Search

Since the order–disorder phase transition easily occurs during the growth of optoelectronic II–IV–V2 ternary compounds, cation–cation antisites were always considered as the major point defects, while anion-related defects did not attract sufficient attention. In this paper, based on first-principles simulations, the anion–cation antisites are revealed to be comparable to or even dominate over the cation–cation antisites in II–IV–V2 phosphides and arsenides. These antisite defects are predicted to have significant impacts on the optoelectronic properties because they can either act as nonradiative recombination centers or enhance the p-type carrier concentration. Furthermore, based on the calculated defect properties and band alignments, we propose that the alloy ZnGe(P,As)2 can be an efficient p-type solar cell absorber. Its maximal open circuit voltage is effectively enlarged by the low valence band edge; meanwhile, the dominating anion–cation antisites are electrically benign. These results highlight the necessity of considering the anion–cation antisites in the defect engineering of II–IV–V2 phosphides and arsenides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electronic energies of molecules have been successfully evaluated on quantum computers. However, more attention is paid to the dynamics simulation of molecules in practical applications. Based on the variational quantum eigensolver (VQE) algorithm, Fedorov et al. proposed a correlated sampling (CS) method and demonstrated the vibrational dynamics of H2 molecules [J. Chem. Phys. 154, 164103 (2021)]. In this study, we have developed a quantum approach by extending the CS method based on the VQE algorithm (labeled eCS-VQE) for simulating chemical reaction dynamics. First, the CS method is extended to the three-dimensional cases for calculation of first-order energy gradients, and then, it is further generalized to calculate the second-order gradients of energies. By calculating atomic forces and vibrational frequencies for H2, LiH, H+ + H2, and Cl− + CH3Cl systems, we have seen that the approach has achieved the CCSD level of accuracy. Thus, we have simulated dynamics processes for two typical chemical reactions, hydrogen exchange and chlorine substitution, and obtained high-precision reaction dynamics trajectories consistent with the classical methods. Our eCS-VQE approach, as measurement expectations and ground-state wave functions can be reused, is less demanding in quantum computing resources and is, therefore, a feasible means for the dynamics simulation of chemical reactions on the current noisy intermediate-scale quantum-era quantum devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research mainly focuses on utilizing the characteristics of organic semiconductor materials to design and fabricate high-performance organic thin-film phototransistors. The semiconductor materials employed include the n-type semiconductor N,N′-ditridecylperylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxydiimide (PTCDI-C13) and the p-type semiconductor pentacene. These p- and n-type semiconductors are arranged in a tandem structure to form the active layer of the device, creating a heterojunction interface. The tandem structure offers the advantage of enabling the device to exhibit excellent light absorption capabilities across the entire visible light spectrum (400–700 nm). When light illuminates the channel of the active layer, excitons are generated in the semiconductor materials. The heterojunction interface can provide a built-in electric field, which facilitates the dissociation of excitons and charge transport, enabling the photogenerated charge carriers to be effectively collected. This significantly enhances the photosensitivity and photoresponsivity performances, far exceeding those of a single semiconductor layer. Overall, this research has successfully developed a high-performance organic thin-film phototransistor, which has important implications for the development of new optoelectronic devices and applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study investigates the risk of contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) in trauma patients, focusing on the impact of cumulative contrast medium doses. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted at a level 1 trauma center (2019–2021). The study included patients who underwent intravascular contrast-enhanced examinations for torso trauma within 7 days post-injury. The total contrast medium volume within 7 days was calculated. Multivariate logistic regression (MLR) identified AKI risk factors. Results: Among the 264 patients, 7.2% (19/264) developed AKI, with 3.4% (9/264) classified as KDIGO stage 3. Approximately 42.8% of patients underwent at least two contrast-enhanced examinations. The mean total contrast medium given was 129.5mL (range 80-410 ml). Multiple logistic regression (MLR) analysis identified four independent risk factors for AKI: diabetes mellitus, initial eGFR < 30, use of inotropic agents, and contrast medium exposure. The odds ratio of AKI increased by 2.92 (95% CI 1.30–6.53) for every 100 ml increase in contrast dose. The contrast volume exposure only plays an important role in severe trauma patients (ISS ≥ 25). Moreover, when correlated with eGFR, the contrast medium exposure volume demonstrated better predictive ability for AKI with a best cut-off value of Contrast volume to eGFR ratio > 1.86. Conclusion: While repetitive contrast-enhanced examinations are sometimes inevitable, they do come with costs. The CA-AKI risk increases as the amount of contrast medium accumulates in trauma patients who require repetitive examinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) that adopts paramedian incisions and tubular retractors to perform the decompression and interbody fusion has been widely used in the surgery for lumber degenerative disease (LDD). Bilateral pedicle screw fixation (BPSF) and unilateral pedicle screw fixation (UPSF) are the primary fixing techniques in MIS-TLIF. We conducted an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the efficacy and safety between UPSF and BPSF in patients undergoing MIS-TLIF surgery for LDD. Materials and methods: We searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for potential RCTs till June 2023. The effects of the fixation methods on clinical outcomes were estimated using the odd ratio (RR), risk difference (RD), and mean difference (MD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and a random-effects model. Results: We obtained six RCTs. There was no significant difference between UPSF and BPSF in fusion rate, hospitalization day, low back pain, leg pain, Oswestry Disability Index, and SF-36 for physical functioning at 3–6 months and ≥ 6 months after surgery. Neither the total complication nor the individual complications showed differences between the two methods. However, UPSF significantly decreased operation time (MD = − 39.05; 95% CI: − 53.50 to − 24.67) and estimated blood loss (MD = − 60.41; 95% CI: − 79.09 to − 41.73) compared with BPSF. Conclusion: UPSF is better than BPSF when operation time and estimated blood loss are considered. BPSF may be considered for patients with single-level LDD without high-grade spondylolisthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effective treatment of spent radioactive ion exchange resins generated during the operation of nuclear facilities is of great significance to reduce its potential hazards to the environment. This work innovatively provides a simple and low-cost molten salt oxidation (MSO) system includes air intake, feeding, waste salt discharge and exhaust gas treatment and analysis system for disposal of spent cation exchange resins (CERs). By studying three feeding amounts that injection of 25 g, 125 g and 1250 g CERs in 10 times under air conditions, the oxidation efficiency of CERs in MSO system was further evaluated. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) results indicated the sulfur can be trapped in the melt. Sulfur in functional group can be converted to Na2S and KLi(SO4) via Li2CO3-Na2CO3-K2CO3, which is proved by XRD patterns. The experimental results presented that degradation rates of CERs are 99.31%, 99.80%, and 99.91% in different feeding amounts, respectively. Furthermore, the volume reduction of residue gathered by feeding 1250 g CERs in 10 times was the highest, which can reach 9.19. Therefore, the bench-scale MSO system is a potential and promising treatment for spent CERs volume reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To provide candidate materials for the high-field winding-package (WP) of the toroidal field coil (TF) in next-generation Chinese compact burning plasma tokamak, Western Superconductor Technology Co., Ltd (WST) has newly developed a type of high Jc Nb3Sn wire with restacked-rod process (RRP) of the distributed barrier layout. To avoid the conductor degradation during electromagnetic and thermal cycling, the high-field WP is designed as a short-twist-pitch (STP) cable. After cabling and compaction of conductor, the STP design can cause severe indentation damage to the strands. The indentation not only impact the transport performance of the strand, in the meantime impact the thermo-magnetic stability. To investigate the effect of indentation on the performance for the WST high Jc Nb3Sn strand, series measurements were carried out. In this paper, the critical current (Ic) measurement, residual resistance ratio (RRR) measurement, magnetization measurements, and V-I tests were performed on indented samples, and the results were compared with other two types of high Jc Nb3Sn strands used in high-field WP. It was shown that the critical performance of the samples decreased significantly at an indentation depth of 0.4 mm, and the RRR value decreases with increasing indentation depth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nursing prescribing rights have been proposed in many countries, with physicians' attitudes playing an important role. This study aimed to investigate the attitudes of physicians toward nurse prescribing rights. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 112 Chinese physicians was conducted from January to March 2024. This study utilized a demographic information form, nurses' prescription right knowledge questions, and a scale to measure nurse-physician collaboration. The data was analyzed with IBM SPSS-21 software using descriptive and inferential statistics. We used the mean±standard deviation, frequencies and percentages to describe the demographic information, T-test, Chi-square test or Fisher' s exact test, and binary logistic regression analysis to analyze the correlated factors of the attitudes of physicians toward nurse prescribing rights. Results: Of 112 physicians, 60 supported nurse prescribing rights, accounting for 53.57% of the total. The results of the single-factor analysis indicated significant differences in the aspects of sex. The binary logistic regression revealed that being female (OR = 0.195, 95%CI = 0.072 ∼ 0.529), having knowledge of nurse prescribing rights (OR = 1.513, 95%CI = 1.051 ∼ 2.176), and promoting nurse-physician collaboration (OR = 1.058, 95%CI = 1.032 ∼ 1.084) were the factors that correlated with physicians' attitudes toward nurse prescribing rights. Conclusions: Most physicians expressed a favorable attitude toward nurse prescribing rights. The results of this study will help advance the development of nurse prescribing rights and ultimately improve the quality of patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) with the MLL-AF4 fusion gene has a poor prognosis, and the mortality rate exceeds 90%, particularly in cases of extramedullary relapse (EMR). Herein, we present a case of a 46-year-old male patient who developed relapsed B-ALL with MLL-AF4. The patient initially achieved a complete remission (CR) after induction therapy and underwent haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Five months post-transplantation, he developed enlarged lymph nodes and subcutaneous masses. A lymph node biopsy confirmed EMR, without leukemia in the bone marrow or peripheral blood. The patient received the VCA regimen (venetoclax, chidamide, and azacitidine) and was regularly monitored through blood counts, marrow cell morphology analysis, flow cytometry, and computed tomography or positron emission tomography-computed tomography imaging. After the first VCA course, the patient achieved a second CR with only transient myelosuppression. Following two VCA courses, he received chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, which led to complete metabolic remission and improved prognosis. This case underscores the potential of the VCA regimen as a bridging therapy for EMR in B-ALL with MLL-AF4 , although further studies are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ovarian cancer (OC), particularly high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC), is the leading cause of mortality from gynecological malignancies worldwide. Despite the initial effectiveness of treatment, acquired resistance to poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPis) represents a major challenge for the clinical management of HGSOC, highlighting the necessity for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. This study investigated the role of 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3), a pivotal regulator of glycolysis, in PARPi resistance and explored its potential as a therapeutic target to overcome PARPi resistance. Methods: We conducted in vitro and in vivo experiments to assess the role of PFKFB3 in OC and its impact on PARPi resistance. We analyzed PFKFB3 expression and activity in primary OC tissues and cell lines using western blotting and immunohistochemistry. CRISPR-Cas9 and pharmacological inhibitors were employed to inhibit PFKFB3, and the effects on PARPi resistance, homologous recombination (HR) repair efficiency, and DNA damage were evaluated. RNA sequencing and proximity labeling were employed to identify the molecular mechanisms underlying PFKFB3-mediated resistance. The in vivo efficacy of PARPi and PFK158 combination therapy was evaluated in OC xenograft models. Results: PFKFB3 activity was significantly elevated in OC tissues and associated with PARPi resistance. Inhibition of PFKFB3, both genetically and pharmacologically, sensitized OC cells to PARPis, impaired HR repair and increased DNA damage. Proximity labeling revealed replication protein A3 (RPA3) as a novel PFKFB3-binding protein involved in HR repair. In vivo, the combination of PFK158 and olaparib significantly inhibited tumor growth, increased DNA damage, and induced apoptosis in OC xenografts without exacerbating adverse effects. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that PFKFB3 is crucial for PARPi resistance in OC. Inhibiting PFKFB3 sensitizes HR-proficient OC cells to PARPis by impairing HR repair, leading to increased DNA damage and apoptosis. PFKFB3 represents a promising therapeutic target for overcoming PARPi resistance and improving outcomes in OC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In holometabolous insects, critical weight (CW) attainment triggers pupation and metamorphosis, but its mechanism remains unclear in non-model organisms like mosquitoes. Here, we investigate the role of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) in CW assessment and pupation timing in Aedes albopictus and Ae. aegypti, vectors of arboviruses including dengue and Zika. Our results show that the attainment of CW is contingent upon surpassing a critical 20E threshold, which results in entrance into a constant 22 h interval and the subsequent 20E pulse responsible for larval-pupal ecdysis. Sexual dimorphism in pupation time arises from higher basal 20E levels in males, enabling earlier CW attainment. Administering 20E at 50% of L3/L4 molt, when most of males but not females pass the pulse, results in female-specific lethality. These findings highlight the pivotal role of 20E thresholds in CW, pupation timing, and sexual dimorphism, suggesting that manipulating 20E levels can skew populations male, offering a potential mosquito sex separation strategy. The study shows that basal 20E levels are vital for larval development in Aedes