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The Yujiang River lies within the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, a large conservation internationaldesignated biodiversity hotspot in tropical Asia that supports some of the most diverse and unique ecosystems on the planet. Despite the extraordinary endemism in its 33 terrestrial ecoregions, there is little information about its freshwater fish biodiversity. Based on our field investigations and an extensive review of the literatures, we identified 137 fish species (including two non-native species), representing 9 orders, 26 families and 88 genera, that are distributed in the Yujiang River and its drainage basin. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) criteria, six of these species (Anguilla japonica, Cyprinus carpio, Luciocyprinus langsoni, Pseudohemiculter dispar, Ptychidio jordani, and Cranoglanis bouderius), qualify for recognition as Threatened Species. Overfishing, water flow diversions and modifications, and the impacts of non-native species are the greatest threats to freshwater fish biodiversity in the Yujiang River. We recommend the adoption and enforcement of additional protected areas, improvement in approaches to sustainable fishery management, much better control of non-native species, and an improvement in and the expansion of fish life-history research. Our study contributes recommendations for the better protection of freshwater fish biodiversity and the development of sustainable fisheries in the Yujiang River. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Equipping a DC‐type superconducting fault current limiter (SFCL) in a modular multilevel converter‐based multi‐terminal DC (MMC‐M2TDC) system has the potential to reorganize the protection control arrangements during the DC‐side short‐circuit fault. This paper introduces the converter non‐blocking operation and system fast restoration control of the SFCL MMC‐M2TDC with the DC‐side bipolar fault condition, as well as their feasibility verifications. Considering the characteristics of overdamping oscillation of DC voltage and the additional impedance effect of the new resistor‐inductor SFCL (R‐L SFCL), the unfaulty converter non‐blocking protection enables faulty segment isolation and DC fault ride through without unwanted active power interruption. The restoration control for smooth reconnection and fast recovery of the off‐grid converter station ensures the DC voltage rebuilding process and reduces the required period. To validate the above arrangements, the simulation is conducted upon the PSCAD/EMTDC corresponding to the three‐terminal R‐L SFCL MMC‐M2TDC system. Finally, the research routes for novel superconducting coil design, SFCL scheme design, and multi‐device cooperative strategy are discussed, all of which contribute to promoting the high‐quality development of SFCL in MMC‐M2TDC scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Pregnancy toxemia (PT) is a nutritional metabolic disease of ewes in late pregnancy. This study aimed to reveal the relationship between rumen microbiota and PT. Methods: We selected 10 healthy ewes (CON) and 10 pregnancy toxemia ewes (PT) at 135 days of gestation according to the blood ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), glucose (Glu) concentrations and clinical symptoms. Blood and rumen fluid were collected before morning feeding to determine serum biochemical indices and rumen fermentation parameters. Total DNA of rumen fluid was extracted and the V3-V4 regions of 16S rRNA were amplified by PCR for high-throughput sequencing. Results: The results showed that the serum concentrations of Glu, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), uric acid (UA), creatinine (Cr), acetate, propionate, butyrate, and microbial crude protein (MCP) were decreased (p < 0.05) and the concentrations of BHBA, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), acetate to propionate ratio (A/P), and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N)were higher (p < 0.05) in PT ewes than those in CON ewes. 16S rRNA analysis showed the differences of ß-diversity were observed in rumen microbiota between CON and PT ewes. At the phylum level, the relative abundance of Bacteroidota and Proteobacteria were higher (p < 0.01), while Firmicutes was lower (p < 0.01) in PT ewes. At the genus level, the relative Prevotella, Butyrivibrio, Ruminococcus, Lachnospiraceae_AC2044_group, Lachnospiraceae_XPB1014_group, Lachnospiraceae_ND3007_group, and Oribacterium were lower (p < 0.01) in PT ewes. Meanwhile, the relative abundance of Oribacterium, Butyrivibrio, Ruminococcus, and Lachnospiraceae_AC2044_group were positively correlated (p < 0.01) with Glu, INS, acetate, propionate, and butyrate, and negatively correlated (p < 0.01) with BHBA, P, GC, AST, and A/P. Discussion: In conclusion, the decrease of Oribacterium, Butyrivibrio, Ruminococcus, and Lachnospiraceae_AC2044_group in the rumen of PT ewes reduced the concentrations of volatile fatty acids (acetate, propionate, and butyrate) and serum Glu, and increased BHBA concentration, indicating that the differences in rumen bacteria genera were related to pregnancy toxemia of ewes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid strong base catalysts are highly attractive for diverse reactions owing to their advantages of neglectable corrosion, facile separation, and environmental friendliness. However, their widespread applications are impeded by basic components aggregation and low stability. In this work, we fabricate single calcium atoms on graphene (denoted as Ca1/G) by use of a redox strategy for the first time, producing solid strong base catalyst with high activity and stability. The precursor Ca(NO3)2 is first reduced to CaO at 400 °C by the support graphene, forming CaO/G with conventional basic sites, and the subsequent reduction at 850 °C results in the generation of Ca1/G with atomically dispersed Ca. Various characterizations reveal that Ca single atoms are anchored on graphene in tetra-coordination (Ca--C2--N2) where N is in situ doped from Ca(NO3)2. The atomically dispersed Ca, along with their anchoring on the support, endow Ca1/G with high activity and stability toward the transesterification reaction of ethylene carbonate with methanol. The turnover frequency value reaches 128.0 h-1 on Ca1/G, which is much higher than the traditional counterpart CaO/G and various reported solid strong bases (2.9-46.2 h-1). Moreover, the activity of Ca1/G is well maintained during 5 cycles, while 60% of activity is lost for the conventional analogue CaO/G due to the leaching of Ca. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advances in genomic research have increasingly focused on the fat massand obesity-associated (FTO) gene due to its notable correlation with obesity. Initially explored for its contribution to increased body weight, FTO was later discovered to function as an m6A demethylase. This pivotal role enhances our understanding of its broader implications across various pathologies. Epigenetic modifications, such as m6A, have been implicated in gynecological cancers, including ovarian, endometrial, and cervical malignancies. However, the precise mechanisms by which FTO influences the development of gynecological cancers remain largely unknown. This analysis underscores the growing relevance of investigations into the FTO gene in elucidating the mechanisms underlying gynecological cancers and exploring potential therapeutic avenues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Amidst the expansion of student enrollment in higher education, the well-being and retention rates of students have emerged as important concerns. Resilience, especially academic resilience, a multidimensional construct that can lead to academic success in adversity, is pivotal in enabling students to successfully cope with academic challenges. While the Academic Resilience Scale-30 (ARS-30) has been validated as an effective instrument in various languages, its applicability for Chinese students in higher education remains unexplored. Objective: This study aims to translate and validate the ARS-30 in Chinese, assessing its reliability and validity among Chinese college students in higher education. Methods: A convenience sample of 1,542 students participated in this study. The inventory included the demographic form, Chinese version of ARS-30 (C-ARS-30), 10-item Connor Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10), and General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES). The assessment of validity was conducted by analyzing content validity, construct validity, convergent and discriminant validity, as well as criterion-related validity. Construct validity was evaluated through Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling (ESEM). Reliability analysis was performed using Cronbach's alpha and test-retest reliability. Results: The C-ARS-30 demonstrated commendable content validity, with the CVI value of items ranging from 0.833 to 1.000, and a total scale CVI of 0.986. ESEM analysis revealed a solid four-factor structure, maintaining the scale's 30 items with excellent fit indices (χ2/df = 2.647, CFI = 0.937, TLI = 0.915, RMSEA = 0.057, SRMR = 0.027). The total score of C-ARS-30 exhibited positive correlations with the CD-RISC-10 (r = 0.542) and the GSES (r = 0.488). The scale demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach's a = 0.930) and test-retest reliability (0.794, p < 0.01). Conclusion: The C-ARS-30 is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing academic resilience among Chinese college students, offering a valuable tool for educational and psychological evaluations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the effects of motivational interview education on psychological status, compliance behavior and quality of life in patients with malignant tumors combined with diabetes mellitus. Methods: This is a retrospective study. Eighty patients with malignant tumors combined with diabetes mellitus admitted at The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University from January 2021 to June 2022 were included as subjects and divided into observation group and control group according to the intervention measures. Patients in the control group were given routine health education intervention, while those in the observation group were given motivational interviewing intervention on the basis of the control group. We compared the prognosis, cognitive function, quality of life, relief of cancer pain before intervention and three months after the intervention of the two groups were compared. Results: At three months after the intervention, the total remission rate of cancer pain in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (p<0.05), while the levels of FBG and 2hPG in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (p<0.05). Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-rating depression scale (SDS) scores decreased in both groups three months after the intervention, with the level of reduction in the observation group being higher than that in the control group (p<0.05). The overall compliance was higher in the observation group than in the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Motivational interviewing leads to alleviate negative emotions, improve the psychological status, enhance compliance behavior and improve quality of life in patients with malignant tumors combined with diabetes mellitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aeromonas salmonicida is a common pathogen of salmonid fishes that poses a significant threat to the fresh water and marine culture industry, potentially resulting in huge economic losses. To prevent and control fish diseases caused by A. salmonicida, rapid and effective diagnostic approaches must be developed, and which are important for routine monitoring and clinical care. By combining recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) technology with a visible lateral flow strip (RPA-LF), we have enhanced both the precision of RPA detection and the convenience of real-time monitoring. In this study, we introduce a robust method for detecting A. salmonicida using RPA-LF. This assay specifically targets the ASA_1441 gene of A. salmonicida, ensuring high specificity, without cross-reactivity with other prevalent fresh water or marine pathogens. The optimal amplification temperature of the RPA assay was 39 °C. Its sensitivity extends to as low as 100 fg of purified DNA, representing more than 1000-fold higher sensitivity than conventional PCR methods. Furthermore, to enhance the usability of the RPA-LF assay, we developed a rapid sample preparation method using cellulose dipsticks for nucleic acid extraction. This method achieves a limit of detection (LOD) as low as 1.67 CFU/µL and completes the entire process within 20 min. In conclusion, our findings present a rapid and precise tool for monitoring A. salmonicida infection in aquaculture and marine culture. This advancement offers valuable insights for effective disease prevention and control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cognitive impairment (COI) is a prevalent complication across a spectrum of brain disorders, underpinned by intricate mechanisms yet to be fully elucidated. Neurons, the principal cell population of the nervous system, orchestrate cognitive processes and govern cognitive balance. Extensive inquiry has spotlighted the involvement of Foxo3a in COI. The regulatory cascade of Foxo3a transactivation implicates