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Global warming caused by the overuse of non-renewable fossil energy has resulted in serious global energy and environmental issues, including resource scarcity, melting glaciers, fires and locust plague. Accordingly, the design and development of high-performance, earth-abundant, non-toxic and cost-effective photocatalysts to realize solar energy conversion, organic pollutant degradation, carbon dioxide reduction and hydrogen production are considered the most effective methods to resolve both the energy and environmental crises. Iron is the second most abundant metal (5.0%) on Earth and has been extensively introduced in photocatalytic reactions to improve the generation, separation and utilization efficiency of charge carriers owing to its suitable band gap, redox position and low redox overpotential. Thus, iron-based photocatalysts have gained prominence as viable candidates owing to their abundance, eco-friendliness and exceptional photocatalytic performance. This critical review delves into the recent advances in the design of iron-based nanomaterials. Initially, we present an overview of the recent advancements in the design of iron-based heterojunctions (type II, Z-scheme, and S-scheme heterojunctions). Subsequently, we thoroughly summarize the application of iron-based photocatalysts in oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions, carbon dioxide conversion and nitrogen fixation. Finally, we outline the future perspectives for the improvement of next-generation iron-based photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1rn) is knocked out, mice have shown strain background dependent and major QTL regulated susceptibility to spontaneously inflammatory arthritis disease (SAD). The impact on bone properties resulting from the interactions of IL-1rn, genomic background strains, and the QTL locus, is unknown. Bone properties in the four specifically bred mouse strains with mutation of IL-1rn and variations in genomic components were investigated with high-resolution MicroCT and genomic analytical tools. Two congenic mouse strains were also measured to evaluate the influence on bone properties by a QTL in the region in chromosome 1. Our results reveal that several bone phenotypes, including bone mineral density (BMD), bone volume, tibial length, and cortical thickness of the tibia are different between wild type and IL-1rn knockout mice in both Balb/c and DBA/1 backgrounds, but IL-1rn knockout affects BMD differently between the two mouse strains. The absence of IL-1rn decreases BMD in Balb/c mice but increases BMD in DBA/1−/− mice compared to their respective wild type counterparts. A QTL transferred from the Balb/c genetic background which affects arthritis in congenic strains appears to also regulate BMD. While several genes, including Ctsg and Prg2, may affect BMD, Ifi202b is the most favored candidate gene for regulating BMD as well as SAD. In conclusion, the previously mentioned bone phenotypes are each influenced in different ways by the loss of IL-1ra when considered in mice from varying genomic backgrounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Optimizing feed efficiency through the feed conversion ratio (FCR) is paramount for economic viability and sustainability. In this study, we integrated RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, and genome-wide association study (GWAS) data to investigate key functional variants associated with feed efficiency in pigs. Identification of differentially expressed genes in the duodenal and muscle tissues of low- and high-FCR pigs revealed that pathways related to digestion of dietary carbohydrate are responsible for differences in feed efficiency between individuals. Differential open chromatin regions identified by ATAC-seq were linked to genes involved in glycolytic and fatty acid processes. GWAS identified 211 significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with feed efficiency traits, with candidate genes PPP1R14C, TH, and CTSD. Integration of duodenal ATAC-seq data and GWAS data identified six key functional variants, particularly in the 1500985–1509676 region on chromosome 2. In those regions, CTSD was found to be highly expressed in the duodenal tissues of pigs with a high feed conversion ratio, suggesting its role as a potential target gene. Overall, the integration of multi-omics data provided insights into the genetic basis of feed efficiency, offering valuable information for breeding more efficient pig breeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal diseases of plants are one of the key factors causing global crop losses. In this study, we isolated a Bacillus velezensis strain VC3, which was found to have a broad-spectrum inhibitory effect on a variety of phytopathogenic fungi through in vitro and in planta experiments, especially on Magnaporthe oryzae and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Further genomic and transcriptomic analyses revealed that the B. velezensis VC3 has multiple functional gene clusters encoding for the synthesis of a variety of antifungal secondary metabolites, including antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and lipopeptides (LPs). In addition, AMPs and LPs were isolated and purified from B. velezensis VC3 fermentation broth and their antifungal activities were verified in this study. AMPs and LPs significantly inhibited spore germination, appressorium formation, and disease development, and AMPs have a better potential for controlling M. oryzae and C. gloeosporioides than LPs. These findings open new avenues for utilizing B. velezensis VC3 as biocontrol agents, providing potential sustainable solutions for agricultural production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To advance hydrogen metallurgy, it is critical to understand the micro-kinetics of diversified ironmaking ores reduced by hydrogen and to establish gene-pool like kinetic parameter library for specific ironmaking materials. However, it is usually difficult to determine the micro-kinetic mechanisms due to the compensation effect of model-fitting methods. In this paper, the modern thermogravimetry method is used to evaluate the non-isothermal kinetics of four types of iron-bearing mineral powders reduced by hydrogen throughout a temperature range of 50 °C to 570 °C. Both traditional model-fitting and cutting-edge model-free approaches were used. The reproduced level of original kinetic process was selected as a criterion to choose the optimal parameters in the analysis. The processes of different iron ore (the Australian ore powder, the Southern-African ore powder, the sinter powder and the pellet powder) reduction reactions are split as the first stage of Fe2O3 → Fe3O4 and the second stage of Fe3O4 → Fe, according to the classic two-stage analysis distinguished by a conversion ratio of roughly 0.11. The optimal first-stage activation energies of the various iron ore reductions are 141.20 kJ/mol (Vyazovkin's model-free, order of 3/2), 60.67 kJ/mol (Friedman's model-free, three-dimensional diffusion), 86.86 kJ/mol (Friedman model-free Anti-Ginstling-Brounshtein), and 74.53 kJ/mol (Vyazovkin's model-free, Anti-Zhuravlev), respectively. The optimal second-stage activation energies of the various iron ore reductions are as follows: 58.44–75.37 kJ/mol (Vyazovkin's model-free, order of 1/3), 52.63–74.96 kJ/mol (Friedman's model-free, Avrami-Erofeev), 61.78–88.57 kJ/mol (Friedman model-free, order of 3/2), and 50.82–64.14 kJ/mol (Vyazovkin's model-free, Interface contracting sphere). The master plot approaches were used to find the best reaction model and to derive the pre-exponential factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies on epoxy foams were subjected to the specific property, and improvements in thermal insulation or dielectric property were usually accompanied by the sacrifice of mechanical strength or thermal stability. The current research reported a high‐performance epoxy foam by the pre‐curing process using E‐51/DDS and expandable microsphere (EMP) as polymer matrix and physical blowing agent, respectively. The effect of EMP loading on the structure & property of epoxy foam was reported. The mean diameter of E‐51/EMP foam was in the range of 19–21 μm. The compression property of E‐51/EMP foam was fit for the power‐law model and its integrity was well maintained during compressive test. Compared with bulky epoxy, a significant decrease of thermal conductivity of 62.93% was observed in 10 wt% EMP‐filled epoxy foam. E‐51/EMP foam showed superior thermal stabilities, with a T5% of over 300°C. The dielectric constant was decreased by 54.5% from 4.92 in bulky epoxy to 2.24 in E‐51/EMP foam (10 wt% EMP). Notably, there was a percolation phenomenon of EMP (6 wt%) regarding on the structure & property of E‐51/EMP foam. This study provides lightweight, robust, high‐temperature‐resistant, and low‐dielectric‐constant epoxy foams with the wide application prospects in buoyant, electronic packaging, and energy‐saving industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skeletal muscle satellite cells, the resident stem cells in pig skeletal muscle, undergo proliferation and differentiation to enable muscle tissue repair. The proliferative and differentiative abilities of these cells gradually decrease during in vitro cultivation as the cell passage number increases. Despite extensive research, the precise molecular mechanisms that regulate this process are not fully understood. To bridge this knowledge gap, we conducted transcriptomic analysis of skeletal muscle satellite cells during in vitro cultivation to quantify passage number-dependent changes in the expression of genes associated with proliferation. Additionally, we explored the relationships between gene transcriptional activity and chromatin accessibility using transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing. This revealed the closure of numerous open chromatin regions, which were primarily located in intergenic regions, as the cell passage number increased. Integrated analysis of the transcriptomic and epigenomic data demonstrated a weak correlation between gene transcriptional activity and chromatin openness in expressed genic regions; although some genes (e.g., GNB4 and FGD5) showed consistent relationships between gene expression and chromatin openness, a substantial number of differentially expressed genes had no clear association with chromatin openness in expressed genic regions. The p53-p21-RB signaling pathway may play a critical regulatory role in cell proliferation processes. The combined transcriptomic and epigenomic approach taken here provided key insights into changes in gene expression and chromatin openness during in vitro cultivation of skeletal muscle satellite cells. These findings enhance our understanding of the intricate mechanisms underlying the decline in cellular proliferation capacity in cultured cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic testing is crucial for precision cancer medicine. However, detecting multiple same-site insertions or deletions (indels) is challenging. Here, we introduce CoHIT (Cas12a-based One-for-all High-speed Isothermal Test), a one-pot CRISPR-based assay for indel detection. Leveraging an engineered AsCas12a protein variant with high mismatch tolerance and broad PAM scope, CoHIT can use a single crRNA to detect multiple NPM1 gene c.863_864 4-bp insertions in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). After optimizing multiple parameters, CoHIT achieves a detection limit of 0.01% and rapid results within 30 minutes, without wild-type cross-reactivity. It successfully identifies NPM1 mutations in 30 out of 108 AML patients and demonstrates potential in monitoring minimal residual disease (MRD) through continuous sample analysis from three patients. The CoHIT method is also competent for detecting indels of KIT, BRAF, and EGFR genes. Integration with lateral flow test strips and microfluidic chips highlights CoHIT's adaptability and multiplexing capability, promising significant advancements in clinical cancer diagnostics. Genetic testing is crucial for precision cancer medicine. Here, the authors develop a one-pot ERA-CRISPR assay to detect variable same-site indels, using an engineered AsCas12a variant with improved mismatch tolerance and broadened PAM scope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Some studies have indicated that the alterations in cellular morphology induced by selenite [Se(Ⅳ)] may be attributed to its inhibitory effects on cell division. However, whether the genes associated with cell division are implicated in Se(Ⅳ) metabolism remains unclear. Methods and Results The fts K gene in Rahnella aquatilis HX2 was mutated with an in-frame deletion strategy. The fts K mutation strongly reduced the tolerance to selenite [Se(Ⅳ)] and the production of red elemental selenium [Se(0)] in R. aquatilis HX2, and this effect could not be attributed solely to the inhibition of cell growth. Deleting the fts K gene also resulted in a significant decrease in bacterial growth of R. aquatilis HX2 during both exponential and stationary phases. The deletion of fts K inhibited cell division, resulting in the development of elongated filamentous cells. Furthermore, the loss-of-function of FtsK significantly impacted the expression of seven genes linked to cell division and Se(Ⅳ) metabolism by at least 2-fold, as unveiled by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) under Se(Ⅳ) treatment. Conclusions These findings suggest that FtsK is associated with Se(Ⅳ) tolerance and Se(0) generation and is a key player in coordinating bacterial growth and cell morphology in R. aquatilis HX2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To review the effectiveness of different physical therapies for acute and sub-acute low back pain supported by evidence, and create clinical recommendations and expert consensus for physiotherapists on clinical prescriptions. Data sources: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed and the Cochrane Library for studies published within the previous 15 years. Review methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis, randomized controlled trials assessing patients with acute and sub-acute low back pain were included. Two reviewers independently screened relevant studies using the same inclusion criteria. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database and the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews tool were used to grade the quality assessment of randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews, respectively. The final recommendation grades were based on the consensus discussion results of the Delphi of 22 international experts. Results: Twenty-one systematic reviews and 21 randomized controlled trials were included. Spinal manipulative therapy and low-level laser therapy are recommended for acute low back pain. Core stability exercise/motor control, spinal manipulative therapy, and massage can be used to treat sub-acute low back pain. Conclusions: The consensus statements provided medical staff with appliable recommendations of physical therapy for acute and sub-acute low back pain. This consensus statement will require regular updates after 5–10 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: Electrodeposited amorphous IrOx thin electrodes are first developed for proton exchange membrane electrolyzer cells. An ultralow loading of 0.075 mg cm−2 archives superior performance to catalyst-coated membrane (2 mg cm−2). > 96% of catalyst savings and > 42-fold higher catalyst utilization are demonstrated. Herein, ionomer-free amorphous iridium oxide (IrOx) thin electrodes are first developed as highly active anodes for proton exchange membrane electrolyzer cells (PEMECs) via low-cost, environmentally friendly, and easily scalable electrodeposition at room temperature. Combined with a Nafion 117 membrane, the IrOx-integrated electrode with an ultralow loading of 0.075 mg cm−2 delivers a high cell efficiency of about 90%, achieving more than 96% catalyst savings and 42-fold higher catalyst utilization compared to commercial catalyst-coated membrane (2 mg cm−2). Additionally, the IrOx electrode demonstrates superior performance, higher catalyst utilization and significantly simplified fabrication with easy scalability compared with the most previously reported anodes. Notably, the remarkable performance could be mainly due to the amorphous phase property, sufficient Ir3+ content, and rich surface hydroxide groups in catalysts. Overall, due to the high activity, high cell efficiency, an economical, greatly simplified and easily scalable fabrication process, and ultrahigh material utilization, the IrOx electrode shows great potential to be applied in industry and accelerates the commercialization of PEMECs and renewable energy evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on a continuous-wave (CW) pumped cryogenically cooled rod Yb:YAG regenerative amplifier delivering uncompressed 12-mJ, 90-ps, 1030-nm pulses at a 1-kHz repetition rate. The amplifier demonstrates an efficiency of 31.7%. A symmetric cavity design was utilized to compensate for the substantial thermal lensing effect, yielding a final measured beam quality of 1.1 in both horizontal and vertical directions. After significant gain narrowing, the measured spectra exhibit a bandwidth of 0.3 nm corresponding to an approximately 5 ps transform-limited pulse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Enhancer RNAs (eRNAs) play a crucial role in transcriptional regulation. While significant progress has been made in understanding epigenetic regulation mediated by eRNAs, research on the construction of eRNA-mediated gene regulatory networks (eGRN) and the identification of critical network components that influence complex traits is lacking. Results: Here, employing the pig as a model, we conducted a comprehensive study using H3K27ac histone ChIP-seq and RNA-seq data to construct eRNA expression profiles from multiple tissues of two distinct pig breeds, namely Enshi Black (ES) and Duroc. In addition to revealing the regulatory landscape of eRNAs at the tissue level, we developed an innovative network construction and refinement method by integrating RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, genome-wide association study (GWAS) signals and enhancer-modulating effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) measured by self-transcribing active regulatory region sequencing (STARR-seq) experiments. Using this approach, we unraveled eGRN that significantly influence the growth and development of muscle and fat tissues, and identified several novel genes that affect adipocyte differentiation in a cell line model. Conclusions: Our work not only provides novel insights into the genetic basis of economic pig traits, but also offers a generalizable approach to elucidate the eRNA-mediated transcriptional regulation underlying a wide spectrum of complex traits for diverse organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The fetal neurodevelopmental microstructural alterations of intrauterine exposure to preeclampsia (PE) or gestational hypertension (GH) remain unknown. Purpose: To evaluate the differences in diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) of the fetal brain between normotensive pregnancies and PE/GH pregnancies, with a focus on PE/GH pregnancies with fetal growth restriction (FGR). Study Type: Retrospective matched case–control study. Population: 40 singleton pregnancies with PE/GH complicated by FGR, and 3 paired control groups (PE/GH without FGR, normotensive FGR, normotensive pregnancies) (28–38 gestational weeks). Field Strength/Sequence: DWI with single‐shot echo‐planar imaging at 1.5 Tesla. Assessment: The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were calculated in the centrum semi‐ovale (CSO), parietal white matter (PWM), frontal white matter (FWM), occipital white matter (OWM), temporal white matter (TWM), basal ganglia, thalamus (THAL), pons, and cerebellar hemisphere. Statistical Tests: Student t test or Wilcoxon matched test was used to reveal the difference of ADC values among the investigated brain regions. A correlation between gestational age (GA) and ADC values was determined by linear regression analysis. Results: Compared with fetuses in PE/GH without FGR and those with normotensive pregnancies, fetuses in the PE/GH with FGR group had significantly lower average ADC measurements of supratentorial regions (1.65 ± 0.09 vs. 1.71 ± 0.10 10−3 mm2/sec; vs. 1.73 ± 0.11 10−3 mm2/sec, respectively). Regions of significantly decreased ADC values in the fetal brain included CSO, FWM, PWM, OWM, TWM and THAL in cases of PE/GH with FGR. ADC values from supratentorial regions in PE/GH pregnancies were not significantly correlated with GA (P = 0.12, 0.26); however, this trend was statistically significant in the normotensive groups. Data Conclusion: ADC values may indicate fetal brain developmental alterations in PE/GH with FGR fetuses but more microscopic and morphological studies are necessary to provide additional evidence to offer a different interpretation of this trend in fetal brain. Level of Evidence: 4 Technical Efficacy Stage: 3 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of two thermoluminescent dosimetry systems (RGD-3D and RE2000) manufactured in China and Finland was compared. Both of these dosimetry systems demonstrated satisfactory results as their performance met the requirements of the standard. The two dosimetry systems showed similar performance in the energy response. The RGD-3D dosimetry system performed better in nonlinear response, minimum detectable level and blind sample tests, whereas the RE2000 dosimetry system showed better stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the O174L gene of African swine fever virus (ASFV), the O174L gene was connected to the vector pRK5M-C-2xStrep through homologous recombination, and the eukaryotic expression vector of ASFV was constructed. After PCR amplification and sequencing identification, the recombinant plasmid was transfected into porcine intestinal epithelial cells (IPEC-J2). The expression of O174L protein was detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot. The PCR and sequencing results showed that recombinant plasmid pRK5M-C-2xStrep-O174L was successfully constructed. The results of immunofluorescence and Western blot showed that O174L protein could be stably expressed in IPEC-J2 cells. Bioinformatics analysis of O174L protein showed that the arrangement of the branches and isolates of the phylogenetic tree based on the O174L gene sequence was highly similar to that based on the B646L (p72) gene sequence. Among the 16 isolates from China, the similarity of the O174L gene sequence between the isolates was as high as 96.76%~100.00%. Compared with other type II isolates in China, China/2018/AnhuiXCGQ had differences in the 67th, 75th and 110th amino acids of O174L, and GZ201801 had difference in the 110th amino acids. The O174L amino acid sequence of type ? isolates SD/DY-I/2021 and HeN/ZZ-P1/2021 were different from other Chinese type II isolates at 13th, 73th, 93th, 95th, 113th and 114th amino acids, respectively. O174L protein was a stable hydrophilic protein without signal peptide and transmembrane region. The secondary structure of O174L protein was composed of a helix, β strand and random coil, and the prediction result of tertiary structure was consistent with the secondary structure. Above results provided the basis and experimental materials for studying the protein interaction and genetic evolution between ASFV and host. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bifunctional phthalonitrile‐benzoxazine (PNBZ) usually suffers from slow‐curing characteristics. Recently, we unexpectedly observed a waste liquid containing PNBZ solution and excess ethylenediamine (EDA) had turned into a gel at room temperature. Since the report on the PNBZ gelling phenomenon below 150°C was rare, this accidental finding manifested the possible formation of PNBZ gel at low temperatures. By varying the EDA molar ratio, PNBZ gels with different microstructures were successfully realized at the low temperature of 50°C. Through the differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analyse (TGA), and Fourier transform infrared technique, the driving force behind the gel formation was found to be the low‐temperature copolymerization between the amino group of EDA and the BZ ring of PNBZ, resulting in the amine‐containing intermediate. PNBZ gel was thermally unstable, but was mechanically robust. The current method was also universal to realize polymer or composite gels for a class of slow‐curing PNBZ resin (i.e., allyl‐containing PNBZ gel and its carbon nanotube‐filled composite gel). This study not only expands our understanding of the low‐temperature polymerization behavior of PNBZ but also provides a versatile strategy for low‐temperature preparation of PNBZ‐based gels. Making the most of current approach, it is believed that multifunctional PNBZ‐based gels will be developed for various applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The stress hyperglycaemic ratio (SHR), a new marker that reflects the true hyperglycaemic state of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), is strongly associated with adverse clinical outcomes in these patients. Studies on the relationship between the SHR and in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) incidence are limited. This study elucidated the relationship between the SHR and incidence of IHCA in patients with ACS. Methods: In total, 1,939 patients with ACS who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University were included. They were divided into three groups according to the SHR: group T1 (SHR ≤ 0.838, N = 646), group T2 (0.838< SHR ≤ 1.140, N = 646), and group T3 (SHR3 > 1.140, N = 647). The primary endpoint was IHCA incidence. Results: The overall IHCA incidence was 4.1% (N = 80). After adjusting for covariates, SHR was significantly associated with IHCA incidence in patients with ACS who underwent PCI (odds ratio [OR] = 2.6800; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.6200–4.4300; p<0.001), and compared with the T1 group, the T3 group had an increased IHCA risk (OR = 2.1800; 95% CI = 1.2100–3.9300; p = 0.0090). In subgroup analyses, after adjusting for covariates, patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (OR = 3.0700; 95% CI = 1.4100–6.6600; p = 0.0050) and non-STEMI (NSTEMI) (OR = 2.9900; 95% CI = 1.1000–8.1100; p = 0.0310) were at an increased IHCA risk. After adjusting for covariates, IHCA risk was higher in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) (OR = 2.5900; 95% CI = 1.4200–4.7300; p = 0.0020) and those without DM (non-DM) (OR = 3.3000; 95% CI = 1.2700–8.5800; p = 0.0140); patients with DM in the T3 group had an increased IHCA risk compared with those in the T1 group (OR = 2.4200; 95% CI = 1.0800–5.4300; p = 0.0320). The restriction cubic spline (RCS) analyses revealed a dose-response relationship between IHCA incidence and SHR, with an increased IHCA risk when SHR was higher than 1.773. Adding SHR to the baseline risk model improved the predictive value of IHCA in patients with ACS treated with PCI (net reclassification improvement [NRI]: 0.0734 [0.0058–0.1409], p = 0.0332; integrated discrimination improvement [IDI]: 0.0218 [0.0063–0.0374], p = 0.0060). Conclusions: In patients with ACS treated with PCI, the SHR was significantly associated with the incidence of IHCA. The SHR may be a useful predictor of the incidence of IHCA in patients with ACS. The addition of the SHR to the baseline risk model had an incremental effect on the predictive value of IHCA in patients with ACS treated with PCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study positive solutions with an isolated singularity to a class of weighted elliptic equations in $ B_1\backslash\{0\} $ and in $ \mathbb{R}^N\backslash\{0\} $. First, in $ B_1\backslash\{0\} $ we present new results on the asymptotic behavior at the singular point for positive solutions. Then in $ \mathbb{R}^N\backslash\{0\} $, we prove radially symmetric properties for positive singular solutions, and give a complete classification for these solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanocrystalline SmCo5 powder is one of the most widely used hard magnetic materials for preparing nanocomposite permanent magnets due to its high coercivity and strong magnetic coupling. In this study, surfactant-assisted ball milling was used to prepare SmCo5 micro-nanosheets, and the influence of ball milling time, ball-to-powder ratio, and surfactant content on the morphology and magnetic properties of SmCo5 powder was systematically investigated using a planetary ball mill. The results showed that with increasing ball milling time and ball-to-powder ratio, the particle size and thickness of SmCo5 powder decreased and transformed into micro-nanoflakes. When the ball milling time and ball-to-powder ratio exceeded 4 h and 12:1, respectively, the particle size and thickness of SmCo5 powder did not change significantly. The SmCo5 powder exhibited the optimal magnetic property, a remanence of 45.9 Am²/kg and a coercivity of 1.13x106 A/m, when choosing the ball-to-powder ratio of 16:1, the ball milling time of 2 h, and the surfactant content of 30%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chaenomeles speciosa (Sweet) Nakai (C. speciosa) fruit has medicinal and food applications and exhibits beneficial pharmacological properties. This study aimed to explore the hypouricemic effect of C. speciosa fruit extracts on hyperuricemic rats and uncover potential protective mechanisms. The rats were given hypoxanthine (HX, 100 mg/kg) and potassium oxonate (PO, 300 mg/kg) for 14 days to induce hyperuricemia. Subsequently, the rats were orally administered C. speciosa fruits total extract (CSFTE, 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg) and allopurinol (AP, 10 mg/kg) one hour after exposure to HX and PO. The results showed that CSFTE had significant xanthine oxidase (XOD) inhibitory activity in vitro (IC50 value of 334.2 μg/mL) and exhibited hypouricemic effects in vivo, reducing uric acid (UA), creatinine (CRE), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels in serum. CSFTE increased UA excretion through the regulation of URAT1, GLUT9, OAT1, and OAT3 protein expression in the kidneys of hyperuricemic rats. Additionally, CSFTE (500 and 1000 mg/kg) was more effective than AP in improving renal injury and protecting kidney function in hyperuricemic rats. Our study demonstrated that CSFTE effectively reduced