shortening the recovery time of the phase change heat sink by 14.9%. The results of high-power cyclic heating indicate that the high emissivity coating can reduce the peak temperature by 16.6 °C in the tenth working cycle. A simplified numerical model was subsequently developed and validated to determine the specific effects of phase change and radiative heat transfer on the overall thermal control performance. The radiation-enhanced liquid metal phase change heat sink proposed in this study is simple and maintenance-free. It is expected to address the thermal management issues of electronic devices that cannot use active cooling or operate in thin-air environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent discovery of MoB2 with a superconducting transition temperature (Tc) of up to 32 K at 100 GPa provides new insights into the metallization and subsequently high-Tc superconductivity of diborides, highlighting the potential of transition metals in these compounds. We herein re-evaluated the structure, mechanical, and superconducting properties of IrB4 under pressure up to 300 GPa using first-principles. Our calculations reveal that a new P21/c phase exhibiting a hardness of 15.75 GPa surpasses the stability of the C2/m structure identified through the particle swarm optimization at ambient pressure. Upon compressing, the P21/c phase transforms into an MgB2-type structure with a space group of P63/mmc at 62.5 GPa and then into the orthorhombic Cmca phase above 109 GPa. Unlike semiconductor behavior of the atmospheric pressure phase, the two high-pressure structures are metallic and superconducting, with Tc values of 29.90 for P63/mmc at 62.5 GPa and 13.45 K for Cmca at 125 GPa. Analysis of the electronic structure and electron–phonon coupling (EPC) reveals that the high Tc, similar to MgB2-type MoB2, stems from the Van Hove Singularities (VHS) near the Fermi level donated by transition metal Ir. The effect further enhances the EPC based on the boron contribution. More interestingly, pressure has little impacts on the position of the VHS. These findings provide a new platform for designing advanced high-Tc superconductors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We use the 2015 Chinese stock market crash to study the effects of government stock purchases. The Chinese government purchased stocks to stabilize the markets through state-owned financial institutions known as the "National Team." We find that the intervention led to reduced volatility and price informativeness. These impacts are driven by the disclosure of government portfolios. Consistent with investors having a stronger incentive to acquire government intervention information instead of fundamental news, we find reduced information production and information asymmetry following intervention disclosure. The article suggests that government stock purchases involve a trade-off between stability and informational efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All-inorganic CsPbI2Br inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have drawn increasing attention because of their outstanding thermal stability and compatible process with tandem cells. However, relatively low open circuit voltage (Voc) has lagged their progress far behind theoretical limits. Herein, we introduce phenylmethylammonium iodide and 4-trifluoromethyl phenylmethylammonium iodide (CFPMAI) on the surface of a CsPbI2Br perovskite film and investigate their passivation effects. It is found that CFPMAI with a –CF3 substituent significantly decreases the trap density of the perovskite film by forming interactions with the under-coordinated Pb2+ ions and effectively suppresses the non-radiative recombination in the resulting PSC. In addition, CFPMAI surface passivation facilitates the optimization of energy-level alignment at the CsPbI2Br perovskite/[6,6]-phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester interface, resulting in improved charge extraction from the perovskite to the charge transport layer. Consequently, the optimized inverted CsPbI2Br device exhibits a markedly improved champion efficiency of 14.43% with a Voc of 1.12 V, a Jsc of 16.31 mA/cm2, and a fill factor of 79.02%, compared to the 10.92% (Voc of 0.95 V) efficiency of the control device. This study confirms the importance of substituent groups on surface passivation molecules for effective passivation of defects and optimization of energy levels, particularly for Voc improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of the GaAsP strain-compensating layer on type-II GaAs1−xSbx/InyGa1−yAs was investigated. GaAsSb/InGaAs multiple quantum wells (MQWs) without and with GaAsP strain-compensating layers were grown by molecular beam epitaxy. Increasing Sb or In compositions can extend photoluminescence (PL) emission at longer wavelength along with the highly induced compressive strain in the QWs. The power-dependent PL measured at low temperature reveals the type-II band characteristics of the GaAs1−xSbx/InyGa1−yAs system. A detailed analysis of the experimental data reveals that the GaAsP layers compensate the compressive strain of GaAsSb/InGaAs. The type-II QWs with GaAsP layers, (8 nm) GaAs0.84Sb0.16/(2.5 nm) In0.3Ga0.7As/(10 nm) GaAs0.85P0.15, emits PL at ∼1.1 μm, up to 210 K, while the PL of those strained sample without GaAsP vanishes at lower temperature. In view of the described sample, x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis along with the simulation shows the validity of the procedure, resulting in nearly matched parameters of QW thicknesses and material compositions—(8.9 nm) GaAs0.835Sb0.165/(2.3 nm) In0.3Ga0.7As/(10.3 nm) GaAs0.85P0.15, with those of the designed QW. The thicknesses of QW from the TEM image, (8.6 nm) GaAsSb/(3.1 nm) InGaAs/(10.1 nm) GaAsP, agree well with the XRD results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the forming quality of lightweight aviation tubes, the influence of different tube specifications, forming requirements and process parameters on bending forming of large diameter thin-walled (LDTW) LF2M aluminum alloy tubes (AATs) was studied. A finite element analysis model for LDTW AAT bending was established and verified. The results show that with the increase of mandrel extension length e m , the wall-thinning ratio tends to increase. With the increase of e m , the overall wall-thickening ratio decreases. With the increase of e m , the ovality decreases first and then increases. The bending radius has a great influence on wall thickness variation. It has great significance to guide the bending forming of lightweight LDTW aluminum alloy aviation tube. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wind deeply impacts the short-term temporal-spatial dynamics of cyanobacterial blooms in large, shallow and eutrophic lakes, but the quantitative contributions of wind wave to cyanobacterial blooms remain unclear. In this study, we assessed the frequency of surface cyanobacterial blooms, in response to wind wave in Lake Taihu, China, based on high-frequency hourly GOCI images and long-term meteorological, hydrological and ecological environment records from 2011 to 2020. Results showed marked monthly and seasonal variabilities of cyanobacterial blooms frequency with two peaks in summer and autumn. Spatially, the prevailing wind directions from summer to winter, shifting from southeast to northwest winds, promoted the downwind horizontal drift and accumulation of surface cyanobacterial blooms from northwest to southwest in Lake Taihu. Moreover, we found significantly negative correlations between wind wave and cyanobacterial bloom frequency, particularly during the cyanobacterial bloom growth season from April to November. Further analysis revealed the determining role of wind wave in controlling cyanobacterial bloom dynamics in Lake Taihu, with contributions of 62.12% and 57.63% in spring and summer, respectively. Our