albopictus and Ae. aegypti, with higher levels in males than in females, and 20E treatment during a specific developmental window induces female-specific lethality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isoindigo (IID)-based non-fullerene acceptors, known for their broad absorption spectra and high charge carrier mobilities, play a crucial role in organic photovoltaics. In this study, two A−DA'D−A type unfused ring acceptors (URAs), IDC8CP-IC and IDC6CP-IC, were designed and synthesized using cyclopentadithiophene (CPDT) and IID core units, each functionalized with different alkyl chains (2-hexyldecyl and 2-octyldodecyl), through an atom- and step-efficient direct C–H arylation (DACH) method. Both URAs, despite the absence of non-covalent conformation locking between CPDT and IID, demonstrated favorable molecular planarity, broad absorption ranges, low band gaps, and high molar absorption coefficients. Notably, IDC6CP-IC exhibited stronger intermolecular charge transfer and J-aggregation. An organic solar cell (OSC) device based on IDC6CP-IC achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 3.10%, with a broad photoresponse range extending from 400 to 900 nm. This study highlights the significant impact of alkyl chain engineering on material synthesis, photoelectric properties, and corresponding device performance. Furthermore, DACH is shown to be a promising approach for synthesizing IID-based URAs with near-infrared (NIR) absorption, making it an excellent candidate for bulk heterojunction (BHJ) OSC applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin D, essential for growth and health, is often deficient in Taiwan despite abundant sunlight. Plant-derived vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) is bioavailable, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective. This study evaluated the efficacy of enhancing Pleurotus citrinopileatus (PC) mushrooms' vitamin D2 content through pulsed ultraviolet (PUV) light and its impact on vitamin D status in humans. In a four-week randomized parallel trial, 36 healthy participants were assigned to three groups: a control group, a group consuming 10 g/day PUV-treated PC (PC-10 g), and a group consuming 100 g/day PUV-treated PC (PC-100 g). Blood samples collected pre- and post-intervention measured serum 25(OH)D2, 25(OH)D3, and biochemical parameters. After four weeks, serum 25(OH)D2 levels significantly increased in the PC-10 g group (1.47 ± 1.42 ng/mL to 9.50 ± 7.10 ng/mL, p = 0.001) and in the PC-100 g group (1.94 ± 2.15 ng/mL to 21.82 ± 16.75 ng/mL, p = 0.002), showing a 10.2-fold rise. The PC-100 g group also experienced a 37.6% reduction in serum intact parathyroid hormone (I-PTH) levels (26.26 ± 9.84 pg/mL to 16.38 ± 5.53 pg/mL). No adverse effects were reported. PUV-treated PC mushrooms significantly increase serum 25(OH)D2 levels and reduce I-PTH, particularly at higher doses. These findings underscore the potential of vitamin-D-enriched PC as a sustainable, fungi-derived food source for addressing vitamin D deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melt-polymerization and mechanical ball-milling were combined to achieve the facile mass production of polyimide covalent organic frameworks (COFs) towards high-performance sodium-ion batteries. The as-obtained COFs were demonstrated with high utilization of active sites (>83.0%) and COFs with smaller pore sizes were proved to deliver better performance with a specific capacity of 213.7 mA h g−1 at a current density of 0.1 A g−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing demand for agricultural land is driving deforestation, which contributes to rising greenhouse gas emissions—a primary driver of climate change. Agroforestry systems present a valuable alternative approach for mitigating these emissions. This study investigates the influence of various agroforestry systems on key parameters for assessing soil carbon dynamics, including soil carbon stock, microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and microbial respiration (MR) in northern Thailand. The study compared different agroforestry systems, such as coffee monoculture (CA), coffee intercropped with forest trees (CF), coffee intercropped with persimmon trees (CP), and natural forest (NF), as reference areas. Soil samples were collected from three depths (0–20, 20–40, and 40–60 cm) across three seasons (rainy, cold, and summer). Results showed that soil carbon from land use changes from NF to coffee agroforestry systems led to a 12.10% increase in CF and an 11.89% decrease in CP. The CA system showed a non-significant 9.06% decrease compared to the natural forest. MBC levels were higher in the agroforestry coffee areas (CF and CP), comparable to those in NF. However, CA exhibited significantly lower MBC (p < 0.05) compared to other treatments. While MBC and MR showed a positive correlation, higher MBC did not necessarily indicate increased microbial activity or significant dissolved organic carbon (DOC) accumulation. Environmental factors, particularly seasonal variations, significantly influenced the results across all three investigations. This study demonstrates that both agroforestry coffee systems (CF and CP) more effectively mitigate deforestation impacts and enhance soil fertility compared to coffee monoculture. For carbon stock enhancement specifically, CF emerged as the optimal choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct part-level manipulation of man-made shapes in an image is desired given its simplicity. However, it is not intuitive given the existing manually created cuboid and cylinder controllers. To tackle this problem, we present StylePart, a framework that enables direct shape manipulation of an image by leveraging generative models of both images and 3D shapes. Our key contribution is a shape-consistent latent mapping function that connects the image generative latent space and the 3D man-made shape attribute latent space. Our method "forwardly maps" the image content to its corresponding 3D shape attributes, where the shape part can be easily manipulated. The attribute codes of the manipulated 3D shape are then "backwardly mapped" to the image latent code to obtain the final manipulated image. By using both forward and backward mapping, an user can edit the image directly without resorting to any 3D workflow. We demonstrate our approach through various manipulation tasks, including part replacement, part resizing, and shape orientation manipulation, and evaluate its effectiveness through extensive ablation studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Meningioma, the most common primary brain tumor, presents significant challenges in MRI-based diagnosis and treatment planning due to its diverse manifestations. Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) have shown promise in improving the accuracy and efficiency of meningioma segmentation from MRI scans. This systematic review and meta-analysis assess the effectiveness of CNN models in segmenting meningioma using MRI. Methods: Following the PRISMA guidelines, we searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from their inception to December 20, 2023, to identify studies that used CNN models for meningioma segmentation in MRI. Methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the CLAIM and QUADAS-2 tools. The primary variable was segmentation accuracy, which was evaluated using the Sørensen–Dice coefficient. Meta-analysis, subgroup analysis, and meta-regression were performed to investigate the effects of MRI sequence, CNN architecture, and training dataset size on model performance. Results: Nine studies, comprising 4,828 patients, were included in the analysis. The pooled Dice score across all studies was 89% (95% CI: 87–90%). Internal validation studies yielded a pooled Dice score of 88% (95% CI: 85–91%), while external validation studies reported a pooled Dice score of 89% (95% CI: 88–90%). Models trained on multiple MRI sequences consistently outperformed those trained on single sequences. Meta-regression indicated that training dataset size did not significantly influence segmentation accuracy. Conclusion: CNN models are highly effective for meningioma segmentation in MRI, particularly during the use of diverse datasets from multiple MRI sequences. This finding highlights the importance of data quality and imaging sequence selection in the development of CNN models. Standardization of MRI data acquisition and preprocessing may improve the performance of CNN models, thereby facilitating their clinical adoption for the optimal diagnosis and treatment of meningioma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To develop ultrasound-based radiomics models and a clinical model associated with inflammatory markers for predicting intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) lymph node (LN) metastasis. Both are integrated for enhanced preoperative prediction. Methods: This study retrospectively enrolled 156 surgically diagnosed ICC patients. A region of interest (ROI) was manually identified on the ultrasound image of the tumor to extract radiomics features. In the training cohort, we performed a Wilcoxon test to screen for differentially expressed features, and then we used 12 machine learning algorithms to develop 107 models within the cross-validation framework and determine the optimal radiomics model through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors to construct a clinical model. The combined model was established by combining ultrasound-based radiomics and clinical parameters. The Delong test and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to compare the diagnostic efficacy and clinical utility of different models. Results: A total of 1239 radiomics features were extracted from the ROIs of tumors. Among the 107 prediction models, the model (Stepglm + LASSO) utilizing 10 radiomics features ultimately yielded the highest average area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.872, with an AUC of 0.916 in the training cohort and 0.827 in the validation cohort. The combined model, which incorporates the optimal radiomics score, clinical N stage, and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), achieved an AUC of 0.882 in the validation cohort, significantly outperforming the clinical model with an AUC of 0.687 (P = 0.009). According to the DCA analysis, the combined model also showed better clinical benefits. Conclusions: The combined model incorporating ultrasound-based radiomics features and the PLR marker offers an effective, noninvasive intelligence-assisted tool for preoperative LN metastasis prediction in ICC patients. Clinical trial number: Not applicable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rotors are the key components in the Roots pump, and the rotor manufacture time will decide the pump price. In special cases, such as when one rotor shaft has two stages, respectively, with claw-type and Roots profiles, the traditional forming method is unsuitable for manufacturing the Roots rotor stage. Instead, more suitable manufacturing methods, such as planning or end-mill milling, can be applied. However, these two methods take time and effort. Therefore, this study proposes a general mathematical approach for Roots rotor manufacturing using the conical milling cutter as the key tool, which can reduce manufacturing time. The contact points and meshing angles between the rotor and the conical milling cutter can be calculated based on contact conditions. Then, a 3D conical milling cutter surface is obtained based on the cutter profile as a straight line, and the conical cutter is designed and considered to avoid undercutting in the rotor cutting process. The generated Roots rotor can be obtained by applying cutting simulation from the proposed mathematical model. The normal deviations of the rotor can be found by comparing the generated rotor profile to the datum rotor profile. In addition, the influence of axis errors of the conical milling cutter on the tooth profiles of the Roots pump rotor is investigated and discussed. The experimental results based on the proposed mathematical model are obtained and expressed to confirm the practicability of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bipolar disorder (BD) risk gene ANK3 encodes the scaffolding protein AnkyrinG (AnkG). In neurons, AnkG regulates polarity and ion channel clustering at axon initial segments and nodes of Ranvier. Disruption of neuronal AnkG causes BD-like phenotypes in mice. During development, AnkG is also expressed at comparable levels in oligodendrocytes and facilitates the efficient assembly of paranodal junctions. However, the physiological roles of glial AnkG in the mature nervous system, and its contributions to BD-like phenotypes, remain unexplored. Here, we show that oligodendroglia-specific AnkG conditional knockout results in destabilization of axoglial interactions in aged but not young adult mice. In addition, these mice exhibit significant histological, electrophysiological, and behavioral pathophysiologies. Unbiased translatomic profiling reveals potential compensatory machineries. These results highlight the functions of glial AnkG in maintaining proper axoglial interactions throughout aging and suggest a contribution of glial AnkG to neuropsychiatric disorders. The ANK3 gene, encoding the scaffolding protein AnkyrinG, is linked to risk for bipolar disorder through its neuronal functions. Here, the authors show that loss of oligodendroglial AnkyrinG may also contribute to bipolar-like behaviors in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cu-1.33Ni-1.35Sn-0.08P(Ni/Sn = 1/1), Cu-0.87Ni-1.82Sn-0.08P (Ni/Sn = 1/2) and Cu-1.78Ni-0.86Sn-0.08P (Ni/Sn = 2/1) alloys were prepared to explore the effect of different Ni/Sn ratios on the microstructure and properties of the alloys. The results showed that the alloy had the best properties when Ni/Sn = 1/2. At peak aging, its tensile strength and conductivity reached 447.3 MPa and 35.5% IACS respectively. Its tensile strength was 65.1 MPa and 88.8 MPa higher than that of the alloys with Ni/Sn = 1/1 and Ni/Sn = 2/1 respectively, and its conductivity was 1.1% IACS and 3.9% IACS higher. All three alloys had obvious dendrite segregation, but the alloy with Ni/Sn = 1/2 had finer dendrites and a more uniform distribution. In addition, the precipitates in the Cu-Ni-Sn-P alloys with Ni/Sn = 1/2 and Ni/Sn = 1/1 were all granular Ni12P5 phases, and the particles of the former are finer. The precipitates in the Cu-Ni-Sn-P alloy with Ni/Sn = 2/1 were rod-shaped. The strengthening mechanisms of the three alloys were Orowan strengthening, grain boundary strengthening, solid solution strengthening and dislocation strengthening, and Orowan strengthening was dominant. The Cu-Ni-Sn-P alloy with Ni/Sn = 1/2 had finer grains and precipitates, resulting in better tensile strength and electrical conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Polymethoxylated flavones (PMFs) are compounds present in citrus peels and other Rutaceae plants, which exhibit diverse biological activities, including robust antitumor and antioxidant effects. However, the mechanism of PMFs in reversing drug resistance to colon cancer remains unknown. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the potential connection between the aerobic glycolysis-ROS-autophagy signaling axis and the reversal of PTX resistance in colon cancer by PMFs. Methods: MTT Cell viability assay and colony formation assay were used to investigate the effect of PMFs combined with PTX in reversing HCT8/T cell resistance ex vivo; the mRNA and protein levels of the target were detected by SDS-PAGE (sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis), quantitative real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot protein immunoblotting (WB); An HCT8/T cell xenograft model was established to investigate the MDR reversal activity of PMFs in vivo; The extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) and the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) were detected to assess the cellular oxygen consumption rate and glycolytic process. Results: HCT8/T cells demonstrated significant resistance to PTX, up-regulating the expression levels of ABCB1 mRNA, P-gp, LC3-I, and LC3-II protein, and increasing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) content. PMFs mainly contain two active ingredients, nobiletin, and tangeretin, which were able to reverse drug resistance in HCT8/T cells in a concentration-dependent manner. PMFs exhibited high tolerance in the HCT8/T nude mouse model while increasing the sensitivity of PTX-resistant cells and suppressing tumor growth significantly. PMFs combined with PTX reduced extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) in HCT8/T cells. Additionally, PMFs reduced intracellular ROS content, down-regulated the expression levels of autophagy-related proteins LC3-I, LC3-II, Beclin1, and ATG7, and significantly reduced the number of autophagosomes in HCT8/T cells. Conclusions: The present study demonstrated that PMFs could potentially reverse PTX resistance in colon cancer by regulating the aerobic glycolysis-ROS-autophagy signaling axis, which indicated that PMFs would be potential potentiators for future chemotherapeutic agents in colon cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The functional aspects of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among adolescents represent a complex phenomenon requiring deeper understanding. While research has identified various NSSI functions, including emotional regulation, attention-seeking, and social avoidance, the field lacks comprehensive analysis of how these functions cluster into distinct profiles. Understanding these functional profiles is crucial for developing targeted interventions. Method: A cross-sectional study of 1,783 adolescents (1,464 girls, 318 boys) aged 12–18 years was conducted across 14 psychiatric or general hospitals in nine Chinese provinces. Participants completed the Functional Assessment of Self-Mutilation (FASM), which assesses 22 distinct NSSI functions across three primary dimensions: emotional regulation, attention-seeking, and social avoidance. Additional measures included the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) for depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) for anxiety symptoms. Latent profile analysis was employed to identify distinct patterns in NSSI functions, with model selection based on fit indices including AIC, BIC, entropy, and LMRT. Results: Latent profile analysis revealed four distinct functional profiles: low attention-seeking-high social avoidance (LA-HS, 19.7%), high attention-seeking-high social avoidance (HA-HS, 9.5%), low attention-seeking and social avoidance (LA-LS, 57.8%), and high attention-seeking-low social avoidance (HA-LS, 13.0%). The HA-HS profile demonstrated the most severe clinical presentation, showing significantly elevated scores in NSSI frequency (M = 26.160, SD = 9.771), anxiety (GAD-7: M = 16.265, SD = 4.951), and depression (PHQ-9: M = 20.612, SD = 6.003). The LA-HS profile showed the second-highest severity (NSSI: M = 25.800, SD = 10.058; GAD-7: M = 14.775, SD = 5.376; PHQ-9: M = 19.966, SD = 5.938). Both profiles also demonstrated significantly higher rates of suicidal ideation (HA-HS: 77.6%; LA-HS: 79.2%) compared to other profiles. Conclusions: Our findings reveal distinct patterns in how adolescents utilize NSSI functionally, particularly regarding attention-seeking and social avoidance dimensions. These functional profiles show meaningful associations with psychological outcomes, suggesting that understanding NSSI functions, rather than just behaviors, may be crucial for assessment and intervention. The identification of these distinct functional profiles among Chinese adolescents highlights the importance of function-specific approaches in clinical assessment and treatment planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici , poses a significant threat to wheat quality and production worldwide. The rapid evolution of Pst races caused several resistance genes to be ineffective. Methods: This study evaluated stripe rust resistance genes in 349 Pakistan and Southwest China genotypes. We utilized previously published functional and linked molecular markers to detect 13 major stripe rust resistance genes: Yr5, Yr9, Yr10, Yr15, Yr17, Yr18, Yr26, Yr29, Yr30, Yr36, Yr48, Yr65 , and YrSp. Field evaluations assessed IT and resistance levels, while the impact of gene combinations on resistance was also analyzed. Results: Field evaluations showed that over 60% of Chuanyu wheat, 50% of recent Pakistani cultivars, and 20% of historic Pakistani lines were resistant to current stripe rust races. In Chuanyu wheat, the dominant genes were Yr17, YrSp , and Yr48 ; however, Yr17, Yr26 , and YrSp were overused, while Yr36 was absent, and Yr18 was rare. In historic lines, Yr5, Yr17, Yr18 , and Yr26 were prevalent, with Yr15, Yr26 , and YrSp demonstrating effective resistance against current stripe rust races. Furthermore, the study identified specific combinations of Yr genes (Yr26+Yr48, Yr29+Yr5, Yr26+Yr30 , and Yr30+Yr17) that enhanced resistance to Pst. Discussion: This research highlights effective resistance genes and gene combinations for stripe rust in wheat and emphasizes the deployment of durable resistance. The findings guide the strategic use of these genes in breeding programs aimed at developing durable resistance in wheat genotypes in Pakistan and Southwest China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study design: Retrospective Case-Control Study. Background: There have been some previous studies on the risk factors associated with lumbar spondylolisthesis, but there are few studies on the risk factors for disease progression in mild degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS). To analyze the risk factors associated with aggravation of spondylolisthesis in patients with grade I degenerative spondylolisthesis and construct a prediction model. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 220 patients diagnosed with DLS who were admitted to our hospital between January 2019 and January 2023. Data collected included gender, age, body mass index (BMI), diabetes, hypertension, occupation, and imaging parameters. Results: A total of 220 patients were included in this study, including 111 males and 109 females; 178 patients with no aggravation of lumbar spondylolisthesis (group A) and 42 patients with aggravation of lumbar spondylolisthesis (group B). Progression of grade I DLS was associated with single factors such as age, BMI, Occupation, vertebral CT value, facet joint angle (FJA), Modic change (MC), Pfirrmann grade of intervertebral disc (PG), Facet joint effusion (FJE), osteophyte formation, and Percentage of the Fat Infiltration (FIA%) of multifidus muscle (MM). BMI, FJA, PG, and FI% of MM had a significant impact on disease progression in lumbar spondylolisthesis. Conclusion: BMI, FJA, PG, and FIA% of MM were independent risk factors for the progression of degenerative spondylolisthesis. The risk prediction model was established by including the above four variables and nomograms were drawn. The internal validation proved that the model had good discrimination, calibration, and clinical practicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background context: As lumbar degenerative diseases become more prevalent in an aging population, there is an increasing demand for surgical interventions, such as posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF). However, cage subsidence (CS), observed in 23.9–54% of cases postoperatively, remains a significant complication. Several factors, including age, bone quality, and endplate damage, contribute to the risk of CS, with bone quality being among the most critical determinants. Although DEXA and QCT are widely employed to assess bone density, their routine use in preoperative evaluations is restricted by cost considerations and radiation exposure. Recent studies suggest that MRI-based vertebral body quality (VBQ) and endplate bone quality (EBQ) score offer a viable, non-invasive alternative for evaluating bone quality; however, there is limited research comparing their predictive value for CS. Methods: In this retrospective study, 165 patients undergoing single-level PLIF surgery were included. MRI-based VBQ and EBQ score were calculated using