UA levels and protected the kidneys by inhibiting XOD expression in vitro and regulating UA, CRE, BUN, URAT1, GLUT9, OAT1, and OAT3 proteins in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics are polymer-based materials with carbon as their main framework. During degradation, they release greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane. Additionally, environmental microplastics can enter plant tissues, triggering oxidative stress in plant cells, adversely affecting photosynthesis, metabolism, gene expression, and other growth parameters. This reduction in plant efficiency in sequestering and utilizing atmospheric carbon dioxide indirectly impacts global carbon cycling, exacerbating the global greenhouse effect. Furthermore, environmental microplastics significantly alter soil structure and the composition of microbial communities, affecting the emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, thus indirectly promoting greenhouse gas emissions. Increasing research suggests a mutual reinforcement between microplastic pollution and global climate warming, where microplastic pollution exacerbates global climate warming, and the rise in global average temperature leads to the resuspension of microplastics in sediments, intensifying microplastic pollution in the environment. This article primarily focuses on the impacts of environmental microplastic pollution on different ecosystems and the relationship between microplastic pollution and global climate warming. It summarizes the effects of microplastic pollution on greenhouse gas emissions in marine, terrestrial, and atmospheric ecosystems, as well as the mechanisms by which microplastics and climate change affect ecosystem services. By delving into the intricate connection between microplastic pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, this paper aims to raise awareness of the climate change caused by microplastic pollution and calls for further research on the impacts of microplastics on ecosystems and global climate change, with the ultimate goal of protecting ecosystems and human health. Highlights: • MPs influence microbial communities, indirectly promoting GHG emissions. • MPs hinder plant photosynthesis, reducing CO2 sequestration efficiency. • MPs pollution and climate change interact and exacerbate each other. • Human intervention and regulation can mitigate the impact of MPs on global warming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies have shown that insulin resistance is strongly associated with the development of cardiovascular disease, and the triglyceride glucose-body mass index (TyG-BMI index) is considered to be a reliable surrogate marker of insulin resistance. There are limited studies on the relationship between TyG-BMI index and the extent of coronary artery disease in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between TyG-BMI index and the extent of coronary artery disease in patients with ACS. Methods: Overall, 2,317 patients with ACS who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention at the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University were included in this study. The TyG-BMI index was grouped according to the tertile method. The extent of coronary artery disease in patients with ACS was quantitatively assessed using the SYNTAX score, which was categorised as low (≤ 22), intermediate (23–32), and high risk (≥ 33). Results: In the overall population, multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that TyG-BMI index was associated with mid/high SYNTAX score in patients with ACS (odds ratio [OR] = 1.0041; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.0000–1.0079; p = 0.0310). Subgroup analyses showed that TyG-BMI index was an independent risk factor for mid/high SYNTAX score in female ACS patients after adjusting for multiple confounders (OR = 1.0100; 95% CI = 1.0000–1.0200; p = 0.0050), and that the risk of mid/high SYNTAX score was 2.49 times higher in the T3 group (OR = 2.4900; 95% CI = 1.2200–5.0600; p = 0.0120). Restricted cubic spline analysis showed a linear correlation between TyG-BMI index and complex coronary artery disease (SYNTAX score > 22) in women with ACS. In female ACS patients, inclusion of the TyG-BMI index did not improve the predictive power of the underlying risk model (net reclassification improvement: 0.0867 [-0.0256–0.1989], p = 0.1301; integrated discrimination improvement: 0.0183 [0.0038–0.0329], p = 0.0135). Conclusions: TyG-BMI index is linearly associated with the degree of complex coronary artery disease in female ACS patients. However, the inclusion of the TyG-BMI index did not improve the predictive power of the underlying risk model for female ACS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study Liouville-type theorems for fractional Hardy–Hénon elliptic systems with weights. Because the weights are singular at zero, we firstly prove that classical solutions for systems in R N \ { 0 } are also distributional solutions in R N . Then we study the equivalence between the fractional Hardy–Hénon system and a proper integral system, and we obtain new Liouville-type theorems for supersolutions and solutions by the method of integral estimates and scaling spheres respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Megalurothrips usitatus and Liriomyza trifolii are the main pests on cowpea crops. Developing green technology to control these pests is urgently needed, because they have developed high-level resistance to most insecticides. In this study, a self-developed UV-absorbing film greenhouse (UV-FG) was constructed, and its effects on controlling pests and plant quality were evaluated. The results showed that UV-FG could significantly reduce M. usitatus and L. trifolii populations. The height of cowpea in UV-FG was significantly higher than that in conventional greenhouse (C-FG) from the flowering stage to the harvest stage (p < 0.05). The average yield in UV-FG was 1199.67 kg per 667 m2, which was more than 10% higher than those in other treatments, and the single fruit weight and length of harvest period in UV-FG were significantly higher or longer than those of other treatments (p < 0.05). The contents of intrinsic nutrients showed no substantial differences between UV-FG and C-FG. The use of UV-FG could significantly reduce pest outbreak, improve crop yield, and greatly reduce pesticide residues. Our results showed that UV-blocking materials could become a valuable strategy for the integrated management of M. usitatus and L. trifolii in plants grown in enclosed environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Considering the wide band gap of La2Ti2O7, and the limited separation efficiency of charge carriers in MAPbBr3, we designed and easily fabricated a MAPbBr3/La2Ti2O7 dual perovskite heterojunction with similar crystal structures for efficient photocatalytic CO2 reduction. Owing to the improved visible light absorption capacity, separation efficiency of the photogenerated electron–hole pairs, and similar spatial crystal structure, the optimal MAPbBr3/La2Ti2O7 dual perovskite heterojunction exhibited significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity for CO production at a rate of 18.9 μmol g−1, which was 4.3 times greater than that of the original MAPbBr3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To discuss the construction of the nomogram model of coronary atherosclerotic plaque (CAP) shown on chest computed tomography (CT) and the influencing factors of plaque stability. Methods The data of patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease that received CT examination from January 2020 to October 2021 were collected for a retrospective