findings offer an important scientific insight for the effective collection of harmful blooms in inland freshwater lakes under both nutrient management and climate change scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shuttling effect of polysulfides in lithium–sulfur batteries seriously affects their performance. Herein, NiFe2O4 derived from natural hematite is coated on a PP separator (NFO@PP), which can effectively block the shuttling of polysulfides and has strong adsorption and catalytic capabilities. The NFO@PP cell has an initial capacity of up to 1258.1 mA h g−1 at 0.1C and still has 809.6 mA h g−1 at 2C. Impressively, at 0.5C, the NFO@PP cell retains a specific capacity of 612.1 mA h g−1 after 1000 cycles. The successful application of abundant natural hematite in lithium–sulfur batteries will certainly be of great significance to the development of more cost-effective energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatitis is a chronic inflammatory liver disease and an important cause of liver fibrosis, which can progress to cirrhosis and even hepatocellular carcinoma if left untreated. However, liver fibrosis is a reversible disease, so finding new intervention targets and molecular markers is the key to preventing and treating liver fibrosis. Ginseng, the roots of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer, is a precious Traditional Chinese Medicines with high medicinal value and is known as the "king of all herbs", and its active ingredient, ginsenoside Rg3 is a rare saponin and a new class of drug, one of the most thoroughly and extensively studied in a large number of studies. Ginsenoside Rg3 is an active ingredient extracted from ginseng that possesses a variety of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-fibrotic effects. Several studies have suggested that ginsenoside Rg3 may help reduce hepatic inflammation and oxidative stress, thereby slowing the progression of liver fibrosis. Ginsenoside Rg3 may have some therapeutic effects on liver fibrosis, and the underlying molecular mechanisms behind these effects are attributed to cellular autophagy, apoptosis, and anti-inflammation, as well as the modulation of antioxidant activity and multiple signaling pathways. The molecular mechanisms behind the inhibitory effect of ginsenoside Rg3 on hepatic fibrosis are reviewed, with a view to providing reference for related studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) plays a main role in maintaining the homeostasis of fluid balance and vascular tone and in regulating the endocrine stress response in response to osmotic, hemodynamic and stress stimuli. However, the difficulty in measuring AVP limits its clinical application. Copeptin, the C-terminal part of the AVP precursor, is released in an equimolar concentration mode with AVP from the pituitary but is more stable and simple to measure. Therefore, copeptin has emerged as a promising surrogate marker of AVP with excellent potential for the diagnosis, differentiation and prognosis of various diseases in recent decades. However, its application requires further validation, especially in the pediatric population. This review focuses on the clinical value of copeptin in different pediatric diseases and the prospects for its application as a potential biomarker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed the global incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) associated with various liver diseases, including alcohol-related liver disease (ALD), hepatitis B/C virus infections (HBV or HCV), liver cancer, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), and other chronic liver diseases, from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease study. Additionally, we analyzed the global trends in hepatology research and drug development. From 2000 to 2019, prevalence rates increased for ALD, MASLD and other liver diseases, while they decreased for HBV, HCV, and liver cancer. Countries with a high socio-demographic index (SDI) exhibited the lowest mortality rates and DALYs. The burden of liver diseases varied due to factors like sex and region. In nine representative countries, MASLD, along with hepatobiliary cancer, showed highest increase in funding in hepatology research. Globally, the major research categories in hepatology papers from 2000 to 2019 were cancer, pathobiology, and MASLD. The United States (U.S.) was at the forefront of hepatology research, with China gradually increasing its influence over time. Hepatologists worldwide are increasingly focusing on studying the communication between the liver and other organs, while underestimating the research on ALD. Cancer, HCV, and MASLD were the primary diseases targeted for therapeutic development in clinical trials. However, the proportion of new drugs approved for the treatment of liver diseases was relatively low among all newly approved drugs in the U.S., China, Japan, and the European Union. Notably, there were no approved drug for the treatment of ALD in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent Multimodal Large Language Models (MLLMs) are remarkable in vision-language tasks, such as image captioning and question answering, but lack the essential perception ability, i.e., object detection. In this work, we address this limitation by introducing a novel research problem of contextual object detection—understanding visible objects within different human-AI interactive contexts. Three representative scenarios are investigated, including the language cloze test, visual captioning, and question answering. Moreover, we present ContextDET, a unified multimodal model that is capable of end-to-end differentiable modeling of visual-language contexts, so as to locate, identify, and associate visual objects with language inputs for human-AI interaction. Our ContextDET involves three key submodels: (i) a visual encoder for extracting visual representations, (ii) a pre-trained LLM for multimodal context decoding, and (iii) a visual decoder for predicting bounding boxes given contextual object words. The new generate-then-detect framework enables us to detect object words within human vocabulary. Extensive experiments show the advantages of ContextDET on our proposed CODE benchmark, open-vocabulary detection, and referring image segmentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clear cell renal carcinoma (ccRCC), the leading histological subtype of RCC, lacks any targeted therapy options. Although some studies have shown that early growth response factor 1 (EGR1) has a significant role in cancer development and progression, its role and underlying mechanisms in ccRCC remain poorly understood. Methods: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was utilized to examine the expression of EGR1 in ccRCC. The expression of EGR1 in 55 ccRCC tissues was evaluated using immunohistochemistry. The link between EGR1 expression and clinicopathological variables was examined through an analysis. Gain-of-function assays were employed to investigate EGR1's biological functions in ccRCC cells, involving proliferation, colony formation, invasion assays, and tumorigenesis in nude mice. In order to assess the protein expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase 15 (MAPK15), E-cadherin, matrix metalloproteinase-9/-2 (MMP-9 and MMP-2), Western blot technique was applied. Results: The results revealed a decrease in EGR1 expression in ccRCC tissues. This decrease was strongly linked to TNM stage, lymphatic metastasis, tumor size, histological grade, and unfavorable prognosis in ccRCC patients. It has been demonstrated that overexpressing EGR1 inhibits the growth of xenograft tumors in vivo and inhibits cell colony formation, motility, and invasion in vitro. Furthermore, EGR1 can prevent the development and movement of ccRCC cells by controlling the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, E-cadherin, and