T1-weighted images, and preoperative QCT was employed as a clinical standard. Cage subsidence was assessed based on postoperative imaging at 12-month follow-up. Statistical analyses, including t-tests, chi-square tests, and ROC curve analyses, were used to evaluate the predictive accuracy of VBQ and EBQ for CS. Results: The study's findings demonstrated that both VBQ and EBQ scores were significantly correlated with QCT measurements, thereby validating their utility as indicators of bone quality. ROC analysis revealed that VBQ had superior predictive value for CS (AUC = 0.814) compared to EBQ (AUC = 0.719), with both scores demonstrating significant clinical utility in identifying patients at risk for CS. Notably, VBQ exhibited a stronger correlation with preoperative clinical outcomes compared to EBQ, underscoring its greater reliability as a predictor. Conclusions: This study highlights the effectiveness of MRI-based VBQ and EBQ score as practical, non-invasive tools for assessing bone quality preoperatively, with VBQ demonstrating superior predictive performance for CS risk. The findings underscore the potential of integrating these MRI-based assessments into routine preoperative planning to improve patient outcomes and minimize complications associated with PLIF surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Massive numbers of modified bases in mRNAs sculpt the epitranscriptome and play vital roles in RNA metabolism. The only known acetylated RNA modification, N‐4‐acetylcytidine (ac4C), is highly conserved across cell types and among species. Although the GCN5‐related acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10) functions as an ac4C writer, the mechanism underlying the acetylation process is largely unknown. In this study, the NAT10/PCBP/TDP43 complex mediated mRNA ac4C formation in mammalian cells is identified. RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs) are identified, affiliated with two different families, poly(rC)‐binding protein 1/2 (PCBP1/2) and TAR DNA binding protein 43 (TDP43), as NAT10 adaptors for mRNA tethering and substrate selection. Knockdown of the adaptors resulted in decreased mRNA acetylation abundance in HEK293T cells and ablated cytidine‐rich ac4C motifs. The adaptors also affect the ac4C sites by recruiting NAT10 to their binding sequences. The presence of the NAT10/PCBP/TDP43 complex in mouse testes highlights its potential physiological functions in vivo. These findings reveal the composition of the mRNA ac4C writer complex in mammalian cells and expand the knowledge of mRNA acetylation and ac4C site preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radar echo extrapolation by ground-based remote sensing is essential for weather prediction and flight guiding. Existing radar echo extrapolation methods can hardly capture complex spatiotemporal features, resulting in the low accuracy of predictions, and, therefore, severely restrict their use in extreme weather situations. A deep learning method was recently applied for extrapolating radar echoes; however, its accuracy declines too quickly over a short time. In this study, we introduce a solution: Residual Transformer and Unet (ResTUnet), a novel model that improves prediction accuracy and exhibits good stability with a slow rate of accuracy decline. This presented Rest-Net model is designed to solve the issue of declining prediction accuracy by integrating a 1*1 convolution to diminish the neural network parameters. We constructed an observed dataset by Zhengzhou East Airport radar observation from July 2022 to August 2022 and performed 90 min experiments comprising five aspects, including extrapolation images, the Probability of Detection (POD) index, the Critical Success Index (CSI), the False Alarm Rate (FAR) index, and the Heidke Skill Score (HSS) index. The experimental results show that the ResTUnet model improved the CSI, HSS index, and the POD index by 17.20%, 11.97%, and 11.35%, compared to current models, including Convolutional Long Short-Term Memory (convLSTM), the Convolutional Gated Recurrent Unit (convGRU), the Trajectory Gated Recurrent Unit (TrajGRU), and the improved recurrent network for video predictive learning, the Predictive Recurrent Neural Network++ (predRNN++). In addition, the mean squared error of the ResTUnet model remains stable at 15% between 0 and 60 min and starts to increase after 60–90 min, which is 12% better than the current models. This enhancement in prediction accuracy has practical applications in meteorological services and decision making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shadows degrade image quality and complicate interpretation, underscoring the importance of accurate shadow detection for many image analysis tasks. However, due to the complex backgrounds and variable shadow characteristics of remote sensing images (RSIs), existing methods often struggle with accurately detecting shadows of various scales and misclassifying dark, non-shaded areas as shadows. To address these issues, we proposed a comprehensive shadow detection network called MAMNet. Firstly, we proposed a multi-scale spatial channel attention fusion module, which extracted multi-scale features incorporating both spatial and channel information, allowing the model to flexibly adapt to shadows of different scales. Secondly, to address the issue of false detection in non-shadow areas, we introduced a criss-cross attention module, enabling non-shadow pixels to be compared with other shadow and non-shadow pixels in the same row and column, learning similar features of pixels in the same category, which improved the classification accuracy of non-shadow pixels. Finally, to address the issue of important information from the other two modules being lost due to continuous upsampling during the decoding phase, we proposed an auxiliary branch module to assist the main branch in decision-making, ensuring that the final output retained the key information from all stages. The experimental results demonstrated that the model outperformed the current state-of-the-art RSI shadow detection method on the aerial imagery dataset for shadow detection (AISD). The model achieved an overall accuracy (OA) of 97.50%, an F 1 score of 94.07%, an intersection over union (IOU) of 88.87%, a precision of 95.06%, and a BER of 4.05%, respectively. Additionally, visualization results indicated that our model could effectively detect shadows of various scales while avoiding false detection in non-shadow areas. Therefore, this model offers an efficient solution for shadow detection in aerial imagery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitriles are valuable compounds because they have widespread applications in organic chemistry. This report details the nickel-catalyzed reductive cyanation of aryl halides and epoxides with cyanogen bromide for the synthesis of nitriles. This robust protocol underscores the practicality of using a commercially available and cost-effective cyanation reagent. A variety of aryl halides and epoxides featuring diverse functional groups, such as -TMS, -Bpin, -OH, -NH2, -CN, and -CHO, were successfully converted into nitriles in moderate-to-good yields. Moreover, the syntheses at gram-scale and application in late-stage cyanation of natural products and drugs reinforces its potentiality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a chiral phosphoric acid (CPA) catalyzed asymmetric [3+3] cycloaddition of N‐viny oxindole nitrones with 2‐indolylmethanols to prepare various spirooxindole[1,2]oxazines in 43–93% yields and 88:12–97:3 enantiomeric ratios. Experimental results revealed that the addition of hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) played important roles to help CPA control the reaction reactivity and enantioselectivity. The present method features the construction of a tetrasubstituted chiral carbon stereocenter and the example of N‐vinyl nitrones in asymmetric [3+3] cycloaddition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the field of finding ground and excited states, where quantum computation holds significant promise, using a variational quantum eigensolver (VQE) is