multiple downstream signaling pathways encompassing mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, autophagy, and apoptosis, collectively affecting neuronal activity. Notably, the expression and activity profile of neuronal Foxo3a are subject to modulation via various modalities, including methylation of promoter, phosphorylation and acetylation of protein. Furthermore, upstream pathways such as PI3K/AKT, the SIRT family, and diverse micro-RNAs intricately interface with Foxo3a, engendering alterations in neuronal function. Through several downstream routes, Foxo3a regulates neuronal dynamics, thereby modulating the onset or amelioration of COI in Alzheimer's disease, stroke, ischemic brain injury, Parkinson's disease, and traumatic brain injury. Foxo3a is a potential therapeutic cognitive target, and clinical drugs or multiple small molecules have been preliminarily shown to have cognitive-enhancing effects that indirectly affect Foxo3a. Particularly noteworthy are multiple randomized, controlled, placebo clinical trials illustrating the significant cognitive enhancement achievable through autophagy modulation. Here, we discussed the role of Foxo3a in neuronmediated COI and common cognitively impaired diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structural damage is a prevalent issue in long-term operations of harbor terminals. Addressing the lack of transparency in terminal infrastructure components, the limited integration of sensor monitoring data, and the insufficient support for feedback on service performance, we propose a novel digital twin system construction methodology tailored for the long-term monitoring of port terminals. This study elaborates on the organization and processing of foundational geospatial data, sensor monitoring information, and oceanic hydrometeorological data essential for constructing a digital twin of the terminal. By mapping relationships between physical and virtual spaces, we developed comprehensive dynamic and static models of terminal facilities. Employing a "particle model" approach, we visually represented oceanic and meteorological elements. Additionally, we developed a multi-source heterogeneous data fusion model to facilitate the rapid creation of data indexes for harbor elements under high concurrency conditions, effectively addressing performance issues related to scene-rendering visualization and real-time sensor data storage efficiency. Experimental validation demonstrates that this method enables the rapid construction of digital twin systems for port terminals and supports practical application in business scenarios. Data analysis and comparison confirm the feasibility of the proposed method, providing an effective approach for the long-term monitoring of port terminal operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low-wavenumber components in the gradient of full waveform inversion (FWI) play a vital role in the stability of the inversion. However, when FWI is implemented in some high frequencies and current models are not far away from the real velocity model, an excessive number of low-wavenumber components in the gradient will also reduce the convergence rate and inversion accuracy. To solve this problem, this paper firstly derives a formula of scattering angle weighted gradient in FWI, then proposes a hybrid gradient. The hybrid gradient combines the conventional gradient of FWI with the scattering angle weighted gradient in each inversion frequency band based on an empirical formula derived herein. Using weighted hybrid mode, we can retain some low-wavenumber components in the initial lowfrequency inversion to ensure the stability of the inversion, and use more high-wavenumber components in the high-frequency inversion to improve the convergence rate. The results of synthetic data experiment demonstrate that compared to the conventional FWI, the FWI based on the proposed hybrid gradient can effectively reduce the low-wavenumber components in the gradient under the premise of ensuring inversion stability. It also greatly enhances the convergence rate and inversion accuracy, especially in the deep part of the model. And the field marine seismic data experiment also illustrates that the FWI based on hybrid gradient (HGFWI) has good stability and adaptability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to analyze active compounds and signaling pathways of CH applying network pharmacology methods, and to additionally verify the molecular mechanism of CH in treating AP. Materials and methods: Network pharmacology and molecular docking were firstly used to identify the active components of CH and its potential targets in the treatment of AP. The pancreaticobiliary duct was retrogradely injected with sodium taurocholate (3.5%) to create an acute pancreatitis (AP) model in rats. Histological examination, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blot and TUNEL staining were used to determine the pathway and mechanism of action of CH in AP. Results: Network pharmacological analysis identified 168 active compounds and 276 target proteins. In addition, there were 2060 targets associated with AP, and CH had 177 targets in common with AP. These shared targets, including STAT3, IL6, MYC, CDKN1A, AKT1, MAPK1, MAPK3, MAPK14, HSP90AA1, HIF1A, ESR1, TP53, FOS, and RELA, were recognized as core targets. Furthermore, we filtered out 5252 entries from the Gene Ontology(GO) and 186 signaling pathways from the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG). Enrichment and network analyses of protein-protein interactions predicted that CH significantly affected the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, which played a critical role in programmed cell death. The core components and key targets showed strong binding activity based on molecular docking results. Subsequently, experimental validation demonstrated that CH inhibited the phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT in pancreatic tissues, promoted the apoptosis of pancreatic acinar cells, and further alleviated inflammation and histopathological damage to the pancreas in AP rats. Conclusion: Apoptosis of pancreatic acinar cells can be enhanced and the inflammatory response can be reduced through the modulation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, resulting in the amelioration of pancreatic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) was a response to the accumulation of unfolded proteins and plays a crucial role in the development of tumors, including processes such as tumor cell invasion, metastasis, and immune evasion. However, the specific regulatory mechanisms of ERS in breast cancer (BC) remain unclear. Methods: In this study, we analyzed RNA sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) for breast