MAPK15. Conclusions: The EGR1/MAPK15 axis may represent a promising target for drug development, with EGR1 serving as a possible target for ccRCC therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to examine new product development (NPD) performance to identify effective knowledge update strategies and assess the impact of environmental uncertainty on these dynamics. It aims to understand how different knowledge potentials and organizational routines interact to enhance product outcomes. The specific subsidiary context enriches understanding by identifying challenges and opportunities that are not typically visible in broader organizational studies. Design/methodology/approach: A survey of 310 business managers was conducted to measure their knowledge potential and organizational routine updating. The hypotheses were tested using hierarchical regression analysis to determine the optimal combinations of knowledge and practice updates for NPD performance. Findings: Results indicate that both knowledge potential and organizational routine updating significantly enhance subsidiary performance. Specifically, knowledge accumulation paired with routine creation and knowledge difference paired with routine revision optimally boosts product development. Moreover, this study reveals an inverted U-shaped relationship between environmental uncertainty and the effectiveness of these combinations, suggesting a complex interplay that affects NPD performance. Originality/value: This study enhances understanding of NPD performance by integrating resource concordance theory with empirical analysis of knowledge and organizational strategy adaptations. It underscores the moderating role of environmental uncertainty, offering new theoretical insights into enhancing product development performance. Although the focus on subsidiaries limits broader applicability, it provides valuable insights into the nuanced NPD dynamics in these specific entities, suggesting avenues for future research to expand this study's findings across different organizational types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pollutants after were discharged into the water can gradually degrade through the self-purification. The oxygen consumption and pollutant degradation rates characterize the self-purification of small and medium-sized streams, while the dynamics of the two characteristics for large rivers has not been reported yet. The in-situ investigation for 297 sites in the 1700 km stream of the Yangtze River was conducted. The oxygen consumption rate was 0.003d− 1, and the degradation rate of organic pollutants was greater than that of inorganics. The degradation of anion surfactant was the fastest, while the degradation of TN was the slowest, with rates of 0.043 and 0.001 d− 1, respectively. The oxygen consumption rate was negatively correlated with the degradation rate of COD, anion surfactant, and TP, indicating the synchronicity between reaeration and degradation during the self-purification. This study highlighted the role of synchronicity in modelling of water quality and estimation of environmental capacity for large rivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metals were analyzed in rhizosphere soils and rice grains collected from typical black shale areas. The concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, and Zn in the rhizosphere soil exceeded the current soil environmental quality standards. Cd exhibited the highest bioaccumulation capacity, with 45% of rice grains exceeding food safety limit. Structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed that soil organic matter indicated that 34.79% of rice Cd accumulation and approximately 10%–25% of other metals were inhibited. Multiple regression modelling showed that in areas with high geological background of black shales, the screening and intervention values for soil Cd were adjusted to 0.24 mg kg−1 and 0.42 mg kg−1 for pH ≤ 5.5 and 0.27 mg kg−1 and 1.66 mg kg−1 for pH 5.5 – 6.5 respectively. Primary exposure pathways for non-carcinogenic risks were identified as food ingestion and skin contact. This study provides fundamental information for land use application and development in region with high geological background. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) is a multifaceted disorder impacting both the central and peripheral nervous systems. This study aims to investigate the clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of peripheral neuropathy in patients with NIID. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, patients diagnosed with NIID were prospectively recruited from multiple centers across China between October 2017 and May 2024. Comprehensive neurological examinations, brain magnetic resonance imaging, and NOTCH2NLC gene analysis were performed. All participants underwent electrophysiological evaluations, which encompassed nerve conduction studies, F-wave studies, and needle electromyography. Results: This analysis included a total of 78 patients diagnosed with NIID, with a mean age of 61.0 ± 9.9 years, of whom 60.2% were female. Among these patients, 85.9% exhibited peripheral neuropathy. Specifically, 19 patients (24.4%) presented with symptomatic peripheral neuropathy, with 17 of these individuals demonstrating sensorimotor polyneuropathy. Additionally, 48 patients (61.5%) exhibited subclinical peripheral nerve damage. Segmental motor conduction studies indicated that both distal and proximal nerve segments were uniformly affected. F-wave latency prolongation was observed in 84.6% of tibial nerves, demonstrating high sensitivity (66/67) and specificity (11/11) for detecting peripheral neuropathy in NIID. The severity of peripheral neuropathy was stratified into four levels, with approximately two-thirds of cases presenting with pure demyelination and one-third displaying a combination of demyelination and axonal degeneration. Severe axonal damage was exclusively identified in the neuromuscular disease-dominant subtype of NIID. Importantly, male patients exhibited more pronounced peripheral nerve damage compared to female patients. Conclusions: This study identified a significant prevalence of peripheral neuropathy in NIID, exhibiting a spectrum of severity ranging from mild demyelination to severe axonal damage. Prolongation of F-wave latency emerged as a sensitive marker for the detection of peripheral nerve impairment. Furthermore, the findings underscore the potential influence of gender in the pathophysiology of NIID, warranting further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In today's information age, table images play a crucial role in storing structured information, making table image recognition technology an essential component in many fields. However, accurately recognizing the structure and text content of various complex table images has remained a challenge. Recently, large language models (LLMs) have demonstrated exceptional capabilities in various natural language processing tasks. Therefore, applying LLMs to the correction tasks of structure and text content after table image recognition presents a novel solution. This paper introduces a new method, TableGPT, which combines table recognition with LLMs and develops a specialized multimodal agent to enhance the effectiveness of table image recognition. Our approach is divided into four stages. In the first stage, TableGPT_agent initially evaluates whether the input is a table image and, upon confirmation, uses algorithms such as the transformer for preliminary recognition. In the second stage, the agent converts the recognition results into HTML format and autonomously assesses whether corrections are needed. If corrections are needed, the data are input into a trained LLM to achieve more accurate table recognition and optimization. In the third stage, the agent evaluates user satisfaction through feedback and applies superresolution algorithms