cross-sectional study. Basic information (including gender and age), medical history, complications, blood pressure, blood biochemical indicators, etc.of the patients were collected. According to their coronary artery conditions shown by CT imaging, the patients were divided into CAP group and CAP-free group. The data were then reduced by using LASSO regression cross-validation. The nomogram model was built and validated, and its application value was evaluated by the decision curve. In the end, the influencing factors of CAP-CT value were evaluated by optimal scaling regression. Results There were 240 patients with CAP and 52 patients without CAP included in the research. After adjusting the parameter (λ+1se), age, uric acid, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were non-zero variables. The statistically significant age and eGFR were used to build the nomogram model. Area under ROC curve was 0.759 (95%CI: 0.691 ~ 0.828), sensitivity was 73.8%, specificity was 71.2%. Hosmer-Lemeshow test indicated good model fit (χ² =11.846, P =0.158). The prediction accuracy was 82.2%. Mean absolute error of Bootstrap resampling internal verification was 0.029. The calibration curve basically fits the ideal curve. According to the decision curve, the nomogram model shows good net benefits within the risk threshold of 0.10 ~ 0.40. Combined diabetes mellitus and β²-microglobulin (β²-MG) were independent risk factors for CAP-CT values (both P<0.05), with the importance of 0.121 and 0.564, respectively. Conclusion Emphasis on the protection of renal function and glycemic compliance will help to reduce the formation of CAP and increase CAP stability. In particular, more attention should be paid to renal function when selecting medications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electroencephalographic (EEG) diagnosis of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is not usually timely, and the detection is often performed several hours or days after the trauma, leading to a decrease in the accuracy of its detection. In this study, EEG signals are recorded immediately after mTBI by connecting a bipolar single lead to injured animals. And three types of EEG features, namely time domain, frequency domain, and nonlinear dynamics, are screened for optimal feature subset in mTBI detection. First, EEG signals of animals are recorded before and after establishing the animal model of mTBI. Second, signal preprocessing, feature extraction, and feature preprocessing are performed to obtain the full‐feature dataset, and 1442 feature subsets are obtained by 15 feature reduction algorithms extracted from combinations of 47 features. Ultimately, the support vector machines and K‐nearest neighbor algorithms are trained and tested respectively, and their performance is comprehensively compared to determine the optimal feature subset for mTBI detection. In the EEG dataset collected in this study, a total of eight feature subsets extracted from combinations of original 47 features and classification models with 100% accuracy are obtained. This study shows the perspective of immediately detecting mTBI based on a bipolar single‐lead EEG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of low-voltage circuit breaker overload protection degrades slowly during service, and the service state cannot be simply described as a normal state or a fault state. To address this problem, a method is proposed to classify the operating state of low-voltage circuit breaker overload protection, taking into account the safety margin of action characteristics and a Markov-process-based operating state transfer model is established to accurately describe its actual service state. By analyzing the degradation of the overload protection performance of circuit breakers and simulating the state transfer with different operating conditions using circuit breaker reliability levels and operating time as the main variables, the change law of the service state with service time is determined. The method is not only applicable to the analysis and evaluation of circuit breakers with different reliability levels but also has guiding significance for improving the safe operation of distribution grid systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Confronting the pressing challenge of freshwater scarcity, polymeric membrane-based water treatment technology has emerged as an essential and effective approach. Poly(arylene ether)s (PAEs) polymers, a class of high-performance engineering thermoplastics, have garnered attention in recent decades as promising membrane materials for advanced water treatment approaches. The PAE-Based membranes are employed to resist the shortages of most common polymeric membranes, such as chemical instability, structural damage, membrane fouling, and shortened lifespan when deployed in harsh environments, owing to their excellent comprehensive performance. This article presents the advancements in the research of several typical PAEs, including poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK), polyethersulfone (PES), and poly(arylene ether nitrile) (PEN). Techniques for membrane formation, modification strategies, and applications in water treatment have been reviewed. The applications encompass processes for oil/water separation, desalination, and wastewater treatment, which involve the removal of heavy metal ions, dyes, oils, and other organic pollutants. The commendable performance of these membranes has been summarized in terms of corrosion resistance, high-temperature resistance, anti-fouling properties, and durability in challenging environments. In addition, several recommendations for further research aimed at developing efficient and robust PAE-based membranes are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We designed a 3D-printed extracorporeal positioning guide for assisting ultrasound-guided microwave ablation of the liver and observed its effectiveness. 13 patients with liver cancer were selected, and their CT data were obtained. The CT data is reconstructed in 3D by computer software Mimics to create a 3D model. The 3D-printed in vitro positioning guides were designed by 3-Matic and fabricated using 3D printing technology. Finally, it is applied to the clinic, and its effect is observed. The preliminary design of a 3D printed extracorporeal positioning guide was applied to the clinic, and the efficiency of assisted ultrasound positioning was 76.92% (10/13), with three patients requiring repositioning. The efficiency of the 3D printed extracorporeal positioning guide technique was 76.92%, a CT examination was performed one month after surgery, and three patients had residual lesions. 