cancer and identified 8 core genes associated with ERS: ELOVL2, IFNG, MAP2K6, MZB1, PCSK6, PCSK9, IGF2BP1, and POP1. We evaluated their individual expression, independent diagnostic, and prognostic values in breast cancer patients. A multifactorial Cox analysis established a risk prognostic model, validated with an external dataset. Additionally, we conducted a comprehensive assessment of immune infiltration and drug sensitivity for these genes. Results: The results indicate that these eight core genes play a crucial role in regulating the immune microenvironment of breast cancer (BRCA) patients. Meanwhile, an independent diagnostic model based on the expression of these eight genes shows limited independent diagnostic value, and its independent prognostic value is unsatisfactory, with the time ROC AUC values generally below 0.5. According to the results of logistic regression neural networks and risk prognosis models, when these eight genes interact synergistically, they can serve as excellent biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of breast cancer patients. Furthermore, the research findings have been confirmed through qPCR experiments and validation. Conclusion: In conclusion, we explored the mechanisms of ERS in BRCA patients and identified 8 outstanding biomolecular diagnostic markers and prognostic indicators. The research results were double-validated using the GEO database and qPCR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a global health concern with the acid sphingomyelinase (ASM)/ceramide (CE) pathway and the NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome identified as pivotal players in lipid disorders and inflammation. This study explores the interaction mechanism between the ASM/CE pathway and NLRP3 in NAFLD cell models, aiming to understand the impact of amitriptyline (Ami), an ASM inhibitor, on lipid deposition and hepatocyte injury by regulating the ASM/CE-NLRP3 pathway. Methods: HepG2 and HL-7702 cells were exposed to free fatty acids (FFAs) to establish the NAFLD model. The cells were divided into 5 groups: control group, model group, Ami group, tumor necrosis factoralpha (TNF-α) group, and Ami + TNF-α group. Intracellular lipid droplets were visualized using Oil Red O staining, and Western blot analysis quantified ASM, NLRP3, and caspase 1 protein expression. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was measured CE and ASM levels, while qRT-PCR assessed mRNA expression. The apoptotic rate was evaluated by flow cytometry (FCM). Results: Following FFAs incubation, significant increases in ASM and CE levels were observed in HepG2 and HL-7702 cells, accompanied by elevated expression of NLRP3, and caspase 1, and IL-1ß. TNF-α treatment further amplified these indicators. Ami demonstrated a reduction in lipid deposition, suppressed ASM/CE pathway activation, downregulated NLRP3 and caspase 1 expression, and improved apoptosis. Additionally, MCC950, a selective inhibitor of the NLRP3, mitigated NLRP3, caspase 1, and IL-1β expression, alleviating lipid deposition and apoptosis in the NAFLD cell model. Conclusion: The ASM/CE-NLRP3 pathway in NAFLD cells promotes hepatocyte steatosis, inflammation, and cell damage. Ami emerges as a promising therapeutic agent by inhibiting the ASM/CE-NLRP3 pathway, underscoring its potential as a key target for NAFLD treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the realm of rendering algorithms predicated upon depth information, the escalating image resolution poses formidable challenges, culminating in protracted rendering cycles requisite for the synthesis of stereoscopic display images. This impediment renders the attainment of real‐time rendering a formidable undertaking. Therefore, an efficient 3D image encoding algorithm based on depth offset mapping is proposed. Using a two‐dimensional color image as a reference, the algorithm utilizes its corresponding depth map to obtain depth information for calculating the offset of each sub‐pixel. By directly applying the geometric relationship between the display and viewing positions and the principle of reversible light paths, three‐dimensional image synthesis rendering is performed. This allows each eye of the viewer to see a parallax image composed of sub‐pixels with different offset values, creating a sense of depth perception. In addition to ensuring display efficacy, the proposed methodology eschews conventional paradigms involving the generation of copious virtual viewpoints, thereby mitigating the memory demands imposed upon hardware systems and fostering the expeditious integration and rendering of three‐dimensional images within a systemic framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the misuse of antibiotics, there is an increasing emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, leading to a human health crisis. To address clinical antibiotic resistance and prevent/control pathogenic microorganisms, the development of novel antibiotics is essential. This also offers a new approach to discovering valuable actinobacterial flora capable of producing natural bioactive products. In this study, we employed bioinformatics and macrogenome sequencing to collect 15 soil samples from three different locations in the Karamay Gobi region. First, we assessed the diversity of microorganisms in soil samples from different locations, analyzing the content of bacteria, archaea, actinomycetes, and fungi. The biodiversity of soil samples from outside the Gobi was found to be higher than that of soil samples from within and in the center of the Gobi. Second, through microbial interaction network analysis, we identified actinomycetes as the dominant group in the system. We have identified the top four antibiotic genes, such as Ecol_fabG_TRC, Efac_liaR_DAP, tetA (58), and macB, by CARD. These genes are associated with peptide antibiotics, disinfecting agents and antiseptics, tetracycline antibiotics, and macrolide antibiotics. In addition, we also obtained 40 other antibiotic-related genes through CARD alignment. Through in-depth analysis of desert soil samples, we identified several unstudied microbial species belonging to different families, including Erythrobacteriaceae, Solirubrobacterales, Thermoleophilaceae, Gaiellaceae, Nocardioidaceae, Actinomycetia, Egibacteraceae, and Acidimicrobiales. These species have the capability to produce peptide antibiotics, macrolide antibiotics, and tetracycline antibiotics, as well as disinfectants and preservatives. This study provides valuable theoretical support for future in-depth research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seawater density is an important physical property in oceanography that affects the accuracy of calculations such as gravity fields and tidal potentials and the