to low-quality images, as this is often the main reason for user dissatisfaction. Finally, the agent inputs both the enhanced and original images into the trained model, integrating the information to obtain the optimal table text representation. Our research shows that trained LLMs can effectively interpret table images, improving the Tree Edit Distance Similarity (TEDS) score by an average of 4% even when based on the best current table recognition methods, across both public and private datasets. They also demonstrate better performance in correcting structural and textual errors. We also explore the impact of image superresolution technology on low-quality table images. Combined with the LLMs, our TEDS score significantly increased by 54%, greatly enhancing the recognition performance. Finally, by leveraging agent technology, our multimodal model improved table recognition performance, with the TEDS score of TableGPT_agent surpassing that of GPT-4 by 34%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The associations of lean mass distribution with mortality risk are not fully elucidated. We aimed to evaluate the effects of a new lean mass distribution indicator‐android/gynoid lean mass ratio (AGLR) evaluated by dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) on the risk of all‐cause and specific‐cause mortality in a NHANES cohort. Methods: This was a population‐based cohort study, which included 18 542 subjects aged 20 years and older from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (US NHANES, 2003–2006 and 2011–2018). The primary outcomes of our study were all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular (CVD) mortality and cancer mortality, which were obtained from the linkage to registries. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to investigate the association between lean mass distribution and mortality risk among the US NHANES general population. Restricted cubic spline nested in Cox regression was also used to test whether there was a non‐linear association of AGLR as a continuous variable with the risk of mortality. Results: During a median follow‐up of 6.9 years, 1412 participants died, of whom 435 were due to CVD and 340 were due to cancer. The multivariable‐adjusted (Model 4) hazard ratios (HRs) for each SD increase in AGLR were 1.53 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.40–1.67) for all‐cause mortality, 1.56 (95% CI 1.30–1.87) for cancer mortality and 1.64 (95% CI 1.47–1.84) for CVD mortality. The associations were robust in sensitivity analyses and present in most subgroups. Conclusions: AGLR evaluated by DXA was associated with a higher risk of all‐cause and specific‐cause mortality among the general population from the US NHANES cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a new emerging evolutionary framework, evolutionary multitasking aims to optimize multiple tasks simultaneously. Knowledge transfer is an important component of evolutionary multitasking. How to extract and transfer knowledge significantly affects the performance of the algorithm. A serious challenge for evolutionary multitasking is the inappropriate knowledge transfer or insufficient exploration and exploitation. To address this challenge, an evolutionary multitasking with adaptive tradeoff selection strategy (EMT-ATS) is proposed. To enhance global exploration and local exploitation during the evolution, an adaptive tradeoff selection mechanism is developed to select promising offspring during different stages to guide the population toward more promising solution regions. In addition, a Cohen’s d indicator-based is used to adjust knowledge transfer. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed EMT-ATS, a series of experiments are conducted with several popular evolutionary multitasking algorithms on multitasking benchmark problems. In addition, a multitask optimization problem involving two real-world problems is used to validate the practicability of the proposed EMT-ATS. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed EMT-ATS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the impact of neoadjuvant therapy (NT) on body composition and its correlation with long-term survival and other clinical outcomes in patients with advanced gastric cancer. We utilized Computed Tomography (CT) scans to measure body composition before and after NT, including Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Index (SATI), Visceral Adipose Tissue Index (VATI), Skeletal Muscle Index (SMI), and Muscle Density (MA). We then analyzed the decrease in body composition in relation to tumor regression, inflammatory markers, nutritional scores, and long-term survival. Our findings reveal a negative correlation between the decrease in SATI and VATI after NT, and both tumor regression and nutritional score. Notably, patients who experienced a significant loss in SATI or VATI post-NT had shorter Recurrence-Free Survival (RFS) and Overall Survival (OS). Additionally, significant loss in SATI and VATI emerged as an independent risk factor for both RFS and OS. In conclusion, our study convincingly demonstrates that in patients with advanced gastric cancer, SATI and VATI decreases after NT and is negatively associated with tumor regression and nutritional score. A significant loss in SATI and VATI is a risk factor for shorter RFS and OS, thereby underscoring the importance of maintaining body composition during NT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solution cathode glow discharge atomic emission spectrometry (SCGD-AES) using wide-bandpass (10-nm) interference filters (IF) as a spectral discrimination device was used for the determination of thallium (Tl) in surface water. The use of wide-bandpass interference filters greatly reduces the cost of traditional detection instruments. The influence of solution flow rate, discharge current and pH on the detection limit was characterized. Moreover, matrix effect experiments were performed to study the effect of different concentrations of Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ on the Tl signal intensity. Using a solution flow rate of 2.8 mL/min, a discharge current of 50 mA, and pH of 1.0 with HNO3 as the supporting electrolyte, SCGD coupled with an interference filter provided a detection limit of 7.76 μg/L for Tl in water samples, comparable to traditional SCGD-AES. Furthermore, the spiked recovery rate of Tl is quantitative in real water samples and comparable to the performance of inductive coupled plasma – optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analytically investigates the vertical dynamic response of a rigid strip foundation on layered unsaturated media. Using the triphasic Biot-type model and extended precise integration method, we derive the flexibility coefficient for layered unsaturated media. On this basis, by introducing the Bessel function series of the first kind, the dual integral equations of the mixed boundary value problem in this study are transformed into a set of linear equations. Finally, we obtain explicit expressions for the contact stress and vertical compliance, which are used to evaluate the soil-structure interaction. After the proposed solution is verified, several parameters are presented to study the impacts of the stratification, soil thickness, saturation degree, air-entry value and dimensionless frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ectopic thyroid tissue (ETT) is a rare congenital anomaly caused by the abnormal embryonic migration of thyroid tissue, leading to its presence outside its usual pretracheal location. This condition can lead to diagnostic challenges, especially when located within the airway, as it mimics other respiratory disorders such as asthma. Case presentation: We report the case of a 69-year-old man with endotracheal ETT presenting with severe dyspnea, and the lesion was initially suspected to be malignant. The