3D-printed extracorporeal positioning guides can assist ultrasound in localizing tumors during liver microwave ablation and reduce repeated punctures. It makes percutaneous microwave ablation of the liver more precise and safe. However, the current study sample is small, there are still apparent shortcomings, and long-term clinical studies are needed to prove its effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The appropriate and adjustable band structure and positive visible-light response enable the halide perovskite MAPbBr3 to be a promising photocatalyst for CO2 reduction. Considering the extremely poor water resistance and severe carrier complexation trends, rational design and control of steam stable MAPbBr3-based heterojunction nanocrystals to exploit their potential for photocatalytic CO2 reduction in steam is important while being a challenging topic. Here, an efficient MAPbBr3/Pb-MOF heterojunction photocatalyst is developed, ensuring in situ growth of Pb-MOF on the surface of the perovskite via a self-sacrificial template method, thus creating tightly connected interfaces to mitigate the sluggish charge transfer due to the discontinuous interfaces. The experimental results confirm that construction of MAPbBr3/Pb-MOF heterojunctions suppresses the recombination of photogenerated carriers. Meanwhile, the prepared MAPbBr3/Pb-MOF exhibits better steam stability, CO2 adsorption capacity, and higher separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers. The heterostructure enables the photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CO at an excellent rate of 21.5 μmol g−1 under visible light irradiation, which is 4.8 times larger than that of pristine MAPbBr3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design and fabrication of a homojunction with similar lattice constant, modulated configuration, and morphology is essential for the efficient separation and transport of photo-generated charge carriers. Herein, the transition metal oxide (NiO) was selected as an example for the fabrication of NiO-porous NiO homojunction. Flower-like Ni(OH)2 was adopted as a template for the fabrication of Ni(OH)2–Ni-MOF, which was then converted to NiO and porous NiO homojunction. Notably, the NiO and the porous NiO derived from Ni(OH)2 and Ni-MOF, respectively, exhibited a different band structure, and hence the homojunction was formed. Due to the enhanced separation efficiency of the photo-generated charge carriers and the more exposed active sites, the optimal NiO@PNiO homojunction exhibited an excellent photocatalytic hydrogen production of 48.67 μmol h−1 g−1, corresponding to 6.7 and 3.4 times that of NiO and porous NiO, respectively. This study provides insight into the design and flexible synthesis of the MOF-derived metal oxide, sulfide, and phosphide homojunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of the GeneXpert® MTB/RIF (Xpert®), Auramine O staining method, and Lowenstein-Jensen medium for bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis and explore the effects of the sputum bacillary load (SBL) and qRT‒PCR threshold cycle (Ct) value on the detection methods. Methods: We retrospectively analysed the results in the Department of Infectious Disease for 49 months. The χ2 test was used to compare the performances of each method, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the optimal cut-off values, and the factors associated with a false-negative result from Xpert® were analysed by logistic regression. Results: Simultaneous analysis of 980 sputum specimens showed that the positive detection rate of Xpert® did not increase with increasing SBL, and there were differences between the three when SBL ≤ 1 + (all P < 0.05). There was a good negative correlation between the Ct value and the SBL (P < 0.0001). Age was an independent risk factor for false-negative Xpert® results (P = 0.029), and when Ct < 16, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were both 100.00%. The optimal cut-off Ct values for resegmentation based on the drug resistance classification were < 18.6, 18.6–34.1, and > 34.1 cycles. Conclusions: Xpert® was not affected by SBL but it was by age, and it is more advantageous when SBL ≤ 1 +. The results regarding rifampicin resistance were reliable, and the novel Ct segmentation was a practical and more clinically meaningful classification method for diagnosing rifampicin resistance. These findings will help improve physicians' ability to accurately diagnose TB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the role of MRI in the diagnosis and classification of fetal microtia. Methods: Ninety-five fetuses with suspected microtia based on ultrasound and MRI performed within 1 week were enrolled in this study. The diagnosis based on MRI was compared with postnatal diagnosis. Among the microtia cases suspected on the basis of MRI, mild and severe cases were further classified. In addition, external auditory canal (EAC) atresia was evaluated by MRI in 29 fetuses with a gestational age > 28 weeks, and the accuracy of MRI in the diagnosis and classification of microtia was determined. Results: Of 95 fetuses, 83 were considered to have microtia on the basis of MRI, 81 were confirmed to have microtia, and 14 were found to be normal according to postnatal diagnosis. Among 190 external ears in 95 fetuses, 40 ears were suspected to have mild microtia, and 52 ears were suspected to have severe microtia on the basis of MRI. According to the postnatal diagnosis, mild and severe microtia were confirmed in 43 and 49 ears, respectively. Among the 29 fetuses with a gestational age > 28 weeks, 23 ears were suspected to have EAC atresia according to MRI and 21 ears were ultimately confirmed to have EAC atresia. The accuracy of MRI in diagnosing microtia and EAC atresia was 93.68% and 93.10%, respectively. Conclusion: MRI shows good performance in diagnosing fetal microtia and has the potential to evaluate its severity on the basis of classification and EAC status. Clinical relevance statement: This study was aimed at investigating the role of MRI in the diagnosis and classification of fetal microtia. MRI shows good performance and can help evaluate microtia severity and EAC atresia, thus allowing for better clinical management. Key Points: • MRI is a useful adjunct to prenatal ultrasound. • MRI has a higher accuracy rate than ultrasound in diagnosing fetal microtia. • The accurate classification of fetal microtia and the diagnosis of external auditory canal atresia through MRI may help guide clinical management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The personal dose levels of medical radiation workers in Chongqing from 2008 to 2020 were investigated and analysed. The results showed that a total of 68 379 people were monitored from 2008 to 2020. The number of radiation workers increased year by year, and the number of female radiation workers increased rapidly. The monitoring data were analysed by Mann–Whitney test, Mann-Kendall test and Bonferroni method. The annual mean effective dose from 2008 to 2020 showed a decreasing trend (P  < 0.0001). At the 5% significance level, six occupational categories showed a significant decreasing trend (P  < 0.0001).The average annual effective dose for medical radiation workers in Chongqing in 2020 was 0.4482 mSv and 94.73% of radiation workers received annual doses less than the public dose limit (1 mSv). Personal dose monitoring results for most radiation workers were low. The protection of radiation workers in interventional radiology and nuclear medicine should be concerned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the aim to study the role of "frozen" concentration gradient of manganese (Mn) element in stability of retained austenite (RA) with multiple‐stage martensite transformation, a series of intercritical annealing (IA) temperatures is conducted before quenching and partitioning (Q&P) treatment. Morphology and distribution of RA are observed by field emission gun scanning electron microscope and electron back‐scatter diffraction. The volume fraction (7%–16%) and stability of metastable RA is found to be affected profoundly by IA temperature. Thermodynamic and kinetic analysis are conducted to elucidate the evolution of RA in process of IAQP treatment. The predicted levels of RA are in good accordance with measurements. It is found that the inhomogeneous partitioning of Mn in period of IA, combining with the incomplete partitioning of carbon during Q&P, radically regulated the Q&P microstructure. The incomplete partitioning of carbon in RA, with excess carbon segregation at dislocations and boundaries, lead to partition‐less bainite transformation owing to the average