calibration of acoustic and optical oceanographic sensors. In related studies, constant density values are frequently used, which can introduce significant errors. Therefore, this study employs a basic convolutional neural network model to construct a comprehensive model showing the seawater density distribution across the globe. The model takes into account depth, latitude, longitude, and month as inputs. Numerous real seawater datasets were used to train the model, and it has been shown that the model has an absolute mean error and root mean square error of less than 1 kg/m3 in 99% of the test set samples. The model effectively demonstrates the influence of input parameters on the distribution of seawater density. In this paper, we present a newly developed global model for distributing seawater density which is both comprehensive and accurate, surpassing previous models. The utilization of the model presented in this paper for estimating seawater density can minimize errors in theoretical ocean models and serve as a foundation for designing and analyzing ocean exploration systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature-swing adsorption (TSA) is an effective technique for CO2 capture, but the temperature swing procedure is energy-intensive. Herein, we report a low-energy-consumption system by combining passive radiative cooling and solar heating for the uptake of CO2 on commercial activated carbons (CACs). During adsorption, the adsorbents are coated with a layer of hierarchically porous poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropene) [P(VdF-HFP)HP], which cools the adsorbents to a low temperature under sunlight through radiative cooling. For desorption, CACs with broad absorption of the solar spectrum are exposed to light irradiation for heating. The heating and cooling processes are completely driven by solar energy. Adsorption tests under mimicked sunlight using the CACs show that the performance of this system is comparable to that of the traditional ones. Furthermore, under real sunlight irradiation, the adsorption capacity of the CACs can be well maintained after multiple cycles. The present work may inspire the development of new temperature swing procedures with little energy consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Chondrocyte apoptosis as a prominent characteristic is usually accompanied by cartilage degeneration in osteoarthritis (OA). Herein, we aimed to determine the roles of miR-149-5p in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced chondrocyte apoptosis. Material and methods: Human chondrocytes were cultured with TNF-α to establish an apoptosis cell model in vitro. After transfection with miR-149- 5p mimics or co-expression with TRADD in chondrocytes, cell viability, apoptosis, inflammatory cytokines, mRNA and protein expression were measured using CCK8, Annexin V-FITC double staining, ELISA assays, RT-qPCR and western blotting, respectively. Results: TNF-α-induced chondrocyte apoptosis occurred in association with the inhibition of cell proliferation, the elevation of inflammatory cytokine levels and the activation of TRADD and caspase-3/8 signaling. The post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism suggested that TRADD was a direct target of miR-149-5p, and overexpression of miR-149-5p resulted in the down-regulation of TRADD protein expression in chondrocytes. In addition, miR-149-5p mimics had the ability to attenuate TNF-α-induced inflammation and apoptosis, while transfection with TRADD vector neutralized the protective effects of miR-149-5p on TNF-α-induced chondrocyte dysfunction. Conclusions: miR-149-5p inversely regulated TNF-α-mediated chondrocyte damage by inhibiting TRADD-modulated caspases signaling. The miR-149- 5p/TRADD signaling pathway might be a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To systematically evaluate the efficacy of different training modes in patients with diabetes decline. Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMbase, Web of Science, CNKI, VIP, WANFANG, SinoMed were searched in computer to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of training intervention in patients with diabetes and frailty, and the search time was as of May 21, 2023. After two review authors independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of included studies, network meta-analysis was performed using Stata14.0 and R4.3.1 software. Fasting blood glucose (FGB), glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), two-hour postprandial blood glucose (PBG), total cholesterol (TCH), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and body mass index (BMI) were used as outcome measures. Results: A total of 15 RCTs were included, including 1550 patients. The results of the network meta-analysis showed that integrated training reduced FBG compared with the control group; integrated training, Pilates training, resistance training can reduce HbA1c; Pilates training and resistance training can reduce PBG; integrated training, Pilates training, resistance training can reduce TCH; Pilates training and resistance training can reduce TG; resistance training improves BMI. The results of the best probability ranking showed that multi-group training had the most significant effect on improving PBG and SPPB scores. Conclusion: The current evidence suggests that multi-group training is the best way to reduce fasting blood glucose and improve physical activity before meals, and Pilates training may be the best way to reduce glycated hemoglobin, blood glucose two hours after meals, improve blood lipid level and BMI in patients with diabetes in China. Trial registration: PROSPERO registration number for this study: CRD42023427868. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between decentralization and inequality remains puzzling. The primary objective of this paper is to study the effects of decentralization on regional education inequality in China where national higher education policies systematically prioritize large cities. We apply the Gini coefficient and the econometric model of regional convergence (i.e., Barro regressions) to study original provincial college admission data in China from 2005 to 2013. We discover that the provincial Gini coefficients have been declining throughout the period. The Barro regression results also suggest that the provincial-level college-going rates have been converging. We further demonstrate that the convergence is driven by provincial rather than national universities. Access to elite national universities remained unequal across provinces and still favored super cities. We conclude that decentralization helps to drive down the regional inequality of access to higher education that is due to national polices. It is not yet clear whether