diagnosis of ETT was confirmed through bronchoscopy and histopathological examination. The patient underwent successful endoscopic interventional therapy, resulting in significant symptom improvement and complete resolution of the airway lesion. Conclusion: Although rare, ETT should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained respiratory symptoms to prevent misdiagnosis and permit effective, minimally invasive treatment options such as endoscopic resection, which can significantly improve patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mineralization process below the surface of the seafloor in a hydrothermal field has an important influence on the distribution and enrichment of elements. The Duanqiao hydrothermal field (DHF) is located on the new axial volcanic ridge of the ultraslow-spreading Southwest Indian Ridge. Owing to the limited surface sulfide samples, the metallogenic processes occurring below the seafloor surface such as the element enrichment mechanism and the temporal evolution of the sulfide deposits remain unclear. In this study, we conducted mineral texture, geochemical, 230Th/U dating, and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer analyses of a drill core containing shallow sulfide deposits to study their evolution process. The results revealed that pyrite is enriched in Mn, Co, As, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sb, Tl, and Pb, chalcopyrite is characterized by high concentrations of Se, Sn, In, As, Ag and Pb, and sphalerite is enriched in Co, Ga, Ge, As, Ag, Cd, Sb, and Pb. The 230Th/U dating data suggested five different mineralization periods during 4,552–2,297 years. Apart from the top and bottom, the core exhibited obvious characteristics of gradual accumulation of mineralization. Results revealed that the variations in the elemental contents of different layers and different types of pyrite were controlled by the interaction of seawater and hydrothermal fluids within the sulfide mound over five different mineralization periods. Compared with other hydrothermal fields on other mid-ocean ridges, DHF pyrite is generally enriched in Zn, Pb, As, Ag, Cd, Mo, and Sb, which might reflect shallow subsurface mixing during different periods of hydrothermal activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Carnosine, a natural bioactive dipeptide derived from meat muscle, possesses strong antioxidant properties. Dexamethasone, widely employed for treating various inflammatory diseases, raises concerns regarding its detrimental effects on bone health. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of carnosine against dexamethasone‐induced oxidative stress and bone impairment, along with its underlying mechanisms, utilizing chick embryos and a zebrafish model in vivo, as well as MC3T3‐E1 cells in vitro. RESULTS: Our findings revealed that carnosine effectively mitigated bone injury in dexamethasone‐exposed chick embryos, accompanied by reduced oxidative stress. Further investigation demonstrated that carnosine alleviated impaired osteoblastic differentiation in MC3T3‐E1 cells and zebrafish by suppressing the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX). Moreover, mechanistic studies elucidated that carnosine promoted the expression and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (NRF2), thereby facilitating the transcription of its downstream antioxidant response elements, including heme oxyense‐1 (HO‐1), glutamate cysteine ligase modifier (GCLM), and glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic (GCLC) to counteract dexamethasone‐induced oxidative stress. CONCLUSION: Overall, this study underscores the potential therapeutic efficacy of carnosine in mitigating oxidative stress and bone damage induced by dexamethasone exposure, shedding light on its underlying mechanism of action by activating the NRF2 signaling pathway. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The present study explored the effects of pre‐harvest methyl jasmonates spraying on the volatiles of 'Cabernet Gernischt' grapes through the lipoxygenase pathway. Headspace solid‐phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry and an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay were utilized to analyze volatile metabolites and key enzyme activities following methyl jasmonates application. Total RNA extraction and cDNA library construction were followed by transcriptome sequencing. RESULTS: The application of 0.1 mmol L−1 methyl jasmonate and 5 mmol L−1 methyl dihydrojasmonate significantly increased the levels of C6 compounds in 'Cabernet Gernischt' berries, and also enhanced the utilization of unsaturated fatty acids as precursors in the lipoxygenase‐hydroperoxides lyase pathway. The up‐regulated expression of VvADH1, VvADH2, VvHPL and VvLOX2S genes led to modulations in enzyme activity, thereby enhancing the berries's aromatic profile. There was a significant correlation between linoleic and linolenic acids (i.e. the precursors of the lipoxygenase pathway) and the activities and metabolites of key enzymes. CONCLUSION: The optimal concentration of methyl jasmonates treatment favorably influences the accumulation of green leaf volatiles in 'Cabernet Gernischt' grape. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute and critical neurological diseases are often accompanied with elevated intracranial pressure (ICP), leading to insufficient cerebral perfusion, which may cause severe secondary lesion. Existing ICP monitoring techniques often fail to effectively meet the demand for real-time noninvasive ICP monitoring and warning. This study aimed to explore the use of electrical impedance tomography (EIT) to provide real-time early warning of elevated ICP by observing cerebral perfusion. Methods: An intracranial hypertension model was prepared by injecting autologous un-anticoagulated blood into the brain parenchyma of twelve Landrace swine. Invasive ICP monitoring was used as a control method, and a high-precision EIT system was used to acquire and analyze the changing patterns of cerebral perfusion EIT image parameters with respect to ICP. Four EIT parameters related to cerebral perfusion were extracted from the images, and their potential application in detecting ICP elevation was analyzed. Results: When ICP increased, all EIT perfusion parameters decreased significantly (P < 0.05). When the subjects were in a state of intracranial hypertension (ICP > 22 mmHg), the correlation between EIT perfusion parameters and ICP was more significant (P < 0.01), with correlation coefficients ranging from −0.72 to −0.83. We tested the objects when they were in baseline ICP and in ICP of 15–40 mmHg. Under both circumstances, ROC curve analysis showed that the comprehensive model of perfusion parameters based on the random forest algorithm had a sensitivity and specificity of more than 90% and an area under the curve (AUC) of more than 0.9 for detecting ICP increments of both 5 and 10 mmHg. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the feasibility of using perfusion EIT to detect ICP increases in real time, which may provide a new method for real-time non-invasive monitoring of patients with increased ICP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CR Ab) has become one of the leading causes of life-threatening, hospital-acquired infections globally, especially with a notable prevalence in intensive care units (ICUs). The cross-transmission of microorganisms between patients and the hospital setting is crucial in the development of CR Ab colonization and subsequent infections. Recent studies indicate that colonization typically precedes infection, suggesting the effectiveness and necessity of preventing CR Ab colonization as a primary method to lower infection risks. As CR Ab infections tend to draw more attention due to their severe symptoms and poor outcomes, understanding the link between colonization and infection is equally vital. To establish a foundation for prevention and control strategies against CR Ab colonization in ICUs, we present a comprehensive review of research pertaining to CR Ab in ICUs. This encompasses an analysis of the resistance mechanisms and epidemiological characteristics of CR Ab , a discussion on associated risk factors, adverse outcomes, and an evaluation of detection methods and preventive strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) has been rising at an alarming rate in the USA, and EOCRC disproportionately affects racial/ethnic minorities. Here, we construct comprehensive profiles of EOCRC DNA methylomes at base-pair resolution for a cohort of Hispanic and African American patients. Results: We show the epigenetic landscape of these EOCRC patients differs from that of late-onset colorectal cancer patients, and methylation canyons in EOCRC tumor tissue preferentially overlapped genes in cancer-related pathways. Furthermore, we identify epigenetic alterations in metabolic genes that are specific to our racial/ethnic minority EOCRC cohort but not Caucasian patients from TCGA. Top genes differentially methylated between these cohorts included the obesity-protective MFAP2 gene as well as cancer risk susceptibility genes APOL3 and RNASEL. Conclusions: In this study, we provide to the scientific community high-resolution DNA methylomes for a cohort of EOCRC patients from underrepresented populations. Our exploratory findings in this cohort highlight epigenetic mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of EOCRC and nominate novel biomarkers for EOCRC in underrepresented populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Perinatal education programs play a crucial role in enhancing maternal knowledge and practices related to childbirth, particularly among rural populations. This study aims to assess the impact of a holistic perinatal education program on birth preparedness, mental health, and birth outcomes among rural primiparous women. Methods: A retrospective cohort design was employed, utilizing patient records from Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University between January 2021 and December 2022. A total of 149 rural primiparous women, aged 18–49 years with a rural household registration, were identified and categorized into two groups: the Intervention Group (n = 77), exposed to the perinatal education program, and the Control Group (n = 72), not exposed. The program encompassed physical workshops, a digital learning platform, and personalized counseling sessions. Outcome measures included Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BPCR) scores, mental health metrics (BDI-II for depression and STAI-S for anxiety), and birth outcomes. Results: The Intervention Group demonstrated significant improvements in BPCR knowledge scores (P < 0.001) and practice scores (P = 0.047) post-intervention. A reduction in depressive (P = 0.021) and anxiety symptoms (P = 0.017) was also observed in the Intervention Group over time. There were significant differences in the mode of delivery and reasons for cesarean deliveries between the groups, with a higher rate of vaginal births (P = 0.035) and fewer maternal indications for cesareans (P = 0.021) in the Intervention Group compared to the Control Group. Conclusion: The holistic perinatal education program shows a positive impact on birth preparedness, mental health, and birth outcomes among rural primiparous women. Such programs could be crucial in empowering women in rural settings, enhancing their preparedness for childbirth, and improving maternal mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to investigate knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward coronary heart disease (CHD) secondary prevention among CHD patients. Methods: This web-based cross-sectional study enrolled patients with CHD who visited the Yangpu District Central Hospital in Shanghai (China) between October 18, 2022, and March 25, 2023. The administered questionnaire assessed demographic information and KAP; factors associated with good practice were identified by multivariate logistic regression. Results: A total of 507 participants were included in the study, with 361 (71.2%) being male. In terms of education, 125 (24.7%) had a junior high school level or below. The mean scores for knowledge, attitudes, and practices were 31.28 ± 7.30 (possible range: 0–42), 54.09 ± 3.33 (possible range: 12–60), and 35.48 ± 3.36 (possible range: 11–55), respectively. For specific knowledge items on CHD, 57.6% of participants correctly identified that women are more susceptible to CHD. Physical labor and emotional excitement as triggers for CHD were correctly recognized by 94.1%. The need for long-term medication and follow-up after a CHD diagnosis had the highest correctness rate at 98.8%. Additionally, 84.6% correctly understood that recurrence of CHD is possible after PCI surgery. Multivariate analysis indicated that smoking and diabetes status were significantly associated with Practice scores. Current smokers reported lower practice levels than never smokers (OR = 2.858, 95% CI: 1.442–5.662, P = 0.003). Participants with diabetes reported higher practice levels than those without diabetes (OR = 4.169, 95% CI: 2.329–7.463, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Patients with CHD in Shanghai, China, demonstrated good knowledge and positive attitudes toward CHD secondary prevention, although there were some gaps in actual practice behaviors. Enhancing targeted educational interventions and support systems in clinical settings may help bridge these gaps and improve adherence to recommended preventive practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: After anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), patients undergo specific changes in body and specific brain functions, which stem from neuroplasticity. In this study, we employed functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to investigate the characteristics of brain activation in patients after ACLR during a repetitive upstairs task, and compared them with healthy individuals. We aimed to provide a new theoretical basis for the changes in brain function after ACLR and neurorehabilitation of sports injuries. Methods: A total of 27 patients who undergoing right ACLR and 27 healthy controls participated in the study. We utilized fNIRS to collect hemodynamic data from the frontal and parietal cortices of both groups during a repetitive upstairs task. The Lysholm scale assessment was conducted prior to the commencement of the task. Compare the functional characteristics of the brain in post-operative patients and healthy subjects during upstairs tasks, and examine the functional differences between the two groups. Results: (1) Patients undergoing ACLR demonstrated a significant negative change in β -value for Channel 25 (t = 4.0461, p = 0.0067) during the repetitive upstairs task. (2) In contrast, the healthy control group exhibited a significant increase in β -value across Channel 6 (t = −3.0489, p = 0.0066), Channel 7 (t = −4.5723, p = 0.0002), Channel 8 (t = −3.0089, p = 0.0072), Channel 13 (t = −2.8789, p = 0.0096), Channel 20 (t = −3.4200, p = 0.0029), and Channel 33 (t = −2.6974, p = 0.0143) during the task. (3) When compared to the healthy control group, ACLR patients exhibited a significant negative change in β -value for Channel 25 (t = 2.7583, p = 0.0089), and Channel 33 (t = 3.0618, p = 0.0040). Conclusion: Patients with ACLR exhibited a significant negative activation in a specific brain region during upward stair movements. In contrast, healthy individuals demonstrated activation in two particular brain areas during the same task. Interventions targeting these brain regions may represent a novel rehabilitation approach. This provides a theoretical basis for incorporating fNIRS into the rehabilitation assessment of patients undergoing ACLR. In