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Levulinic acid (LA) is derived from lignocellulosic biomass and can undergo various chemical transformations to produce high-value chemicals. However, there are limited studies on C–C bond cleavage in LA. Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) is a high-quality solvent with a wide range of industrial applications, traditionally produced from petroleum-derived n-butene. Here, we report a method for the production of MEK from LA using a metal-free photocatalytic system. Using acridine compounds as photosensitizers and thiophenols as hydrogen transfer reagents, high selectivity and yield of MEK are achieved under mild reaction conditions, and the reaction time is significantly shortened using a microchannel continuous flow photoreactor. Additionally, life cycle assessment indicates that this method has lower carbon emissions than other MEK production methods from LA. This catalytic system provides a green and efficient method to produce MEK from bio-based platform molecule LA, which meets the requirements of sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The SWAT model primarily investigates sources of water pollution and conducts ecological assessments of surface water in contemporary hydrology and water resources research. To date, there have been limited accomplishments in the study of groundwater resources in China. The MODFLOW model currently primarily simulates groundwater levels and the migration of water quality, depending on the hydrological surface water data in the relevant area. This study aims to investigate the groundwater distribution characteristics of the middle and lower reaches of the Songhua River, a significant agricultural and grain production region in China. The research focuses on the middle and lower reaches of the Songhua River basin in Northeast China and employed the SWAT distributed hydrological model to simulate runoff. The monthly recorded runoff at Tongjiang Station in Jiamusi City was utilized to calibrate the model parameters. Consequently, the MODFLOW model was introduced to compare and assess the simulation outcomes of the SWAT model, ultimately ascertaining the distribution characteristics of shallow groundwater, groundwater recharge, recoverable volume, and groundwater levels in the Songhua River Basin. The findings indicate that: (1) The SWAT model demonstrates efficacy in the study region, achieving R2 and NS values of 0.81 and 0.76, respectively, thereby fulfilling the fundamental criteria for scientific research. The MODFLOW model exhibits strong performance in the study region, achieving a periodic R2 of 0.98 and a verification R2 of 0.97, with the discrepancy between simulated and actual groundwater levels confined to 0.6 m, thereby satisfying the criteria for scientific research. (2) In 2011, 2014, and 2016, the groundwater recharge in the middle and lower sections of the Songhua River was 24.33 × 108 m3, 30.79 × 108 m3, and 32.25 × 108 m3, respectively, aligning closely with the SWAT simulation results, while the average annual groundwater level depth was 8.17 m. (3) In the research area, groundwater recharging occurs primarily by atmospheric precipitation, while drainage predominantly transpires via groundwater as base flow, constituting 81.46%. Secondly, the recharge of shallow groundwater to deep aquifers is around 7.14%, with a minimal share attributed to vadose zone loss, constituting merely 2.1%. (4) From 2010 to 2016, the average groundwater runoff modulus of the middle and lower reaches of the Songhua River basin was 1.005 L/(s·km²), with a total recharge of 216.58 × 108 m3 and a total recoverable amount of 105.11 × 108 m3. The mean yearly supply was 25.11 × 108 m3. The total groundwater recharge was 26.54 × 108 m3 in the driest year (2011) and 33.25 × 108 m3 in the year of most ample water (2016). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has shown promise for clinical cancer therapy, its efficacy has only been observed in a limited subset of patients and the underlying mechanisms regulating innate and acquired resistance to ICB of tumor cells remain poorly understood. Here, we identified ependymin-related protein 1 (EPDR1) as an important tumor-intrinsic regulator of PD-L1 expression and tumor immune evasion. Aberrant expression of EPDR1 in hepatocellular carcinoma is associated with immunosuppression. Mechanistically, EPDR1 binds to E3 ligase TRIM21 and disrupts its interaction with IkappaB kinase-b, suppressing its ubiquitylation and autophagosomal degradation and enhancing NF-κB-mediated transcriptional activation of PD-L1. Further, we validated through a mouse liver cancer model that EPDR1 mediates exhaustion of CD8+ T cells and promotes tumor progression. In addition, we observed a positive correlation between EPDR1 and PD-L1 expression in both human and mouse liver cancer samples. Collectively, our study reveals a previously unappreciated role of EPDR1 in orchestrating tumor immune evasion and cancer progression. Synopsis: PD-L1 is a key immune checkpoint and largely affects the response of patients to immunotherapy. This study identifies ependymin-related protein 1 (EPDR1) as a potent regulator of PD-L1 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), facilitating immune evasion. Aberrant expression of EPDR1 in HCC is associated with immunosuppression. Tumor-intrinsic EPDR1 facilitates immune evasion by increasing anti-tumor CD8 + T cells exhaustion. EPDR1 enhances the NF-κB pathway and elevates PD-L1 expression in cancer cells by interfering with TRIM21-dependent degradation of IkappaB kinase-b. EPDR1-TRIM21-PD-L1 axis promotes tumor immune evasion in HCC. A tumor-intrinsic EPDR1-TRIM21-PD-L1 axis promotes CD8 + T cells exhaustion in liver cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fertilization introduces parental genetic information into the zygote to guide embryogenesis. Parental contributions to postfertilization development have been discussed for decades, and the data available show that both parents contribute to the zygotic transcriptome, suggesting a paternal role in early embryogenesis1–6. However, because the specific paternal effects on postfertilization development and the molecular pathways underpinning these effects remain poorly understood, paternal contribution to early embryogenesis and plant development has not yet been adequately demonstrated7. Here our research shows that TREE1 and its homologue DAZ3 are expressed exclusively in Arabidopsis sperm. Despite presenting no evident defects in sperm development and fertilization, tree1 daz3 unexpectedly led to aberrant differentiation of the embryo root stem cell niche. This defect persisted in seedlings and disrupted root tip regeneration, comparable to congenital defects in animals. TREE1 and DAZ3 function by suppression of maternal RKD2 transcription, thus mitigating the detrimental maternal effects from RKD2 on root stem cell niche. Therefore, our findings illuminate how genetic deficiencies in sperm can exert enduring paternal effects on specific plant organ differentiation and how parental-of-origin genes interact to ensure normal embryogenesis. This work also provides a new concept of how gamete quality or genetic deficiency can affect specific plant organ formation.TREE1 and its homologue DAZ3 are expressed exclusively in Arabidopsis sperm, showing how genetic deficiencies can exert enduring paternal effects on specific plant organ differentiation and how parental-of-origin genes interact to ensure normal embryogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a model reference adaptive system observer based on the non‐singular fast terminal sliding mode (NFSM‐MRASO) for the purpose of sensorless control of permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) in electric vehicle applications. Firstly, a non‐singular fast terminal sliding surface is constructed based on the output errors of the reference model and the adjustable model. This ensures that the output errors between the two models converge to zero in a finite time and effectively avoids the singularity problem in the terminal sliding mode control. In addition, a novel reaching law (NRL) is designed to replace the traditional exponential reaching law (TRL) to suppress the chattering phenomenon in the sliding mode control. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of the NFSM‐MRASO strategy are demonstrated through simulation results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing the quality of corn seeds necessitates evaluating their water, fat, protein, and starch content. This study integrates hyperspectral imaging technology with chemometric analysis techniques to achieve non-invasive and rapid detection of multiple key components in corn seeds. Hyperspectral images of the embryo surface of maize seeds were collected within the wavelength range of 1100~2498 nm. Subsequently, image segmentation techniques were applied to extract the germ structure of the corn seeds as the region of interest. Seven spectral data preprocessing algorithms were employed, and the Detrending Transformation (DT) algorithm was identified as the optimal preprocessing method through comparative analysis using the Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) model. To reduce spectral redundancy and streamline the prediction model, three algorithms were employed for characteristic wavelength extraction: Successive Projections Algorithm (SPA), Competitive Adaptive Reweighted Sampling (CARS), and Uninformative Variable Elimination (UVE). Using the original spectra and extracted characteristic wavelengths, PLSR, BP, RBF, and LSSVM models were constructed to detect the content of four components. The analysis indicated that the CARS-LSSVM algorithm had the best prediction performance. The PSO algorithm was employed to further optimize the parameters of the LSSVM model, thereby improving the model's prediction performance. The R values for the four components in the test set were 0.9884, 0.9490, 0.9864, and 0.9687, respectively. This indicates that hyperspectral technology combined with the DT-CARS-PSO-LSSVM algorithm can effectively detect the main component content of corn seeds. This study not only provides a scientific basis for the evaluation of corn seed quality but also opens up new avenues for the development of non-destructive testing technology in related fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyradical cages are of great interest because they show very fascinating physical and chemical properties, but many challenges remain, especially for their synthesis and characterization. Herein, we present the synthesis of a polyradical cation cage 14.+ through post‐synthetic oxidation of a redox‐active phenothiazine‐based Pd2L4‐type coordination cage 1. It′s worth noting that 1 exhibits excellent reversible electrochemical and chemical redox activity due to the introduction of a bulky 3,5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐4‐methoxyphenyl substituent. The generation of 14.+ through reversible electrochemical oxidation is investigated by in situ UV/Vis‐NIR and EPR spectroelectrochemistry. Meanwhile, chemical oxidation of 1 can also produce 14.+ which can be reversibly reduced back to the original cage 1, and the process is monitored by EPR and NMR spectroscopies. Eventually, we succeed in the isolation and single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis of 14.+, whose electronic structure and conformation are distinct to original 1. The magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate the predominantly antiferromagnetic interactions between the four phenothiazine radical cations in 14.+. We believe that our study including the facile synthesis methodology and in situ spectroelectrochemistry will shed some light on the synthesis and characterization of novel polyradical systems, opening more perspectives for developing functional supramolecular cages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ginseng, from the roots of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer, is a widely used herbal medicine in Asian countries, known for its excellent therapeutic properties. The growth of P. ginseng is depend on specific and strict environments, with a preference for wetness but intolerance for flooding. Under excessive soil moisture, some irregular rust-like substances are deposited on the root epidermis, causing ginseng rusty symptoms (GRS). This condition leads to a significant reduce in yield and quality, resulting in substantial economic loses. However, there is less knowledge on the cause of GRS and there are no effective treatments available for its treatment once it occurs. Unsuitable environments lead to the generation of large amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We investigated the key indicators associated with the stress response during different physiological stages of GRS development. We observed a significant change in ROS level, MDA contents, antioxidant enzymes activities, and non-enzymatic antioxidants contents prior to the GRS. Through the analysis of soil features with an abundance of moisture, we further determined the source of ROS. The levels of nitrate reductase (NR) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activities in the inter-root soil of ginseng with GRS were significantly elevated compared to those of healthy ginseng. These enzymes boost nitric oxide (NO) levels, which in turn showed a favorable correlation with the GRS. The activities of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase first rose and then decreased as GRS developed. Excess soil moisture causes a decrease in oxygen levels. This activated NR and NOS in the soil, resulting in a production of excess NO. The NO then diffused into the ginseng root and triggered a burst of ROS through NADPH located on the cell membrane. Additionally, Fe2+ in soil was oxidized to red Fe3+, and finally led to GRS. This conclusion was also verified by the Sodium Nitroprusside (SNP), a precursor compound producing NO. The presence of NO from NR and NOS in water-saturated soil is responsible for the generation of ROS. Among these, NO is the main component that contribute to the occurrence of GRS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyradical cages are of great interest because they show very fascinating physical and chemical properties, but many challenges remain, especially for their synthesis and characterization. Herein, we present the synthesis of a polyradical cation cage 14⋅+ through post‐synthetic oxidation of a redox‐active phenothiazine‐based Pd2L4‐type coordination cage 1. It′s worth noting that 1 exhibits excellent reversible electrochemical and chemical redox activity due to the introduction of a bulky 3,5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐4‐methoxyphenyl substituent. The generation of 14⋅+ through reversible electrochemical oxidation is investigated by in situ UV/Vis‐NIR and EPR spectroelectrochemistry. Meanwhile, chemical oxidation of 1 can also produce 14⋅+ which can be reversibly reduced back to the original cage 1, and the process is monitored by EPR and NMR spectroscopies. Eventually, we succeed in the isolation and single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis of 14⋅+, whose electronic structure and conformation are distinct to original 1. The magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate the predominantly antiferromagnetic interactions between the four phenothiazine radical cations in 14⋅+. We believe that our study including the facile synthesis methodology and in situ spectroelectrochemistry will shed some light on the synthesis and characterization of novel polyradical systems, opening more perspectives for developing functional supramolecular cages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To establish a reliable ultrasound (US) method of evaluating dynamic extrusion of lateral meniscus in healthy population, and to investigate the pattern of dynamic meniscus extrusion (ME) in lateral meniscus under loading conditions. Methods: The lateral ME was examined via US method in unloaded, double‐leg standing, and single‐leg standing positions. Two different US measurement methods were compared to the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results to determine the optimal measurement methods. The US results obtained by different researchers were tested for interobserver consistency and the results obtained by the same researcher on two separate days were tested for intraobserver consistency. The patterns of dynamic extrusion were compared between medial and lateral sides. Results: A total of healthy 44 volunteers were included in the study, with 86 knees assessed by US, and 25 knees evaluated by MRI. The US evaluation of dynamic lateral ME demonstrated excellent interobserver and intraobserver reliability. The US measurements using method A were consistent with the MRI results with no significant difference (P =.861, intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.868), while method B underestimated the lateral ME compared to MRI (P =.001, ICC = 0.649). Lateral ME decreased slightly from unloaded (1.0 ± 0.8 mm) to single‐leg standing position (0.8 ± 0.8 mm), whereas medial ME increased significantly in both double‐leg and single‐leg standing positions (2.4 ± 0.7 mm, 2.6 ± 0.7 mm). Conclusion: A novel US evaluation method of lateral ME was established with reliable and accurate results compared to the MRI. Lateral ME in healthy populations decreased slightly as the loadings increased, which was different from the pattern of dynamic extrusion in medial meniscus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenium plays a crucial role as a micronutrient, primarily exerting its biological functions through selenoproteins. It has been established that selenium deficiency adversely impacts cartilage development, leading to alterations in chondrocyte function. In regions with low selenium intake, endemic osteochondrosis has been documented, characterized by compromised growth plate and articular cartilage formation. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) stands out as a pivotal angiogenic factor, with elevated levels contributing significantly to vascular invasion into chondrocytes. This VEGF-mediated invasion serves as a key signal, prompting morphological changes in the growth plate and initiating cartilage remodeling. In animal models, the selenium deficiency group exhibited heightened levels of the cartilage damage marker matrix metalloproteinases 13 (MMP13). This resulted in articular cartilage degeneration, accompanied by a substantial increase in VEGF expression within the growth plate and articular cartilage, as compared to the normal group. In a chondrogenic progenitor cell (CPC) differentiation model, insufficient selenium induced chondrocyte damage and upregulated inflammatory factors such as inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2). The selenium-deficient groups showed elevated expressions of VEGF, VEGFR2, MMP13, Collagen X, and Angiopoietin 1, accelerating the degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM), which further promoted the development of cartilage-related diseases. Taken together, these findings provide novel insights for a better understanding of the role of low selenium in cartilage degeneration and angiogenesis. They shed light on the intricate influence of low selenium levels on the development of articular cartilage, emphasizing the interconnected pathways and processes involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Osteoporosis is a major global health issue, weakening bones and increasing fracture risk. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the standard for measuring bone mineral density (BMD) and diagnosing osteoporosis, but its costliness and complexity impede widespread screening adoption. Predictive modeling using genetic and clinical data offers a cost-effective alternative for assessing osteoporosis and fracture risk. This study aims to develop BMD prediction models using data from the UK Biobank (UKBB) and test their performance across different ethnic and geographical populations. Methods and findings: We developed BMD prediction models for the femoral neck (FNK) and lumbar spine (SPN) using both genetic variants and clinical factors (such as sex, age, height, and weight), within 17,964 British white individuals from UKBB. Models based on regression with least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), selected based on the coefficient of determination (R2) from a model selection subset of 5,973 individuals from British white population. These models were tested on 5 UKBB test sets and 12 independent cohorts of diverse ancestries, totaling over 15,000 individuals. Furthermore, we assessed the correlation of predicted BMDs with fragility fractures risk in 10 years in a case-control set of 287,183 European white participants without DXA-BMDs in the UKBB. With single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) inclusion thresholds at 5×10−6 and 5×10−7, the prediction models for FNK-BMD and SPN-BMD achieved the highest R2 of 27.70% with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of [27.56%, 27.84%] and 48.28% (95% CI [48.23%, 48.34%]), respectively. Adding genetic factors improved predictions slightly, explaining an additional 2.3% variation for FNK-BMD and 3% for SPN-BMD over clinical factors alone. Survival analysis revealed that the predicted FNK-BMD and SPN-BMD were significantly associated with fragility fracture risk in the European white population (P < 0.001). The hazard ratios (HRs) of the predicted FNK-BMD and SPN-BMD were 0.83 (95% CI [0.79, 0.88], corresponding to a 1.44% difference in 10-year absolute risk) and 0.72 (95% CI [0.68, 0.76], corresponding to a 1.64% difference in 10-year absolute risk), respectively, indicating that for every increase of one standard deviation in BMD, the fracture risk will decrease by 17% and 28%, respectively. However, the model's performance declined in other ethnic groups and independent cohorts. The limitations of this study include differences in clinical factors distribution and the use of only SNPs as genetic factors. Conclusions: In this study, we observed that combining genetic and clinical factors improves BMD prediction compared to clinical factors alone. Adjusting inclusion thresholds for genetic variants (e.g., 5×10−6 or 5×10−7) rather than solely considering genome-wide association study (GWAS)-significant variants can enhance the model's explanatory power. The study highlights the need for training models on diverse populations to improve predictive performance across various ethnic and geographical groups. Yong Liu and co-workers compare Author summary: Why was this study done?: Osteoporosis diagnosis via bone mineral density (BMD) measurements by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is impractical for large-scale screening, especially in resource-limited areas. Genomic data offers a cost-effective alternative for predicting disease risk, but current methods often overlook sub-significant variants and clinical factors. Most existing genomic prediction methods are based on European ancestry, with limited evaluation in other ethnic populations. What did the researchers do and find?: We developed BMD prediction models for femoral neck (FNK) and lumbar spine (SPN) using a training set of 17,964 individuals from British white ancestry in UK Biobank (UKBB), integrating clinical and genetic factors. We observed that strong correlations between predicted and true BMDs (R2≈25% for FNK-BMD and R2≈45% for SPN-BMD) and significant associations with fracture risk in European ancestry populations. And we identified the optimal P-value thresholds for FNK-BMD (5×10−6) and SPN-BMD (5×10−7), noting that these thresholds vary by trait and sample size. By applying the prediction models on 5 UKBB test sets and 12 independent cohorts of diverse ancestries, totaling over 15,000 individuals, we observed that the BMD prediction models performed well in UKBB European populations but less effectively in other ancestry groups and independent cohorts. What do these findings mean?: We show that genetic factors could improve the performance of DXA-BMD prediction. Within the same population, the predicted BMDs can help prioritize individuals at high risk of fragility fracture for tailored treatments. Genetic prediction methods need rigorous evaluation before application to different populations, emphasizing the importance of diverse population training. Study limitations include differences in the distribution of clinical factors such as sex and age between the UKBB data sets and the independent cohorts, as well as the inclusion of only single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as genetic factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new POM-based coordination complexes [Cu(TPP)2(CH3CN)2]2{[Cu(TPP)2]2(β-Mo8O26)}·2CH3CN (1) (TPP = triphenylphosphine), {[Ag(TPP)]2·[Ag(TPP)2]2·(β-Mo8O26)}·6DMF (2), {[Cu2(DPPM)2(CH3CN)]2(β-Mo8O26)}·2CH3CN·2DCM (3) (DPPM = bis(diphenylphosphino)methane), and {[Ag2(DPPM)2·(CH3CN)]2(β-Mo8O26)}·2CH3CN·2DCM (4) were prepared through the self-assembly of α-octamolybdates and the corresponding