our conclusion is applicable to other policy domains or other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By the end of 2021, the pear yield in Xinjiang reached 1,795,900 tons, accounting for 1/9 of the country. Pear black spot, caused by Alternaria gaisen disease, has had a significant impact on the pear industry. A. gaisen can infect nearly all pear plants, resulting in black spots on the fruit that negatively aect both yield and quality. This study focused on the TRM76323 strain of Streptomyces, which was isolated from the soil of Tamarix chinensis in Xinjiang Province. Through a multiphase classification and identification method, the genetic classification status of the antagonistic strains was determined. The study also identified the antibacterial active components of streptochlorin using modern isolation and purification techniques. The antagonistic activity of Streptomyces against Alternaria was analyzed through in vitro and in vivo experiments. This research not only expanded the resource bank of antagonistic microorganisms in extreme environments in Xinjiang, but also identified active components that could contribute to the development of new drug lead compounds. Additionally, this study presents a novel approach for the prevention and control of pear black spot disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many studies have confirmed that lipid accumulation products (LAP) predict arterial stiffness (AS) in hypertensive patients. But there is little research on the use of LAP in identifying early atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the LAP index and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) in Chinese patients with T2DM. Methods: A total of 1471 Chinese participants with T2DM, ranging in age from 18 to 80, were included in this cross-sectional study. BaPWV measurements were used to calculate the AS. A baPWV greater than the 75th percentile (1700 cm/s) was defined as indicating increased AS. The LAP index was calculated from the combination of waist circumference (WC) and triglycerides (TG). Results: According to the quartiles of the LAP index, baPWV tended to increase after adjusting for sex and age. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the beta coefficient (β) of baPWV increased by 31.0 cm/s for each unit of lnLAP that was increased, and the 95% confidence interval (CI) was (6.5, 55.5) cm/s. In multivariate logistic regression analyses, after fully adjusting for confounders, the risk of elevated baPWV increased with each unit increase in lnLAP, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.3 (95% CI: 1.0, 1.8). According to the generalized additive model (GAM), we found that lnLAP was positively correlated with baPWV and baPWV elevation. The results were the same for males and females. Subgroup analyses showed that the positive correlation between lnLAP and elevated baPWV did not interact across all subgroups. Conclusions: In Chinese patients with T2DM, LAP was strongly and positively correlated with baPWV and elevated baPWV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Xenophrys is described from Yadong County, Tibet Autonomous Region, China based on morphological and molecular evidence. Phylogenetic analyses based on the mitochondrial genes 16S rRNA and COI indicated that this new species represents an independent lineage and the minimum p-distance based on 16S rRNA between this species and its congeners is 4.4%. Additionally, the new species is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following morphological characters: (1) small body size, SVL 17.9-22.2 mm in adult males and SVL 23.4 mm in the single adult female; (2) tympanum indistinct, supratympanic fold distinct; (3) canthus rostralis well-developed, snout tip far beyond the margin of the lower lip; (5) pupil vertical; (6) vomerine teeth present, maxillary teeth present; (7) tongue notched posteriorly; (8) supernumerary tubercles absent, subarticular, metacarpal and metatarsal tubercles indistinct; (9) relative finger lengths I < II < IV < III, finger tips rounded, slightly expanded relative to digit widths; (10) toes with narrow lateral fringes and tarsal folds; (11) a dark triangular marking with light edge between eyes, a dark")("-shaped marking, with light edge, present on center of dorsum, pectoral glands on sides of the breast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The coagulation system is more complicated in younger infants because the hemostatic system is not completely mature before 6 months. There is confusion among pediatricians to choose conventional coagulation tests and thromboelastography (TEG) to evaluate coagulation function for infants in major surgery. This study was undertaken to perform a comparison between the two methods for pediatric patients who underwent cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery. Methods: Infant patients who underwent CPB surgery were divided into two groups - younger group (age < 6 months old, n = 72) and older group (age from 6 months old to 12 years old, n = 76). Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT), and fibrinogen (Fib) of conventional coagulation tests and reaction time (R-time), speed of fibrin building up (ɑ-Angle), clot conformation time (K-time), maximum colt amplitude (MA) of TEG results before and after CPB, as well as increasing or decreasing rate of all the values after CPB, were compared between the two groups. Postoperative transfusion details were summarized. Results: PT, APTT, R-time, and K-time markedly increased (p < 0.05) and Fib, ɑ-Angle, and MA decreased (p < 0.05) after CPB in both groups. The younger group had a much higher rate of postoperative transfusion with suspended red cells (54.17% vs. 17.11%), fresh frozen plasma (29.17% vs. 9.21%), cryoprecipitate (9.72% vs. 1.32%), and apheresis platelet (5.56% vs. 0) than the older group. Increasing rate of R-time and K-time and decreasing rate of ɑ-Angle and MA after CPB in the younger group were significantly higher than that in the older group (p < 0.01), whereas no significant differences were observed in conventional coagulation tests (p > 0.2). Conclusions: TEG was more sensitive than conventional coagulation tests in response to variation of coagulation function for younger infants after major surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily, hemolins play a vital role in insect development and defense against pathogens. However, the innate immune response of hemolin to baculovirus infection varies among different insects. Methods and results: In this study, the hemolin-like gene from a Crambidae insect, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis, CmHem was cloned, and its role in insect development and baculovirus infection was analyzed. A 1,528 bp contig