conclusion, this study provides a theoretical framework for potential interventions and assessments of brain regions following ACLR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rubiaceae plants are globally widespread and possess significant economic and medicinal value. Such as the globally important crop of coffee, and Cinchona calisaya Wedd., which is rich in alkaloids, is an important medicinal resource for treating malaria. In recent years, several genome resources of Rubiaceae have been reported. However, the comprehensive phylogenetic relationships of Rubiaceae are still unknown. In this study, we present a nearly complete diploid genome assembly of C. calisaya, characterized by a genome size of 869.93 Mb, and contig N50 length of 44.34 Mb. Notably, 99.75% of the sequences have been successfully anchored to 17 chromosomes, with only 12 gaps remaining. BUSCO assessment indicates that 97.40% of complete core genes are present in the assembly. We identified a total of 42,741 protein-coding genes, among which 38,022 (89.00%) have received functional annotation. The high continuity and integrity of the C. calisaya genome provide a robust foundation for functional genomics research, varietal improvement, and the conservation of genomic resources in medicinal plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radix Codonopsis (Dangshen), derived from the dried root of plants in the Campanulaceae family, is a widely used Chinese herbal medicine. It is renowned for its pharmacological effects, including tonifying the middle qi, invigorating the spleen, benefiting the lungs, enhancing immunity, and nourishing the blood. Codonopsis extract is frequently incorporated into health products such as tablets and capsules, making it accessible for daily health maintenance. Additionally, it is commonly used in dietary applications like soups, teas, and porridges to nourish qi, enrich blood, and promote overall vitality. In recent years, increasing attention has been given to the anti-cancer potential of Radix Codonopsis. Studies have identified key active components such as luteolin, stigmasterol, polyacetylenes, lobetyolin, and glycitein, which exhibit anti-tumor properties through mechanisms like inhibiting cancer cell growth and proliferation, suppressing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and inducing apoptosis. This review highlights the research progress on Radix Codonopsis, including its active constituents, anti-cancer mechanisms, and its role in the convergence of medicine and food in modern life. By doing so, it aims to provide valuable insights and references for future scientific studies and clinical applications of Radix Codonopsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corynebacterium striatum (C. striatum) is a Gram-positive bacterium commonly colonizing the skin and mucosa in healthy individuals and hospitalized patients. Traditionally regarded as a contaminant, C. striatum is now increasingly recognized as a potential cause of clinical infections, especially after the coronavirus disease pandemic. It has emerged as a pathogen implicated in severe infections, including pneumonia, bacteremia, meningitis, artificial joint infections, abdominal infections, and endocarditis. C. striatum has been reported in lower respiratory tract infections, mostly as a conditioned pathogen in immunocompromised individuals, particularly in those with chronic structural lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, leading to severe pneumonia or exacerbation of the existing disease and high mortality. Additionally, C striatum has been implicated in the community-acquired pneumonia among immunocompetent individuals and nosocomial lung infections, with evidence of person-to-person transmission through caregivers. C. striatum may exhibit multidrug resistance. Vancomycin, alone or in combination, is currently considered the most effective treatment for C. striatum. This review highlights the epidemiological characteristics, drug resistance mechanisms, diagnostics approaches, and treatment options for C. striatum lower respiratory tract infections to enhance clinician awareness and improve patient management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cotton fibers are single cells that develop from the epidermal cells in the outer integument of developing seeds. The processes regulating fiber cell development have been extensively studied; however, the spatiotemporal transcriptome and metabolome profiles during the early stages of fiber development remain largely unknown. In this study, we profile the dynamics of transcriptome and metabolome during the early stages of cotton fiber cell development using a combination of spatial transcriptomic, single-cell transcriptomic, and spatial metabolomic analyses. We identify the key genes (e.g., DOX2, KCS19.4, BEE3, and HOS3.7) and metabolites (e.g., linoleic acid, spermine, spermidine, and α-linolenic acid) that may regulate the early development of fiber cells. Finally, knockdown and gain-of-function analyses identify the crucial role of GhBEE3/Gh_A09G062900 in cotton fiber initiation. We also construct a publicly accessible website (https://cotton.cricaas.com.cn/ovule/) for visualization of the spatiotemporal gene expression in cotton, providing a reference dataset for further studies on cotton fiber development. While cotton fiber development has been extensively studied, the spatiotemporal transcriptome and metabolome landscape remain largely unknown. Here, the authors profile early stage cotton fiber cell using a combination of spatial transcriptomic, single-cell transcriptomic, and spatial metabolomic analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bamboo and its derivatives have become increasingly prominent for their environmentally friendly attributes, notably their low carbon footprint, exceptional specific strength, and stiffness. This study introduces novel geometric and constitutive models at a mesoscale level, aiming to comprehensively characterize bamboo's material response under a diverse range of loading scenarios. Employing a blend of mesoscale numerical simulations and detailed experimental investigations, this research meticulously elucidates the mechanical behaviors and failure mechanisms of bamboo, particularly under conditions of longitudinal tension and compression, transverse tension and compression, as well as shear loads. A significant aspect of this study is the exploration of various laminated designs for structural bamboo, particularly in the context of bamboo glulam (glued laminated timber). This exploration is pivotal, offering substantial insights and foundational support for future advancements and production techniques in engineered bamboo materials, thereby contributing to sustainable and innovative construction solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sustainability challenge facing developing economies has become a topic of debate in recent decades. This research delves into the impact of green finance and enterprise patents on sustainable development indices in distinct groups of developing nations, specifically in Asia and Europe. By analyzing data from 2000 to 2019, the study unveils a positive correlation between green finance and sustainability. Asian economies experience a 0.32% increase, and European economies a 0.54% increase in sustainability per 1% rise in green finance value. Similarly, enterprise patents contribute positively, with Asian economies witnessing a 0.18% increase and European economies a 0.26% increase per 1% rise in patents. However, challenges such as limited electricity access, exacerbated by electrification, impede sustainability progress. Furthermore, internet access and the poverty ratio negatively affect sustainability. The study recommends targeted policies to enhance sustainability indices, emphasizing incentivizing green