carbon content in RA lower than the "To" threshold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer foam, a special form of polymer, usually demonstrates some unexpected properties that rarely prevail in the bulky polymer. Studying the thermal degradation behavior of a specific polymer foam is important for its rational design, quick identification, objective evaluation, and industrial application. The present study aimed to discover the thermal degradation mechanism of high-temperature-resistant phthalonitrile (PN) foam under an inert gas atmosphere. The macroscopic thermal decomposition of PN foam was carried out at the cost of size/weight loss, resulting in an increasing number of open cells with pyrolyzation debris. Using the TGA/DTG/FTIR/MS technique, it was found that PN foam involves a three-stage thermal degradation mechanism: (I) releasing gases such as H2O, CO2, and NH3 generated from azo-containing intermediate decomposition and these trapped in the closed cells during the foaming process; (II) backbone decomposition from C-N, C-O, and C-C cleavage in the PN aliphatic chain with the generation of H2O, CO2, NH3, CO, CH4, RNH2, HCN, and aromatic gases; and (III) carbonization into a final N-hybrid graphite. The thermal degradation of PN foam was different from that of bulky PN resin. During the entire pyrolysis of PN foam, there was a gas superposition phenomenon since the release of the decomposition volatile was retarded by the closed cells in the PN foam. This research will contribute to the general understanding of the thermal degradation behavior of PN foam at the macroscopic and molecular levels and provide a reference for the identification, determination, and design of PN material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: China has one third of the worldwide indigenous pig breeds. The Henan province is one of the earliest pig domestication centers of China (about 8000 years ago). However, the precise genetic characteristics of the Henan local pig breeds are still obscure. To understand the origin and the effects of selection on these breeds, we performed various analyses on lineage composition, genetic structure, and detection of selection sweeps and introgression in three of these breeds (Queshan, Nanyang and Huainan) using genotyping data on 125 Queshan, 75 Nanyang, 16 Huainan pigs and 878 individuals from 43 Eurasian pig breeds. Results: We found no clear evidence of ancestral domestic pig DNA lineage in the Henan local breeds, which have an extremely complicated genetic background. Not only do they share genes with some northern Chinese pig breeds, such as Erhualian, Hetaodaer, and Laiwu, but they also have a high admixture of genes from foreign pig breeds (33–40%). Two striking selection sweeps in small regions of chromosomes 2 and 14 common to the Queshan and Nanyang breeds were identified. The most significant enrichment was for lipid kinase activity (GO:0043550) with the genes FII, AMBRA1, and PIK3IP1. Another interesting 636.35-kb region on chromosome 14 contained a cluster of spermatogenesis genes (OSBP2, GAL3ST1, PLA2G3, LIMK2, and PATZ1), a bisexual sterility gene MORC2, and a fat deposition gene SELENOM. Reproduction and growth genes LRP4, FII, and ARHGAP1 were present in a 238.05-kb region on SSC2 under selection. We also identified five loci associated with body length (P = 0.004) on chromosomes 1 and 12 that were introgressed from foreign pig breeds into the Henan breeds. In addition, the Chinese indigenous pig breeds fell into four main types instead of the previously reported six, among which the Eastern type could be divided into two subgroups. Conclusions: Admixture of North China, East China and foreign pigs contributed to high genetic diversity of Henan local pigs. Ontology terms associated with lipid kinase activity and spermatogenesis and growth shaping by introgression of European genes in Henan pigs were identified through selective sweep analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Arrhenius temperature integral is typically used in non-isothermal kinetic analysis, which is widely applied in gas–solid reactions in separation processes. In previous studies, researchers provided various methods to solve the temperature integral, but the error usually became significant when the value of x (x = Ea/RT) was too large or too small. In this paper, we present a new series method and design a computer program to calculate the temperature integral. According to the precise calculation of the temperature integral, we first reveal the relationship among the integral, the temperature, and the activation energy, and we find an interesting phenomenon in which the 3-D image of the temperature integral is of self-similarity according to fractal theory. The work is useful for mechanism and theoretical studies of non-isothermal kinetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sapria himalayana (Rafflesiaceae) is an endoparasitic plant characterized by a greatly reduced vegetative body and giant flowers; however, the mechanisms underlying its special lifestyle and greatly altered plant form remain unknown. To illustrate the evolution and adaptation of S. himalayasna, we report its de novo assembled genome and key insights into the molecular basis of its floral development, flowering time, fatty acid biosynthesis, and defense responses. Results: The genome of S. himalayana is ~ 1.92 Gb with 13,670 protein-coding genes, indicating remarkable gene loss (~ 54%), especially genes involved in photosynthesis, plant body, nutrients, and defense response. Genes specifying floral organ identity and controlling organ size were identified in S. himalayana and Rafflesia cantleyi, and showed analogous spatiotemporal expression patterns in both plant species. Although the plastid genome had been lost, plastids likely biosynthesize essential fatty acids and amino acids (aromatic amino acids and lysine). A set of credible and functional horizontal gene transfer (HGT) events (involving genes and mRNAs) were identified in the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes of S. himalayana, most of which were under purifying selection. Convergent HGTs in Cuscuta, Orobanchaceae, and S. himalayana were mainly expressed at the parasite–host interface. Together, these results suggest that HGTs act as a bridge between the parasite and host, assisting the parasite in acquiring nutrients from the host. Conclusions: Our results provide new insights into the flower development process and endoparasitic lifestyle of Rafflesiaceae plants. The amount of gene loss in S. himalayana is consistent with the degree of reduction in its body plan. HGT events are common among endoparasites and play an important role in their lifestyle adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African swine fever virus (ASFV) adversely affects pig farming owing to its 100% mortality rate. The condition is marked by elevated body temperature, bleeding, and ataxia in domestic pigs, whereas warthogs and ticks remain asymptomatic despite being natural reservoirs for the virus. Breeding ASFV-resistant pigs is a promising solution for eradicating this disease. ASFV employs several mechanisms to deplete the host antiviral response. This review explores the interaction of ASFV proteins with innate host immunity and the various types of machinery encompassed by viral proteins that inhibit and induce different signaling pathways, such as cGAS-STING, NF-κB, Tumor growth factor-beta (TGF-β), ubiquitination, viral inhibition of apoptosis, and resistance to ASFV infection. Prospects for developing a domestic pig that is resistant to ASFV are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]