a typical approach. However, the success of this approach is vulnerable to two factors: classical optimization for the ansätz parameters and noise from quantum devices. To address these challenges, we adopted particle swarm optimization (PSO) based on swarm intelligence for VQE and presented its performance. Furthermore, a modified PSO, gradient-based adaptive quantum-behaved particle swarm optimization (GAQPSO), is proposed. This algorithm adaptively upgrades parameters based on gradients or shared information within the swarm, enhancing optimization capability and noise resistance. We tested this algorithm using VQE simulations on several molecular systems with different geometries and found that, when using random initial values, GAQPSO achieves accurate results even in the presence of noise, whereas traditional PSO, QPSO, COBYLA, and gradient-based algorithms (GD and L-BFGS-B) fail. The GAQPSO algorithm presents a novel approach to optimizing VQE, demonstrating superior performance in parameter optimization and noise resilience compared to traditional optimization algorithms. This effectively advances the process of achieving a quantum advantage for quantum computing in quantum chemistry problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low-frequency content of seismic waves in exploration is of substantial value as it can benefit imaging and inversion by providing deeper penetration, broader-band energy, and wavelet stability. However, characterizing the factors contributing to low frequencies (the seismic source, response of the receiver, and spectral signal-to-noise) and their effects may be complicated. The Hussar, Alberta survey, conducted by the CREWES Project at the University of Calgary and used here, addresses this challenge with a range of sources and receiver types. We further analyze the low-frequency content of the Hussar data using surface waves - because of their significant coherent low-frequency energy. The multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) method is used. To improve accuracy, a nonlinear approach is applied to extract dispersion properties, overcoming the limitations of conventional methods at low frequencies. This allows for precise phase velocity measurements across frequencies and assesses the frequency content of different source-receiver type combinations based on surface-wave coherence. The extracted dispersion properties were validated by comparing the dispersion curves estimated using Vs from traveltime tomography and well-logging data. The survey tested 2 kg dynamite in addition to vibroseis sources with low-dwell and linear sweeps. The receivers evaluated included Vectorseis accelerometers, as well as 10 and 4.5 Hz geophones. Our dispersion results indicate that all source-receiver combinations contain considerable surface-wave energy down to about 2 Hz. The inverted 1-D Vs models provide Vs estimates to about 800 m, consistent with results from S-wave tomography and shear logging. Dynamite produced more low-frequency energy in surface waves than vibroseis sources, extending below 1.5 Hz. Low-dwell sweeps showed clearer coherence in surface waves at low frequencies than linear sweeps. Of the receivers tested, the 4.5 Hz geophone showed higher sensitivity to low frequencies than both the Vectorseis accelerometer and the 10 Hz geophone. Although the Vectorseis accelerometer recorded more coherent low-frequency surface waves than the 10 Hz geophone, its signals were affected by some instrument noise. Analyzing surface-wave energy and coherency to assess low-frequency content can complement other types of spectral analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) is an aggressive subtype of peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) characterized by its T-follicular helper (TFH) phenotype. Relapsed and refractory disease is common in AITL and often associated with a poor prognosis. The presence of epigenetic abnormalities, immune dysregulation, hyperinflammation and active angiogenesis in AITL offers potential targets for histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors and immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs). Herein, we present a case of AITL with multiple relapses over a decade. Following intensive chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), the patient relapsed with extensive nodal and extranodal involvement, particularly pulmonary lesions, and subsequently pursued chemo-free treatments. Initially, the patient exhibited a remarkable response to single-agent chidamide, the first oral HDAC inhibitor. Soon after developing resistance to chidamide, continuous treatment with lenalidomide led to an impressive sustained complete remission lasting 64 months, followed by a diminished response for an additional 11 months. Genetic profiling of the patient revealed mutations in KMT2D and ARID1A, along with chromosomal aberrations such as del(5q). Notably, genes commonly mutated in AITL, including RHOA, TET2, DNMT3A, and IDH2, were absent in this case. A review of the literature highlights the heterogeneous genomic landscape of AITL and the diversity of treatment options available, underscoring the importance of tailored approaches to overcome resistance and improve outcomes in this distinct lymphoma subtype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, NADC34-like strains of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus have gradually emerged as mainstream strains on Chinese pig farms. These strains have high mutation rates and can recombine with local strains, representing great challenges to prevention and control efforts. Previously, a new recombinant NADC34-like subtype strain was isolated in our laboratory. Herein, we evaluated the cross-protective effect of the VR2332 modified live virus (MLV) against the novel NADC34-like recombinant strain using the immune challenge protection test in piglets and sows. The results revealed that immunization with the vaccine in piglets significantly reduced viremia, lung damage and stimulated the production of PRRSV-N antibodies. In the sow challenge experiment, one abortion and one death were recorded in the positive control group, and the survival rate of offspring was only 25%. However, there were no sow deaths or abortions in the immunization group during the experiment, and the average piglet survival rate was high at 76.5%. In general, the VR2332 MLV confers a certain extent of cross-protection against the NADC34-like recombinant strain, providing an effective reference and guidance for prevention and control efforts and clinical vaccine use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper shows an investigation of pulverized coal in new inclined jet burners for improving particle‐burning efficiency through parameter adjustment. The research focuses on the interaction between two oblique jet methane (CH4)/air premixed flame burners and a coal particle jet feeder on an impinging burner. Various parameters such as CH4/air ratios, gas fuel flow rates, deflection angles, and coal dust feed speeds are systematically examined. The findings of the study reveal the establishment of distinct flow field structures, characterized by collision and recirculation zones, upon the interaction of jets. Momentum transfer in the upstream airflow creates a preheating zone, fostering fuel–air mixing. Within these recirculation zones, coal particles undergo pyrolysis facilitated by temperature gradients, resulting in increased volatile output that promotes downstream combustion. Additionally, coal particles traversing recirculation zones with higher vorticity and elevated temperature regions tend to undergo early fragmentation and combustion of volatile components upon exiting these zones. This study underscores the intricate interplay of parameters in optimizing coal combustion efficiency and highlights avenues for further research and practical application. Observations indicate enhanced burner performance with increased CH4/air ratios and central flow speeds. The study identifies a correlation between the deflection angle and particle reduction rate, which increases from 63.5% to 64.7% with