Cu/Ag phosphine building blocks. Single crystal X-ray diffraction reveals that compound 1 consists of two cations of [Cu(TPP)2(CH3CN)2]+ and one anion of {[Cu(TPP)2]2(β-Mo8O26)}2−; the anion of {[Cu(TPP)2]2(β-Mo8O26)}2− can be viewed in such a way that the central cluster of β-Mo8O26 are coordinated with two Cu(TPP)2 units via terminal oxygen atoms to form a linear trimer; compound 2 is a neutral cross-like pentamer which is made up of the central β-Mo8O26 coordinated with two equatorial Ag(TPP)2 units and two Ag(TPP) units above and below the β-Mo8O26 cluster via the terminal oxygen atoms; compounds 3 and 4 can be viewed as a trimer consisting of two binuclear metal clusters of {[Cu2(DPPM)2(CH3CN)]2}2+ or {[Ag2(DPPM)2(CH3CN)]2}2+ bridged by one β-Mo8O26 cluster via terminal oxygen atoms. Their structures are further evidenced by FT-IR and PXRD. TGA study indicates that the skeleton of compounds 1–4 is stable up to 250–290 °C and then a rapid weight loss followed. Their band gaps can be calculated (Eg value: 2.27 eV for 1, 3.14 eV for 2, 2.66 eV for 3, and 3.16 eV for 4) using the Tauc's method according to their solid state UV diffuse reflection spectra. Upon irradiation at 211 nm, compounds 1–4 exhibit a series of successive emissions around 360 nm, 380 nm and 400 nm, which demonstrate a similar solid state emission compared to their corresponding Cu/Ag phosphine building blocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) fragmentation patterns have immense potential for early cancer detection. However, the definition of fragmentation varies, ranging from the entire genome to specific genomic regions. These patterns have not been systematically compared, impeding broader research and practical implementation. Here, 1382 plasma cfDNA sequencing samples from 8 cancer types are collected. Considering that cfDNA within open chromatin regions is more susceptible to fragmentation, 10 fragmentation patterns within open chromatin regions as features and employed machine learning techniques to evaluate their performance are examined. All fragmentation patterns demonstrated discernible classification capabilities, with the end motif showing the highest diagnostic value for cross‐validation. Combining cross and independent validation results revealed that fragmentation patterns that incorporated both fragment length and coverage information exhibited robust predictive capacities. Despite their diagnostic potential, the predictive power of these fragmentation patterns is unstable. To address this limitation, an ensemble classifier via integrating all fragmentation patterns is developed, which demonstrated notable improvements in cancer detection and tissue‐of‐origin determination. Further functional bioinformatics investigations on significant feature intervals in the model revealed its impressive ability to identify critical regulatory regions involved in cancer pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: A novel macrocycle based on conformation‐adaptive and electron‐rich dihydrophenazine was designed and synthesized. On the one hand, the macrocycle showed host‐guest interactions with tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) driving by charge transfer interaction between them. Meanwhile, host‐guest complexation was accompanied by fluorescence quenching and conformational change of the macrocycle. On the other hand, the oxidation of the macrocycle resulted in its diradical cation analogue and induced the release of the guest molecule TCNQ, thereby accomplishing reversible binding dynamics. Therefore, this work well illustrates the chemical and structural versatility of dihydrophenazine in the synthesis of macrocycles and their host‐guest chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Limited research has explored the potential association between the Triglyceride-Glucose (TyG) and mortality, especially in individuals with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. This study seeks to investigate the correlation between the TyG index and H. pylori infection and investigate whether the associations between the TyG index exposure and all-cause mortality are mediated by H. pylori infection. Methods: The study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2018, incorporating a final sample size of 2,187 participants. Both univariable and multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analyses were employed to examine the relationship between H. pylori infection and relevant covariates. To assess the association between TyG index, and all-cause mortality in individuals with or without H. pylori infection, Cox regression analysis, and restricted regression cubic spline analysis were implemented. Results: A significant positive correlation was observed between the TyG index and an elevated risk of H. pylori infection [OR 1.157, 95% CI (1.383 ~ 1.664)]. This correlation persisted even after adjusting for confounding factors [OR 1.189, 95% CI (1.003, 1.411), P < 0.05]. Furthermore, in patients with positive H. pylori infection, a noteworthy nonlinear correlation between the TyG index and all-cause mortality was identified (P = 0.0361). With an increase in the TyG index, all-cause mortality exhibited a corresponding rise, particularly following adjustment for all potential confounding factors. Conversely, in patients with negative H. pylori infection, no significant association was observed between the TyG index and all-cause mortality after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Conclusion: A higher TyG index was linked to increased H. pylori infection risks. Participants in the higher quantile group of the TyG index are positively associated with higher all-cause mortality compared to the higher quantile group of the TyG index in H. pylori-positive participants instead of H. pylori-negative participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ovarian aging, a natural process in women and various other female mammals as they age, is characterized by a decline in ovarian function and fertility due to a reduction in oocyte reserve and quality. This phenomenon is believed to result from a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. While these factors collectively contribute to the shaping of ovarian aging, the substantial impact and intricate interplay of chronic inflammation in this process have been somewhat overlooked in discussions. Chronic inflammation, a prolonged and sustained inflammatory response persisting over an extended period, can exert detrimental effects on tissues and organs. This review delves into the novel hallmark of aging—chronic inflammation—to further emphasize the primary characteristics of ovarian aging. It endeavors to explore not only the clinical symptoms but also the underlying mechanisms associated with this complex process. By shining a spotlight on chronic inflammation, the aim is to broaden our understanding of the multifaceted aspects of ovarian aging and its potential clinical implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Citrus huanglongbing (HLB) is a devastating disease caused by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) that affects the citrus industry. In nature, CLas relies primarily on Diaphorina citri Kuwayama as its vector for dissemination. After D. citri ingests CLas‐infected citrus, the pathogen infiltrates the insect's body, where it thrives, reproduces, and exerts regulatory control over the growth and metabolism of D. citri. Previous studies have shown that CLas alters the composition of proteins in the saliva of D. citri, but the functions of these proteins remain largely unknown. RESULTS: In this study, we detected two proteins (DcitSGP1 and DcitSGP3) with high expression levels in CLas‐infected D. citri. Quantitative PCR and Western blotting analysis showed that the two proteins were highly expressed in the salivary glands and delivered into the host plant during feeding. Silencing the two genes significantly decreased the survival rate for D. citri, reduced phloem nutrition sucking and promoted jasmonic acid (JA) defenses in citrus. By contrast, after overexpressing the two genes in citrus, the expression levels of JA pathway‐associated genes decreased. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that CLas can indirectly suppress the defenses of citrus and support feeding by D. citri via increasing the levels of effectors in the insect's saliva. This discovery facilitates further research into the interaction between insect vectors and pathogens. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tectonism is one of the dominant factors affecting the shale pore structure. However, the control of shale pore structure by tectonic movements is still controversial, which limits the research progress of shale gas accumulation mechanism in the complex tectonic region of southern China. In this study, 34 samples were collected from two exploratory wells located in different tectonic locations. Diverse experiments, e.g., organic geochemistry, XRD analysis, FE-SEM, low-pressure gas adsorption, and high-pressure mercury intrusion, were conducted to fully characterize the shale reservoir. The TOC, Ro, and mineral composition of the shale samples between the two wells are similar, which reflects that the shale samples of the two wells have proximate pores-generating capacity and pores-supporting capacity. However, the pore characteristics of shale samples from two wells are significantly different. Compared with the stabilized zone shale, the porosity, pore volume, and specific surface area of the deformed zone shale were reduced by 60.61%, 64.85%, and 27.81%, respectively. Moreover, the macroscopic and fine pores were reduced by 54.01% and 84.95%, respectively. Fault activity and uplift denudation are not conducive to pore preservation, and the rigid basement of Huangling uplift can promote pore preservation. These three factors are important reasons for controlling the difference in pore structure between two wells shales. We established a conceptual model of shale pores evolution under different tectonic preservation conditions. This study is significant to clarify the scale of shale gas formation and enrichment in complex tectonic regions, and helps in the selection of shale sweet spots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In oncology anti—PD1 / PDL1 therapy development for solid tumors, objective response rate (ORR) is commonly used clinical endpoint for early phase study decision making, while progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) are widely used for late phase study decision making. Developing predictive models to late phase outcomes such as median PFS (mPFS) and median OS (mOS) based on early phase clinical outcome ORR could inform late phase study design optimization and probability of success (POS) evaluation. In existing literature, there are ORR / mPFS / mOS association and surrogacy investigations with limited number of included clinical trials. In this paper, without establishing surrogacy, we attempt to predict late phase survival (mPFS and mOS) based on early efficacy ORR and optimize late phase trial design for anti—PD1 / PDL1 therapy development. In order to include adequate number of eligible clinical trials, we built a comprehensive quantitative clinical trial landscape database (QLD) by combining information from different sources such as clinicaltrial.gov, publications, company press releases for relevant indications and therapies. We developed a generalizable algorithm to systematically extract structured data for scientific accuracy and completeness. Finally, more than 150 late phase clinical trials were identified for ORR / mPFS (ORR / mOS) predictive model development while existing literature included at most 50 trials. A tree-based machine learning regression model has been derived to account for ORR / mPFS (ORR / mOS) relationship heterogeneity across tumor type, stage, line of therapy, treatment class and borrow strength simultaneously when homogeneity persists. The proposed method ensures that the predictive model is robust and have explicit structure for clinical interpretation. Through cross validation, the average predictive mean square error of the proposed model is competitive to random forest and extreme gradient boosting methods and outperforms commonly used additive or interaction linear regression models. An example application of the proposed ORR / mPFS (ORR / mOS) predictive model on late phase trial POS evaluation for anti—PD1 / PDL1 combination therapy was illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological structural materials, despite consisting of limited kinds of compounds, display multifunctionalities due to their complex hierarchical architectures. While some biomimetic strategies have been applied in artificial materials to enhance their mechanical stability, the simultaneous optimization of other functions along with the mechanical properties via biomimetic designs has not been thoroughly investigated. Herein, iron oxide/carbon nanotube (CNT)-based artificial nacre with both improved mechanical and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance is fabricated via the mineralization of Fe3O4 onto a CNT-incorporated matrix. The micro- and nano-structures of the artificial nacre are similar to those of natural nacre, which in turn improves its mechanical properties. The alternating electromagnetic wave-reflective CNT layers and the wave-absorptive iron oxide layers can improve the multiple reflections of the waves on the surfaces of the reflection layers, which then allows sufficient interactions between the waves and the absorption layers. Consequently, compared with the reflection-dependent EMI-shielding of the non-structured material, the artificial nacre exhibits strong absorption-dependent shielding behavior even with a very low content of wave-absorptive phase. Owing to the high mechanical stability, the shielding effectiveness of the artificial nacre that deeply cut by a blade is still maintained at approximately 70%–96% depending on the incident wave frequency. The present work provides a new way for designing structural materials with concurrently enhanced mechanical and functional properties, and a path to combine structural design and intrinsic properties of specific materials via a biomimetic strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dearomatization has emerged as a powerful tool for rapid construction of 3D molecular architectures from simple, abundant, and planar (hetero)arenes. The field has evolved beyond simple dearomatization driven by new synthetic technology development. With the renaissance of photocatalysis and expansion of the activation mode, the last few years have witnessed impressive developments in innovative photochemical dearomatization methodologies, enabling skeletal modifications of dearomatized structures. They offer truly efficient and useful tools for facile construction of highly complex structures, which are viable for natural product synthesis and drug discovery. In this review, we aim to provide a mechanistically insightful overview on these innovations based on the degree of skeletal alteration, categorized into dearomative functionalization and skeletal editing, and to highlight their synthetic utilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The controlled synthesis of metal nanomaterials with unconventional phases is of significant importance to develop high‐performance catalysts for various applications. However, it remains challenging to modulate the atomic arrangements of metal nanomaterials, especially the alloy nanostructures that involve different metals with distinct redox potentials. Here we report the general one‐pot synthesis of IrNi, IrRhNi and IrFeNi alloy nanobranches with unconventional hexagonal close‐packed (hcp) phase. Notably, the as‐synthesized hcp IrNi nanobranches demonstrate excellent catalytic performance towards electrochemical nitrite reduction reaction (NO2RR), with superior NH3 Faradaic efficiency and yield rate of 98.2 % and 34.6 mg h−1 mgcat−1 (75.5 mg h−1 mgIr−1) at 0 and −0.1 V (vs reversible hydrogen electrode), respectively. Ex/in situ characterizations and theoretical calculations reveal that the Ir−Ni interactions within hcp IrNi alloy improve electron transfer to benefit both nitrite activation and active hydrogen generation, leading to a stronger reaction trend of NO2RR by greatly reducing energy barriers of rate‐determining step. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The controlled synthesis of metal nanomaterials with unconventional phases is of significant importance to develop high‐performance catalysts for various applications. However, it remains challenging to modulate the atomic arrangements of metal nanomaterials, especially the alloy nanostructures that involve different metals with distinct redox potentials. Here we report the general one‐pot synthesis of IrNi, IrRhNi and IrFeNi alloy nanobranches with unconventional hexagonal close‐packed (hcp) phase. Notably, the as‐synthesized hcp IrNi nanobranches demonstrate excellent catalytic performance towards electrochemical nitrite reduction reaction (NO2RR), with superior NH3 Faradaic efficiency and yield rate of 98.2 % and 34.6 mg h−1 mgcat−1 (75.5 mg h−1 mgIr−1) at 0 and −0.1 V (vs reversible hydrogen electrode), respectively. Ex/in situ characterizations and theoretical calculations reveal that the Ir−Ni interactions within hcp IrNi alloy improve electron transfer to benefit both nitrite activation and active hydrogen generation, leading to a stronger reaction trend of NO2RR by greatly reducing energy barriers of rate‐determining step. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crack detection of concrete bridges is an important link in the safety evaluation of bridge structures, and the rapid and accurate identification and detection of bridge cracks is a prerequisite for ensuring the safety and long-term stable use of bridges. To solve the incomplete crack detection and segmentation caused by the complex background and small proportion in the actual bridge crack images, this paper proposes a coarse–fine combined bridge crack detection method of "double detection + single segmentation" based on deep learning. To validate the effect and practicality of fine crack detection, images of old civil bridges and viaduct bridges against a complex background and images of a bridge crack against a simple background are used as datasets. You Only Look Once V5(x) (YOLOV5(x)) was preferred as the object detection network model (ODNM) to perform initial and fine detection of bridge cracks, respectively. Using U-Net as the optimal semantic segmentation network model (SSNM), the crack detection results are accurately segmented for fine crack detection. The test results showed that the initial crack detection using YOLOV5(x) was more comprehensive and preserved the original shape of bridge cracks. Second, based on the initial detection, YOLOV5(x) was adopted for fine crack detection, which can determine the location and shape of cracks more carefully and accurately. Finally, the U-Net model was used to segment the accurately detected cracks and achieved a maximum accuracy (AC) value of 98.37%. The experiment verifies the effectiveness and accuracy of this method, which not only provides a faster and more accurate method for fine detection of bridge cracks but also provides technical support for future automated detection and preventive maintenance of bridge structures and has practical value for bridge crack detection engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although DHFR gene amplification has long been known as a major mechanism for methotrexate (MTX) resistance in cancer, the early changes and detailed development of the resistance are not yet fully understood. Methods: We performed genomic, transcriptional and proteomic analyses of human colon cancer cells with sequentially increasing levels of MTX-resistance. Results: The genomic amplification evolved in three phases (pre-amplification, homogenously staining region (HSR) and extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA)). We confirm that genomic amplification and increased expression of DHFR, with formation of HSRs and especially ecDNAs, is the major driver of resistance. However, DHFR did not play a detectable role in the early phase. In the late phase (ecDNA), increase in FAM151B protein level may also have an important role by decreasing sensitivity to MTX. In addition, although MSH3 and ZFYVE16 may be subject to different posttranscriptional regulations and therefore protein expressions are decreased in ecDNA stages compared to HSR stages, they still play important roles in MTX resistance. Conclusion: The study provides a detailed evolutionary trajectory of MTX-resistance and identifies new targets, especially ecDNAs, which could help to prevent drug resistance. It also presents a proof-of-principal approach which could be applied to other cancer drug resistance studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The recent and increasingly antagonistic relationship between the world's two great powers, the United States and China, has caused collateral damage to many secondary countries as their interests might rely on amicable relationships with both the US and China. Employing soft power as the theoretical framework, this study is one of the first empirical investigations of how the divergent US and Chinese anti-virus approaches (i.e., mitigation strategies vs. zero COVID policy) may influence people's policy preferences in secondary countries. A two-wave cross-national panel survey (n = 3,216) was conducted in four Asian societies: South Korea, Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong. The results disclose an uneven game regarding the soft power competition between the US and China: Asian publics with greater confidence in the US anti-virus approach perceive domestic anti-virus measures as restrictive, and express less support for international trade; whereas, Asian publics trusting China's anti-virus approach express no specific preferences for domestic anti-virus measures, but more support for international trade and immigration. These findings illustrate differential responses from Asian publics to the US's and China's soft power practices in different policy arenas. This study contributes to the emerging literature linking COVID-19 to soft power, public diplomacy, and international relations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the infection status of Omicron in the population and the association between COVID-19 vaccination and infection with Omicron. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study to openly recruit participants for a survey of SARS-CoV-2 infection by convenience sampling from 1 January to 15 January 2023 after a COVID-19 pandemic swept across China. Additionally, the binary logistic regression model was adopted to evaluate the association between COVID-19 vaccination and the infection outcomes or symptom severity, respectively. Meanwhile, the relations between the vaccination and duration of the symptoms were estimated via ordinal logistic analysis. Results: Of the 2007 participants, the prevalence of infection with Omicron was 82.9%. Compared with unvaccinated individuals, inactivated COVID-19 vaccination could increase the risk of Omicron infection (OR = 1.942, 95% CI: 1.093–3.448), and the receipt of at least one dose of non-inactivated COVID-19 vaccines was a protective factor against infection (OR = 0.428, 95% CI: 0.226–0.812). By contrast, no relations were observed in COVID-19 vaccination with the symptoms of infection and duration of symptoms (p > 0.05). Conclusions: This cross-sectional study concluded that inactivated COVID-19 vaccination might increase the risk of Omicron infection, which should be a concern during COVID-19 vaccination and the treatment of variant infections in the future, and the receipt of at least one dose of non-inactivated COVID-19 vaccine was a protective factor against infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through the sol-gel-oil ammonia column method, millimeter-sized spherical SiO2–Al2O3 particles were successfully prepared using aluminum isopropoxide and varying amounts of tetraethyl orthosilicate. The impact of different Al/Si molar ratios on the structure and performance of SiO2–Al2O3 materials was thoroughly investigated. The surface of the samples was analyzed for acidic sites (Brønsted and Lewis acids) both qualitatively and quantitatively. The millimeter-sized spherical SiO2–Al2O3 materials were used as a catalyst in the Solketal production process, involving acetalization of acetone and glycerol. The glycerin conversion rate reached 88.67% and the Solketal selectivity reached 93.28% when the SiO2–Al2O3 spherical particles reached with Al/Si molar ratio of 8. The spherical SiO2–Al2O3 exhibits high catalytic activity in the acetalization reaction due to its large specific surface area, thermal stability, and moderate Brønsted and Lewis acidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ficus tikoua can be used as resources for fruit and herbal medicine inspiring large‐scale planting in China. Nodular galls were found on the roots of the planted