as potential hemolin-like gene of C. medinalis was reassembled from the transcriptome. Further, the complete hemolin sequence of C. medinalis (CmHem) was cloned and sequenced. The cDNA of CmHem was 1,515 bp in length and encoded 408 amino acids. The deduced amino acid of CmHem has relatively low identities (41.9-62.3%) to various insect hemolins. However, it contains four Ig domains similarity to other insect hemolins. The expression level of CmHem was the highest in eggs, followed by pupae and adults, and maintained a low expression level at larval stage. The synthesized siRNAs were injected into mature larvae, and the CmHem transcription decreased by 51.7%. Moreover, the abdominal somites of larvae became straightened, could not pupate normally, and then died. Infection with a baculovirus, C. medinalis granulovirus (CnmeGV), the expression levels of CmHem in the midgut and fat body of C. medinalis significantly increased at 12 and 24 h, respectively, and then soon returned to normal levels. Conclusions: Our results suggested that hemolin may be related to the metamorphosis of C. medinalis. Exposure to baculovirus induced the phased expression of hemolin gene in the midgut and fat body of C. medinalis, indicated that hemolin involved in the immune recognition of Crambidae insects to baculovirus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combined application of organic fertilizer is an effective measure to improve the productivity and ecological effect of newly added soil. However, the effect of organic fertilizer application in newly added orchard soil is not dear. In this project, the soil of newly built peach orchard in the Longquan Mountain of Chengdu was applied with 45 t/hm2 of organic fertilizer. After 9 months of planting 6 varieties of honey peach (Wanhujing, Baifeng, Zhongtao 13, Huangjinmitao 1, Zhongpan 101, Zhongpan 104), the locally well developed peach orchard was taken as the control. The physical and chemical properties of soil from four topography (top slope, middle slope, lower slope and flat land) of newly built peach orchard were analyzed, and the effect of organic fertilizer on soil was evaluated. The results showed that combined application of organic fertilizer had different effects on soils from orchards with different varieties of peach and from different terrain parts of the same peach variety. Specifically, it had the best effect on soil improvement in Baifeng (local variety), Zhongpan 101 and Zhongpan 104 (introduced varieties). Meanwhile, the best effect of soil improvement was found on top slope. Cluster analysis divided newly built peach orchards, uncultivated soil, and locally well developed peach orchard into four groups, indicating that the selected amount of organic fertilizer application in this study has improved the soil of peach orchards to some extent, but it was still necessary to increase the application amount. It was better for 54 t/hm2 amount of organic fertilization on the part of top and middle slope, and 60 t/hm2 on the lower slope and flat land. The comprehensive ecological benefit assessment of organic fertilizer should be conducted based on long-term monitoring of peach orchard ecological environment, fruit tree growth, fruit yield and quality, which would provide scientific basis for peach orchard production and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The prognostic utility of inflammatory markers in survival has been suggested in patients with cancer; however, evidence on their prognostic value in severely ill patients is very limited. We aimed to explore the prognostic value of cholinesterase (ChE), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and procalcitonin (PCT) in predicting mortality in patients from the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: Serum levels of ChE, CRP, IL-6 and PCT were measured in ICU patients from December 13th, 2019 to June 28th, 2022. We assessed the predictive power of ChE, CRP, IL-6, and PCT using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Furthermore, we evaluated their diagnostic accuracy by comparing the areas under the ROC curve (AUCs) along with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The cut-off values were determined to dichotomise these biomarkers, which were then included in multivariable logistic regression models to examine their relationship with ICU mortality. Results: Among 253 ICU patients included in the study, 66 (26%) died during the ICU stay. The AUCs to predict ICU mortality were 0.643 (95% CI, 0.566-0.719), 0.648 (95% CI, 0.633-0.735), 0.643 (95% CI, 0.563-0.723) and 0.735 (95% CI, 0.664-0.807) for ChE, CRP, IL-6 and PCT, respectively. After adjusting for age, sex and disease severity, lower ChE level (<3.668 x 10³ U L-1) and higher levels of CRP (>10.546 mg dL-1), IL-6 (>986.245 pg mL-1) and PCT (>0.505 μg L-1) were associated with higher mortality risk, with odd ratios of 2.70 (95% CI, 1.32-5.54), 4.99 (95% CI, 2.41-10.38), 3.24 (95% CI, 1.54-6.78) and 3.67 (95% CI, 1.45-9.95), respectively. Conclusion: ChE, CRP, IL-6 and PCT were independent ICU mortality risk factors in severely ill patients. Elevated PCT levels exhibited better predictive value than the other three biomarkers that were evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies have examined symptom clusters in children with acute leukemia, yet a knowledge gap persists regarding central symptom clusters and their influencing factors. By identifying these central clusters and associated factors, healthcare providers can enhance their understanding and effective management of symptoms. Our study seeks to address this gap by identifying symptom clusters, exploring central clusters, and investigating the demographic and health-related factors associated with these clusters in children with acute leukemia undergoing chemotherapy. Methods: A total of 586 children with acute leukemia from January 2021 to April 2023 were recruited from China. They were investigated using Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale 10-18 during chemotherapy. The principal component analysis was used to identify the symptom clusters. An association network was conducted to describe the relationships among symptoms and clusters. A multiple linear model was used to investigate the associated factors for the severity of overall symptoms and each symptom cluster. Results: Five clusters were identified, including oral and skin cluster, somatic cluster, self-image disorder cluster, gastrointestinal cluster and psychological cluster. Gastrointestinal cluster was the most central symptom cluster. Age, sex, clinical classification, number of having chemotherapy and education degree and marital status of the primary caregiver are associated with the severity of these five symptom clusters. Conclusion: Our study highlights the importance of evaluating symptom clusters in children with acute leukemia during chemotherapy. Specifically, addressing gastrointestinal symptoms is crucial for effective symptom management and overall care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional security check system is equipped with a graphic workstation and judges at each security checkpoint. Each security checkpoint shall judge images independently. This mode will cause uneven workload and waste of human resources. This paper introduces the function, technical architecture, system composition and application of remote centralized image judgment technology based on intelligent identification of prohibited articles. Combined with the characteristics of rail transit security check, this paper discusses the practical application of centralized image judgment technology in urban rail transit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: RNASEH1 (Ribonuclease H1) encodes an endonuclease that specifically degrades the RNA of RNA–DNA hybrids and acts in DNA replication and repair. Although there are many studies on RNASEH1, the research of RNASEH1 in cancers is still insufficient. Therefore, in order to clarify the physiological mechanism of RNASEH1 in tumor cells, we evaluated the role of RNASEH1 by combining The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) pan-cancer data and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) normal tissue data. Methods: RNASEH1 expression was analyzed by using RNAseq data from TCGA and the GTEx database. The Human Protein Atlas (HPA), GeneCards and STRING database were used to explore the protein information of RNASEH1. The prognostic value of RNASEH1 was analyzed by using the clinical survival data from TCGA. Differential analysis of RNASEH1 in different cancers was performed by using R package "DESeq2", and enrichment analysis of RNASEH1 was conducted by using R package "clusterProfiler". We downloaded the immune cell infiltration score of TCGA samples from published articles and online databases, and the correlation analysis between immune cell infiltration levels and RNASEH1 expression was performed. Not only that, we further evaluated the association of RNASEH1 with immune activating genes, immunosuppressive genes, chemokines and chemokine receptors. At the end of the article, the differential expression of RNASEH1 in pan-cancer was validated by using GSE54129, GSE40595, GSE90627, GSE106937, GSE145976 and GSE18672, and qRT-PCR was also performed for verification. Findings: RNASEH1 was significantly overexpressed in 19 cancers and the overexpression was closely correlated with poor prognosis. Moreover, the expression of RNASEH1 was significantly correlated with the regulation of the tumor microenvironment. In addition, RNASEH1 expression was closely associated with immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoints, immune activators, immunosuppressive factors, chemokines and chemokine receptors. Finally, RNASEH1 also was closely associated with DNA-related physiological activities and mitochondrial-related physiological activities. Interpretation: Our studying suggests that RNASEH1 is a potential cancer biomarker. And RNASEH1 may be able to regulate the tumor microenvironment by regulating the relevant physiological activities of mitochondrial and thereby regulating the occurrence and development of tumors. Thus, it could be used to develop new-targeted drugs of tumor therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid advancement of electronic communication technology has greatly aided human productivity and quality of life, but it has also resulted in significant electromagnetic pollution issues. Traditional metals and alloys are often used for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding due to their excellent electrical conductivity. However, they have drawbacks such as being heavy, expensive, and having low corrosion resistance, which limits their application in electromagnetic shielding. Therefore, it is crucial to develop novel EMI shielding materials. Polymers, being highly flexible, corrosion-resistant, and possessing high specific strength, are frequently employed in electromagnetic shielding materials. In this review, we firstly introduce the basic theory of electromagnetic shielding. Then, we outline the processing methods and recent developments of polymer-based electromagnetic shielding composites, including uniform-, foam-, layered-, and segregated structures. Lastly, we present the challenges and prospects for the field, aiming to provide direction and inspiration for the study of polymer-based electromagnetic shielding composite materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To examine the status quo and influencing factors of sleep quality and work engagement of nurses participating in COVID‐19 during the post‐epidemic era and to study the relationship between them. Design: We conducted a cross‐sectional survey and correlational and predictive logic to determine the association between sleep quality and work engagement among nurses in Shanghai during the post‐epidemic era. Methods: This design involved 1060 frontline nurses in Shanghai. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale‐9 scales were used for data collection. Results: This study found that the sleep quality of frontline nurses was impaired and the nurses with poor sleep accounted for 48.20% during the post‐epidemic era. The work engagement of frontline nurses was at the medium level. Factors affecting nurses' sleep quality were the number of nurse night shifts, family support and nurse health. The factors affecting the nurse work engagement were monthly income, profession title, family support and self‐health status. There was a positive correlation between nurses' sleep quality and work engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasma nanoparticles offer promise in data storage, biosensing, optical imaging, photoelectric integration, etc. This review highlights the local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) excitation mechanism of plasmonic nanoprobes and its critical significance in the control of dark-field sensing, as well as three main sensing strategies based on plasmonic nanomaterial dielectric environment modification, electromagnetic coupling, and charge transfer. This review then describes the component materials of plasmonic nanoprobes based on gold, silver, and other noble metals, as well as their applications. According to this summary, researchers raised the LSPR performance of composite plasmonic nanomaterials by combining noble metals with other metals or oxides and using them in process analysis and quantitative detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]