investments, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and promoting research and development initiatives in both Asian and European developing economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal adaptation to environmental challenges is a complex process involving intricate interactions between the host genotype and gut microbiome composition. The gut microbiome, highly responsive to external environmental factors, plays a crucial role in host adaptability and may facilitate local adaptation within species. Concurrently, the genetic background of host populations influences gut microbiome composition, highlighting the bidirectional relationship between host and microbiome. Despite this, our understanding of gut microbiome plasticity and its role in host adaptability remains limited, particularly in reptiles. To clarify this issue, we conducted a reciprocal translocation experiment with gravid females of the Qinghai toad-headed lizards (Phrynocephalus vlangalii) between high-altitude (2 600 m a.s.l.) and superhigh-altitude (3 600 m a.s.l.) environments on Dangjin Mountain of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, China. One year later, we assessed the phenotypes and gut microbiomes of their offspring. Results revealed significant plasticity in gut microbiome diversity and structure in response to contrasting elevations. Highaltitude conditions increased diversity, and maternal effects appeared to enable high-altitude lizards to maintain elevated diversity when exposed to superhigh-altitude environments. Additionally, superhigh-altitude lizards displayed distinct gut microbiome structures with notable host specificity, potentially linked to their lower growth rates. Overall, these findings underscore the importance of the gut microbiome in facilitating reptilian adaptation to rapid environmental changes across altitudinal gradients. Furthermore, this study provides critical insights into microbial mechanisms underpinning local adaptation and adaptative plasticity, offering a foundation for future research on host-microbiome interactions in evolutionary and ecological contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has a poor prognosis and high heterogeneity. Most cases of leukemias are caused by environmental factors interacting with the cell's genetic material, but treatment is still dominated by cell cycle drugs. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find reliable biomarkers. Based on the Gene Expression Omnibus database, Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and univariate Cox regression analysis were used to select the genes that had the most significant influence on the prognosis of patients with AML. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot were used to assess the effects of small interfering RNA transfection and lentiviral interference on the gene's knockout and overexpression, respectively. These method were also used to confirm the expression levels of the FHL1 gene in the HL60 cell line compared to neutrophils.. Cell Counting Kit-8 and flow cytometry were used to detect the effect of high or low expression of FHL1 on cell viability and apoptosis under the influence of cytarabine and daunorubicin. FHL1 was found to be the most prognostic independent biomarker by GSE12417 screening and GSE37642 validation. FHL1 is highly expressed in AML, and knockdown of FHL1 can increase the sensitivity of AML cells to cytarabine and daunorubicin. FHL1 may play a role as a potential molecular marker and therapeutic target for predicting poor prognosis of AML and for direct treatment (chemotherapy). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Periodontal disease is a widespread inflammatory condition that compromises the supporting structures of the teeth, potentially resulting in tooth loss if left untreated. Despite advancements in therapeutic interventions and an enhanced understanding of its pathophysiology, emerging techniques such as single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and Mendelian randomization (MR) present new opportunities for precision medicine in the management of periodontal disease. Methods: Data derived from the GSE152042 dataset underwent rigorous quality control, normalization, and dimensionality reduction using Seurat and the MonacoImmuneData framework. Marker genes were identified to delineate subgroups for subsequent analysis utilizing CellChat and ClusterProfilerR. MR analysis of the expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) for these genes was conducted to determine causal relationships with periodontal disease, leveraging data from the IEU Open GWAS project. Results: Single-cell analysis revealed distinct immune cell subtypes and indicated an increased presence of myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs) in patients with periodontal disease. MR analysis identified twenty-six significant genes, with LIMA1 (LIM domain and actin-binding 1) demonstrating a robust causal association with the progression of periodontal disease. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses highlighted crucial pathways involved in periodontal inflammation and tissue destruction. Visualization at the single-cell level elucidated the role of LIMA1 in disease progression, alongside differences in cell communication dynamics between LIMA1-positive and -negative populations. Conclusion: This study underscores the utility of scRNA-seq and MR in elucidating essential factors in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease, thereby reinforcing the necessity for targeted therapeutic strategies. The identification of LIMA1 as a pivotal gene in periodontal disease progression opens new avenues for precision medicine approaches, potentially enhancing treatment efficacy and patient outcomes in periodontal management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is a major surgery associated with significant morbidity and mortality, especially in older adult patients. Malnutrition is a common complication in these patients and is linked to poorer outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the associations between preoperative nutritional status using the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) and postoperative outcomes in older adult patients who underwent PD. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 363 older adult patients who underwent PD. The preoperative GNRI was calculated based on serum albumin levels and body mass index. GNRI ≤ 82, GNRI 83 to ≤98, and GNRI > 98 were classified as severely malnourished, moderately/mildly malnourished, and no malnourishment, respectively. Perioperative data, including demographics, comorbidities, and postoperative complications, were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the associations between the GNRI and outcomes such as length of hospital stay, postoperative complications, and overall survival. Results: Patients with a higher GNRI were more likely to experience Clavien–Dindo grade ≥ 3b postoperative complications (42.1% vs. 22.0% vs. 14.1%; p = 0.027) and pulmonary complications (26.3% vs. 11.9% vs. 4.2%; p = 0.016). These patients also stayed at the hospital for a longer duration (17.0% vs. 16.0% vs. 11.0%; p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis confirmed that the GNRI was an independent predictor of adverse outcomes, even after adjusting for other confounding factors. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the importance of preoperative nutritional assessment in older adult patients undergoing PD. Patients with low GNRI scores are at increased risk of postoperative complications and prolonged recovery. These results underscore the need for targeted nutritional interventions and regular monitoring of these patients. Future studies should focus on interventions to improve nutritional status in older adult patients undergoing PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]