F. tikoua individuals in 2022. The mature females and egg masses of nematodes were extracted from the nodular galls, and microscopic examination suggested Meloidogyne infection. Molecular identification based on ITS, 18S rRNA sequences assigned the infecting species to Meloidogyne incognita, which was further demonstrated by the successful application of specific SCAR marker M. incognita in all samples. The pathogenicity of M. incognita was conducted on F. tikoua cutting seedlings based on Koch's postulates. This is the first report of M. incognita infection in F. tikoua in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is unclear how telomere-binding protein TPP1 interacts with human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) and influences cervical cancer development and progression. This study included all eligible 156 cervical cancers diagnosed during 2003–2008 and followed up through 2014, 102 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) patients, and 16 participants with normal cervix identified at the same period. Correlation of expression of TPP1 and hTERT in these lesions was assessed using Kappa statistics. TPP1 was knocked down by siRNA in three cervical cancer cell lines. We assessed mRNA expression using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and protein expression using tissue microarray-based immunohistochemical staining. We further analyzed the impact of TPP1 expression on the overall survival of cervical cancer patients by calculating the hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using the multivariable-adjusted Cox regression model. Compared to the normal cervix, high TPP1expression was significantly associated with CIN 3 and cervical cancers (P<0.001 for both). Expressions of TPP1 and hTERT were highly correlated in CIN 3 (Kappa statistics = 0.50, P = 0.005), squamous cell carcinoma (Kappa statistics = 0.22, P = 0.011), and adenocarcinoma/adenosquamous carcinoma (Kappa statistics = 0.77, P = 0.001). Mechanistically, knockdown of TPP1 inhibited the expression of hTERT in both mRNA and protein levels. High expression of TPP1 (HR = 2.61, 95% CI 1.23–5.51) and co-high expression of TPP1 and hTERT (HR = 2.38, 95% CI 1.28–4.43) were independently associated with worse survival in cervical cancer patients. TPP1 and hTERT expression was correlated and high expression of TPP1 was associated with high risk of CIN 3 and cervical cancer and could predict a worse survival in cervical cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, cellulose was effectively separated from eucalyptus wood with ternary solvents containing organic base 1,1,3,3-tetramethyl guanidine and other organic solvents such as morpholine, N-ethyl morpholine, dimethyl formamide, glycerin, ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol. It was found that the combination of 1,1,3,3-tetramethyl guanidine with morpholine was favorable for achieving high delignification and less loss of cellulose. The removal of lignin and hemicellulose achieved 89.8% and 81.4% after heating for 6 h at 160 °C, respectively. It was found that the combination of 1,1,3,3-tetramethyl guanidine with morpholine was favorable for achieving high delignification and less loss of cellulose. The removal of lignin and hemicellulose achieved 89.8% and 81.4% after heating for 6 h at 160 °C, respectively. The addition of morpholine and water promoted the dissolution of lignin and reduced the degradation of cellulose. Subsequently, the crude cellulose was further purified through a simplified bleaching process, the final removal of lignin and hemicellulose increased to 98.7% and 97.5% respectively, and cellulose with a purity of 96.9% was achieved. The scanning electron microscopy analysis indicated that the diameter of cellulose bundles decreased from about 250 μm to about 20 μm after organic solvents treatment. The fiber bundle was completely separated into a single fiber with a diameter of about 5–10 μm after bleaching process. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed an increase in the crystallinity of fiber from 69.4% to 83.3%, implying a reduction of lignin and hemicellulose in eucalyptus. Fourier transform infrared spectra revealed the high selective removal of lignin and hemicellulose. Two-dimensional 1H-13C Heteronuclear singular quantum correlation was performed to investigated the structure units and linkages of lignin and found that only the structural signal of C5-H5 in guaiacyl (G5) alone existed in the aromatic region, while the signals -OCH3, Cγ–Hγ in β-O-4' (Aγ) and β-β' (Cγ) remained in the side chain region, indicating that lignin could be effectively degraded and dissolved by the ternary solvents. In conclusion, high purity cellulose was obtained from eucalyptus wood by environmentally friendly and recyclable processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The breather solutions for Lakshmanan-Porsezian-Daniel equation with fourth-order dispersion and fifth-order nonlinearity are studied in this paper. The breather solutions under plane wave background are solved by bilinear method and different evolution situations under different parameters are analyzed. Based on cascading instabilities analysis for the first several Fourier modes, the times at which the first breather occurs are predicted on about the same order of magnitude. By numerical simulations, multiple breathers recurrence after the first breather is formed in time can be observed, that is the Fermi-Pasta-Ulam-Tsingou recurrence phenomena appears. The effects of the higher-order coefficient and the plane wave background parameter on the propagation of the breather waves and the chaotic behavior of the Fourier mode are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phase control of nanomaterials, determined by thermodynamic or kinetic conditions, is essential to sulfides' characteristics, offering opportunities for exploring advanced applications in the field of optoelectronics. However, the one-step, high-yield, and defect-free synthesis of phase-pure nanoscale sulfides remains challenging. In this work, the low-cost solvothermal process enabled precise regulation of the phase evolution process to synthesize the expected sulfide (three phases in the Cu–Fe–S system) nanocrystals in a phase-pure form at low temperatures. These nanocrystals exhibited broadband photoabsorption ranging from the visible to the near-infrared (NIR) region. Subsequently, a solution-processed uniform CuFeS2 nanocrystal film was deposited on CdS by the same one-step route to create the first CuFeS2-based self-powered NIR photodetector. These devices demonstrated a superior stable and reproducible detection performance without bias voltage under NIR illumination, even up to 1050 nm, resulting from their suitable size. The rapid rise and decay times of ∼38 and ∼49 ms indicated that the devices are capable of high-frequency switching detection. Moreover, detailed chemical processes through accurately tuning the oxidation states, the influence of CuFeS2 nanoparticle size, phase control, and film thickness on performance were proposed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing a biphasic catalyst is of great significance for improving reaction efficiency and its industrial application. Herein a novel biphasic catalyst containing three functional groups of chlorophenol, amino and carboxyl was synthesized and used as mimic glucose isomerase to catalyze the isomerization. The mimic enzyme exhibited excellent catalytic performance for isomerization of glucose to fructose under mild conditions. Temperature and pH of solution showed significant influence on the conversion of glucose and the selectivity of fructose. The yield and selectivity of fructose reached 32.4 % and 91.0 % after reacting 2 h, respectively, at pH 9.5 and 90 °C. The solubility of the catalyst exhibited dual sensitivity to both pH and temperature. The catalyst was in a soluble state during the reaction process and could be precipitated by reducing the pH and temperature of the reaction system. The catalyst could be reused and still maintained good catalytic activity after five consecutive cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foodborne pathogens are a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Therefore, strategies focused on functional foods are urgently required to tackle this issue. As a result, camel milk is one of the most important traditional functional