an increase in the deflection angle. The reduction rate ranges from 59.7% to 67.8% with a transition from fuel‐rich to fuel‐lean conditions. As velocity increases from 0.6 to 1.2 m/s, the particle reduction rate escalates from 57.5% to 74.5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zwitterionic hydrogels with exceptional antifouling properties and biocompatibility have gained widespread attention in biomedical applications. However, achieving robust mechanical performance while maintaining high water content within a single‐network zwitterionic hydrogel remains challenging. Traditional covalent crosslinking strategies often lead to brittleness and irreversible damage. Herein, a novel acylsemicarbazide‐containing carboxybetaine methacrylate (ACBMA) monomer is designed and synthesized that enables the construction of a pure zwitterionic poly(ACBMA) (pACBMA) hydrogel without chemical crosslinkers. The pACBMA hydrogel exhibits high water content exceeding 95% and superior mechanical properties, including compressive fracture stress of 3.92 MPa, compressive strain up to 99% without breaking, and toughness of 212 ± 2.4 kJ m−3, outperforming chemically crosslinked poly(carboxybetaine methacrylate) (pCBMA) hydrogel. Additionally, the pACBMA hydrogel exhibits excellent injectability, moldability, and even recyclability through the preparation of microgels. Through the unique molecular design, the pACBMA hydrogel integrates multiple non‐covalent interactions, including hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, polymer chain entanglement, and steric hindrance of the α‐methyl group. These interactions synergistically contribute to the combination of high hydration, mechanical robustness, and dynamic tunability. These results provide a new design strategy for constructing high‐performance zwitterionic hydrogels with promising potential for diverse biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Central South University is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective To explore the influencing factors and improvement paths for the equity of public health human resource allocation in China, providing references for accelerating the development of the public health talent workforce. Methods The study assessed the equity of public health human resource allocation in China from 2019 to 2021 through concentration degree evaluation and employed fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis to investigate the pathways affecting its equity. Results There were 11 configurations in the high equity group for public health human resource allocation from 2019 to 2021, with a total consistency and total coverage of 0.97 (>0.8) and 0.66 (>0.5), respectively, indicating a strong explanatory power of the model. Population concentration emerged as a core condition across all configurations. Conclusion The equity of public health human resource allocation results from a combination of multiple factors, with identifiable key directions. Among these, population concentration is a core factor, while institutional allocation levels and government health expenditures serve as important leverage points. The synergistic effects among various elements, including institutions, individuals, society, and government, contribute to achieving high equity in public health human resource allocation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chloroplast-related mutants are excellent genetic resources for studying physiological pathways such as photosynthesis, chlorophyll biosynthesis, and chloroplast structure development. They also have certain application values as marker traits in breeding. Our research team discovered a cotyledon yellowing to lethal mutant ytl (yellowing to lethal) from the recurrent selection population of restorer lines. The mutant remained yellowing state after germination and died after 9-15 days of sowing. Previous studies identified a locus trait of cotyledons on the C09 chromosome. Phenotypic observations showed that there were significant differences in plant height and root length between the mutant and the wild-type after 7 days of emergence, which were significantly shorter. Genetic analysis shows that the mutant is controlled by two pairs of recessive nuclear genes. Using unit point segregation population to locate BnaC02. YTL within the physical interval of 418 kb corresponding to the ZS11 reference genome, combined with quantitative analysis and gene comparison sequencing, BnaC02G0055700ZS was identified as a highly likely candidate gene. This study lays the foundation for further precise mapping of the gene BnaC02.YTL and subsequent functional research of mutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Establishing an immunosuppressive premetastatic niche (PMN) in distant organs is crucial for breast cancer metastasis. Vascular endothelial cells (VECs) act as barriers to transendothelial cell migration. However, the immune functions of PMNs remain unclear. Tumour cell-released autophagosomes (TRAPs) are critical modulators of antitumour immune responses. Herein, we investigated the mechanism through which TRAPs modulate the immune function of pulmonary VECs in lung PMN in breast cancer. Methods: Immortalised mouse pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells were incubated with TRAPs in vitro. RNA sequencing, flow cytometry, and western blotting were employed to assess immunosuppressive function and mechanism. In vivo, TRAP-trained and autophagy-deficient tumour mice were used to detect immunosuppression, and high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1)-deficient TRAP-trained and TLR4 knockout mice were utilised to investigate the underlying mechanisms of pulmonary VECs. Additionally, the efficacy of anti-programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) immunotherapy was evaluated in early tumour-bearing mice. Results: HMGB1 on TRAPs surfaces stimulated VECs to upregulate PD-L1 via a TLR4-MyD88-p38/STAT3 signalling cascade that depended on the cytoskeletal movement of VECs. Importantly, PD-L1 on TRAP-induced VECs can inhibit T cell function, promote lung PMN immunosuppression, and result in more pronounced lung metastasis. Treatment with anti-PD-L1 reduces lung metastasis in early stage tumour-bearing mice. Conclusions: These findings revealed a novel role and mechanism of TRAP-induced immunosuppression of pulmonary VECs in lung PMN. TRAPs and their surface HMGB1 are important therapeutic targets for reversing immunosuppression, providing a new theoretical basis for the treatment of early stage breast cancer using an anti-PD-L1 antibody. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variety characterization is crucial in the seed trade, particularly for protecting variety rights. However, the identification of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) varieties, known for their beneficial effects on human health and high processing potential, has traditionally relied on morphological traits due to limited genetic information. To investigate genetic polymorphisms of roselle germplasms and to develop breeder-accessible genotyping tools, this study first phenotyped a roselle collection from diverse geographical origins for the selection of core varieties, and then utilized double-digest restriction-associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD-seq) to identify 53,746 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across 17 core varieties. Cluster analysis of the SNP data effectively grouped varieties with similar genetic backgrounds. From this genetic information, we selected nine SNPs as a toolkit to simplify core variety discrimination. These SNPs were then converted into breeder-friendly kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) markers, facilitating the classification of an additional 54 roselle accessions. In conclusion, this research contributes novel insights into the genetic relationships among roselle varieties, and establishes a robust framework utilizing ddRAD-seq and KASP markers for improved genetic resource identification and application in breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]