foods since it contains a variety of bioactive components, which all have antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogens. The study aims to investigate the potential antimicrobial activity of raw camel milk against foodborne pathogens in both in vitro agar well diffusion and infected mice, especially Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella Typhimurium and Escherichia coli, particularly in societies that rely on consuming camel milk in its raw form. A total of eighty C57BL/6 mice were divided into ten groups and gavaged with or without camel milk for two consecutive weeks. A blood plasma analysis and serum insulin levels were measured. Histological investigations of the liver, pancreas, kidney, spleen, lung and testicles were also performed. In both in vivo and in vitro studies when compared to other pathogenic bacteria, E. coli was the most affected by raw camel milk, with a significant clear zone of 2.9 ± 0.13 cm in vitro and in all measured parameters in vivo (p < 0.05). As a result, we advocated for further research to improve camel breeding, raise milk yield and extend its reproductive capability as one of the most important farm animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The separation of Li+ and [Bmim]+(1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium) using a cation exchange membrane in an electric field is studied in this work. The effects of the type of cation exchange membrane, current density, total cation concentration, temperature, and anion types on the separation efficiency are investigated. The results indicate that it is feasible to achieve the efficient separation of Li+ and [Bmim]+ using the selectivity of cation exchange membranes under an electric field. The CIMS membrane (a type of cation exchange membrane produced by ASTOM Corporation) shows obvious selectivity of Li+ from [Bmim]+. When the current density is 5 mA/cm2 and the feed concentrations of Li+ and [Bmim]+ are 0.3 mol/L and 0.2 mol/L, respectively, the selective transport coefficient of CIMS can reach 5.9 in the first 120 min of the process. The separation efficiency can be effectively improved by reducing the current density and increasing the total cation concentration. Decreasing the feed temperature can slightly improve the separation efficiency. Changing the type of anion in the feed from chloride to acetate has no detectable effect on the separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autophagy modulates the degradation and recycling of intracellular materials and contributes to male gametophyte development and male fertility in plants. However, whether autophagy participates in seed development remains largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that autophagy is crucial for timely programmed cell death (PCD) in the integumentary tapetum, the counterpart of anther tapetum, influencing embryo pattern formation and seed viability. Inhibition of autophagy resulted in delayed PCD of the integumentary tapetum and defects in embryo patterning. Cell-type-specific restoration of autophagic activities revealed that the integumentary tapetum plays a non-autonomous role in embryo patterning. Furthermore, high-throughput, comprehensive lipidomic analyzes uncovered an unexpected seed-developmental-stage-dependent role of autophagy in seed lipid metabolism: it contributes to triacylglycerol degradation before fertilization and to triacylglycerol biosynthesis after fertilization. This study highlights the critical role of autophagy in regulating timely integumentary tapetum PCD and reveals its significance in seed lipid metabolism and viability. A seed consists of an embryo, endosperm, and seed coat. Here the authors show that autophagy plays a crucial role in regulating timely programmed cell death in the innermost seed coat, thereby influencing embryo pattern formation and seed viability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferroptosis is a new form of regulated cell death caused by iron‐dependent accumulation of lethal polyunsaturated phospholipids peroxidation. It has received considerable attention owing to its putative involvement in a wide range of pathophysiological processes such as organ injury, cardiac ischemia/reperfusion, degenerative disease and its prevalence in plants, invertebrates, yeasts, bacteria, and archaea. To counter ferroptosis, living organisms have evolved a myriad of intrinsic efficient defense systems, such as cyst(e)ine‐glutathione‐glutathione peroxidase 4 system (cyst(e)ine‐GPX4 system), guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase 1/tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) system (GCH1/BH4 system), ferroptosis suppressor protein 1/coenzyme Q10 system (FSP1/CoQ10 system), and so forth. Among these, GPX4 serves as the only enzymatic protection system through the reduction of lipid hydroperoxides, while other defense systems ultimately rely on small compounds to scavenge lipid radicals and prevent ferroptotic cell death. In this article, we systematically summarize the chemical biology of lipid radical trapping process by endogenous chemicals, such as coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), BH4, hydropersulfides, vitamin K, vitamin E, 7‐dehydrocholesterol, with the aim of guiding the discovery of novel ferroptosis inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder characterized by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovarian morphology. Previous studies have suggested that metabolites may play a pivotal mediating role in the progression of phenotypic variations. Although several metabolites had been identified as potential markers for PCOS, the relationship between blood metabolites and PCOS was not comprehensively explored. Previously, Pickrell et al. designed a robust approach to infer evidence of a causal relationship between different phenotypes using independently putative causal SNPs. Our previous paper extended this approach to make it more suitable for cases where only a few independently putative causal SNPs were identified to be significantly associated with the phenotypes (i.e., metabolites). When the most significant SNPs in each independent locus (the independent lead SNPs) with p-values of < 1 × 10−5 were used, 3 metabolites (2-tetradecenoyl carnitine, threitol, 1-docosahexaenoylglycerophosphocholine) causally influencing PCOS and 2 metabolites (asparagine and phenyllactate) influenced by PCOS were identified, (relative likelihood r < 0.01). Under a less stringent threshold of r < 0.05, 7 metabolites (trans-4-hydroxyproline, glutaroyl carnitine, stachydrine, undecanoate, 7-Hoca, N-acetylalanine and 2-hydroxyisobutyrate) were identified. Taken together, this study can provide novel insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying PCOS; whether these metabolites can serve as biomarkers to predict PCOS in clinical practice warrants further investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silver antimony sulfide (AgSbS2) stands out as a promising absorber material for optoelectronic devices, thanks to its exceptional optical properties, solution processability, and versatile composition tunability. However, its practical application in long-wave photodetection is hindered by the relatively large band gap (∼1.7 eV). While selenization can reduce the band gap, its effectiveness is often limited by the compact crystal grain structure, especially in thick films, leading to an insufficient selenization rate. Consequently, photodetectors based on selenized AgSbS2 exhibit minimal response to infrared radiation. To address this challenge, we propose a novel approach: constructing a porous AgSbS2 precursor by incorporating higher solubility indium nitrate into the spray solution. We have developed a model that considers the crystallization aspect to explain the formation of this porous morphology and crystal structure. The resulting AgSbS2(Se) photodetectors exhibit a broadband response range extending beyond 1920 nm and a high bandwidth of up to 0.3 MHz, owing to the special gradient structure with a high selenization rate. These outstanding features suggest great potential for application in high-speed photon computation and communication systems. Moreover, it opens up new possibilities for developing high-performance broadband photodetectors by reconstructing existing compound semiconductors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]